Applications are currently being accepted for a scholarship/loan program through the Friends of Henry County Health Center.

The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage education and future employment in a healthcare field at Henry County Health Center. Applicants must be residents of Henry County, HCHC associates, or a family member of an HCHC associate.

The program is designated as a scholarship/loan because the recipient will be required to work at HCHC pending completion of course work, certification, and availability of employment. The scholarship/loan amount will be forgiven over a specified period of employment.

Applications are available at https://www.greatriverhealth.org/~/henry-county-health-center/about-us/volunteer-giving-opportunities/friends-of-henry-county-health-center/, the HCHC Information Desk in the front lobby, high schools located in Henry County, Southeastern Community College, Indian Hills Community College, Mt. Mercy College, or Kirkwood Community College.

Applicants may enroll in a program of their choice and at the college of their choice; however, the scholarship committee reserves the right to review the program. Funds may be used to pay for tuition, books, and other educational expenses.

Completed applications are due by Monday, April 1, 2024, at 5pm, and may be turned into the HCHC Public Information Department, 407 S. White Street, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 52641.

The Friends of HCHC initiated the scholarship/loan program in 1979 to offer financial assistance to students enrolled in a health care field of study.  Numerous scholarships have been awarded to area students in hospital service areas such as nursing, emergency care, laboratory, diagnostic imaging, health information management and pharmacy. Friends of Henry County Health Center sponsor an annual soup supper in early November to help fund the scholarship. This year’s Soup Supper is scheduled for Friday, November 8th.

For more scholarship information, call 319-385-6524.

The Henry County Supervisors met on Tuesday morning for a regular board meeting. Supervisor White brought up wind energy, which is a hot topic in Henry County currently, and mentioned that the supervisors need to discuss the wind ordinance. The first reading of the changes to the ordinance were tabled last week due to Senate Study Bill 3169, which would see State law trump County on issues laid out in wind energy ordinances. However, that bill is “dead” and did not continue through the Senate.

Joe Buffington, the Henry County Planning and Zoning Director was in attendance to answer questions and provide input. Board chair Moeller believes that the setback distance proposed of the height of the turbine multiplied by 2 is not enough. He said that was his personal opinion but would like to look further into setting the turbines back 1/3^rd of a mile.

A moratorium was then discussed. Joe Buffington said that there has been no application for a moratorium at this moment. Supervisor White believes that a moratorium would be used for public input if one were to be in place. Buffington stated that there needs to be a reason for a halt. It seems that the supervisors are going to meet with the county attorney to discuss this further.

When supervisor White told the room he would like to see a visual of turbines at different setback distances, a citizen provided a map of such. Buffington then mentioned that he will create something as well.

The supervisors mentioned how they are reading through emails sent from citizens regarding this potential wind farm project. Supervisor Lindeen has been reading through ordinances from other counties.

There is a Planning and Zoning meeting on March 12^th at the Henry County Courthouse at 6:00pm. This meeting is open to the public.

There has been an update to a murder case in Keokuk from January 22^nd. After a physical altercation took place between Gary L. Rockenbach, 84, and his son, Craig L. Rockenbach, 43, Gary was transported to a medical facility to receive treatment for his injuries.

At that time, Craig was arrested for Assault Causing Bodily Injury. One week later, the Keokuk Police Department received additional information in regard to the internal injuries suffered by Gary Rockenbach. The original charge was amended to Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury. Gary passed away in a medical facility on February 1^st.

Then, the Lee County Attorney amended the charge in this case. Craig Rockenbach is now charged with Murder in the 2^nd Degree.

There was a car vs semi accident on Monday morning.

According to a police report, a Nissan sedan, owned and operated by John Kline of Mt. Pleasant, was attempting to turn North onto Iris Road from Washington St. The vehicle was struck by a Semi Truck, operated by Elton Spell of Texas, who was traveling west on Washington St through the intersection.

There was a combined $25,000 estimated damage to both vehicles. John Kline was transported to the Henry County Health Center by ambulance.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and Mt. Pleasant Fire and Rescue.

This accident remains under investigation.