The primary election is over but another one is right around the corner for Henry County residents and it promises to be an important one. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 10th, for a special election regarding the proposed EMS tax, which is a rate of 75 cents per 1000 dollars of assessed value. Townhall meetings have been promised in the future so that constituents have the opportunity to be informed.

Department heads from all over the county met with the Henry County Supervisors on Thursday morning for their monthly meeting and update.

Walt Jackson with Emergency Management made note of Iowa placing number one in a category that no one wants to be first in. By May, 81 tornadoes have ripped through the state, which puts Iowa in first place, with Texas hanging behind in 2^nd with 74. The governor has signed 18 disaster proclamations so far this year, with around 3/4ths of counties impacted by them. We certainly don’t want to see a tornado on the 26^th of July when RAGBRAI comes through Mount Pleasant for an overnight stop, but if we do, the Emergency Management department is finalizing a plan if things go awry.

The county auditor, Shelly Barber, mentioned the primary election vote totals, with only 8.7% of registered voters (1159 out of 13,326) in the county submitting a ballot. This is less than half of the voter turnout for the primaries 4 years ago. Barber only has a handful of monthly department meetings left, as Robin Detrick ran uncontested in the primaries. The canvass of votes will take place next Tuesday and the public is invited to the post-election audit on Wednesday. Jackie Myers with the County Attorney’s office spoke about new equipment that she hopes will cut down costs and allow for more remote hearings.

If you’re planning on attending a fireworks show this year, consider the annual evening in Sperry because this year, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is heading there. That’s right, July 5^th, join for an evening of fireworks, live music, delicious food, family fun, and the added treat of a photo opportunity with the legendary vehicle.

On June 5, 2024, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a multiple motor vehicle accident resulting in property damage.  An investigation determined Norma Werkheiser of Kewanee, Illinois was operating a maroon 2019 Toyota Highlander at the intersection of US Highway 78 and US Highway 218.  Werkheiser failed to yield the right of way from a stop sign causing a collision with Steven Bonar of Burlington Iowa who was operating a black 2015 Ram 1500 traveling northbound on US Highway 218.  Damage to both vehicle was in excess of $1,500 and Werkheiser was issued a citation for failure to yield the right of way.

Congratulations to Pat White who has received the Martha Hayes Preservationist of the Year Award during the Preserve Iowa Summit. The submission, which was written by Joy Lapp, calls White a dedicated volunteer and acknowledges her work on multiple historical organizations, such as her efforts to preserve Iowa Wesleyan memorabilia.

White, who has been called “Mount Pleasant’s Unofficial Historian” accepted the award on Thursday’s award ceremony, which saw multiple projects, including the Hotel Manning in Keosauqua, recognized for their preservation efforts.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reports that during the course of the investigation a suspect was identified and interviewed. The suspect had been located and arrested on June 4^th, 2024, on outstanding warrants from Washington County for Probation Violation on an original charge of Theft in the 2^nd Degree and Operation Without Owner’s Consent. They were being held in the Washington County Jail on a cash bond. An interview at the Jail followed and subsequent charges were filed. Mitchell Ryan Martinez (19) of Washington was charged with Dominion or Control of a Firearm by a Felon, Attempted Murder, Going Armed With Intent, and Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon. Martinez remains in custody at the Washington County Jail. The bond listed on the new charges is $100,000 cash only.

***A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

May 29^th, 2024

At approximately 12:45 AM on May 29^th, 2024, the Washington County Communications Center received a report of a disturbance at 2705 Airport Rd., Washington. It was determined that one subject had suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The subject was transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City by Washington County Ambulance personnel and is in stable condition. Personnel from Washington EMS, the Washington Police Department, Washington County Conservation, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation also assisted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at the scene. The incident is under investigation and anyone with any information concerning the incident is urged to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 319-653-2107.

RAGBRAI is the talk of the town with thousands of cyclists riding into Mount Pleasant for an overnight stop on Friday, July 26^th. This surge of tourists will be hungry and looking for entertainment after riding over 84 miles from Ottumwa and 3160ft of elevation. Vendors are still welcome, but the deadline is approaching quickly. That deadline is June 15^th. To find out more, www.mtpleasantragbrai.com

There was an informational town hall meeting in April* which provided interested citizens with plenty of facts surrounding RAGBRAI overnight. Rachel Lindeen, Mt. Pleasant Chamber, has confirmed that there will be another meeting coming up towards the end of the month as preparations ramp up. That meeting is slated for Wednesday, June 26^th, in Central Park. Bring a lawn chair!

Looking at the weekly fuel report, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.23 across Iowa, which is a 4 cent drop from last week and 12 cents less than last year. The national average on Wednesday was $3.50, down 8 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 4 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.54. Last year at this time, prices averaged $3.67 in Iowa.  The current Iowa diesel price is 30 cents lower than the national average of $3.84.

Natural gas prices rose 2 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.73/MMbtu.

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