Author: Hayden Douglas

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in regular session on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at City Hall, 307 East Monroe Street, in the second-floor meeting room. 

Under new business, the council will consider approval of the Annual Urban Renewal Report for Fiscal Year Ending 2025, along with a resolution requesting reimbursement from the Henry County Auditor’s Office for economic development costs incurred within the city’s urban renewal areas for FY 26/27. 

Additional resolutions will be reviewed, including one to authorize an internal advance to the tax increment revenue fund for the Henry Street Construction Project between Broadway and Adams Streets. 

Council members will also take up Change Order No. 2 for the Airport Taxilanes and T-Hangars Phase 2 Construction, as well as a lease agreement for airport farm ground. 

Other agenda items include:  

Approval of a contract with BIG Language Solutions, LLC, providing translation services to ensure compliance with federal Title VI language accessibility requirements. 

• Acceptance of the South Adams Street Re-Paving Project, covering the stretch from South Street to Langdon Street. 

• Approval of the site plan for Hershey Hall. 

A public forum will be held before adjournment, allowing residents to share comments or concerns. 

The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. 

T.T.T. Chapter DD is once again helping the community stay warm this winter by hosting their annual Winter Coat Drive, running now through November 7, 2025. 

Residents are encouraged to donate new or gently used coats, hats, and mittens to help local families in need prepare for the cold months ahead. Donations can be dropped off at any of the following Mount Pleasant locations: Old Threshers, Hy-Vee, and The Coffee Depot. 

The local T.T.T. Chapter DD has a long-standing tradition of community service, and this seasonal effort ensures that everyone—especially children—has access to warm clothing as temperatures drop. 

Community members are encouraged to take part and make a difference this fall by checking their closets and contributing to the cause. Every donation, large or small, helps keep a neighbor warm this winter. 

George Edgar Christe, 85, of New London, died Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Park Place, Mt. Pleasant.  He was born in the Mudcreek area south of New London on June 7, 1940 to Willis and Mabel Shepherd Christe.  On April 29, 1962, he married Mary Augusta Seeger at Lunning Chapel in Burlington. 

George attended New London Schools and was a 1961 graduate of Mt. Union High School. He was of the Presbyterian faith.

He worked for Murray Iron Works for thirty years.  George was a machinist by trade, but a farmer by heart.  He loved horses and farming, and never met an animal or kid that he didn’t get along with.  He loved ballroom dancing with Mary and very much missed the dances and the people as his health declined.

Besides his wife, George is survived by his son Todd Christe of New London; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother Paul (Pat) Christe of Missouri; sister Mary Larson of New London; and nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters Julie (in infancy) and Holly Mills; brothers Ronnie and Larry Christe; and sisters Phyllis Turnquist and Betty Jean Christe.

Visitation will begin at noon Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Elliott Chapel, New London, with the family receiving friends from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.  A graveside service, with Pastor David Mixon officiating, will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, October 27, 2025 at Trinity Cemetery, rural Mt. Union.  A memorial has been established for New London Future Farmers of America.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is postponing the fall community trout stockings scheduled for October 23, 24 and 25 due to warm water temperatures.

East Lake Park Pond (Mount Pleasant), Wilson Lake (Donnellson), and Lake of the Hills (Davenport) stockings and associated fishing events are postponed until November 14.

The East Lake fishing event is planned for November 14, at 10 a.m. The Lake of the Hills event is fishing rescheduled for November 14, at 12 p.m. The Wilson Lake fishing event is rescheduled for November 14, at 12 p.m.

Trout stockings at Ottumwa Park Pond, Liberty Centre Pond (North Liberty), and Prairie Park Fishery (Cedar Rapids) will be rescheduled once water temperatures reach acceptable levels. A press release will announce the new stocking dates.

The much-anticipated 25th Annual Tour of Homes is set for Sunday, November 23rd, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. This year’s milestone event will feature four beautifully decorated homes, along with the Revival Salon and Sanctuary, offering guests a festive and inspiring start to the holiday season. 

Tickets are available now for $15 through Sunday, November 23rd, and can be purchased at Brown’s Shoe Fit or from any TTT Chapter DD member. Those wishing to attend on the day of the event can purchase tickets at the door for $20. 

The annual Tour of Homes is a cherished local tradition, giving community members a chance to enjoy elegant décor, gather design inspiration, and support a meaningful cause. With this being the 25th anniversary, organizers are looking forward to celebrating in style and welcoming both longtime attendees and new visitors.