Stonehenge Kennels in West Point, Iowa, is now operating under a new license.  This change has erased all past violations and may dismiss a lawsuit over the government’s oversight of the business.  Stonehenge is one of Iowa’s largest and most troubled dog-breeding operations in the state.

Steve Kruse, longtime owner of Stonehenge Kennels in West Point, Iowa, has been repeatedly cited for failure to provide adequate veterinary care. For decades, Kruse has operated Stonehenge Kennels, a dog-breeding facility.  According to federal inspection records, the kennel has had as many as 700 dogs on site at times.

Federal records collected by the Iowa-based animal welfare group Bailing Out Benji show the animal dealer’s license for Stonehenge Kennels in West Point, is now in the name of  Christine A. Snakenberg and the kennel now has a clean record of compliance; however, Lee County Property Records indicate the land and buildings where the kennel is located are still owned entirely by Kruse.

Over the years, Kruse has been cited for numerous animal-welfare violations but has continued to operate and be relicensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Last year, the ASPCA sued the USDA, alleging the agency had failed to provide adequate oversight and enforcement of federal regulations related to Kruse’s operation. In November 2024, the USDA filed a motion with the court seeking dismissal of the case based on jurisdictional issues.

The court, however, never ruled on that motion and the case has been at a standstill for nine months. On Wednesday, with the motion to dismiss still pending, U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb issued an order noting that the matter might now be moot since Kruse’s three-year license, issued in August 2022, had recently lapsed.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday, October 9, handling road updates, an IT transition, and a rural sanitation contract.

Speed Zone Adjustment:
Supervisors approved a resolution adjusting the speed limit on Quincy Avenue south of New London. The new limits set 25 mph for the first 530 feet south of Easy Street and 45 mph for the next 625 feet, improving safety near homes and a steep hill.

Road and Bridge Work:
Engineer Jake Hotchkiss reported crews are performing shoulder repairs, ditch cleaning, and bridge maintenance across the county, including along 220th Street, Franklin Avenue, and J20. Mowing and brush work continue before winter.

IT Department Changes:
Supervisors accepted the resignation of IT and Safety Director Derek Wellington and voted to move the IT department directly under the Board’s oversight. The change aims to improve accountability as the county prepares for a technology audit later this month.

Sanitation Contract:
The county awarded its rural sanitation contract to All American Sanitation, citing a projected $55,800 savings over three years compared to WEMIGA Waste Systems.

Behavioral Health Update:
The meeting also included a briefing on Iowa’s new Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization, which now manages mental health and substance use services statewide.

The board will meet again next week at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors voted Thursday morning, October 9th, to award the county’s waste management contract to All American Sanitation, following a competitive bidding process between two companies — All American Sanitation and Wemiga Waste Systems, the county’s current provider.

Bids were received several weeks ago and reviewed by the county attorney prior to the board’s discussion and vote. Supervisor Chad White asked whether both companies were prepared to handle potential compactor failures or repairs, including providing backup equipment to prevent the need for hauling loose trash. County staff confirmed that backup systems are in place and both bidders are equipped to manage such issues.

He also inquired if each company would take care of minor maintenance tasks beyond standard waste services — such as equipment painting, minor building repairs, and picking up stray litter. Officials noted that those responsibilities are included in the contract language.

Finally, White asked whether both companies have the trucks and equipment necessary to handle freezing winter conditions without interruption to service. Both bidders were confirmed to be capable of doing so.

After discussion, the board turned to the financial difference between the proposals. The three-year contract from All American Sanitation was $55,800 lower than the bid submitted by Wemiga Waste Systems — about $18,600 in annual savings, or roughly $1,550 per month.

“With all things being equal, money being the deciding factor, I would have to go with All American,” said White. “That’s not to say that Wemiga hasn’t done an outstanding job — they absolutely have.”

Chairman Marc Lindeen agreed, emphasizing that Wemiga has provided excellent service over the past several years. “I’ve never had a concern whatsoever,” he said.

The board also discussed how the cost savings could support broader county goals, such as increased investment in economic development, a top community priority identified during past local option sales tax discussions.

White made the motion to accept All American Sanitation’s bid, seconded by Supervisor Steven Detrick.

Following the decision, Lynn Whaley, President of Wemiga Waste Systems, expressed gratitude to the county for years of partnership. “We appreciate the honesty and what you shared this morning about our company. We’re dedicated to continuing our service through the end of this contract and to our customers across Southeast Iowa.”

 All American Sanitation will officially take over the county’s rural waste services in January. More details will be released when contracts have been signed.

Fuel prices across Iowa saw another drop this week, according to the latest report from AAA. 

As of Wednesday, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa was $2.82 per gallon, down four cents from last week and twelve cents lower than this time last year. The national average also dipped four cents, coming in at $3.12 per gallon. 

Diesel prices followed a similar trend, falling four cents to an Iowa statewide average of $3.46 per gallon. That’s 11 cents higher than a year ago, but still 22 cents below the current national diesel average of $3.68. 

At the wholesale level, Des Moines terminal and rack prices were reported at $1.86 for U87-E10, $2.07 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.36 for ULSD #2, $2.75 for ULSD #1, and $2.02 per gallon for E-70. Drivers can continue to expect some price variability across regions, but the recent declines reflect ongoing stability in national crude oil markets and steady Midwest supply. 

The Mount Pleasant Community School District’s Site and Policy Committee will meet this afternoon, Thursday, October 9, at 5:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Central Office, located at 1010 East Washington Street, Suite 102. 

The Site Committee will review several facility-related topics, including potential improvements to lighting at the district’s baseball field and proposals for abatement work at the PEO Memorial Building. Committee members will also discuss the planned transition of the WisdomQuest Alternative High School to the district’s Activity Center, as well as receive information on the sale of property at 400 East Madison Street. Updates from the Facilities Ad Hoc Committee are also on the agenda. 

Following that, the Policy Committee will conduct a second reading of School Board Policy Series 300, which covers administrative functions within the district. The committee will also consider three proposed fundraisers — from iJAG’s 9th and 10th grade students, the Salem PTA, and the High School Junior Class/iJAG program. 

The meeting is open to the public. 

The excitement of a new 4-H year filled the air as families and students gathered for the Henry County 4-H Open House, marking the official start of another season of learning, leadership, and livestock. 

Among those attending was returning 4-H member Jeb Beard, the son of Katie and Philip Beard, who is preparing to enter his second year in the program.  

When asked what brought him back for another year, Jeb’s enthusiasm was clear. “I just thought the showing process was really fun.” he said. 

The open house served as an opportunity for new and returning members alike to learn about project options ranging from livestock and photography to woodworking, robotics, and community service. Volunteers and club leaders were on hand to answer questions and encourage youth to get involved. 

Henry County 4-H continues to build on its strong legacy of helping young people gain hands-on experience, develop responsibility, and build confidence — one project at a time. 

For more information on joining 4-H in Henry County, families can contact the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Office or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/henry