State legislators report a busy week of the 2026 legislative session as lawmakers move newly introduced bills through sub-committees and committees. Big topics discussed include property taxes, eminent domain, and energy reliability. Plus, it was 4H and FFA Day on the Hill.

Representative Taylor Collins serves House District 95. You can read his newsletter “Collins Capitol Connection” here. To reach Rep. Collins with any questions or concerns email taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov or call the Capitol Switchboard and leave a message at (515) 281-7340.

Representative Blaine Watkins serves House District 100. You can read his update on week two in “The Watkins Wire” here. Email blaine.watkins@legis.iowa.gov or call the Capitol Switchboard and leave a message (515) 281-7340.

Two people have been arrested following a narcotics investigation in West Burlington.

According to the West Burlington Police Department, the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant Tuesday morning around nine o’clock at a residence in the one-hundred block of Ballard Street. The warrant followed an ongoing investigation into suspected methamphetamine trafficking and other illegal narcotics at that location.

During the operation, officers identified sixty-year-old Mickel Anthony Simmons of West Burlington. Simmons was taken into custody and transported to the Des Moines County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including failure to appear on a prior methamphetamine charge, delivery of methamphetamine, and possession of controlled substances involving methamphetamine and marijuana.

Officers also arrested Christelle Denniston, who was booked into the Des Moines County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force was assisted by the West Burlington Police Department, the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Eighth Judicial District, and DESCOM.

Authorities say the operation is part of a broader effort to disrupt drug trafficking activity and improve community safety across the region.

All charges are accusations, and those charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Fairfield Police Department has announced that Joel Smith is serving as Interim Chief of Police following an unexpected loss of Chief David Thomas at the department.

In a statement, Smith said his focus during the interim period is maintaining stability and continuity for both the department and the community. He praised officers and staff for their professionalism and commitment, and thanked residents and community partners for their continued trust and support.

Smith said it is an honor to lead the department during this time.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning, January 22, at the Henry County Courthouse to address a full agenda ranging from budget reviews to road projects and department updates.

During the consent agenda, supervisors unanimously approved the minutes from the January 15 meeting along with financial claims for payment.

Under unfinished business, supervisors continued departmental budget reviews. Several departments have already presented, with the remaining reviews scheduled to be completed at the board’s next meeting on January 27. Supervisors also received an update from Preserve Oakland Mills regarding the contract for an engineering assessment of the Oakland Mills bridge. The board is currently waiting for a signed revised contract from attorneys before moving forward.

In new business, County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss provided his weekly Secondary Roads update and presented a resolution to approve dust control dates and fees for 2026. Fees will remain the same as last year, with a $25 application fee if submitted by April 15 and a $50 fee for late applications received after that date. Hotchkiss reported crews have been clearing brush near Lexington Avenue, maintaining equipment during colder days, and blading roads throughout the county. He also announced the upcoming removal of the Fremont Avenue bridge, which will be replaced with a culvert. The road will be closed north of Graham Avenue for approximately six to eight weeks. Work continues removing existing beams from the bridge on 235th Street. Hotchkiss also noted IRVM Assistant Rob Quinn has announced his retirement, and the position will be posted.

Planning and Zoning Director Joe Buffington provided a department update, followed by a report from newly hired Information Technology Director Gunner Sloan, who outlined progress made in his first few weeks on the job. Human Resources matters were addressed through a letter presented from Paul Greufe, with the next HR meeting scheduled for February 10.

Committee updates included discussion from the Safety Committee, chaired by Walt Jackson, which is reviewing ways to consolidate Cintas expenses across county offices.

Other business included a report from WEMIGA indicating 6,962.2 pounds of cathode materials, such as television and computer monitor tubes, were disposed of in 2025. Supervisors also discussed assigning employee/building alarm code responsibilities to Tyler Freeze. Department heads raised the possibility of using key fobs instead of individual codes, with IT Director Gunner Sloan indicating the option would be explored with Freeze.

Supervisors also discussed coordination between Weed Commissioner Michael Yaley and Secondary Roads staff on treating noxious weeds along county rights-of-way. Additional reminders were issued for staff and residents to remove personal cell phone numbers from public listings, as county business will no longer be conducted through personal phones.

Also under other business, the board received a report from Henry County Veterans Affairs Director Roger Pittsenbarger, who is unable to attend the upcoming department head meeting. Pittsenbarger reported that Henry County veterans received a total of $751,948 in benefits during the past month.

Emergency Management Coordinator Walt Jackson took the opportunity to recognize Pittsenbarger for his work, noting that veterans from counties outside of Henry County regularly seek assistance through his office. Jackson stated that Pittsenbarger “helps people everywhere.”

Pittsenbarger emphasized that Henry County veterans are always given priority, adding that “no veteran walks away unattended.” The Board of Supervisors commended Pittsenbarger for his dedication and expressed appreciation for the work he continues to do on behalf of local veterans.

The board reminded the public that its next meeting will be held Tuesday, January 27, at 9 a.m., rather than the usual Thursday schedule, before adjourning the meeting