Temperatures are dropping rapidly across Southeast Iowa and with that typically comes frozen roads and snow piled up. While some may enjoy looking at the snow, most can agree that it is not very fun to drive through. Whether you have a sports car or a brand-new truck, harsh weather conditions can make even the best drivers get stuck.

There is nothing worse than being stuck in the snow, knowing that there is hardly anything you can do except wait for rescue. There are multiple ways to ensure that your time waiting is cut down, and you’re more prepared for it when it comes.

Building an emergency supply kit for your car is quick and easy and can protect you in the worst conditions. Emergency kits vary depending on who you talk to, but most of them feature some very basic necessities. Jumper cables and a first aid kit can be stored in the center console for quick access if your car has room or placed in the trunk.

Tire chains can come in handy in the unfortunate event of being stuck in a ditch full of ice and snow. A bag of sand or cat litter can also be helpful, but if you fail to have any of those items, you can place your car mats under your tires to gain traction in a pinch.

Ensure that you have atleast half a tank of gas and always keep an ice scraper and snow brush in your vehicle. Everybody loves snacks, but you’ll have to resist the urge to get into your emergency stash, that should also be full of water. No matter how tough you think you are, you will regret leaving the house without a coat during the cold winter storms. Keep warm clothes, boots, mittens, and blankets in your vehicle, as well as a cell phone charger.

You never know when you will encounter winter weather, so ensure that you are prepared for it by building an emergency kit for your vehicle.

The City of Mount Pleasant’s free leaf collection is scheduled for the week of November 13th. All leaves must be bagged and placed at the curb on your designated trash day.  Please separate bags of trash from bags of leaves.

This collection is open to all residents, so if your trash is picked up by a service other than the City, you should call City Hall at 385-1470.

This coming weekend, the public has the opportunity to view the Iowa Wesleyan campus buildings one last time.

All Iowa Wesleyan campus buildings, including Hershey Hall, will be open to the public with the following exceptions: Old gym, Nemitz suites, Harlan-Lincoln House.

On Saturday, November 4^th from 9:00am-5:00pm, and Sunday the 5^th from 11am-3pm, these buildings will be open to allow the community to do one final walkthrough. This is strictly an open house, so citizens are able to take photos, but no items may be taken.

The Raymond J Chadwick library will have open doors on Friday, November 3^rd and Saturday the 4^th from 9:00am-5:00pm.

Books will be given away to the public those hours on a first come, first served basis.

The library will not be open Sunday, November 5^th, so make to go there on Friday or Saturday if you’d like to view it one final time.

Volunteers are needed to ensure that these open buildings are secure. If you are able to volunteer, please email Steve.freymark@gmail.com

If you’d like to hear music from the Chapel, the Southeast Iowa brass quintet will perform on Saturday, November 4 at 2pm for approximately 45 minutes.  The public is encouraged to attend, and admission is free.

The alumni council has set up a website: Iowawesleyanalumni.org

Des Moines County Deputies dealt with a domestic abuse assault on Friday night.

Just before 8:00pm on October 27^th, deputies were dispatched to 4496 Sulivan Slough Road for a report of a domestic abuse assault. Upon arrival, deputies found the victim, who told them that she was kicked and strangled to the point of having difficulty breathing.

The victim did have marks on her neck consistent with being strangled. The victim told deputies that the suspect was Scott Mattson.

Scott Elder Mattson, age 48, of Burlington, IA was placed under arrest for domestic abuse assault impeding airflow and causing bodily injury, a D Felony. Mattson was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.