Henry County Supervisors Regular Meeting, March 26th

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at 12:48 pm CDT

Henry County Supervisors

100 East Washington St. Ste. 202

Mt Pleasant, IA  52641

Email: supervisors@henrycountyiowa.us

Chad White, Chairman                 Marc Lindeen, Member              Steven Detrick, Vice-Chair

   319-385-0759                                 319-385-0760                                    319-385-0761________

REVISED AGENDA

Board of Supervisors

March 26, 2026

9:00 a.m.

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call of Members and Secretary

Approval of Consent Agenda

Note: These items are routine and will be enacted by one motion without separate discussion unless a Board member requests an item be removed for separate consideration.

  • Approval of Board Minutes.
  • Approval of financial claims for payment.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • Final discussion and action to adopt policy relating to Requests for Information and related fees to offset costs
  • Discussion and action to determine / designate a central contact person / point of contact for filed requests for information materials
    • attorney’s office to serve as county central point? Or
    • department heads for each department?
  • Status of existing Requests for information
  • Budget related
  • Discussion and action on requests for financial support and suggested documentation to memorialize the agreements / contracts…28E
    • Old Threshers
    • Henry County Fair
    • Area Economic Development
    • Main Street
    • Friends of Geode
    • others
    • community betterment
  • Introduction of new Information Technology employee, Brad Bavery
  • Discussion / determination if IT Manager or IT staff should handle website content

COMMITTEE UPDATES

  • Various member committee reports

NEW BUSINESS

  • Engineer Jake Hotchkiss-Secondary Roads updates
    • IA DOT Budget & Five-Year Construction Program Presentation
  • Discussion and action concerning the supervision of Tyler Freeze (Auditor /
    • Supervisors) and building access to Tyler to allow maintenance to happen
  • Increase in work responsibility
  • Supports county wide properties not just the courthouse
  • Approval of New Historic Preservation Board of Commissioners.
  • Discussion and possible appointment of Bill Crawford on Imminent Domain review

OTHER BUSINESS

  • Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB) status on large request for information
  • Follow up on Iowa Governmental Health Care Plan (IGHCP) insurance
    • Where are self-funding funds and reserve funds held?

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Note: The Board welcomes public comment on items not listed on the agenda. You are asked to state your name and address for the record and limit your comment to 3 minutes per person to allow opportunity for others to speak.

Adjourn

Dolores “Dee” Bush

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at 12:37 pm CDT

Dolores “Dee” Bush, age 84, was called home to be with the Lord on March 23, 2026 at the Jefferson County Health Center.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church with Father Ross Epping as celebrant.  A private burial will be held at Evergreen Cemetery.  Visitation will occur prior to the Mass from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. at the Church.

Dee was born July 12, 1941 in Washington, Iowa to Elmer and Anna (Hertig) Stalder.  She graduated from Washington High School in 1959.  She married David Bush on August 7, 1963.  He passed away in 1983.

Dee was a devoted servant of Jesus.  She rarely missed an opportunity to share her faith with others and care for those who had no one.  She was compassionate and giving, always putting others first.  She never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere.

While Dee was a cosmetologist by trade in her early years, her joy was being a wife and mother.  Her home was home to many children throughout the years where friends of her daughters gathered to play, hang out, or share a home cooked meal.  Dee was the biggest cheerleader for her daughters and grandchildren. She attended as many sporting events as she could cheering everyone on, including all their teammates.  She enjoyed baking and shared her famous Christmas sugar cookies with many around town.  She could also be found working in her flower garden and was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes fan.  When her children were grown, she began working for Dr. Jim Watson and Medical Arts Clinic, retiring in 2007.

