Author: Theresa Rose

Iowa Wesleyan University President Christine Plunkett issued this statement regarding a crash involving students headed for Des Moines….

“Iowa Wesleyan is grateful that our students and faculty who were involved in a vehicle accident this morning only sustained minor injuries. The minibus was being driven by a faculty member with seven student passengers headed to the State Capitol to participate in LGBTQ Day on the Hill. The bus rolled onto its side just east of Des Moines and four students were transported to local Des Moines hospitals.

All the students have been treated and released and were headed back to campus.  We are appreciative of the first responders and medical staff who cared for our students.  

The crash occurred on Highway 163 in Polk County east of the Metro Park East landfill Wednesday morning before 9 am.

February is Black History Month. Beginning this year, February 1 is George Washington Carver Day in Iowa. George Washington Carver was the first African American student to attend Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, now Iowa State University, and in 1894 became the first African American to earn a Bachelor of Science. He stayed in Ames and became the first African American faculty member. For more information about Carver’s time in Ames, check out this segment of the PBS program “George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Life.” Iowa State is holding a special event to honor Carver February 1, 5:30-7:00 p.m., at the Memorial Union. The event also will be livestreamed.

Mount Pleasant, Iowa – The Mount Pleasant Arts IMPACT mini gallery in the Public Library is proud to feature local artist Kathleen Casteel. Casteel is a talented multimedia artist and nature photographer who showcases her work in the mini gallery.

Born and raised in small-town Iowa, Casteel was influenced by her mother’s passion for painting and crafting. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Secondary Education, and a Master’s Certificate in Gifted Education for grades K-12, Casteel has developed a love for capturing moments in time through her art.

Casteel’s broad range of interests in art includes nature photography, multi-medium art, drawing, painting, crafting, and more. She finds inspiration for her work in her travels and everyday moments and enjoys freezing these moments in time through her art.

Additionally, Casteel makes her own holiday cards and shares her special pieces of art with family and friends.

The Mount Pleasant Arts IMPACT mini gallery is proud to display Kathleen Casteel’s nature photography, which highlights her ability to capture the beauty of the world around us.

As a lifelong traveler, Casteel has explored the US, Canada, and Mexico and has found something she loves everywhere she has gone.

For more information on Kathleen Casteel and her work, please visit the Mount Pleasant Arts IMPACT mini gallery in the Public Library during regular library hours.

AGENDA

February 2, 2023

Approve Agenda

Approve Minutes

Approve Claims

9:00 2nd Reading Ordinance, Repeal Title Chapter 7, General Relief Program

9:05 Monthly Department Head Meeting

10:00 Randi-Globe Life Liberty Nation Division Voluntary Coverage

Other County Business as time allows

Supervisors Sub-Committee Update

WAPELLO – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting a series of town hall-style meetings where local staff provide updates on recently completed hunting seasons, discuss possible changes to hunting rules and regulations, and address other topics as requested.

Locally, the Iowa DNR will be at the Langwood Education Center, 14019 H Ave., in Wapello, on Feb. 23. The meeting begins at 6 p.m.

“We want people to come out, listen to the hunting seasons reviews, ask questions and hear directly from our staff,” said Todd Bishop, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau. “Part of the meeting will be devoted to discussing potential rule changes and collecting feedback as we work through the rules process.”

The meetings are open to the public. Comments collected from these public meetings will be considered along with other related comments received by the Iowa DNR prior to proposing changes to hunting rules and regulations. Proposed rules will be presented to the Natural Resource Commission during a regular public meeting for consideration and additional public comment.

Any person attending the public meeting and has special requirements, such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments, should contact the Iowa DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov, and advise of specific needs.

On January 31, 2023 at approximately 8:37p.m. deputies were dispatched to 12149 Highway 99 Apt. A for an intoxicated subject who was swinging a large knife around and making threats. Deputies were advised that Justin Tyler Marshall, age 40, of Burlington, IA was the individual at the residence causing the problem. Deputies made contact with Marshall, and he was detained without incident. Deputies learned that Marshall had assaulted a family member and was also in violation of a no-contact order. Marshall was placed under arrest for Domestic Abuse Assault 3^rd Offense (D Felony) and Violation of a No-Contact Order. Marshall was transported to the Des Moines County Jail with no bond.

The 2022 Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Southeast Iowa County Services Award winners were recently announced. This year Henry County Extension’s Sadie Martin was recognized in two categories.

Sadie received the Pride of Extension Award and the Spirit of Cy Award. Sadie, “Miss Sadie” to the youth of Henry County and “Sadie Sunshine” to her coworkers, is a bright light in the office and throughout Henry County. She is the epitome of positivity, friendliness and warmth and exemplifies all that is good about extension. Sadie’s programming focuses on youth development and making healthy choices. She implements the Pick a Better Snack curriculum for the elementary schools in the Mt. Pleasant Community School District, the SWITCH program and facilitates the After School Program at Van Allen Elementary School. During the summer you can find her at the New London, Mt. Pleasant and Winfield Libraries conducting day camps as well as leading the Static Exhibit day at the county fair alongside her other fair duties.

In addition to all this, in 2022 she applied for and received a grant to help expand an outdoor learning space for the Mt. Pleasant Preschool. She worked with the school staff and was able to help install new raised garden beds, a sand/water table that is accessible for all, a buddy bench as well as outdoor chalkboards. In 2023 she received the grant again and will be serving two new preschools.

Sadie is a team player and is always the first to volunteer when there is a need. She does this not only around the office, but also with our community partners. Everyone who crosses Sadie’s path is met with a warm smile and genuine interest in how she can help meet their need or connect them to another person who can.

The way in which Sadie engages youth, either as a 4-H leader or in her job, is remarkable. Parents and young people alike sing her praises. You can see even the shyest of youth come out of their shell around her. Sadie’s vision for a better Henry County is contagious. She lives in this community and cares about it deeply. Henry County Extension is fortunate to have such an awesome educator and genuinely kind person on staff. Congratulations Sadie!