The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a man following a pursuit.
According to a news release, at about 7:08 PM Friday, April 12th, Des Moines County Deputies responded to the area of Highway 61 to be on the lookout for a vehicle that had struck a Lee County patrol vehicle.
A short time later, deputies located the suspect vehicle as it turned onto Skunk River Road from Highway 61. As deputies got closer, the driver of the suspect vehicle reversed into the deputies’ vehicle before taking off west on Skunk River Road towards Augusta.
Deputies followed the suspect vehicle through Augusta then east on Highway 16.
Authorities were able to deploy spike strips in the path of the suspect vehicle near Highway 16 and Highway 61. The vehicle continued to drive recklessly with flattened tires north on Highway 61 in the southbound lanes.
The vehicle eventually crashed into the ditch on Summer at Old Highway 61, and the suspect attempted to flee on foot before being arrested.
The suspect, Dustin Turner, was taken to Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries sustained in the crash.
Turner is originally from Jonesboro, LA but has been staying in the Burlington area.
After being released from the hospital, Turner was arrested and charged with Eluding, Assault on a Peace Officer with a dangerous weapon, Interference with official acts, and 6 traffic offenses.
MPCSD Superintendent John Henriksen: The National Weather Service is predicting several rounds of strong thunderstorms over the next couple of days. The timing of these storms is as follows:
Round 1: Tuesday 2:00am – 8:00am
Round 2: Tuesday 2:00pm – 9:00pm
Round 3: Wednesday 4:00am – 10:00pm
Henriksen met with building principals this afternoon to review safety protocols for severe weather and the district is prepared to “shelter in place”, if necessary, until the several weather threat has passed. If severe weather hits at school dismissal time, “we ask that you wait until the threat has passed before picking up your student/s.” It is possible that school staff may have to shelter, and will be unable to allow access to the building or answer phone calls.
Based on the predicted timing of the storms, the school bus schedule could be affected. If transportation delays are necessary, changes will be communicated through MPCSD Social Media accounts, Infinite Campus Messenger, and KILJ Radio.
MOUNT PLEASANT – The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance is pleased to announce that Small Business Week will be celebrated April 29 – May 3, 2024. In conjunction, we are pleased to announce the five finalists for the 2024 Small Business of the Year Award. Congratulations to From the Heart Flowers & Gifts, Orthodontic Associates of Iowa, Sa3m Sao Market, Southeast Iowa Realty, Inc. and Triple Seven Trucking.
Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.
In the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance, more than 250 businesses have less than 25 employees. Those businesses contribute over $60,000 to the Chamber annually and collectively, small business accounts for more than 1200 jobs in the community.
The 2024 Small Business of the Year will be announced at the Small Business Breakfast on May 3.
Small Business Week is made possible by these sponsors: Platinum-Pilot Grove Savings Bank; Silver – Community 1st Credit Union
By Allison Jacobs · Monday, April 15th, 2024 at 11:34 am CDT
The Henry Co Historic Preservation Commission April meeting will be held Wednesday April 17 at 1:00 at the Henry County Emergency Management Office.at 900 West Washington St.. The public is invited.
Prep Track and Field- The 2024 High School State Track and Field competition at Drake Stadium is a month away from getting underway on May 16th and running through the 18th and the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) released the sites for the State Qualifying Meets today.
The State Qualifying Meets are currently scheduled to run on Thursday, May 9th, for all classes and for both the boys and girls.
There will be no more than 24 qualifiers in any event as Classes 4A, 3A, and 2A will have the top place winners advance, while Class 4A will have the next 12 best statewide performance advance and Classes 3A and 2A will have the next 8 best statewide performances advance.
Class 1A will just be the top place winner in each event plus the next 14 best performances statewide. If a tie happens, the highest qualifying meet place winner will be the qualifier. If there is still a tie the school’s name alphabetically will qualify. In 2025, it will change to the first school’s name alphabetically.
Dennis Dean Dodson 67, of St. Paul, Iowa, passed away at 9:48 a.m., Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.
He was born on February 27, 1957 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Lloyd Dennis and Barbara Ann (Carpenter) Dodson. On April 23, 1993, he married Sharon Jean Blind in Independence, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife: Sharon; children: Frank, Tim, LeAnn, Darrel, Jody and Denny, Jr.; thirteen grandchildren; many, many great grandchildren; mother: Barbara Sharp; father: Lloyd Dennis Dodson; brothers: Phillip Dodson, J.R. Alllison; sisters: Tammy Young, Sonya Dodson; BEST FRIENDS EVER: Larry and Robin Bennett. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents and son: Phillip Dodson.
Dennis served in the United States Navy. He was a member of the America Legion and worked as an electrician.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point.
A memorial has been established in his memory.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com
Sara Ann Stanley, a pioneering figure in the world of theatre and academia, passed away on April 1, 2024, at the age of 80. She leaves behind a legacy of innovation, creativity, and dedication that will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She was born in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, on July 31, 1943. Music and drama were always special interests of hers. In junior and senior high she enjoyed many music and drama activities. A favorite was a girls quartet called the Teen Tones. The group sang for many clubs and organizations. As an adult, Sara embarked on a journey that took her from the heartland of America to the rugged landscape of Alaska and ultimately to the newly blossoming lands of Southern Alberta. After spending several years teaching in Alaska, Sara joined the University of Lethbridge, making her mark as the first female instructor in the Drama program.
Sara made history once again as the first female director in the mainstage series, breaking barriers and inspiring generations of aspiring artists. Her passion for theatre, coupled with her expertise in acting and movement, enriched the lives of countless students and colleagues during her decade and a half of tenure.
Among her notable achievements, Sara directed a wide range of productions, from her directing premier of John Murrel’s “Waiting for the Parade” in 1982, to her final play, Clive Endersby’s “Alice” in 1996. Her contributions to the performing arts community were not only groundbreaking but also deeply impactful, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of her newly adopted home.
Despite facing challenges of multiple sclerosis, Sara approached life with resilience and a relentless spirit. Though she retired earlier than expected due to her illness, Sara remained a beloved figure among her colleagues, who continued to honor her with regular visits and bouquets of flowers – – a fitting tribute to her enduring love for the theatre.
Sara now joins her parents George Myron and Zaida Zardatha (Ferree) Stanley, but leaves a void in the hearts of her loved ones, including her sister Mary Beth (Dick) Young of Mount Pleasant, two nephews and a closer circle of friends, students, and admirers. Yet, her spirit will live on through the countless lives she touched and the lasting impact of her contributions to the world of dramatic arts.
In true theatre fashion, Sara’s life was a masterpiece of passion, courage, and creativity. We know her memory will continue to inspire and uplift those who follow in her footsteps. May she rest in eternal peace, knowing that her legacy will endure for generations to come.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church, in Mount Pleasant, Pastor Trey Hegar will officiate. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery at a later date. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in Sara’s name to the Faculty of Fine Arts at Ulethbridge.ca/giving or the Mount Pleasant Music Boosters. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Sara and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Southeastern Community College will host a celebration of life for deceased student Hwangki Cho at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, April 16 in the Loren Walker Arena on the West Burlington campus.
Cho, who passed away unexpectedly on Monday, was from Amagasaki, Japan and was a first-year student and member of the men’s soccer team.
Known as Koki to friends and team mates, Cho was known for his pleasant nature and for being quick with a smile. Notes of remembrance and sympathy penned by fellow students cited his willingness to provide support to friends in need, to be a close confidant, and an ally.
“Koki made deep connections and friendships during his short time here at SCC,” said SCC President Dr. Michael Ash. “This event will provide an opportunity for our campus community to share stories and honor his memory.”
