Author: Yorke Prough

Make sure to tune in this Friday for a special episode of Generation Gap, where the potential Henry County Supervisors will be asked all sorts of questions. What type of questions will be asked? Well that’s up to you, the listener. Send any questions you’d like asked to news@kilj.com or call 319 385 8728, as Paul and Kadie will be joined by the four men who are on the ballot for the primaries in June.

Dan Cook, Steve Detrick, David Muhs, and incumbent Chad White are running the race to see who will become the next county supervisor. There are two positions on the board available, with longtime member and current board chair, Greg Moeller, officially retiring. Incumbent Chad White will see his term expire and is hoping to retain his position.

Once again, make sure to tune in this Friday to hear directly from the men who want to represent you.

If you are unable to catch this special episode live, it will be posted on our Spotify page directly following.

In honor of Screen Free Week Monday, May 6 to Sunday, May 12, UScellular encourages everyone to take the Phones Down for 5 Challenge, a UScellular “Built for US” initiative meant to inspire people to take a break from technology for five days, five hours or even just five minutes.

Screen Free Week is organized by the nonprofit organization Fairplay. This is an annual event that encourages people to take a break from screen-based entertainment.

Smartphones are an essential part of everyday life that help us do so many things. But in a recent UScellular survey*, nearly 75% of respondents said they spend at least an hour on social media every day with 24% spending three to four hours per day. Nearly a third of respondents said they want to take an intentional break from their phone, which makes Screen Free Week an ideal time for people to spend time away from their screens and reset their relationship with technology.

“We encourage everyone to take a break from their devices during Screen Free Week to connect with what matters most,” said Joshua Olbricht, UScellular’s director of sales and operations for east Iowa. “By taking the Phones Down for 5 Challenge or taking a break in a way that works for you, our hope is that everyone can make the most of their screen-free time and foster a healthier relationship with technology.”

In addition to Phones Down for 5, UScellular has created the following tips to help your Screen Free Week be a success:

Reconnect with Family and Friends. Talk about your favorite memories with your partner. Take a friend you have not seen in a long time out to dinner. Invite your neighbors to a game night with board games. Try making a brand-new recipe or dish for your family. Make experiences that are unique and impossible to duplicate if you were glued to your phone.

Have More Parental Control. UScellular recently partnered with Bark to help parents and families navigate life with their digital devices. With Bark, parents can monitor their child’s social media activity, manage screen time and help prevent digital dangers including cyberbullying, unsafe websites and more with real-time alerts. Upon checkout, use code USCCARES to receive one month free.

Be a Creative Genius. Painting and drawing are activities that not only allow you to express your creativity, but they also provide a sense of accomplishment and relaxation during your unplugging session. If you are feeling crafty, you could also make your own jewelry, furniture or decor for your home.

Unplug with Your Kids. Establish healthier digital boundaries with your children with UScellular and Screen Sanity’s Smarter Start Toolkit. It includes educational and actionable tools, tips and an agreement for both parents and kids, so everyone can use technology in a more thoughtful way.

Get out. Work out. Chill out. Take a break from being on your device by spending time outdoors and getting some fresh air on a walk or bike ride. The Great Outdoors offers plenty of exercise options, as well. Try to go for a run or shoot some hoops. If technology plays a significant role in your self-care regimen, be sure to substitute it for peaceful activities during your screen-free time.

Affordability and accessibility are the top barriers for farmers seeking mental health services, per an American Farm Bureau Federation survey. During May Mental Health Awareness Month, the Iowa Farm Bureau wants to remind farmers support is readily available—and at no cost—through Personal Assistance Services (PAS).

This service provides farm families with personalized, ongoing counseling. It is facilitated by rural mental health clinicians, many of whom have a farming background or understand the unique challenges farming communities face. They offer tailored support for stress, anxiety, sleep issues, substance abuse and more.

“We put so much energy into our farms that sometimes we can neglect our own well-being,” says Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “While farming is a calling and a significant part of our life, you—as a friend, spouse, parent, neighbor, community member and volunteer— are irreplaceable, and your health deserves to be prioritized. We feel strongly about mental health for farm families, which is why we provided financial assistance to a farm-focused mental health program in 2020 that has now expanded nationwide.”

