Author: Allison Jacobs

Iowa state parks and forests are gearing up for Memorial Day weekend which is the traditional start of the outdoor summer recreation season.

Iowa parks offer a variety of activities from hiking the trails to picnicking, fishing and swimming.

Park visitors can help take care of the parks by cleaning up trash after themselves, and carrying out what they brought in and park vehicles in designated parking lots and not along roadways. If visiting beaches, be aware that most swimming areas do not have a lifeguard on duty, and pets must be kept off beaches and be on a leash.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources offers these Tips:

• Keep track of the weather and have a plan in case of severe weather

• Pack bug spray, sunscreen and a basic first-aid kit

• Check the registration kiosk for activities in the area

• Don’t burn trash

• Don’t bring fireworks

• Be a good neighbor. Observe quiet hours and pick up after yourself

Memorial Day is a day on which those who died in active military service are remembered.  The is observed on the last Monday in May.  Henry County features several Memorial Day Observances.  The Henry County Veterans Memorial Service begins at 10:30am on Monday at Mt. Pleasant High School.  Program details can be found at KILJ.com/Monday.  The New London VFW Post 7641 and Auxiliary is holding a Memorial Day Observance at 2pm at the New London Veterans Memorial and in Swedesburg, a Memorial Day Observance will begin at 10am in the Swedish Museum at 107 James Avenue.

The Henry County Conservation Department has Oakland Mills summer camps available.  There is still time to sign up for the Animal Tracks, Nature Hunt, Camp Oakland and a Day in the Life of a Naturalist.  Check out the “Picnic in the Park” options as well.  Sign up on Mycountyparks.com today.

It is summer riding season for ATVs, UTVs, and Off-road vehicles.  The Iowa Department of Transportation is teaming up with Iowa State Patrol and Iowa DNR  to offer the following tips for driving safely and within the law:

Drivers 18+ years with valid driver’s license.

Operate only on state 2-lane or county highways on the most direct, accessible route to off-highway park/trail, nearest county road, authorized city street, or your residence.

Max speed 35 mph.

No impaired driving/open alcohol container.

Headlight(s) on at all times.

Proof of insurance & DNR registration.

Working horn, mirrors, headlight(s), taillights, and brake lights.

• Slow-moving vehicle sign.

Mt. Pleasant Municipal Utilities has sent a reminder to residents that the utility company no longer has a P.O. Box Number.  All payments must be mailed to the physical address of 509 N. Adams Street.  Payments sent to the Post Office Box may take longer to receive.  Also, utility payments can be dropped off and there is a drop box across the street from the office.

Iowans saw a slight rise in gas prices at the pump this past week, while nationally, prices held steady.  AAA and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship reported that the average price of regular unleaded rose 3 cents this week.  Iowa gas prices remain 25 cents below the national average.  Retail diesel prices also rose in Iowa, increasing by 5 cents.  Nationally, diesel prices rose by one cent and crude oil prices fell this week.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reported on Friday, a confirmed case of measles in central Iowa in an unvaccinated adult. The case tested positive through the State Hygienic Laboratory and is the first confirmed case of measles in Iowa this year, and the first case in Iowa since 2019.

No widespread public exposure is anticipated.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose, and a rash. Measles can cause severe complications. About 1 in 10 people in the U. S. who get measles will be hospitalized, and 1 to 3 out of 1,000 children with measles will die even with good medical care.

The MMR vaccine series is 97% effective against measles.

The Henry County Veterans have announced 7 names to be added to the Henry County Veterans Memorial.  Lonnie D. Welcher USA, Richard Wayne Cornick USA, Lynn Earl Bender USA, Vern Edward Dorothy USN, Kenneth C. Burden USMC, Phillip A. Rich USA, Walter A. Mullin USA.  The Mt. Pleasant Optimist Club will honor Vern Dorothy with a wreath presentation during the Henry County Memorial Day Observation on Monday, May 26th at the MP High School.  The program begins at 10:30am.