According to the latest fuel report from AAA and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship average gas prices dropped last week in Iowa. The average cost of unleaded gas fell three cents while the national average increased by four cents. Average retail diesel costs rose by 12 cents per gallon. The national average also increased by 12 cents
Crude oil prices dropped this week.
ISU Extension & Outreach, Des Moines County, will once again be handing out four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors in the seven participating counties. Seniors who participated in 4-H, FFA, and exhibited beef, sheep, goats and/or swine at one of the following county fairs: Henry, Des Moines, Jefferson, Lee, Louisa, Muscatine, or Washington County are eligible.
(These scholarships are in memory of four Des Moines County youth who will always hold a special place in our hearts – Kayla Atkins, Danny Campbell, Ty Warth, and Ben Moehle.)
Applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and plan to attend a 2 year or 4 year college.
For a scholarship application, send a direct message or email seia.finaldrive@gmail.com.
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.
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 23rd. 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 4th, fireworks are permitted until 11pm.
