Court Orders Removal of Carlos Lopez from Brady/Giglio List
After more than two years of legal battles and personal strain, Henry county Deputy, Carlos Lopez and his family received a decision they describe as both vindicating and relieving. On Tuesday afternoon at 3:35 p.m., the court ruled that Lopez be removed from the Brady/Giglio list, reversing a prior decision made by the Henry County Attorney.
The Brady/Giglio list, sometimes referred to as a “do not call” list, is used by prosecutors to track law enforcement officers whose credibility may be questioned in court. Placement on the list can have severe career impacts, effectively preventing officers from testifying in criminal cases.
Carlos and his wife, Beth, released a statement following the ruling.
“For the past two years, our family has been on an emotional rollercoaster—seconds, minutes, and days filled with uncertainty, waiting for the next piece of bad news,” the couple said. “We asked ourselves countless times whether we were right to fight this egregious battle, or if we should have bowed down and allowed the Henry County Attorney to continue abusing his power. Today, we finally got our answer: the fight was worth it.”
Beth emphasized her husband’s character throughout the ordeal, noting that she “never once doubted [his] integrity or ability to do his job ethically and honorably.” She described Carlos as “one of the most honest, morally grounded people I know,” adding that watching him endure the process was painful and led him to question his future in law enforcement.
The Lopez family credited community support for sustaining them during the fight. “Your encouragement, prayers, and contributions carried us through the darkest moments, and for that we are forever grateful,” they said.
With the court’s ruling, Lopez’s name will be officially removed from the Brady/Giglio list, clearing a major obstacle in his career and bringing closure to what the family described as years of uncertainty.
September 29, 2025 – October 5, 2025
September 22, 2025 – September 28, 2025
MPCSD Special Session Meeting Planned
The Mt. Pleasant Community School District School Board will meet in Special Session on Monday, September 22nd at 6pm in the High School Media Center, 2104 S. Grand Avenue. On the agenda are plans to set a public hearing date for plans, specifications, and cost of the PEO Memorial Building Demolition. The date of the hearing is planned for October 13th. Board work session items include 2025-26 district goals and Iowa School performance profile report. This meeting is open to the public.
Southeast Iowa Drought Conditions
The U.S. Drought Monitor for Southeast Iowa shows all of Henry County, Lee, Jefferson, Washington and Van Buren Counties in abnormally dry conditions. Nearly all of Des Moines County is also abnormally dry. Low humidity and scarce rainfall have caused things to dry out.
SE Iowa Symphony Orchestra Concert Season
The Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 75th Anniversary with a Masterworks Concert Series! The Masterworks Series features Brahms’ monumental 1st Symphony, Beethoven’s triumphant 9th Symphony, and Tchaikovsky’s passionate Violin Concerto. To make this season even more memorable, complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served after every concert. Meet the musicians and concertgoers.
75th Masterworks Series tickets are transferable to any location – this means you can attend the concert venue and date that works best for you! Physical tickets will be mailed to you prior to the October 11th concert. Each concert is general admission seating. Concerts are held in Mt. Pleasant on Sundays at 6:30pm in the Chapel Auditorium, at 2pm on Sundays at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, and on Saturday evenings at the Capitol in Burlington at 7pm. For more information and regular performance updates, please join our email list or follow these events on our Facebook page.
Elizabeth “Liz” Mae Troutman
Elizabeth “Liz” Mae Troutman, 91, of Wayland, died Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Parkview Home in Wayland.
Graveside Services will be at 9:00 AM, Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Wayland Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed on the Beatty-Peterseim YouTube channel and Facebook page. Family visitation will be from 4-6:00 PM, Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Beatty Funeral Home in Wayland. Memorials may be designated to Hospice Compassus or the Parkview Home.
Elizebeth was born on January 16, 1934, the daughter of John and Ada (Turner) Arbogast. She graduated from Wayland High School in 1952 and was united in marriage to James “Jim” Richard Troutman.
She was a secretary for the Wayland School Superintendent and later a secretary for the Wayland New Life Parish. She enjoyed word search books, Pepsi, and was a chocolate lover.
Survivors include two children, Brian Troutman of Wayland and Lori (Darrell) Gressley of Lincoln, NE; grandson Caleb Rasmussen; siblings Mildred Wilson of Ainsworth, Dorothy Jacob of Wellman, Charles Arbogast, Johnie Arbogast, and Stanley (Shelly) Arbogast, all of Washington.
She was preceded by her parents, husband, and brothers, Howard, Richard, Dean and Edwin. 