Henry County Board of Supervisors Meeting December 19th Agenda

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 at 8:36 am CDT

1.Approve Agenda

2.Approve Minutes

  1. Approve Claims

4.Jake Hotchkiss Engineer Weekly Update

5.Public Hearing on the Proposed Henry County Hershy Hall Urban Renewal Plan

6.Resolution determining an area of the County to be an economic development area, and that the rehabilitation, conservation, redevelopment, development or a combination thereof, of such area is necessary in the interest of the public health, safety or welfare of the residents of the County; designating such area as appropriate for urban renewal projects; and adopting the Henry County Hershey Hall Urban Renewal Plan

  1. Consideration of Ordinance for the division of revenues under Section 403.19, Code of Iowa, for Henry County Hershey Hall Urban Renewal Plan
  1. Public hearing on the proposal to enter into a Development Agreement with IWU Hershey, LLC.
  1. Resolution approving and authorizing execution of a Development Agreement by and between Henry County and IWU Hershey, LLC.

10.Public Comments

Other County Business as time allows

Supervisors Sub-Committee Updates

Sports, December 18th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

Holy Trinity Catholic swept their home doubleheader last night against Van Buren County with the girls’ winning another close game 44-41, while the boys’ team dominated their way to an 86-51 final. Luke Hellige led the scoring for the Crusaders with 28 points. 

Van Buren County will take on Danville with the girls tipping off the night at 6 pm on Friday, December 20th, at home. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Burlington Notre Dame on Friday with game one at 6 pm. 

West Burlington and Danville split last night’s contest with the Bears winning the girls’ game 49-32, while the Falcons boys’ team clobbered Danville 59-23. West Burlington will compete against Central Lee on Friday with the boys following the girls’ game at 7:30 pm. 

The Mediapolis girls’ team remained undefeated after picking up a 58-13 win over Burlington Notre Dame last night as Ellah Wagenbach put up 19 points in the win. The boys’ team did not have the same luck as the Nikes walked out with a convincing 78-43 victory. The Bulldogs will travel to Winfield-Mt. Union tomorrow, December 19th, for a doubleheader with game time at 6 pm.

Columbus hosted Winfield-Mt. Union last night and the girls’ team gathered a 54-33 win, while the boys’ team fell to the Wolves 63-52. The Wildcats will take on New London tomorrow at home with the girls playing first at 6 pm.

WACO swept Hillcrest Academy last night with the girls winning 45-38 and the boys sneaking by with a 48-46 victory. The Warriors will stay on the road tomorrow to compete against Highland with the girls leading off the night at 6 pm.

The Wapello girls’ team lost last night 67-48 to Highland. Wapello will face off against Columbus on Friday with game time at 6 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant will host Washington on Friday in a doubleheader with the girls’ tipping-off the night at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm.

Fairfield will travel to Keokuk on Friday with the girls’ tipping-off the night at 6 pm.

High School Wrestling

Mt. Pleasant will dual Fort Madison tomorrow, December 19th, at home. 

Fairfield will take on Burlington on the road tomorrow.

The New London boys’ team will face off against Pekin tomorrow on the road. 

WACO will compete in a double dual tomorrow against Mediapolis and Burlington Notre Dame at home. 

The Wapello boys’ team will celebrate their senior night tomorrow in a triangular against Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union and Van Buren County. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will compete in the John Randles Invite at Prairie on Saturday, December 21st. 

The Wapello girls’ team will travel to Chariton for an invitational on Saturday. 

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Burlington on Friday, December 20th, for a triangular.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Tonight’s episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook will feature a member of the 2024 Iowa’s Racing Hall of Fame, Jeff Broeg. The episode is scheduled for 6 pm on KILJ 105.5 FM or kilj.com.

IHSSA News

The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa High School Sports Network (IHSSN) will end their longstanding media rights agreement at the end of the 2024-2025 athletic year.

The IHSSN, who was the exclusive rights holder for championship events since 2006, will continue to provide for select IHSAA state tournament events through the 2025 state baseball tournament. The state tournament finals will be free to stream but all earlier rounds will require a fee to livestream.

The IHSAA will regain the media rights on August 1st, 2025.

Southeastern Community College

The #20 men’s basketball team will take on Western Iowa Tech at home on January 8th with tip-off scheduled for 7 pm. 

College Football

#18 Iowa State will face off against #16 Miami in the Pop Tarts Bowl on December 28th at 2:30 pm in Orlando. 

