Author: Theresa Rose

Henry County Health Center Clinics have At-Home COVID Test Kits available free of charge to community residents. The FDA-approved self-testing supplies are provided through the Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Testing Supply Program to certified Rural Health Clinics.

The Quidel Quick Vue Test is a rapid antigen test that can be self-administered at home by those 14 years of age and older and those 2-13 years of age if an adult performs the test. Each kit includes two tests; the initial test is followed by a second test 24-36 hours after the first. The test can be used if symptomatic, asymptomatic or within six days of symptom onset with results available within 10 minutes. The tests have a shelf life of approximately one year.

Kits are available for pick-up during business hours at the Henry County Health Center Clinics in New London, Winfield, Wayland and Mount Pleasant at no charge. Patients do not need appointments to pick up a kit. In Mount Pleasant, the kits will be distributed at the screening station inside the health center’s front lobby door. A card comes with the kit that gives recommendations to follow for both positive and negative results. Test kit supplies are dependent on how many kits are received each week, so supplies may fluctuate.

In the interest of keeping Henry County residents informed, the Henry County Sheriff’s office has requested KILJ post the daily jail count. During the jail referendum campaign it was publicized that the jail would be able to house additional inmates from surrounding counties and this would generate revenue for Henry County.

Date:   _02-25-2022________

  _20_      Henry County Inmates

  _52_      Out of County Contract Inmates              

 _72_     TOTAL

The Mount Pleasant City Council voted Wednesday night to uphold the decision by Police Chief Lyle Murray to remove Steven Dykstra from his position as a Mount Pleasant police officer. Dykstra came before the council at the last meeting to ask the council to consider re-instating him.  Dykstra was let go after the Chief received a complaint from a Fairfield resident after Dykstra went to a home there looking for his daughter.

The council passed the first reading to amend the no parking ordinance to address a situation on West Pearl Street.  The Public Works Department and the Police recommended no parking between North White and North Broadway.  The street is narrow and when vehicles are parked along the south side there’s not enough room to allow snowplows, emergency vehicles, delivery trucks and other large vehicles to safely navigate the street. The police say issuing parking tickets has not deterred people from parking along the street.  The proposed ordinance would still allow for a loading/unloading zone with a 12 minute limit.

On February 23, 2022, at approximately 4:20 pm the Christamore House, on S Iris Rd in Mt Pleasant, reported two female  runaways from their facility that had left approximately 15 minutes earlier. They later returned on their own accord. At approximately 6:30 pm  the same two females and two males ran away from the facility which was reported 10 minutes later to law enforcement.  At about 9 pm a local citizen located them going through his vehicle and chased them off and notified law enforcement.  At this time they are still missing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Mt Pleasant PD. In the last 6 days we have had 13 calls at the facility. Charges have been filed when warranted.

The Mt Pleasant PD encourages people to lock the vehicles and residences. Anyone who sees suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the Mt Pleasant PD at 319 385-1450.

Anyone with concerns about the facility and issues there is encouraged to contact the Director of DHS via email director@dhs.state.ia.us , Juvenile Court Services Michael.Rempe@iowacourts.gov or your local elected officials joe.mitchell@legis.iowa.gov or jdreichman@yahoo.com

In the interest of keeping Henry County residents informed, the Henry County Sheriff’s office has requested KILJ post the daily jail count. During the jail referendum campaign it was publicized that the jail would be able to house additional inmates from surrounding counties and this would generate revenue for Henry County.

Date:   _02-24-2022________

  _20_      Henry County Inmates

  _52_      Out of County Contract Inmates              

 _72_     TOTAL

Charles Leroy Zipprich was pronounced dead due to natural causes at 9:21 a.m. on Tuesday, February 22, at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center. Zipprich was 70 years old at the time of his death.

Zipprich had been serving a 25-year maximum term for the crimes of SEXUAL ABUSE  from Lee County. His sentence began on October 17, 2000.