Southeastern Community College (SCC) was awarded a nearly $650,000 Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This money will be used to refine its industrial technology program for the Keokuk campus.

This three-year grant will allow the college to update its current Industrial Maintenance Technology program, which will infuse more training in automation and robotics technologies.

SCC president Dr. Michael Ash says the grant will fund the college’s ongoing efforts to stay at the forefront of skills training for area workers and employers.

“Our region is only as strong as our workforce,” said Ash. “These enhancements mean that future graduates will be even better suited to step into the high-skill positions that area manufacturers need to stay competitive. It’s a win for everyone.”

The ATE grant program focuses on the education of technicians who work in high-tech fields that drive the nation’s economy. This is SCC’s first-ever ATE grant and is spread across a three-year timeframe with milestones each year. In addition to instruction updates and equipment upgrades, the plan includes career awareness and exploration initiatives for Lee County K-12 school districts.

If you’d like to read more about this, visit SCCIowa.edu.

The Midwest Old Threshers Reunion begins next week, and while most enjoy looking at tractors and steam engines, listening to the country music, and learning about the past, something everyone can agree on is that they love food. The Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant is selling tickets for their Spaghetti Supper on Wednesday, August 30^th from 5pm-7pm.

This event is drive thru and there is limited indoor and outdoor seating for those who arrive early enough. These tickets are sold for $12 each and can be purchased at the church office, 902 S Walnut st, Mt. Pleasant, from 9am-2pm.

This will be a great way to kickoff the reunion and enjoy some spaghetti while doing so. Of course, this is the same date as the Harvest Day Parade which begins at 3:30pm and will be the official start to a fantastic and busy week at Midwest Old Threshers.

Old Threshers is always such a busy time and seems to take over the town of Mt. Pleasant in a joyous celebration. Of course, this means that there will be changes throughout routines for businesses and individuals. The Food Pantry will be open on Wednesday, August 30^th, from 10am-2pm, instead of their usual hours on Thursday. Also, the Fellowship Cup will be operating under unusual hours as it will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, 8/30 and will reopen 9/5 at 8:00 a.m.

The Henry County RSVP (Retired and Seniors Volunteer Program) is looking for more volunteers, and not just for the Fellowship Cup and Food Pantry. If you are 55 years of age or older, you can sign up! Just contact Lindsey at 319 385 3242 to learn about volunteer opportunities throughout Henry County!

Each year at the Iowa State Fair, the Iowa 4-H foundation sponsors The Iowa Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Volunteers, community leaders, and extension staff members are nominated by their counties for exemplary service and dedication to their 4-H youth program. Inductees represent the many people in Iowa who have contributed countless hours to the 4-H program. These leaders are seen as role models to the younger generations and model volunteerism, community service, integrity, and leadership. Their legacy is the young people they have mentored who will eventually become leaders themselves.

This year, the Lee County Hall of Fame inductee is Jerry Stukerjurgen. His family was present to receive the award. Jerry, along with his wife Amie, became huge supporters of the Lee County Fair and Lee County 4-H. He committed his life to helping and giving back to 4-H and the community. “His legacy continues with his family, and the family business, who continue to support Lee County 4-H.”

The Henry County Inductee is Joe Vantiger. He passed away in 2021 but spent his life in service of 4-H and his county. He spent countless amounts of time preparing for the Henry County Fair each year, whether that be setting up for the queen contest or livestock shows, or even driving the skid steer, he was always up for the challenge. He even brought his family in to help out with the fairs, where they all serve to this day.

“Joe passed away in 2021 doing what he loved most, farming, and he passed his work ethic and dedication to the fair on to his family, who are carrying the torch for Joe.”

The Mount Pleasant City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, August 23^rd. All members of the council were present, and they approved a resolution of selling the west portion of 1300 W Courtland st to the Iowa Communication Network, who has been in search of a new place to operate since the closing of IW. The City Council must hold a public hearing anytime they are selling public property, and they followed that last night.

Another issue brought up was some road reconstruction on Henry and Main Street, what the council calls “The H.” The mayor was authorized to sign an Engineering Service Agreement with Warner Engineering for repaving and drainage infrastructure, and Saunders Street was noted as “top priority.”

During the public forum, I asked about trash pickup in the city. There have been discussions about getting rid of the usual trash pickup in favor of a new system that could be cheaper in many ways. Council members mentioned that there is “more to come” at a later date but they had nothing further at this moment, other than that they are currently looking at costs and trying to weigh up the options.

Chief of Police, Lyle Murray, provided a quick update on the Christamore House, mentioning how citizens “ruffled politicians feathers” and he believes the entire situation should be resolved here rapidly. This is in reference to the police chief’s asking of the public to call their elected officials about the Christamore House wasting the Police Department resources and costing Henry County residents tax dollars.