Author: Allison Jacobs

As Iowans begin making plans for the 4th of July holiday celebrating the nation’s Independence Day, law enforcement officials and local fire departments warn of the dangers posed by misused fireworks.

•  Iowa law permits Fireworks from June 1 to July 8.  Fireworks can only be used on private property with the owner’s permission, or on property owned by the user. They are not allowed on public property, including city streets and parks by an individual.

You must be 18 years or older to use fireworks or be supervised by a parent or guardian.

Always have water. Like a bucket of water there, after you shoot off fireworks, it’s good practice to set the fireworks in the bucket of water because they can actually sit and smolder for hour and make sure you have a water hose nearby.

Henry County Emergency Medical Services sends out the following information as we head into the heat this weekend:

* Know the Symptoms: of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness) and heat stroke (high body temperature, confusion, seizures). If you suspect someone is experiencing a heat emergency, seek medical attention immediately.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

* Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

* Wear Light Clothing: opt for loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to help your body stay cool.

* Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned space.

* Never Leave Anyone in a Car: Cars can heat up rapidly, even with the windows slightly open.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the KILJ listening area from NOON today through 8pm on Monday, June 23^rd.  Peak afternoon heat indexes are expected to be around 105 degrees with winds gusting at 35-45 MPH today.  Please be cautioned that hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.

The National Weather Service all advises: Heat impacts will be worsened by several consecutive days of sweltering temperatures. There will be little relief overnight with near record warm lows are forecast in the mid to upper 70s.

An active pattern develops for Monday and beyond with near daily chances for showers and storms. A few storms Monday afternoon and evening could become severe, with damaging winds the primary threat.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department has published the Permitted Firework Schedule for the City of Mt. Pleasant.  Today and tomorrow, firework hours are 9am – 10pm.  Monday through Friday (6/23/25-6/27/25) next week, hours are 9am – 10pm, on Saturday and Sunday, next weekend and on July 4^th, fireworks are permitted until 11pm.

The New London City Council will meet in Special Session on Monday, June 23^rd at 6pm in the city office at 112 W. Main Street.  A public hearing on a zoning and subdivision ordinance is on the agenda. This meeting is open to the public.

The 72nd West Point Sweet Corn Festival is scheduled for August 7-10 this year in West Point and Princess applications are out!  The 2025 Sweet Corn Festival Princess will be crowned on August 7^th at the Pilot Grove Stage.  Application and further information are found at the Sweet Corn Festival website: http://www.westpointsweetcornfestival.com/ or use the link below.

https://forms.gle/iVEPC6dgXxnCb6aw6

Local law enforcement agencies are warning citizens about a new scam that appears to be coming from the Iowa Department of Transportation Text.  The text messages falsely state that you owe a traffic fine and threaten you with penalties unless you click a suspicious payment link.  Do not click on the link.  The Iowa DOT will never solicit citizens to pay a toll fee or traffic violation through a text message.  And if you will note, the phone number where the text message originates from, is outside of the United States.

The Highland and WACO Community School Districts are preparing to transition from current shared Superintendent Ken Crawford to Spencer Lueders. Lueders has most recently served as the 4th-6th grade intermediate principal at Central Dewitt Community School District.

The transition will officially take place on July 1, as Crawford retires. Lueders has emphasized the importance of making the transition as smooth as possible.