County parks getting weather safety upgrade

By BRYCE KELLY

Mt. Pleasant News

The Henry County Conservation Board will be posting some new signage in various places across the county, but it?s not for event advertising.

During the latest Henry County Conservation Board meeting on Monday night, the board approved the addition of safety signage for the Gibson Recreation Area and the Oakland Mills Park. The new postings will consist of information instructing visitors on how to receive weather-related emergencies via text message.

?The storms we had earlier this year really informed us that campers and visitors in these areas are at risk of not being aware of weather-related emergencies,? said Henry County Conservation director, John Pullis. ?We feel posting these signs will hopefully generate a little more awareness and increase the safety of people visiting our parks. We want to make safety a top priority.?

Pullis hopes to have most of these signs posted at both Gibson and Oakland Mills before Old Threshers starts in September, as the event brings in a lot of visitors, especially those that are not natives of Henry County.

Signs are expected to be posted at the entrance points to both areas.

While the board was pleased with the plan for more safety-related signage being added to the conservation grounds, not all business was as warmly greeted on Monday night. Board member Lori Muntz officially announced her plans to resign from the board at the end of 2015, as she will be moving out the county.

?I really want to thank the board for a fantastic experience here. I have learned so much about how to be a professional and about how to contribute to the citizens of this county,? said Muntz. ?It has been wonderful to see this board grow in the time that I have served. I really do appreciate all your hard work.?

Board member John Klopfenstein, whose term will also be ending at the end of the year, added his compliments to Muntz.

?We thank you, Lori for all you have done,? said Klopfenstein. ?We are glad to know we will have you until December, but we will all be sad to see you go. It?s been great having you on the board with us.?

With two upcoming board vacancies at the end of the year, the remaining board members will soon be tasked with recruiting new faces to join the Henry County Conservation Board. In addition, the board will be recruiting volunteers, particularly volunteers to help out in the Oakland Mills Nature Center.

During the public forum portion of the meeting, Tony Brown, who currently helps organize volunteers to man the Nature Center, approached the board about the need to fill some remaining gaps with fresh volunteers.

?I have exhausted every group of people I can think of at this point, and we still have slots that have to be filled with volunteers,? said Brown. ?We need reliable people who have an interest in the Nature Center, and who love meeting wonderful families and talking with some really nice people. It really is a fun experience to help out at the Nature Center.?

Currently, the Henry County Conservation Board is taking all questions and inquiries regarding volunteering at the Nature Center. Those that want to know more about volunteer opportunities at the Nature Center are encouraged to call 319-986-5067.

In other news, the board discussed the following items:

? The board approved a motion to add a 40X48 slab of concrete driveway in front the of Henry County Conservation office at the end of this year?s summer season

? On Sunday, Aug. 30, Grass Between the Rails: A Musical Tribute to Iowa?s Railroad Heritage with Denny Rehder will be held at Oakland Mills Nature Center. The event is free and open to the public. Preregistration is appreciated, but not necessary. Doors will open at 1:45 p.m. Call the Henry County Conservation Office for more details.

The next Henry County Conservation Board meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m.