It is that time of year when highschool juniors and seniors start searching for the college of their dreams. One challenge that has to be hurdled first is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA.

While this may seem like rocket science to newcomers, the highschool won’t let you or your child fail. The Educational Opportunity Center will help students and parents complete their FAFSA Form on Thursday, November 2^nd, from 5:00-7:00pm in the High School Media Center.

Students must bring their laptop, and parents need to accompany their child. You will need to set up your FSA ID prior to completing the FAFSA, and it takes up to one week for your information to be verified. Please bring SSNs, Date of Birth, Email addresses with cellphone, and 2022 taxes.

Around 6:00am on Thursday, October 19^th, concerned residents of Mt. Pleasant began calling the Police Department reporting that cars and property were being broken into.

It was soon discovered that firearms were taken from unlocked vehicles, along with a numerous variety of items. As a result of the investigation, along with help from outstanding citizens, a search warrant was executed at 211 E Monroe St apt 101 in Mt. Pleasant.

A 22-year-old male, Daigen Ross of Mt. Pleasant, and a 17-year-old female were taken into custody. Two firearms were located, both of which were confirmed stolen. Other items matching the stolen property were located.

Daigen Ross was charged with Burglary in the 2^nd Degree with a firearm, Burglary in the 2^nd Degree, and three counts of Burglary in the 3^rd Degree. He was subsequently transported to the Henry County Jail.

The juvenile female was released to a family member and was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Equipment, Interference with official acts, and Criminal Mischief.

More charges are expected following this case. The Mt. Pleasant Police Department encourages people to lock their vehicles, especially if they have firearms in them.

There are two very specific items that were located because of these burglaries. If you are missing something, please call MPPD at 319 385 1450.

Jesse Howard is running for SCC District 1 Board of Trustees. Jesse aims to be the voice for Danville, New London, and Mt. Pleasant school district residents. Working together to expand opportunities and create a brighter future for Southeast Iowa.

Jesse Howard’s extensive experience in leadership, both in the military and board service, sets him apart as a candidate for SCC District 1 Board of Trustees. As a First Sergeant in the Iowa Army National Guard, Jesse has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep commitment to serving his community, state, and nation. His 21 years of military service have instilled in him a sense of discipline, dedication, commitment to teamwork, and a strong work ethic.

In addition to his military service, Jesse Howard has dedicated the past eight years to serving on the New London School Board, where he currently serves as the Board President.  Jesse has also served for the past five years on the Iowa Association of School Boards and currently serves as the President-Elect.

His experience in board governance has provided him with invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by our school districts. As a trustee, Jesse will be a strong advocate for expanding Career and Technical Education opportunities and increasing continuing education opportunities in Henry County. He is committed to ensuring that students have access to the skills and knowledge needed for success in the workforce.

Jesse firmly believes in the power of collaboration and unity. He understands that by working together, we can achieve anything we set our minds to. Jesse is committed to building relationships, fostering partnerships, and ensuring that every voice is heard. As a trustee, he will be dedicated to representing the interests and concerns of Danville, New London, and Mt. Pleasant school district residents.

“Let’s build a brighter future for Southeast Iowa,” Jesse Howard said. “Together, we can create an environment where education is accessible, opportunities abound, and our communities thrive. I look forward to the opportunity to serve Southeast Iowa and am asking for your vote of confidence on November 7^th.  Please vote Jesse Howard as our next SCC District 1 Trustee.”

With Jesse Howard as your trustee, you can expect fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and a relentless drive to improve our community college. He will champion initiatives that prioritize student success, promote the expansion of Career and Technical Education opportunities, increase programs to assist adult learners to earn a higher education, and provide resources for lifelong learning. Jesse is committed to ensuring that SCC District 1 becomes a hub of educational excellence and opportunity.

The upcoming election presents a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our community college. By voting Jesse Howard for SCC District 1 Trustee, you are choosing a leader with proven experience, a commitment to service, and a vision for a brighter future for Southeast Iowa.

