The City of Danville City Council will meet in regular session on Monday, July 7th with call to order at 5:15pm. Items on the agenda include a sewer rates increase and officer salaries. This meeting is open to the public. Following the regular session meeting, the city council will move into closed session to evaluate the professional competency of an individual. A motion and statement will be forthcoming from the closed session meeting.
Keokuk High School Awarded Grant
The Keokuk High School has been awarded the 2025-26 Therapeutic Classroom Grant in the amount of $144,000 according to the Iowa Department of Education. “KHS is honored to be awarded the grant,” Jennifer Roederer, KHS associate principal, said. “This funding will help us create a dedicated space at KHS with the resources and trained staff necessary to help those students thrive. It reflects our district’s commitment to meeting students where they are and ensuring every learner has the opportunity to succeed.”
At KHS, the grant will fund the creation of a sensory-sensitive therapeutic classroom, staff training in trauma-informed practices, SEL tools for general classrooms, and expanded mental health support for students and families, Roederer added. The grant was established to provide funding to public schools to establish therapeutic classrooms for learners ages three to 21 whose emotional, social or behavioral needs interfere with their ability to be successful in their current educational environment.
Ronald James Hutson
Ronald James Hutson, 78, of Wever, Iowa, passed away at 9:34 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2025, at his home in Wever.
He was born on March 10, 1947, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Clarence Jr. and Ruth (Mansheim) Hutson. On May 1, 1971, he married Dorothy Lowman, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Nauvoo, Illinois.
Survivors include his wife: Dorothy; two children: Shawn (Sonya) Hutson, Shanna (Aaron) Rohdy; grandchildren: Samantha (CJ) Gosney, Alexis Pumphrey, Kaeli Hutson, Caden Hutson, Eleanor Rohdy, Mason Rohdy, Cooper (Emma) Rohdy, Hadleigh Rohdy; great grandchildren: Chad Booten, Sophia Pumphrey, Blakely Hale, Christian Pumphrey, Charlie Gosney, Branton Gosney; brother: Dennis Hutson of Niota, Illinois; sisters-in-law: Linda Eland of Burlington, Iowa, Martha (Dennis) Wollbrink of Sutter, Illinois, Trisha Lowman of Nauvoo, Illinois; brothers-in-law: Mel (Kay) Lowman of Ben Wheeler, Texas and David G. Woodley of Fort Madison, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law; son: Shane Hutson; brother: Dickie; brothers-in-law: Mark Lowman and Doug Eland; sisters-in-law: Betty Woodley, Glenda Hutson and great nephew: Clinton Tebbs.
He was a member of Holy Family Parish in Fort Madison, he retired from Alliant Energy as Operations Manager. He served on God’s Portion Day Committee, was a past officer of U.S.S. Lyman K. Swenson Naval Reunion, volunteered for many years at the Tri-State Rodeo working wherever he was needed. Ronnie played co-ed softball in Illinois, and helped coach his children and some of his grandchildren.
Ronnie was an amazing man, he was giving of his time and never turned anyone away. His love for his family was strong. Ron’s motto was “work smart not hard” he told his children and grandchildren, “never be afraid to ask why”.
After retirement his project began. His 1969 Black Camaro was his pride and joy, he won many awards, plaques, and trophies.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 7, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Father Gary Beckman officiating.
Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Fort Madison with full military rites.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his memory for Wever Fire & Rescue or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
Iowa DNR – Boating Safety
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has released information on how to keep boats in compliance with state law and passengers safe especially as we head into the long holiday weekend.
According to the DNR, motorboats should be registered through the county recorder and boaters under the age of 18 must either be accompanied by an adult or have completed a boater education course. Boaters under the age of 12 cannot operate motorboats without the supervision of an adult.
While on board, boaters are required to wear personal floatation devices such as life jackets for safety.
Alcoholic beverages on boats have the same regulations as land motor vehicles, with a blood alcohol level of .08 incurring a citation for Boating While Intoxicated. Drinking can be especially dangerous on the water due to the amplifying effects that water movement and the glare of sunlight on the water have on drunkenness.
When transporting boats, boat owners should double-check their trailers to ensure that the lights and equipment function properly before leaving home.
ISP – Safe Holiday
Iowa had nine traffic fatalities over the fourth of July holiday in 2024 – making it the deadliest fourth of July weekend in over a decade. The Iowa State Patrol is advising people to buckle up, slow down and follow the new hands-free law. Citizens should also think about the risks of drinking and driving and plan ahead. Law enforcement will be out en force during this holiday weekend.
Henry County Public Health Update
Henry County Public Health director Katie Reuter of Henry County gave her update at the Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting yesterday and gave an update on federal funding cuts to cancer research. The state of Iowa has rising cancer rates with Iowa ranking second in the nation for cancer cases. Henry County is considered average in the number of cancer cases with Des Moines and Lee Counties ranking as high. Reuter also advised that the monthly contribution of $500/month to the Fellowship Cup should be increased as 50% of the Henry population is in poverty.
The Back-to-School Fair will be held on August 11th in the former Howe Center. The back-to-school fair provides valuable resources and information for students and their families.
Hwy 78/Winfield Closure – Monday 7/7/25
Highway 78 South of Winfield is set to be closed on Monday, July 7, and will remain closed into October. Crews will replace an existing bridge with a twin box concrete culvert approximately 1 and a half miles South of Winfield. There will be a detour to follow. The latest highway information can be found through the Iowa DOT’s 511 systems at 511ia.org.
HC Supervisors 7/3/25 Grant
The Henry County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Thursday morning, July 3rd. Updates were given by county department heads, and the supervisors approved a resolution to apply for an 80/20 grant with 18 other projects across the state of Iowa. The project is a 1.5-million-dollar bridge project located on Iowa Avenue. The supervisors also approved a motion to extend the contract with Elliot Oil. Complete details of the supervisors meeting can be found on KILJ.COM under News.
The Henry County Board of Supervisors will meet in regular session on Thursday, July 10th at 9am at the Courthouse in Mt. Pleasant. This meeting is open to the public.