The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning to review infrastructure progress, departmental changes, and regional updates across the county.

County Engineer’s Report

County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss presented his weekly update, beginning with the opening of a single bid for a new box culvert project on Fremont Avenue, south of the Conservation Center. Iowa Bridge and Culvert submitted a bid of $168,946, well below the county’s engineering estimate of $195,000. Hotchkiss said the lower price was encouraging and that final figures would be verified before a recommendation is brought to the board next week.

He noted that the project provides flexibility for winter construction and will replace a narrow bridge with a wider box culvert, eliminating width restrictions and improving traffic flow.

Hotchkiss also reviewed current road maintenance challenges, explaining that extremely dry conditions have made blading gravel roads difficult. Areas near Winfield, particularly those affected by Highway 78 detours, have seen increased wear and traffic. The engineer said crews are addressing problem spots as conditions allow but emphasized the need for moisture to improve grading work.

Repairs and ditch improvements continue along Franklin Avenue north of Oakland Mills, where crews are using riprap to prevent erosion and prepare for future resurfacing. Brush removal, hydroseeding, and routine mowing along paved roads are also ongoing.

IT Department Restructuring

The supervisors approved a resolution to restructure the county’s Information Technology Department, transitioning oversight from the Auditor’s Office to the Board of Supervisors. The change creates IT as its own county department with independent budgeting, administration, and staffing.

Supervisor Chad White noted that the move be made with the agreement and consent of County Auditor Robin Dietrich.

The county’s IT audit and assessment will begin October 29, with the contracted technology team spending two days in Mount Pleasant to evaluate infrastructure and gather department feedback. A report of initial findings will be presented on October 30. The posting for the new IT Director went live last week, with HR managing the application process.

Other Business

Supervisor Marc Lindeen reported on recent meetings with the Southeast Iowa Regional Waste Authority and Community Action of Southeast Iowa, which included updates on Head Start facilities a in Fort Madison and budget amendments for federal community service grants.

The next meeting of the Henry County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Henry County Courthouse.

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — The Avenue of Flags has announced plans for the 2025 Henry County Veterans Day Observance, set for Tuesday, November 11th. The ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the community room of the Veterans Hall, located at 300 W. Monroe Street in Mount Pleasant. Parking will be available on all four sides of the building.

Dean King, Avenue of Flags Chairman and Honor Guard Commander, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Pastor Richard Wilson of the Open Bible Church in Winfield will offer both the invocation and benediction.

Musical selections will be provided by the Mount Pleasant Community High School Chamber Choir, under the direction of Makenzie Kauffman-Ho, who will perform the National Anthem and an additional patriotic song.

Commanders or representatives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts throughout Henry County are invited to share brief two-minute remarks. Those wishing to speak are asked to check in at the podium prior to 10:30 a.m. Roger Pitzenbarger, Henry County Veterans Affairs Officer, will also deliver remarks during the program.

At approximately 11:00 a.m., the Henry County Honor Guard will perform a traditional three-volley salute in honor of all veterans, followed by the sounding of Taps.

This annual observance is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and pay tribute to those who have served.

This year, four names have been added to the Henry County Memorial stones. The families of those honored will be acknowledged during the ceremony. With these additions, the total number of names etched into the memorial now stands at 1,540.

The Avenue of Flags invites all residents to join in honoring the service and sacrifice of Henry County’s veterans on this special day of remembrance.

The Mount Pleasant City Council met in regular session this week, approving several resolutions and updates related to the city’s ongoing development, infrastructure work, and public accessibility services. 

After routine approvals of the consent agenda and meeting agenda, the council moved through a series of items with minimal discussion, beginning with the annual Urban Renewal Report. The council unanimously approved the report and a subsequent resolution authorizing its submission to the Iowa Department of Management. 

Next, members approved a resolution authorizing internal advance tax increment revenue funds for the Henry County Street Reconstruction Project on Broadway and Adams Streets. The internal borrowing structure allows the city to fund projects upfront from existing accounts and later reimburse those funds through TIF revenue collections. 

Council also approved Change Order #2 for the airport taxi lane and T-hangar project, which added $8,750 in costs after contractors discovered a fiber optic line near the stormwater basin area. Rather than delay the project by several months, the city modified drainage plans to route around the line, keeping the overall project within budget expectations. 

