Henry County Road Work

Henry County Engineers Office announces culvert repair work in the west bound lane of Salem Road (J-20), west of Lexington Avenue. Beginning Thursday, October 13th flaggers will be used during the workday only, expect delays and use caution. Project will take 2 to 3 workdays. Questions can be answered at 319 385-0762.

Are Wind Turbines in Henry County’s Future?

Over 50 people attended a town hall meeting held Tuesday in Swedesburg. They brought their questions about two possible wind energy projects proposed for northern Henry County. RWE Renewables and Liberty Power both develop, own and operate wind farms in the US and Canada. One question was why Henry County and why just in the northern half.  Both companies said there is access to transmission lines, the open fields offer few obstructions and the wind speeds are fast enough.

Company reps went thru the process and time line for their projects which, again are very similar. RWE is early in the first stage…..making contact with landowners but feel confident already that there is strong interest.  Supposedly, 50 landowners have already signed on. Liberty Power has not yet started making those connections. Because these are early stages the companies can only estimate the number of turbines, possibly 50 to 60.

The timelines are lengthy. Wind and environmental studies won’t be done until 2023 and construction wouldn’t start until about 2025. Both companies see this as a 35 to 50 year project. Attendees expressed concerns about what happens after 35 years.  They were told there are plans and funds for decommissioning the turbines if they are no longer needed and landowners would not be responsible or left with a useless turbine on their property. The land would also be returned to what it was before the turbine was built. The necessary access road could remain or be eliminated. There were still questions about whether or not contracts would still be honored if the companies change ownership or go out of business. There wasn’t a direct answer for that question.

Answers to other questions…land values are not affected one way or the other, there would be about 300 temporary jobs and then six to 10 long term jobs. About 135 million dollars could be generated in tax revenue. A total of 2.2 million dollars per year could be distributed in payments to landowners. The generated electricity would likely be used in Henry County. Sound and vibrations are minimal and mostly unnoticed.  The blades won’t throw ice because the turbine would be shut down the minute any build up is detected by sensors.  The turbines would also be shut down if necessary when aerial crop dusting is taking place.

The Henry County Supervisors hosted the meeting for information purposes only so everyone could ask questions and receive the same answers at the same time. Many said after the meeting there is a lot to think about and it seemed that most still hadn’t made up there minds about having a wind turbine on their land.

Sports, October 12th

High School Volleyball

WACO celebrated senior night in style by defeating Highland in straight sets: 25-12, 25-14, and 25-14. Grace Coble led the Warriors in assists with 23, while Ellah Kissell tallied 10 kills and 2 serving aces. Marie Farmer had a good game as well with 7 kills and 4 serving aces. The Warriors are back in action October 17th to face off against Melcher-Dallas at home at 7 pm to start their journey in regional play.

Winfield-Mt. Union won their regular season finale against Wapello in straight sets, 25-22, 25-23, and 25-12. Melina Oepping led the team in kills with 10, followed by Bradie Buffington with 9. Keely Malone tallied 26 assists and Keetyn Townsley led the Wolves in digs with 23, while Lily Freeman totaled 4 blocks. The Wolves end the regular season with a 22-9 overall record with an 8-0 district record. They will play Twin Cedars October 17th at 7 pm at home to start regional play.

The Mount Pleasant Panthers went 0-2 yesterday at the second night of the SEC Conference Tournament, falling to Fairfield and Washington in straight sets. The Panthers start regional play next Tuesday, October 18th, when they travel to play Burlington.

Holy Trinity Catholic will be competing the at the Mediapolis Tournament tomorrow, October 13th.

High School Football

The Mt. Pleasant Panthers are looking for their first win of the season as they will travel to play Clinton this Friday, October 14th, at 7:30 pm. KILJ will be on the call with pregame scheduled to start at 7:15.

WACO will be looking to spoil Tri-County’s senior night, looking to end the regular season with a perfect record. Kickoff scheduled for 7 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will be looking to bounce back at home this Friday against English Valleys at 7 pm, as they are still fighting for a playoff spot.

New London will be looking to end the season on a road win against HLV this Friday, game scheduled to start at 7 pm.

Other games in Mt. Pleasant’s district, Burlington will be celebrating senior night against Iowa City Liberty and North Scott will be on the road against Fort Madison, both games scheduled to start at 7:30 pm. Other games in the area, Washington will be at home against Fairfield and Keokuk will travel to play West Burlington.

