Iowa motorists are seeing modest relief at the pump this week as fuel prices continue a slow downward trend, according to the latest data from AAA and state fuel terminals.

As of Wednesday, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa sits at $2.92 per gallon, a 3-cent drop from last week and a 36-cent decrease from this time last year. The national average for regular unleaded is currently $3.14, down 2 cents from the previous week.

Retail diesel prices across Iowa also declined by 3 cents, now averaging $3.55 per gallon. While diesel is slightly higher than the $3.51 average seen a year ago, Iowa drivers are still paying 19 cents less than the national average, which stands at $3.74 per gallon.

Terminal and rack prices in Des Moines, a key distribution point for fuel across the state, reflect the current wholesale cost to suppliers. As of Wednesday, prices were as follows:

• U87-E10 (ethanol blend): $1.94 per gallon
• Unleaded 87 (clear): $2.26 per gallon
• ULSD#2 (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel): $2.47 per gallon
• ULSD#1: $2.72 per gallon
• E-70 (ethanol blend): $1.91 per gallon

These rack prices serve as indicators of market trends and often influence retail prices over time.

With both gasoline and diesel prices continuing to dip, Iowans can expect moderate fuel savings heading into August—welcome news for drivers during the final stretch of the summer travel season.

With the start of a new school year just around the corner, the Louisa Sheriff’s Patrol is stepping up to help students head back to class equipped for success. The department has launched a vibrant and community-focused Back-to-School Supply Drive, inviting residents to donate essential classroom items for local children in need.

The drive aims to collect a wide range of school supplies, and community members are encouraged to contribute any of the following items:

• Erasers
• Crayons
• Folders
• Glue (bottles or sticks)
• Pencils
• Pens
• Notebooks
• Loose Leaf Paper
• 3-Ring Binders
• Markers
• Scissors
• Kleenex
• Colored Pencils

Donations of any quantity are welcome, and all contributions will go directly to students within the community who may otherwise struggle to afford basic classroom materials.

By organizing this drive, the Louisa Sheriff’s Patrol is not only ensuring that children have the tools they need to learn, but also reinforcing its commitment to public service and youth support.

For those interested in donating, stay tuned to the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office social media pages or contact their office directly for drop-off locations and times. Every notebook, pencil, and box of crayons helps make a difference!

The main item on the agenda was a site plan for a proposed parking lot at 300 East Washington Street, tied to Revival Wedding and Salon, which is located nearby. However, the lot itself is owned by Castle Church, and it sits on land zoned differently from the adjacent business.

Board members raised several issues with the submission, including:

• Zoning mismatch: The parking lot is located on land zoned R-3 (residential), while the salon is in a business district. It’s unclear whether the lot would legally serve a business in a different zone.
• Insufficient site plan detail: The submitted drawing lacked elevation changes, stormwater runoff control, curb details, ADA-compliant parking spaces, and topographic data. A member noted there is a one-foot elevation drop that could affect water flow and access.
• City engineering input required: Cutting a curb and adding a driveway would likely require approval from the city’s public works or engineering department.

The board ultimately took no action on the site plan, citing a lack of sufficient information. No motion was made, and no recommendation was passed to City Council.

Subdivision Request at 2260 Hickory Avenue Moves on to County

The board next reviewed a rural subdivision proposal located at 2260 Hickory Avenue, which would divide a larger tract of land into three parcels:

• One 72.1-acre parcel
• One 67.34-acre parcel
• One 5.2-acre parcel containing an existing residence

The landowner has no immediate plans to further develop the property, and the subdivision is not expected to impact local infrastructure or increase traffic.

A historic memorial marking Camp Harlan, a Civil War-era Army training ground located at the southeast corner of the property, was also noted during discussion. While the board has no jurisdiction over the memorial, members urged that the Henry County Board of Supervisors and county zoning officials be made aware of the site’s historical significance during their review.

Because the property lies just outside city limits — but within the two-mile urban fringe — the board voted to waive its right to review the subdivision and pass jurisdiction to the county, while retaining the right to review future development.

With no other business presented during open forum, the meeting was adjourned.

Mount Pleasant’s Preppin Mama is headed to the final round of Iowa’s “Open 4 Business” grant competition, with a chance to win up to $25,000 to expand their growing homesteading business.

Founded by mother-daughter duo Dani Murphy and Tatum Kane, Preppin Mama began with a small booth inside Jefferson Street Antique Mall, offering freeze-dried treats and gourmet cookies. Now they’re renovating a storefront at 120 S. Main Street to launch their Homestead Hub — a full-scale space dedicated to self-sufficient living.

The new shop will feature a juice bar, local vendor goods, in-house grain milling, dry goods, and eventually a certified commercial kitchen. It will also offer educational workshops on gardening, canning, cooking, and other homesteading skills.

The “Open 4 Business” program, run by Main Street Iowa, allows each participating community to nominate one business annually. From dozens of entries, only five reach the finals. Finalists receive $5,000 and are eligible for up to $25,000 depending on the judges’ decision. The final pitch will take place this Monday, August 4th at 5:00 p.m. in Muscatine at the Pearl Button Factory.

Main Street Director, Lisa Oetken encourages other local businesses to reach out about similar opportunities.

For help or more information, Oetken can be reached at (319) 385-1629 or lisa@mpiowa.org. Her office is located on the second floor of the Union Block building at 111 W. Monroe Street.

New London, Iowa – New London Specialty Care invites the community to a joyful celebration marking its 50th anniversary on Saturday, August 2, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 100 Care Circle Street, New London, IA 52645.

The event promises a festive afternoon for all ages, featuring building tours, sweet treats, live music, and games. This milestone commemorates five decades of dedicated service to the community since the facility opened its doors in 1975.

Operated by Care Initiatives, New London Specialty Care is known for its commitment to quality elder care and community involvement. The 50th anniversary event offers both longtime supporters and new visitors a chance to explore the facility, meet staff, and celebrate the legacy of care.

Everyone is welcome to attend and join in honoring this major achievement. For more information, contact New London Specialty Care directly.