Author: Theresa Rose

The holiday season is known for being merry and bright, but it is also known for being the deadliest season when it comes to impaired driving.  Iowa Law Enforcement across the state will partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this holiday season to remove impaired drivers from the roads and help save lives.  From December 17, 2021 to January 1, 2022, motorists will see an increased presence of law enforcement.

Sadly, the statistics prove that we have a lot of work to do to put an end to drunk driving. According to NHTSA, 10,142 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2019, accounting for nearly one-third of traffic crash fatalities. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2015 to 2019 — one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 52 minutes in 2019. This is why Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is working with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. As you head out to the holiday festivities, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Sobering Statistics according to NHTSA:

• • 837 people lost their lives nationally in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver during the month of December, 2019.
  • During the Christmas and New Year’s Day holiday periods in 2019 alone, there were more drunk-driving-related fatalities (210) than during any other holiday period that year.
  • An OWI can cost you $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, repairs, and lost time at work!
  • Don’t be the reason someone doesn’t get home this holiday season.

Always remember to plan ahead if you will be celebrating with an impairing substance.  If you plan to indulge, plan for a sober driver to take you home.  Call a taxi, friend or Uber!  Is it your turn to be the designated driver?  Take the role seriously and do not partake in alcohol or any other drugs.

Friday night the KILJ listening area was surprised by an inch and a half of rain that fell hard in about 30 minutes accompanied by thunder and lightning. And a tornado warning.  The forecast during the day hadn’t indicated the possibility of a severe rain storm.  And not everyone received the tornado warning alert. Apparently, a tornado was spotted near Mt. Union.  All in all a rather bizarre weather event considering we normally expect our December precipitation to come in the form of snow.

Five other states suffered the destructive force of bizarre tornadoes that also occurred Friday night. Disaster aid and humanitarian groups are mobilizing to help tornado victims in the U.S. Midwest and setting up dedicated fund for donations to support their efforts.

The American Red Cross is making it easy to send a quick $10 donation simply by texting “REDCROSS” addressed to the number, 90999.

The Salvation Army has set up a disaster relief fund for the tornado victims. World Vision plans to begin shipping relief supplies to churches in Kentucky beginning Sunday.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called on people to donate blood, which has been running in short supply during the pandemic.

Date  Monday, December 13, 2021   6:00 PM

Mount Pleasant Community School District:  High School Media Center

Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641

1.  Call to Order
   2.   Roll Call
   3.   Approval of Agenda
   4.   Citizen Comments
   5.   Approval of Minutes, Claims, Financials
   6.   Reports
   a.       Instructional Services Update – Instructional Coaches
   b.       Superintendent’s Report
   1.       Weighted Enrollment Update
   2.       FY23 New Money Calculations
   3.       District Facility Tours – January 12 and January 19 @ 3:30pm
   4.       After School Program Update
   5.       Christamore Family Treatment Center Programming Update
   6.       Legislative Update
   c.       Board Committee Reports
   i.            Finance
   ii.           Site
   iii.            Policy
   7.   Other Board Communications
   a.       Site Committee – Master Planning Update
   8.   Consent Items
   a.     Personnel
          b.     Open Enrollment
   9.    New Business
   a.       Consideration to Approve Modified Allowable Growth for Open Enrollment Not on Fall 2020 Certified Enrollment    (Motion)
   b.        Consideration to Approve Modified Allowable Growth for English Language Learners Beyond 5 Years (Motion)
   c.         Consideration to Approve Modified Allowable Growth for Limited English Proficiency Expenses Beyond Revenues   (Motion)
   d.       Consideration to Approve Quote for Softball Dugout Roof System    (Motion)
   e.       Consideration to Approve Piper Sandler Engagement Letter    (Motion)
   f.        Consideration to Approve Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) III Plan    (Motion)
   g.       Review Carl A. Nelson Construction Company HVAC Proposal    (Review)
   h.       Review SVPA Architects Proposal    (Review)
   i.         Open School Board Policy Series 800 Buildings and Sites
   j.         Negotiations Discussion (Exempt from Open Meetings Law)
   k.        Adjournment

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:   ____12-13-2021_____

JAIL COUNT

21_    Henry County Inmates

47_    Out of County Contract Inmates

68   TOTAL

Sheriff Rich McNamee along with his Henry County Deputies participated in the Traffic Safety Enforcement program during November 15, 2021 to November 28, 2021 along with other Law Enforcement agencies across the State of Iowa in attempt to reduce traffic related property damage, personal injury, and fatal crashes. During the above time frame the deputies worked 19.5 hours towards the program and made 46 contacts. Contacts were 1 OWI, 8 speeding tickets, 24 speeding warnings and 13 other tickets and warnings.

Sheriff Rich McNamee encourages everyone to buckle up, slow down, drive responsible and don’t get distracted while driving.