The New London Community School District is asking families to partner with them in building strong character among students during an upcoming community service event.

All New London students in grades 6 through 12 will take part in the district’s annual Clean-Up Day on Wednesday, April 22nd. School officials say the event is designed to be more than just a day of helping around town. They say it’s an opportunity for students to learn responsibility, teamwork, and appreciation by serving others in their community.

District leaders say activities like Clean-Up Day help students develop patience, learn to support one another, and understand the value of stepping up when help is needed. They note that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference and help build confidence and pride.

School officials also pointed to the response from students following a past tornado that impacted the community, when many students volunteered to assist wherever help was needed. They say that same spirit of service and community connection is what Clean-Up Day aims to promote.

Parents are encouraged to make sure their children attend school and are prepared to participate in the event. District officials say family support helps reinforce the importance of service and responsibility, and plays a key role in helping students grow into caring and capable members of the community.

The Henry County Historic Preservation Commission met Wednesday, April 15th at the Henry County Heritage Center to review ongoing projects and prepare for upcoming community events.

Members approved the meeting agenda and prior minutes, followed by the treasurer’s report. The Henry County Board of Supervisors has also approved the addition of Nancy Amos and Cathy McCoy as new commissioners.

Guest Paul Katsion, representing the Optimists Club, outlined plans for the opening of the 1976 time capsule located on the courthouse lawn. The Preservation Commission has been asked to assist with inventorying the contents of the 50-year-old capsule and help decide which items will be returned for preservation over the next 50 years. The time capsule will be opened as part of the community’s 250th anniversary celebration this Fourth of July in Mount Pleasant, with the official opening scheduled for July 3rd on the courthouse lawn.

Commission members also reviewed progress on a new historic sites guidebook. Print Group USA has provided mapping and formatting options for the publication. Data collection has been completed, and most image files have already been secured. The guidebook is expected to be finished before the end of the year.

The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for May 20th at the Henry County Heritage Center.

Forecasters are warning of another round of potentially dangerous weather later today, with an Enhanced Risk—level 3 out of 5—for severe storms this afternoon and evening.

The primary threats include damaging winds, possibly significant, and tornadoes. Meteorologists say the highest tornado risk will occur with the initial storms this afternoon, while damaging winds are expected to become the main concern later in the evening as storm coverage increases.

The first round is expected between 1 and 5 p.m., when scattered severe storms may develop ahead of a cold front. These early storms are expected to form primarily north of Interstate 80, where the tornado threat will be highest.

The second round is expected between 5 and 10 p.m., when a larger line of storms could move through the region, bringing the greatest risk for damaging straight-line winds.

In addition to severe weather, there is also a Slight Risk—level 2 out of 4—for flash flooding this evening. Areas north of Highway 30 are considered most vulnerable due to already saturated ground from recent rainfall.

Forecasters warn rainfall rates could exceed one inch per hour, which may lead to localized flash flooding, especially in low-lying and urban areas. Some locations could see an additional one to two inches or more of rain through tonight.

Residents are urged to stay weather-aware throughout the day, have multiple ways to receive warnings, and be prepared to take shelter quickly if severe storms develop.

Local law enforcement agencies are warning residents about multiple scams circulating right now, including hacked email accounts and fake vehicle registration mailers.

The Ottumwa Police Department is reminding residents that scam emails can appear to come from trusted sources—including law enforcement agencies. Officers say if an email seems unusual or out of character, residents should avoid clicking links or opening attachments and instead verify the message by contacting the sender through another method.

Police are also warning about a separate scam involving fake vehicle registration vouchers appearing in some Iowa mailboxes. These mailers attempt to trick recipients into revealing personal or financial information and are not legitimate notices from the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Anyone who receives one of these fake vouchers is encouraged to report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission and discard the mail. Residents who are unsure whether a notice is legitimate can also check with their local County Treasurer’s Office or contact Iowa DOT Driver Services for verification.

Law enforcement officials say the key message is simple: use caution with unexpected emails or mail, even if they appear to come from trusted sources.

Residents have an opportunity this afternoon to take advantage of free health testing in Mount Pleasant.

Henry County Public Health is offering free HIV and sexually transmitted infection, or STI, testing today through the Outreach Prevention Services program.

Testing will be available from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Public Health Office, 106 North Jackson Street in Mount Pleasant.

Public health officials remind residents that many sexually transmitted infections have no symptoms, meaning individuals may not know they are infected. They say regular testing is an important step in protecting personal health and preventing the spread of infections to others.

Those interested are encouraged to stop in during the scheduled hours to take advantage of the free testing opportunity.

One of the most popular student events of the year returns this weekend to the Mount Pleasant Community High School, as the annual Dessert Theatre takes the stage.

The Dessert Theatre fundraiser, hosted by the Mount Pleasant Music Department, will be held this Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to get yours today from Brown’s Shoe Fit in Mount Pleasant.

The weekend performances combine student musical entertainment with a wide selection of desserts, making it a sweet experience.

Community response has already been strong, with dessert donations now filled, but they are still looking for volunteers to help the event run smoothly. Individuals and local businesses are encouraged to sign up to assist with serving and other duties during the performances. Sign up HERE!

Funds raised during the Dessert Theatre help support the music department and its growing programs, while also showcasing the talents of local student performers.

Students at Winfield-Mount Union Community School District are making a difference in their community thanks to a newly awarded grant and some hands-on service work.

School officials say Mrs. Pogmore recently wrote and secured funding from the Peter Marsh Foundation to create a new Pathways Club, designed to give students opportunities to complete projects that benefit the community.

Using grant funds, a variety of high school students spent time yesterday planting drought-resistant perennial plants in two park locations in Winfield. One planting site was located near the ball commons, while the second was near the city office.

The project not only improves the appearance of community spaces but also teaches students the value of service and environmental stewardship.

The newly created Pathways Club will continue working on additional community-focused projects in the future, helping students stay engaged while giving back to the Winfield area.

Young artists from Mount Pleasant Middle School recently put their talents to work during a special visit to Oakland Mills Nature Center.

According to Henry County Conservation, middle school students visited Oakland Mills this week to sketch animals at the nature center, showcasing impressive artistic talent from students across the county.

Conservation staff say the visit also serves as inspiration for others in the community. Residents interested in drawing wildlife are encouraged to participate in the conservation department’s upcoming art contest.

Registration is currently open for those who would like to submit their artwork and share their creativity with the community.