Author: Theresa Rose

On April 17, 2021, at approximately 2:43AM, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from the 400 Block of West Main Street in Wayland, Iowa; for a subject that was attempting to break into a residence.  After deputies arrived on scene, it was found that Jerome Paul Watson (27 years of age) of Winfield, Iowa, had entered the garage portion of the residence and was found passed out on the garage floor.

After an investigation, it was found that Jerome, and other individuals, had been invited over to said residence earlier in the night.  After creating an incident, Jerome was escorted away from the residence by friends.  Jerome then returned and was highly intoxicated.  An altercation took place outside the residence while attempting to have Jerome leave.  After the altercation, Jerome re-entered the residence without permission.

Deputies placed Jerome into custody.  Jerome was transported to the Henry County Health Center for a medical screening to ensure he was safe for incarceration at the Henry County Jail.  While at the hospital, Jerome became uncooperative and combative toward a deputy, where he had to be physically restrained.  Jerome was later transported to the Henry County Jail without further incident.

Jerome Paul Watson was charged with Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct – Fighting or Violent Behavior, Domestic Abuse Assault – First Offense, and Interference with Official Acts. All charges are Simple Misdemeanors.

The Paramedics from the Henry County Health Center along with Wayland First Responders assisted with this incident.

On April 13, 2021, at approximately 5:27AM, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop at the Pilot Truck Stop in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.  After an investigation, it was found that Mason Kendall Simons (24 years of age) of Sigourney, Iowa was driving a red, 1994, Dodge Dakota that had an expired registration since June of 2020.  It was later determined Mason had a driving status of being barred in the state of Iowa.  It was also found Mason had active arrest warrants from Washington County, Iowa for theft of a motor vehicle and criminal mischief in the fourth degree.

As a result of this traffic stop, Mason Kendall Simons was placed under arrest and transported to the Henry County Jail without incident.  Mason was charged with Driving While Barred (Aggravated Misdemeanor), Driving with a Suspended Iowa Driver’s License (Simple Misdemeanor), Operating a Non-Registered Vehicle, and Failing to Provide Proof of Insurance.  Mason was later released to Washington County for his active arrest warrants.

On April 19, 2021, at approximately 5:54AM, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call of a vehicle driving all over the roadway and almost causing a crash near the intersection of 185th Street and U.S. Highway 218, north of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The reporting party also observed the vehicle drive into the median of the highway and almost crash. The driver continued to drive the vehicle out of the median and then continue southbound on U.S. Highway 218.   A deputy sheriff, and Mt. Pleasant officers, located the vehicle near Mile Marker 43 on U.S. Highway 218.

Officers on scene attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle would not stop and yield for officers. After some distance, officers were able to contain the vehicle and get it stopped.

After stopping the vehicle, a white, 2014, Infinity QX70; the driver was identified as Matthew Bradley Lewis (38 years of age) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

After an investigation, it was found that Matthew was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.  Matthew was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the Henry County Jail without incident.

Matthew Bradley Lewis was charged with Operating While Under the Influence First Offense (Serious Misdemeanor), Reckless Driving, Open Container – Driver 21 Years Old & Older, Failure to Maintain Control, and Failing to Yield to Emergency Vehicle.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is requesting public input on the right-of-way needs for proposed improvements to U.S. 61 from 235^th Street, just north of Mediapolis in Des Moines County, to 0.5 mile north of Iowa 78, in Louisa County. The project would reconstruct about 5.13 miles of U.S. 61 to  a four-lane divided highway with a new interchange at the Iowa 78/Louisa County Road H-22 intersection. The new diamond interchange would be located just east of the existing U.S. 61 and Iowa 78 intersection. The project is anticipated to take place during the 2024 construction season. 

Through traffic will be maintained on the existing U.S. 61 lanes at all times during construction.

An online public meeting is now available to view on the Iowa DOT’s Public Involvement webpage: www.iowadot.gov/pim. To view the meeting and related content, click on “U.S. 61 in Des Moines and Louisa County” from the list of public involvement events. The online meeting allows you to watch a pre-recorded presentation with information about the project at your own pace and at any time. The Iowa DOT is asking interested parties to take a few minutes to view the information and offer any feedback. If you do not have access to the internet, or need assistance viewing the materials, please contact the DOT representative listed below.

For general information regarding the proposed work or online public meeting materials, contact Hector Torres-Cacho, transportation planner, Iowa DOT District 5 Office, 205 E. 227^th Street, Fairfield, Iowa 52556, phone 641-472-4171 or 800-766-4368, email hector.torres-cacho@iowadot.us.

Visit the Iowa DOT’s project-related public involvement event website at www.iowadot.gov/pim for information about scheduled public meetings and hearings, or to view and offer input on any DOT project using the new “Map Search” feature. Comments and questions regarding the online meeting should be received by May 10, 2021.  If you would like to receive future email notifications, or submit a comment or question regarding this project, go to: www.bit.ly/iowadot3737.

The Iowa Department of Management and Public Health is pleased to announce that The Family Connection program of Henry County has earned the Iowa Family Support Credential. The Iowa Family Support Credential is awarded to family support and parent education programs that are validated through an external evaluation to be in substantial adherence to the Iowa Family Support Standards.

The Iowa Family Support Standards are based on the most up to date, evidence based practice in the family support field.  Adherence to the standards indicates that the program is providing high quality services that will result in positive outcomes for young children and their families.  The Family Connection program diligently worked toward meeting all of the Iowa Family Support Standards over the course of more than two years with the assistance of a program specialist.  A peer review was conducted by trained peers from Iowa to validate the program’s adherence to the standards.  The Iowa Family Support Credential is valid for five years.