On November 21, 2023, at approximately 2:15 a.m., personnel from the Ottumwa Fire Department and the Ottumwa Police Department responded to 502 Wabash on a report of a house fire.

While emergency personnel were responding to the call, the resident of 502 Wabash called 911 and reported that she was trapped inside the burning residence.

When police arrived they were able to break out a bedroom window and pull the victim out of the residence. The victim was identified as Patricia Bird, age 84, of 502 Wabash. Bird was transported to the hospital where she was treated and released.

An investigation into the fire was conducted by the Ottumwa Police Department, Ottumwa Fire Department, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of the State Fire Marshall’s Office.

The fire investigation identified that two pet dogs died as a result of the fire.

On November 28, 2023, at approximately 2:45 p.m., George Edward Dennison, age 67, also of 502 Wabash, Ottumwa, was arrested in relation to this incident and charged with the following crimes:

• Arson 1st Degree, a Class “B” Felony
• Animal Abuse (2 Counts), both Aggravated Misdemeanors

George Dennison is the son of Patricia Bird and was living with Bird in her residence when the fire took place.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Sealed bids for the lease of certain crop land owned by Henry County, Iowa will be received by the Henry County Auditor at the Henry County Courthouse, 100 E Washington St, Mt Pleasant, Iowa 52641, until 4:30 pm on the 15^th day of December, 2023.  On the 19^th day of December at 10:00 am at all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

The lease shall be for approximately 27.288 acres of crop land now tilled located on land described below, excluding street and highway right of ways, and shall be subject to existing utility easements:

Approximately 27.288 acres located in part of the East half of the East half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 14, of Township 71 North, Range 6 West, as described as Parcels C & D in Plats of Survey filed in the Records of Henry County Recorder Book 2002 at pages 1972 and 1973, including road right of way along the east side of Parcel C.

The lease is for a three (3) year term commencing upon execution of the lease contract and terminating on March 1, 2027 upon terms and conditions set forth in the proposed Cash Lease for Henry County Crop Land, copies of which can be obtained from the office of the Henry County Auditor.

Henry County, through its Board of Supervisors, proposes to award the lease to the highest bidder, but reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and also reserves the right to waive irregularities and to accept such bid which the Board of Supervisors deems to be in the best interest of Henry County, Iowa.

Dated this 29^th day of November, 2023.

Board of Supervisors, Henry County, Iowa

It is no secret that Christmas time can be difficult for some. Those who are not able to be with their family for the Holiday often are led to a state of isolation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older experience social isolation. With the added threat of illness during the cold and flu season, gatherings are never a guarantee.

Thankfully, technology can provide opportunities that you may not have in person. Social media is a useful tool for keeping people in touch with loved ones. It also is full of groups where you can meet new friends with common interests.

Try a virtual meeting room through Facetime, Zoom, Skype, or some other virtual hub. You can have game nights, happy hour, and enjoy each other’s presence through the screen.

While phone calls are easy, it is easy to connect through video chat. This allows you to see the other person, watch their expressions, and feel their emotions, which are all great ways to help you feel less lonely.

Receive support in real-time using your telephone or computer, without the need to meet in person. Teletherapy Health Center’s Senior Life Solutions teletherapy services are private, efficient, flexible, and keep you safe in your home. If you would like more information, education, or would like to discuss support please call 319-385-6552 or visit www.hchc.org.

The Mt. Pleasant Community PTA is hosting their 28^th annual Kids’ Christmas Shopping Event. This is an opportunity for children to shop for their parents, as they are guided through the Middle School by volunteers, helping them pick those special presents.

Preschool students through 5^th grade are invited to shop. The most expensive present is just $12, and students can spend up to $50.

Everyone knows that baked goods are a staple for any event in the winter. Parents are able to sit back and relax while enjoying delicious treats as their children do all the shopping. They are currently looking for donations for the bake sale, and if you are able to help, please contact Nhoth Myers at 319 931 2900 for a list of items that they are looking for.

Kids’ Christmas is the perfect way to get your children involved in Christmas shopping and save a lot of money by doing so.

This will take place at the Mt. Pleasant Middle School from 11:00am-2:00pm this Saturday.

Volunteer Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYSrIMba3ajK8EXUk-NbArLnmJrkow8EEak3GIKuEnbBNzOA/viewform?pli=1

It’s that time of year to deck the halls! Many people are full of joy when they see the finished product – candles in the windows, chocolate in the finest glass dish, and presents under a beautifully decorated tree. Unfortunately, some people do not use fire sense when decorating their tree.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides a few facts regarding Christmas tree fires.

Almost one-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems. While Christmas tree fires are not very common, they tend to be more serious when they do occur. One out of every five Christmas tree fires is caused by a heating source too close to the tree.

If you somehow have resisted the temptation to put up your decorations yet, choose a tree with fresh green needles that do not fall off when you touch them.

To help avoid fires, make sure the tree is at least three feet from any heating source. It also should not be blocking an exit, and just like any plant, it needs water.

While we all love to see our Christmas trees illuminating our houses from the driveway, this is a big fire hazard. Ensure that you turn off and unplug your Christmas tree anytime you are not at home. This should also save you money on your electric bill.

Enjoy your holiday decorating; having fire sense may even keep the Grinch away!