Hunters of all experience levels are invited to expand their skills at the Hunting and Processing Meat workshop on Monday, December 9th, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. 

While hunter safety training is a vital first step, this session will go further—covering essential tips on where to set up stands, what gear to bring into the tree, and practical guidance on processing over 200 pounds of venison after the hunt. 

The workshop is designed for both beginners and seasoned hunters looking to refine their techniques. Preregistration is appreciated to help organizers plan for the evening. Henry county conservation for details. 319-986-5067

DES MOINES, Iowa (Nov. 25, 2025) – The price of regular unleaded gasoline went down 1 cent from last week’s price and is currently averaging $2.75 across Iowa according to AAA.

Motor Fuels

• As of Tuesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.75 across Iowa according to AAA.
  • Prices are down 1 cent from last week’s price and are unchanged from a year ago.
  • The national average on Tuesday was $3.06, down 3 cents from last week’s price.
• Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 2 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.67.
  • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.31 in Iowa.
  • The current Iowa diesel price is 12 cents lower than the national average of $3.79.
• The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $1.65 for U87-E10, $1.92 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.51 for ULSD#2, $2.80 for ULSD#1, and $1.93 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

• Natural gas prices were down 10 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $4.45 MMbtu.
• Propane prices averaged $1.55 per gallon in Iowa.
• Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $3.25 per gallon.

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

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday, November 25, 2025, for a relatively brief session, addressing project awards, permits, and road maintenance updates.

The meeting began with approval of the agenda and the minutes from the November 18 session, both of which were passed without corrections.

Bridge Project Awards
Supervisors approved two resolutions awarding bridge construction contracts through the Iowa Department of Transportation.

• Lexington Avenue Bridge (Project BROS-CO 44P100): Iowa Bridge and Culvert, LC of Washington, Iowa, was awarded the contract at $331,870, significantly below the engineer’s estimate of $481,000. The project involves a twin box culvert replacement over Small Creek and offers flexibility for winter work.

• 170th Street Culvert (Project FM-CO 44P103): Iowa Bridge and Culvert, LC was also awarded this project at $344,102.33 The work includes replacing a single box culvert over Potomac Creek and repaving the road section. The project is timed ahead of a scheduled overlay.

Both resolutions were approved unanimously.

Road and Maintenance Updates
County engineers reported ongoing maintenance, including blading, spot rock hauling, patching, and sign replacements. Seneca Companies, Inc. is finalizing a fuel system install for the county, and construction on the 235th Street Bridge is set to begin off-road December 1, with a full closure starting December 8, including a detour and public messaging to minimize disruption.

With the new bridge contracts, the county now has three culverts under contract, totaling nearly $1 million in construction projects for the winter and summer seasons.

Regional updates included progress on the Mississippi Valley and South Central merger, pending minor language changes, and the Great River Regional Waste review of a 10-year financial plan.

With the December 7th Medicare Open Enrollment deadline fast approaching, now is the perfect time for beneficiaries to review their current coverage and ensure everything is still meeting their needs. medicare.gov

Plans can change from year to year — including premiums, provider networks, and prescription drug coverage. Many Iowans have reported that some healthcare providers are no longer accepting certain Medicare Advantage plans, making it especially important to confirm that your preferred doctor or clinic still takes your current plan before the enrollment window closes. 

It’s also wise to double-check your prescription drug coverage. Formularies can shift annually, and a quick review could prevent unexpected costs at the pharmacy in the year ahead. 

While exploring coverage options, be cautious of unsolicited calls offering “too-good-to-be-true” plans or pressuring you to switch. Scammers often target seniors during open enrollment. If you’re unsure whether a change is right for you, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or advisor for help before making any major decision. 

Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7th, and after that date, most changes can’t be made until next year. Take a few minutes now to review, compare, and ensure your coverage is the right fit for 2026. 

The latest Crop Progress and Conditions Report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service shows that Iowa farmers enjoyed 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 23. Producers continued fertilizer and manure applications, along with fall tillage, as the season winds down.

Moisture levels held steady: topsoil moisture was rated 4% very short, 27% short, 67% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture mirrored those ratings at 4% very short, 27% short, 66% adequate, and 3% surplus.

The corn harvest is essentially finished statewide, with 99% of the crop now in the bin.

Weather Summary – Southeast Iowa

Southeast Iowa experienced another mild November week with temperatures running well above normal. Highs climbed into the upper 50s early in the week, with lows mostly in the 30s and low 40s. Cloud cover was common, and dense fog developed several mornings—especially midweek—before gradually clearing each afternoon.

Rainfall in the region was light and scattered, generally ranging from just a trace to around a quarter inch, with most of the heavier precipitation staying north of Highway 30. Conditions dried out again heading into the weekend, with breezy west winds and sunshine returning Saturday and Sunday.

Today is the final day to reserve a meal for this year’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner, taking place Thursday, November 27 at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant. RSVPs must be made by 3 p.m. today. 

The church will offer sit-down dinners from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., pick-up meals from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., and delivery at 11:00 a.m. for individuals without transportation. 

To reserve your meal, sign up in the back of the FUMC sanctuary or call the church office at 319-385-1740 before the 3 p.m. deadline. 

If you’re unable to volunteer but would like to support the effort, monetary donations may be dropped off at the church office Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The church encourages anyone planning to participate to get their reservations in today.