Author: Hayden Douglas

Council approved a revised agreement for the sanitary sewer bypass project near Broadway and Winfield. The price dropped to just over $374,000 after engineers determined a waterline no longer needed work. 

The city also authorized a professional services agreement with Shive-Hattery to help meet new phosphorus testing requirements at the wastewater treatment plant. Staff say the partnership will ensure Mount Pleasant stays ahead of upcoming DNR mandates. 

In other actions, the council held first readings on two ordinances. One updates the city’s loitering rules in certain commercial areas—such as Walmart and Main Street—giving police additional tools to address lingering on private property.
The second ordinance ties fire department emergency response fees to the state fire association’s recommended cost schedule. That change ensures the city can recover appropriate costs and will be reaffirmed each year. 

The council also approved a Class C alcohol license for L & J Products on North Broadway, where the business plans to operate a golf simulator and small retail space. 

City staff reported that plans for the Winfield-area infrastructure project are nearly ready for DOT review, with contractors preparing to begin work soon. The meeting adjourned at 5:38pm. 

The Mount Pleasant City Council meets again on December 10th at 5:30 p.m. 

Henry County Conservation is inviting community members of all ages to put their knowledge to the test at a fun and family-friendly trivia night on Friday, December 5, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Oakland Mills Nature Center. 

Participants can compete solo or in pairs as they take on a series of questions inspired by the classic game show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? The event is free to enter, and prizes will be awarded to the winners.  

This lighthearted competition is designed for all ages, making it a great outing for families, friends, or anyone who loves a good challenge. Whether you want to prove your brainpower or just enjoy an evening at the nature center, everyone is encouraged to join the fun. To register, call 319-986-5067. 

The State Historical Society of Iowa has announced new progress in its partnership with Ancestry.com, opening public access to millions of digitized archived documents—all without cost to taxpayers. 

The two-year project added more than one million newly scanned records from the State Archives into Ancestry’s searchable database. These materials include vital records, Iowa National Guard enlistment files, World War I and II casualty reports, Fort Madison convict registers, and mug shots—providing researchers and genealogists with deeper insight into Iowa’s history. 

“Ancestry is excited to partner with the State Historical Society of Iowa to digitize these important collections at no cost to the taxpayers,” said Jaren Akenheads, Senior Manager of Content Acquisition. “These records hold significant genealogical value for Iowans and for people around the world.” 

Iowans can access the records for free through the State Historical Society’s institutional Ancestry account at the Research Center. Those with personal Ancestry subscriptions will see newly digitized material added on a rolling basis as scanning and metadata processing continues. 

Hunters of all experience levels are invited to expand their skills at the Hunting and Processing Meat workshop on Monday, December 9th, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. 

While hunter safety training is a vital first step, this session will go further—covering essential tips on where to set up stands, what gear to bring into the tree, and practical guidance on processing over 200 pounds of venison after the hunt. 

The workshop is designed for both beginners and seasoned hunters looking to refine their techniques. Preregistration is appreciated to help organizers plan for the evening. Henry county conservation for details. 319-986-5067

DES MOINES, Iowa (Nov. 25, 2025) – The price of regular unleaded gasoline went down 1 cent from last week’s price and is currently averaging $2.75 across Iowa according to AAA.

Motor Fuels

• As of Tuesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.75 across Iowa according to AAA.
  • Prices are down 1 cent from last week’s price and are unchanged from a year ago.
  • The national average on Tuesday was $3.06, down 3 cents from last week’s price.
• Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 2 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.67.
  • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.31 in Iowa.
  • The current Iowa diesel price is 12 cents lower than the national average of $3.79.
• The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $1.65 for U87-E10, $1.92 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.51 for ULSD#2, $2.80 for ULSD#1, and $1.93 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

• Natural gas prices were down 10 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $4.45 MMbtu.
• Propane prices averaged $1.55 per gallon in Iowa.
• Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $3.25 per gallon.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday, November 25, 2025, for a relatively brief session, addressing project awards, permits, and road maintenance updates.

The meeting began with approval of the agenda and the minutes from the November 18 session, both of which were passed without corrections.

Bridge Project Awards
Supervisors approved two resolutions awarding bridge construction contracts through the Iowa Department of Transportation.

• Lexington Avenue Bridge (Project BROS-CO 44P100): Iowa Bridge and Culvert, LC of Washington, Iowa, was awarded the contract at $331,870, significantly below the engineer’s estimate of $481,000. The project involves a twin box culvert replacement over Small Creek and offers flexibility for winter work.

• 170th Street Culvert (Project FM-CO 44P103): Iowa Bridge and Culvert, LC was also awarded this project at $344,102.33 The work includes replacing a single box culvert over Potomac Creek and repaving the road section. The project is timed ahead of a scheduled overlay.

Both resolutions were approved unanimously.

Road and Maintenance Updates
County engineers reported ongoing maintenance, including blading, spot rock hauling, patching, and sign replacements. Seneca Companies, Inc. is finalizing a fuel system install for the county, and construction on the 235th Street Bridge is set to begin off-road December 1, with a full closure starting December 8, including a detour and public messaging to minimize disruption.

With the new bridge contracts, the county now has three culverts under contract, totaling nearly $1 million in construction projects for the winter and summer seasons.

Regional updates included progress on the Mississippi Valley and South Central merger, pending minor language changes, and the Great River Regional Waste review of a 10-year financial plan.