U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, has recognized Huffman’s Farm & Home of Lee County as this week’s Small Business of the Week. The honor is part of Ernst’s initiative to spotlight one small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties during the 119th Congress.

“For over two decades, the Huffman family has exemplified the heart of American small business,” said Ernst. “Huffman’s is the cream of the crop when it comes to serving farmers, families, and folks across the Midwest.”

Huffman’s Farm & Home was founded in 2002 by Bob Huffman and his brothers, Mike and Hank, after years of working in the family’s welding business. Customers at Huffman’s Welding & Machine often requested tools and other items, inspiring the brothers to open a retail store. What began as a 10,000-square-foot shop has since grown into a 30,000-square-foot operation, with additional locations in West Burlington, Iowa, and Aledo, Illinois.

The business offers a wide range of products including tools, mowers, farm equipment, toys, and electrical supplies. Bob’s nephew, Jason Huffman, now serves as vice president and helps oversee the manufacturing division and special projects. Huffman’s will celebrate its 23rd anniversary later this year.

Sen. Ernst will continue highlighting outstanding small businesses across Iowa each week as part of her ongoing recognition series.

Local residents will have two meaningful opportunities this week to honor and support Iowa National Guard soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion 133d Infantry and Company A, 224th Engineers as they prepare for deployment.

On Wednesday, May 28, Company B will depart from the Iowa City Readiness Center located at 4540 Melrose Avenue, Iowa City. Community members are invited to attend the farewell ceremony, with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. and the ceremony beginning at 5:30 p.m. The unit will then travel south on Highway 218, expected to pass through Mount Pleasant around 7:30 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to line the pedestrian bridge connecting Linden Heights to East Lake Park, waving flags and holding signs to show support as the soldiers pass through the area.

The next day, Thursday, May 29, Company A, 224th Engineers will report for duty at 1:30 p.m. at the Mount Pleasant Armory, 405 E Thresher Rd. A formal send-off ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. in Wright Pavilion, followed by time with family and friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Departure is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., when buses carrying the unit will leave Mount Pleasant.

The community is encouraged to line Walnut and East Washington Streets, extending all the way to U.S. Highway 218 near Davis Home Sales, to salute the soldiers as they begin their journey. The escort will include the Mount Pleasant Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and Mount Pleasant Fire Department, along with a motorcade of veteran and civilian motorcycles accompanying the convoy to the Missouri border.

Another chance to cheer on the troops comes Thursday at 5:45 p.m. as locals are again urged to gather on the Linden Heights-East Lake pedestrian bridge for one last wave and cheer.

These service members are the sons and daughters of our community—friends, neighbors, and family. Let’s come together to show our deep appreciation, respect, and support as they answer the call to serve.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the Burlington riverfront Monday afternoon after reports of a woman jumping into the Mississippi River and drifting into the main channel.

At approximately 2:15pm, the Burlington Fire Department launched a boat in response to the incident. Witnesses indicated the woman was seen floating downstream toward the train bridge as rescue crews mobilized.

In a swift response, law enforcement officers utilized a privately owned boat already in the water to reach the woman more quickly than fire department crews could arrive. However, the situation escalated when the woman refused to get into the boat upon contact.

Officials remained in close proximity to her location, attempting to maintain communication and ensure her safety. The woman’s identity has not yet been released. No injuries have been reported.

This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department has released an official statement regarding a traffic collision that occurred on Friday, May 16, involving a pickup truck and a juvenile on a bicycle in the 400 block of North Adams Street.

According to the department’s report, officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 3:57 p.m. after receiving a 911 call reporting a vehicle-versus-bicycle accident. The incident involved a 7-year-old boy who was riding his bike southbound on the west sidewalk and a blue 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, also heading south, driven by Jacob Swailes of Mount Pleasant.

Police say the juvenile abruptly veered off the sidewalk and into the roadway, resulting in a collision with the Silverado. The boy sustained a scrape and bruising to his face but was conscious and alert when first responders arrived. He was transported to Henry County Health Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

In the statement, authorities confirmed that the driver showed no signs of impairment, and no citations have been issued at this time. Officers reviewed camera footage to determine the sequence of events and concluded that the collision occurred after the juvenile made a sharp turn into traffic.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department urges drivers and pedestrians alike to remain alert and exercise caution, particularly in areas where children are present.

The department expressed appreciation for the quick response by Henry County Emergency Medical Services and confirmed that the case remains open as they complete standard investigative procedures.

Officer Kyle Vaughn has been assigned to the incident.