Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk – Superbowl Reminder

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 10:24 am CDT

Whether you are rooting for the 49ers of the Chiefs for this year’s Superbowl, this is your reminder to be responsible on the roads.

U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 7, which includes Iowa, is teaming up with local law enforcement to remind football fans everywhere that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. Whether you’re hosting a viewing party or attending one, everyone has an important job: Help keep drunk drivers off the road so we can all make it home safely on game night.

When you drink and drive, the ones who lose are you and those you put in danger. In 2021, there were 13,384 people killed in drunk-driving crashes. Even if there aren’t any deaths resulting from a crash caused by drinking and driving, a crash could cause you, someone you love, or a total stranger to suffer serious injuries. There are also consequences in addition to crashes, including expensive fines and attorney fees, jail time, and losing your driving privileges.

If you’re hosting a party for this year’s Super Bowl, prepare plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for your guests and the designated drivers. Ask your guests to designate their sober drivers in advance. Remind drinking guests that they have a long evening ahead of them, and encourage them to pace themselves, eat food, and drink plenty of water.

Another important reminder: Never serve alcohol to minors. If an underage person drinks and drives, the person who provided the alcohol can be held liable for any damage, injury, or death caused by the underage driver.


If you’re planning to be a designated driver, know that you’re the night’s MVP. Commit to a sober evening. If you are attending a party or are at a bar or restaurant, enjoy the food, the company, and the non-alcoholic drinks. If someone you know has been drinking and tries to drive, intercept their keys, and help them get home safely.
There are many options to help impaired drivers get home safely, such as designating a sober driver or calling a taxi or rideshare. If available, use your community’s sober ride program. While driving, if you suspect there is a drunk driver on the road, always contact your local law enforcement agency.

It’s simple: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. If you drive drunk, you lose. Commit today to refrain from drunk driving. For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

Free FAFSA Help for MPCHS Students

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 10:16 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community High School is offering a Free Help with your FAFSA night at the end of February.

This event takes place in the media center from 5:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, February 27th. Students must bring their laptops and a cellphone. A parent needs to accompany their child. Please bring your Social Security Number for both student and both parents if married or remarried with names as shown on ssn cards. You must know your date of birth and email address, and students need to bring their drivers license if they have one. You must bring your 2023 taxes.

Students and parents must have a FSA ID before they can complete a FAFSA application.

Create FSA ID https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

If you have questions please contact our school counselor Mrs. Sasha Steele – sasha.steele@mtpcsd.org

 

Become a Trained Weather Spotter!

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 10:16 am CDT

You can become a Trained Weather Spotter. That’s right, this class is presented by the US National Weather Service Quad Cities Iowa/Illinois and hosted by Henry County IA Emergency Management. The class will cover severe weather hazards including thunderstorms and tornadoes. This includes the general structure and movement of severe thunderstorms, identification of important storm features, and safety concerns.

This will take place at the New London High School Auditorium (101 W Wilson St) on Wednesday, March 6th, from 6:30-8:30pm.

It lasts about 2 hours, is free, and open to the public. Preregistration is NOT required.

High School Voter Registration Day Approaching

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 10:15 am CDT

February 13th is the date for the Statewide High School Voter Registration Day, where students across Iowa are encouraged to take steps to register to vote, make a plan to vote when eligible, and learn about Iowa’s voting process.

“Of course, voting is one of the best ways to make your voice heard, and registering to vote is the first step in that process,” said Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate. “We find that often, when young people are educated about the election process, they are more comfortable in participating in Iowa’s elections when they are eligible.”

There are currently more than 4,500+ 17-year-olds already registered to vote in Iowa. This number is significantly higher than 3,400+ 17-year-olds registered to vote in September 2023 in the weeks leading up to 2023 National Voter Registration Day.

Iowa law allows 17-year-olds to register to vote and participate in Primary Elections if they turn 18 prior to or on the day of the General Election.

With this statewide day of action, Secretary Pate is encouraging high schools in all 99 counties to host a voter registration drive and educate students on the voter registration and participation process. Iowa law requires high schools to conduct two voter registration drives every school year.

“Exercising your right to vote is a powerful way to help shape the world we share,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “High School Voter Registration Day is an outstanding opportunity to learn more about the electoral process while taking the first step to fulfill your critical responsibility as engaged citizens.”