Iowa will take on #19 Missouri for the Music City Bowl on December 30th in Nashville at 1:30 pm. 

College Basketball

The #3 Iowa State men’s team will host Morgan State on Sunday, December 22nd, with game time scheduled for noon. 

The Iowa men’s team will meet Utah on Saturday, December 21st, at 5 pm in a road matchup. 

The #22 Iowa women’s team will face off against Northern Iowa on Friday, December 20th, at 6:30 pm at home. 

The Iowa State women’s team’s hopes at an upset were dashed by #4 UConn’s three-point barrage in a 101-68 loss for the Cyclones. Audi Crooks was the lone bright spot as she cashed in for 22 points. Iowa State will look to get back in the win column on Saturday on the road against Oklahoma State at 4 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1932 – The Portsmouth Spartans and the Chicago Bears compete in the first playoff game in NFL history. The Bears beat the Spartans 9-0. 

1949 – NFL Championship, the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Los Angeles Rams 14-0; played in driving rain that caused the field to become a mud pit. 

1983 – NBA San Diego Clippers ends their 29-game road losing streak.

Wayland Council Agenda

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 at 6:19 am CDT

CITY OF WAYLAND

  1. Roll Call
  1. Consent Agenda

Note:  These are routine items and will be enacted by one motion without separate discussion unless a Council member requests an item be removed for separate consideration.

  1. Minutes of December 4, 2024
  2. Bills for Payment
  3. Building Permits
  4. Next Meeting Date (per code) Changed to January 2, 2025 (vs Jan. 1st)
  1. Citizen Forum

The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public regarding items not listed on the agenda.  You are asked to state your name and address for the record and to limit your remarks in order that others may be given the opportunity to speak.  The Order of Business is at the discretion of the Chair.  No action will be taken. 

  1. Unfinished Business
  1. 21-2024 “An Ordinance Amending The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Wayland, Iowa, By Amending Sewer User Charges” (Second Reading and consider waiving final reading)
  2. Discuss Covenants for North Plains Estates Subdivision – 2024
  1. New Business
    1. Consider/Approve File Cabinet Purchase (Police Records)
    2. Review/Approve Quote for North Plains Subdivision Street Lights
    3. North Plains Subdivision 2024 Project – Pay Application No. 4
    4. 2024-22 “28E Agreement with Jefferson Township Trustees (Fire)”
    5. Tax Abatements:
      – 208 E Main Street (kitchen remodel, deck addition, siding)
      – 605 N Parkway (80’ x 100’ building addition & office remodel)
    6. Consider/Approve Park Slide & Ten Spin for East Park (EHCCF Grant)
    7. Set 2025 Energy Efficiency Rebates
    8. Preliminary Goal Setting Session
  1. Adjournment

Iowa House Republicans Elect Assistant Majority Leaders

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 at 6:17 am CDT
(DES MOINES) — Today, House Republicans held elections to fill out the caucus’ leadership team in advance of the 2025 Legislative Session.

The following four Assistant Leaders were elected:

  • Rep. Jon Dunwell (R-Newton)
  • Rep. Heather Hora (R-Washington)
  • Rep. Craig Johnson (R-Independence)
  • Rep. Brent Siegrist (R-Council Bluffs)

“Congratulations to these four individuals on their election to serve as Assistant Majority Leaders,” Speaker Pat Grassley (R-New Hartford) said. “With our House Republicans leadership team set, we are ready to get straight to work on January 13th to deliver on the promises we have made to Iowans.”

The 91st Iowa General Assembly will convene on Monday, January 13, 2025.

     William Robert Herte

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 at 6:03 am CDT

William Robert Hertel, 77, of Denver, Iowa, formerly of Gilbert, Arizona and Fairfield, Iowa, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Ravenwood Specialty Care in Waterloo, Iowa.

In accordance to his wishes, Bill will be cremated and laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield, Iowa is assisting the family.

Bill was born November 10, 1947 in Fairfield, the son of Charles and Shirley (Courtney) Hertel. Growing up, Bill was in Boy Scouts, reaching Eagle Scout.

He was a graduate of Fairfield High School in 1966. He played clarinet and was in small band groups through high school and later years, following his father and mother’s love of music. Bill graduated from the University of Iowa in 1970. He was in the Army ROTC program throughout his college years. Bill met Chris Henkes while they were attending the University of Iowa. They were married August 9, 1969. She preceded him in death February 15, 2017.

