Author: Yorke Prough

Friday morning saw a special episode of Generation Gap on KILJ Radio, which saw the four candidates for Henry County Board of Supervisors answer the questions that are surrounding our county. From wind energy to EMS, these four men answered every question thrown at them.

To listen to this full forum, copy the link below into your web browser and hit paste.

David Muhs, Dan Cook, Steven Detrick, and Chad White will all be on the ballot for the June 4^th primary in Henry County. Early voting begins May 15^th.

Last year on the 4th of July, the Mt Pleasant Police Department participated as a team in the Tunnel to Towers 5k Run & Walk in Donnellson with one of the largest teams. This year they will be participating again and have started a fundraiser account for anyone who wishes to donate to this amazing cause!

Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries forward a legacy of courage and heroism. Built upon the mantra, “While we have time, LET US DO GOOD,” the Foundation supports our nation’s fallen and catastrophically injured first responders, military heroes, and their families.

This year, the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk will be held in Donnellson on Thursday, July 4^th. If you’d like to make a donation, please head to KILJ.com where the link is posted to donate towards your fundraiser.

Representative Taylor Collins, a member of the Iowa House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement following the U.S. Justice Department suing the State of Iowa over the state’s new law criminalizing illegal immigration under state law:

“Our first responsibility as elected leaders is to ensure the safety and security of Iowans,” said Rep. Collins.

The State of Iowa can no longer sit idly by and continue to allow the willful invasion of our country.

As long as the Biden Administration refuses to do their job, we will do it for them.”

Because SF 2340 is preempted by federal law and violates the United States Constitution, the Justice Department seeks a declaration that SF 2340 is invalid and an order preliminarily or permanently enjoining the state from enforcing the law.

As outlined in the complaint, Iowa’s law would create a new state crime for unlawful reentry, with charges ranging from an aggravated misdemeanor to a felony. Additionally, SF 2340 would require state judges to order removal from the United States.

SF 2340 impedes the federal government’s ability to enforce entry and removal provisions of federal law and interferes with its conduct of foreign relations.

The suit was filed on behalf of the United States, including Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State.

*The bridge is operational and has been deemed safe by the BNSF*

The Fort Madison Mississippi River Bridge was struck by a barge on Thursday and has subsequently been closed. It is unknown how long it will remain closed, due to the damage being assessed by crews. This bridge looms large at 1675 foot with a 530 swing span and has been in operation since the 1927, after two years of construction.

The 2024 general election is coming up in November, but before that, primaries. David Pautsch is a new name in the political world, but he still is running for the House of Representatives, nonetheless. A republican, he hopes to usurp Mariannette Miller-Meeks for district one, due to his believing that she is a conservative who votes like a communist. Pautsch spoke at the Mount Pleasant Pizza Ranch in front of the noon rotary on Wednesday, and used the platform to voice his goals for if he is elected.

He mentioned that he is a big proponent of family, as he believes they are the building block of society. He would like to see families protected and consisting of one husband and one wife. He did admit that challenging an incumbent is a tall order, yet he does believe that he can defeat Miller-Meeks come June. In fact, he announced his candidacy all the way back on November 11^th. A veteran, and father of two sons who have served, one who returned home with PTSD and the other who was killed in the line of duty, he thought Veterans Day was appropriate to file his papers.

Pautsch spoke about God multiple times and made no apology, as he is just following the Founding Fathers. He thinks it’s best to go back to the maker to get things figured out, as the people who are running this country are “in over their heads.” According to Pautsch, this country is like rearranging deck chairs on the titanic, but the ship has struck the iceberg. He thinks things need to change in a major way.

The topic of illegal immigration surfaced, which Pautsch believes is a major problem in this country. He then said that we need to halt all immigration, as terrorists are entering our country, and then took it one step further with calling for deportation. Finally, during a conversation with a constituent, he mentioned that he is in support of term limits.

The primaries take place on June 4^th, 2024.