Dee will be missed by her two daughters, Susan (Tom) Silvers of Fairfield and Sara Lisk of Urbandale, IA; four grandchildren, Whitney (Andrej) Klaric of Huxley, IA, Taylor (Brent) Buch of Fairfield, Jacob Lisk of West Des Moines and Ally Lisk of Iowa City; 5 great-grandchildren, Lukas and Mateo Klaric and Leah, Kasey and Layne Buch; brother-in-law, Jack Genkinger of Washington, IA; and several nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dave; two brothers, James and Roger Stalder; and one sister, JoAnn Genkinger.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at Jefferson County Health Center for the amazing care and support provided. Even while hospitalized, she made new friends and lasting impressions.  They would also like to thank the staff at The Oaks and Parkview for caring for their mom over the last three years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or any of the Ronald McDonald Houses.  Behner Funeral Home is helping the family with arrangements.

Clean It Up Safely: Residents Reminded of Hazardous Waste Disposal Options

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at 6:58 am CDT

The Des Moines County Regional Waste Commission is encouraging the public to take advantage of their disposal services for items that should not be thrown in regular trash.

Accepted materials include things like latex, oil-based, and spray paint, automotive fluids such as motor oil and antifreeze, household cleaners, aerosols, and chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and peroxide.

Electronics are also accepted, including TVs, computers, cell phones, monitors, printers, rechargeable batteries, and fluorescent tubes.

Officials say paints and chemical items are accepted by appointment only, and residents are asked to call ahead to schedule a drop-off.

However, TVs and other e-waste items can be dropped off anytime without an appointment.

For more information or to schedule a disposal, call 319-753-8758 or visit dmcwaste.org.

Officials say taking the time to properly dispose of these items helps protect the environment and keeps harmful materials out of local landfills.

Tornado Safety Reminder Issued During Severe Weather Awareness Week

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at 6:31 am CDT

As part of National Severe Weather Awareness Week, residents in Henry County are being reminded to review their tornado safety plans and make sure they have reliable ways to receive weather alerts.

The National Weather Service will conduct a TEST Tornado Warning at 10:00 a.m., which will include the activation of outdoor warning sirens across Henry County.

Officials stress that this is only a test, but it’s a great opportunity to practice what you would do in a real emergency.

It’s also important to remember that outdoor warning sirens are designed mainly to alert people who are outside and may not be heard clearly indoors. Because of that, residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive warnings.

One option is to download the Henry County Sheriff’s Office mobile app, which provides alerts directly to your phone.

Emergency officials say taking a few minutes now to prepare could make all the difference when severe weather strikes. KILJ is your local National Weather Service Station.

Sports, March 25th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track and Field

Danville hosted a CO-ED meet yesterday and the Mt. Pleasant girls’ and boys’ teams swept the night with the girls’ team collecting 214 points and the boys’ team taking home 171 points. 

For the girls’ team, Alex Scott won the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.53 seconds. Delaney Anderson claimed the 100-meter hurdles, while Elodie Rawson took home the gold in the 400-meter hurdles. Ellie Freeman got a gold mark in the 200-meter dash, while Avery Fedler’s time of 4 minutes and 54 seconds won the 1500-meter run. The Panthers claimed the sprint medley, 4×100, 4×200, 4×400, 4×800, the shuttle hurdle, and the distance medley relays. The girls’ team also swept the field events with Ella Ensminger’s toss of 37 feet and 4 inches winning the shot put, Izzy Sloat claimed the long jump with a leap of 16 feet and 5.5 inches, and Jenna Schwartz won the high jump with a mark of 4 feet and 10 inches.

The Danville girls’ team finished in second place as a team with Alaina Gourley collecting a pair of gold medals, winning the 400-meter dash with a time of 59.61 seconds and the 800-meter run with a mark of 2 minutes and 39 seconds. KoraRae Stott took the 3,000-meter run with a time of 12 minutes and 4 seconds. Central Lee’s top finisher was Aubrey Weber’s gold medal throw of 113 feet and 8 inches in the discus, while New London was led by Allison Gillip’s silver medal performance in the 400-meter hurdles. 

