It was all hands-on deck for the fire truck push in ceremony, which took place minutes after the city council meeting adjourned. Drew Schumacher, former Fire Chief for the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, started the change of command ceremony by providing history on fire service, and made mention of the stellar public servants of Mt. Pleasant. Schumacher gave advice to Chief Blint, stating that a Chief needs to think about others first and lead with “we” and not “I”.

Shumacher also recited the firemen’s prayer, with the last line reading “and if according to Your Will I have to lose my life, please bless with Your protecting hand my children and my wife.” This helps to sum up the great service these men and women on the fire department continually do. The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department is looking for volunteers, and if you think you would be a good fit, stop by the station at 204 S Jackson St.

After the blessing of the truck, it was ready to be pushed into the station. The engine was turned on, but only “for the noise” and the truck soon sat in it’s new home.

*Blint has been in the role for less than 2 weeks, but has plenty of experience with over 20 years on the department.

Photos courtesy of Dave Schneider

Taking a look at our weekly fuel report, remember last week when prices dropped 6 cents? Well, prices rose 6 cents this week, now averaging $3.33 across Iowa for unleaded gasoline according to triple A. This is 29 cents less the national average of $3.62.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 2 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.79. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.90 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 27 cents lower than the national average of $4.06.

Natural gas prices rose 4 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently prices at $1.88/MMbtu.

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

Spring has well and truly arrived, and along with the gorgeous weather, end of school year activities are taking place. One thing that many students look forward to every year is Prom, and Mount Pleasant High School has released some information about the activities surrounding the day.

Prom will take place on Saturday, May 4^th and will “kick-off” with promenade in the high-school gym at 4:30pm. Students will line up with their date for pictures as they walk through a room full of happy parents. The dance will take place at the high school gym from 8:30pm-11:30pm. Afterwards, students can head to the Iris City Bowling Center on the west side of town for a safe and responsible after-prom experience from 12:00am-3:00am.

Small business week takes place at the end of April and through the first few days of May, and Mount Pleasant is full of great ones. The Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for your favorite outstanding small business.

To qualify for Small Business of the Year in Mount Pleasant, businesses must meet the following criteria:

-Must be a Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce Member

-Must be a for-profit entity

-Must have a primary location in Henry County

-Must have less than 50 employees

-Must have been in business for a minimum of two years

You can head to their Facebook page to fill out a form, or stop in at their office on the square, but you don’t have much time left! Applications are due by end of business tomorrow.

The Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce is also seeking nominations for small business and micro business of the year. Eligible business must have made an impact on the community or economy over the past year, has a place of business in Fort Madison, and is independently owned and operated.

To nominate a business, please contact the chamber at chamber@fortmadison.com or 319-372-5471.  Nominations will be accepted through Friday, April 19^th.

SCC President Dr. Michael Ash released the name of the residence hall student who passed away on Monday as Cho Hwangki, of Japan.

Hwangki, a freshman in his second semester, was an integral part of the SCC soccer team. Hailing from Japan, Cho had successfully learned to navigate the cultural and language barriers of being an international college student as he pursued his academic and athletic endeavors.

Dr. Ash said that the news of Hwangki’s passing has deeply affected not only those who knew him personally but also the wider SCC community. “Cho’s passing has left a profound impact on our students, faculty, and staff.”

In response to the tragedy, classes and activities were canceled on Monday afternoon and Tuesday. College officials are also providing support and resources to those in need. Counseling services are available for students through the Student Affairs Office.

Organizers are planning to honor Cho’s memory in the coming days and provide an opportunity for the SCC community to come together to mourn and remember him. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

As the investigation into Cho’s passing continues, Dr. Ash urged against speculation regarding the cause of death, citing no present evidence to suggest foul play.

In this time of grief, Dr. Ash emphasized the strength and resilience of the SCC community. “As Blackhawks, we will come together and move beyond this tremendous loss,” he said. “Let us support one another with empathy, compassion, and unity.”

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office has some tips for recognizing abuse.

Some physical abuse signs are: unexplained injuries, such as bruises, broken bones, or burns. Injuries that don’t match the given explanation, and injuries that aren’t compatible with the child’s developmental ability.

Some sexual abuse signs: sexual behavior or knowledge that’s inappropriate for the child’s age, genital pain, bleeding, or injury, and statements by the child that he or she was sexually abused.

Emotional abuse signs: social withdrawal or loss of interest/enthusiasm, appears to desperately seek affection, loss of previously acquired developmental skills.

Neglect signs: poor growth and/or poor personal cleanliness, lack or clothing or supplies to meet physical needs, hoarding or stealing food.

If you suspect child abuse, please contact your local law enforcement agency or contact the Iowa Department of Human Services.