Additionally, Iowa Farm Bureau has compiled a comprehensive list of mental health services, Iowa-based resources and suicide prevention hotlines that assist all Iowans in their pursuit of wellness. For more information, visit iowafarmbureau.com/farmstress.

The Burlington Police Department investigates every report of the sound of gunfire. We need community members to help by providing any information they might have related to the incident. Many times, officers are unable to locate evidence or witnesses to help determine the exact location the gunfire originated from. In the following case, evidence of a shooting was located, and arrests are anticipated.

At approximately 9:32 pm on May 2, 2024, Burlington Police Officers responded to a call of shots fired in the 1400-block of Spray. Upon officer’s arrival, they located a residence nearby that had a single gunshot through a window. No injuries were reported. This investigation is ongoing and arrests are anticipated. If you have any information about this incident, please call DESCOM at 319-671-7001, or to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 319-753-6835. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.

After a weeklong celebration of five finalists for the 2024 Small Business of the Year in Mount Pleasant, the winner was announced Friday morning.

Congratulations to your 2024 Small Business of the Year, Triple Seven Trucking! During the breakfast, Blaire Barton (owner) spoke about being honored to even be a finalist. Triple Seven Trucking acquired a new building a few short years ago, and it is built on ground that his grandfather owned when he was a baby.

Guest speaker, Craig Smith (CEO of Sterzing Food Company) talked about change, which is something that every business must face. He joined Paul and Kadie for a special episode of generation gap, which is available on KILJ.com and on KILJ Spotify page, where nearly every finalist spoke as well.

It is important to celebrate small businesses, and to congratulate those who work extra hard to make this town a better place. Congratulations to all of the finalists, From the Heart Flowers and Gifts, Sa3m Sao Market, Orthodontic Associates of Iowa, and Southeast Iowa Realty!

Cinco de Mayo is on Sunday and that means people will be celebrating all weekend long.  It’s a day to enjoy Mexican culture with themed food and drink. GTSB is partnering with law enforcement to spread the message, “Designate Before You Celebrate”.

If you’re going to indulge in alcohol on May 5, plan a sober driver or use a ride share service.

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated a number of ways – whether you are just meeting a few friends after work or attending a Cinco de Mayo party, think before you drink and plan a safe ride home.

• Designate a sober driver
• Use a rideshare app or taxi
• Take public transportation
• Stay the night at your location

Remember on Cinco de Mayo, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.

May your celebration be a colorful, festive and safe.

Around 3:11pm yesterday a motor vehicle accident occurred at mile marker 46 in the 2100 block of highway 218. According to reports, it was a two vehicle accident with one of those vehicles entering into the trees. Responding to this was the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Henry County Health Center, and Mt. Pleasant Fire and Rescue.

The monthly department head meeting at the Henry County Courthouse was held on Thursday morning. If you owe property taxes still, be expecting a letter from the Treasurer, and if you’re looking for a COVID shot, Henry County Public Health is out for now, so they are directing people to HyVee.

Emergency Management Director, Walt Jackson, spoke about the tornado that ripped through Southeast Iowa and thanked the Sheriff and road departments. He mentioned that we suffered heavy structural damage from the storm. A Henry County Sheriff car ran into a deer that same night, and the car was determined to be totaled. However, the same squad car was on its way to decommission anyway, so the storm and deer just combined to make it happen a little easier.

Early voting will begin on May 15^th for the upcoming primaries on June 4^th, according to the Henry County Auditor. That will take place in the conference room at the courthouse.

Just before adjournment, concerned citizens asked the Henry County Supervisors about a noticeable absentee from the department head meeting. Joe Buffington, Planning and Zoning Director, was missing from the meeting, although it was explained that he was at an appointment. Citizens pressed on, urging the Supervisors to meet with Buffington once a month from now on. The supervisors seemed to agree that this was a fair request. Joe Buffington is on the agenda for next Thursday, May 9^th, to give a monthly update.

Another citizen in the crowd brought up employee timesheets in the county. Recently, a Human Resources Representative was asked to investigate allegations of the falsification of time records. After doing a thorough investigation, it was determined that out of 9 employees across two departments who were meant to work 7.5 hours on a day in question, 2 of those clocked less than 5 hours, one use accrued leave, three worked between 7.12 hours and 7.33, and two employees did not report to work at all. One employee worked 8.38 hours on that day. It seems further investigation is in the works.