Bill was a Lt. Colonel in the United States Army. His military career moved their family to numerous places throughout the world until he and Chris decided to settle in northern Virginia. After retirement from the Army, he worked as a consultant for Camber until moving to Gilbert, Arizona.

Bill and Chris were season ticket holders of the Arizona Cardinals while they lived in Arizona. Bill and Chris loved traveling, visiting places in the United States, Europe, Middle East, South America, Southeast Asia, Baltic Sea states, and Australia/New Zealand. He never missed a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game on television and once a year Bill and Chris would meet up for a game with two high school friends and their wives. It was a big part of his life.

Bill loved to golf and loved his dogs. He was a long-time supporter of the University of Iowa and the children’s hospital. He had season tickets to Hawkeye football games since returning to Iowa.

Those left to honor his memory include his son, Jason Hertel of Manassas, Virginia; his sister, Janice (Larry) Wilson of Mesa, Arizona; four nieces and nephews, Wade (Sarah) Wilson, Kent (Darcie) Wilson, Kelly (Ray) Runyon, and Julie (Lee) Person.

In addition to his wife, Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill’s family would like to extend their appreciation to Kathy and her husband Gary Hoskins for spending time with Bill in his final weeks.

Online condolences may be made to Bill’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

The Iowa High School Sports Network and Iowa High School Athletic Association Agree to Terminate Exclusive Media Rights Agreement at the end of the 2024-25 Athletic Season

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 at 1:39 pm CDT

IHSAA- The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa High School Sports Network (IHSSN) will end their longstanding media rights agreement at the end of the 2024-2025 athletic year.

This will end the litigation between the two entities after the IHSAA filed its initial petition in June 2023 when the IHSSN started charging viewers for their state tournament coverage, starting with the 2023 state baseball tournament.

The IHSSN, who was the exclusive rights holder for championship events since 2006, will continue to provide for select IHSAA state tournament events through the 2025 state baseball tournament. The state tournament finals will be free to stream but all earlier rounds will require a fee to livestream.

The IHSAA will regain the media rights on August 1st, 2025.

Jean Bates

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 at 8:17 am CDT

Jean Bates, age 89, of Washington, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13, 2024 at the Halcyon House.

The Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 19, 2024, at St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Bernie Weir officiating.  Calling hours will begin 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at St. James Catholic Church where the family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Wednesday evening.  Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington.  Memorials have been established for Hospice of Washington County or St. James Catholic Church.  Online condolences may be sent for Jean’s family at www.jonesfh.com.

Jean was born August 28, 1935, in Brighton, Iowa, the daughter of Leonard and Genevieve (Kurtz) Fritz.  She graduated from Brighton High School.  Jean was united in marriage to Merle Bates on August 25, 1953.

She was a member of St. James Parish and a member of Catholic Daughters. She worked for Washington County Home for thirteen years. Jean loved working on the family farm and enjoyed camping.  Once her children were raised, she warmly welcomed foster children into her home. Jean also enjoyed her time spent with her friends, the Brighton Bears. She would spend hours visiting the elderly and went on many service trips to the Appalachian Mountains to help others in need. Jean will be remembered as a woman of great faith, extraordinary strength, and a servant’s heart.

Jean was happiest when spending time with her large family.  She was always the calm among the chaos.  She was also the catalyst of so many family traditions, many of which surrounded the holidays. Christmas pajamas, memorable ornaments, and making paper chains were treasured by her children and grandchildren.  Making “Grandma Jean” cookies with her grandchildren and great grandchildren was above all the most memorable, as well as yearly trips to Adventureland.

To her family, Jean was their role model.  She served others without wanting recognition or admiration, but helped others because it was the right thing to do. She was a beautiful example of how to live selflessly, keep faith at the center of everything you do, and quietly serve others. Through all stages of her life, Jean left lasting footprints on the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Those thankful for sharing in Jean’s life include five children: Mike (Karen) Bates of Washington, Iowa; Chris Long of Washington, Iowa; Kathy (Gary) Crawford of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Jolisa (George) Pfeifer of Wayland, Iowa; Mary (Andy) Hora of Riverside, Iowa; ten grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Gary (Arlene) Fritz of Brighton, Iowa; Larry (Pat) Fritz of Washington, Iowa; brother-in-law, Bob Redlinger of Washington, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter, Kiley Crawford, son-in-law, Phil Long and sister, Sharon Redlinger.

