The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, administered by the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship in cooperation with the Iowa Department on Aging, provides eligible older adults (60 years or older) with a booklet of checks that can be spent at participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Each participant receives ten $5 checks for a total one-time benefit of $50, and these can be used to purchase fresh Iowa grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey. Participants must live in the service area of Milestones Area Agency on Aging, and must have a yearly income below $26,973 if single or $36,482 for a household of two.

Participants who receiver coupons last year will automatically receive a 2023 application. To receive an application, please call Milestones at 855 410 6222.

ISU Extension and Outreach: Washington Co. Hiring Youth Outreach Educator and Office Assistant

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Office in Washington County is now seeking a 4-H Youth Outreach Educator (full-time, part-time, and/or ¾ year position with no summers, dependent upon candidate), and a ¾ time Office Assistant for 32 hours per week. These position will work in a team environment with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Council and staff to provide programs and resources to our community. The Youth Outreach Educator will have a strong focus on our Ag in the Classroom program, and will lead this program to elementary schools in Washington County. The Office Assistant will conduct day-to-day operations in the office to include customer service, newsletters, bulk mailing, receipt funds, support local programs and assist with management of 4HOnline, MyData, and Fair Entry.

These position require excellent organizational skills, strong skills in written and oral communication, and the ability to work with a team. Extension and 4-H knowledge is valuable. Applications can be found online or at the Washington County Extension Office. Applications, a cover letter, resume and a list of references must be returned to Katharinna Bain at the Washington County Extension Office-2223 250^th St., Washington, Iowa 52353 or e-mailed to kbain@iastate.edu, no later than 4:30pm on Tuesday, June 27^th. If you have further questions regarding this position, you may contact Katharinna Bain, Regional Extension Director, at (319) 310-2071 or kbain@iastate.edu.
https//:www.extension.iastate.edu/washington

The Carnegie Historical Museum announces the second annual Juneteenth Celebration of the Underground Railroad in Jefferson County, Iowa.  Juneteenth has become a national holiday to celebrate the day when the last enslaved people in the country were informed of their freedom.  Jefferson County Iowa played a very important part in helping those migrating north from Missouri through Van Buren County and Jefferson County to Richland and Brighton on their way into the northern safe haven states.

This year’s celebration will take place on June 19, 2023 at the Carnegie Historical Museum at 112 South Court Street in Fairfield, Iowa.  Rev. Herb Shafer will be the primary speaker as the event begins at 1:00 p.m. on the second floor of the museum.  Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the role that Jefferson County served in this important mission of assistance. At 2:30 p.m. there will be a wreath laying ceremony at the Evergreen Cemetery on East Stone Street just east of D Street.  The grave of abolitionist Nancy Yancy will be the location of the wreath laying ceremony.

“Old Fairfield/Evergreen Cemetery has served as Fairfield, Iowa’s central burial ground since the town was founded in 1839.  Thirty miles from the Missouri border, its headstones, memorials and unmarked plots give visitors glimpses into the lives of courageous freedom seekers crossing that border; of formerly enslaved American citizens finding their way from eastern states to new lives in Iowa; of freedmen enlisting in the Union Army upon learning of Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation; of conductors and station operators risking fines and imprisonment in this hidden hub of Underground Railroad activity; of young men from Jefferson County volunteering to fight in the war to end slavery; and of a local Congressman sponsoring and rafting the House of Representatives resolution that became the 13^th Amendment abolishing slavery in the United States.  All of them are buried here.”

Please accept this invitation to join us on the afternoon of Monday, June 19^th at  the Carnegie Historical Museum at 112 South Court Street beginning at 1:00 PM and at the Evergreen Cemetery at 2:30 PM for the wreath laying as we recognize those who gave so much.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to two different house fires on 06/13/23.

The first fire, reported at 8:41 PM, was in the 2500 grid of Perkins Road, near Lowell.  The house and garage were engulfed in fire.  No injuries were reported at this residential fire.  New London Fire, Mt. Pleasant Fire, Salem Fire, and Danville Fire all responded and fought the fire.  The house and garage were severely damaged from the fire.  This incident remains under investigation.

The second fire, reported at 11:29 PM, was in the 2300 grid of 220^th Street, northeast of Mt. Pleasant.  The home was fully engulfed in fire to a residence.  As the fire was being contained it was discovered that one occupant was unaccounted for.  After the fire was extinguished a person was found inside the burned residence.  The identity of the person is being withheld until the investigation is completed and all family is notified.  This fire was fought by Mt. Pleasant Fire, Winfield Fire, Mt. Union Fire, and New London Fire.  This home was a total loss.

Both fires are being investigated by Henry County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa State Fire Marshall’s Office.

On June 8th, 2023, at approximately 3:38PM, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a single vehicle (ATV) crash with injury that occurred at the intersection of Oakland Mills Road and Hickory Avenue.

During investigation the ATV was found to have left the roadway, entered the ditch, and rolled over. The driver was identified as Bradely Wesely, 67, of Mount Pleasant.  Injuries were found and the driver was transported from the scene.

This investigation is still under investigation. Initial citations were issued to the driver for failure to maintain control and ATV operation–careless, reckless, or negligent. Other charges may result at a later date/time.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was assisted with this incident by the Iowa State Patrol, Henry County EMS, Mount Pleasant Fire Dept, and community members.