During a recent Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting, Pastor Trey Hager of First Presbyterian Church shared an ambitious plan to address the critical shortage of care options for individuals with special needs and seniors in the community. Hager outlined his proposal, which centers on converting the Christamore House into a facility that could offer expanded services, including childcare, therapy, and meals for seniors, as well as building mixed-market housing on adjacent county-owned land.

Hager, who is also the father of a 13-year-old son with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other significant disabilities, emphasized the staggering costs families face. “The national median cost of non-medical home care for daily tasks and supervision is $33 an hour,” Hager said. “That equals nearly $295,000 annually for 24/7 care, far exceeding what Social Security and Medicaid reimburse.” He noted that four group homes have closed in Henry County, forcing 15 residents to seek care elsewhere.

In response, Hager has purchased the Christamore House and is working on renovations that would enable the facility to provide therapy services, secure spaces for special needs children, and house a commercial kitchen for meal programs. The project also envisions creating a congregate meal site and community gathering place for seniors.

A key component of the plan is a request for the county to consider donating about seven acres of adjacent land. This property would be used to build mixed-market housing — including group homes for individuals with disabilities and senior housing. Hager explained that the housing would be owned and managed by a private nonprofit foundation that could ensure long-term stability and appropriate use. The housing plan could include up to 14 dwellings, depending on zoning and development plans.

“The goal is to create housing and care solutions that are beyond what individual families, or even the government, can manage on their own,” Hager said. “This foundation model allows us to pool resources, secure grants, and provide not only housing but also quality-of-life supports.”

Supervisors discussed the legal and procedural steps required, including the potential need for a public hearing on the land donation or sale. Officials acknowledged that more information and community input will be needed before moving forward.

If successful, Hager’s timeline would see renovations at the Christamore House completed this fall, coinciding with the new school year, while the housing development would follow based on approvals, funding, and construction schedules.

“This is about creating lasting solutions for some of our most vulnerable neighbors,” Hager concluded. “It’s a way we can all come together as a community.”

The Board of Supervisors will continue to evaluate the proposal and explore next steps in the coming weeks.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors continued its work on several key ordinances at this week’s meeting, advancing the second reading of the Alternative Energy Overlay District and holding a public hearing on updates to the county’s standard penalty ordinance.

Board members began by revisiting the Alternative Energy Overlay District, with Supervisor discussion focused on minor adjustments to the document.

Changes included updated language regarding application procedures, clarification on landfill prohibitions, and adjustments to administrative language. The board noted these were minor verbiage corrections, ensuring accuracy and consistency throughout the ordinance.

Following discussion, the board voted to approve the second reading of the Alternative Energy Overlay District. While the motion passed, one supervisor reiterated concerns about aspects of the ordinance, including provisions related to bonding, escrow requirements, and disaster recovery. “If there’s a natural disaster, this reads that people up to 50 miles away could access funds from Henry County’s escrow — that’s my concern,” the Chairman Lindeen noted before the vote.

The board then opened a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the county’s standard penalty ordinance. The primary change under consideration was the addition of language to allow recovery of reasonable costs incurred by fire departments and other responding agencies in cases of violations of the county’s open burning ordinance.

Discussion centered on clarifying what “reasonable costs” would entail, with several board members and attendees suggesting that the ordinance should better define or reference standard reimbursement rates, such as those established by FEMA. “This is just putting people on notice that costs could go beyond the standard penalty,” said County Attorney Joe Buffington. He emphasized that any recovery of costs would be determined on a case-by-case basis, often through the courts.

Public comments reflected a mix of concerns about clarity, fairness, and enforcement. Some attendees suggested the language as written might confuse penalties with cost recovery for response services, while others urged the county to focus on education and voluntary compliance rather than punitive measures. There was also discussion about balancing the need for penalties with the realities of rural life and common burn practices.

The board took no formal action during the public hearing, instead collecting input for further consideration. A motion was approved to close the hearing.

The Board of Supervisors plans to revisit both the open burning ordinance and the penalty provisions at a future meeting, incorporating the feedback received.

Des Moines County, IA — The Des Moines County 4-H Teen Council is inviting fairgoers to enjoy a fun and lighthearted competition as they present the 3rd Annual Oldtimers Showdown at the Des Moines County Fair. The event is scheduled for Friday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the livestock arena.

The Oldtimers Showdown brings together former 4-H and FFA exhibitors, alumni, and parents of past participants, giving them a chance to step back into the show ring and demonstrate their showmanship skills. To qualify as an “Oldtimer,” nominees must be 25 years or older and either alumni of Des Moines County or parents of former exhibitors.

Nominations are open now. For a $10 fee, community members can nominate an Oldtimer by contacting Mary Steffensmeier at steffene@iastate.edu or calling 319-671-7165. The nomination deadline is Tuesday, July 23 at 5:00 p.m. Teen Council members will contact nominees to see if they accept the challenge.

