Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, September 15, 2023, in honor and remembrance of Kevin Cram of the Algona Police Department who was shot and killed in the line of duty on September 13^th. Cram was attempting to arrest a suspect when he was killed. Cram was a 10-year veteran of Iowa law enforcement, a husband, and a father. He was just 33 years old.

“Officer Kevin Cram died a hero, protecting his community and upholding the rule of law. Kevin and I are praying for his family, the Algona Police Department, and all the law enforcement officers in Kossuth County,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “As flags are lowered across the state, Iowans honor Officer Cram’s legacy and stand united with his brothers and sisters in uniform. We will never forget his service and sacrifice.”

Flags will be flown at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Henry County Health Center (HCHC) will convert to the Cerner electronic health record system on October 1, 2023. This will align HCHC with Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington and Fort Madison, enabling all three campuses and clinics to use one system to enhance patient safety and efficiency.

“This was an important investment as we continue to grow as a health system.  By integrating HCHC’s electronic health record system into Cerner, we will be able to provide better continuity of care leading to improved safety.  This will facilitate communication between the three campuses, clinics and the care teams,” commented Shane Tapper, Great River Health System Vice President for Informatics. “Patients will now have one record that includes all of their health information from care received across the health system.”

This project involved a significant commitment of resources. “We had a team of employees throughout the organization dedicated to working on this project.  The amount of effort and commitment they have put forward has been amazing,” explained HCHC CEO Teresa Colgan. “As we prepare to go live on October 1, we ask our patients to please allow for extra time when registering and recognize that our associates are becoming familiar with the new system. We want to make sure we capture your information accurately and provide you with the very best service and care possible. We thank you for understanding.”

The conversion to one electronic health record system means patients will have access to all of their health information for care received at all three hospital locations as well as the clinics.  Patients who had a patient portal account through HCHC will be notified on how to set up a new patient portal account. A patient portal account allows patients to view and monitor their health information and test results, contact their care team, manage their appointments and request prescription refills.

The WACO 2023 Homecoming Court has been announced. Reece Oswald, Chase Waterhouse, and Colton Leichty are the candidates for the King. Meanwhile, the Queen candidates are Halle Shelman, Haley Hughes, and Marie Farmer.

Beginning at 7:00pm on Wednesday the 20^th, Boom Night activities will be taking place at the High School’s Bob Hilmer Court. The coronation of the King and Queen will take place during this. There will also be Boom Boom Volleyball and Powder Puff Football.

On Friday, September 22^nd, the homecoming parade will start at 4:30pm on Main Street, followed by the junior high and varsity football vs Easton Valley. The Homecoming Dance will take place after the game.

The Des Moines County Conservation is hosting a special event that will provide an opportunity to view a beautiful trail. Mark your calendars for September 27^th, from 9:00am-12:00pm as you will have the opportunity to bike through the Flint River Trail.

Located in Burlington, this is a great way to meet other people and exercise as well. The starting point is at the Flint River Trail parking lot, but the Des Moines County Conservation Department encourages participants to gather at the Starr’s Cave parking lot at 8:30am. The naturalist will then lead a caravan to the starting point.

This 8-mile out and back ride allows a great trip of scenic beauty along the Flint River Trail. This route is mostly flat, but there is no shade. Participants may leave at any time and are not required to finish the trail. Helmets are mandatory during this ride.

This event is free to attend, but registration is mandatory so we can prepare accordingly and arrange bikes for those who need them. We have a limited number of bikes available. To register, simply call the Starr’s Cave Nature Center at 319-753-5808.

https://www.flintrivertrail.org/

https://www.desmoinescounty.iowa.gov/conservation/parks/flint_river_trail/

6:15 pm   Mt. Pleasant Middle School   ex

6:30 pm  Tipton High School  1A/2A

6:45 pm  Wapello High School  1A/2A

7:00 pm  Central Lee High School  1A/2A

7:15 – 7:30  judges’ break

7:30 pm  Fort Madison High School  3A

7:45 pm  West Liberty High School  3A

8:00 pm  Keokuk High School  3A

8:15 pm  Oskaloosa High School  3A

8:30 – 9:00 pm judges’ break

9:00 pm  Western Dubuque High School  4A

9:15 pm  Ottumwa High School  4A

9:30 pm  Muscatine High School  4A

9:45 pm  Quincy High School (Illinois)  4A

10:00 pm  Mt. Pleasant High School  ex

10:15 pm  Awards

For nearly 30 years, the Mt. Pleasant Music Boosters have hosted a competition that brings schools from all over the Midwest. This event raises money for the music department and gives students the opportunity to compete against other students their age.

The Mt. Pleasant Marching Band Invitational is this Saturday night, the 16^th, at Mapleleaf Athletic Complex. Eleven high school marching bands will be in town to compete and show off their skills. The Mt. Pleasant Middle School Marching Band will march things off at 6:15pm with an exhibition performance. Followed by competitive performances from bands all over Iowa, and as far as Quincy, Illinois, and Western Dubuque.

As always, the music of the night will finish at 10:00pm with a special performance from the Mt. Pleasant High School Panther Marching Band.

Around 1,143 students will be involved among all bands.

Of course, you can’t have an event without great food. The concessions stand will be open throughout the entire evening, providing a large variety of food and drink options. This entire event serves as a significant fundraiser to support the K-12 music program.

Admission is $5 for school age on up.

For a full schedule of events for Saturday, September 16^th, head to KILJ.com and click on the article that says “2023 MP Marching Band Invitational Schedule of Events”