Summer has officially arrived.

The summer solstice occurs today, marking the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The solstice happens when the Earth’s North Pole is tilted closest to the sun, allowing for the greatest amount of daylight.

While the exact amount of daylight varies by location, southeast Iowa will see just over 15 hours of sunshine today. After the solstice, daylight hours will gradually begin to decrease, although the change will be barely noticeable at first. The word “solstice” comes from Latin, meaning “sun stands still,” because the sun appears to pause before beginning its slow shift southward in the sky.

The start of astronomical summer also signals the beginning of the season for vacations, outdoor festivals, county fairs, and summer sports. Even though days will slowly become shorter, the warmest temperatures of the year typically don’t arrive until July and August, as the land and atmosphere continue to absorb heat throughout the summer months.

The National Weather Service is warning that another strong storm system could bring heavy rain, flooding, and a few severe thunderstorms to southeast Iowa on Sunday.

Forecasters say widespread rain and occasional thunderstorms are expected throughout the day, with the greatest concern along and south of Highway 34. Rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches or more are possible, with localized higher amounts if storms repeatedly move over the same areas. A Flood Watch is expected to be in effect from Sunday morning through Sunday evening.

Flash flooding is a concern, especially in low-lying areas, along small streams, and on roads. Motorists are urged never to drive through flooded roadways.

A few storms could also produce damaging wind gusts over 50 miles per hour, hail up to golf ball size, frequent lightning, and an isolated tornado. The strongest storms are most likely Sunday morning into the afternoon, mainly south of Interstate 80.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.

Governor Reynolds has accepted the resignation of Iowa Health and Human Services Director Larry Johnson, whose confirmation was blocked by Iowa Senate Democrats in April for partisan political reasons, and has appointed Kraig Paulsen, Director of the Iowa Department of Management, to also serve as Director of Iowa HHS at the pleasure of the governor.

“This is not the first time I’ve called upon Director Paulsen to help lead executive branch departments during times of transition. His experience across state government is unmatched, and I have full confidence in his ability to ensure our state’s largest agency has the leadership team required, not only to serve Iowans most in need of assistance, but also to advance strategic initiatives such as rural health transformation, cancer research, and child welfare technology improvements.”

To ensure efficient and effective operations are maintained at Iowa HHS, Director Paulsen has appointed Johnson as Principal Deputy Director of the department.

“Iowa HHS requires strong and experienced leadership at every level to ensure continuity of critical services such as Medicaid, SNAP, and child protection, and Larry Johnson is exactly that leader,” said Director Paulson. “I look forward to working closely with Principal Deputy Director Johnson to ensure Iowa’s strong commitment to our most vulnerable citizens continues as usual.”

Pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 441—1.3(3), Director Paulsen will retain all non-delegable duties and will delegate the remainder of his authority to administer the department to Principal Deputy Director Johnson.

Henry County residents will soon pay more for certified copies of vital records.

Henry County Recorder Lynnae Buffington says effective July 1st, 2026, the fee for certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates will increase from 15 dollars to 20 dollars.

The change applies to all certified copies issued through the Recorder’s Office and is part of a statewide fee adjustment. Residents needing copies before the increase takes effect can still obtain them at the current 15-dollar rate through the end of June.

For more information or to request records, contact the Henry County Recorder’s Office.

The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled that prosecutors may move forward with a human trafficking charge against an Iowa City man accused in an online child sex sting, overturning a Polk County judge’s decision to dismiss the charge.

In a decision released Friday morning, the state’s highest court concluded that a person can be charged with attempted human trafficking based on what they believed they were doing—even if the supposed trafficking victim or trafficker did not actually exist. The ruling sends the case against Kevin Charles Lind back to district court for further proceedings.

The case centered on allegations that Lind negotiated to pay for sex with a nine-year-old child he believed would be supplied by the child’s mother. According to court records, the “mother” was not actually trafficking a child but was instead part of a law enforcement operation. A district court previously dismissed the human trafficking charge, finding that no one involved was actually engaged in human trafficking.

