Mount Pleasant Financial Advisor Earns CFP® Certification

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at 8:15 am CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT – Whitney Rogers, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Mount Pleasant, has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification, awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board).

The CFP® designation is recognized as one of the highest standards in the financial services industry. To achieve certification, Rogers completed rigorous coursework and examinations covering a broad range of topics, including: Financial management, Tax-sensitive investment strategies, Retirement savings, Insurance planning, Education planning, and Estate considerations.

In addition to meeting the education and examination requirements, Rogers has pledged to uphold the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.

Rogers works alongside Branch Office Administrator Keelyn Kauffman at the Mount Pleasant Edward Jones office. They can be reached at 319-385-3411, or online at edwardjones.com/whitney-rogers.

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North Carolina Man Arrested in Connection to missing Fairfield Teen

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at 8:14 am CDT

A North Carolina man is facing multiple felony charges in North Carolina after authorities say he picked up a missing juvenile in Fairfield and transported her across state lines.

On August 17, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina was contacted by the Fairfield Police Department regarding a missing female juvenile from Fairfield. Fairfield Police determined through their investigation that the girl had been in contact with a man through texting applications and that he had driven her from Fairfield to Rockingham County.

Deputies located the juvenile at a residence on Willow Street in Reidsville, North Carolina, along with 25-year-old John Michael Johnson. Detectives and the Rockingham County Department of Social Services responded to the scene, beginning a joint investigation.

Following an interview with Johnson and consultation with the Rockingham County District Attorney’s Office, Johnson was charged with felony second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and felony solicitation by computer. He was taken before a magistrate and issued an $850,000 secure bond. Johnson is scheduled to appear in Rockingham County District Court on August 26, 2025.

Authorities confirmed the juvenile’s parents were notified. She is currently in the care of Rockingham County Department of Social Services until her parents can take custody.

The investigation remains ongoing with cooperation between the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfield Police Department, and the Invictus Task Force—a multi-county partnership that includes the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security, focused on combating internet crimes against children, sexual abuse, trafficking, and online exploitation. Officials said additional charges are expected.

Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page urged parents nationwide to remain vigilant. “Individuals will use current technologies such as messaging applications and other internet-accessible means to not only conduct scams, but also to exploit and prey on our children. We are seeing this activity far too often now. I would implore parents to be vigilant and involved in monitoring cell phone and internet usage by their children,” Page said.

Sheriff Page also thanked the Fairfield Police Department, the Invictus Task Force, the Rockingham County District Attorney’s Office, and Rockingham County Social Services for their assistance.

Jeffery Lee Herman

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 18th, 2025 at 2:53 pm CDT

Jeffery Lee Herman, 37, of New London, died Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from injuries suffered in an automobile accident near West Point, IA, on Saturday, August 9th.

Jeff was born October 30, 1987 at Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant. He was the son of Monte Lee Keck and Cindy Lou Herman.

Jeff worked in the housekeeping department of the Comfort Inn and then the AmericInn of Mt. Pleasant. He then took a position as a stock handler of Innovaire of Mt. Pleasant, where he was employed at the time of his death.

Jeff had an artistic flair and created several drawings. His true love was the outdoors, where Jeff enjoyed boating, fishing and camping. He played on a slow-pitch softball team for a couple of years. Jeff held a deep love and bond with his dogs. He was known as the “running man” in New London as he tried to keep up with his dogs on their walks.

Those thankful for sharing in Jeff’s life include his mother, Cindy of New London; his infant son Jensen Vaughn Lee; his siblings –, Grace Robbins and Steven Herman, both of Mt. Pleasant and Heather Herman and her partner Ishmeal Jackson of New London. Jeff is survived by a cousin whom he considered his brother – Colton Keck and his wife Amanda of Mt. Pleasant. Jeff is survived by his nieces and nephews – