Author: Theresa Rose

Southeastern Community College is celebrating the state-of-the-art renovations of its auto collision lab, precision machining lab, and the new Harry and Virginia Art Gallery on its West Burlington campus.

What:             Tours and ribbon cuttings of the auto collision lab, precision machining, and the art gallery. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres following.

When:            Thursday, September 16

4:00 PM Precision Machining

4:30 PM Automotive Collision Repair and Restoration

5:00 PM The Harry & Virginia Murray Art Gallery

Where:           1500 West Agency Rd, West Burlington

Why:               Total cost for the facility and equipment upgrades tops $1.25 million.
The renovated labs will facilitate expanded learning and teaching opportunities for skills development. The upgrades were funded by the State of Iowa’s Accelerated Career Education (ACE) program.

Open in 2020, the art gallery includes adjustable walls to transform the space to match the art collection’s essence. This space has both increased educational experiences for SCC’s fine arts and music programs and added a new area to exhibit the work of Iowa artists. The gallery was made possible by a grant from The Murray Foundation.

The Henry County Engineer’s office says X23 south of Lowell is open to the public.

The section of roadway that was damaged is now gravel with a 30 MPH speed limit.

It is imperative that drivers use caution and obey signage.

Questions may be answered by calling 385-0762.

On September 9, 2021, around 6:30PM the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a phone call regarding a subject on their way to the WACO school property, after threatening harm to another individual.  Due to the circumstances of the threat, it was decided by WACO School Officials and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, to suspend activities including a volleyball game that were taking place at the school.

All students and fans were safely removed from the school.  A short time later the suspect that caused the alarm was apprehended in Washington County.  Washington County Sheriff’s Office continued the investigation regarding the individual.

Henry County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the investigation.

Congratulations to the 2021 WACO HOMECOMING COURT! Lilly Clark, Jaicey Miller, Maggie Rinner, Zach Schmitz, Jonah Egli, and Jonah Clark. Lilly is the daughter of Kevin and Lisa Clark. Jaicey is the daughter of BJ and Jana Miller. Maggie is the daughter of Ty and Diane Rinner. Zach is the son of Todd and Laura Schmitz. Jonah Egli is the son of Jason and Gail Egli. Jonah Clark is the son of Bill and Joni Huisenga. The King and queen will be crowned at Wednesday’s Boom Night festivities which begin at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Gym. September 13 kicks off a week of Homecoming Fun that leads to the Parade on September 17 at 5 pm, the big game at 7 pm and the High School Dance after the game.

Authorities were able to quickly arrest an individual who threatened another person at an event at the WACO High School Thursday night. School officials have made clear the threat was not aimed at the school district. Law enforcement was contacted, the games were cancelled and students were taken to a safe location.  Classes and other school activities will be held as usual today.  As a precaution there will be a police presence at both the secondary and the elementary buildings and student counseling services will be available.  The district expressed appreciation for the quick response of law enforcement and takes all threats and concerns seriously.

This Friday join Paul and Kadie for a two-part Generation Gap program on Friday this week.  From 9 am to 9:30 am the topic will be domestic abuse and mental health.  At 9:30 am they will be joined by phone from New York for a special visit with two people who were at Ground Zero 20 years ago on 9/11.