Currently 2.2 million Iowans are registered to vote. Iowa has some of the best voter registration and participation rates in the nation and is ranked in the top three nationally for election administration.

To check your voter registration status, register to vote or update your information, visit VoterReady.Iowa.gov

Wayland City Council Meeting Agenda 2/7

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 8:36 am CDT

Wayland City Hall 7:30pm

  1. Roll Call
  2. Consent Agenda

Note:  These are routine items and will be enacted by one motion without separate discussion unless a Council member requests an item be removed for separate consideration.

  1. Minutes of January 17, 2024
  2. Bills for Payment
  3. Report
  4. Clerks Budgetary Report
  5. Utility Dept. Report
  6. Police Dept. Report
  7. Firefighter Dept. Report

 

  1. Citizen Forum

The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public for items not listed on the agenda.  You are asked to state your name and address for the record and to limit your remarks in order that others may be given the opportunity to speak.  The Order of Business is at the discretion of the Chair.  No action will be taken.

 

  1. Unfinished Business

 

  1. New Business
    1. 2024-02 “Resolution Modifying American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Allocation”
    2. Set City Wide Garage Sales June 7 & 8, 2024 & Spring Clean Up for June 14, 2024
    3. Consider Request For Henry County To Conduct Weekly Test and Sound Emergency Alarm of City Siren

 

  1. Adjournment

Henry County Supervisors Meeting Agenda 2/8

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 8:34 am CDT

Henry County Supervisors

100 E Washington St  Ste 202

Mt Pleasant IA  52641

Fax:  319-385-3601

 

Chad White, Member            Marc Lindeen, Vice-Chairman        Greg Moeller, Chairman    

           319-385-0759                                 319-385-0760                                  319-385-0761________                       

AGENDA

 

February 8, 2024

Approve Agenda

Approve Minutes

Resolution for County Official Bond

Approval Pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 64

Other County Business as time allows

Supervisors Sub-Committee Updates

Mt. Pleasant Municipal Utilities Meeting Agenda 2/7

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 8:33 am CDT

Board of Trustees:                                                                                                          Special Meeting:

Dan McCabe, Chairman                                                                                                   2:00 P.M. Wednesday

Harvey Ungerman                                                                                                              February 7, 2024

David George                                                                                                                      (Mt. Pleasant Municipal Utilities

Michelle Rosell                                                                                                                   located at 509 N. Adams St.)

Lori White                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

                                               

                                                                        AGENDA

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER.
  2. Roll call.
  3. Approval of Agenda.

 

  1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING.
  2. Regular Board Meeting – January 16, 2024 – Approval.                                                                   
  1. Management – Jody Fuller, Accounting Supervisor/Board Treasurer.
  2. Resolution Regarding Board Delegation of Employee Functions and Duties During Temporary or Short-Term Absences.

 

  1. Customers.
    1. Employees.

 

Next Regular Board Meeting: 1:00 p.m. Tuesday February 20, 2024

  1. Exempt Session pursuant to Section 21.9 and 20.17 of the Iowa Code.

Sports, February 7th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 6:33 am CDT

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will host Burlington tomorrow, February 8th, at 7:30 pm. The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will travel to Fairfield on Friday, February 9th, at 7:30 pm.

The Holy Trinity Catholic boys’ team took out their frustration of losing their 7-game win streak on Highland, pummeling the Huskies 107-46. Luke Hellige collected his 1,000th career point on a record breaking night as his 45 points was a school record. Connor Gehling added 28 points to the win.

The Mediapolis girls’ team was led by Grace Holsteen’s 19 points in a dominant 80-42 win over Central Lee last night. Haley Steffener (16 points) and Jaydon Wirt (14 points) combined for 30 points. The Mediapolis boys’ team followed suit, picking up the 65-57 win over the Hawks. The Bulldogs will take on Tipton tomorrow at 7:30 pm at home.

The Central Lee boys’ team will face off against Davis County tomorrow at 7:30 pm on the road. 

The WACO boys’ team ended the regular season with a thunderous win over Pekin last night 70-42. 

Van Buren County gave the home crowd a treat last night with a sweep of Cardinal as the boys’ team won 83-51 and the girls picked up a narrow 53-48 victory. Marlee Mertens dropped six three-pointers as she finished with 21 points and Ivy Davison scored 17 points in the win. 

