The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 15 cents, averaging $3.67 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

• The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $1.53 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $92.63.
• Brent crude oil rose $1.96 and is currently priced at $95.74.
• One year ago, WTI crude sold for $78.50 and Brent crude was at $85.97.

Motor Fuels

• As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.67 across Iowa according to AAA.
  • Prices fell 15 cents from last week’s price and are up 4 cents from a year ago.
  • The national average on Wednesday was $3.83, down 5 cents from last week’s price.
• Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 2 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.31.
  • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $4.71 in Iowa.
  • The current Iowa diesel price is 26 cents less than the national average of $4.57.
• Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
• The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.56 for U87-E10, $2.94 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $3.32 for ULSD#2, $3.82 for ULSD#1, and $2.52 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

• Propane prices averaged $1.50 per gallon (last week’s report).
• Home heating oil prices averaged $3.86 per gallon (last week’s report).
• Natural gas prices rose 18 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.93/MMbtu

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

The Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Department of Education announced the second round of the Build Iowa’s Future Design Challenge. This provides a unique opportunity for K-12 students to create innovative projects, connect to careers and compete for up to $1,000 in prizes for their schools. Community Colleges for Iowa, Master Builders of Iowa (MBI) and Pella Corporation are sponsoring the challenge awards.

The Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning and the Home Builders Association of Iowa (HBA of Iowa) are hosting this challenge. They will provide a framework for professional project development as well as resources for participating schools.

“The Build Iowa’s Future Design Challenge is a great opportunity to unleash new creativity, helping Iowa students connect what they learn in the classroom to the workplace while exploring careers in the trades and other fields,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “We want all students, regardless of where they reside in the state, to have opportunities that develop innovation, problem solving and teamwork as well as awareness of the many great jobs available right here in Iowa.”

“Every student should have access to multiple pathways to post-secondary success,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “Experiential learning opportunities like the Build Iowa’s Future Design Challenge empower students to leverage math and science in real-world scenarios, while cultivating their creativity and problem-solving skills. We are excited to see students across Iowa applying their knowledge and exploring these in-demand careers.”

“With approximately 7.5 million construction jobs projected nationwide by 2026, and ongoing industry expansion, we want students to explore those opportunities for great-paying jobs. This project makes that introduction in a creative way,” said HBA of Iowa Executive Officer Jay Iverson. “Our members are excited to see what students are able to come up with.”

“The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council is always on the lookout for strengthening our partnership with allies of like mission and goals,” said Jeff Weld, executive director of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council within the Iowa Department of Education. “The design challenge is a perfect match in that regard and we’re honored to support the event.”

Who can participate:
Elementary and middle school students can participate in the Iowa Home Design Challenge by constructing a model home using toy plastic construction bricks, wood blocks or other materials of their choice. High school students can participate in the Iowa Dream and Design Challenge, which involves conceptualizing and designing a project that could improve the quality of life in their community. High school students will seek feedback on the project’s feasibility from people who would be impacted, and create a design based on their findings. Construction is not a requirement of this opportunity, but great engagement by communities may encourage high school students to take the project further.

Application process:
Teachers are invited to submit a form letter of intent to participate on the Clearinghouse website by Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Submission of the form letter by the deadline is required. In early May 2024, three awards – $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $300 for third place – will be made to schools in each of the K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade bands for projects scored and selected by reviewers. Outstanding designs may be shared on Clearinghouse and HBA of Iowa websites and through other publications and events.

A flyer can be found at this link. Learn more about the design challenge: https://clearinghouse.futurereadyiowa.gov/challenge.

Healthy Henry County is asking for your input over the Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market. This will better help the team in their efforts to increase access to healthy food options in our county. The following link Farmers Market Survey takes you straight to the form. It does not take very long to fill out. Thankyou for your input!

The Mount Pleasant Street Committee will meet on Wednesday, September 27^th, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall in the City Administrators’ Conference Room.

AGENDA

1. Call to order.
2. Discuss Old Thresher’s Request For No Parking.
3. Request No Parking Request for 200 block of S Marion
4. Discuss the Linden Drive Engineering Agreement
5. Update on 2024 Street Projects
6. Open Forum
7. Adjourn

The Henry County Conservation Board will hold a special board meeting on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. in the conservation board meeting room at the office in Oakland Mills.

Items on the agenda will include an update on the South-Shore Sanitation System. The Conservation board will discuss different options presented by an engineering firm.

Please contact the conservation department if you have any questions, 319-986-5067.

The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Morning Sun area for a report of a person having a mental health crisis. On September 25^th, 2023, there were two separate calls to the office.

This person was by themselves and was no threat to any other individuals. Certain streets were blocked off periodically to aid in the support of this individual.

The individual was provided with the necessary care thanks to the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, and to the Columbus Junction Police Department, the Morning Sun Ambulance, and the Wapello Ambulance.

We encourage anyone facing challenges and crisis in their life to contact our office or call the national suicide hotline @ 988. Louisa County now has a mobile crisis unit service available that will come to you 24/7/365, you can still call 988 or call (855) 581-8111.