Author: Shelbi Swinscoe

Local officials and community leaders in Henry County will have an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of land use and development later this spring, as Iowa State University Extension and Outreach brings its Introduction to Planning and Zoning workshop to Mount Pleasant.

The workshop is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, at the ISU Extension and Outreach Henry County office in Mount Pleasant. It is part of a statewide series designed to help local decision makers better understand planning, zoning, and development issues that shape their communities.

The interactive session is geared toward planning and zoning commissioners, boards of adjustment members, city council members, county supervisors, and staff involved in land use processes. Participants will learn about their roles and responsibilities, legal considerations, public hearing procedures, and the elements of comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances.

According to ISU Extension, the workshop uses real-world case studies to help officials navigate common issues such as variances, nonconforming uses, spot zoning, and conflicts of interest. The goal is to provide practical tools that help leaders make informed decisions that influence housing, business development, farmland use, and public spaces.

The training lasts approximately two and a half to three hours and includes materials and resources participants can use in their local roles.

Registration is required, for more information visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ , you can also find the link in this news article, by visiting KILJ.com and clicking the news tab

The Danville Fire Department with help from the New London Fire Department is fighting a vegetation fire this afternoon in 20000 block of Old Highway 34. (20576 Old Highway 34.)

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department arrived on scene just before 3pm today to battle a field fire in a cornfield just off Highway 218 between 170^th and 180^th streets on the east side of Highway 218 and north of Mt. Pleasant.  The Winfield, Olds, and Mt. Union Fire Departments have been dispatched for mutual aid.  The fire has jumped the tree line and crews are positioning equipment along Kentucky Avenue. Henry County Law Enforcement have been dispatched for traffic control on Kentucky Avenue south of 170^th Street.  Heavy, thick smoke can be seen for miles. Firefighters are working to extinguish the blaze and keep structures in the area safe.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning, February 26, approving the agenda and addressing a range of infrastructure projects, funding matters, and upcoming community initiatives. Supervisor Steven Detrick reported on the Assessor’s Conference Board meeting held Tuesday evening, where pay adjustments were approved of up to five percent for the deputy assessor and up to three percent for office staff. The assessor’s office operates under its own levy and is governed by the conference board. County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss presented a RISE grant application to the Iowa Department of Transportation for improvements at the Goodyear Road and Washington Street intersection along Business Highway 34. The project would rework the intersection and add turn lanes to better accommodate heavy truck traffic. Henry County is partnering with the City of Mount Pleasant on the project, and both entities agreed the county would take the lead due to the recent loss of the city administrator and the city’s ongoing hiring process to fill that position. Supervisors approved the application unanimously.

Supervisors approved a contract awarding quarry crushing services to Preston Ready Mix at $7.05 per ton, totaling $775,500, compared to last year’s rate of $6.93 per ton. The secondary roads department reported three utility permits, including one for utilities along Winfield Avenue in preparation for an upcoming City of Mount Pleasant reconstruction project, with bids expected to be let in April, according to the City’s engineer. Two additional permits were presented for Windstream. Culvert replacements on Fremont Street have been completed, and crews are now backfilling and shaping the banks. Contractors are moving equipment into position on Lexington Avenue, while work continues on 235th Street with the removal of the west pier. In personnel news, county mechanic Bruce Breuer has submitted his resignation as he plans to retire.

Paul Katsion appeared before the board on behalf of the America 250 committee to discuss plans to open a time capsule buried on the courthouse lawn in 1976, which was intended to be opened 50 years later in 2026. The committee proposes opening the original capsule during anniversary celebrations and then burying a new time capsule filled with items representing life in 2026, to be opened in 2076. Supervisors made a motion to allow the America 250 committee to uncover the time capsule. Supervisors also set the fiscal year 2027 budget hearing for March 26, with the proposed tax levy hearing to follow the same day. Detrick expressed concern about the timeline and suggested holding the hearing at 6 p.m. to improve public accessibility. The Supervisors will work to accommodate a evening time so that Henry County Residents can attend the hearing.

