Henry County Public Health has announced a new leader.

Dixie Moberg, a registered nurse, has been named the agency’s new Public Health Director. She will officially begin her role on May 4th.

Moberg will oversee a wide range of programs and services aimed at improving community health. Those include immunizations, lead testing, car seat safety checks, and newborn home visits. The department also coordinates the Healthy Henry County Communities wellness coalition and offers education on a variety of public health topics.

During the transition, residents with questions are encouraged to contact the Henry County Public Health office at 319-385-0779.

More information about available services can be found online at HealthyHenryCounty.org/PublicHealth.

The search for Iowa’s best breaded pork tenderloin of the year, held by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), has begun.

The IPPA is kicking off the 2026 Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest, and nominations are officially open now through June 1st.

This annual competition shines a spotlight on the restaurants serving up one of Iowa’s most iconic sandwiches, and both tenderloin fans and restaurants can participate. Each person can submit one nomination, and if your pick rises to the top, you’ll be entered for a chance to win $100.

After nominations close, IPPA will select the top 40 restaurants across the state, including the top five from each of its eight districts. From there, undercover judges will visit each location to evaluate entries based on pork quality, flavor, appearance, and overall experience.

The top five will be announced in October during National Pork Month, with the winner earning $500, a plaque, and statewide recognition. The runner-up will receive $250 and a plaque. The 2025 winner was Hometown Heroes in Grinnell.

Submit nominations here: https://www.iowapork.org/community/contests/breaded-tenderloin-contest/best-tenderloin-in-ia

Community members are being invited to come together to help clean up storm debris during a community-wide effort at WACO Jr./Sr. High School.

School officials are grateful for the strength and support shown by the community and are organizing the cleanup for this morning. Crews from several companies with large machinery have agreed to assist with removing major debris, helping speed up recovery efforts.

At the same time, volunteers are still greatly needed to help tackle smaller cleanup tasks. Jr./Sr. High School students will also have the option to participate in the cleanup during the school day if they choose.

Community members who are able to help are asked to gather at 10:00 a.m. at the high school, with parking available near the Eichelberger Agri-Science Center. Volunteers are encouraged to wear gloves, long pants, and boots to help stay safe while working.

Local businesses are also stepping up to support volunteers. Your Choice Family Restaurant has offered to donate pizzas to help feed those taking part in the cleanup effort.

School leaders are thankful for the opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with staff, students, and community members as recovery efforts continue.

After days of active spring weather, our region will get a brief break today before another round of potentially dangerous weather arrives Friday.

The National Weather Service has issued an Enhanced Risk — level 3 out of 5 — for severe storms across much of the area Friday afternoon into Friday night as a strong cold front approaches.

Forecasters say the primary threats with Friday’s storms will be damaging straight-line winds and isolated tornadoes. In addition, there is a Slight Risk — level 2 out of 4 — for localized flash flooding, especially in areas that have already received significant rainfall.

Storm timing is expected to unfold in stages. By mid to late Friday afternoon, isolated to scattered severe storms could develop ahead of the main cold front, although confidence in how widespread those early storms will be remains low.

The greatest concern is expected during the evening into early nighttime hours, when a more organized line of storms — possibly a squall line — is forecast to move through the region, bringing the highest potential for severe weather.

Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely, review severe weather safety plans, and make sure they have multiple ways to receive warnings Friday afternoon and evening.