The National Weather Service is predicting a quiet weekend weather wise with temperatures trending upwards as we head into next week. Today’s high will be in the upper 30’s. On Sunday, it will be a little cooler with the high around 30 degrees. As we start the week on Monday, temperatures will be in the 40’s.
Winds will be gusting overnight tonight up to 20 MPH and overnight lows will be 13 degrees tonight and 18 degrees on Sunday night.
When winter blankets our roads with snow and ice, Iowa DOT snowplows are critical in helping restore safe travel conditions.
Rushing to pass a plow, driving into its operational space, or staying in its blind spots can quickly become a recipe for an accident. To perform their work properly, snowplows typically travel 5 to 35 mph. Despite their signature combination of amber, white, and blue lights, they are often hit from behind by drivers who approach them too fast and are unable to get stopped in time. This winter season alone, a total of nine DOT snowplows have been hit by vehicles.
So far in 2025 in Iowa, 11 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of four since last Friday. In Iowa in 2024, there were 352 traffic-related deaths. For more information go to: https://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf
Ronald Eugene Smithburg, 77, of Salem passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at his home.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Salem Congregational Church in Salem. Burial with Military Honors will be conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant where the family will be present from 4 to 6 p.m. that evening. A memorial has been established in his memory.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com
Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements
The National Weather Service warns of dangerous cold through Tuesday morning next week and offers cold safety tips. Of course, stay indoors, if possible, and remember to bring pets inside. If you are outside, cover all exposed skin and limit the time you spend outside. Check on elderly neighbors and family and make sure your carbon monoxide detector is in working order.
Travelling in the bitter cold for the next few days? Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management offers some tips: keep the gas tank ½ full of fuel, pack a safety kit with blankets, and notify family and/or friends of travel plans.
Mt. Pleasant Utilities cautioned residents yesterday about a scam circulating the community. The Utility office has received multiple calls where someone pretends to be from MPMU, claiming the power will be shut off immediately unless a payment is made immediately, and creating a sense of urgency. This is a common scam tactic where scammers try to trick people into paying fake overdue bills to avoid service disruption. Please be aware: Mt. Pleasant Utilities will not take payments over the phone and do not give out any personal information. If you have questions, please contact MPMU at 319-385-2121.
New London Community School District Superintendent Chad Wahls sent a press release about an incident involving an individual found on New London school grounds on Friday. The individual was the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant, was arrested, and law enforcement acted in accordance with the law.
This incident was not related to any students, staff, or school activities. At no point were the safety and well-being of students or staff at risk.
The New London School District is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone on campuses and the situation is still under investigation.
Thank you to School Resource Officer, Deputy Roberts, and local law enforcement for their prompt and professional response.
The public is welcome to a Salem Town Hall meeting to discuss the future of the Elementary School. The meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 19th at 2pm in the Salem Community Center, 201 S. Main Street. The is not a city council meeting: however, city council members may be present.
The Danville City Council will meet in regular session on Monday, January 20th at Danville City Hall. A Public Hearing regarding the construction of the Proposed Wastewater Improvements is one of the items on the agenda with Call to Order at 5pm. This meeting is open to the public.
The New London School District School Board will meet in regular session at 6pm on Monday, January 20th in the North Campus Board Room. This meeting is open to the public.
