Henry County Engineering & Road Department Weekly Update

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 15th, 2023 at 2:03 pm CDT

Construction work continues South of the bridge on Lowell Hill. Norris Asphalt placed part of the base last week but was shut off due to weather. Paving continues today with completion of the base planned for tomorrow which will be followed by intermediate. It is estimated it will be another full week before Lowell Hill will be open, but it is dependent on weather.

The Henry County Maintenance Crew is working on a short stretch of BASE ONE from 170th South a quarter mile to dial in the equipment and placement method. Work will continue until 200th street. During the day sections of the road will be closed to thru traffic. After the equipment is dialed in and the placement method is established it is estimated a half mile or more will be completed a day.

J20 East of Lexington Avenue will have one lane traffic August 17th and the 18th while the bridge is under construction. Traffic Lights will be up directing traffic. Work is scheduled to take 2 days to complete the project.

Roberta Louise Ball

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 15th, 2023 at 6:46 am CDT

Roberta Louise Ball, 88, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of New London, died Monday, August 14, 2023 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House, West Burlington.  She was born in Mt. Pleasant July 20, 1935 to Wilbur and Harriett Elizabeth Waddle Hillard.  On June 26, 1955, she married Dwight L. Ball in New London.  He died December 8, 2005.

She was a 1953 graduate of New London High School.  Roberta was a homemaker and was a member of New London United Methodist Church.  She was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes and St. Louis Cardinals fan; loved visiting with family, friends and neighbors; and enjoyed walking her dog, Scooter.

Survivors include three daughters, Deb (Jim) Shull and Sherri Ball of New London and Cindy Culbertson of Ankeny; one son Ron (Dorrie) Ball of Bethalto, Illinois; two grandchildren, Josh (Jenni) Thomas and Ali (Pookie) Johnson; eight great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; two step-great grandchildren; two brothers, Ben Hillard of Seattle, Washington and Marvin (Cecilia) Hillard of Phoenix, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson Kaleb Ball, and two sisters, Shirley Benge and Mary Feeney.

The funeral service for Mrs. Ball will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, August 18, 2023 at Elliott Chapel, New London, with Pastor Kathleen Moore officiating.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 am with the family receiving friends from 1:00 until the time of the service.  Roberta will be buried next to her beloved husband, Dwight, at Burge Cemetery following the service.  Memorials have been established for New London United Methodist Church and the Kaleb Ball Children’s Trust.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

IWU Purchase Agreements Approved at MPCSD Board Meeting

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 15th, 2023 at 6:19 am CDT

The purchase agreement for the Iowa Wesleyan University Practice Fields and Central Campus were under consideration at the Mount Pleasant Community School Board Meeting last night. The School Board decided to approve both purchase agreements, the Practice Fields will be purchased for $115,000 while the Central Campus will be purchased for $1.135 million. The Mount Pleasant Community School District has 60 days to complete inspections with a possible extension of 30 days bringing the total time for inspections to 90 days.

There will also be two rounds of School Elections this year. September 12th will hold a vote to fill Melinda Huisinga’s position which is up for election under the old district rules of 5 in district seats with 2 at large seats. Since the school district is being redistricted to include 2 seats in district 1, 2 seats in district 2, and 3 at large seats another election will need to be held November 7th for ALL positions including the seat to be filled September 12th.

Joanne Roth

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, August 14th, 2023 at 3:23 pm CDT

Joanne Roth, 86, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Saturday, August 12, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.

The visitation and memorial services will be held at Washington Mennonite Church. Visitation 4-7 PM on Friday, August 18, 2023. Memorial service 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 19, 2023. The service will be available via Livestream at the Beatty Peterseim YouTube page. Condolences may be mailed to: Roger Roth, 2800 Coppock Road, Wayland, Iowa 52353. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Crooked Creek Christian Camp, Washington, Iowa or Hospice of Washington County. The Beatty-Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Joanne Roth was born in Newton, Kansas to Vernon and Lois (Kauffman) Roth on November 30, 1936, the oldest of eight children. In 1942, her family moved to southeastern Iowa to escape the dustbowl. Her father farmed south of Washington (now the site of Crooked Creek Christian Camp). She attended Gray School, a single room schoolhouse, later graduating from Hesston Academy and College in Kansas. Joanne took her Christian faith seriously, baptized as a young teen, and maturing in her faith while attending Hesston Academy. Joanne married Roger Roth in 1960 and worked as a legal secretary at a Washington law firm until she had children, later returning to work during tax season when her children were in high school. She loved singing and made it her mission to give her children the opportunity to study music. In her sixties, she returned to piano lessons with her teacher from childhood and was determined to overcome her lifelong fear of water by taking swimming lessons. Her travels with Roger took them to South Africa to visit their beloved exchange student, Cheryl (Joseph) Smith. They spent their winters in Sarasota, Florida connecting with Roger’s brothers and their wives and making new friends in their mobile home community and the Sarasota Community Church. After retirement from the farm east of Wayland, Joanne helped design a new home on a bluff overlooking timbered creek bottom that was part of her family’s farm.

