Author: Hayden Douglas

Jefferson Lines to Expand Midwest Bus Service Starting September 28

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Beginning Sunday, September 28, Jefferson Lines will assume operation of key intercity bus routes across the Midwest, ensuring continued service for communities previously served by Burlington Trailways.

The transition will maintain essential connections throughout the region, including cities in Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois, while preserving many existing schedules and stop locations. Jefferson Lines says the move reflects its long-standing commitment to linking Midwest communities and providing passengers with a seamless travel experience.

Travelers can expect a range of modern conveniences aboard Jefferson Lines coaches, including complimentary Wi-Fi, a real-time Bus Tracker, and the ease of booking or rebooking through a Jefferson Lines customer account. A mobile app for both iOS and Android allows passengers to plan and manage trips on the go, while a dedicated Customer Care team provides support before and during travel.

With more than 100 years of experience delivering safe and reliable transportation, Jefferson Lines says it is ready to keep the Midwest connected. Tickets for the new and continuing routes are available now at www.jeffersonlines.com

Mount Pleasant, Iowa – The Henry County Board of Supervisors met on September 25, 2025, tackling a wide range of issues including road maintenance updates, courthouse security planning, a rural garbage contract, and funding changes for the county’s drug task force.

Rural Waste Contract Bids Opened

Supervisors then opened bids for Henry County’s rural garbage service contract. Two bids were received. The bids cover a three-year contract and included required bid bonds. After reviewing the submissions, supervisors voted to forward the bids to the county attorney for legal review before making a final decision next week.

Traffic Ordinance Could Keep Fines Local

Supervisors revisited a proposal to adopt portions of Iowa’s traffic code as a county ordinance. Sheriff Rich McNamee said such a move could generate roughly $80,000 in annual revenue by allowing Henry County to retain fines from traffic citations instead of forwarding most of the money to the state. Two neighboring counties, Lee and Wapello, have recently implemented similar ordinances. Supervisors agreed to follow up with the county attorney to draft a potential ordinance.

Drug Task Force Funding Adjustment

Sheriff McNamee also briefed supervisors on a request from the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force to redirect quarterly payments—roughly $9,650 per year—back into the task force’s operating budget instead of distributing the funds to member agencies. Rising costs for technology, undercover operations, and equipment prompted the request. Henry County joined the Burlington-based task force in 2019, which McNamee credited with numerous successful drug trafficking investigations. Supervisors voiced support for the funding adjustment.

Courthouse Security Proposal

Courthouse safety was another major topic. Sheriff McNamee proposed hiring a part-time deputy to provide security during peak court days—Mondays, Fridays, and alternating Wednesdays—when district court sessions draw larger crowds.

• Cost Estimate: About $18,200 annually for a deputy working 20 hours per week at $35 per hour, plus equipment costs.

• Funding Source: Court surcharges collected in Henry County generated $22,279 in the last fiscal year, more than enough to cover the position.
  Supervisors agreed the courthouse would benefit from a dedicated security presence and directed the sheriff to begin developing a job description and policies for the new role.

Next Steps

The Board will revisit the rural waste bids after legal review and continue discussions on the traffic ordinance and courthouse security implementation in the coming weeks.

Mount Pleasant High School’s 2025 Homecoming continued Thursday with a full slate of spirited activities, highlighted by Pink Panther Day, encouraging students and staff to wear pink in a show of school spirit and support.

The evening kicks off with the Booster Club Supper at 5:30 p.m., offering a chance for the community to gather before the main events. At 6 p.m., the traditional Boom Night celebration begins, featuring the always-popular Powder Puff football game. Admission will be $1, with no activity passes accepted.

A major highlight of the night will be the announcement and crowning of the Royalty Court, including Junior Royalty and the 2025 Homecoming King and Queen.

The celebration wraps up with a spirited volleyball match inside the high school gymnasium, bringing students, families, and alumni together to cheer on the Panthers.

Tune in Friday morning (Sept 26) for your 2025 Homecoming King & Queen Royalty interviews

Iowa drivers are seeing a slight break at the pump this week. According to AAA, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in the state was $2.91 per gallon as of Wednesday, a drop of six cents from last week and 13 cents lower than the same time a year ago. By comparison, the national average climbed to $3.16 per gallon, up four cents from last week’s price.

Diesel prices in Iowa also eased slightly. The statewide average for retail diesel fell by one cent this week to $3.50 per gallon. A year ago, diesel in Iowa averaged $3.34. The state’s current diesel price remains 19 cents below the national average of $3.69 per gallon.

For wholesale buyers, Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices on Wednesday were reported at $1.86 for U87-E10, $2.09 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.36 for ULSD#2, $2.72 for ULSD#1, and $1.99 per gallon for E-70.

With both gasoline and diesel prices remaining lower than national averages, Iowa motorists continue to benefit from relatively stable fuel costs heading into the fall season.

Mount Pleasant, Iowa, [September 25, 2025] – Henry County Health Center’s Diabetes Education is hosting the following classes in the month of October. For more information on any of these classes or the Diabetes Education program, call 319-385-6518.

Thursday, October 9– Annual Review Course- Suite 25- 1-3 PM

Call HCHC Diabetes Education at 319-385-6518 by Tuesday, October 7, to RSVP.

Wednesday, October 15– CGM Support Group- Suite 25- 2-3 PM.

No RSVP needed.

Tuesday, October 28– Diabetes Group Class- Suite 25- 8:30 AM-2:30 PM

Referral is needed to attend the class.

The City of New London has officially reopened its yard waste dump site on Adams Street, located just south of the school’s football field, designating it as the new permanent location for residents to dispose of grass, leaves, and limb debris.

City officials remind residents to follow the posted guidelines when using the site. Grass clippings and leaves should be placed in the designated dumpster, while limbs and branches should be placed directly on the ground.

With this change, the former yard waste site behind the Police Station on East Main Street is now permanently closed. Residents are encouraged to use the Adams Street location for all future yard waste disposal needs.

DES MOINES COUNTY – Des Moines County Engineer Brian J. Carter, P.E. & P.L.S., has announced that a portion of Skunk River Road will be closed for a culvert replacement project. The closure will begin Wednesday, September 24, at 8:00 a.m. and is expected to remain in effect until Friday, September 26, at 3:30 p.m., weather permitting.

The work zone is located just west of 200th Avenue. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes and exercise caution in the area.

County officials apologize for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause and thank the public for their patience as crews work to improve roadway infrastructure in Des Moines County.