Washington County 4-H kicks off the 2025-2026  4-H year with a big announcement.  They are offering TWO special interest clubs open to youth 4^th-12^th grade – the Camera Corp Club and the Wilderness Wanderers Club.    Specialty clubs are unique because they focus each club meeting on that specialty topic.   The traditional 4-H Club, or a community club, has a more general focus area and each club meeting can focus on different topics but always to include a business meeting. Youth are welcome to belong to multiple clubs if they wish.    The new 4-H year begins in September and so new members and returning members should get enrolled in 4hOnline for any of these clubs.

The Camera Corps Club is for youth who have a special interest in photography, art, and design.  This specialty club is open to youth from across the county who want to spend time each month in a club setting with peers focused on new photography learning, challenges, and practice.  Each month members will be able to showcase their work through the Washington County 4-H Facebook page and also submit them to the Iowa 4-H Camera Corps as well for feedback from professional photographers across the state.  This club will partner with Iowa 4-H and their already formed Camera Corps curriculum but bring it to the local level hosting the meeting site and inviting local photographers as presenters.   It is a free program to join.   The club will meet once a month on the second Thursday of the month from 6:30 – 7:30 pm at the Extension Office.  The goal is to connect youth from across the county with similar interests in photography and art.  Youth should grow in their own photography skills and learn about opportunities in the field of photography from the experts.

The Wilderness Wanderers Club is for youth who have a special interest in the outdoors, wildlife, and conservation.  Topics to be covered include kayaking, ice fishing, star gazing, shed hunting and more.  It is open to 4^th-12^th grade students from across the county.  They will meet the third Sunday of the month at 5pm at Marr Park.  Many meetings will be spent outdoors or on field trips for outdoor activities.  There is a $40 club fee.  The Wilderness Wanderers will start September 21.  The goal is to connect youth from across the county with similar interests in outdoor activities.

Washington County 4-H has 21 4-H club options for youth 4^th-12^th grade and 11 clover kid club options for youth kindergarten-3^rd grade.   Interested youth should register through v2.4honline.com and select their club of choice or contact the Washington County Extension Office for next steps.    For more information on how to support the 4-H program as a volunteer or sponsor or with other questions about Washington County 4-H, contact Amy Green at the Washington County Office, 319-653-4811 or washington4h@iastate.edu.

LaGrange, MO – Mark Twain Casino is excited to announce its 7th Annual Car Show on Saturday, September 20 from 12 PM to 4 PM. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

Guests will enjoy an afternoon filled with entertainment, great food, and community fun. Live music will be performed by The Mugshot Bandits, and the Heartland BBQ Society will host a delicious BBQ contest. In addition, Mark Twain Casino will be serving up mouthwatering BBQ favorites, and a variety of local vendors will be set up throughout the event.

There is still time to register your vehicle! Register today at: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/e531aa9a51a840588e55e70521d1908f

“Our annual car show has become a tradition that brings the community together for a day of music, food, and cars of all generations,” said Ryan Lounsbury, General Manager of Mark Twain Casino. “We’re thrilled to once again host this event and look forward to seeing everyone come out to enjoy it.”

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 12 PM – 4 PM
Location: Mark Twain Casino, LaGrange, MO
Live Music: The Mugshot Bandits
BBQ Contest: Heartland BBQ Society

For more information, visit www.marktwaincasino.com.

Henry County residents are encouraged to “Grow Another Row” this season, sharing the bounty of their gardens with neighbors in need. Through the Grow Another Row and Share with Others campaign, community members can donate fresh produce to local food pantries, libraries, and community centers, ensuring everyone has access to healthy fruits and vegetables.

Donations can be made at multiple sites across the county, including:

Mount Pleasant

• Community Action Food Pantry, 1303 W. Washington St.

• Mt. Pleasant Public Library, 307 E. Monroe St.

• The Fellowship Cup Food Pantry, 203 N. Jefferson St.

New London

• HJ Nugen Public Library, 103 E. Main St.

• Tiger Food Pantry, 106 W. Wilson St.

