Mount Pleasant Schools Facilities Committee to Meet Wednesday Evening 

The Mount Pleasant Community School District’s Facilities Ad Hoc Committee will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, October 22, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Mount Pleasant Community High School Media Center, located at 2104 South Grand Avenue. 

The committee—tasked with reviewing and evaluating district facility needs, long-term maintenance plans, and potential improvements—continues to play a key role in guiding future infrastructure decisions for the district. 

Community members are welcome to attend and stay informed about ongoing discussions related to school buildings, renovations, and capital planning within the district. 

For those wishing to mark their calendars, the meeting can be added directly to Google, Outlook, or Yahoo calendars through the district’s published link. 

Henry County Food Pantries Stepping Up Amid Possible SNAP Benefit Delays 

Henry County Food Pantries Offer Support for Families in Need

If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, several Henry County food pantries are ready to help. Each pantry serves local communities with weekly or monthly opportunities to receive groceries and essential items, and all welcome donations from the public to keep their shelves stocked.

Community Action – Tolson Center
1303 W. Washington St., Mt. Pleasant
📞 319-385-2310
Open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Fellowship Cup
203 N. Jefferson St., Mt. Pleasant
📞 319-385-3242
Open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Delivery to Hillsboro and Salem is also available.

Tiger Food Pantry
106 W. Wilson St., New London
📞 319-367-0512
Open Thursdays from 4–6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9–11 a.m.

WACO Community Food Pantry
United Church of Crawfordsville, 105 N. Chestnut St., Crawfordsville
📞 319-461-0532
Open the 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 2:30–3 p.m. for those age 60+ or needing help; 3:30–5:30 p.m. for all other shoppers.

Wayland Food Pantry
Wayland Mennonite Church, 104 W. 2nd St., Wayland
📞 319-591-0961
Open the 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 4–6 p.m.

Winfield Food Pantry
107 E. Elm St., Winfield
📧 winfieldpantry@gmail.com

Henry County Supervisors to Hold October 23 Meeting: IT Department Proposal and Traffic Ordinance on Agenda 

The Henry County Board of Supervisors will meet on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Henry County Courthouse, 100 E. Washington Street, Suite 202, Mount Pleasant. 

The meeting will open with routine business, including approval of the agenda, minutes, and claims. Following that, County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss will provide his weekly update, including the bid opening for the Fremont Avenue Culvert Replacement project. 

Supervisors will also review a letter from the Treasurer’s Office regarding a DVH credit refund error. 

A public hearing and first reading are scheduled for a proposed Traffic Code Enforcement Ordinance, giving residents an opportunity to comment before the measure advances. 

One of the key action items on the agenda is a motion to create an Information Technology (IT) Department as a standalone county department, which would be directly answerable to the Board of Supervisors. 

The meeting will conclude with reports from Supervisors’ sub-committees. 

Henry County residents are welcome to attend the session or contact the Supervisors’ office at 319-385-0759 for more information. 

Mount Pleasant City Council to Review Urban Renewal Reports and Airport Projects Wednesday 

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in regular session on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at City Hall, 307 East Monroe Street, in the second-floor meeting room. 

Under new business, the council will consider approval of the Annual Urban Renewal Report for Fiscal Year Ending 2025, along with a resolution requesting reimbursement from the Henry County Auditor’s Office for economic development costs incurred within the city’s urban renewal areas for FY 26/27. 

Additional resolutions will be reviewed, including one to authorize an internal advance to the tax increment revenue fund for the Henry Street Construction Project between Broadway and Adams Streets. 

Council members will also take up Change Order No. 2 for the Airport Taxilanes and T-Hangars Phase 2 Construction, as well as a lease agreement for airport farm ground. 

Other agenda items include:  

Approval of a contract with BIG Language Solutions, LLC, providing translation services to ensure compliance with federal Title VI language accessibility requirements. 

