AnnaMarie Kruse

Check out upcoming events in the Washington area

With the beginning of October, purple ribbons have appeared on squad cars and police uniforms in Washington. This is just one quiet, but unmistakable symbol of solidarity with survivors of domestic violence shown locally. The gestures mark the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when local leaders, advocates, and law enforcement renew their commitment to ending abuse and supporting survivors.

check out events coming up around the Winfield and Wayland areas

As of July 1, Henry County and the rest of Iowa began phasing out the regional mental health structure and shifting behavioral health oversight to Iowa Primary Care Association, a transition that officials say promises more streamlined service but raises questions about continuity, funding and local voice.

After nearly two years of waiting, the Washington Fire Department celebrated the arrival a new custom-built engine on Oct. 8 with a ceremony and short ride around town, following its delivery in August. This addition marks a major upgrade in firefighting capacity for the city.

Ghosts and goblins took a back seat to frogs and foxes Saturday night as families filled Marr Park for Washington County Conservation’s annual Halloween Hike. For many children, though, the treats were just as enticing as the games played alongside an educational story along the Halloween Hike.

The Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance Government Relations Committee and KILJ Radio will host two public forums this week to help voters learn more about the candidates running for local offices. The events are designed to encourage civic engagement and give residents an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to serve the community ahead of the Nov. 4 election.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 9 approved new speed limits on Quincy Avenue south of New London after a county study found safety concerns near homes and a steep hill.

Henry County supervisors accepted the resignation of IT and Safety Director Derek Wellington after weeks of friction over public-records access. The board also voted to pull the county’s technology department under its direct control.

As Life Chain gatherings formed across the country Sunday, Oct. 5, a small group of Washington County residents stood quietly along Sunset Park to take part in the national day of prayer opposing abortion.

Washington Community Theater’s fall production of Blithe Spirit blends quick wit, precise timing and a touch of the supernatural, just in time for October audiences.

According to Henry County Sheriff Rich McNamee, the county’s jail has cleared a major financial milestone, bringing in more than $4 million from housing inmates from other counties — nearly halfway to paying off the bond that funded the facility’s construction.

In just the first month of school, the Mt. Pleasant Community School District has recorded 11 stop-arm violations—cases where a driver illegally passed a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. The growing tally underscores both the danger students face and the ongoing challenge of enforcing Iowa’s school bus safety laws.

The Mt. Pleasant Community School District officially cut the ribbon on its new Receiving, Transportation and Maintenance facility, hoping the modern space will ease long-standing operational strains and support future growth.

With only one week remaining in the competitive marching season, the Mt. Pleasant Community High School Panther Marching Band is riding momentum into Saturday’s contest in Muscatine.