Author: Yorke Prough

The Henry County Supervisors meeting on Thursday saw multiple citizens voice their continued concerns over transparency in the county, specifically related to the alternative energy overlay ordinance.

During the public comment section, Melanie Patton once again urged the board to record the meetings, even mentioning that she would hold a bake sale to raise funds in order to get the technology required. She also asked if the meeting agendas for all the boards and commissions in the county could be better publicized. Supervisor White seemingly agreed, stating that he would like to see any public information in one central location on the county website.

Zach Griebahn was on the agenda today to discuss the ordinance process. Board chair Moeller informed him that the best time for the public’s questions to get answered is on an individual basis, while supervisor Lindeen said that the meetings are for the board. He took it a step further, informing the public that the board does not need to answer questions brought up at the time of the public comment section.

Griehbahn asked about the board work session on October 1^st over the alternative energy ordinance. According to Lindeen, the board does not have to come up with meeting dates and agendas during public meetings. Moeller added that he informed a supervisor of the work session via text.

Supervisor Lindeen admitted that this discussion of a wind farm is one of the top two largest projects proposed in his time on the board. The board is not rushing this process, but rather ensuring that they have the information needed to make a decision eventually. He is certain that the board is doing their due diligence over this matter.

Another point of discussion was the current unknowns. All three supervisors agreed that there are a lot of estimated projections regarding the revenue brought in through this project, but no hard figure. Lindeen believes that is what makes this difficult.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met one month ago for a public hearing over the ordinance. The public can get ahold of the members of the commission by asking the Planning and Zoning administrator, according to the board.

Board chair Greg Moeller reminded the public that there have been multiple public meetings, townhalls, and public hearings over this matter.

The Henry County Historic Preservation Commission met Wednesday October 16 at the Henry County Heritage Center.

Topics for discussion included the community’s effort to save the 1876 Oakland Mills bridge and an upcoming fundraising meeting on October 26 at the Heritage Center.  Ideas, concepts, and formatting for a Henry County Historic Adventure Guide were discussed.

The Commission signed a memo of understanding that will require the BNSF RR to write a history of railroads in Henry County to offset the future loss of the bridge over the Skunk River at Rome which is expected to be replaced in the near future.  The existing railroad bridge is eligible for placement on the Nation Register of Historic Places but is impractical to preserve it. The railroad history document will be complete with historical photographs and made available to the public.

The meeting was adjourned with the next meeting set for November 20 at the Henry County Courthouse.

Very high to extreme fire danger conditions are expected today. The previous Fire Weather Watch has been UPGRADED to a Red Flag Warning for portions of eastern Iowa from 11 AM to 7 PM today. Southerly winds gusting between 25 to 35 mph with very low relative humidity levels will combine with cured crops and drying vegetation to make for hazardous fire conditions

Any fires that start in these conditions will spread quickly. Avoid outdoor burning, do not carelessly discard cigarettes, be cautious with farm and outdoor equipment, and if a fire gets out of control, call for help immediately!

According to dispatch, there is a barn fully engulfed in Wayland at 1370 Ash Avenue as of 8:00am on Thursday, October 17th. Mt. Pleasant Fire and Olds Fire have been requested for mutual aid. Prelimanary reports suggest that a tractor caught fire inside of the barn, which is next to a home. There is a large amount of black smoke and a tanker truck is on the way. KILJ will update this situation as details are made known.

Please stay clear of the area and allow emergency crews to do their work.

The Burlington Fire Department was dispatched at 1:10pm for a report of a fire at 1405 Division St in Burlington on October 15^th. Firefighters arrived just two minutes later to the site of heavy fire showing from the second story.

The property is owned by Tarshika Sweezer and it was vacant at the time of the fire, with no utilities servicing the property.

The Burlington Fire Department was assisted by Alliant Energy and Gas, Mediapolis Fire, West Burlington Fire, Burlington Police, Burlington CID, and the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant Fire Department. All units cleared the scene at 4:16pm.

A joint investigation was conducted by the Burlington Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Burlington Fire Marshal. A search warrant was conducted at the residence and evidence was collected. After multiple interviews, a person of interest was located. At approximately 5:49 P.M., a 17 year old juvenile female was placed under arrest for 2nd Degree Arson (Class C Felony). The juvenile female was transported to the Lee County Juvenile Detention Center.