Elementary Basketball Tournament

Mount Pleasant Christmas Holidays 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for 3rd – 8th grade boys and girls will be held on Dec 17th, 2022. For more registration details contact Coach Ronnie Ashton at 319-931-2896.

Iowa Wesleyan Athletics

The Tiger women’s soccer team honored three seniors yesterday: Ingryd Lima, Cheleena Squibb, and Izela Avalos with a 1-0 victory over William Penn University. It did not take the Tigers very long to find the back of the net as Desire’ Adams found Bella Goodson in the 11th minute to score the game’s only goal. The Tigers are riding a 5-game winning streak with a 7-5 record on the season. Their next game in October 14th at 5 pm against conference foe Bellevue University, on the road.

The men’s soccer team got the offense rolling in the second half scoring two goals and shutting out Culver-Stockton College 2-0. It took until the 53rd minute for the game’s first goal with Thomas Mullen assisting Francisco Javier Saldana for his second goal of the season. In the 84th minute, Nixon Valencia added an insurance goal for his first of the season, assisted by Xavier Lozada. The Tigers are now 3-9-1 on the season and will be back in action October 14th against Bellevue University in a conference matchup at 7 pm in Cedar Rapids.

Tiger volleyball’s next game will be tomorrow, October 13th, against Waldorf University at 7 pm on the road.

Men’s and women’s cross-country will be back in action October 14th to compete at the Indian Hills Invitational at 4 pm.

The Tiger football team will look to bounce back Saturday, October 15th, as they face off with Valley City State University at 1 pm.

Tune in tomorrow at 9 am for Tiger Nation to hear from Jake Kadel, the head coach for men’s and women’s wrestling at Iowa Wesleyan University.

This Day in Sports History

1986 – Walter Payton (Chicago Bears) became the first National Football League (NFL) player to accumulate 20,000 yards.

2002 – Ron Tugnutt (Dallas Stars) became the first NHL goalie to win a game for seven different teams.

2010 – The Texas Rangers won the first playoff series in franchise history when they defeated the Tampa Devil Rays.

Grassley, Iowa Audiologists Discuss Successful Push for Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

HENRY COUNTY, IOWA – Today, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) met with Iowa Audiology President and CEO Dr. Jason Aird to discuss the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) finalization of a key rule allowing hearing aids to be sold over-the-counter – a bipartisan effort Grassley has led for over five years. They also discussed Grassley’s support for the Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act, which would modernize Medicare rules for audiologists – making it easier for seniors to access an audiologist. Grassley then held a Q&A with health care providers in the Mount Pleasant community.

 

“After shepherding the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Act through Congress in 2017 along with Senator Warren, we still had our work cut out for us. We continued pressing the FDA to implement the law as Congress intended, and we confronted entrenched special interests who didn’t want to see this commonsense law succeed. Thankfully, two months ago, the FDA finalized regulations for over-the-counter hearing aids. None of this would’ve been possible without the input and hard work of Iowa audiologists, including Dr. Aird. It’s been an honor to see this effort through, and I’m glad more Iowans will now have access to affordable over-the-counter hearing aids,” Grassley said.

 

“I appreciate Senator Grassley’s work on over-the-counter hearing aids and modernizing Medicare so that beneficiaries have better access to the audiology services that they need. Audiologists play an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss. I thank Senator Grassley for meeting with health care providers like myself about our role in serving Iowans. Our work, along with the implementation of the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act, will improve access to hearing care services and lower costs for many consumers,” said Dr. Jason Aird, president and CEO of Iowa Audiology and an active member of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology.

 

 

 

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), nearly 38 million Americans experience some degree of hearing loss. Nearly half of adults 75 or older and one-third of adults between 65 and 74 experience difficulty hearing. However, only a small percentage – around 14 percent – of those who could benefit from hearing aids use them, oftentimes due to high costs. Grassley has heard from Iowans who have reported paying $5,000 or even $10,000 for hearing aids.

