On April 2^nd, at approximately 6:06 p.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a two-vehicle collision at BP Gas in Wayland.  An investigation determined that 36 year old Rogelio Ruiz, operator of a 2009 Dodge Journey, backed into 35 year old Keith Charlier, operator of 2010 Kia Soul, who was pulling into the gas station. The collision resulted in minor damages to the vehicles which were driven away, no injuries were reported. Rogelio was given a citation for No Valid Driver’s License and a Written Warning for Unsafe Starting of Stopped Vehicle.

As of April 5^th, all Iowans age 16 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. However, Henry County Public Health is currently giving the Moderna vaccine which is only for individuals age 18 and older. To make a vaccine appointment with Public Health, visit HealthyHenryCounty.org/covid and see links to upcoming clinics and open appointment times. If you do not have access to the internet you may call 319-385-0779 during business hours.

Henry County Public Health encourages everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine because it will not only protect you but help stop the spread of the pandemic. Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. Experts also think that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19.

Public Health also wants to reassure you that the vaccine is safe and that these vaccines cannot give you the disease itself. Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines, and these vaccines have undergone the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. Although the vaccine development process was accelerated, no shortcuts were taken to verify its safety. The vaccine’s side effects are an indication that it’s working, and your body is building protection.

“While we are relieved that both vaccine supply and eligibility are increasing and many of our residents have already been vaccinated, getting the vaccine is just one of the tools needed to stop the pandemic,” states Shelley Van Dorin, Public Health Director. “We ask everyone to continue wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing your hands often when in public.”

Public Health will continue to share vaccine information and updates at HealthyHenryCounty.org/covid, Facebook.com/HealthyHenryCounty or listen to KILJ 105.5 FM Tuesdays around 2:15pm.

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Exterior Improvement Grant Applications Now Available

April 2, 2021Mount Pleasant, Iowa– Main Street Mount Pleasant would like to announce the return of the Exterior Improvement Grant. Applications are now available in the Main Street office.    “We are incredibly thankful to the City of Mount Pleasant for their generous contribution to this grant fund,” said Main Street Director Lisa Oetken.  “We anticipate several downtown businesses and building owners will again take advantage of this program.”

The Exterior Improvement Grant was started by Main Street Mount Pleasant in 2003 to encourage property owners and tenants in downtown Mount Pleasant to do exterior renovations on their properties. This grant has help with numerous projects over the years.

Applications for the Exterior Improvement Grant Program are available beginning April 2, 2021 at the Main Street Mount Pleasant office.  For more information, please contact the Main Street Mount Pleasant office at 319-385-3101.

DAVENPORT, Iowa –On Wednesday March 30, 2021, federal search warrants were
executed at Rashid Long Term Care Pharmacy and Rashid Pharmacy PLC, both in Fort Madison,
Iowa. The searches at these locations were official law enforcement actions involving officers,
agents, and investigators from the United States Department of Health and Human Services,
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Fort Madison Police
Department, and Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
This is an ongoing investigation and no other information will be released at this time.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors voted to take another look at the possibility of an ATV/UTV ordinance for the county. During the Tuesday meeting Supervisor Chad White said he is essentially supportive of an ordinance.  It was also an issue he brought up during his campaign for supervisor.  White said he continues to hear from county residents and felt the board needs to re-examine the issue.  White has also been talking with the sheriff department in each of the surrounding counties.  Every county that boarders on Henry County has a local ordinance. In the past the Henry County Board of Supervisors have always voted to continue to follow the state code and not allow the vehicles on the secondary roads unless they are being used for farm work. A local ordinance could determine the roads where the vehicles could be used, age of the operator, safety requirements, hours of operation, registration, etc.