Glance Back: From The Washington Evening Journal, Friday, May 8, 2009

10 Years Ago

People who have thoughts to express on proposed improvements at Water Tower Park should do so at the Wednesday Washington City Council meeting, according to Tim Widmer, parks superintendent.

Improvements planned by the Washington Park Board include establishing a field for multiple uses, including for soccer practice and informal games. It will not be regulation size, so cannot be used for formal competition.

The timeline for developing a zoning ordinance for Washington County is nearing the end. Consultant Gary Lozano and the Washington County Zoning Commission fine-tuned the timeline during the Commission's May meeting Monday night at the Conservation Education Center in Marr Park.

The Washington Park Board members will wait for more input and for information regarding the renaming process before deciding on whether or not to recommend the renaming of the Washington Aquatic Center in honor of Milo and Maxine Steele.

The Steeles both coached the swim team and taught lifesaving on a volunteer basis for many years.

20 Years Ago

Despite the high quality of food in this country, many consumers remain wary of the safety of the products they consume. That's one reason the beef industry continues to invest millions of dollars in research and information programs that reduce bacteria and increase awareness of proper cooking and food handling practices.

CEDAR RAPIDS – Alliant Energy has announced that its efforts to ensure a smooth transition into the Year 2000 are on track.

The relocation of the Department of Human Services in Washington County moved one step closer to reality Tuesday with action taken by the County Board of Supervisors at their regular meeting.

The fifth annual KidzFest '99 – Health Fair on the Square is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, and promises fun for all ages. KidzFest '99 will be held in Central Park at the Washington Square from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

30 Years Ago

Washington residents will answer the question, 'How much recyclable garbage is there?” on June 9 during a one-day demonstration. The Demonstration Day project to dispose of recyclable waste materials is a joint effort by Washington County Farm Bureau, Steve's Sanitation, the Washington County Developmental Center and other area organizations.

Plans for a proposed administration building at Orchard Hill are in the preliminary stages as the Washington County Board of Supervisors hired an architect for the job at their regular meeting this week. Lawlor-Weller Design Group of Fairfield was assigned the task.

RIVERSIDE – Directors of the Highland Community School District will determine whether or not smoking will be permitted on school property and in school vehicles at their June meeting.

40 Years Ago

Washington Evening Journal family editor Sheilah Klapp won seven awards at the spring convention of the Iowa Press Women held May 4-6 at Lake Okoboji.

The Rev. Edward J. Shepherd, pastor at St. James Catholic Church in Washington, will observe the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood with a Mass of Thanksgiving May 14 at the church.

David R. Elder, editor and publisher of the Washington Evening Journal, is one of a group of Iowans scheduled to receive the Master Editor-Publisher Award at the annual awards banquet tonight in Des Moines.

50 Years Ago

The Washington area now has received 1 ½ inches of rainfall this week, according to the official weather observer.

'Barefoot in the Park,” the Washington Y's Men's 26th annual dramatic production, delighted a near-capacity crowd at the high school last night. Ably directed by Dave Elder and Mike Kramme, Neil Simon's three-act comedy will play a four-night stand, closing this Saturday.

New council members and 25 senior Y-teens were guests of the YMCA council at a cooperative dinner in the community room Monday evening.