At their July 31, 2025, meeting, the Henry County Board of Supervisors tackled a wide-ranging agenda that included updates on landfill operations, changes to facility hours, designation of county voting representatives for ISAC, and a newly approved moratorium on commercial solar and battery energy storage development.

Landfill Usage Report and Hour Change Discussion

Lynn Whaley delivered the monthly landfill usage report, detailing tonnage and visitor numbers through July. While the number of users appears steady or slightly down, total landfill tonnage is up compared to previous years. Whaley attributed the increase—403.33 tons through July—to heavy rainfall, which has led to more water-heavy waste being compacted and hauled.

Recyclables accounted for 39.47 tons, while other materials such as scrap metal, tires, and CRTs were also tracked. A year-over-year comparison showed higher tonnage than in 2023 and 2024, despite similar or slightly lower foot traffic.

Whaley also proposed adjusting facility hours to reflect actual usage. He suggested shifting weekday hours from the current noon–6:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and possibly opening Saturdays earlier, around 7:30 a.m., to manage high-volume morning traffic.

Resolution 21-2025: ISAC Voting Representatives

The supervisors unanimously approved Resolution 21-2025, designating county voting representatives to the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC). The move ensures compliance with IRS requirements, as ISAC operates under 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and mandates formal designation of voting representatives.

Final Reading of Standard Penalty Ordinance

The board completed the third and final reading of the updated standard penalty ordinance, which includes a clarified section on FEMA penalties. No further changes were proposed. The ordinance was unanimously approved.

Resolution 22-2025: Moratorium on Commercial Solar and Battery Projects

The board also approved Resolution 22-2025, placing a 12-month moratorium on rezoning land for commercial solar and battery energy storage systems within unincorporated Henry County. The action is intended to give the county time to update its zoning ordinance and align regulations with ongoing revisions to the 2017 comprehensive plan.

Supervisors cited concerns over the impact of large-scale energy projects on infrastructure, the environment, and neighboring landowners. The moratorium pauses any new rezoning requests for alternative energy overlay districts until July 31, 2026, unless lifted earlier by board action.

During discussion, it was clarified that a reference to the comprehensive plan was removed from the final resolution text, but planning efforts involving public input will continue. A second work session on the issue is expected soon, and the moratorium ensures consistency as discussions evolve.

The meeting concluded with subcommittee updates and general board business. The next major item will involve revisiting the county’s wind energy moratorium in the coming weeks.

Mount Pleasant Parks and Recreation is gearing up for another season of Youth Flag Football, inviting boys and girls in grades 1st through 4th to join in a fun, team-oriented program that focuses on learning, participation, and enjoyment over competition.

The league will run from September through October, with games played Saturday mornings at the East Lake Soccer Complex. Each game consists of two 20-minute halves, and teams are expected to practice at least three times before their first game and once a week throughout the season.

This recreational league does not keep scores, emphasizing development and teamwork over winning. The program relies on parent volunteers to serve as coaches, and their involvement is critical to the program’s success. Parents interested in coaching are encouraged to include their contact information on the registration form.

Registration is open until September 3, 2025, and the fee is $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents. The cost includes a T-shirt and mouthpiece for each participant.

Families can register by submitting the completed form and payment to:
Mount Pleasant Parks & Rec, 307 E Monroe Street, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641.

For more information or questions, contact the Parks & Rec office at 319-385-1475 or email mpparkandrec@gmail.com.

Checks should be made out to Mount Pleasant Parks and Rec.

Burlington, Iowa — Get ready for a wild and wonderful nighttime adventure through the waters of Flint Creek! On Wednesday, August 13, Starr’s Cave Nature Center invites you to step into the magic of the natural world after sunset during its Night Creek Stomp program, taking place from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

This free, family-friendly event offers a rare opportunity to explore the creek by headlamp, where shadows dance on the water and the nighttime chorus of frogs and insects sets the scene for an unforgettable experience.

Participants are encouraged to wear water shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and to bring a headlamp if they have one — although a limited number will be available to borrow. Guided by nature experts, you’ll wade through the cool creek bed and discover the vibrant, hidden life that thrives after dark.

Watch for the glow of fireflies, listen for the calls of nocturnal animals, and learn about the secret nightlife of the forest in a program designed to ignite curiosity in adventurers of all ages.

No RSVP is needed — just show up and be ready to explore. For more information, call Starr’s Cave Nature Center at (319) 753-5808.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a family seeking outdoor fun, or simply looking to try something new, Night Creek Stomp promises a unique and immersive encounter with the wonders of the night.

Friday, July 18 ended the 2025 Washington County Fair successfully for many 4-H and FFA members who sold their livestock projects in the annual livestock auction.  4-H families, volunteers, and auction buyers enjoyed a pancake breakfast hosted by Washington County Farm Bureau and the Washington County Pork Producers before heading to the show ring one last time this year.  161 youth sold in the auction with a total of 296 lots sold. 75  local businesses or personal buyers purchased livestock and awarded Washington County 4-H and FFA members with their paychecks.

The Washington County Fair broke their old attendance record from 2023.  For the entire six-day fair, this year breaks the 19,000-guest mark which is an increase of about 2,000 people from the 2023 fair record.

Secretary Amanda Russell commented, “Having a week of good weather helped out so much, plus we (the fair board) work really hard to bring a wide variety of entertainment which goes on all day long”.  Russell said tickets are counted nightly with wristband sales added after the fair is over.

Fair board member Chris Graf added, “We would like to thank all of the exhibitors, participants, and volunteers that continue to make the Washington County Fair a success.  We are honored to have welcomed over 19,000 visitors to the fairgrounds in 2025.”

The 2026 Washington County Fair will take place from July 19-24, 2026.

For more information about the Washington County Fair Association, follow them on Facebook or at www.washingtoncountyfairia.com .

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!