  • Acceptance of the South Adams Street Re-Paving Project, covering the stretch from South Street to Langdon Street. 
  • Approval of the site plan for Hershey Hall. 

A public forum will be held before adjournment, allowing residents to share comments or concerns. 

The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. 

Winter Coat Drive Underway in Mount Pleasant

T.T.T. Chapter DD is once again helping the community stay warm this winter by hosting their annual Winter Coat Drive, running now through November 7, 2025. 

Residents are encouraged to donate new or gently used coats, hats, and mittens to help local families in need prepare for the cold months ahead. Donations can be dropped off at any of the following Mount Pleasant locations: Old Threshers, Hy-Vee, and The Coffee Depot. 

The local T.T.T. Chapter DD has a long-standing tradition of community service, and this seasonal effort ensures that everyone—especially children—has access to warm clothing as temperatures drop. 

Community members are encouraged to take part and make a difference this fall by checking their closets and contributing to the cause. Every donation, large or small, helps keep a neighbor warm this winter. 

Sports, October 22nd

Postseason Volleyball

First round action is in the books for 2025 after Classes 3A, 4A, and 5A held their first-round matchups last night. Here’s a look at last night’s action.

In Class 4A Region 1, Mt. Pleasant shook off a slow start in set one to sweep Keokuk last night 25-23, 25-16, and 25-18. It was a night where everyone got involved, Addison Clark led the team with 13 kills, Alex Scott compiled 10 kills and five aces, while Myah Starr and Jenna Schwartz combined for 15 kills with Schwartz adding two blocks to the winning effort. For Panther head coach Alicia Schrader, you could not have drawn it up any better,

“I think everybody-our middles had a lot of kills, everybody contributed. It was a really nice team effort; our passing overall was just great. So, we could set our middles every time if we wanted to. It was wonderful.”

Mt. Pleasant will make the trip to #1 Clear Creek Amana tomorrow, October 23rd, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. Coach Schrader discussed why this team could be the one to pull off the upset,

“I mean, they’re experienced, they want to win, they put in the effort, they put in the work. I think they’re starting to feel that confidence too. So, I think going in there, playing freely, being confident, knowing that they can do it will be huge.”

In Class 4A Region 6, Burlington defeated Fort Madison in four sets to advance to North Scott tomorrow at 7 pm.

In Class 3A Region 2 action, Mediapolis won the first set, but it was Central Lee who was able to soar past the Bulldogs winning the next three sets to advance (17-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-22). Taylor Jones tabbed 15 kills and three blocks in the win, while Ellah Wagenbach led the Bulldogs with nine kills. Mediapolis finished the season with a 16-17 record. 

Central Lee will face off against Assumption tomorrow at 7 pm on the road.

Lastly, both Fairfield and Washington were swept by their respective opponents in Class 3A Region 7 with the Trojans falling to West Liberty (22-25, 16-25, 23-25) and the Demons losing to Benton (22-25, 23-25, 20-25). Fairfield’s Leah Helmick collected 10 kills with Natalie Steele adding nine kills and three aces to the effort. 

In Class 1A Region 2, Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to #4 Holy Trinity Catholic tonight at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will host Wapello tonight at 7 pm. 

In Class 2A Region 1, Columbus will face off against Bellevue tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

In Class 2A Region 8, Danville will make the trip to Regina Catholic tonight at 7 pm.

Van Buren County will take on West Burlington at home tonight to draw out the top half of the bracket. 

High School Cross Country

The Class 3A boys’ and girls’ state qualifying meets are set to run today. Mt. Pleasant, Burlington, Fort Madison, Keokuk, and Washington will travel to Williamsburg, while Fairfield will head to Pella.

The Classes 1A and 2A boys’ and girls’ state qualifying meets are scheduled for tomorrow, October 23rd. Pekin will be hosting Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, New London, WACO, Wapello, and Winfield-Mt. Union, while Van Buren County will travel to Central Decatur for Class 1A. Additionally, Columbus will journey to North Linn.