Her faith sustained her through the tragic untimely deaths of four of her siblings: Brenda (3 years-old, meningitis), Phil (21 years-old, car accident), and Jim and Stan Roth (54 and 50 years-old, plane crash).

She had a good sense of humor, was an excellent cinnamon-roll maker, and loved creating a home. Even in her last year of life, when cognitive impairment challenged her identity as a competent homemaker, she made new friends and connections.

Joanne was Roger’s beloved wife for 63 years; loving mother to her children Kendra Landes of Iowa City, Erin Roth of Baltimore, Maryland, and Tyler Roth of Goshen, Indiana; mother-in-law to Jeff Landes, Chris Giannella, and Sarah Roth; grandmother to Katelin (Landes) Hamlin, Kelsey (Landes) Mason, Emma (Roth) Headings, Grace Roth, Matthew Roth, Tillman Giannella and Matteo Giannella, and great-grandmother to five. Joanne was an older sister to Becky Roth and Lowell Roth of Hesston, Kansas and Marci (Roth) Huxman of Moundridge, Kansas. Sister-in-law to Stan Wiens (Becky), Donna Roth Hillis (Jim), Cindi Roth (Lowell), Jan Roth (Stan), Gary Huxman (Marci). Joanne was an aunt to over twenty nieces and nephews. She was also a loyal friend and dedicated member of Washington Mennonite Church, her faith community.

Helen Elizabeth Wall

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, August 14th, 2023 at 3:22 pm CDT

Helen Elizabeth Wall, 93, of River Hills Village in Keokuk, formerly of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 12:35 a.m. Monday August 14, 2023, at River Hills Village.

Born  January 31, 1930, in Mt. Hamill, Iowa, the daughter of Jake and Mamie (Norton) Young. On May 7, 1950, she married Norman Wall in Donnellson, Iowa. He preceded her in death on October 23, 1966.

She is survived by her daughter: Janis (Bobby) Davidson of Farmington, Iowa; Son-in-law Greg Boyer Farmington, Iowa; Grandchildren: Amy Lambert, Bryan (Tammy) Case, Elisha (Jeron) Lindsay, Harley (Christie) Davidson, Luke (Alisha) Davidson, Hattie Boyer, Frank (Debbie) Boyer, Annie (Aaron) Burrow and Laramie Wall. Sixteen great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren. Brother: Fred (Judy) Young of Donnellson, Iowa and sister: Viola “Vi” (Carroll) Wilson of Fort Madison, Iowa. Also surviving is one sister-in-law Jeanette Young and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son: Larry; two daughters: Norma and Rita; three brothers: Robert, Jerome and Linus. One great grand daughter Heather. Niece Kay Junkins and nephew Kevin Young.

Helen was a member of the Zion Mennonite Church, the Donnellson American Legion Auxiliary, The Red Hat Society, Joy Circle, The Lee County Retired School Personnel. She was a former member of the Donnellson Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder. She  was also involved in Girl Scouts for 48 years. A 1948 graduate of Donnellson High School Helen taught in in rural schools. She retired in 1993 from the postal service where she had worked for fourteen years. Helen enjoyed sewing and making crafts for her family, playing cards especially Euchre and Feathers.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Friday at the Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M.  Friday August 18, 2023 at the Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Pastor Rachael Luitjenes officiating.

Burial will be in the Evangelical Cemetery near Donnellson.

A memorial has been established in her memory for the Donnellson Fire and Rescue or the Central Lee Foundation for the Kevin Young Scholorship.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com

Richard “Dick” Larson

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, August 14th, 2023 at 3:18 pm CDT

Richard “Dick” Larson, 78, of Winfield, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023, at his home in Winfield.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the Winfield United Methodist Church.  Burial will be in the Sheridan Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to SE Iowa Regional Hospice in memory of Dick.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com. Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Winfield is caring for Dick’s family and arrangements.

Richard Dean Larson was born on August 14, 1944, in Burlington, Iowa the son of Dale and Bernadine (Bozarth) Larson.  He was a 1962 graduate of Winfield- Mt. Union High School.  Dick served in the United States Army Reserves for six years during the Vietnam War.  On January 26, 1964, Dick was united in marriage to Mary Helmerson in New London.  He was a farmer in the Winfield area his entire life.  Dick was a past member of the Winfield United Methodist Church and past president of the Winfield Co-op.  He enjoyed attending his children’s school activities, watching NFL football and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, but most of all, he dearly loved to spend time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Dick will be deeply missed by his children, Scot (Sheila) Larson of Dallas, Texas and Lisa Bata of Marion; three grandchildren, Zane Larson, Sydney Boysen and Jayci Bata; siblings, Larry Larson of Iowa City, Jeff Larson of North Richland Hills, Texas and Cindy (Bill) Finke of Winfield and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Sharon Helmerson of New London.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Mary in 2017.

 

Update on Iowa Wesleyan University Properties

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, August 14th, 2023 at 2:31 pm CDT

Iowa Wesleyan University’s closure has conjured speculation and questions as to what would happen to the surrounding buildings and property. Answers have slowly started funneling their way to the community.

