Glance back: From The Washington Evening Journal, Friday, June 19, 2009

10 Years Ago

The Washington City Council voted Wednesday 4 to 2 to rename the Washington Aquatic Center as the Washington - Steele Aquatic Center, overriding a recommendation from the Washington Park Board to only name the pool at the aquatic center in honor of the late Milo and Maxine Steele.

The members of the American Legion Riders, the Sons of the American Legion and the Christian Motorcycle Association gave Old Glory a ride around the square Sunday afternoon during a ceremony to honor Flag Day.

While Main Street Washington Director Amy Vetter doesn't believe Savor Washington - a special event to show off the cuisine in Washington - was as well attended as the inaugural event in January, she was pleased with the turnout.

20 Years Ago

RIVERSIDE - The Washington County Safety Center Study Committee took major steps toward what will be its final recommendation to the Washington County Board of Supervisors during its meeting last night at the Riverside Community Center, setting specific language that it will take to city councils throughout the county in upcoming weeks.

The City of Washington can boast an outstanding member of the community who has received deserved recognition for her achievements in volunteer work.

Jeanette Miksch was presented the Heritage Area Agency on Aging Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award for Washington County, May 27.

The 1998 Iowa Legislature passed a new law (House File 2494) that clarifies portions of Iowa's existing manure law (HF519 which was passed in 1995). Besides clarifying some pending issues from HF519, HF2494 also added some new provisions. One change that will have a significant impact on many livestock producers are the manure management provisions.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The House, working on a bill to deter juvenile crime, voted today to promote the display of the Ten Commandments in schools as lawmakers headed toward a showdown on gun control.

30 Years Ago

'Echoes of Washington Past” has been chosen as the title for the Washington Sesquicentennial Historical Pageant to be presented on a 187-foot stage at the Washington County Fairgrounds. A local cast numbering over 200 will tell Washington's history under the lights and on the stage from June 26 through July 1.

Washington Sesquicentennial leaders will be lighting the candles on the cake tomorrow for what will be Washington's best birthday party ever. After 20 months of planning, discussing and scheduling, the city's 10-day extravaganza will kick off at 1 p.m. Friday in Central Park.

40 Years Ago

A hand grenade, possibly an old war souvenir, was found by Wanda Woods of Ainsworth in her home Sunday morning. The grenade was believed to be harmless, but Sheriff's deputies used extra caution in removing the device. It was moved to a safe place in Washington and is to be picked up Monday by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms officials.

Iowa Southern Utilities Co. should have no problem meeting demands for electrical power this summer, Leonard Linder, ISU manager, said Wednesday. The utility company has adequate purchases of fuel and generating power to meet the needs of customers. ISU's electrical forecast is for 410 megawatts to be needed in peak periods and 375 megawatts to be needed in normal times, Linder said.

50 Years Ago

Three busloads of young students from foreign lands spent Monday night as guests in Washington homes. It was all part of a summer tour being offered to Rotary Exchange students this year.

Even the sun couldn't resist a good view of the 'goings-on” at Washington's annual Ridiculous Day and broke through an early morning fog to bring ideal weather for the annual zany sales event sponsored by Washington merchants. Large crowds thronged the stores and spilled over onto the sidewalk selling booths around the business district early this morning. The entire town took on a carnival like air.