Salem

• Salem Community Center, 201 S. Main St.

Wayland/Crawfordsville

• WACO Community Food Pantry, 105 N. Chestnut St., Crawfordsville

• Wayland City Hall, 218 W. Main St.

• Wayland Food Pantry at Wayland Mennonite Church, 104 W. 2nd St.

Winfield

• MOPS-Winfield Food Pantry, 2023 Summer only, 107 E. Elm St.

• Winfield City Hall, 115 N. Locust St.

Healthy Henry County Communities reminds gardeners that even small donations make a difference. Whether you have extra cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, or other garden goods, your contributions help put nutritious food on the tables of families throughout the area.

“Reminders: When donating fresh produce, call ahead for hours and drop-off guidance,” the campaign notes. “If you can’t wash or bag the produce, please place it in a cardboard box and be sure to include your name.”

By participating in this initiative, Henry County residents can help neighbors in need while reducing food waste and fostering a stronger, healthier community.

For more information, visit HealthyHenryCounty.org

The Great River Health Gift Shops at the West Burlington, Fort Madison, and Mount Pleasant campus’ invite the community to take advantage of special savings during its First Thursday sales this fall.

On Thursday, September 4, shoppers will enjoy 10% off game day clothing, a timely promotion as local fans gear up for football season. The following month, on Thursday, October 2, the shop will feature 20% off fall décor, perfect for bringing a touch of the season into homes.

The First Thursday series is designed to give visitors a reason to stop in and see the wide selection of items available at the gift shop, all while saving on featured merchandise.

The gift shop offers clothing, home décor, seasonal items, and gifts for all occasions.

Larry Graber has been recognized for his dedication to the Dexter cattle breed and the Midwest Old Threshers community. On August 30, 2025, Graber was presented with the Volunteer Service Award, highlighting his years of hard work and commitment to the preservation and promotion of Dexter cattle.

The award commends Graber’s efforts in raising awareness of the breed across the Midwest, noting his contributions through more than 100 registrations in the Glockenhof Herd. His volunteerism has played a significant role in both strengthening the Dexter community and supporting Old Threshers events.

“The entire Dexter community appreciates you and your contributions,” the award reads, underscoring Graber’s impact on livestock enthusiasts and agricultural heritage efforts.

Old Threshers officials said the recognition reflects not only Graber’s devotion to the Dexter breed but also his spirit of volunteerism, which has long been central to the reunion’s success.

Great River Health is reminding the community that Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House depends on acts of generosity to maintain a true home for patients and their families during life’s most difficult moments.

The Hospice House has released an updated wish list that makes giving back easier than ever. Supporters can now purchase and send essential comfort items directly from home. Items such as sheet sets, mini deodorants, and mini lotions may seem small, but they provide immense comfort and dignity to patients in their final days.

“These donations help us continue our mission of providing care, compassion, and comfort to patients and families,” a spokesperson said. “Each item ensures our patients feel loved and cared for.”

Community members are encouraged to browse the wish list and choose a gift that will directly support Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House. By doing so, donors not only provide much-needed supplies but also share a message of compassion with those nearing the end of life. wish list

The community is invited to gather in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, September 6, 2025, for a special celebration honoring one of the city’s most famous natives—world-renowned physicist Dr. James Van Allen.

Born in Mount Pleasant on September 7, 1914, Van Allen was educated in local schools before embarking on a groundbreaking career in physics. He is best known for discovering the Van Allen radiation belts, a scientific achievement that helped make America’s space program possible.

The celebration will take place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the corner of West Madison and North Van Buren in Mount Pleasant. The afternoon will include hands-on activities for all ages:

• 1:00 p.m. – Help make homemade ice cream.
• 2:00 p.m. – Enjoy cake and ice cream.
• Following refreshments – Science activities and games for kids, led by Susan Loescher and Rosemary Peck.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the Van Allen House and the Heritage Center Museum. The event is free, though donations are appreciated. Organizers encourage guests to bring lawn chairs, and note that children should be accompanied by an adult.

For questions, call (319) 217-6042.