Henry County Supervisors hear vaccine report

MT. PLEASANT - The Henry County Board of Supervisors learned about the work the public health department is doing to fight disease at its most recent meeting.

A representative from the health board informed the supervisors at their Nov. 6 meeting that the agency has offered flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines at 12 sites over the past month. Through October, these sites administered 700 vaccine doses to 400 people, in preparation for the so-called “Respiratory Virus Season”. The Health Board hopes to vaccinate as many people as they can before winter brings an inevitable uptick.

Henry County Sheriff Rich McNamee reported 17,633 service calls during October. Drug takeback programs reaped heavy dividends: As of Oct. 27, the Sheriff’s Office received over 200 pounds of prescription drugs in 12 boxes.

It’s worth noting that this is not merely the work of Drug Takeback Day. The Sheriff’s Office offers drug takeback services all the time, via a drop box in the station lobby.

The 911 Board moved to change the name of Henry Washington Street near Wayland. Turning west, Bennet Avenue becomes Henry Washington for a mere 150 feet, before reverting back to Bennet Avenue. This poses issues for First Responders; it could be rather confusing to respond to an emergency there. Official action will follow at next Thursday’s session.

The 235 Street Bridge replacement will begin soon. County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss reported that Iowa Bridge & Culvert Company hoped to close the road on Dec. 1.

The supervisors granted a condition use request for a proposed cell tower, to be located at the corner of Highway 218 and 160th street. This issue, too, will go before the board again this Thursday.

Call Marilyn Higgins at 319-368-8895 or email her at marilyn.higgins@southeastiowaunion.com