Author: Hayden Douglas

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning, September 18, to approve routine business items, hear infrastructure updates, and address upcoming projects and funding matters.

Fremont Avenue Bridge Project

County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss presented two motions related to a bridge replacement on Fremont Avenue over an unnamed creek.

• Right-of-Way Contract: Supervisors approved a right-of-way and construction contract for Project LBC-1725547344. The project will replace a small bridge with a cast-in-place concrete box culvert south of the Skunk River Conservation area.

• Construction Plans and Letting Date: The board also approved construction plans and set a letting date of October 23, 2025. Hotchkiss explained that while contractors may begin preliminary work this winter, the official start date will be in spring 2026.

The project, funded with local construction dollars, is expected to take approximately eight weeks once work begins. Hotchkiss added that next year’s construction season could see as many as three box culvert projects and a bridge replacement, representing an unusually high level of activity and investment.

Road Maintenance and Rock Resurfacing

Hotchkiss reported ongoing maintenance efforts, including seeding and topsoil placement along Old Highway 34, shoulder repairs, and rock resurfacing southwest of Mount Pleasant. Crews are also addressing drainage issues on Franklin Avenue and continuing routine sign work, mowing, and brush control. Blade operators are on standby for gravel road grading once moisture levels allow.

Jake Brake Ordinance Discussion

The board revisited citizen concerns about truck engine braking (“Jake braking”) in the Winfield area. Hotchkiss explained that adopting an ordinance would require countywide signage at major entry points and enforcement by the sheriff’s office. Supervisors agreed to follow up with the sheriff before pursuing further action.

Urban Renewal Resolution

Supervisors approved Resolution 28-2025, certifying an $8,903.50 advance from the Community Betterment Fund for administrative costs associated with the Hershey Hall Urban Renewal Project. The certification allows the county to reimburse itself with future tax increment financing (TIF) revenues.

Landfill Operations Update

Landfill President Lynn Whaley presented the monthly landfill and recycling report, noting tonnage levels remain consistent with recent years—projected to end near 645 tons for 2025. Spring cleanup collections boosted numbers in April. Whaley also reported facility improvements, including new signage, freshly painted barriers, and repairs to a soft spot in the entryway floor. Crews discovered rotting subflooring and are replacing it with stronger materials to prevent future damage.

Committee Reports

Supervisors shared updates from regional boards and planning groups, including Great River Housing Trust Fund, Southeast Iowa Regional Planning, Mississippi Valley, and Southeast Iowa Community Action. Topics included ongoing transportation discussions with SEIBUS and progress on a new Head Start facility in Fort Madison.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors meets regularly to oversee county operations, infrastructure projects, and budget matters. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Henry County Courthouse.

Residents across Iowa will have an opportunity to receive free dental care later this month as the Iowa Mission of Mercy (IMOM) hosts a two-day clinic at the Hyatt Regency in Coralville. The event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 19–20, 2025, at 300 E 9th Street, Coralville, IA, with doors opening at 6:00 a.m. each day.

The IMOM clinic provides no-cost dental services for patients of all ages, regardless of income or insurance status. Licensed dentists and dental professionals will offer a wide range of care, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and root canals. No appointments are needed—patients will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis, and no proof of insurance is required.

In addition to free treatment, the clinic will provide complimentary childcare to help families access care more easily. Both English and Spanish information will be available on site to assist patients.

The Iowa Dental Foundation organizes the annual Mission of Mercy event with support from community partners. This year’s sponsors include Delta Dental, Hyatt Regency Coralville, the Iowa Dental Association, the Principal Foundation, Patterson Dental, Coralville City, Sun Life, DentaQuest, and several other organizations that help make the large-scale clinic possible.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, visit www.iowamom.org

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington man will spend more than two decades behind bars after being sentenced to 288 months (24 years) in federal prison for possessing a distribution quantity of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm as a prohibited person.

On September 16, 2025, Chad Jacob Runnells, 49, received the sentence following an extensive investigation into his drug trafficking activities. According to public court documents, Runnells sold and received methamphetamine during multiple controlled purchases with law enforcement.

In September 2024, officers executed search warrants at Runnells’ residence and an adjacent stash house, uncovering approximately 3.5 pounds of methamphetamine, a loaded firearm, and more than $10,000 in cash. Evidence gathered during the investigation linked Runnells to the distribution of more than 65 pounds of methamphetamine.

Runnells was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions, including a 2021 conviction for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver as a habitual offender in Des Moines County and a 2013 conviction for domestic abuse assault impeding airflow in Warren County.

Following his 24-year prison term, Runnells will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case underscores federal and local law enforcement’s continued efforts to combat large-scale drug trafficking and violent crime in southeast Iowa.

Mount Pleasant, Iowa – Authorities have released new details following Wednesday’s mid-day manhunt for an escaped inmate from the Iowa Department of Corrections Prison.