The Iowa Supreme Court disagreed, ruling that Iowa’s attempted human trafficking law focuses on the defendant’s intent and actions, not on whether the crime could ultimately be completed because of circumstances unknown to the defendant. The decision establishes a new statewide precedent for future undercover human trafficking investigations.

The case drew statewide attention in April when the Iowa Supreme Court heard oral arguments before a public audience at Fairfield High School as part of its effort to bring court proceedings to communities across Iowa.

The case will now return to the Polk County District Court, where the attempted human trafficking charge may proceed.

You can find more information HERE.

Firefighters responded to a structure fire in Henry County Thursday evening.

According to Henry County call logs, the fire was reported at 6:17 p.m. in the 400 Block of East Railroad Street. Wayland Fire Department Fire Chief Matt Leichty says the fire involved a tool shed and caused only minimal damage.

Leichty said crews were able to bring the fire under control quickly, with the blaze extinguished in about 10 minutes. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire has not been released.

The Great River Health Foundation and Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Auxiliaries in West Burlington and Fort Madison recently awarded $60,500 in scholarships to students pursuing a career in a healthcare field.

Kathleen Canella Family Scholarship – Great River Health Foundation

This scholarship was established in memory of Kathleen Canella, a longtime volunteer and member of the Fort Madison Community Hospital Auxiliary.

$1,000 to $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors:

· Bella Crew, Keokuk High School, nursing.

· Ellie Huebner, Fort Madison High School, psychology.

· Mackinzie Manwill, Central Lee High School, nursing.

· Nolan Guzman, Fort Madison High School, exercise science/physical therapy.

· McKayla Schinstock, Fort Madison High School, speech language pathology.

· Jayden Mueller, Central Lee High School, nursing.

Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center – Fort Madison Auxiliary

$1,000 scholarships for high school seniors:

· McKayla Schinstock, Fort Madison High School, speech pathology.

· Isabella Patton, Fort Madison High School, nursing.

· Jayden Mueller, Central Lee High School, nursing.

· Avery Rump, Fort Madison High School, microbiology.

· Mara Smith, Fort Madison High School, dietetics.

· Jaymisen Rich, Mount Pleasant Community High School, health/exercise science pre-chiropractic.

· Bella Crew, Keokuk High School, nursing.

$1,000 for continuing college students:

· Noah Swigart, University of Iowa, dentistry.

· Jaylen Hawk, St. Ambrose University, physical therapy.

Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center – West Burlington Auxiliary

$1,500 scholarships for high school seniors:

· Madelyn Thomas, West Burlington High School, athletic training.

· Lily Newell, Burlington High School, exercise science.

· McKenna Kipp, Notre Dame Catholic High School, nursing.

· Rachel Martin, Mediapolis High School, social work.

· Olivia McCormick, Mount Pleasant Community High School, biology/pre-dental.

· Chloee Anderson, West Burlington High School, biology/pre-medicine.

· Landry Haberichter, Notre Dame Catholic High School, pre-physical therapy.

· Morgan Meyer, WACO High School, biology.

· Addison Clark, Mount Pleasant Community High School, biology/pre-medicine or psychology.

$2,000 for continuing college students:

· Abigail Bence, Central College, kinesiology/pre-physical therapy.

· Jessica Kendell, Truman State University, health sciences – pre-medicine.

· Allison Worley, Quincy University/Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing, nursing.

· Isabella Callison, University of Iowa, pre-physical therapy/kinesiology.

· Alexa Gray, Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing, nursing.

· Kayla Box, Grandview University, nursing.

· Henry Adams, University of Iowa, psychology/LISW.

· Lexi Korschgen, University of Missouri, health science-diagnostic imaging.

· Kira Messer, Indian Hills Community College, physical therapy.

· Myah Zurita, Iowa State University, dietetics.

· Elizabeth Hamma, Drake University, pre-pharmacy.

· Nadia Boeding, University of Iowa, pharmacy.

· Madison Taeger, University of Dubuque, human health science.