 

In 2017, Congress passed the FDA Reauthorization Act, which included Grassley’s Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act. Their bill required the FDA to issue regulations establishing over-the-counter hearing aids, specifically for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, no later than three years from the date of enactment. The FDA slow-rolled the regulatory-crafting process, missing its first statutory deadline by a year. After the public comment period closed on January 18 of this year, and the FDA failed to provide a clear timeline for finalizing regulations, Grassley and Warren ramped up pressure by introducing the Delivering Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Now Act. The bill required the FDA to speed up its timeline for issuing its final regulations.

 

At the end of June, Grassley and Warren released a comprehensive report showing how dominant hearing aid manufacturers were attempting to diminish the effectiveness of over-the-counter hearing aids. They also called on the FDA commissioner to adopt a final rule that promotes competition, reduces prices and meets high standards of safety and effectiveness.

 

 

 

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Sharon Kay Harper,

Sharon Kay Harper, 74, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of New London, died Monday, October 10, 2022 at Park Place, Mt. Pleasant.  She was born August 17, 1948 in Davenport to James and Rose Hurt.  She was a graduate of Davenport West High School.  On December 7, 1979, she married David Harper in Winfield; they later divorced.

Sharon was a member of the New London Christian Church and was a homemaker. She enjoyed doing crafts and playing games and bingo at Park Place, which has been her home for the past five years; baking; and arts and crafts.  When she won at bingo, she saved the prizes for her grandchildren, whom she loved spending time with.

Survivors include her children Melissa Bryan of Mt. Pleasant and Walter (Jessica) Harper of Moberly, Missouri; four grandchildren; and her sister Linda Martin of Bettendorf, Iowa.  She was preceded in death by her parents and ex-husband David.

A graveside service will be held Friday, October 14, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Burge Cemetery, New London, with Pastor Rod Cooper officiating.  A memorial has been established.  Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Jay Warren to Play Live Organ Accompaniment to “Phantom of the Opera” Silent Film

FAIRFIELD — On October 14, renowned organist Jay Warren will provide live musical accompaniment to the silent film “Phantom of the Opera” at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center as part of the Barhydt Organ Silent Film Series. The 1925 classic stars Lon Chaney in the
title role and is widely considered one of the most influential silent horror films ever made. This will be a special event for movie and music lovers alike, as Warren is considered one of the best organists in the country. He has played for numerous silent films, including “The
Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Nosferatu,” and “Metropolis.” His performances are highly acclaimed and have been described as “spellbinding.”
To set the scene, Fairfield Arts & Convention Center is hosting a 1920’s preshow party beginning at 6:30 pm. Guests are encouraged to wear their best Gatsby styles and enjoy Prohibition era cocktails and mocktails, dance the Charleston, and play blackjack before the performance.
Admission is free! (A voluntary donation will be accepted at the door.) The film will start at 7:30 PM and seating will begin at 7:00 PM. Learn more at fairfieldacc.com.

Pamela Sue Elder Morrison (final arrangements)

Pamela Sue Elder Morrison, 67, of Mount Pleasant, died Saturday, October 8, 2022 at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Rockford, Illinois.  She was born November 25, 1954 in Burlington to Lewis Fay and Frances M. Whatley Elder.  She was a 1973 graduate of New London High School.  Pam married Tim Morrison; they later divorced.

She worked in housekeeping at various care centers and Henry County Health Center.  She enjoyed antiques, P Buckley Moss prints, shopping, and especially loved her cat “Liberty”.

Survivors include her sisters, Janice Thornburg of New London and Judy (Ron) Fye of Mt. Pleasant; brother Bruce (Barb) Elder of St. Regis, Montana; and nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Larry.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM October 22, 2022 at Elliott Chapel, New London with Pastor Nathan Cooper officiating.  Visitation will begin at noon with the family receiving friends beginning at 1:00 until the time of the service.  Inurnment will follow at Burge Cemetery, rural New London.  A memorial has been established.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

WMU School Board Meeting Agenda

WINFIELD – MT. UNION COMMUNITY SCHOOL

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

~ LIBRARY, W-MU 6:00 p.m. ~ October 12, 2022

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call
  2. Public Comment
  3. Consent Agenda

D1.  Minutes, Bills, Financial Reports

D2.  Personnel Hirings/Resignations

 

  1. Reports

E1.  Building Reports

E2.  Superintendent Report

 

  1. General Business

F1.  Appointment of At-Large Director

F2.  Oath of Office

F3.  Consider Tuckpointing Bids

F4. Consider Elementary I-Pad Purchase

 

  1. Adjournment