On December 27^th, 2022, at approximately 12:50 p.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Old Highway 34.  An investigation at the scene, determined a 2006 Grey Ford F-150 driven by Bodie Rodgers, 48 of Mount Pleasant, was traveling south bound on Franklin Avenue and collided with a 2020 Kia Nitro, driven by Sara LeBlanc, 60 of Mount Pleasant.

The investigation determined the Kia was traveling west on Old Highway 34 and came to a stop then proceeded into the intersection.  The F-150 was south bound on Franklin Avenue at the same time the Kia entered the intersection.  The impact sent both vehicles into the southwest ditch with the F-150 coming to rest on its side.

Both drivers of the vehicle were transported from the scene via ambulance.  Mr. Rodgers was cited for failure to wear safety belt, failure to prove security against liability (no insurance) and operating a non-registered vehicle. Mrs. LeBlanc was cited for failure to obey a stop sign and yield the right of way.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Mount Pleasant Police Department, Mount Pleasant Fire Department, Henry County EMS, and Henry County Secondary Roads Department.

The Iowa 4-H Foundation announces the 2023 scholarship programs for 4‑H’ers attending or planning to attend college fall 2023.  The current scholarship program offers 90 scholarships worth $100,000.

The various awards range in amounts from $250 to $5,000.  Some of the scholarships are open to students pursuing any field of study, while others are open to students pursuing specific degrees in agriculture, food and nutrition, ag business, animal science, and journalism.  Former Iowa 4-H’ers and current 4-H’ers graduating from high school are eligible applicants.

The majority of the scholarships will be awarded to students attending Iowa State University.  Some scholarships are also available to students planning to attend another Iowa Regent University, Iowa private college, or Iowa community college.

There is an online application form to apply for all 90 scholarships applicants select.  It can be found at  www.iowa4hfoundation.org/scholarships.  Recommendation letters are also done online.

All applications must be completed online no later than March 1, 2023.

Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted in Memory of Mike Orris by Washington County Fair Association

The Washington County Fair Association started an endowment fund with the Community Foundation of Washington County in 2019 to provide for an annual scholarship.  The third scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to a member of the graduating Class of 2023 who has been a participant in Washington 4H or FFA for 4 years.

Mike Orris, a long-time community member, veteran and volunteer member of the Washington Fair Board for 50+ years passed away in the summer of 2019 at the age of 92.  “They don’t make volunteers like Mike anymore,” said Fair Board member, Jarrod Horning.  “He has had a huge impact on our organization over the past 50+ years.”
The Fair Association approached Mike’s family to create this fund, and they were immediately onboard with the idea.

“The Community Foundation is uniquely capable of creating a fund such as this,” said Executive Director, Millie Youngquist. “Our whole purpose is to create permanent endowment funds that continue providing money to support local non-profits and their causes.  We are especially honored to create a fund in the memory of such a community leader and volunteer.”

Donations of any amount to this fund qualify for the Endow Iowa tax credit, a program giving donors a state tax credit of 25% of the amount of their donation.  Individuals interested in making a donation to this fund may donate by writing a check to: The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, writing “Mike Orris Memorial Scholarship Fund” in the memo line, and mailing it to: The Community Foundation of Washington County, Attn: Millie Youngquist, 831 South 13^th Ave., Washington, IA 52353.

Scholarship application forms are available on the Fair Association website: washingtoncountyfairia.com.  Applications will also be available from area high school guidance counselors, FFA advisors and at the Washington County Extension Office.   Applications are due on
Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

Henry County Jail

In the interest of keeping Henry County residents informed, the Henry County Sheriff’s office has requested KILJ post the daily jail count. During the jail referendum campaign it was publicized that the jail would be able to house additional inmates from surrounding counties and this would generate revenue for Henry County.

Date:   01-04-2023______

   23_    Henry County Inmates

   44     Out of County Contract Inmates              

  67       TOTAL

The Wayland City Council meeting will be held January 4 at 7:30 pm in the Wayland City Hall.

Consent Agenda
Note: These are routine items and will be enacted by one motion without separate discussion unless a Council member requests an
item be removed for separate consideration.
a. Minutes of December 21, 2022
b. Bills for Payment
c. Treas. Report
d. Clerks Budgetary Report
e. Utility Dept. Report
f. Police Dept. Report
g. Firefighter Dept. Report
h. Annual Museum Report
3. Citizen Forum
The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public for items not listed on the agenda. You are asked to state your
name and address for the record and to limit your remarks in order that others may be given the opportunity to speak. The
Order of Business is at the discretion of the Chair. No action will be taken.
4. Unfinished Business
a.
b.
5. New Business
a. Sewer Permit – Chlorides Compliance Plan – Jim Warner
b. Central Park – Water Tower Lights Upgrade Quote
c. Res. 2023-01 “A Resolution Approving Application of the Community Catalyst
Building Remediation Program Grant, Pledge Contribution and Signature
Authorization”
6. Building Permits – none
7. Adjournment

Applications Due January 13 for Cover Crops Crop Insurance Discount Program

Secretary Naig reminds farmers to apply for the $5 per acre discount on spring crop insurance premiums

DES MOINES, Iowa (Jan. 3, 2023) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig reminds farmers and landowners who planted cover crops this past fall to apply for the state’s Crop Insurance Discount Program. Eligible Iowans can receive a $5 per acre discount on spring crop insurance premiums. The deadline to apply is January 13.

In its sixth year, the program has helped increase cover crop acreage across the state. Iowa has approximately three million acres of cover crops, a conservation practice that improves soil structure, enhances permeability and holds phosphorus and nitrogen in place.

“Iowa farmers and landowners are continuing to accelerate the use of proven conservation and water quality practices statewide, including cover crops,” said Secretary Naig. “Approximately 2,000 Iowa farmers have enrolled over one million acres of cover crops in the program to date and I would encourage interested farmers to apply for this cost saving program ahead of the approaching deadline.”

Farmers may sign up for the Crop Insurance Discount Program at apply.cleanwateriowa.org.

Program Details

The Crop Insurance Discount Program is jointly administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA). Iowa’s program has served as a model and has been replicated by the USDA as well as Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

To qualify for the Crop Insurance Discount Program, the cover crop acres cannot be enrolled in other state or federal cost share programs. Farmers should visit the local USDA service center to learn about other cost share funding available to support the implementation of conservation practices.

Some insurance policies, such as Whole-Farm Revenue Protection or those covered through written agreements, may be excluded. Participants must follow all existing farming practices required by their respective policy and work with their insurance agencies to maintain eligibility.

On December 20^th, 2022, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a scam.  The investigation determined the scam took place involving the social media platform, Facebook, and the digital wallet, Venmo.  The victim was selling items via the Facebook marketplace.  A price was agreed upon and the money exchange would take place through Venmo.

During the money exchange the suspect falsified emails and other documents to appear Venmo support was contacting the victim.  The suspect then began requesting money from the victim as an insurance to confirm the transaction was legitimate.  The suspect also used different accounts.

The Sheriff’s Office wants to remind people there are numerous scams out there.  Scammers tend to pray on the good will/nature of people.  Most scams are taking place via the internet and web-based applications.  Scammers can hide behind the computer and put up a façade.  We ask people to do research and due diligence on their transactions and dealing through Facebook marketplace, Venmo, and Cash App.

Scammers will use several accounts with different names.  They will over promise items or money which will never arrive.  Scammers also resort to pressuring and sometimes rising to the level of threats to get the resources they are looking for.

Please never give out personal or banking information over the phone or internet.  Attempt to have face to face interactions when you can.

***A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.****