On February 18^th, 2026, Dylan Earl Lumsden, age 49, was arrested without incident for Dissemination and Exhibition of Obscene Material to a Minor and Grooming. This arrest resulted after a 7-month long investigation by the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office. Lumsden was released on bond and is awaiting trial. The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

A Van Buren County deputy arrested a Fairfield man Sunday morning after responding to a report of a suspicious individual possibly armed with a firearm at the Milton Jet Stop.

According to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred March 1, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m. A deputy arrived at the convenience store and encountered a man exiting the building carrying a soft pistol case. The deputy identified the individual as 55 year old Randy C. Reid of Fairfield.

Authorities stated Reid has an extensive criminal history that includes multiple felony convictions. Upon investigation, the deputy found Reid in possession of a Ruger 9mm pistol and two loaded magazines. The firearm was later determined to have been reported stolen in the Des Moines metro area.

Reid was taken into custody and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and trafficking in firearms.

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office noted that a criminal charge is an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The deadline to become a candidate for the election of an Interim Henry County Attorney is fast approaching. Anyone wishing to run in the special election must submit their paperwork by Friday, March 6.

This paperwork consists of an Affidavit of Candidacy Form, and a Nomination Petition Form with 50 signatures from registered voters living in Henry County. These forms, available from the website of the Iowa Secretary of State, may also be acquired at the Henry County Auditor’s office, in the County Courthouse in Mt. Pleasant.

As it stands, only two candidates have registered: Abbie Liechty- a current assistant attorney and former general private practice attorney at Bell, Ort & Liechty Law Offices- and Becky Wilson- a lawyer for 10 years and a paralegal for 7. Anyone seeking to join the race will have to move fast.

AMES, Iowa – As winter lingers, many gardeners are looking for ways to get their hands dirty. Starting seeds indoors gives gardeners greater control over growing conditions, resulting in healthier, more resilient transplants.

“It’s fun to get a head start on the upcoming garden season by starting seedlings indoors,” said Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

To be successful, gardeners must provide the right conditions for seedlings to thrive and develop into stocky, resilient plants.

Time it right

Resist the urge to sow too early. Steil warns that seedlings started too soon often become lanky and transplant poorly. Check the seed packet for the recommended indoor growing period, then count backward from your frost‑free date to determine when to start.

In much of Iowa, planting of frost‑tender annuals and vegetables happens from late April to early May. Cool‑season crops that tolerate light frost can be planted a bit earlier, in early to mid-April, so they can be started indoors sooner. “It’s important to plan before you plant,” Steil noted.

Choose the right growing medium and containers

Start with a lightweight, porous and disease‑free seed‑starting mix. Steil recommends commercially prepared soilless germination mixes designed for seedlings. Sow seeds in flats, cell packs, peat pellets, soil blocks or repurposed containers. “What you use is up to you, as long as it is clean and has drainage holes,” he said.

Sow like a pro

Use new seeds packaged for the current season, as older seeds, especially those more than 2 or 3 years old, often germinate poorly. Seeds can be sown in rows in a flat or tray and carefully transplanted to individual containers when they develop true leaves. “This approach is good for small seeds or those with inconsistent germination rates,” said Steil. Alternatively, seeds can be sown directly into individual containers, sowing several seeds per pot and thinning them later. This approach is well-suited for larger seeds.

Check the seed packet for sowing depth. Many are planted 1/4 inch deep and can be placed on the soil surface and lightly covered to ensure they are at the right depth. Small, fine seeds or those that require light to germinate are planted at a depth of 1/8 inch or less. “For these seeds, place the seeds on the surface and gently press them into the germination medium to ensure good seed to soil contact,” advised Steil.

Provide the best growing conditions

After sowing, water from below by submerging the container until the medium is fully wet, then let it drain. This prevents the seeds from washing or dislodging.

“Warm soil temperatures promote better, faster germination,” Steil explained. “After emerging, the seedlings grow best in cooler temperatures around 65 F. This promotes stout, transplant‑ready plants.”

To maintain high humidity, cover the container with a clear dome or other covering, and water lightly only if the soil surface dries out. Remove the cover as soon as seeds germinate, and ensure good ventilation and air circulation to prevent damping‑off diseases.

After germination, provide 12–16 hours of bright light each day to prevent stretching or leaning. Even with a sunny window, seedlings often grow best under supplemental light. Keep them 6–12 inches above the plants and raise the grow lights as seedlings grow.

Care and prepare seedlings

When seedlings graduate from a germination tray to individual pots, transplant them into a well‑drained potting mix. Fertilize regularly with a 1/4‑strength water‑soluble all‑purpose fertilizer. This will help to produce stockier transplants, provided enough light is available. Keep the growing medium moist but not soggy, checking daily and watering thoroughly when the surface is dry to the touch.

About two weeks before planting day, harden seedlings by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions. “Start by putting them outside on cloudy days or in a shaded location, then after a few days, move them into more light and exposure,” said Steil. This important step helps seedlings transition from the ideal conditions indoors to the bright sunlight, cool temperatures and windy conditions found outside.

For more information on starting seeds indoors, visit ISU Extension and Outreach Yard and Garden and related resources, including:

• How to Successfully Start Seed Indoors
• Guide to Starting Seed Indoors
• Germination Requirements for Annuals and Vegetables
• Growing Indoor Plants Under Supplemental Lights
• Yard and Garden: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 

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Local officials and community leaders in Henry County will have an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of land use and development later this spring, as Iowa State University Extension and Outreach brings its Introduction to Planning and Zoning workshop to Mount Pleasant.

The workshop is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, at the ISU Extension and Outreach Henry County office in Mount Pleasant. It is part of a statewide series designed to help local decision makers better understand planning, zoning, and development issues that shape their communities.

The interactive session is geared toward planning and zoning commissioners, boards of adjustment members, city council members, county supervisors, and staff involved in land use processes. Participants will learn about their roles and responsibilities, legal considerations, public hearing procedures, and the elements of comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances.

According to ISU Extension, the workshop uses real-world case studies to help officials navigate common issues such as variances, nonconforming uses, spot zoning, and conflicts of interest. The goal is to provide practical tools that help leaders make informed decisions that influence housing, business development, farmland use, and public spaces.

The training lasts approximately two and a half to three hours and includes materials and resources participants can use in their local roles.

Registration is required, for more information visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ , you can also find the link in this news article, by visiting KILJ.com and clicking the news tab