Wendy and Tim Vonderhaar, along with, Marvin McGregor, are pleased to announce the purchase of the Corner Tap in West Point, Iowa. As new owners, acquiring the building and business is more than an honor to them. Many have told them that they have big shoes to fill. They feel it is an unfitting feat. There is no intention to fill the shoes of Sue and Reed Haeger as they are legends of their own at the Corner Tap and West Point. Through their business, they have created family ties and friendships and they served their community with pride. Their memory will always live on. Rather, the new owners hope to open a new chapter that will continue to create additional memories and good times just as Sue and Reed’s Corner Tap had.

They invite you to join them Saturday, June 15th for their grand reopening. They will open at 11:00 a.m. with a free will donation fish fry at 4:00 p.m. Proceeds to be donated to the West Point Fireworks.

Officers in Keokuk had their hands full on Wednesday afternoon, as a vehicle pursuit turned suspects on the run, combined with a false report of a juvenile gunshot injury.

At approximately 1:38 p.m., a Keokuk Police Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Chevy Sedan known to be occupied by an individual with active warrants for their arrest. The vehicle failed to stop after the officer initiated the emergency lights and audible siren in a fully marked Keokuk squad car. The vehicle was occupied by a driver and two passengers.

Keokuk officers pursued the vehicle out of the city limits on Mississippi River Road. The driver eventually stopped the vehicle near 320th Street and 250th Avenue, but all occupants fled from the vehicle into a timber area.

During the pursuit, LeeComm received a call indicating that a juvenile had sustained a gun-related injury in the 1400 block of South 7th Street. Officers went to that location and investigated, which resulted in the determination that the report was false and likely an attempt to hinder law enforcement’s pursuit of the fleeing subjects.

A Lee County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit was deployed to track the suspects, as well as a Fort Madison drone.

Two subjects were arrested as a consequence. Courtney Kellum, 40, of Keokuk, was arrested and charged with Interference with Official Acts a simple misdemeanor. Brittany Saltzman, 33, of Keokuk, was arrested and charged with Interference with Official Acts. Saltzman was also arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office on multiple outstanding arrest warrants. The third suspect is at large but is not believed to be an ongoing threat to the public.

The successful outcome of the investigation was a result of the collaborative effort of our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The Iowa State Patrol, United States Marshals Service, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Narcotics Task Force, Fort Madison Police Department, and the Montrose Police Department also contributed to this investigation.

Great River Health regrets to announce the closure of the Henry County Health Center-Mediapolis Clinic, effective August 2, 2024. This decision comes with the departure of provider Naarah Hauenstein, PA-C.  Other factors that figured into the decision include the proximity of similar care at Henry County Health Center-Wapello Clinic and Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington, and the difficulty recruiting and retaining a qualified provider to replace Hauenstein.

“We appreciate the trust and support the Mediapolis community has shown us over the years,” said Dr. Joel Ryon, Chief Medical Officer of Great River Health. “We did not come to this decision easily, and we remain committed to ensuring a seamless transition for our patients to continue receiving the high-quality care they deserve.”

Patients currently receiving care at the Henry County Health Center-Mediapolis Clinic will receive a letter with detailed information on transferring their care and/or medical records to a preferred provider.  The Henry County Health Center-Wapello Clinic and Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington both have availability with primary care providers as well as walk-in care services.

“We are grateful to Naarah Hauenstein and the team of healthcare professionals at the Mediapolis Clinic for their dedicated service to their patients.  We look forward to continuing to serve the community and providing for all their healthcare needs at our other locations,” expressed Ryon.

Great River Health System purchased the Mediapolis Clinic in 1998, employing the providers and staff.

For a comprehensive list of services and additional information regarding Great River Health go to: www.greatriverhealth.org

The Henry County Sheriff met with 2/3rds of the Board of Supervisors on Thursday to discuss the hiring of an additional deputy. Supervisor Lindeen was absent.

On April 2^nd, the board approved adding a 13^th deputy for school resource officer purposes, after New London and Winfield-Mt.Union both requested officers. However, Winfield-Mt.Union has chosen a Winfield city employee to fulfill the duties inside the school building due to legislation signed into law on April 19^th.

Board Chair, Greg Moeller, believed it appropriate to wait on hiring a 13^th Deputy since NLCSD does not have an answer on the furthering of the contract for current SRO, Deputy Lopez. There is a school board meeting next week where they will discuss the contract.

The motion to rescind the hiring of a 13^th Deputy as an SRO was approved. Supervisor White told the Sheriff that he should come to them again if a similar situation arises.

Nicholas Gluba, USMC veteran and City Council member from Lone Tree, proudly announces his candidacy for the District 1 US House Seat in Iowa on the Libertarian Party of Iowa ticket. With a background deeply rooted in the local community and a passion for individual liberties, Mr. Gluba’s campaign aims to bring a fresh perspective to Washington, centered on the needs and values of Iowans.

“As a proud Iowan, I have a deep connection to our community and a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face,” stated Gluba. “I am running on a platform of freedom for all people regardless of ethnicity, religion, social status, and gender. My campaign is built on the principles of personal freedom, economic opportunity, and accountable government.”

LPIA Chairwoman Jules Cutler had this to say about the Libertarian Party candidate: ‘Nicholas Gluba aligns with the party’s core principles of individual liberty, free-market economics, and non-interventionist foreign policy. He has dutifully served his country as a Marine, and continues to serve his community in his role on the City Council. His candidacy represents the Libertarian Party of Iowa’s commitment to the great people across our state. .”

On June 10, 2024, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a single motorcycle accident with unknown injuries.

An investigation determined William Sears of Des Moines, Iowa was operating a red 2016 Victory motorcycle in the 1300 grid of US Highway 34.  William lost control and collied with the ditch.  William was transported by Henry County EMS due to injuries from the collision.  Damage to the motorcycle was more than $1,500.

A woman in a wheelchair was stuck inside of a mobile home that was on fire on Monday. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office received an E911 call of a gas stove on fire at 6:12pm on June 10^th, in the Green Valley Mobile Home Court Area.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office and Mount Pleasant Fire Department responded to the scene. Upon arrival, all occupants were removed from the trailer and the fire was determined to no longer be active. No injuries or damages were reported from this incident.

Iowans can be glad about the price of gas this week, as the price of both regular and diesel fell considerable amounts.

After falling 8 cents from last week, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.15 across the state. This is a 22 cent drop from last year.

The national average on Wednesday was $3.45, down 5 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 5 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.49. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.64 in Iowa.

The current Iowa diesel price is 30 cents lower than the national average of $3.79.

Natural gas prices jumped up a whopping 28 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.01/MMbtu.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.