Weed Commissioner hired

MT. PLEASANT — Last week the Henry County Board of Supervisors appointed a new county weed commissioner.

Michael Yaley, an independent farmer, begins as the county weed commissioner immediately.

This is an on call position with a pay rate of $25 per hour.

Yaley will report to the Board of Supervisors and duties will include: supervising the control and destruction of all noxious weeds in the county, notifying the department of safety of the location of marijuana plants found on public or private property, assessing if weeds are categorized as noxious, and hiring the labor and equipment needed for removal with board approval.

Iowa Code 317 specifically lists plants considered noxious weeds.

Additionally, Iowa Code 317 defines noxious weeds as “competitive, persistent, or pernicious, and may directly or indirectly injure or cause damage to crops, other useful plants, livestock, or poultry; irrigation, land, public roads, fish or wildlife resources; or the public health.”

County residents with noxious weed concerns can find contact information for the weed commissioner on the county website or may contact the Board of Supervisors.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com