Sports, December 17th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

Mt. Pleasant’s return home did not go as planned as Benton swept the night with the girls’ team losing 48-27 and the boys’ team falling 65-29. The Panthers were led by Addison Clark’s eight points in the girls’ game, while Ryan Helling also cashed in for eight points in the boys’ game. However, it was Grayson Walker that provided a spark for the Panthers in the boys’ game, scoring all six of the team’s points in the third quarter; a welcome sight for head coach Eric Rawson on a night where not much went right,

“Well, you know, he comes in with great energy and a great attitude and that was something that we needed to see. You know, somebody that was putting the effort in and that was great. It’s hats off to him. It’s what we wanted from him and that’s what we knew we’d get. And you know, Ryan Helling, you know, too, I think played well for us, but we had to make a line change and Grayson Walker did a very nice job.”

The Panthers will host Washington on Friday, December 20th, in a doubleheader with the girls’ tipping-off the night at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm.

The Van Buren County boys’ team fell to West Liberty last night 60-43. The Warriors will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic tonight with the girls playing first at 6 pm.

Columbus will face off against Winfield-Mt. Union tonight with the girls’ getting the night going at 6. 

New London will square off against Central Lee tonight with the girls starting off the night at 6 pm. 

WACO will face off against Hillcrest Academy tonight with game one at 6 pm. 

West Burlington will travel to Danville tonight with the girls playing first at 6 pm.

Wapello will compete against Highland tonight in a road matchup with the first game at 6 pm. 

Mediapolis will face off against Burlington Notre Dame tonight with the boys following the girls’ game at 7:30 pm. 

Fairfield will travel to Keokuk on Friday with the girls’ tipping-off the night at 6 pm.

High School Wrestling

Mt. Pleasant will dual on Thursday, December 19th, against Fort Madison at home. 

Fairfield will take on Burlington on the road on Thursday.

The New London boys’ team will face off against Pekin on Thursday on the road. 

WACO will compete in a double dual on Thursday against Mediapolis and Burlington Notre Dame at home. 

The Wapello boys’ team will celebrate their senior night on Thursday in a triangular against Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union and Van Buren County. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will compete in the John Randles Invite at Prairie on Saturday, December 21st. 

The Wapello girls’ team will travel to Chariton for an invitational on Saturday. 

High School Bowling

Fairfield hosted Mt. Pleasant yesterday and split the night with the Panther girls’ team winning 2,209-1,862, while the Trojan boys’ team exited with the victory 2,738-2,302. The Panthers were led by Shyann Smith with 327 pins and Henry Pforts with 346 pins.

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Burlington on Friday, December 20th, for a triangular.

Southeastern Community College

The #20 men’s basketball team will take on Western Iowa Tech at home on January 8th with tip-off scheduled for 7 pm. 

College Football

#18 Iowa State will face off against #16 Miami in the Pop Tarts Bowl on December 28th at 2:30 pm in Orlando. 

Iowa will take on #19 Missouri for the Music City Bowl on December 30th in Nashville at 1:30 pm. 

College Basketball

The #3 Iowa State men’s team will host Morgan State on Sunday, December 22nd, with game time scheduled for noon. The Cyclones had junior Joshua Jefferson nab Big 12 Newcomer of the Week for the second consecutive week as he averaged 16 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in their wins last week. 

The Iowa men’s team will meet Utah on Saturday, December 21st, at 5 pm in a road matchup. 

The #22 Iowa women’s team will face off against Northern Iowa on Friday, December 20th, at 6:30 pm at home. 

The Iowa State women’s team will be tested against #4 UConn at 7:30 pm tonight on the road. The Cyclones will be led by Big 12 Player of the Week in Audi Crooks as the sophomore is averaging 21.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. 

This Day in Sports History

1933 – The National Football League Championship – First title game, Wrigley Field, Chicago: the Chicago Bears beat the New York Giants, 23-21; “Bronko Nagurski Rule” – a forward pass is legal anywhere behind the line of scrimmage.

1944 – The National Football League Championship, Polo Grounds, NYC: The Green Bay Packers beat the New York Giants 14-7 for the 6th and final league title under long-time coach Curly Lambeau.

2022 – The Minnesota Vikings recover from a 33-0 deficit at halftime to beat the Indianapolis Colts 39-36 in overtime at US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN; the largest comeback in NFL history.