A resolution authorizing the sale of city-owned property was also approved. The parcel, approximately 70 acres with some adjustments pending final USDA review, was sold at a price city officials described as very favorable compared to past land transactions. 

The South Adams Street repaving project, running from South Street to Langdon Street, was formally accepted as complete. Council members and staff praised the finished work, describing it as “a beautiful drive.” 

Also discussed was the site plan for the Hershey Hall renovation project. The plan, recently approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission, includes a new parking lot and expanded stormwater detention features. The development will create 22 family apartment units, with city staff continuing to coordinate with engineers on drainage and utility improvements. 

In closing remarks, Mayor Brimhall noted that Mount Pleasant continues to attract major economic development interest. He referenced a recently finalized $85 million contract expected to create 50 new jobs, along with another commercial project representing $50 million in new construction. 

Mount Pleasant, Iowa, [October 20, 2025] – Henry County Health Center’s Diabetes Education is hosting the following classes in the month of November.

Tuesday, November 11 – DIABINGO – Suite 25 – 2-3 PM

Come celebrate Diabetes Month and test your diabetes knowledge for a chance to win some fun prizes!

Thursday, November 13- Annual Review Course- Suite 25- 1-3 PM

Call HCHC Diabetes Education at 319-385-6518 by Tuesday, November 11, to RSVP. On the day of class, register at the HCHC Registration Desk before proceeding to the class. The program is open to anyone who has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and has completed the 10-hour diabetes class.

Monday, November 17- FREE Prediabetes Class- Suite 25- 12-1 PM

A free educational session to help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

Tuesday, November 18- Diabetes Group Class- Suite 25- 8:30 AM- 2:30 PM

This diabetes education class is open to anyone who has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. There is a fee; however, many insurance plans cover the program.

Thursday, November 20 – CGM Support Group – Suite 25 – 2-3 PM

–more–

HCHC Diabetes Education has earned Iowa State Certification. It has also been awarded Recognition from the American Diabetes Association, which assures that it has met the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. HCHC’s Diabetes Education team offers Certified Diabetes Educators through the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators.

HCHC is prepared and committed to caring for you and your loved ones. Please remember to cover your coughs and sneezes and stay home when ill.

Henry County residents will take part in the upcoming City/School Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to elect candidates for a variety of local offices. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. across nine precincts throughout the county.

According to Henry County Commissioner of Elections Robin Detrick, all qualified electors must present an approved form of identification when voting. Voters who are not pre-registered, or who have changed precincts, will also need to provide proof of residence. Those without identification may have another registered voter attest to their identity, present the necessary documentation, or cast a provisional ballot and later provide verification at the Auditor’s Office.

Polling Places for the November 4 Election:

• Precinct 1: Wayland City Hall, 218 W. Main St., Wayland — Includes Trenton, Marion, and Jefferson Townships; cities of Wayland, Olds, and the portion of Coppock in Henry County.

• Precinct 2: Winfield City Hall, 115 N. Locust St., Winfield — Includes Canaan and Scott Townships; the city of Winfield.

• Precinct 3: Emergency Management Building, 900 W. Washington St., Mount Pleasant — Includes Tippecanoe and Salem Townships; cities of Salem, Hillsboro, Rome, and Westwood; portions of Center Township outside Mount Pleasant’s corporate limits.

• Precinct 4: Manning Hall 1, 607 S. Jackson St., Mount Pleasant — Mount Pleasant Ward 1.

• Precinct 5: Manning Hall 2, 607 S. Jackson St., Mount Pleasant — Mount Pleasant Ward 2.

• Precinct 6: Manning Hall 3, 607 S. Jackson St., Mount Pleasant — Mount Pleasant Ward 3.

• Precinct 7: Manning Hall 4, 607 S. Jackson St., Mount Pleasant — Mount Pleasant Ward 4.

• Precinct 8: New London Christian Church, 2770 New London Rd., New London — Includes Jackson and Baltimore Townships.

• Precinct 9: New London Community Center, 103 W. Washington St., New London — Includes New London Township and the city of New London.

Accessible voting options are available for those unable to enter a polling location; curbside voting can be arranged by contacting the Henry County Auditor’s Office at 319-385-0756 or by emailing rdetrick@henrycountyiowa.us

More information about voter identification requirements and Election Day procedures can be found at sos.iowa.gov/voterid