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Despite known risks, older people often take benzodiazepines, a class of drugs that helps treat anxiety and sleep problems. New research raises questions about why benzodiazepines are prescribed so often when safer alternatives may be available.Benzodiazepines include the medications alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan). Although effective for short-term use, they can have serious risks. ...

Deputy State Medical Examiner Dr. Dennis Klein, pictured, was one of the guest speakers for a seminar titled Medical Examiners 101 held Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Art Domestique in Washington. Also speaking at the event was John Kraimer, director of Forensic Operations. Many members of the medical and law enforcement communities from the area attended the seminar.

The Wayland Lions Club met Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Wayland Community Center.President Tim Egli called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Bob Meyer gave the invocation, then the meeting was adjourned for a delicious meal catered by Alice Hostetler.When the meeting was called back to order, Terry Kaufman gave the treasurer's report, which was approved. The secretary's minutes were tabled for ...

Kaylie Horak of Crawfordsville auditioned for NBC's The Voice on Saturday, Feb. 21. Kaylie was one of the elite few among thousands selected for a callback audition.She has performed at many venues throughout the state as a solo vocalist, as well as with The Starbolt Band, since she was 12 years old. She has also competed in the Bill Reilly Talent Contest at county fairs and the Iowa State Fair.Her ability to ...

Three circles of United Presbyterian Women met during February. Circle III met at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the church. Four members attended. Marilyn Johnston led the meeting in the absence of leader Jane Fehr. Marilyn opened the meeting with prayer followed by prayers of joys and concerns.Eleanor Waring led devotions and told of a program in the Presbytery of San Gabriel in California. Two youth leaders ...

On Thursday, Feb. 12, five students from Mid-Prairie High School attended the Central College Singest in Pella. They spent the day working with Dr. Mark Babcock and the Central College choirs. They presented a concert that evening to a full house. It was a great experience and they would like to thank the Mid-Prairie Fine Arts Boosters for their financial support in this endeavor.From left are Collette McClellen ...

Andy Roberts and Hannah Van Roekel were selected to participate in the 2015 Iowa State University Honor Choir this past Feb. 1-2. This is a very high honor, as it is quite a rigorous audition process. Auditioning students must sing a classical solo, sightread new music, answer theory questions, and pass an aural test. Once selected, students are sent seven highly challenging pieces of music to learn before the ...

Taylor Fulton, daughter of Rick and Annette Fulton of Crawfordsville, was named to the Cedarville University Dean's List for the 2014 fall semester. She is a senior majoring in biology. To be named, a student must earn a 3.5 grade point average for the semester and must carry at least 12 semester hours.

At 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, the Washington Public Library are offering a Hand-Sewing Folk Birds Workshop as part of Fiber Arts February. Call 653-2726 or sign up at the library. This workshop is free but a few supplies are needed. Please bring two contrasting fabrics (a 10-inch square and a 10-inch by 5-inch piece), sewing scissors, sewing needle, matching thread, if possible. All ages welcome, but fifth-graders...

Washington County 4-H County Council will be sponsoring an Iowa Junior Beef Breeds Association-sanctioned (IJBBA) Open Cattle Show on Saturday, April 18, at the Washington County Fairgrounds. This event is open to youth of all ages up to 21. To exhibit at this show, there are no requirements be a member of the IJBBA or a member of 4-H. However, members of the IJBBA will receive points. This is a great opportunity ...

Lauren Vittetoe of Washington has been recognized as an Outstanding Business Administration Student by the faculty at AIB College of Business.To receive the honor, Vittetoe ? who is working toward a bachelor of science degree in business administration ? and the other honorees were required to attain a grade point average of 3.75 or higher in the previous term.

Kelsey Ledger of Brighton, a second-year in Creighton University's School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, was named to the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions Dean's List for fall 2014.Full-time students who earn a 3.5 grade-point average or better on a 4.0 scale are eligible for the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions Dean's List.