Linda Lee Hazen, 83 of Sperry, died Saturday, November 1, 2025 at her
home. Arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.
Leo Edward Turner
Leo Edward Turner, 80, of West Burlington and formerly of Keokuk and Webster City, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Leo was born on June 26, 1945, in Clinton, Iowa the son of Leo Elias and Ruby Mae (Sellers) Turner, Sr. His family later moved to Webster City, and he attended high school there. Leo was united in marriage to Barbara Carver on August 28, 1998, in Keokuk. He worked at Keokuk Steel Castings Company, in Keokuk. He enjoyed fishing and was a member of the Budweiser Lucky Throw Horseshoe League for many years.
Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife, Barbara, of West Burlington, his son, Bill (Brenda) Turner, of Keokuk, his grandson’s, Jeremy Turner and Justin (Hailey) Turner both of Keokuk, his great grandson, Ryker Turner and a great granddaughter due in May of 2026, his sisters, Sharon (Ron) Keigan, of Webster City, Linda (Phil) Thomas, of Decatur, Illinois, Sherri Osborne, of Webster City, Patty (Tim) Burcham, of West Burlington, Patricia Blummer, of Sioux City, Donna Turner (Ken Freeman) of Webster City, and Betty Westman, of Webster City, his brother-in-law, Gordon (Maureen) Carver, of Ames and a sister-in-law, Kathy Patterson-Turner, of Woolstock, Iowa, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Terry Turner, Dennis Turner, Ronnie Sellers, and Robert Leroy (Fuzzy) Turner, his brothers-in-law, Kenneth Osborne and Daniel Blummer, his in-laws, Lowell and Gola Carver, a special friend, Gary Stice and his beloved dog, Brandy.
There will be a celebration of Leo’s life held at a later time in Keokuk and Webster City. Burial will be in the Collins Evergreen Cemetery at Collins, Iowa. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com
The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Leo Turner.
Jerry Alan Bissig
Jerry Alan Bissig, 58, formerly of Fairfield, passed away Wednesday,
October 29, 2025 at his brother’s home in Burlington, Iowa.
Funeral services celebrating his life will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, November
7, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Visitation will be one hour prior to
services. Burial will be at Fell Cemetery in Libertyville. Memorials may be made to
First Resources Corp., Ottumwa, Iowa.
Jerry was born December 17, 1966 in Fairfield, the son of Lindley and
Charlotte (Miller) Bissig. He attended school in Fairfield and Ottumwa, graduating from Fairfield High School in 1988.
Jerry was a member of First United Methodist Church in Fairfield. He
worked at Tenco Industries.
Jerry loved listening to music, especially Elvis, John Travolta in Grease and Saturday Night Fever, The Oak Ridge Boys, Shania Twain, Lee Greenwood, and Sesame Street. He enjoyed watching TV Shows and videos, WWE wrestling and The Brady Bunch, and enjoyed his time spent at dayhab working and playing with his friends and caregivers. Jerry loved to attend dances and go bowling with his dayhab friends.
Those left to honor his memory include his brothers, Jim (Diane) Bissig of
Mason City, Iowa, and John (Mary Beth) Bissig of Burlington; nieces and nephews,
Amy (Adam) Pedersen, Brad Bissig, Kate (Zach) Dimmitt, and Evan (Taylor) Bissig,
uncle, Fred Miller, numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Susan Mae;
nephew, Gary Bissig; and aunts and uncles Bettye and Olen Bartholow and Maxine and K. Wayne Boley, and Nancy Miller.
Online condolences may be made to Jerry’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.
First Mid Bancshares to Acquire Two Rivers Financial Group
First Mid Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FMBH) and Two Rivers Financial Group, Inc. (OTCQX: TRVR) have announced a merger agreement that will expand First Mid’s footprint into key Iowa markets.
Under the agreement, dated October 30, 2025, Two Rivers will merge with First Mid in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $94.1 million, based on First Mid’s October 29, closing price of $36.80 per share. The deal will give First Mid a strong presence across central and southeastern Iowa.
Two Rivers, headquartered in Burlington, is the parent company of Two Rivers Bank & Trust, which operates 14 branches and manages $1.1 billion in total assets. Established in 1904, the institution has deep roots in Iowa community banking.
Two Rivers shareholders will receive 1.225 shares of First Mid common stock for each TRVR share. The merger has been unanimously approved by both boards and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approval.
First Mid projects the transaction will be 12.3% accretive to earnings per share by 2027, with tangible book value dilution expected to be recovered in just over two years.