A private individual, a well-known developer in Southeast Iowa, has purchased the East Hershey and West Hershey buildings along with both dorm buildings.

A different local buyer has purchased the Science Hall and Nemitz Suites; however, no information has been released on the plans for the buildings due to a non-disclosure agreement. The same local buyer is also discussing the possibility of purchasing the library, but the closing entity on the Iowa Wesleyan University has repairs to complete before closing can occur.

The City of Mount Pleasant is in conversations to purchase the white building closest to The Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities building. The City of Mount Pleasant was also planning on buying the Old Gym building, but an inspection revealed that the tuck pointing is almost nonexistent and an overwhelming presence of asbestos. Asbestos will need to be removed before anything can be done with the building, and demolition costs are estimated between $300,000 and $800,000.

Concerning the Harlan Statue and the Belle Babbs Mansfield Statue, both are set to stay on campus. If there are any unseen issues leading to the necessary movement of the statues, then the first location would be the Henry County Courthouse.

The Harlan Lincoln House has been excluded from discussions, even though it is listed as collateral on the USDA loan, due to the important historical value. Instead, the Harlan Lincoln House will be entrusted to its own 501C3 non-profit organization, spearheaded by Elizabeth Garrels.

Another important historical building on campus is Old Main, also known as the birthplace of P.E.O. Doug Moore updated that the P.E.O organization in Mount Pleasant as well as the Southeast Iowa Symphony have been able to keep their important items locked away on Campus.

The Mount Pleasant School Board meeting scheduled tonight at 6 p.m. in the high school media center will have an important topic of discussion: the consideration to approve the purchase of the Iowa Wesleyan University Practice Fields and the Central Campus. The Chapel, Howe Student Activity Center, and Old Main would all be included in the defined Central Campus.

AGENDA FOR NEW LONDON CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, August 14th, 2023 at 8:42 am CDT

AGENDA FOR NEW LONDON CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 14TH, 2023 – MONDAY EVENING – 6:00 P.M. CITY OFFICE – 112 W. MAIN ST.

1. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR MEETING: Mayor Kirk Miller
2. ROLL CALL: Travis Benz, Brad Helmerson, Dan Berner, Scott Campbell and January Benjamin
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. INVOCATION: Kirk Miller
5. REPORTS:

  • a. Police Dept.
  • b. Fire Department (1)
  • c. Public Works (2)
  • d. Parks & Recreation
  • e. Utilities (3-6)
  • f. Child Care
  • g. Mayor

6. OPEN FORUM:
7. CONSENT AGENDA:

  • a. Approve minutes of previous meetings (7-11)
  • b. Accept Clerk’s Financial Reports (12-14)
  • c. Approve Payment of Claims (Handout)
  • d. Approve liquor license for Woobies (15-16)

8. OLD BUSINESS:

  • a. Approve the engagement agreement with Ahler’s & Cooney regarding the commercial
    development east of the baseball diamonds (17-20)

NEW BUSINESS:

  • b. Approve pay estimate #2 for Hickey Contracting for the Division St. Paving & Storm
    Sewer (21)
  • c. Approve advertising for the full-time equipment operator position in the Public Works Department (22)
  • d. Discuss and take action on Ryan Wilka’s request to extend the deadline or get paid for his unused vacation (23)
  • e. Discuss and take action on Rober & Cynde Lemley’s request for a refund for sewer services provided from watering the grass at their property at 500 S. Pine St. (24-25)

9. MEETINGS:

  • a. Public Works Committee, August 16th, 2023 at 6:30 A.M., Shop at WWTP
  • b. Public Safety Committee, August 16th, 2023 at 6:30 P.M., City Office
  • c. Regular City Council Meeting, September 11th, 2023 at 6:00 P.M., City Office

10. ADJOURNMENT

NEW LONDON CITY COUNCIL – OPEN FORUM NOTICE
The Open Forum portion of the New London City Council meeting is a time where the public is allowed to speak.
This is a courtesy that is extended to you. During this portion of the meeting the following guideline will be in
effect:
1. Upon being recognized by the Mayor, please stand if possible, and state you name and address for the record.
2. Unless you are a scheduled, approved organization making a presentation, you will have 3 minutes to
respectfully express your thoughts. Guest organizations will be under the discretion and management of the
Mayor as the presiding officer.
3. Understand that no formal motions or actions will be taken on items during this time. Your concerns may be
forwarded to the appropriate committee for further considerations and/or discussion.
4. All comments and discussion will remain respectful in nature to all parties.
5. Similar topics will be acknowledged, and forwarded to the appropriate department. However, repetition of
topics will be limited.
6. Any deviation from these guidelines will end you allotted time and you will be asked to be seated. Failure to
abide by these guidelines may lead to removal from the meeting at the order of the Mayor and possibly
charges of disorderly conduct if so warranted.
7. Your involvement on agenda items will be limited to the presentation of factual material as determined by the
Mayor. This the Council’s time for dealing with matters and will not include public opinions or question and
answer time; this is done during Public Hearings.