Nominees who choose to decline can do so by paying a $20 fee — or $25 if they decline on the day of the event. Those who accept will learn which species they’ll be showing when they arrive at the arena on show day. If they prefer a different animal, a $5 redraw fee applies.

Proceeds from the showdown will support the Des Moines County 4-H Teen Council’s efforts to provide leadership opportunities, service projects, and fun activities for local youth.

Organizers encourage the public to participate by nominating an Oldtimer or cheering on the competitors during the event. The evening promises friendly competition, lots of laughter, and a nostalgic return to the show ring for many participants.

Mount Pleasant, IA — Main Street Mount Pleasant is inviting residents, business owners, visitors, and anyone with a connection to the community to help shape the future of downtown by participating in a short online survey.

The organization is eager to hear from those who live, work, shop, or spend time in the downtown district. The feedback gathered will help guide decisions on future improvements, events, and business development initiatives aimed at enhancing the heart of Mount Pleasant.

The survey is designed to be quick and easy to complete, and every voice counts. Community members are encouraged to take a few moments to provide their input by visiting: https://bit.ly/MSMPdowntownsurvey.

Main Street Mount Pleasant emphasizes that the input received will directly influence plans for downtown enhancements, including beautification projects, public spaces, events, and economic development efforts.

For more information or to get involved with downtown initiatives, visit Main Street Mount Pleasant’s Facebook page.

DES MOINES, Iowa (June 18, 2025) – The price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 14 cents this week, averaging $3.06 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

• The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $7.16 per barrel this week and is currently priced at $73.78.
• Brent crude oil rose by $6.94 and is currently priced at $75.26.
• One year ago, WTI crude sold for $82.67 and Brent crude was $84.79.

Motor Fuels

• As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.06 across Iowa according to AAA.
  • Prices rose 14 cents from last week’s price and are down 7 cents from a year ago.
  • The national average on Wednesday was $3.19, up 7 cents from last week’s price.
• Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 20 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.48.
  • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.50 in Iowa.
  • The current Iowa diesel price is 12 cents lower than the national average of $3.60.
• The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.09 for U87-E10, $2.46 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.56 for ULSD#2, $2.81 for ULSD#1, and $1.94 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

• Natural gas prices were up 45 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.96 MMbtu.
• We will continue reporting retail heating oil and propane prices in Iowa in October.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Mount Pleasant, IA — Access Energy Cooperative has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarship program, awarding $1,500 scholarships to twelve outstanding high school seniors from across its service area. These scholarships aim to support students as they pursue higher education and future careers while recognizing academic excellence, community involvement, and leadership.

Congratulations go to: Avery Morris of Birmingham; Cason Miller of Fairfield; Grace Lyon of Keosauqua; Madison Yarnell-Shaw of Fairfield; Alexa Fuller, Ethan Graber, Halaina Crane, and Owen Baker of Mount Pleasant; Brylie Lorence of West Point; Chase Johnson and Jalyn Hawk of Donnellson; and Nicholas Powell of New London.

District 1 recipients:

• Avery Morris, daughter of Geoff and Libby Morris, will attend Indian Hills Community College to pursue a career in nursing.

• Cason Miller, son of Stephen and Heather Miller, plans to major in Finance/Business and Turf Management at Iowa State University.

• Grace Lyon, daughter of Troy and Melinda Lyon, will attend Iowa State University, majoring in Animal Science.

• Madison Yarnell-Shaw, daughter of Derek Shaw, will study Criminology and Law and Justice at the University of Iowa.

District 2 recipients:

• Alexa Fuller, daughter of Andrea and Bruce Hudson, will major in Psychology at the University of Northern Iowa.

• Ethan Graber, son of Kendall and Shelley Graber, will study Agricultural Business-Agricultural Education at DMACC before transferring to Iowa State University.

• Halaina Crane, daughter of Andrew Crane and Dixie Crane, will major in Ecosystem Restoration and Management at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point.

• Owen Baker, son of Jeff and Jill Baker, plans to attend Kirkwood Community College.

District 3 recipients:

• Brylie Lorence, daughter of Andrew and Tonya Lorence, will pursue a career in Healthcare Administration at Indian Hills Community College.

• Chase Johnson, son of Ryan and Karen Johnson, will study Kinesiology/Strength and Conditioning at Loras College/William Penn University.

• Jalyn Hawk, daughter of Joe and Joanie Hawk, plans to attend St. Ambrose University, majoring in Exercise Science with a goal of becoming a physical therapist.

• Nicholas Powell, son of Marcus and Annie Powell, plans to pursue a career in Health Science.

Access Energy Cooperative awards six $1,500 scholarships annually—two in each of its three districts. Applicants must have parents or guardians who are members of the cooperative. Selections are based on academic achievement, community service, extracurricular involvement, and responses to application questions about the electric industry.

Access Energy Cooperative provides electricity to over 9,000 homes, farms, and businesses across 10 counties in southeast Iowa, staying committed to supporting local youth and strengthening communities.