The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a certified peace officer. Applications are available at the civil department or on their Facebook page. They have multiple opportunities within their department, such as SWAT, a drug task force, and k9 officers. Those applying must be a full-time certified peace officer. Lateral transfers can bring up to 7 years vacation accrual. Please call 319 376 1082 with any and all questions.
Gas Prices over $3 Across Iowa – Weekly Fuel Report
Gasoline prices continue to rise, this week 7 cents higher than last, now averaging $3.01 across Iowa. This is still 20 cents lower than this time last year, and 26 cents less than the national average.
Diesel prices also rose, now at $3.83 after a three-cent increase from last week. This is 27 cents lower than the national average, and 23 cents less than 12 months ago.
A look at our heating fuels reveals,
Propane prices averaged $1.59 per gallon statewide.
Home heating oil prices averaged $3.27 per gallon statewide.
Natural gas prices rose 15 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $1.76/MMbtu
After a steep decline last week, natural gas prices gained some of that back, rising 15 cents this week to $1.76/MMbtu.
Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.
3 Arrested at Ottumwa Home After Search Warrant Reveals Firearms, Drugs
A search warrant was executed in Ottumwa on Wednesday by the Southeast Iowa Inter-Agency Drug Task Force, Ottumwa Police Department’s Emergency Response Team, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
As a result of this search at 339 N. Moore Street, police seized 3 firearms, marijuana, and evidence of drug distribution. This search has led to three people being arrested.
Isaiah Kevon Dennis, age 24, was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of Washington County, Iowa for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Marijuana. Bond for this warrant was set at $1,000 cash only.
Jovanta Marice Bays, age 26, was arrested for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana and Failure to Affix a Drug Tax Stamp, both Class “D” Felonies.
Decareyanna Ruth Marie Brown, age 22, was arrested and charged with Keeping of Dangerous Animal Prohibited (Pit Bull), a Simple Misdemeanor.
This investigation is ongoing and additional criminal charges are pending.
Please note the following pursuant to recent Supreme Court rulings: “A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
John Kline
John K. Kline, 72, of Mt. Pleasant, died Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
John Kenneth Kline was born April 5, 1951 in Melrose, Iowa, the son of John L. and Veronica J. (Paylo) Kline. He graduated from Albia High School (Albia, IA) in 1970. He was united in marriage to Carolyn Clark. The couple later divorced. On April 25, 1997, John married Marygen Schwartz in St. Charles, MO. Marygen preceded in death on December 31, 2000. On May 29, 2006 in Mt Pleasant, John was united in marriage to Diane Gail Scheulen Rediger. They were married nearly 18 years. 
John was a career soldier in the United States Army. He entered service to his country at Ft. Des Moines, IA, shortly after graduating from high school. He served as a Food Service Specialist at several different bases and 6-months in Saudi Arabia. John retired from the Army as a Staff Sergeant in 1991 at Ft. Knox, KY, after 20 years of service. John was very proud of his service to his country.
After returning to civilian life, John worked for Transcontinental Cold Storage and Tyson Foods, both in Columbus Junction.
John was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Fr. John Manning Council and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7461 of New London.
John so loved visiting with family and friends. He also loved the viewing of many old television re-runs.
Those thankful for sharing in John’s life include his wife, Diane, of Mt. Pleasant; his daughters – Gwen Sharb of Nelsonville, OH and Crystal Brockway of Elkin, NC; his son – Tim Kline of Athens, OH; a son adopted in his heart – Brian Walters of Independence, IA; a brother Paul Kline and a sister Margaret Beakler, both of Eddyville, IA; 13 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren. He was joyfully anticipating the birth of his sixth great grandchild.
The funeral service for John will be 10:30 AM on Monday, February 26 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, with Father Dominic Nguyen officiating. Burial with Military Honors by the Iowa Military Funeral Honors Detail will be in the Keokuk National Cemetery, Keokuk, IA. An open visitation will take place from 1-7 PM on Sunday, Feb. 25 at the Kimzey Funeral Home. The family will not be present.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com
Two Central Lee Students at American Junior Academy of Science
The Central Lee High School had two students represent at the 2024 American Junior Academy of Science Conference, in conjunction with the American Academy for the Advancement of Science Conference in Denver, Colorado.
Senior Sidney Gruntmeir, daughter of Amy and Brian Gruntmeir, and Junior Alivia Cook, daughter of Nathan and Amy Cook, spent a week learning in Colorado. The two young researchers had the opportunity to tour research labs at the Air Force Academy, present their science research, and network with scientists from around the world. The pair have also been inducted as fellow to the AmJAS. Congratulations to Sidney and Alivia.
FFA Strawberries Enroute!
Two officers with the Mount Pleasant FFA attended the Annual Henry County Corn Growers Banquet on Tuesday evening. They represented the chapter well by discussing the big things happening. Alex Buck spoke about chemicals and materials that corn helps make.
For those of you who ordered strawberries, they are projected to be delivered on February 29th at Beck’s. Students will be contacting their buyers. They sold a total of 600 flats this year, which helped raise money for the chapter. The top seller was Briar Bender, selling 110.25 flats.
Henry County Health Center Senior Life Solutions – Good Heart Health Linked to Strong Mental Health
Henry County Health Center’s Senior Life Solutions can help those who are struggling with a recent-heart related diagnosis or a decline in mental health. Maintaining good heart health is crucial for your physical well-being, and it also plays a significant role in supporting mental health. Numerous studies have show a strong connection between a healthy heart and a sound mind. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management contribute not only to a healthy cardiovascular system, but also to improved mental well-being.
Contact Henry County Health Center’s Senior Life Solutions at 319 385 6552 for more information.
HCHC Scholarship/Loan Program Announced
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.