The Henry County Courthouse will be closing at 12 noon on July 26, 2024 due to RAGBRAI.
HENRY COUNTY DEMOCRATS SUPPORT “EMS- VOTE YES!”
The Henry County Democrats recently unanimously passed a resolution in support of the “EMS-VOTE YES” campaign currently underway in Henry County. Attendees fully supported the modest increase in property taxes to make sure Henry County residents continue to have quick access to critical care.
Should this issue not receive the necessary percentage for passage, the sustainability of the local ambulance service could be at risk. As the only ambulance service in Henry County, residents would have to rely on the availability of ambulances in neighboring counties- delaying immediate critical care. This could potentially add 30-45 minutes in response time.
Residents are urged to vote early at the Conference Room (southeast corner- 2nd floor of the Henry County Courthouse) in late August or at their precinct polling site on September 10.
Iowa Hawkeye Football is Nearly a Month Away
Iowa City, IA- The Iowa Hawkeyes are gearing up for the 2024-2025 football season with head coach Kirk Ferentz making his Big Ten Media Day appearance with a note that both sides of the ball feature veterans of the program.
It was no secret that the Hawkeye offense was lackluster last season with 10 of their 14 games having a final score under 21 points. Amazingly, the Hawkeyes still went 6-4 in those games, ending the season with a 10-4 record and ranked in the top 25.
However, the offense struggled the worst at the tail end of the season with just 28 points combined in the final four games, including shutout losses in the Big Ten Championship and the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Michigan and Tennessee, respectively.
Ferentz noted that the Hawkeyes were without three of their top playmakers on offense once the team got into conference play, including starting quarterback Cade McNamara, who tore his ACL.
Ferentz is confident that McNamara will be the starter entering the season and back at full speed for fall camp; nevertheless, Brendan Sullivan, a transfer from Northwestern University, will provide ample competition even at the #3 slot in the depth chart,
“I know he’s eager to go” said Ferentz. “And eager to see Brendan too in practice. It will be fun to work with him. He’s been really impressive in the summer program and really competitive guy. He’s been impressive in a lot of ways, and seems like he’s transitioned really well to Iowa City. We’re eager to see all of our guys out there, but the quarterback position will be something of note, for sure.”
The lack of offense led to the offseason hire of Tim Lester after he spent the year as a senior analyst for the Green Bay Packers and as head coach of Western Michigan University from 2017 to 2022. Under Lester’s leadership, the Broncos won 37 games and ranked within the top 35 nationally in total offense from 2018 to 2021.
Ferentz has enjoyed Lester’s positive, energetic nature, but what really stuck out was the fact that he has had experience at the helm of the program,
“One thing I do appreciate, he’s a former head coach. That wasn’t a requisite, but also quickly in the conversation, I think he’s got a deep appreciation for how football works, how offense can complement defense, special teams. Everybody is going to be working on the same — you know, towards the same end. So that part’s all been good.”
Lester is bringing in a different style of offense, reminiscent of what San Francisco 49ers’ head coach Mike Shanahan is doing on the west coast. The style does not matter to Ferentz, what does matter is execution, and he believes has picked up quickly,
“It’s not like you’re inventing anything. It’s going to be a little bit different certainly, but I think our players took to it quickly. I went through a similar thing in 1996, I guess it would have been, when we moved to Baltimore, and Ted Marchibroda took over the offense for us. My takeaway from that was the players learned a lot faster than I did. I was the only guy that was stumbling on things that were in my memory bank. The players just move on pretty quickly. It’s kind of been that way this way too. It’s been a good transition.”
Iowa will have some time to iron things out with their season opener taking place on August 31st at 11 am at home against Illinois State. But, before then, Kinnick Stadium will host Kids’ Day on August 10th with the gates opening at 10 am.
Team members will sign autographs for kids around 10:30 am at the west and south stands. Additionally, the 2024 Kid Captains will join players on the field for pictures along with an “inside look” at the stadium. Admission is free for all fans.
