To raise awareness about the dangers of speeding, The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Region 7, which includes Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, is participating in the “Speeding Slows You Down” Speed Enforcement Campaign.

Law enforcement will be on the lookout for speeding drivers aligned with this effort from July 10th through July 31st.

• This July 10-31, NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Association) is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies to keep drivers and passengers safe by raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and urging drivers to obey speed limits.
• In 2021, speeding killed 8,462 people, accounting for more than one-quarter of all crash fatalities. Don’t become a 2023 statistic! Slow down and drive the speed limit!
• NHTSA would like to remind you that even the safest cars with the newest technologies are limited in how much they can help reduce the odds of a crash if traveling at speeds faster than the posted limit. Slow down and stay safe!
• From July 10-31, local law enforcement officers will be on higher alert for speeding vehicles while participating in the Speeding Slows You Down If you’re pulled over for speeding, expect to receive a ticket.
• While drivers of all ages routinely exceed posted speed limits, young people are most likely to be involved in speeding-related fatal crashes. NHTSA reminds you that speeding is a risk that can cost you your life, so stay safe and slow down!

Learn more at  https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving

The Henry County Planning and Zoning met on Tuesday, July 11^th to discuss the future land use of a residential zone on the west side of Hickory Avenue. A concrete plant plans to begin operations, meaning this area must be rezoned to industrial. This was passed by the Board of Supervisors on June 29^th to take the discussion back to the Planning and Zoning. The vote was passed Tuesday evening, and now will be brought up at the Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting on Thursday, July 13^th. There will be a public hearing. There are certain conditions that must be met, and we can expect this to be completed and signed on Thursday.

KILJ will continue to bring updates as they come.

It is garbage bag sales time again, offered through the Mt. Pleasant Community Schools Music Boosters.

Over the next two weeks, a representative of the Charity Services Organization will be calling on behalf of the Music Boosters to explain the garbage bags. They will take you through the price, sizes, quantity, and how to play an order. The garbage bags will the be delivered directly to the customers’ homes.

The sole purpose of the Mt. Pleasant Music Boosters is to support the K-12 instrumental and vocal music programs of the Mt. Pleasant Community School District. All fundraising dollars are used directly for these programs. Currently the Music Boosters are developing a plan to update our soundboard and lighting system.

Ongoing projects include the Marching Band Invitational, High School Variety Show, InMotion Show Choir Invitational, Dessert Theatre, OPUS (K-12 honor choir), All-State Music Festival, and the Middle School Honor Band Festival.

“The focus of the fundraiser is to help sustain a growing music program.” says Stan Holtkamp, Mt. Pleasant Music Boosters President. “We have a very active music program with lots of student involvement!  Our focus for this campaign is toward the drumline needs.”

Membership in the Mt. Pleasant Music Boosters organization is free and is defined as anyone with children participating in music in Mt. Pleasant Community Schools. “If you have a child participating in any music activity within the schools or if you just love music, we invite everyone to join the fun of being involved in Music Boosters,” said Holtkamp.

The Charity Services, Inc., organization is registered with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and assists organizations throughout the Midwest with fundraising.

If you’d like to add your number to the form, it is posted below.

MP Music Garbage Bag Campaign – Google Sheets

The Iowa State University Lee County Extension and Outreach office will host a meeting on August 24th, beginning at 1:30 PM. with doors open at 1:00 PM. The location is at the Lee County Extension office located at 414 North Main St., Donnellson. The meeting will last approximately 2 ½ hours and will be facilitated by Charles Brown, Farm Management Specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach.

The discussion will focus on various methods to determine a fair 2024 cash rental rate and the importance of good tenant/landlord communications. Emphasis will be placed on recent returns to Iowa Cash Rented Land and the 2023 Iowa Cash Rental Rate Survey.

Pre-registration is required by August 17, 2023, and the registration fee of $20.00 can be paid at the door. Participants will receive a 100-page booklet and meeting handouts designed to assist landowners, tenants, and other agri-business professionals with issues related to farmland ownership, management, and leasing arrangements.

Contact the Lee County Extension office at 319-835-5116 with your questions or to pre-register by August 17, 2023.

For a list of meetings statewide, check the ISU Extension calendar for a meeting near you.

www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/meetings.html

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued and will be in effect until 11am. Widespread damaging winds are likely, with isolated significant gusts reaching as high as 85 mph possible. Isolated large hail 1.5 inches in diameter is possible, and due to the conditions, a tornado is possible.

A fast moving and intense bow will surge across the watch area this morning, posing a risk of widespread damaging wind gusts. The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles north and south of a line from 25 miles south of Denison IA to 35 miles south southeast of Cedar Rapids IA.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes.

The 2023 Henry County Fair continues Wednesday with a full day of events. The static exhibit judging will take place in the exhibit building from 8:00am-3:00pm. The farmer’s market is from 4pm-6pm followed by the Kids Pedal Pull at the Tractor Headquarters at 6pm. Of course, the Queen will be crowned tonight at the Wright Pavilion at 7:30pm, and KILJ will be there to report on all the coverage. The 2023 Henry County Fair Queen Contest is sponsored by Hometown Veterinary Care in New London. It is a busy week at McMillan Park and remember that there is no admission fee for entry into the fair. For a full schedule of events, head to KILJ.com and click on our daily calendar for a detailed breakdown of each day.