According to a statement from the Mount Pleasant Police Department, officers were notified at approximately 12:07 p.m. on September 17 that a prisoner had run away from the facility. Investigators determined that Dale Knadjek, 49, left the industrial area of the prison shortly after 11 a.m., walked into a tree line east of the facility, and then headed north.

Because of the nearly hour-long delay between his departure and the alert, officers established a large perimeter and sent emergency notifications. Local schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution while numerous law enforcement agencies joined the search.

Businesses and residents across north Mount Pleasant provided crucial tips and security footage, helping authorities track Knadjek to the 800 block of West Courtland Street, where he was taken into custody without incident shortly after 1 p.m.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department credited assistance from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Corrections, Department of Criminal Investigations, and New London Police Department for the swift capture.

Knadjek was returned to the correctional facility, and charges related to the escape are expected to be filed.

The Winfield Historical Society and Museum is inviting the public to step back in time during its first Cemetery Walk, scheduled for Sunday, September 28, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Winfield Scott Township Cemetery.

A cemetery walk offers a unique way to explore local history, giving visitors the chance to meet and learn about past community members who helped shape Winfield. This year’s event will feature the life stories of notable individuals, brought to life by an actor dressed in period costume, sharing tales of their experiences and contributions to the community.

Guests may choose to walk or ride in a golf cart to each featured grave site. Visitors are encouraged to begin their tour at the museum’s tent, where they can pick up a map and register for a chance to win a Winfield Museum canvas bag. Golf carts will be available for those who prefer not to walk the entire route.

The event will be held rain or shine, with only severe weather prompting changes. Updates will be shared via local radio and the Winfield Historical Society’s Facebook page if needed. Freewill donations will be accepted, with all proceeds benefiting the museum’s building renovation fund. Refreshments will also be provided.

Organizers hope the Cemetery Walk will not only preserve the memories of these six influential residents but also inspire visitors to reflect on their own life stories. “These stories and experiences are what make us who we are. They are the legacy we leave behind,” the museum shared in its announcement.

Come celebrate the people who helped make Winfield a special place and support the ongoing efforts to preserve the town’s rich history.

Becky Wilson has officially announced her candidacy for Henry County Attorney, pledging to bring what she calls “strong, commonsense leadership” to the office.

In a public statement shared with friends, family, and supporters, Wilson said her decision to run came “after much prayer and seeking,” describing the campaign as both a challenge and an exciting opportunity to serve the community. “Henry County needs a strong, commonsense leader who will defend the citizens by prosecuting criminals, clean out corruption, and listen to the people,” she said. “It has been a long time since their needs were put first. I believe I can be that kind of leader.”

Wilson brings years of legal experience to the race. She has worked extensively in law firms in Texas as a paralegal and has practiced in Iowa courts across at least 18 counties, including juvenile court, family court, criminal defense, wills and probate, and personal injury. She believes this broad background uniquely qualifies her to “revamp the prosecutor’s office” in Henry County.

Her campaign will focus on three key priorities:

• Supporting law enforcement and building strong working relationships with local agencies

• Protecting the public through firm prosecution of criminal cases

• Restoring citizens’ trust in the County Attorney’s Office

Wilson emphasized that her platform is rooted in the lifelong values of faith, family, and responsibility. She is seeking early support from friends and neighbors to help launch her campaign, noting that contributions of any size will help share her message with voters.

“I’m truly grateful for your friendship and support,” Wilson said. “I promise to make you proud on the campaign trail and in the County Attorney’s Office.”

The Henry County Attorney’s race will be decided by voters in the upcoming election.

The Mt Pleasant Rotary Clubs are sponsoring a diaper drive for the Family Connection from September 15^th to October 10^th. By participating in the Family Connection programs, parents can utilize their participation points to receive diapers, wipes, laundry detergent, and other basic baby supplies. Many families who live within the federal poverty guidelines worry about how to afford these necessities.  Donation drives like this allow Family Connection to get diapers in the homes of families who need them.  The Family Connection can work with up to 45 families at one time and these families need 30-40 packages of diapers a month. Last year Rotary collected 34 boxes and 64 packages of diapers to help meet that need.

Donation Box Locations in Mt Pleasant

5 Star Credit Union

Coffee Depot

Mt Pleasant Public Library

Both Pilot Grove Bank locations

Central Park Perk

Diaper Collection at Hy Vee in Mt Pleasant

Saturday, September 27^th 9 to 11 am

Friday, October 3^rd 5 to 8 pm

About Rotary

Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. On of our seven main causes is child and maternal health and wellness. This diaper drive supports this cause and improves the lives of families in Henry County. For questions about the Mt Pleasant Evening Rotary or this diaper drive, please contact MPERotary@gmail.com.