Louisa County Fine Art Show Celebrates Creativity and Community

The 2025 Louisa County Fine Art Show proved to be a vibrant celebration of creativity, talent, and community spirit, drawing artists and art enthusiasts together for an unforgettable event. With 90 outstanding entries spanning multiple mediums, this year’s show highlighted the depth of artistic expression within the region. 

Organizers extended heartfelt gratitude to all participating artists, noting that each piece added its own unique voice to the event. The wide range of works displayed made the judges’ task especially challenging, but after thoughtful deliberation, category winners were announced. 

Category Award Winners: 

  • Emerging Artist –
    Ella KahnEyes of our Rainforest 
  • Photography
    • 1st Place – : Shelly ServadioRuffles
    • 2nd Place – : Teran Buettellspherical 
  • 2D Artwork
    • 1st Place – : Brianna Faith RiversOur Choice to Cluster
    • 2nd Place –: John CarlsonWail 
  • 3D Artwork
    • 1st Place – : Justin MeierMe, Myself, and Eye
    • 2nd Place –: Dani HenkeSpeaks Volumes 

Show organizers also extended a special thank-you to judges Susan Reinier and Margaret Ertz, whose expertise and thoughtful evaluations helped guide the difficult process of selecting winners from such an impressive field. 

As the 2025 Louisa County Fine Art Show came to a close, the event left attendees with a renewed appreciation for the power of artistic expression and the importance of supporting local talent. 

Henry County Heritage Museum Presents “Voices from the Past”

The Henry County Heritage Center Museum in Mount Pleasant will continue its “Voices from the Past” program this weekend, offering the community a chance to hear powerful local stories preserved through recorded interviews. 

On Saturday, October 4th, the museum will feature a video interview with Caroline Schaffner at 1:30 p.m., followed by an interview with Glenwood Tolson at 2:30 p.m. Both presentations will be shown at the museum, located at 403 W. Madison Street in Mount Pleasant. 

The “Voices from the Past” series showcases first-hand accounts and memories from Henry County residents, preserving personal histories and community heritage for future generations. Each installment highlights unique perspectives and experiences, providing an intimate look into the lives of those who helped shape the area. 

The museum invites the public to attend, learn, and reflect on the stories of their neighbors and ancestors. Admission details and additional program information are available by contacting the Henry County Heritage Center Museum. 

Henry County Supervisors Set to Review Waste Disposal Contract, Hear Department Updates

The Henry County Board of Supervisors will convene for their regular weekly meeting on Thursday, October 2, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Henry County Courthouse, 100 E. Washington St., Mount Pleasant. 

The session will open moving into a Department Head meeting, which allows county officials to provide updates on their offices and services. 

County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss is scheduled to deliver his weekly report on roads, bridges, and ongoing infrastructure projects. Hotchkiss’ updates typically cover maintenance work, construction progress, and any challenges facing the Secondary Roads Department. 

A key item on the agenda is the approval of the Henry County waste disposal contract. This agreement governs how the county manages solid waste, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and maintaining services for residents. 

The supervisors will also provide reports from their sub-committee assignments, offering insight into ongoing work in areas such as public health, finance, and community services. 

Meetings are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed on decisions impacting the community. 

Two-Vehicle Collision Reported on River Road in Henry County

On the morning of September 30, 2025, at approximately 8:16 a.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision in the 2600 grid of River Road. 

According to the investigation, a 2010 Mack semi-truck driven by Michael Francy of Mount Pleasant was turning into a field drive when it was struck by a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The Jeep was driven by Sherrie Brewer, also of Mount Pleasant. 

Authorities reported minor damage to both vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries occurred in the crash. Brewer was cited for Unsafe Passing. 

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office reminds drivers to use extra caution when navigating rural roads and field entrances, especially during harvest season when large farm machinery and trucks frequently enter and exit fields. 

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office encourages its citizens to download the HCSO app to stay informed. 

It can be downloaded by following these links: 

Android Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocv.a1427 

iOS Link: https://apps.apple.com/…/henry-county…/id6746723082 

Emmie Mae Hudson,

Emmie Mae Hudson, became our guardian angel at 8:20 p.m.. Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Emmie gave us a lifetime of love in just one hour.

Emmie will be forever loved and remembered by her parents: Brandon and Jamee (Boyer) Hudson; siblings: Colt and Bailee; grandparents: Brad and Tammy Boyer and Brad and Tracy Hudson; great grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cremation has been entrusted to Schmitz Funeral Homes.

No formal services will be held.

A memorial has been established in her memory.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory Begins New Chapter in Mount Pleasant

Funeral Home Logo

After five years of partnership, a new era has begun for one of Mount Pleasant’s most trusted names in funeral service. Charles Yoder and his daughter, Morgan Yoder—both licensed funeral directors—have purchased the Powell interest in Olson-Powell Chapel. The family-owned business will now move forward as Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory.

While the name is changing, the Yoders emphasize that the heart of their mission remains the same: “Respecting Tradition. Embracing Every Story.” Their commitment to compassion, dignity, and care continues to guide every service and interaction with families during life’s most difficult moments.

“We are sincerely grateful for the trust and support of the Mount Pleasant community and surrounding areas,” the Yoders shared. “It has been an honor to walk alongside families, and we look forward to continuing to serve with the same heartfelt dedication in this exciting new chapter.”

The Yoders invite the community to learn more and stay connected by visiting their updated website at www.olsonyoderfh.com

Carson D. Ryan

Carson D. Ryan, 17, of Washington, died September 28, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, as a result of a hunting accident.

Funeral Service for Carson will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Old Washington Middle School Gymnasium.

Burial will follow in the Tipton Masonic Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 5, at the United Presbyterian Church in Washington.

The family will be present to greet friends from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. The family requests everyone dress casually or wear Washington Demon gear.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Washington Community School District Foundation for a scholarship to be given in Carson’s name.

The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for Carson and his family. Condolences may be made at www.olsonyoderfh.com.

Karl Adrian Messer

Karl Adrian Messer, of Mount Pleasant, age 97 passed the morning of September 27, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living.

Born July 27, 1928, in rural Henry County, Iowa the son of Sheridan Messer, Jr. and Walcom (McMurren) the fifth of eight children.

After graduating from Mount Pleasant High School, Karl enlisted with the Iowa National Guard. He began his Henry and Washington county farming career in 1948. Karl married Murriel Joan Schoonover of Washington on September 26, 1948. The couple raised three daughters; Connie (John) Rich, Barbara (Robert) Miller and Karla Dougherty. Murriel died on August 7, 1993. Returning to Mount Pleasant he formed Messer Feed and Supply in 1964. After retiring in 1988, Karl purchased and operated a saw mill for five years. He married Patti Kelley in 1995, and she preceded him in death on July 2, 2019.

Beginning in 1996, Karl established Cedar Ridge and purchased a cedar log milling machine. Harvesting the timber from their Stockport property he built their cedar log home moving there in 1999. Karl enjoyed wood working and operating his bull dozer. While his many ventures and careers required long hours he made time for his family. He loved bank pole fishing with family and friends, fitting in many hours playing his favorite card game “35”.

Karl was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Pleasant and Pheasants Forever.

Karl is survived by his three daughters; six grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; brother Melvin (Barb) Messer and sister-in-law, Carol Messer.

In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, four sisters and a granddaughter.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be 2:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, October 3, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory, where the family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Every Step Hospice, White Oak Cemetery or Green Mound Cemetery. Condolences may be made at www.olsonyoderfh.com.