On the boys’ side for Mt. Pleasant, Kaden Schadt won two events, claiming the 110-meter hurdles and the high jump with a leap of 6 feet. Kayle Brown edged past Griffin Jones in the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.76 seconds for 1st place. Silas Hulett paced himself to a 1st place finish in the 3200-meter run. Additionally, the 4×200 and shuttle hurdle relay teams took the gold. Rounding out the field events, Hoang Quang leapt 19 feet and 3 inches for the win, while Jaymisen Rich tossed the shot put 47 feet for the gold.

The Danville boys’ team snatched 2nd place with Zaylan Wenig winning the 400-meter dash, Ty Frazier claiming the 400-meter hurdles, and Noah Horn grabbing the gold in the 800-meter run on the individual side. The Bears also won the sprint and distance medleys, the 4×400 and the 4×800 meter relays.

For New London, with a time of 11.24 seconds London Franklin won the 100-meter dash. Riley Raines took the 1600-meter run with a time of 4 minutes and 39 seconds. Lastly, the 4×100 meter relay team won with a time of 44.85 seconds. Central Lee had Kaidin Humes in the 400-meter dash, Austin Fogarty in the 400-meter hurdles, and Caedon Newton in the 3200-meter run each snatch the silver medal.

The Washington boys’ team will host the Steve Roth Relays tomorrow, March 26th, with Mt. Pleasant, Danville, Fairfield, West Burlington/Notre Dame, Mediapolis, WACO, Winfield-Mt. Union, Columbus, and Wapello also competing. 

The Van Buren County boys’ team will travel to Albia for a meet tomorrow. 

The West Burlington girls’ team will hold the Falcon Relays on Tuesday, March 31st, with Mt. Pleasant, Danville, Fairfield, Mediapolis, New London, WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip.

Youth Soccer

The Mt. Pleasant Youth Soccer League has been put on pause as the league is still searching for volunteer coaches. This is a perfect opportunity to get involved with the community and support the youth searching for an active lifestyle.

Coaching Needs:

-Kindergarten Soccer: 2 coaches needed for Monday nights from 5:30 to 6:15 pm.

-1st through 3rd Grade Girls’ Soccer: 2 coaches needed.

-1st through 3rd Grade Boys’ Soccer: 5 coaches needed.

Coaches will choose their practice night for 1st through 3rd grade soccer with games on Saturday mornings. The season is slated to begin in April.

If you are interested or want more information then contact them at 319-385-1475 or email them at ashley@citymtpia.com

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team clobbered Illinois Central College yesterday, 14-4. The Blackhawks tabbed eight extra base hits, including a home run from Nile Sinn, as he collected a team-leading three RBIs. SCC will face off against Northeast Iowa Community College tonight at home.

The softball team will host Southwestern Community College on Saturday, March 28th, for a doubleheader. 

March Madness

The KILJ bracket challenge, sponsored by The Press Box, is officially underway with 60 brackets submitted with the top three set to receive prizes. 

Here’s an updated look at the top 10 brackets and a recap of the first two rounds of the tournament: KILJ Bracket Challenge Standings.

Standings will be updated before the Elite 8, the Final Four, and the championship game.

College Basketball

The #2-seed Iowa State men’s team will matchup against #6 Tennessee on Friday, March 27th, at 9:10 pm.

The #9-seed Iowa men’s team will renew their rivalry with #4 Nebraska in the Sweet 16 tomorrow, March 26th, at 6:30 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1934 – The Masters Tournament was held for the first time. Horton Smith becomes the inaugural Champion with a 20-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole.

1972 – Chicago Blackhawks’ Bobby Hull becomes the 2nd NHLer to score 600 goals, with a goal in Boston assisted by his brother Dennis.

1986 – Kurt Browning becomes the first figure skater to land a quadruple jump.

Henry County Board of Supervisors Meeting Thursday, March 26th

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at 6:23 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors will meet Thursday morning for their regular session.

