Author: Yorke Prough

Early detection is the best protection against breast cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Henry County Health Center will offer screening mammograms with no appointment necessary on Friday, October 18. Normal billing processes will apply.

On October 18, anyone over the age of 40 is invited to get a routine screening mammogram between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at HCHC with the following guidelines:

• Must be over the age of 40.
• Routine screening mammograms only.
• Must be at least one year since your last mammogram for insurance purposes.
• No appointment necessary but must register at the health center registration areas near the main entrance.
• Patients must designate a physician or advanced practice provider to receive the report.
• Normal billing processes will apply.

HCHC patients receive advanced breast imaging with HCHC’s 3-D mammography. Breast tomosynthesis, often referred to as 3-D mammography, allows doctors to see masses and distortions associated with cancers and precancerous cells significantly more clearly than conventional 2-D mammography.

For more information about mammography at HCHC, contact the Diagnostic Imaging Department at 319-385-6158. On October 18, no appointment is required for a routine screening mammogram; just register at the registration areas near the front entrance of the hospital. However, for patients wanting to schedule a mammogram, call 319-385-6540.

There will be a second work session for the Henry County Supervisors, in which the only item on the agenda is to discuss the alternative energy overlay district. This meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 8^th, at 10:00am in the Henry County Courthouse. At the regular supervisors meeting on Thursday morning, board chair Moeller said it is clear that the 3-man board has more to discuss before bringing this matter to a public hearing.

Also, at the meeting on Thursday, Shelly Barber, auditor, reminded the room that early voting will begin on October 16^th and will be open Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm. The courthouse will open on Saturday, November 2^nd, from 9-5pm for early voting as well.

At a recent board meeting, the assistant county attorney voiced his opinion that the proposed alternate energy ordinance put forth by the Henry County Watchmen LLC would not hold up in court. Multiple people were upset that he did not elaborate on what parts of the proposed Watchmen ordinance are not defensible. Steven Giebelhausen addressed these comments today, saying that he will not be making his legal opinions over this issue to the public, as it is a breach of ethical duties and could be illegal. If a board member wants to discuss the ordinance with him, that is fine.

The General Election is just over one month away now, and the Henry County Auditor’s office would like to remind voters that Henry County voters have not yet received their ballot in the mail. The Henry County Auditor’s Office will mail all requested absentee ballots to be sent to their home on October 16^th.

This is also the same day that early voting will begin at the Henry County Courthouse on the second floor in the conference room.  Please bring your ID with you.

Early voting is open Monday through Friday 8am – 4:30 pm and also on Saturday, November 2nd the Courthouse will be open from 9 am to 5 pm. If anyone has any questions, please call the Henry County Auditor’s Office at (319) 385-0756

According to the Iowa State Patrol, an 87-year old woman from Mediapolis was killed in a vehicle collision in Des Moines County on Tuesday afternoon.

The deceased, identified as Marilyn Drebenstedt was driving an SUV westbound on US34. She began backing up on the travel portion of the roadway. According to eye witness accounts, the SUV continued backing up until reaching a crossover marked with a “no U-turn” sign near mile marker 255. A garbage truck, operated by 55 year old Richard Hoops, was traveling westbound at the same location and struck the driver’s door directly when the SUV took a left turn.

Looking at the weekly fuel report, gas prices average just under $3 across Iowa (2.99) this week, which is a 5 cent drop from last week. This is 55 cents cheaper than last year, according to AAA. The national average sits at $3.20.

Diesel prices fell just 2 cents, for an average of $3.32 in Iowa, which is 25 cents less than the national average and a 98-cent decrease from last year.

Natural gas prices continued to rise, up another 13 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site, currently priced at $2.96/MMbtu.

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