A house fire broke out Tuesday evening at 1808 Grube Street in Burlington, prompting a swift response from the Burlington Fire Department.

Firefighters were dispatched at 5:38 p.m. and arrived on the scene within eight minutes to find smoke pouring from the roof. Upon entry, crews discovered flames and thick smoke concentrated in the basement.

The home, owned by William and Deborah Alter, was insured at the time of the incident. Fortunately, the couple and their dog escaped unharmed. However, officials noted that the residence lacked working smoke alarms.

Multiple agencies assisted in containing the fire, including Alliant Energy and Gas, Mediapolis Fire Department, West Burlington Fire Department, Burlington Police Department, and the American Red Cross. Fire crews remained at the scene until 7:30 p.m.

No injuries were reported among residents or firefighters. While the cause of the fire remains undetermined, authorities suspect electrical hazards in the basement may have played a role.

Fire Marshal Robert Berndt emphasized the importance of fire safety, particularly ensuring homes have functioning smoke detectors to prevent future tragedies.

Friday is the final day to receive a free T-shirt with your admission purchase for the Henry County Daddy Daughter Dance. The Dance will be held at the Mt Pleasant high school on March 29^th. The event is open to all ages, so everyone is invited to attend. While dancing will be a central part of the event, attendees can also enjoy a variety of other activities, including bingo, crafts, and games.

For those looking to make additional purchases, be sure to bring cash, as it will be needed for glitter tattoos, raffle tickets, photos, and refreshments.

While there is no dress code, the night is all about comfort and enjoyment. Attendees can choose to wear anything from casual jeans to dressier clothes or even dress according to the event’s theme. Last year’s red-carpet theme was a hit, and this year’s event promises to be just as memorable.

Friday is the deadline to claim your free T-shirt with admission to the Henry County Daddy Daughter Dance. Get your tickets for a night of dancing, fun, and community! The event is hosted by the American Cancer Society. https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=140734

The Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting at 12:00 p.m. today, in the MPMU Conference Room at 509 N Adams.

The meeting will begin with a roll call and agenda approval, followed by an update on the Transmission System Power Supply Project, including a review of recent MISO correspondence.

Other business may be addressed, including a closed session under Iowa Code 388.9 to discuss marketing, pricing strategies, and proprietary information. The board will also consider approving legal action against RPGI for breach of contract and fiduciary duties. The meeting will adjourn upon completion of all scheduled discussions.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors will meet Thursday, at 9:00 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Office located at Henry County Court House.

The agenda includes department head meeting. County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss will provide his weekly update, and the board will review and approve dust control companies. Additionally, Joe Buffington will present his monthly update.

The board will also address the renewal certificate of appointment for a deputy sheriff. Public comments will be accepted before the board moves into a closed session for an employee discussion, as permitted under Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(i).

The New London Ag Foundation is excited to announce the launch of a new agricultural education and FFA program, aimed at providing students with hands-on learning, leadership skills, and career pathways in agriculture.

To bring this vision to life, the New London Ag Foundation are seeking to raise $210,000 to cover startup costs, including teacher expenses, resources, equipment, and FFA activities.

Your support, whether one-time or ongoing, will directly benefit students and help prepare them for successful careers in agriculture.

For questions or to discuss your donation, contact us at newlondon.ag@gmail.com

At a recent Planning & Zoning meeting, the city planning board approved the subdivision of a parcel of land on West Clay, near the intersection of Clay Street. The primary agenda items included the approval of the minutes from the November 5, 2024, meeting and a discussion regarding the land subdivision request.

The board reviewed the potential impacts of the subdivision of property, ultimately determining that there were no significant concerns related to traffic or infrastructure. The parcel in question is intended for the construction of a single-family residence by a family member of the current landowner.

During the discussion, board members considered the city’s right to review subdivisions within two miles of the city limits under an agreement with the county. Given the nature of the request, the board voted to waive its review rights while stipulating that any future subdivision of the land would require formal city approval.

The board also noted that the property does not currently have access to city sewer or water services. The motion to approve the subdivision of property and waive the review rights passed without opposition.