The Mt. Pleasant Community School Board Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for 2pm this afternoon at the district office, 1010 E. Washington Street. Items on the agenda include Financial Reports from December 2025, Modified Supplemental amount and plan for at-risk/dropout prevention, and Iowa School finance comprehensive financial projections model.  This meeting is open to the public.

Henry County Public Health presents “Ask a Nurse” on Monday, January 12^th at the Crew Public Library, 107 E. Cherry St. in Salem.  A registered nurse will be available to answer questions, health education will be offered on topics such as chronic disease management, nutrition, and general wellness.  Blood pressure screening is also available.  “Ask a Nurse” is a monthly, informal session with a public health nurse who provides a relaxed, supportive environment for people.  A new topic is discussed each month and on Monday, the topic is Neurological Health.

The weekly fuel report published by Triple A and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship shows that the price of regular unleaded gasoline fell by one cent and averages $2.37 across the state. The national average on Wednesday was down 2 cents from last week’s price. Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 5 cents this week and the current Iowa diesel price is 29 cents lower than the national average. Taking a look at heating fuels: natural gas prices were down 27 cents and propane prices averaged $1.56 per gallon in Iowa. Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov

A Mount Pleasant woman was arrested on felony drug charges in Brighton on Tuesday this week.   52-year-old Kathleen Lyon was arrested by Washington County Sheriff’s deputies on charges out of Henry County. The charges include violation of probation on the original charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, and controlled substance violation, both class B felonies.

According to court documents, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office conducted a drug investigation in September of 2025. During that investigation, a search warrant was executed at Lyon’s residence in Mt Pleasant where drug paraphernalia, a scale and packaging was found, as well as a large amount of money.  Lyon’s phone was seized and messages were discovered alluding to the sale of methamphetamine.

Lyon is currently being held in the Henry County Jail on a $30,000 bond. An arraignment hearing has been scheduled for January 26th.

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley spoke on the Senate floor Thursday ahead of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which is observed Friday, January 9.

Grassley expressed gratitude for law enforcement officers across the country, saying their service deserves recognition every day of the year. He encouraged Americans to personally thank officers for their role in keeping communities safe.

Grassley cited national crime data, noting violent crime is down 12 percent and murders in major cities have dropped 20 percent. He also highlighted record seizures of dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, crediting law enforcement for removing those substances from the streets.

As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Grassley said he has continued working to support law enforcement in Iowa and nationwide. He pointed to recent legislation that secured increased funding for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant and COPS programs, which help local police departments and strengthen efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Grassley also noted four bipartisan bills passed during Police Week in May became law through the National Defense Authorization Act. The measures expand federal support for law enforcement officers and their families, strengthen tools to fight online child exploitation, and extend counter-drone authority to state and local agencies.

Grassley said he remains committed to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support law enforcement efforts.

He closed his remarks by thanking officers for their service and offering well wishes for their safety as they continue protecting communities across the nation.

Impact Life Blood Center encourages Southeast Iowans to consider giving blood, noting that eligibility requirements have recently been updated, potentially allowing more people to donate.

According to updated donor guidelines effective this month, donors must be at least 17 years old — or 16 with parental consent — weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health on the day of donation. A photo ID is required, and donors are encouraged to eat a full meal before giving blood. Several common conditions, including well-controlled diabetes, allergies, and many routine medications, do not automatically prevent donation

The updated criteria also clarify waiting periods for recent tattoos, piercings, dental work, surgeries, and vaccinations, as well as guidelines for donating after illness, pregnancy, or prior blood donations. Officials say the changes are intended to maintain safety while expanding the pool of eligible donors.

Blood centers remind residents that donated blood is critical for trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatment, and chronic illness management. Anyone unsure about their eligibility is encouraged to call 800-747-5401. You can also see a list of eligibility requirements by clicking here.

Impact Life notes that 51% of their blood donors donate just once a year. In 2026, their goal is to get every donor to donate at least twice. To meet that goal, they have boosted their donor incentives. Your first donation this year, you’ll receive $20 in donor rewards and on your second donation of 2026 you’ll receive $40. Visit impactlife.org to view upcoming blood drives near you.