Barbara Joan Love, 92, of Keosauqua, IA passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025,
Funeral services honoring her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua, IA
Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Birmingham immediately following.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and last until the time of service.
Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
WEST BURLINGTON — Today, Rep. Taylor Collins and his wife Savannah announced the birth of their first child.
“My wife and I are delighted to announce the birth of our daughter, Kate Lorraine Collins,” said Rep. Collins.
Kate Lorraine, weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces was born at 10:59AM on Saturday, May 31st at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
“I want to thank the incredible staff at Great River for the excellent care they have provided to Savannah and our family,” said Rep. Collins. “We are truly blessed.”
Thomas Lee “Tom” Beasley, 85, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, May 12, 2025 at his residence.
Tom was born July 12, 1939 in Camden, Ohio. He was the son of James Clarence and Juanita (Wright) Beasley. He graduated from Camden High School in 1957. Tom enlisted in the United States Navy. He was a Radar Repairman and served on the USS Samuel N. Moore. After his honorable discharge, on May 27, 1960 at the First Presbyterian Church of Camden, Tom was united in marriage to Cynthia Ann Matt. The couple would have celebrated their 65 wedding anniversary in just a few days.
Tom began his working career with the RCA Company in Dayton, Ohio. Tom then accepted a new position with RCA in Cambridge, OH. It was in Cambridge that Tom and Cindy’s children were born. Tom went to work for General Time in Chicago, and the family moved from Cambridge to Schaumburg, IL. In 1974, Tom accepted a position with Motorola Corporation. The family moved to Mt. Pleasant, where Tom was the first engineer with the Mt. Pleasant plant. Tom traveled extensively and world-wide to establish manufacturing plant for Motorola. Tom retired from Motorola in 1999 after 25 years of service.
While in Cambridge, OH, Tom was active in Cambridge Community Theater. After moving to Mt. Pleasant, Tom joined Mt. Pleasant Community Theater. Tom was in several of the MPCT productions, He also served a term as the President of MPCT and worked numerous behind the scenes jobs for MPCT. A life-long Methodist, Tom was affiliated with First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant.
Tom was a true music lover. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of songs and performers, primarily of music before “Rock ‘n Roll”. Tom possessed an extensive collection of vinyl records, both 45’s and LP’s. They were of Tom’s favorite singers and musicians, especially the Mills Brothers. To the music he loved, Tom and Cindy were exceptional dancers. They were expert “jitterbuggers”, winning contests and even teaching a class or two. Tom and Cindy’s love of music was passed on to his children and grandchildren, whom have enjoyed music in all aspects.
Those thank for sharing in Tom’s life include his wife, Cindy of Mt. Pleasant; 2 sons – Tom of Des Moines and Jim of Mt. Pleasant; 2 sisters – Barbara Rossi of Pasadena, CA and Janice Beasley of Menifee, CA; a son-in-law and his wife, Rick and Ann Thomas of Mt. Pleasant; 8 grandchildren – Patrick (Mandy) Thomas, Jack (Ashley) Thomas, Michael Beasley, Faye (Quinn) Tiping, James (Cailin) Beasley, Jude Beasely, Grace Beasley and Noelle Beasley; and 2 great grandchildren – Doris and Francis Tiping.
His parents, a daughter – Angela “Angie” Beasley Thomas, a brother – James Clarence Beasley and a sister, Mary Sue Beasley, precede Tom in death.
Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. Friends may call to sign the register beginning at 12 Noon on Saturday, June 7, at Kimzey Funeral Home. Visitation with the family present will be 3-5 PM that Saturday, with a memorial service beginning at 5 PM.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Southeast Iowa Dialysis Center. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com
Michael Arthur “Mike” Chrissinger, 62, of Mt. Pleasant, died Friday, May 23, 2025 at his residence.
