Author: Allison Jacobs

The Mt. Pleasant Community Band Concerts series in Mt. Pleasant’s Central Park starts on Thursday, June 12th.  Band Director Adam Creager announced this summer’s concert dates will be on Thursday June 19^th, 26^th and July 3^rd and 10^th.  The concerts begin at 7pm.  On Thursday, July 17^th, a smaller ensemble will perform at the Wright Family Pavilion during the Henry County Fair.

On Thursday, June 12^th, the Flannel Jammers will perform as many of the Community band members are on vacation.  MPMS Principal and guitar talent Mark Adams headlines the show.  Bring your lawn chair and enjoy music in Central Park, downtown Mt. Pleasant!

Mount Pleasant will host the 26^th annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade, through Wednesday, June 11th. which will be leading caravans of 300-500 tractors through Henry, Des Moines, and other surrounding counties.  Each day’s ride will begin and end at the Old Threshers Reunion grounds south of Mt. Pleasant.  The Henry County Sheriff’s Department asks residents to use caution and be aware of the extra traffic.

• On June 9, the tractors will ride through Washington County, with stops at Hope Lutheran Church in Brighton, the Washington County Fairground, and Wayland.
• On June 10, the route will roll through Van Buren County, with pit stops at Hillsboro Christian Church, the Van Buren County Fairgrounds, and Harmony Center.
• On June 11, the caravan will make its way through Henry and Des Moines County, with Yarmouth serving as the ride’s pit stop location for the day.

Average fuel prices decreased slightly this week in Iowa after two weeks of increases according to this week’s Triple A report. Regular unleaded gasoline prices fell one cent, which is 20 cents below the national average.

Retail diesel prices also fell by one cent in Iowa, while the national average fell two cents.

A former Deputy Fire Chief of the Ottumwa Fire Department faces a felony charge after allegedly keeping property belonging to the City of Ottumwa for personal use.  Cory Benge, 44, has been charged with second-degree theft, a Class D felony.

Benge was employed at the Ottumwa Fire Department for 20 years, until May of 2023. According to court documents Benge came into possession of an Arson Detector Tool and an AT&T hotspot while working for the fire department. Police allege Benge did not return the items back to the city after his employment ended.  Benge is accused of keeping the two items from May 2023 to May 2025 and used them for his own personal gain. The City of Ottumwa paid the hotspot bills while it was still in use. The estimated cost of the items and the recurring monthly bills was just over $2700.00  ($2,731.97), according to court records.

A warrant for Benge’s arrest was issued on June 5th and he was taken into custody on the same day and later freed after posting bond.  Court records do not show a date for his initial court appearance.

Henry County EMS and Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a traffic accident at about 6:15 this morning on Highway 34 east of Mt. Pleasant/MM 244.  A vehicle collided with a deer.

As bike season approaches, Iowa officials urge motorists to be vigilant for young bicyclists who are often hard to spot due to their smaller size and unpredictable riding patterns.

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) emphasizes the importance of looking twice, especially at intersections, where most bicycle-related fatalities occur.

Since 2021, Iowa has seen 24 bicycle fatalities, highlighting the need for increased awareness and caution. Drivers are encouraged to scan intersections thoroughly, maintain safe distances, and avoid distractions to help prevent accidents.

The Mt. Pleasant Community School District School Board will meet in regular session on Monday, May 9^th at 6pm.  This meeting is held in the High School Media Center at 2104 S. Grand Avenue.  This meeting is open to the public and the board agenda can be found at MTPCSD.org/board/meetings.