Author: Theresa Rose

The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to provide Jefferson County residents the opportunity to share their views with state lawmakers during a series of four public forums during the Iowa legislative session. This monthly session will be held from 7:30-9:00am on the third Saturday of January, February, March, and April.

Legislators will provide a brief update followed by open Q&A moderated by Chamber CEO, Darien Sloat.  These events are free and open to the public.

Questions for candidates are welcome ahead of the event by emailing Darien Sloat at ceo@fairfieldiowa.com, or calling the Chamber at (641) 472-2111. 

Questions will be accepted in an orderly fashion the morning of the event.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, these meetings will be held virtually on Zoom. Attendance is free.

Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Forum Zoom Meeting

Saturday, February 20^th, 2021 from 7:30 – 9:00am

Join Zoom Meeting online by clicking this link:

Join Zoom Meeting

Location: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84320450228?pwd=akVtRXJpeG1CL2VzR2xXQjVXbGcyZz09

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84320450228?pwd=akVtRXJpeG1CL2VzR2xXQjVXbGcyZz09

Meeting ID: 843 2045 0228

Passcode: 233378

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Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (ChicagoMeeting ID: 843 2045 0228

Passcode: 233378

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcwjP5xdUi

Thank you to our generous sponsors who make this event possible and also provide an opportunity for high school students to attend as their guest and learn about the political process. The February 2021 Legislative Forum Sponsor is Freeman Kevenides Law Firm.

For more information, please contact the Chamber at 641-472-2111 or email ceo@fairfieldiowa.com

On February 7 at approximately 12:13AM, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a single vehicle rollover near Mile Marker 229 on U.S. Highway 34 just west of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. After an investigation, it was found that Dady Nganiony Mbaka of Ottumwa, Iowa, was traveling westbound in the 1400 Grid of U.S. Highway 34. Dady lost control of the vehicle while traveling too fast for road conditions at the time due to the recent snow fall in the area. Dady over corrected the vehicle which caused the vehicle to cross both westbound lanes of traffic. After crossing both lanes of traffic, the vehicle entered the median portion of the roadway and rolled coming to rest on the passenger side of the vehicle. No injuries were reported. Dady was given a citation for Failing to Maintain Control of a motor vehicle. The vehicle was a total loss with estimated damages at approximately $14,000.

At approximately 8:11AM on Saturday morning February 06 the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a downed power line in the 1300 grid of Salem Road. The downed power line was a result of a piece of farm equipment striking the overhead power line. An investigation conducted into the report revealed that Richard Klesner was northbound on Salem Road operating an older model International tractor pulling a grinder mixer when the accident occurred. While traveling on Salem Road the auger to the mixer somehow got activated where it went vertical in the air and stuck an overhead power line. The force of hitting the power line caused the utility pole to also break.
No injuries were reported. Alliant Energy was notified where power was restored within an hour of the accident.

On February 8^th, at approximately 4:01 p.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a motor vehicle accident on Highway 34 near MM 245 in Rural New London.  An investigation determined that Habiba Mcqueen was driving westbound negotiating a curve when she lost control of her vehicle. Habiba went through the median into oncoming traffic where Lynn Hardin was driving eastbound. Lynn attempted to avoid the collision but lost traction and slid sideways into Habiba. The collision resulted in disabling damages to both vehicles. no injuries were reported. Habiba was given a citation for failure to maintain control.

At approximately 1:12PM on February 8 Samuel R Letcher Jr. of Keokuk, Iowa, was northbound in the 2000 grid of US 218 when he lost control of his pickup as he passed through an area of light blowing snow.  The pickup entered the east ditch and struck a small tree.  Damage was estimated at $4500.00.  No injuries were reported.  The accident was investigated by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.  The Iowa State Patrol also responded to the scene.

Three people, including 2 juveniles were injured in a crash in Lee County Monday morning just after 10. The Lee County Sheriff’s office responded to the scene at J48 and 180^th Street. According to the report Jennifer Schier of Denmark was driving west when she lost control.  Her vehicle crossed the center line going into the eastbound lane of traffic where it hit a second vehicle head on. The driver of the second vehicle was identified as Karmen Johnson of Winfield.  Johnson was taken to the Ft. Madison Community Hospital for treatment of injuries.  An 11 year old and a nine year old in the Schier car complained of neck and back pain and were transported to the hospital.  Schier was not injured. She was found to be driving too fast for conditions and was cited for failure to maintain control.

Snow on the roadway is blamed for a crash in Lee County Monday morning just after midnight.  Jackie Grooms of Colona, Illinois was driving a semi eastbound on Hwy 2 when the semi’s trailer was  hit by a northbound cargo van driven by Larry Beard of Hamilton, Illinois. Beard was headed north on 61 and took the ramp to Hwy 2 but began sliding and was unable to stop at the stop sign where his van hit the semi. Beard was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

courtesy of Patricia Jones-

The Winfield Mt. Union school district will wear red on Wednesday, February 10th to raise awareness for Congenital Heart Disease. Freshman, Alisha Woodsmall has been battling CHD since she was born.

Her first open heart surgery happened at 6-days old. Another followed at 3 months old. Alisha’s last surgery at 6 years old went very well. She was taken off all medications 6 months following that surgery. Alisha sees a heart specialist once a year for a check up.  She is doing well.

Alisha shared that “Every year from February 5-14 is when we celebrate it (CHD Awareness). We do it as a family everyday. If we could get the school to celebrate it at least one of those days, it would mean a lot to me and I know it would mean everything to my mom to see the support.” Alisha’s close friends and teachers will help raise awareness by wearing red all week. Her mom is posting pictures all month on social media.