The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of consent agenda items, including minutes and financial claims.

In unfinished business, supervisors will continue discussions on a proposed policy related to public requests for information, including potential fees and determining a central point of contact for handling those requests. The board will also review the status of current information requests.

Budget-related discussions will include possible financial support agreements with several local organizations, including Old Threshers, the Henry County Fair, Area Economic Development, Main Street, and Friends of Geode, along with other community betterment efforts.

Supervisors will also be introduced to a new Information Technology employee, Brad Bavery, and discuss whether website management should fall under an IT manager or other staff.

In new business, County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss will provide updates, including a presentation on the Iowa DOT budget and five-year construction program.

The board will also discuss supervision and building access for county employee Tyler Freeze, approve appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission, and consider an appointment to the eminent domain review board.

Additional discussion will include updates from the Iowa Public Information Board and follow-up on the Iowa Governmental Health Care Plan.

The meeting will wrap up with public comments before adjournment.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors Meeting is open to the public.

The Mount Pleasant City Council Regular Session Meeting Tonight

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at 6:23 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in regular session Wednesday evening at City Hall.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the second-floor meeting room at 307 East Monroe Street.

On the agenda, council members will hold a public hearing on a proposed loan agreement and consider issuing up to 1.235 million dollars in general obligation capital loan notes. Those funds would support upcoming city projects, with resolutions also setting repayment through a property tax levy.

In old business, the council will consider the third reading and possible adoption of an ordinance updating city code regulations related to signs and industrial districts.

New business includes review of a site plan for a proposed car wash at 2125 East Washington Street, along with approval of additional plans tied to the Continental Industrial Plant expansion on North Goodyear Road.

Council members will also consider property tax abatement applications, bids to demolish a structure at 403 East Green Street, and set a public hearing date of April 22nd for the fiscal year 2027 budget.

Additional items include approval of employee health and dental insurance renewals, hiring a new administrative assistant for the City Clerk’s office, and a mayoral reappointment to the Construction Board of Appeals.

The meeting will conclude with a public forum, followed by adjournment. The council is also scheduled to meet in a special session on Friday, April 3rd at 8:00 a.m.

Hiring Raises Questions After Unlicensed Counselor Joins Iowa Corrections

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at 6:07 am CDT

A hiring decision by the Iowa Department of Corrections is raising questions after state records revealed a newly hired employee had been practicing without a valid license.

According to the Iowa Board of Behavioral Professionals, Keith R. Keller of southeast Iowa was originally licensed as a master’s-level social worker in 2015, but his license expired in December of 2022.

In August of 2023, the board received a complaint about Keller. A follow-up investigation in 2024 found that Keller was allegedly being promoted by an employer as a licensed social worker, despite his expired license.

Records show Keller later acknowledged the issue, telling investigators he was concerned about passing the required exam to renew his license. He then stopped communicating with the board.

In May of 2025, Keller was formally charged with falsely representing himself as licensed, practicing with an expired license, and failing to cooperate with the investigation.

A hearing was held in January of this year, which Keller did not attend. The board found him guilty on all counts and issued a suspension of his already expired license for at least 90 days.

However, state records show that just weeks before that suspension took effect, and while the charges were still pending, Keller was hired as a community corrections program coordinator for the Eighth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services. The Eighth Judicial District covers 14 Southeast Iowa counties including Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Lee, Louisa, Van Buren, Wapello, and Washington.

In a Facebook post announcing the hire, the department described Keller as an Iowa-licensed master social worker and highlighted his background in substance abuse and mental health counseling.

Attempts to reach Keller and Department of Corrections officials for comment were unsuccessful.

The situation may be tied to delays in the public release of disciplinary actions. Records show the charges against Keller were approved in May of 2025 but were not made public until late October.

Those delays have been an ongoing issue since the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing took over administration of licensing boards in 2023.