Henry County Public Health has new tools to help patients have a better immunization experience. A cold spray option is now available to help numb the skin before the shot. You can also ask for a Buzzy, which uses vibration and cold, or a ShotBlocker to provide pain relief. There are also fidget toys and stress balls to use as a distraction. These items are available for both children and adults.

Children can also have the option of a weighted lap blanket or vibrating ball pillow to provide comfort. Another way Public Health has improved the immunization experience is with an underwater themed mural that was painted on two of the walls last year by local painter Annie Guldberg.

Kelly Carr, Community Outreach Coordinator talks about making the process easier for everyone.

The colorful mural full of sea creatures helps distract all kids by giving them something fun to focus on. Additional options for patients with sensory needs include dimming the lights and using a sound machine.

Public Health is located at 106 E. Jackson Street in Mt. Pleasant and walk-in immunization clinics are held Tuesdays 9-11am, Wednesdays and Thursdays 1-4pm, and the 1^st and 3^rd Thursday 1-6pm.

If you or your child would benefit from extra time, you can also make an appointment outside of clinic hours.

If you have any questions about these immunization tools or immunizations in general call 319-385-0779 or email publichealth@henrycountyiowa.us.

Find all latest updates at Facebook.com/HealthyHenryCounty.

Iowa Weekly Fuel Report

DES MOINES, Iowa (March 26, 2025) – The price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 5 cents, averaging $3.03 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

• The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $2.94 per barrel and is currently priced at $69.83.
• Brent crude oil rose by $3.27 and is currently priced at $73.84.
• One year ago, WTI crude sold for $82.41 and Brent crude was priced at $85.91.

Motor Fuels

• As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.03 across Iowa according to AAA.
  • Prices rose 5 cents from last week’s price and are down 29 cents from a year ago.
  • The national average on Wednesday was $3.15, up 5 cents from last week’s price.
• Retail diesel prices in Iowa held steady this week with a statewide average of $3.33.
  • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.78 in Iowa.
  • The current Iowa diesel price is 28 cents lower than the national average of $3.61.
• Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
• The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.20 for U87-E10, $2.43 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.38 for ULSD#2, $2.63 for ULSD#1, and $1.96 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

• Natural gas prices were down $.26 at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.89 MMbtu.
• Propane prices averaged $1.64 per gallon in Iowa.
• Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $2.86 per gallon.

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

West Burlington, IA – The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission (SEIRPC) will convene for a Full Board meeting on March 27, 2025, at 12:00 PM. The meeting will take place at 211 N. Gear Ave., Suite 100, West Burlington, IA, with a virtual attendance option available via Zoom.

The agenda includes a presentation of the Leland McCosh and LeRoy Meyer Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to regional development. In addition, board members will review the Director’s Report, meeting minutes, financial reports, and claims as part of the consent agenda.

Key business items include:

• Approval of the Teamster 238 Agreement for FY2025-FY2026

• An update on the FY2026 Consolidated Transit Application

• Discussion of the Draft FY2026 Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP)

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for public input during the Matters from the Floor segment.

The meeting will be chaired by Schleisman, with contributions from Norris and James on various agenda points.

For those unable to attend in person, the meeting can be accessed via Zoom at this link or by calling (312) 626-6799 (Meeting ID: 878 0097 9973).

The SEIRPC plays a vital role in regional development, transportation planning, and public infrastructure projects across Southeast Iowa.

A West Burlington woman’s craving for something sweet led to a $10,000 Iowa Lottery win.

Carol Gerst stopped at Casey’s to redeem a free candy bar and had planned to buy a scratch ticket at another store. But she decided to keep things simple.

“I’m not going to two gas stations. I’ll just go to Casey’s,” she said.

Gerst and her son, Caleb, went to the Casey’s at 501 E. Mount Pleasant St. in West Burlington, where she picked up a Reese’s Sticks bar and a Ruby Red Crossword scratch ticket.

She scratched the ticket while running errands and quickly realized she had won something. To confirm, she scanned it with the Iowa Lottery mobile app.

“It says $10,000,” she said. “And I’m saying, ‘No, I think there’s a mistake!’”

It turns out she had forgotten to scratch one letter—an “H”—which made all the difference. That single letter pushed her winnings up to the $10,000 prize, which she claimed Tuesday at the Iowa Lottery’s regional office in Cedar Rapids.

Gerst, 76, works at a facility that cares for residents with special needs. She plans to use her winnings for a home repair, to surprise friends with a little extra cash, and to treat herself.

“At my age, we are having fun with any bonus, anything extra. This is fun money for me!” she said.

Ruby Red Crossword is a $30 scratch game featuring 16 top prizes of $300,000 and 47 prizes of $10,000, with overall odds of 1 in 2.29.

For more details on the game and remaining prizes, visit ialottery.com.