Mount Pleasant Police report a series of incidents over multiple days that led to the arrest of one individual on several charges.

According to police, the incidents began late April 13th, when Andrew Corleone Ficklin allegedly called 911 around 10:20 p.m. asking about promoting shows at the West Side Tavern. Officials say the business had no knowledge of him or any scheduled events. A short time later, he reportedly called 911 again, this time complaining of back pain.

Police say the situation continued the following day. On the morning of April 14th, Ficklin was reported loitering in the lobby of the AmericInn, where he allegedly ate a breakfast valued at 15 dollars without paying. Staff told officers he claimed to know a representative of the Wyndham brand, but was unable to secure a room. He later left the building, leaving behind a bag.

Later that afternoon, authorities say Ficklin was at Mount Pleasant City Hall, where he was reportedly bothering staff about hosting promotional events. He allegedly distributed flyers claiming he had rented the Belle Center for a clothing launch and was selling 100-dollar tickets through a QR code. The owner of the Belle Center told police no such rental agreement existed and that Ficklin was not authorized to be there.

Police say Ficklin continued to contact 911 multiple times, including another call the evening of April 14th regarding a location change for the alleged event. He was warned at that time about misuse of emergency services.

On April 15th, officers responded to additional calls, including a request for a ride to the hospital. Later that morning, hospital staff reported Ficklin had been discharged but refused to leave. He was eventually trespassed from both the hospital and the AmericInn.

Despite that warning, police say Ficklin returned to the AmericInn around 11:30 a.m., where he allegedly argued with staff. Officers later located him at the Super 8 motel, where he was taken into custody.

Ficklin now faces multiple charges, including trespass, misuse of emergency communications, fifth-degree theft, and deceptive practices.

Henry County Public Health has announced a new leader.

Dixie Moberg, a registered nurse, has been named the agency’s new Public Health Director. She will officially begin her role on May 4th.

Moberg will oversee a wide range of programs and services aimed at improving community health. Those include immunizations, lead testing, car seat safety checks, and newborn home visits. The department also coordinates the Healthy Henry County Communities wellness coalition and offers education on a variety of public health topics.

During the transition, residents with questions are encouraged to contact the Henry County Public Health office at 319-385-0779.

More information about available services can be found online at HealthyHenryCounty.org/PublicHealth.

The search for Iowa’s best breaded pork tenderloin of the year, held by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), has begun.

The IPPA is kicking off the 2026 Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest, and nominations are officially open now through June 1st.

This annual competition shines a spotlight on the restaurants serving up one of Iowa’s most iconic sandwiches, and both tenderloin fans and restaurants can participate. Each person can submit one nomination, and if your pick rises to the top, you’ll be entered for a chance to win $100.

After nominations close, IPPA will select the top 40 restaurants across the state, including the top five from each of its eight districts. From there, undercover judges will visit each location to evaluate entries based on pork quality, flavor, appearance, and overall experience.

The top five will be announced in October during National Pork Month, with the winner earning $500, a plaque, and statewide recognition. The runner-up will receive $250 and a plaque. The 2025 winner was Hometown Heroes in Grinnell.

Submit nominations here: https://www.iowapork.org/community/contests/breaded-tenderloin-contest/best-tenderloin-in-ia

Community members are being invited to come together to help clean up storm debris during a community-wide effort at WACO Jr./Sr. High School.

School officials are grateful for the strength and support shown by the community and are organizing the cleanup for this morning. Crews from several companies with large machinery have agreed to assist with removing major debris, helping speed up recovery efforts.

At the same time, volunteers are still greatly needed to help tackle smaller cleanup tasks. Jr./Sr. High School students will also have the option to participate in the cleanup during the school day if they choose.

Community members who are able to help are asked to gather at 10:00 a.m. at the high school, with parking available near the Eichelberger Agri-Science Center. Volunteers are encouraged to wear gloves, long pants, and boots to help stay safe while working.

Local businesses are also stepping up to support volunteers. Your Choice Family Restaurant has offered to donate pizzas to help feed those taking part in the cleanup effort.

School leaders are thankful for the opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with staff, students, and community members as recovery efforts continue.

After days of active spring weather, our region will get a brief break today before another round of potentially dangerous weather arrives Friday.

The National Weather Service has issued an Enhanced Risk — level 3 out of 5 — for severe storms across much of the area Friday afternoon into Friday night as a strong cold front approaches.

Forecasters say the primary threats with Friday’s storms will be damaging straight-line winds and isolated tornadoes. In addition, there is a Slight Risk — level 2 out of 4 — for localized flash flooding, especially in areas that have already received significant rainfall.

Storm timing is expected to unfold in stages. By mid to late Friday afternoon, isolated to scattered severe storms could develop ahead of the main cold front, although confidence in how widespread those early storms will be remains low.

The greatest concern is expected during the evening into early nighttime hours, when a more organized line of storms — possibly a squall line — is forecast to move through the region, bringing the highest potential for severe weather.

Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely, review severe weather safety plans, and make sure they have multiple ways to receive warnings Friday afternoon and evening.