Author: Yorke Prough

Property owners in Iowa will soon receive a new mailing which will contain information about the proposed property tax rates for the next fiscal year. Iowa Code 24.2A requires that a budget statement be mailed to property owners after March 20 of each year. The budget statement will include information regarding school, county, and city proposed tax rates as well as information about scheduled public hearings regarding the proposed tax rates.

The budget statement will include the following information:

• Date, time, and location of public hearings to consider proposed property tax rates for    next fiscal year
• Phone number and website (if applicable) for each associated taxing authority
• Current, effective, and proposed tax rate information
• Comparison of current, effective, and proposed tax rates
• How current taxes levied by the school, county and city are distributed
• Comparison of how taxes would be distributed in the current and proposed budget years

Additional information regarding the budget statement will be made available online at https://dom.iowa.gov/property-taxes on or after March 20, 2024.

On March 13^th, 2024, at approximately 8:12 PM, James Gerald Griffin Jr, 56, Burlington, was stopped for a traffic violation near US 34 and 260^th Street.  It was found that Mr. Griffin’s driver’s license was suspended in Iowa.  Mr. Griffin was arrested for Driving With a Suspension and he was taken to the Henry County Jail.

Upon being booked into the Henry County Jail, and during the book-in process, Mr. Griffin’s clothing was searched and laundered.

During this time, items believed to be contraband were located.  Griffin was additionally charged with Possession of Contraband in a Correctional Institution, a class D felony.

Gasoline prices are on the up once again, according to AAA. This week the price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 3 cents. The average for a gallon of gas in Iowa is $3.17 now. This is 6 cents cheaper than 12 months ago and 33 cents less than the national average.

Diesel prices also rose, but there’s not much to complain about as it rose to $3.78 a gallon, one cent higher than last week. Thankfully, this is 14 cents less than last year and 26 cents less than the national average.

• Propane prices averaged $1.59 per gallon statewide.
• Home heating oil prices averaged $3.18 per gallon statewide.
• Natural gas prices fell 25 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $1.68/MMbtu

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Just after 11:00 am yesterday, many agencies responded to an area in the 3200 Block of Nebraska Avenue in New London for a field fire. The New London Fire Department was joined by Mount Pleasant Fire and Rescue and Salem Fire in fighting this field fire.

At the Mount Pleasant City Council meeting last night, Anthony Blint was announced as the new Fire Chief for the city of Mount Pleasant. Formerly Senior Captain, Blint will take over as Chief on Monday, April 1^st, as long-time Fire Chief Drew Schumacher submitted his letter of resignation to the City Council in January.

The Midwest Old Threshers Association is excited to announce the 2024 Reunion Entertainment on the KILJ Stage. The announcement was made yesterday evening at the special Chamber Alive After Five hosted by Old Threshers at the Temple Theatre in Mount Pleasant.

Jim and Marlene Depriest, longtime teachers for the Mount Pleasant Community School District, were announced as the Grand Marshals for the 2024 Harvest Day Parade.

On Thursday, August 29^th, The Oak Ridge Boys will take the stage in what will be their first time performing at Old Threshers in over 30 years. Performing on the KILJ Stage in 1990 and 1992, the group continues to play great music all across the country.

Next up on the KILJ Stage is Chris Cagle. Performing on Friday, August 30^th, this will be Cagle’s first time taking the stage at Midwest Old Threshers. Cagle made his debut on Billboard Hot Country Songs charts with “My Love Goes On and On, a single from his debut album, Play it Loud.

Reunion goers in 2012 and 2013 might remember LOCASH, the talented duo from Nashville, Tennessee. They will light up the KILJ stage on Saturday, August 31^st! With new releases such as “Three Favorite Colors” and classics, you do not want to miss LOCASH.

Rounding off the long weekend of entertainment is the Frontmen! Featuring the dynamic voices of Richie McDonald, Larry Stewart, and Tim Rushlow, the group has collectively sold over 30 million records with over 30 major hits between them. Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 1^st, for a night of incredible entertainment.

Please note that all country music shows are free with the purchase of gate admission to the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. However, seating for each free concert is first-come, first-served. If you want to guarantee a seat, you can purchase one of their limited number of special 24″ wide reserved seats in the Grandstand center green section for $15 per person, per show.

Reserved seats for the concert will be available today at 8 AM. You can buy them online at https://shop.oldthreshers.com/collections/tickets, call at 319-385-8937, or stop by in person.

On March 8^th, 2024, at approximately 10:14PM, a traffic stop was conducted in the 2300-grid of Franklin Avenue in rural Mount Pleasant.

The driver was identified as Lisa Lowery of Hillsboro, Iowa. A subsequent investigation of operating while under the influence ensued and standardized field sobriety test administered.

As a result of this incident Lisa Lowery was charged and taken into custody for operation while under the influence (OWI). A written warning for speed and expired vehicle registration was also given.

***A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendants are

presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.***