Mediapolis, Central Lee, and West Burlington/Notre Dame will make the trip to Regina Catholic for Class 2A.

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant travels to Fairfield on Friday, October 24th, at 7:30 pm with a playoff spot on the line. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

Washington will travel to Keokuk on Friday at 7:30 pm.

Postseason Football

Mediapolis will venture to #9 Centerville on Friday, October 24th, to start their postseason journey.

#3 Mid-Prairie will take on North Fayette Valley on Friday at 7 pm at home.

WACO will travel to #6 Edgewood-Colesburg on Friday for their first round matchup at 7 pm.

#4 Iowa Valley will host Moravia, who got in as a wildcard team, at 7 pm on Friday. 

In Danville’s third consecutive trip to the postseason, the Bears will get a chance to host a playoff game with Maquoketa Valley making the trip on Friday at 7 pm. 

Wapello will hit the road to face off against #8 Lynnville-Sully at 7 pm on Friday. 

Columbus will attempt to avenge their mid-season loss against #9 North Linn on Friday at 7 pm in their first-round road postseason matchup. 

Pekin will host Earlham at 7 pm on Friday. 

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team clawed out a five-set victory over Ellsworth Community College last night. The Blackhawks will compete in the Madison College Tournament starting on Friday, October 24th. 

The men’s and women’s soccer teams will travel to North Iowa Area Community College today with the women playing first.

College Football

Iowa will compete at home against Minnesota for the Floyd of Rosedale on Saturday, October 25th, at 2:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call.

Iowa State is back in action on Saturday as they look to upset #11 BYU at home at 2:30 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

This Day in Sports History

1939 – NBC becomes first network to televise a pro football game; the Brooklyn Dodgers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 23-14 at Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field.

1984 – Future Pro Football Hall Of Fame quarterback Ken Stabler retires after 17 seasons in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders, Houston Oilers, and New Orleans Saints.

1997 – NHL superstar Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet is knocked unconscious and gets two stitches after plexiglass falls on her watching a game.

George Edgar Christe

George Edgar Christe, 85, of New London, died Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Park Place, Mt. Pleasant.  He was born in the Mudcreek area south of New London on June 7, 1940 to Willis and Mabel Shepherd Christe.  On April 29, 1962, he married Mary Augusta Seeger at Lunning Chapel in Burlington. 

George attended New London Schools and was a 1961 graduate of Mt. Union High School. He was of the Presbyterian faith.

He worked for Murray Iron Works for thirty years.  George was a machinist by trade, but a farmer by heart.  He loved horses and farming, and never met an animal or kid that he didn’t get along with.  He loved ballroom dancing with Mary and very much missed the dances and the people as his health declined.

Besides his wife, George is survived by his son Todd Christe of New London; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother Paul (Pat) Christe of Missouri; sister Mary Larson of New London; and nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters Julie (in infancy) and Holly Mills; brothers Ronnie and Larry Christe; and sisters Phyllis Turnquist and Betty Jean Christe.

Visitation will begin at noon Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Elliott Chapel, New London, with the family receiving friends from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.  A graveside service, with Pastor David Mixon officiating, will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, October 27, 2025 at Trinity Cemetery, rural Mt. Union.  A memorial has been established for New London Future Farmers of America.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Henry County Supervisors Agenda October 23, 2025 9:00 a.m.

Henry County Supervisors

100 E Washington St Ste 202

Mt Pleasant, IA 52641

AGENDA

Board of Supervisors

October 23, 2025

9:00 a.m.

1. Approval of Agenda

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Approval of Claims

4. County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss Weekly Updates

Fremont Avenue Culvert Replacement Bid Opening

5. Treasurers letter to the Board on DVH Credit Refund, Error.

6. Public Hearing & First Reading of Traffic Code Enforcement Ordinance.

Supervisors’ Sub-Committees’