The Iowa Legislature is entering a key phase as the first “funnel” deadline approaches, when bills must clear committee to stay alive this session making it a busy third week of the 2026 legislative session.  With that in mind, many committees are spending long hours passing bills before the deadline approaches.

Public safety and crime are a major focus for House Republicans, who are advancing three proposals:

• A “career criminals” bill creating a three-strikes system with a 20-year mandatory minimum for repeat offenders.
• Bail and pretrial reform aimed at limiting release for higher-risk defendants and tightening verification requirements.
• A judicial data dashboard bill to publish information on judges’ bail, sentencing, and case decisions to inform voters during retention elections.

Other major topics debated this week include property taxes, E15 Ethanol Sales, and eminent domain laws.

A new Valentine’s concert in Mount Pleasant could become a lasting tradition for the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra. “Valentango” will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Chapel Auditorium, 601 North Main Street.

“Valentango,” will feature award-winning St. Louis guitarist W. Mark Akin, along with a regional children’s chorus, a regional youth string ensemble, and pop singer Kelsey Madsen of Cedar Rapids.

Madsen was a Hollywood Golden Ticket winner on American Idol in 2010 and has previously performed with the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, as has Akin. Organizers say the program will carry a Spanish influence, featuring selections from Carmen, Bolero, and Danzon No. 2, among others.

Madsen, who now teaches at Vinton-Shellsburg Elementary and the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy in Cedar Rapids, will also perform the love ballad “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.

In a video preview posted by the orchestra, Madsen says she’s excited and humbled to make music with the symphony and is inviting the public to bring loved ones and enjoy the performance.

More information about this and related events can be found online at seiso.us.

The Washington County Fair in conjunction with the 4-H County Council is proud to announce its 2026 theme, “Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights,” celebrating the timeless traditions, local pride, and memories defining summer in Washington County. It is the perfect summer to celebrate patriotism for America’s 250th birthday.

“It’s an honor to select the county fair theme,” said 4-H County Council member Averi Janecek. “This year it’s about patriotism, community spirit, and those perfect summer evenings spent with family, friends, and neighbors at the county fair.”

This year’s fair will bring together classic fair favorites with a full lineup of events, including the tractor pull, rodeo, demolition derby and fresh new experiences for all ages. The fair favorites of carnival, food stands who support local service groups, live entertainment offered all day long and over 3000 youth exhibits make this place where generations gather to celebrate what makes our community shine.

The fair continues its commitment to honoring the hardworking individuals and traditions that keep Washington County strong.

The fair association is excited to preview these new shows: Canines in the Clouds featuring rescue dogs trained to entertain, Engineering Encounters where participants can discover robotics and future technologies, and Fisherman Dan’s comedy stunt show, plus more!

The Washington County Fair will take place July 19-25, with the kick-off concert on Saturday, July 18. Additional details, schedules, and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Washington County Fair Association, follow them on Facebook or at www.washingtoncountyfairia.com .

Gas prices are moving higher across Iowa this week. According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded rose eight cents to $2.55 per gallon. That’s still 39 cents lower than this time last year. The national average sits at $2.88, up five cents from a week ago.

Diesel prices in Iowa also climbed eight cents, now averaging $3.40 per gallon. That’s two cents lower than a year ago and about 20 cents below the national diesel average.

Crude oil prices increased this week as well. West Texas Intermediate crude rose to about $63.00 per barrel, while Brent crude reached $68.00. Both remain well below prices from a year ago.

For home energy, natural gas prices declined to about 385 per million BTUs. Propane in Iowa is averaging $1.59 per gallon, and home heating oil averages $2.84 statewide.

Drivers and homeowners can find energy-saving tips at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

A Burlington man has been found guilty on a drug-related charge following a jury trial in Des Moines County.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, a Des Moines County jury found Anthony Drake Selters, 42, of Burlington guilty of possession of precursors, specifically lithium, an ingredient commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

The charge resulted from an investigation at a residence at 1611 Lincoln Street in Burlington on October 29, 2025. The case involved the Burlington Police Department, High-Risk Unit officers, and the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force. Selters was later arrested as part of that investigation.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 9, 2026 at 3 p.m. at the Des Moines County Courthouse. Selters faces a maximum possible sentence of up to five years in prison.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Des Moines County Attorney Terri Quartucci. Selters was represented by Burlington attorney James Carter, and Judge Shane Wiley presided over the trial.

Henry County Republicans and Democrats have announced their caucus locations and times for Monday, February 2, 2026.

For Republicans, caucus sites vary by precinct:

• Precinct 1: Waco High School Library at 706 N Pearl St, Wayland, IA 52654
• Precinct 2: Winfield Veterans Building at 116 N Locust St, Winfield, IA 52659
• Precinct 3: Salem Elementary School at 412 E Jackson St, Salem, IA 52649
• Precincts 4-7: First United Methodist Church of Mount Pleasant at 309 N Main St, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
• Precinct 8: Salem Elementary School at 412 E Jackson St, Salem, IA 52649
• Precinct 9: New London Community Center at 103 W Washington St, New London, IA 52645

Henry County Democrats will hold all of their precinct caucuses at the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Pleasant located at 902 South Walnut Street.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and caucus activities begin at 7 p.m. Participants can register when they arrive if needed.

Party leaders say caucuses play an important role in the political process, giving local residents a voice in shaping party priorities, selecting delegates, and participating directly in grassroots democracy.

If you are unsure which precinct you live in, visit Iowa’s Secretary of State website and put in your address. It will list your precinct along with your polling place.

Henry County Republicans Contact Information:

• Phone: 319-217-1099
• Email: hcorepb44@gmail.com
• Facebook Page: Henry County, Iowa GOP

Henry County Democrats Contact Information:

• Email: henrycountyiowademocrats@gmail.com
• Facebook Page: Henry County Democrats