Author: Theresa Rose

The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa. Anglers are ready to get out for the popular early ice fishing season.

“Many of us can’t wait to get out on the ice each winter,” said Joe Larscheid, chief of fisheries for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “Ice fishing is a fun, inexpensive activity for anglers of all ages to get outdoors and avoid cabin fever.”

The DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of clear ice for fishing and at least five inches for snowmobiles and ATVs.

“Check ice thickness as you make your way to your favorite fishing spot,” Larscheid said. “Ice conditions change constantly and its thickness can vary across the lake. Trust your instincts – if the ice does not look right, don’t go out.”

A blanket of snow on top of an ice-covered lake insulates the ice, slowing the growth of ice and hiding potential hazards or weak spots. River ice is 15 percent weaker than lake ice.  Ice with a bluish color is safer than clear ice.  Avoid slushy or honey-combed ice and stay away from dark spots on the ice.  Don’t walk into areas where the snow cover looks discolored.

Safety Tips on the Ice

• No ice is 100 percent safe.
• New ice is usually stronger than old ice.
• Don’t go out alone – if the worst should happen, someone will be there to call for help or to help rescue.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
• Check ice thickness as you go out – there could be pockets of thin ice or places where ice recently formed.
• Avoid off-colored snow or ice. It is usually a sign of weakness.
• The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process.
• Bring along these basic items to help keep you safe: hand warmers, ice cleats to help prevent falls, ice picks (wear around your neck) to help you crawl out of the water if you fall in, a life jacket, a floating safety rope, a whistle to call for help, a basic first aid kit and extra dry clothes including a pair of gloves.

Media Contact: Joe Larscheid, Chief of Fisheries, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 515-201-3376.

On January 1, at approximately 1:00PM, a physical assault took place in the Henry County Jail between two male inmates.

After an investigation, it was found that Rylie Alexander Shimer of Des Moines, Iowa, did assault another inmate, causing bodily injury. Rylie Shimer was subsequently charged with Assault Causing Bodily Injury or Mental Illness, a Serious Misdemeanor.

On January 3, at approximately 3:39AM, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office was requested by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to assist with a possible domestic situation near Wayland, Iowa. This investigation lead Henry County deputies to Wayland in an attempt to locate a male subject, Nathan Russell Beckler of Wayland  who at the time had a felony warrant for his arrest. Deputies responded to the 600 block of North Pearl Street in Wayland where Nathan was located at his residence. After locating Nathan, a female subject, Jennifer Gail Sands of Ainsworth, was also located in the residence. It was found that two active no contact/protective orders were in place between both Nathan and Jennifer. Nathan and Jennifer were subsequently placed under arrest for Violation of No Contact/Protective Order – Contempt, a Simple Misdemeanor. Nathan was also arrested on his outstanding arrest warrant, Pretrial Release Violation with Original Charges of Control of a Firearm or Offensive Weapon by a Felon & Driving While Barred. The bond for his warrant was $10,000.

On January 4 at approximately 9:14 P.M., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on North Locust Street near the Casey’s General Store, in Winfield for a traffic violation.

After the vehicle came to a complete stop, two individuals exited the vehicle and fled the scene. Deputies pursued the driver of the vehicle on foot and eventually apprehended the subject a few blocks away from the scene. The driver, later identified as Brian Joshua Shouse, 38, of Burlington, Iowa, was arrested and returned to the original scene. It was later confirmed Shouse’s driving status was suspended through the State of Iowa and held several active warrants for his arrest.

After further investigation, a search of the vehicle was conducted. Items found in the vehicle were amounts of Methamphetamine, individual plastic baggies, and drug paraphernalia.

Resulting from the investigation Shouse was arrested for Interference With Official Acts – (Serious Misdemeanor), Failure to Affix Drug Stamp (D Felony), Possession of Controlled Substance – 3^rd or Subsequent Offense (D Felony), Controlled Substance Violation – Methamphetamine (B Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Serious Misdemeanor), Driving While License Under Suspension (Simple Misdemeanor), Fail to Obey Stop Sign and Yield Right of Way (Non-Scheduled Violation), Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability (Non-Scheduled Violation)

The second suspect is still at large. If anyone has any information that could lead to the location of this individual, please contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 319-385-2712.

***A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.***

The Mt Pleasant Police Department participated in the Safety Traffic Enforcement Program (sTEP) during December 17, 2021-January 1, 2022 with numerous agencies across the State of Iowa in an attempt to reduce fatal car crashes.

During this time frame, there were 473 contacts made. As a result of these contacts the following occurred:

3 OWI

18 citations

80 warnings

2 felony arrests

13 motorist assists

The Mt Pleasant PD encourages everyone to buckle up, slow down, and don’t get distracted while driving.

Mt. Pleasant CSD – Central Office

1010 East Washington Street – Suite 102

Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641

The Mount Pleasant Board of Education FINANCE COMMITTEE will meet at 4:30pm on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, to review/discuss:

Review FY21 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

1. Review Taxable Valuations
2. Modified Supplemental Amount for At-Risk/Dropout
3. Revenue Estimating Conference Projections – December 13, 2021
4. Master Planning Update
   1. HVAC ESSER Funding
   2. January 12 and January 19 facility tours
   3. Request for Proposal – Traffic/Entrance/Exit Study at MPCHS

The meeting is open to the public and patrons are welcome

MEDIAPOLIS — Today Taylor Collins announced he will seek the Republican nomination
for the newly redistricted Iowa House District 95. Taylor is eager to listen to the issues most
important to the voters of Des Moines, Henry, Louisa, and Muscatine counties.
“There’s often too much noise in Des Moines and not enough results. I’m running for this
seat to bring common-sense solutions to the table and be a strong, conservative voice for
Southeast Iowa,” said Collins. “I look forward to talking with folks in the district about the
issues they’re facing and earning their votes along the way.”
The announcement comes after Representative David Kerr (R-Morning Sun) announced he
will not seek reelection after serving three terms in the Iowa House.
“I want to thank Rep. Kerr for his many years of service to our state, and wish him and Joyce
all the best in his retirement,” said Collins. “At the Capitol, Dave is known to be an effective
advocate for Southeast Iowa. He leaves big shoes to fill, but I will work as hard as I can to
continue to ensure the people of Southeast Iowa remain well represented.”
Taylor previously served as a Policy Advisor to Governor Kim Reynolds and later Senior
Advisor to Lt. Governor Adam Gregg. As a Policy Advisor, Taylor served as a liaison to four
state agencies under the purview of the executive branch. Taylor worked with the Lt.
Governor on rural development policy through the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa
Initiative and helped craft policy recommendations through the Governor’s FOCUS
Committee on Criminal Justice Reform. Most notably, Taylor served in the Governor’s Office
during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, aiding in the state’s response.
Collins is currently an Adjunct Professor at Iowa Wesleyan University where he teaches
classes in economics and business. Taylor has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management
from Iowa State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Drake
University. Collins also serves as chair of the Southeast Iowa Young Republicans chapter, and
attends Harmony Bible Church in Danville with his fiance Savannah. Taylor currently resides
in Mediapolis, not far from where, in 1951, Taylor’s great grandparents, John McCulley Sr.
and his wife, Betty, founded the family business – Oakville Feed & Produce, now known as
TriOak Foods.
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