MEDIAPOLIS — Today, Rep. Taylor Collins, in a point of personal privilege on the house floor following floor debate, honored former Rep. Dave Heaton following his passing yesterday evening. His comments can be found below.

“Thank you Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, am I in order for a point of personal privilege?

Thank you Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the house.

Last night Southeast Iowa lost a great man and legislator, former Rep. Dave Heaton.

Rep. Heaton served in the Iowa House for 24 years, serving all of Henry County, and parts of Lee, Jefferson and Washington counties at different times over the years.

Dave for many years was chair of the Health and Human Services Budget Subcommittee. I remember this last summer when we were at Rotary together, he had pointed questions about the mental health redesign, and wasn’t shy about sharing what he thought the Health and Human Services Committee should be working on.

In addition to years of service to the state, for 40 years, he and his family owned and operated a very popular restaurant in Mount Pleasant, The Iris. Dave was known to spend Sundays slicing roast beef for folks coming through the buffet line at his restaurant, listening to folks from the Mount Pleasant tell him what was on their minds.

Mr. Speaker I’d ask the chamber to join me in a moment of silence to honor the life and legacy of Rep. Dave Heaton.”

In 2024, Iowa ethanol production held steady at 4.6 billion gallons. While stagnant U.S. ethanol demand combined with increasing corn yields to has resulted in reductions to farm income, new ethanol markets are within reach that can restore balance to the corn market.

“We need to build corn demand, and the near-term growth solution is to secure nationwide, year-round E15,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Corn production keeps growing but ethanol production has leveled off over the last four year as the 2024 production numbers reflect. The result has been the largest two-year drop in farm income ever. The good news is we have potential new markets to drive demand for corn and to restore farm income. Start with E15 at home, go after low-carbon export markets, and eventually take to the skies with sustainable aviation fuel.”

Iowa ethanol production first hit 4.6 billion gallons in 2023. U.S. ethanol production in 2024 topped 16 billion gallons, with Iowa producing almost 30 percent.

The IRFA compiled production information from an industry survey, public reports and other industry sources.

KILJ would like to offer their deepest condolences to the Heaton family, as David Heaton passed away last night.

David Heaton was one of Mount Pleasant’s longtime leaders as a state representative and involved in the Mount Pleasant community for over 50 years.

David battled with several health issues over the last decade and persevered through it all. David was a great friend to KILJ and a special person to a lot of people in the community. 
He will be deeply missed, and very much appreciated.

We willl keep you updated on service announcements in the near future.

Despite below normal precipitation in January, drought conditions remain stable across the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

January’s preliminary statewide precipitation was 0.32 inches, or 0.65 inches below normal. January is typically the driest month for the state, but increased rainfall during the previous months helped prevent drought conditions from deteriorating.

Total rainfall for November and December was almost 0.51 inches above normal. At the end of January, Iowa’s Drought Plan showed drought conditions remained stable across the state, with all regions carrying a normal drought watch designation.

Statewide temperatures for the month were just over one degree cooler than normal.

Precipitation forecasts from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center indicate a slight chance of above-average rainfall for the eastern half of the state. If these forecasts hold true, that region of Iowa is likely to maintain normal conditions going into March.

• As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.95 across Iowa according to AAA.
  • Prices fell 2 cents from last week’s price and are up 4 cents from a year ago.
  • The national average on Wednesday was $3.15, up 2 cents from last week’s price.
• Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 2 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.45.
  • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.78 in Iowa.
  • The current Iowa diesel price is 22 cents lower than the national average of $3.67.
• Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
• The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.14 for U87-E10, $2.31 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.40 for ULSD#2, $2.63 for ULSD#1, and $1.96 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

• Natural gas prices were up $.26 at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.54/MMbtu.
• Propane prices averaged $1.67 per gallon in Iowa.
• Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $3.02 per gallon.

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

Iowa State Patrol reported 298 Calls for Service from 12A until 5P WEDNESDAY 2025-02-12:

186 Motorist Assists, 112 Crashes Covered, and 11 Personal Injuries.

Please remember to slow down, be aware of road conditions, and always be prepared for winter weather.

Remember, posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions, NOT snow-covered/ice-covered roads.

Also remember Iowa’s Slow Down/Move Over Law is for ALL vehicles with flashing lights. https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/321.323a.pdf

Iowa DOES have a law on the books that requires headlight usage when visibilities are reduced such as when it is raining or snowing. https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/321.384.pdf

Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice is seeking dedicated volunteers to join our team. Whether you have a few hours a week or more, you can find a volunteer role that fits your skills, interests, and time commitment.

You can Bring comfort and peace to patients and their families by volunteering in areas like Baking cookies, Providing meals to families, Offering musical performances, Assisting with housekeeping, grocery shopping, or running errands, or even Pet Therapy.

To become a volunteer, you must attend our volunteer training on Wednesday, March 12 & Thursday, March 13.

Call 319768-3350 to register for the training.

Learn more about Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice HERE!