Author: Yorke Prough

The Central Lee High School had two students represent at the 2024 American Junior Academy of Science Conference, in conjunction with the American Academy for the Advancement of Science Conference in Denver, Colorado.

Senior Sidney Gruntmeir, daughter of Amy and Brian Gruntmeir, and Junior Alivia Cook, daughter of Nathan and Amy Cook, spent a week learning in Colorado. The two young researchers had the opportunity to tour research labs at the Air Force Academy, present their science research, and network with scientists from around the world. The pair have also been inducted as fellow to the AmJAS. Congratulations to Sidney and Alivia.

Two officers with the Mount Pleasant FFA attended the Annual Henry County Corn Growers Banquet on Tuesday evening. They represented the chapter well by discussing the big things happening. Alex Buck spoke about chemicals and materials that corn helps make.

For those of you who ordered strawberries, they are projected to be delivered on February 29^th at Beck’s. Students will be contacting their buyers. They sold a total of 600 flats this year, which helped raise money for the chapter. The top seller was Briar Bender, selling 110.25 flats.

Henry County Health Center’s Senior Life Solutions can help those who are struggling with a recent-heart related diagnosis or a decline in mental health. Maintaining good heart health is crucial for your physical well-being, and it also plays a significant role in supporting mental health. Numerous studies have show a strong connection between a healthy heart and a sound mind. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management contribute not only to a healthy cardiovascular system, but also to improved mental well-being.

Contact Henry County Health Center’s Senior Life Solutions at 319 385 6552 for more information.

Applications are currently being accepted for a scholarship/loan program through the Friends of Henry County Health Center.

The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage education and future employment in a healthcare field at Henry County Health Center. Applicants must be residents of Henry County, HCHC associates, or a family member of an HCHC associate.

The program is designated as a scholarship/loan because the recipient will be required to work at HCHC pending completion of course work, certification, and availability of employment. The scholarship/loan amount will be forgiven over a specified period of employment.

Applications are available at https://www.greatriverhealth.org/~/henry-county-health-center/about-us/volunteer-giving-opportunities/friends-of-henry-county-health-center/, the HCHC Information Desk in the front lobby, high schools located in Henry County, Southeastern Community College, Indian Hills Community College, Mt. Mercy College, or Kirkwood Community College.

Applicants may enroll in a program of their choice and at the college of their choice; however, the scholarship committee reserves the right to review the program. Funds may be used to pay for tuition, books, and other educational expenses.

Completed applications are due by Monday, April 1, 2024, at 5pm, and may be turned into the HCHC Public Information Department, 407 S. White Street, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 52641.

The Friends of HCHC initiated the scholarship/loan program in 1979 to offer financial assistance to students enrolled in a health care field of study.  Numerous scholarships have been awarded to area students in hospital service areas such as nursing, emergency care, laboratory, diagnostic imaging, health information management and pharmacy. Friends of Henry County Health Center sponsor an annual soup supper in early November to help fund the scholarship. This year’s Soup Supper is scheduled for Friday, November 8th.

For more scholarship information, call 319-385-6524.

The Henry County Supervisors met on Tuesday morning for a regular board meeting. Supervisor White brought up wind energy, which is a hot topic in Henry County currently, and mentioned that the supervisors need to discuss the wind ordinance. The first reading of the changes to the ordinance were tabled last week due to Senate Study Bill 3169, which would see State law trump County on issues laid out in wind energy ordinances. However, that bill is “dead” and did not continue through the Senate.

Joe Buffington, the Henry County Planning and Zoning Director was in attendance to answer questions and provide input. Board chair Moeller believes that the setback distance proposed of the height of the turbine multiplied by 2 is not enough. He said that was his personal opinion but would like to look further into setting the turbines back 1/3^rd of a mile.

A moratorium was then discussed. Joe Buffington said that there has been no application for a moratorium at this moment. Supervisor White believes that a moratorium would be used for public input if one were to be in place. Buffington stated that there needs to be a reason for a halt. It seems that the supervisors are going to meet with the county attorney to discuss this further.

When supervisor White told the room he would like to see a visual of turbines at different setback distances, a citizen provided a map of such. Buffington then mentioned that he will create something as well.

The supervisors mentioned how they are reading through emails sent from citizens regarding this potential wind farm project. Supervisor Lindeen has been reading through ordinances from other counties.

There is a Planning and Zoning meeting on March 12^th at the Henry County Courthouse at 6:00pm. This meeting is open to the public.