Author: Allison Jacobs

The Iowa Department of Transportation reports 75 deaths on Iowa Roadways so far this year.  The is an increase of 6 deaths since last Friday.   The DOT advises situational awareness while driving and offers these tips as we head toward the summer months:

• Scan your surroundings and pay attention to pedestrians, cyclists, and any objects in the roadway.
• Eliminate distractions by putting the phone away, avoid eating, and limit conversations with passengers.
• Emotions, stress, and fatigue can reduce situational awareness.
• Maintain safe speeds and following distances.
• Check your blind spots.
• Be a defensive driver.

President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation of the first National Mother’s Day just before the start of World War I in 1914.   Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May and is a Day to honor mothers with messages and flowers.  The white carnation was first established as the emblem for Mother’s Day.  This year, the moon is aligning with Mother’s Day, May 11^th.   The May full moon is known as the Flower Moon, among other names, because spring is when plants start blooming. This year, by chance, the flower moon shines brightly for Mother’s Day on Sunday.

Henry County 4-H and area libraries are teaming up to host summer camps.  The camps are free and designed for elementary-aged students.  Themes for the summer camps are “Dive into live under the sea” and “Venture into the wild” with fun, hands-on STEM activities.  Contact the New London HJ Nugen Library, the Winfield Public Library, and the Salem Crew Library to register!

• New London HJ Nugen Library: May 28^th & June 4^th
• Winfield Public Library: June 5^th & June 12^th
• Salem Crew Public Library: June 11^th & June 18th

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force reports the arrest of a Keokuk man on felony and misdemeanor drug charges.

Chad Alan Riddle, age 42, of Keokuk is charged with: Possession of methamphetamine 3rd offense, a class D felony; Possession of a controlled substance 3rd offense, a class D felony; and Possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor.

The charges came after a traffic stop that was conducted by the Keokuk Police Department where Riddle was found to be in possession of narcotics.

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force were assisted by the Keokuk Police Department and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office K-9.

The defendant in this case is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Lee County Narcotics Task Force is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Justice and the funds administered by the Iowa Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy.

The Danville City Council will meet in regular session on Monday, May 5^th in the Danville City Hall.  The call to order is at 5pm.  This meeting is open to the public.

A Preserve Oakland Mills/Save the Bridge planning meeting is scheduled for 6pm on Wednesday, May 7^th.  Anyone interested in this project is invited to attend.  The meeting will be held at the new LuLu’s Landing, 1529 253rd St, Mt Pleasant.

The WACO music departments has Spring Concerts Scheduled!  On Tuesday, May 6^th, the Orchestra will perform at 6:30pm in the WACO high school gym and on Wednesday, May 7^th, enjoy the WACO Band and Choir performances also scheduled for 6:30pm.

The Henry County Fair will feature a Poultry, Calf, Sheep, and Goat Costume Contest on Wednesday, July 16^th during the fair.  Entry forms must be submitted to the Fairboard office by 9am that day.  Prizes will be awarded for overall champ, most creative, most humorous and best team costume.  The Henry County Fair Dates are July 13-21 and for more information, contact the Henry County Fair Board.