Henry County Supervisors Update, July 25th
The Henry County Supervisors met in regular session this morning, Thursday July 25th at 9 am in the Henry County Courthouse. Jake Hotchkiss the Henry County Engineer started the meeting with his weekly update. Two permits for fiber have been approved, the first starting at Franklin Avenue ending at Old Highway 34 and the second on W55 from Old Highway 34 to 245th street. Henry County Engineer Hotchkiss also updated crews continue roadway painting, are on their second round of mowing shoulders on gravel roads, along with dura patching and hauling rock to resurface in various locations around the county. Franklin Avenue (W-55) is still closed from 275th Street North to 260th street. Work is continuing with the hope to have pavement completed this fall depending on weather. There will also be a preconstruction meeting next week to discuss the Nebraska Avenue bridge replacement, this project may begin as early as this August.
During the public comment section, a concerned Henry County resident commented that they had submitted a formal complaint against the Henry County Attorney to the Attorney General of Iowa. The resident asked the supervisors to support him in his complaint. Henry County Supervisor Marc Lindeen responded that this section of the meeting is open for public comments and to not be voted upon.
Fresh Produce Easy to Come By in Henry County
Henry County has lots of options to get and donate fresh produce. In Mount Pleasant, leave or receive food from Community Action Food Pantry, the public library, and The Fellowship Cup. The Fellowship Cup prefers donations from 8am-12pm. New London has the H J Nugen Public Library and Tiger Food Pantry. Salem Community Center also accepts donations. Wayland and Crawfordsville have the WACO Community Food Pantry and Wayland City Hall. Anyone looking to donate in Winfield can give them to the Winfield City Hall or the Winfield Food Pantry.
Some key reminders for donating. Call ahead for hours and only wash the produce if you have time to dry it. When picking up produce, only take what you need and wash it before eating.
Even though there are several places for free produce, another great way to give more people access to fruit and vegetables is to plant your own share.
For more information about healthy living and public health, visit healthyhenrycounty.org or Healthy Henry County on Facebook.
Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots Now Available through Mount Pleasant Public Library
The Mount Pleasant Public Library is now offering Mobile Wi-Fi Hot Spots for check out! This is a device that allows any Wi-Fi capable device to connect to the internet. Their service is through US Cellular, so anywhere that their service has coverage, you will be able to get internet from their devices.
Currently, the library has 2 hotspots to kickstart the program.
There is a policy in place for the usage of these devices that must be read, and an agreement that must be signed before you are able to check one out. Stop in, or call, to reserve your hot spot today! 319-385-1490.
Fuel Prices Match Last Weeks – Weekly Fuel Report
Prices for regular unleaded gasoline neither fell nor rose from last week til now, as prices averaged $3.28 across Iowa according to AAA. This price does reflect a 9-cent decrease from this time last year, and is 23 cents away from matching the national average.
Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 3 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.52, one year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.63 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 31 cents lower than the national average of $3.83.
Natural gas prices rose 9 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.15/MMbtu.
Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.
Illinois Couple Charged with Insurance Fraud for Fire in Burlington Residence
On April 4th, 2024, the Burlington Fire Department was dispatched to 1015 N Central Avenue regarding a house fire. Arriving on scene, firefighters observed smoke coming from the residence, owned by Heather Dawson. The Burlington Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division was called to assist the Fire Marshal as the fire appeared suspicious.
An investigation revealed that Heather Dawson attempted to file an insurance claim for the residence. They also found out that her husband, Derek Dawson, had spoken to others about starting the fire and his truck was seen leaving the area prior to the fire being noticed.
As the result of an ongoing investigation, Heather and Derek Dawson have been arrested in Peoria, Illinois.
Heather Dawson has been charged with insurance fraud. Derek Dawson has been charged with insurance fraud and 2nd degree arson.
Burlington Fire Department was assisted by Burlington Police Departments Criminal Investigation Division and the Peoria Police Department.