Southeast Iowa State Representative Martin Graber,72, (R-Ft. Madison) passed away on Friday morning)-1/31/25 of a heart attack. Graber, of Ft. Madison, represented House District 100 and was first elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 2020. Graber was elected to his third term in the House in this past November’s election. Graber served 32 years in the Army National Guard, retiring as a Brigadier General and was beloved by his community. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, and Iowa Speaker Pat Grassley both expressed the devastation at the sudden passing of Graber. Governor Reynolds said that Rep. Graber’s contributions to Iowa are unmatched, and he was a tireless advocate for his constituents in Southeast Iowa. Graber is survived by his wife of 49 years, Coni, his two daughters, and two granddaughters.
MP Trap Team Fundraiser
The Mt. Pleasant Panther Trap Team is holding their 9th Annual Banquet Fundraiser on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Airport Road Vineyard starting at 5:30pm. Tickets are $25. They are looking for silent and live auction items, or sponsorships starting at $250.00. All proceeds go toward the Mt. Pleasant Trap program. For more information, please contact Pete Yocum at 319-931-0744 or Alicia Yocum at 319-931-3061.
Lynn E. Bender
Lynn E. Bender
Lynn E. Bender, 88, of Mt. Pleasant, died Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.
Lynn was born February 28, 1936 in Palisade, NE, the third son of Harley David and Ardith Geneva (McCleland) Bender. He moved with his family to Powell, WY, where he graduated in the Class of 1954 from Powell High School. Lynn entered the United States Army on May 20, 1958 in Butte, MT. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion Group, 3rd Infantry, Company B – the “Old Guard”. He participated in numerous ceremonial events involving dignitaries from the United States and around the world. He was honorably discharged on May 19, 1960, at Fort Myer, Arlington, VA.
On July 30, 1961 at the Methodist Church in Newcastle, WY, Lynn was united in marriage to Maxine Jean Schneider.
Lynn began his working career with Bell Telephone. In 1962, he took a position with Contel in Custer, SD. Lynn was transferred to Sundance, WY, then to Columbus Junction, Lone Tree and Richland, IA, concluding his time with the Contel/GTE in Mt. Pleasant, from which he retired in 1994. Lynn did his best to enjoy retirement but missed working and accepted the position as Assistant Manager of the Iowa Wesleyan College Physical Plant, where he later became Manager. Upon his retirement from Iowa Wesleyan, Lynn took a job at Bezoni’s True Value Hardware.
Lynn was very active in every community in which he lived. He was a former member of the Custer Commercial Club, the Custer Jaycees and the Jaycees of Sundance. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce in every city in which he resided. He was a former member of the Masonic Lodge, Shrine and Eastern Star.
When he resided in Lone Tree, he was a member of the Lone Tree Volunteer Fire Department. Lynn was a member of the Olds United Church of Christ where he was a Deacon and taught Sunday School. He was a member of the Olds Lions Club.
He also served on the Olds City Council.
Those thankful for sharing in Lynn’s life include his wife of 63 years, Maxine; their children – Penny Bender-Penfield & Tony McElhinney of Crawfordsville, David & Alisa Bender of Rapid City, SD and Barb & Kenneth Shelman of Olds, IA; his brother – Jerry & Lila Bender and sister-in-law, Shirley Bender, all of Vancouver, WA; his grandchildren – Kyle & Kelli Penfield and their children Kylee, Kynlee and Kayden of Olds; Lyndsey & Robert Beyer and son Maxwell of Johnstown, CO; Jaxon Molly Penfield and Justin Kinney and their son Porter of Laramie, WY; Harley Bender of Rapid City, SD; Begimai Aibekova of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; Brandan & Kate Shelman and their children, Kaiya, Landry and Avery; Ryan & Stacy Shelman and their children Keaton and Kinsley; Nathan & Kylie Shelman and their children Bennett, Beckett and June; many nieces, nephews, extended family, great friends and neighbors including Buzz and Barb Bezoni; the children of his late neighbor Jean Sammons – Charlie & Shirley Wandling, Jane Sammons & Jay Speckeen, Sue & Tom Hill and Judy Sammons; neighbor Thelma O’Neill and his special fur friend, “Peggy” O’Neill.
His parents, twin brothers Dave & Dale Bender, nephew Mitchell Bender, and dear neighbor Jean Sammons precede Lynn in death.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, which is assisting Lynn’s family with the arrangements.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the family for a charity to be chosen at a later date.
January 27, 2025 – February 2, 2025
01/27/25
Vada Graber
01/27/25
Janet Lee
01/27/25
Lucus Sanderson (18)
01/28/25
Morgan Crane
01/28/25
Kathy Hites
01/28/25
Randy Hites
01/28/25
Paul & Joyce Dennison *Anniversary
01/28/25
Karen Stevens
01/29/25
Jarol Waters
01/29/25
Pam Halbach
01/29/25
Marvin Thacker
01/30/25
Sally Kinney
01/30/25
Konnor Peterson
01/30/25
Wanda Thomas
01/30/25
Florence Thompson
01/30/25
Maxie Bagles
1/30/25
Francis Bagles
01/30/25
Fred Thompson
01/30/25
Dan Hellweg
01/30/25
Jody McLeLand
01/31/25
Kurt Freesmeier
01/31/25
Andy Anderson
02/01/25
Cayla Burns
02/01/25
Tim Bower
02/01/25
Brian Isle
02/01/25
Jan & David Towne (50th anniversary)
02/02/25
Tony Maxwell
02/02/25
Michelle Anderson
02/02/25
Tyler Fitzpatrick
Midwest Central Railroad – Looking for Volunteers
The Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Reunion will be here before we know it and the Midwest Central Railroad in Mt. Pleasant is looking for passionate and motivated individuals to join the Conductor Department. Conductors assist passengers, collect tickets, ensure a safe train ride and share the history of railroading. No prior railroad experience is required, and you must be at least 16 years old. Junior Conductors must be 12 years old. For more information and an application, please contact Head Conductor, Ryan Johnson: ryan.johnsonmcrr@gmail.com
Special Session Meetings on Monday
The MPCSD School Board will meet in special session on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 6:00pm in the MPHS Media Center, 2104 S. Grand Avenue. The Howe Roof Top Replacement Project and the Transportation Facility Project are on the agenda as well as an update on the Facilities Master Plan Process. This meeting is open to the public and full agenda can be found on the district website: mtpcsd.org, log into the “Board” tab.
The City of Danville will meet in special session on Monday, January 27, 2025 at Danville City Hall with call to order at 5:00pm. The Wastewater Treatment Plant Project is on the agenda. This meeting is open to the public.
Harlan-Lincoln House: New Directors Named
The Harlan-Lincoln House Board of Directors elected three new directors at their second meeting on Tuesday (January 21, 2025). Marlene DePriest, Ted Wiley, and Karol Schaffer were elected to replace retiring directors: Pat White, Lea Bradley and Paul Juhl. The community appreciates the longtime service of the outgoing directors. The Harlan-Lincoln House is located at 101 W. Broad in mt. Pleasant and is dedicated to sharing with the public, the relevant times of Senator James Harlan and President Abraham Lincoln and their families. The Harlan-Lincoln House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated 501 (c)(3) public charity.
2025 Cornbelt Cow Calf Conference
The 2025 Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference continues today at the Bridgeview Center in Ottumwa. This conference is one of the Midwest’s longest-running events of its kind. Today’s keynote speaker is the General Manager of the 4 Sixes Ranch, Joe Leathers. The Cow-Calf Conference brings together producers, researchers, and over 100 industry representatives to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the business. For the full schedule of today’s events, visit cornbeltcowcalf.com