Author: Yorke Prough

In case you have been living under a rock, Southeast Iowa has experienced relatively large amounts of rainfall in the previous few weeks. While we are thankful for the rain, unfortunately rain can make driving awfully difficult.

Before departing on the open roads, consider doing some checks on your vehicle first. Inspect your wiper blades and make sure they are operational, be sure that your brake lights and headlights work, and that your tires are properly inflated. When on the road, reduce your speed and increase your following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Do not use cruise control in wet weather, as that can cause you to lose control.

Make sure to be safe on the roads this wet season.

The Women’s Woodland Stewardship Network is hosting two events in May for women who are landowners.

“Your woodlands are valuable resources and their potential can be increased and expanded through management. The first step is knowing more about your woods and defining your goals and that’s what these events are for,” said Lisa Louck, district forester with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Louck said forestry experts will lead low-intensity walks through the woods while discussing woodland management, tree and plant identification, how to manage for pollinators, wildlife and lumber, and more. Information on forestry and wildlife resources, as well as cost share programs available will be included near the end of the event.

The events are scheduled for May 1, in the Amana Colonies, from 6-8 p.m., and again on May 16, at Lamson Woods Preserve, in Fairfield, from 6-8 p.m.

To register for the Amana event, contact Louck, at 319-759-1108 or lisa.louck@dnr.iowa.gov, for location and shuttle information. The event is hosted by the Iowa DNR, ISU Extension and Outreach and Amana Forestry.

To register for the Fairfield event, contact Louck at 319-759-1108 or lisa.louck@dnr.iowa.gov. The event is hosted by the Iowa DNR and ISU Extension and Outreach.

Summer is right around the corner, and students across Iowa can rejoice. Well, most of them. Some, however, aren’t sure what their next meal is going to be. Thankfully, the Fellowship Cup of Mount Pleasant puts on a summer sack lunch program every year, which offers free food to those who are in need.

In 2022 alone, the summer sack lunch program provided 6,765 lunches, and they are looking for donations this year to help prepare. Currently, they are in need of juice boxes and snack packs, specifically items like fruit snacks, cookies, and crackers.

If you have a donation to drop off, please bring it to the Fellowship Cup on Monday or Thursday, but call ahead first.

The Iowa Department of Education today awarded nearly $6 million in competitive grants to 67 Iowa schools to create, expand and sustain high-quality before-and-after school programs that support families and advance student achievement in partnership with community organizations. Three area school districts that benefit from this grant are Danville, Mediapolis, and Ottumwa.

“By expanding access to before- and after-school programs grounded in evidence-based best practices, Learning Beyond the Bell grants will support improved student achievement, strong attendance, and positive behaviors,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow.

The Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District is excited to celebrate the 83^rd Annual Soil and Water Conservation Week April 28 – May 5, 2024! This year, the theme “May the Forest Be with You Always” takes center stage. This theme underscores the critical interplay between soil and water conservation and the resilience of our forests.

The Iowa Soil and Water Conservation Week is celebrated in conjunction with Stewardship Week, sponsored by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). Every year, SWCDs across the country celebrate Stewardship Week as a way to promote natural resource conservation. The Henry County joins Iowa’s 100 Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and others who provide leadership in soil health, soil conservation, water quality and the protection and enhancement of Iowa’s natural resources.

“The week is an opportunity to recognize conservation practices underway, helping sustain and restore Iowa’s rich soil and water resources,” states Jeri Thornsberry, President of Conservation Districts of Iowa, the statewide organization that supports Iowa’s elected Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioners who work within our local communities to provide resources that assist landowners in caring for the land. “The week focuses attention on the progress and commitment by farmers, landowners and urban residents to protect those resources.”

To learn more about these opportunities through your local Soil and Water Conservation District, contact Henry SWCD @ 709 S Iris Street, Mt Pleasant Iowa  or one of the Henry County

Soil & Water Conservation Commissioners:  Allan Barnes, Rick Mallams, Harlan Miller, Chuck Allen, Jeff Olson and Steve Detrick.

After a seemingly short period of respite, storms are back in the forecast and the National Weather Service is saying they could arrive as soon as tonight. Currently, a line of strong to severe storms is predicted to make it’s way to Southeast Iowa anywhere between 7:00pm and 1:00am, with damaging winds and hail set to be the main threats once again. Storms will move from the east to the southeast around 40mph.

There is a slight chance for tornadoes, and damaging winds up to 70mph are possible. Ping pong size hail may make an appearance as well.

This is a good reminder to make sure that you have multiple ways to receive alerts about storms, and keep your radio tuned to KILJ all day long for weather updates.