Mike was born December 4, 1962 in Burlington, Iowa. He was the son of Everett Dean and Cecile (Lauber) Chrissinger. He grew up in New London, and graduated from New London High School in 1981. Following graduation, Mike enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on November 12, 1981. He served as a semi-tractor/trailer operator. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal on April 10, 1990 at Camp LeJune, North Carolina.
Mike married Rhonda Kay Martin. The couple later divorced. Mike was then united in marriage to Wendy Quay Westerbeck. The couple later divorced.
For many years following his military service, Mike was a machine mechanic for McKay-Mitchell Envelope and later Innovaire.
Mike enjoyed hunting. He also enjoyed his collection of pocket and bowie knives.
Survivors include his daughters, Ryen Moehle and her husband Zach of Westwood, Nicole Humble and her husband Tyler of Des Moines and Shawna Hefele and her husband Anthony of Indianola; 2 half-sisters – Kristie Wilson of Cedar Rapids and Sheryl Chrissinger; a step brother – Ryan Homan of Marion, IA; a step-sister – Melissa Chrissinger of Cedar Rapids. Mike is also survived by a soon-to-be born grandchild, as well as 3 children that called him “Papa” – Lydia, Levyn and Lyza.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
There will be no formal funeral service for Mike. Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.
The Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a reported large physical disturbance on Thursday evening in the 900 block of North Grand Avenue. Officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 6:16 p.m. on May 29 after receiving information about a possible fight involving a firearm.
While en route, officers were informed that the suspect vehicle had left the area. The vehicle was later located and stopped on Mapleleaf Drive. Due to the nature of the report—suggesting a firearm might be involved—officers had all occupants exit the vehicle. One individual was detained and subsequently arrested on an unrelated warrant issued by Des Moines County.
Authorities determined that the incident stemmed from an altercation between a group of juveniles. According to an independent witness, someone was overheard instructing another individual to “get a gun out of the car.” However, after further investigation and a review of video footage showing the altercation, police confirmed that no firearm was involved.
There is no ongoing threat to the public, police emphasized. The investigation remains active, and multiple charges are anticipated as it progresses.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Mount Pleasant Police Department in responding to the incident.
Law enforcement officials remind the public that a criminal charge is merely an accusation and that any defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Mount Pleasant Police Department by calling 319-385-1450.
Packwood, Iowa (May 29, 2025) – A 17-year-old girl from Packwood, Ia was killed and a Missouri man seriously injured following a head-on collision Thursday morning on Packwood Road, just north of the Jefferson–Van Buren county line.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, Ava Ford, 17, of Packwood, was driving a 2003 Toyota Camry southbound on Packwood Road at approximately 7:35 a.m. when, for unknown reasons, her vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with a northbound 1999 Dodge Ram driven by Clinton Weaver, 40, of Lancaster, Missouri.
Ford, who was wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene. Her body was transported by Cranston Funeral Home.
Weaver, also properly restrained, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted by AirCare to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Authorities noted that his seatbelt use likely saved his life.
Both vehicles were heavily damaged and removed from the scene by RPM of Fairfield. No additional vehicles were involved.
The crash remains under investigation by Iowa State Patrol Post 13, with assistance from multiple local and regional agencies.
No further details have been released as authorities continue to examine the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
Keokuk, Iowa – A West Point man is facing multiple drug-related charges following a traffic stop and subsequent investigation by the Lee County Narcotics Task Force.
William Shane Dempsey, 51, was arrested and charged with several offenses, including:
Possession with intent to deliver more than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a Class B felony
Failure to affix a drug tax stamp, a Class D felony
Possession of marijuana, a serious misdemeanor
Possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor
The arrest came after the Keokuk Police Department conducted a traffic stop involving Dempsey. As a result of an ongoing investigation by the Lee County Narcotics Task Force, Dempsey was taken into custody at the scene. Authorities impounded his vehicle, which was later searched under a warrant.
Investigators report that the search uncovered evidence suggesting involvement in methamphetamine trafficking.
The Lee County Narcotics Task Force emphasized that Dempsey is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