“We are excited to welcome Two Rivers’ employees, customers, and shareholders to First Mid,” said Joseph R. Dively, Chairman and CEO of First Mid. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to continued growth and geographic diversification.”
Frank Delaney, Chairman and Interim CEO of Two Rivers, said the merger aligns with the company’s community banking values. Shane Zimmerman, President and CEO of Two Rivers Bank & Trust, will join First Mid as Executive Vice President and Divisional President following the merger.
A presentation outlining the transaction is available at www.firstmid.com
Southeast Iowa Fishing Report – October 30, 2025
Southeast Iowa Fishing Report – October 30, 2025
Cooler fall weather continues to shift fishing patterns across Southeast Iowa lakes, with water temperatures dropping steadily into the low- to mid-50s. Anglers can expect fish activity to remain moderate as species feed up ahead of winter.
Big Hollow Lake (Des Moines County)
Water Temperature: 54°F
Ramp Condition: Useable
Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies have moved to the outer edges of flooded trees in 6–8 feet of water following recent temperature drops. Anglers should focus efforts around this structure for the best results.
East Lake Park Pond (Henry County)
Water Temperature: 54°F
Ramp Condition: Useable
The fall community trout stocking and associated fishing event at East Lake Park Pond in Mount Pleasant has been rescheduled for November 14 at 10 a.m.
Rainbow Trout – Status Unsure: Trout stocking will coincide with the Nov. 14 event, offering an opportunity for families and anglers of all ages to enjoy early winter fishing.
Lake Darling (Washington County)
Water Temperature: 52°F
Ramp Condition: Useable
Another notable temperature drop this week, though water clarity remains good.
- Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are active around tree falls and docks; 9–10 inch fish are common with a few 11–12 inch catches. Cast small jigs parallel to structure.
- Bluegill – Fair: Found around rock piles and brush on the north side; try worms or jigs tipped with worm.
- Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass activity continues in the shallows along the old willows on the north side.
Lake Geode (Henry County)
Water Temperature: 56°F
Ramp Condition: Useable
Temperatures dropped again this week, affecting shallow water action.
- Black Crappie – Fair: Split between deep habitat and shallower willow bed edges.
- Bluegill – Fair: Active in shallow water near sunny willow edges; waxworms under a bobber work well.
For more details or updates, contact the Lake Darling Management District at 319-694-2430.
(Report last updated October 30, 2025.)
North Pole Express Tickets Go On Sale Saturday Morning
The wait is almost over! Tickets for the beloved North Pole Express train ride and magical visit to the North Pole will go on sale Saturday, November 1st, at 9:00 a.m.
This popular holiday experience, hosted by the Midwest Central Railroad, is a cherished family tradition that sells out quickly each year.
Riders will embark on a festive journey filled with holiday cheer, twinkling lights, and a special visit to see Santa and his helpers at the North Pole. Tickets will be available online only. To purchase, visit mcrr.org
St. Michael’s Annual Spaghetti Supper Set for November 3
St. Michael’s Church in Mount Pleasant is once again hosting its beloved Annual Spaghetti Supper on Monday, November 3rd, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 202 E. Washington Street.
Guests can dine in or carry out, enjoying a hearty meal that includes spaghetti with a choice of two delicious sauces — Dr. Jackson’s infamous recipe or a more traditional sauce — along with salad, garlic bread, pie, and a beverage.
For added convenience, a drive-thru option is available. Guests can park outside and call 319-385-2633, and volunteers will bring to-go orders directly to their car. The event is a free will donation, and everyone is welcome to attend. Come out and enjoy a warm meal, great company, and a cherished community tradition at St. Michael’s Annual Spaghetti Supper!
Six New London Students Selected for Monmouth College Honor Band
The New London High School Performing Arts Department is celebrating the achievements of six talented musicians who have been selected to perform with the Monmouth College Honor Band.
Representing a range of instruments and musical skill, the honored students include:
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Zoe Long – Flute
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Sophia May – Clarinet
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Abigail Denney – Bass Clarinet
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Matthew Rogers – Alto Saxophone
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Riley Merschman – Tenor Saxophone
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Jessica Chambers – Trombone
Selection for the Monmouth College Honor Band is a notable accomplishment, recognizing students for their dedication, musicianship, and excellence in performance. Participants will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform under the direction of experienced conductors alongside other top student musicians from across the region.
Congratulations to these six New London High School students for their hard work and well-deserved recognition in this prestigious musical event.