Tonya Scott of Alcohol and Drug Services spoke about prevention programs offered in Henry County, including GenRx and prescription drug abuse education in local schools, and warned the organization will operate at a deficit if county funding is not secured. She noted opioid settlement funds are used to support ADS services in Lee County and suggested Henry County explore whether similar funding could be applied locally. Supervisors agreed to review the eligibility of those funds and plan to consult with the County Attorney’s Office regarding contract details and work with the Sheriff’s Office to better understand whether opioid settlement dollars could be used to support ADS prevention services in Henry County. County salary discussions are scheduled for March 4 at 10 a.m., after which the meeting adjourned.

The County Auditor, Robin Detrick told supervisors she needs to know the proposed raise rates for county employees so her office can prepare the necessary documentation for the upcoming budget hearing. Supervisors plan to meet March 4 at 10 a.m. to compile pay rates and finalize 2026–2027 wage increases for the Auditor’s Office.

The Mount Pleasant City Council met in regular session Wednesday evening, February 25th, approving the consent agenda unanimously. Routine items included minutes, bills, and reports, all passed with all ayes.

During communications, Alan Buckert, Vice President of the Midwest Old Threshers Board of Directors, thanked the city for its continued partnership and provided updates on improvements at the grounds. Buckert said work is underway to replace a restroom west of the office, noting it is one of the first facilities visitors see when arriving by bus. Plans also include a new restroom near the EMS building by the carousel and a permanent structure for the steam engine prints east of Museum B.

Buckert also promoted the upcoming Alive After 5 event on March 11th, where this year’s entertainment lineup will be announced. He added that school tours will soon begin, giving students hands-on opportunities to learn about local heritage. Buckert reported strong attendance at the Festival of Lights, with approximately 6,500 vehicles visiting this past season.

Joy Lapp of the Historic Preservation Commission also thanked the city for its partnership. Joined by Deb Savage and Lea Bradley, Lapp explained that restoration bids for the historic Second Baptist Church came in far beyond what the group can afford. As a result, organizers are forming an independent nonprofit to facilitate the transfer and preservation of the building.

In other business, the council considered routine agenda items and scheduled its next regular meeting for Wednesday, March 11th at 5:30 p.m.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning but were unable to take official action after discovering the meeting agenda had not been properly posted on the courthouse bulletin board, preventing decisions from being made.

During the discussion, supervisors shared their perspectives on how to fill the vacant Henry County Attorney position. Supervisors Chad White and Marc Lindeen expressed support for calling a special election rather than making an appointment. Both stated they have spoken with residents on both sides of the issue, including supporters of Becky Wilson and Abbie Liechty, and believe that regardless of an appointment, efforts to petition for a special election would likely follow.

Supervisor Steve Detrick voiced a differing view, stating he favors making an appointment and leaving it up to those who oppose the decision to pursue the petition process required to trigger a special election.

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to reconvene Friday, February 20, at 10:30 a.m., when they are expected to decide whether to appoint a county attorney or move forward with calling a special election. Click here for the agenda.

SCC will host two Financial Aid Workshops later this month to help individuals planning to start college this spring navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process. Staff will be available to walk attendees through the form and answer questions about financial aid.

The first workshop will take place Wednesday, February 18th, from 3 to 6 p.m. at SCC’s West Burlington campus in Room 361. The second session is set for Wednesday, February 25th, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Keokuk campus in Room 419.

The workshops are free and open to students of any age or income level, no matter which college they plan to attend. No pre-registration is required. Assistance will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Students under the age of 24 are asked to attend with at least one parent or guardian.

To complete the 2026 to 2027 FAFSA, students and parents should bring their Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, 2024 federal and state tax returns, W-2 forms, bank statements, records of assets and investments, documentation of any untaxed income, and current account balances. Non U.S. citizens should also bring their A-Number.

Students who cannot attend either workshop can schedule an appointment for FAFSA assistance year-round by contacting Mack Turner at 319-208-5026.

For more information, call 319-208-5026 or visit scciowa.edu.