There was an apparent structure fire on July 26th in the evening. While details at this time are limited, we do know that this occurred at 402 N Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, and that there were many agencies involved including Mt. Pleasant Fire, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Mt. Pleasant Utilities, and EMS was brought on scene as well. The police blocked off access to the intersection around 9:15. KILJ will provide updates to this situation as more details are made available.
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board approved 35 project applications totaling more than $1.6 million during its quarterly board meeting on July 20. Seven of the projects are for ethanol infrastructure, one is for a biodiesel terminal, and 27 are for biodiesel infrastructure.
The RFIP helps fuel retailers provide higher blends of lower cost Iowa grown biofuels to consumers by incentivizing the installation, replacement and conversion of ethanol and biodiesel dispensing and storage infrastructure. Incentives to upgrade biodiesel terminal and storage facilities are also available. While the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship manages the program, a board appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate determines grant allocations on a quarterly basis.
“When consumers can access higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel for their vehicle, they save money,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “As more retailers upgrade their infrastructure, Iowa drivers will continually find more options to help them save money through the use of cleaner burning and more affordable homegrown biofuels.”
Counties with locations receiving one or more of the project grants include the following: Van Buren, Crawford, Ida, Washington, Benton, Jackson, Muscatine, Taylor, Linn, Story, Jasper, Calhoun, Carroll, Iowa, Polk, Woodbury, Johnson, Pottawattamie, Marion, Winneshiek, Black Hawk, Dubuque and Madison. The complete list of locations can be found here.
The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Board will consider additional RFIP grant applications during its next quarterly meeting in October. The RFIP grant application is available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website.
Over the history of the program, the state has invested approximately $75 million while private industry has invested over $225 million. To learn more about the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program, visit the program’s webpage on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website.
The public’s assistance is being sought in the apprehension of a fugitive from justice.
Wayne Lee Wickenkamp, 36 years old, with a last known residence in Brighton, Iowa, is wanted out of District Court in Jefferson County, Iowa on felony sex abuse charges. Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts are urged to contact the Jefferson County, Iowa dispatch center at (641) 472 4146. Caution is advised.
The public is urged to contact law enforcement if seen, but not to make contact themselves.
As we near the end of July, the heat index continues to climb. With temperatures reaching into the high 90s over the next few days and heat index values between 100 and 105, you can’t escape the heat. However, you can take proper care of your body to ensure that the heat doesn’t defeat you.
More than 700 people die each year in the United States due to heat-related issues. This is preventable. People at greatest risk for heat-related illness should be monitored, and the CDC has tips for you.
Ask yourself: “Am I drinking enough water?” This is very important when spending time in the heat, as drinking water helps to lower your body temperature and replenish your fluids that you lose through sweat. Another important question is “Do I have access to the air c
onditioning?” According to the CDC, cool air conditioning is the best way to combat the heat.
Make sure to take plenty of breaks when outside. Get in the shade, drink ice-cold water, and let your body rest. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is the key for spending extended time outside. Darker clothing absorbs heat, so stick to lighter colors. Ensure that you never leave a child or a pet in a car, as it can become even hotter inside a vehicle.
People at greatest risk for heat related illness are those over 65, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness.
If you do come across a heat-casualty, don’t panic. Follow these steps to take best care of them: Remove the person from the environment by taking them to an air-conditioned or cool place. Elevate their legs at a level higher than their heart. Ensure that they are drinking cool water or sports drinks and have them take a cold shower or bath. If that is not an option, soak towels in ice-cold water and place it on their skin. Also make sure their clothing is not restrictive. If their condition does not improve, consider taking them to the emergency room or calling 911 depending on the severity of the illness.
For easy reading and more tips, visit these websites to ensure you are prepared when it comes to heat-related illness.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-exhaustion/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373253
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16425-heat-illness
Henry County Public Health is planning a new back to school health fair on Tuesday, August 8th from 4-7pm. Kids will be able to get their back-to-school immunizations, lead testing, dental screening and vision screening all in one place. Sports physicals will also be available for $25 (CASH ONLY). There will also be community resource tables, kid’s activities, and giveaways. Full Smoke BBQ and Casa Bella Potosina food trucks will be selling food on site. This health fair will take place at Manning Hall at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 607 S. Jackson St., Mt. Pleasant.
“We know summers are busy and go by fast, so we want to give this opportunity for parents to get all of their children’s back to school health requirements taken care of in one evening.” states Robin Poole, Immunization Coordinator. Physicals and most screenings have paperwork that will need to be filled out and those will be available onsite or at HealthyHenryCounty.org/PublicHealth. Language translation will be available.
For more information and updates visit Facebook.com/HealthyHenryCounty or call Public Health at 319-385-0779. This health fair is sponsored by Henry County Public Health, American Eyecare, Enhance Henry County Community Foundation, Family Medicine of Mt. Pleasant PC, Henry County Health Center Clinics, I-Smile, and Moeller Family Practice.
There was a two-vehicle accident at the 1600 block of Highway 218 just before 6:00pm on July 25th. Agencies that responded were the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Winfield Police Department, Henry County Health Center, Olds Fire and Rescue, Trenton Fire and Rescue, and Winfield Fire and Rescue. KILJ will continue to update this developing situation as more details are released.
At approximately 6:00pm on July 21st, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the 2600-grid of Perkins Road. The vehicle was observed to have no registration plates, and the driver was identified and known not to possess a valid driver’s license. The driver and passenger also have an active No-Contact Order.
The vehicle then accelerated away from the Sheriff’s Office vehicles, and was followed to the back of a property in the 2500-grid of Perkins Road. The passenger then was taken into custody.
As a result, Samantha Sammons, 33, of Salem, was arrested for Violation of a No-Contact Order, a simple misdemeanor; two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, simple misdemeanor; and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd or Subsequent Offense, D Felony.
This incident is still under investigation.
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty*
