Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. Flag Day was first observed in the late 1800s by schoolteachers around the U.S., according to the National Constitution Center, and in May 1916, President Woodrow Wilson declared June 14 Flag Day. This day was declared a national holiday in 1949 by congressional legislation signed into law by President Harry Truman who directed the U.S. flag to be displayed on all government buildings on that day.
Area Meetings Scheduled Next Week
The Danville City Council will meet in regular session on Monday, June 16th at Danville City Hall. A council work session will begin at 5pm and discussion will focus on sewer rates. No decisions will be made during this session. The regular session meeting will start at 5:30pm. This meeting is open to the public.
The New London City Council has two meetings scheduled for Monday, June 16th. At 6pm, the City Council will hold a joint meeting with the New London Utility Trustees. Mowing services will be discussed. After a recess, the New London City Council will meet. The meetings will be held at the city office and are open to the public.
Reed Herold Jones
Reed Herold Jones, 96, of Mount Pleasant, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, at his home.
Reed was born on July 20, 1928, in Packwood, Iowa the son of Raymond “Buck” and Georgia Jones. After high school Reed enlisted in the United States Army on September 5, 1946. He was stationed in Japan during World War II. He was honorably discharged on June 25, 1949. Reed was united in marriage to Bonnie L. Sullivan on July 14, 1956, in Macomb, Illinois. Reed worked for Contel Telephone for 35 years. After his retirement he and Bonnie enjoyed traveling. He was an avid Ham Radio operator. Reed was a member of the Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mount Pleasant.
Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife, Bonnie of 68 years, his children, Jim (Jeri) Jones of Strafford, Missouri and Scott Jones, of Mount Pleasant, his grandchildren, Jennifer (Darwin) Johnson of Burlington, Tony (Brandy) Jones, of Lockridge, Graham (Jenni) Jones of Clive, Rachel Jones, of Des Moines, Jessica Bertram, of Aplington, Iowa, Greg (Jenna) Jones of Wellsburg, Iowa, Casey (Amber) Jones of Parkersburg, Iowa and Taylor (Jeremy) Reid of Fairfield, Iowa and 22 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sons, Mark Jones and Todd Jones.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant. The family will receive friends on Friday from 9:30 until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial with full Military Honors conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard at the Forest Home Cemetery in Mount Pleasant. A memorial has been established in his memory.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com
Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is caring for his arrangements.
June 9, 2025 – June 15, 2025
06/09/25
Bodhie Roth - belated from Saturday 6/7
06/09/25
Lisa Hill
06/09/25
Mike Donnolly
06/09/25
Mary Benson
06/09/25
Larry & Brenda Rich *Anniversary (47)
06/10/25
Carol Butterbrodt
06/10/25
Jeff Johnson
06/10/25
Mike & Donna Gardner *Anniversary
06/10/25
Ray & Crystee Stigge *Anniversary (30)
06/11/25
Shanae Condreay
06/11/25
Ted Klopfenstein
06/11/25
Karol Shaffer
06/11/25
Marlys Turbett
06/11/25
Ryan Frueh
06/11/25
Johnny Ledbetter
06/11/25
Blake & Lauren Allender
06/11/25
Reece & Bailey McNamee
06/12/25
Michael Gardner
06/12/25
Sydni Wilson
06/12/25
Lucas Rose
06/13/25
Sara Roth
06/13/25
Joanne McCabe
06/14/25
Shelley Doak
06/14/25
Allison Elmore
06/14/25
Rhonda Foss
06/15/25
Christopher Mallams
06/15/25
Luann Martin
06/15/25
Makynna Carpenter
06/15/25
Ron McArtor
Mt. Pleasant Community Band Concert Summer Series
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 19th, 26th and July 3rd and 10th. The concerts begin at 7pm. On Thursday, July 17th, a smaller ensemble will perform at the Wright Family Pavilion during the Henry County Fair.
On Thursday, June 12th, 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!
HCSO Advises Caution This Week as Tractorcade is in Mt. Pleasant
Mount Pleasant will host the 26th 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.
Triple A – Fuel Prices Decrease
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.
Former OFD Employee Charged With Theft
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.