“Together we can create a better future for our children and communities.” – Jesse Howard

For further information, interviews, or inquiries, please contact: Jesse Howard at jesse_howard@outlook.com

About Jesse Howard: Jesse and his wife Kasi have two children, and reside in New London, IA. He is a dedicated military veteran with 21 years of service where he currently serves as a Company 1SG in the Iowa Army National Guard. He possesses a strong background in board governance, serving on the New London School Board and Iowa Association of School Boards. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Leadership.

Jesse is a dedicated leader with a strong commitment to education, collaboration, and community development. Jesse aims to serve and represent the residents of Danville, New London, and Mt. Pleasant school districts, and is committed to working tirelessly to improve our community college and ensure a brighter future for Southeast Iowa.

Vote Jesse Howard for SCC District 1 Trustee – your voice, our future!

PUBLIC NOTICE

HENRY COUNTY IS REQUESTING BIDS FOR PARKING LOT SNOW REMOVAL AT

SITE #1:   THE HENRY COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 100 E WASHINGTON ST and ACROSS THE STREET AT OLD LEC

    SITE #2:  THE HENRY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES BUILDING,

            205 W MADISON ST BACK PARKING LOT ONLY (Jackson street)

SITE #3:  THE HENRY COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES BUILDING, 106 N JACKSON ST

SITE #4:  THE HENRY COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CENTER, 900 W WASHINGTON ST

SITE #1 COMPLETED BY 6:00 AM; SITE #2 & #3 COMPLETED BY 6:30 AM; SITE #4 COMPLETED BY 7:00 AM

SALT AND SAND ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS

BIDS ARE TO BE IN WRITING AND COVER THE SEASON OF 2023/2024 AND 2024/2025

BIDS SHOULD BE IN THE AUDITOR’S OFFICE BY NOVEMBER 3. 2023

PLEASE CALL THE AUDITOR’S OFFICE FOR DETAILS AT:  319-385-0756

There was a multiple vehicle accident in the 3400 Block of Avenue Q in Ft. Madison on Wednesday. Just after 2pm, a deputy with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to an accident involving a Fort Madison Police Department Vehicle.

The deputy observed a FMPD Vehicle disabled with right front-end damage, and a red Ford with damage to the left rear. After speaking with both individuals, the driver of the Ford was identified as Manuel Salazar. He had told the deputy that he pulled out of his parking spot and started driving eastbound but put the car into reverse to speak with his friend, and subsequently wrecked into the squad car.

The FMPD vehicle was towed from the scene and the Ford was pulled off the roadway and left on scene. No airbags were deployed and no injuries were reported. Manuel Salazar was cited for unsafe backing.

If you live in the Saunderson Heights area of Burlington, you may have noticed a heat wave of sorts. This is not due to some astronomical phenomena, but rather garbage cans and their contents lit on fire. A Burlington man has been arrested after three suspicious garbage can fires arose in this area.

The first incident was reported at approximately 3:18pm on September 27, 2023, in the alley between the 100 block of South Gunnison and the 100 block of South Marshall. A garbage can had been damaged by a fire within it.

The second incident occurred at approximately 11:45am on October 8^th. A garbage can belonging to 127 S. Woodlawn was damaged after a fire started within.

The third incident occurred the morning of October 9^th at approximately 7:26am. A fire was lit in a garbage can at 1406 Market which caused damage to the can.

During the investigation into all three fires, surveillance video was obtained which recorded video of the individual setting the fires. The suspect was the same man in all 3 videos, and he was identified as Larry Gilbert Sr.

Gilbert Sr. was located and interviewed regarding the fires. After the interview, detectives applied for arrest warrants charging Gilbert Sr. for setting the fires. He was then arrested on October 17^th, on warrants regarding the fires.

Larry Joe Gilbert Sr., 73, of Burlington was charged with three counts of Reckless Use of Fire, an aggravated misdemeanor, and three counts of Criminal Mischief – 5th degree, a simple misdemeanor.

The Burlington Police Department was assisted in this investigation by the Burlington Fire Department.