Author: Yorke Prough

Nearly 100 middle and high school students participated in Youthify’s New Years Eve “Light Up the Darkness” event.  24 adult leaders

This event saw the return of the annual black-light dodge-ball tournament, a variety of games, and a concert for the students, and 24 adult volunteers, to enjoy. Christian recording artist, PEABOD, traded Seattle, Washington, for Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on New Year’s Eve to perform.

While many enjoy the games and the music, there is one clear mission that all the adult leaders want to get across. According to Parnell Davis, regional director for Heartland Youth for Christ, the “kids need hope.” The only hope that can be found in the world, Parnell says, is Jesus Christ.

Youth(ify) hosts quarterly events to connect children to Jesus and develop authentic relationships. Volunteers from many church congregations in Southeast Iowa come together to “bridge the divide” for the students. Many may see this as their best event yet. According to Parnell, half of the room of kids asked for prayer. Some students were struggling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Remarkably, over 10 students made a decision to follow Jesus during this event.

*Youth(ify) is a ministry of Youth for Christ uniting like-minded churches and organizations to facilitate quarterly events for kids grades 6th-12th grade with the purpose of developing authentic, Christ-sharing relationships and getting kids involved within the local church.

**Youth(ify) wants to extend another big thank you to their sponsors Sanity Coffee House Quality Equipment AG SOS DJ Prayz Him and Prayz Him Ent.

Remember the talk of a potential storm hitting Southeast Iowa next week? The National Weather Service continues to watch for it, with the latest information providing a sense of comfort. Early indications suggest the greatest impacts from this system will affect southeastern Iowa, with between 50-70% chances of *minor* winter travel impact.

Strong winds are likely to occur, which would cause blowing snow. The good news is that the temperature near the ground may be near to above freezing at times, which would limit the snow amounts. Monday through Tuesday continues to be the most likely timeframe.

If you saw multiple Henry County Sheriff Vehicles race across Mt. Pleasant just before 3:30pm yesterday, you might be wondering why. According to a dispatch report, there was a motor vehicle accident at the 2300 Block of Clayton Avenue. The Mt. Pleasant Fire and Rescue and Henry County Health Center also responded. Reports suggest a car flipped over and there may have been significant injury to an occupant.

What were you doing at 18 years old? For Mt. Pleasant native, Kamryn Hart, she is planning on giving back to the world by serving in a unique and important way. Graduating from Mt. Pleasant Community High School in 2023, Kamryn traded small town Iowa for big Texas. Taking classes in Austin, she soon realized that her calling in life might be on the soil of another land. After attending First Baptist church in Mt. Pleasant and getting involved with ministry in Austin, she decided that she wanted to travel to foreign land and spread the gospel.

While many local churches and organizations offer this opportunity, she knew the first part of 2024 would be the best time for her to adventure. That’s where the World Race comes in. World Race, a mission centered non-profit organization based out of Georgia, provides the chance to many people to take on a missionary journey. Heading to the South American countries of Ecuador and Colombia, Kamryn will embark on a “Gap Semester” trip, which allows her to leave halfway through January and return by May

This trip is far from a vacation. Kamryn will be going through intense conditions to bring support to the natives. She will be working with women who were formerly trafficked and teaching kid’s vocational skills, such as reading and writing. She will also help children who were disabled, and try her hand in street evangelism, which is a large part of the trip.

Kamryn had already “gotten her feet wet” by joining a local church trip to Mexico this past summer. A week long missions trip with Wellspring Evangelical Free Church in Mt. Pleasant helped her to understand her “flame” for the mission field. Talking with Kamryn, it is clear that this will not be her last trip to a foreign land with an evangelistic heart.

Balancing college, work, and future plans, it would take the perfect storm for her to have this opportunity. It just so happened that all the dominoes fell in the right place at the right time. Kamryn Hart, the girl from small town Iowa, will be making a crater-size impact in Ecuador and Colombia this year, and she is confident that God will guide her on this mission.

Keep up with Kamryn…

https://kamrynhart.theworldrace.org/?fbclid=IwAR0nzQbg_anljJJD9HD83im9zGkLj52uMxKztX8GnS1mB-ba4uSrqDimvYM

More about the World Race…

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The Residents of Keokuk, Iowa are currently experiencing offensive odors in the air, which has prompted concern among local authorities and community members alike.

Reports to City Hall of the offensive odors on December 9, 2023, and December 29, 2023, from residents in various areas of the community have raised concerns about its potential impact on air quality and public health. The City of Keokuk is working diligently with local employers to solve this odor problem.

The City of Keokuk understands the concerns and inconveniences this situation may cause for residents and assures the community that every effort is being made to address the issue as swiftly as possible.

At the present time, representatives from both industries have assured the City of Keokuk they will be correcting all problems associated with the odors. Both Industries have received nuisance letters from the City of Keokuk.

One of industries has said they will not be using the product that has caused the smell anymore. However, they will need to ship the remaining product; this will be done by truck and when the product is being transferred to the trucks, there will most likely be an odor for a short time. The representative has said that this odor will not be as strong as it was previously. The City of Keokuk has requested that they let us know the date and time this will happen so that we can let our citizens know. They have agreed to let us know the schedule.

The other industry has reached out to schedule an appointment with City Officials to discuss the problem.

The City of Keokuk appreciates the cooperation and patience of residents during this time and assures the community that ongoing steps will continue to ensure the well-being of everyone in Keokuk. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused as we move forward.

For further information, please contact:

Kathie Mahoney

Mayor, City of Keokuk

501 Main St

Keokuk, Iowa 52632

319-524-2050, ext. 2212