Henry County Emergency Management keeps active shooter training as a priority at BOS meeting

MT. PLEASANT — The department head meeting with the Henry County Board of Supervisors Thursday covered topics from active shooter training to the start of the tax auction.

Emergency Management Coordinator Walt Jacskon shared upcoming trainings with the Henry County Board of Supervisors.

June 21, Emergency Management will hold training for severe weather.

Other trainings being scheduled are CPR, fire extinguisher, and active shooter trainings.

“Is there more we as supervisors need to be doing?” Supervisor Marc Lindeen asked.

Lindeen further inquired if schools had reached out to emergency management in light of the Uvalde elementary school shootings.

Schools have not reached out for additional active shooter training at this time.

“Most of our schools are pretty secure,” Jackson said.

Lindeen also brought up concerns from a local church, prior to the news about the shooting at Cornerstone Church in Ames, Thursday.

Jackson assured that emergency management is willing to go out to churches to help provide further training.

It is boating renewal year and renewals were due by April 20.

The County Recorder Mindy Fitzgibbon brought up fliers sent by that the Boating and Fishing Foundation.

“If you have already renewed your vessel, you can disregard this notice” Fitzgibbon said. “These did not come from our office. If they have sold their boat, got rid of the boat, or something, they need to let our office know so we can update our records.”

Public Health Director Shelley Van Dorin informed the board that they gave 101 COVID-19 boosters in May.

COVID clinics are still available for walk in Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Veteran Affairs Director Roger Pittsenbarger received thanks from Iowa Workforce for their participation in the job fair.

Commissioner training will be held October 10 in Des Moines.

There are new Veteran Affairs handbooks available with updated protocols at the Veteran Affairs Office.

Beginning in June, a veterans breakfast is set for the last Wednesday of every month with a meal and speaker.

Planning and Zoning Director Joe Buffington would like to remind rural residents that there are ordinances which need to be followed even in the country, including mowing.

“I know a lot of them moved to the country so they wouldn’t be told what to do,” Buffington said, “but with the warm weather complaints are already coming in.”

Buffington also announced that the new digital 911 system is fully active for Henry County.

Parks and Recreation Director Caleb Waters reported they have been busy with the start of summer, but all seems to be running smoothly thus far.

County Treasurer Ana Lair announced the tax auction sales begin June 20.

Bidders can sign up at www.iowataxauction.com

The county is in a good place with taxes remaining unpaid at only .66%

The Henry County Board of Supervisor’s meetings are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. in the courthouse and are open to the public.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com