Hudson Gibb of Burlington and Natalie Steele of Lockridge were selected for the 2025 Youth Tour, an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Access Energy Cooperative.

Hudson, a junior at Danville High School, is involved in catering, the Southeast Iowa Property Owners, and his church youth group. Natalie, a sophomore at Fairfield High School, participates in 4-H, volleyball, babysitting, and helps on her family farm.

They will join nearly 1,000 students nationwide to explore American history and government, visit landmarks, and meet legislators. Access Energy Cooperative has sponsored the Youth Tour since 1958, selecting up to two students annually through an application and interview process.

Access Energy Cooperative has been a part of the Youth Tour program since 1958 and currently selects up to two students each year to participate in the seven-day trip. The students are selected through an application and interview process.

The event will be held Saturday, March 22^nd, 9:30 a.m. until noon at the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, west entrance.  The entry has disability access.

During the caucuses the Henry County Democrats will hear from officers on key issues, select leadership and committee persons for precincts, discuss priorities regarding platform resolutions, and conduct planning for the remainder of the year.

The caucus is open to all Democrats in Henry County.  Registration will be available at the caucus.

Henry County Spring Meeting and Democratic Caucus

When:  Saturday, March 22^nd, 9:30 – Noon

Where:  First United Methodist Church, 309 N. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant

Who: Registered Democrats who live in Henry County

The Mount Pleasant Community School District Finance Committee reviewed its certified budget for the upcoming fiscal year, highlighting financial planning and tax rate considerations, and state funding during its meeting from Friday.

The certified budget sets a maximum spending limit, ensuring flexibility for unforeseen costs. The proposed property tax levy is $11.97 per $1,000 of assessed value, in line with neighboring districts. The management fund levy increased to $1 million to cover early retirement incentives, rising insurance costs, and weather-related expenses.

Public hearings are set for March 24 and April 14 for community input. The district is also monitoring state funding discussions and preparing for staff contract negotiations, with rising health insurance costs impacting the budget.

The board aims to balance financial responsibility with maintaining quality education and infrastructure for years to come.

Gov. Kim Reynolds recently signed an extension of the proclamation relating to the weight limits and transportation of grain, fertilizer, and manure.

The proclamation is effective immediately and continues through April 7, 2025. The proclamation allows vehicles transporting corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, stover, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), manure (dry and liquid), and distillers grains to be overweight (not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight) without a permit for the duration of this proclamation.

This proclamation applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa (excluding the interstate system) and those which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code § 321.463 (6) (b), by more than 12.5 percent, do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.

Exercising their First Amendment rights, a large group of Henry County residents gathered at the Henry County Courthouse on Sunday, March 9, for the second protest of the month. The demonstrators, standing on the sidewalks outside the courthouse, held banners and signs to voice their concerns and aspirations for the future of their community.

The peaceful gathering showed a diverse group of individuals advocating for a range of issues affecting Henry County. While some participants called for local government transparency, others highlighted matters such as economic development, education reform, and environmental conservation. The demonstrators engaged in discussions with passersby and members of the local government to foster constructive dialogue.

The demonstration remained peaceful, with local law enforcement present to ensure the safety of all involved. Officers observed from a distance, allowing participants to express themselves freely while maintaining public order.

As Henry County continues to see increased civic engagement, many believe that these protests mark a growing interest in local policymaking. Organizers have hinted at future gatherings, hoping to keep discussions alive and encourage constructive changes within the community.