Girls’ Basketball Regional Pairings

Regional basketball is set to begin for Class 1A tomorrow, February 8th, and classes 2A and 3A will begin on Saturday, February 10th. Here’s a look at our local matchups.

In Class 1A Region 7, Lone Tree will host Winfield-Mt. Union. 

Danville will take on Burlington Notre Dame with the Bears acting as host. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

Both games are set to begin at 7 pm tomorrow with the winner of the two games competing against one another. 

In Class 1A Region 8, WACO will face off against Hillcrest Academy at home and New London will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic. KILJ AM 1130, 98.5 FM, and kilj.com will be covering the Crusaders and Tigers. Both games are scheduled to start at 7 pm tomorrow.

For Class 2A Region 6, Van Buren County hits the road to face off against Pleasantville on Saturday at 7 pm. Columbus will host West Burlington on February 13th at 7 pm.

In Class 3A Region 1, Mediapolis will host Central Lee on Saturday at 7 pm.

In Class 3A Region 5, Fairfield will take on the top seed Solon on the road and Washington will host Davis County. Both games will take place on Saturday at 7 pm.

Boys’ Basketball District Matchups

The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) has released the brackets for District play set to begin on Friday, February 9th, for the Class 1A preliminary round. All games will start at 7 pm. Here’s our local matchups.

In Class 1A Substate 5: District 9, New London and Columbus are set to rumble on Friday at New London in the preliminary round with the winner moving on to play the top seed, #5 Winfield-Mt. Union. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call.

The first-round games will be played on Monday, February 12th and Danville will take on Sigourney at home. Burlington Notre Dame will host Wapello and WACO will face off against Pekin at home.

In District 10, Holy Trinity Catholic holds the top spot and will compete against either Seymour or Tri-County on Monday at home.

Class 2A, Substate 4 District 7 will be headlined by the undefeated #8 West Burlington Falcons. Central Lee and Louisa-Muscatine will compete on Monday with the winner moving on to face off against the Falcons.

On the bottom half of the bracket, Mediapolis will host Van Buren County on Monday with the winner to move on and travel to West Branch on Thursday, February 15th, for the second-round matchup.

The brackets for classes 3A and 4A will be released on Monday with their first-round matchups taking place on February 19th.

High School Wrestling

New London and WACO will travel to Wilton to compete in districts. Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union will wrestle at Solon, while Mt. Pleasant will travel to Fairfield with Burlington Notre Dame, Keokuk, and Mediapolis also in attendance. Districts will take place on Saturday, February 10th, at 10 am.

Hupke Wrestling Productions released their sixth edition of individual rankings for classes 1A, 2A, and 3A. Here’s how some of our local wrestlers fared. In Class 1A, Michael Raines of New London is ranked 8th in the 165-pound weight class and Louden Huisenga of WACO enters the 190-pound weight class rankings at the #5 slot. 

 In Class 2A, Burlington Notre Dame is ranked 4th as a team as the Nikes are led by Colt Boyles and Kaiden Dietzenbach as they are both ranked 2nd individually in their respective weight classes. 

Russel Coil is ranked 3rd for Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union in the 285-pound weight class. Cael McCabe of Fairfield is ranked 3rd in teh 106-pound weight class and Washington has two wrestlers ranked in Aaron Boone and Chase Griener. Mediapolis is led by Kyler Crow as he’s ranked 8th in the 165-pound weight class. 

High School Bowling

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will be heading to Oskaloosa on Monday, February 12th, and the boys’ team on Tuesday, February 13th, to compete in the state qualifying meet. Burlington and Keokuk will also be making the trip.

College Basketball

The #2 Iowa women’s team will host Penn State tomorrow, February 8th, at 8 pm.

The Iowa State women’s team will compete against Oklahoma on Saturday, February 10th, at 6 pm at home.

The #14 Iowa State men’s team’s strong defensive performance in the first half propelled the Cyclones to a 70-65 win over Texas last night. Tamin Lipsey had a nice night with 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals in the win. Iowa State will host TCU on Saturday at 1 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will face off against Penn State on the road tomorrow at 6 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1969 – Diane Crump becomes the first woman jockey to compete at a major US racetrack.

2005 – Britain’s Ellen MacArthur becomes the fastest person to sail solo around the world, taking 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes, and 33 seconds. 

2021 – Sarah Thomas becomes the first woman to referee a Super Bowl in Tampa Bay, Florida.