Katie Reuter with Henry County Public Health provided updates on key public health issues at this weeks County Supervisors meeting, including monitoring the measles outbreak across the country. The county’s MMR vaccination rates remain high at 95% for two-year-olds and 97.8% for adolescents, helping prevent local outbreaks.

Influenza cases are declining, though one long-term care facility has reported an outbreak. Officials are also monitoring a non-infectious latent tuberculosis case.

Legislative concerns include a proposed Iowa Senate bill (SF 360) that would criminalize administering mRNA vaccines, which public health officials strongly oppose.

Funding cuts are affecting programs such as Early Childhood Iowa’s fluoride varnish initiative and senior meal services. Health officials are exploring potential solutions, including partnerships with local institutions. Rising obesity rates (now 40%) and increased food insecurity in the county remain major concerns.

A virtual town hall on public health district realignment is scheduled for March 25 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Beginning Monday, March 10th, Kinney & Sons will resume work on the H Street project, weather permitting. Jones Contracting will begin setting up traffic control signage by the end of this week to prepare for the roadwork.

As part of the ongoing project, Henry Street will be closed from Main Street to Adams Street while Kinney & Sons installs storm sewer pipe and intake boxes. However, the intersections at Main Street and Henry Street, as well as Adams Street and Henry Street, will remain open during the installation.

Motorists are advised to use caution when driving through these intersections, as there will be trucks entering and exiting the area frequently.

Once the storm sewer installation is completed, the focus will shift to removing the street surface and preparing the subbase for paving.

Residents and drivers are urged to stay informed about potential delays and take alternate routes where possible to ensure safety throughout the construction phase.

The Site and Policy Committees will meet tonight to discuss several important topics related to school facilities, policies, and operations.

The Site Committee will review the proposed Buildings and Grounds project list for FY26, along with a proposed Central Office lease agreement for the same fiscal year. Members will also consider a proposal for upgrading the Henry County fuel system and receive an update on the Facilities Master Plan.

The Policy Committee will hold the first reading of several policies, including School Board Policy Series 900 on Community Relations, Policy 208 on Ad Hoc Committees (which would replace Policy 203.06), and Policy 402.04 regarding gifts to employees. Additionally, the committee will discuss updates to the 2024-2025 school calendar, review a request to waive an athletic ineligibility period, and consider an overnight trip request for students attending the State Science Fair in Ames, Iowa, on March 27-28.

Decisions made during tonight’s meeting will highlighted during the next school board meeting, Monday march 10^th.

The meeting is open to the public and patrons are welcome. 5:00 PM Mt. Pleasant CSD – Central Office.

Henry County Extension & Outreach is looking for a dedicated summer intern to assist with 4-H and youth programs. This position offers a hands-on experience in organizing and supporting various events that benefit local youth.

The intern will play a key role in helping organize events for the Henry County Fair, assisting with summer camps across the county, and recruiting and working with volunteers for 4-H activities. The position requires some evening and weekend work to accommodate event schedules.

This opportunity is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with youth, planning events, and making a positive impact in the community. Those interested in applying should send their resumes to Whitney Howell at whowell@iastate.edu. Don’t miss the chance to be part of an engaging and rewarding summer experience!

• As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.98 across Iowa according to AAA.
  • Prices rose 2 cents from last week’s price and are down 12 cents from a year ago.
  • The national average on Wednesday was $3.11, down 2 cents from last week’s price.
• Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 3 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.41.
  • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.77 in Iowa.
  • The current Iowa diesel price is 25 cents lower than the national average of $3.66.
• Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
• The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.12 for U87-E10, $2.32 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.32 for ULSD#2, $2.59 for ULSD#1, and $1.86 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

• Natural gas prices were up $.35 at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $4.34 MMbtu.
• Propane prices averaged $1.66 per gallon in Iowa.
• Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $3.03 per gallon.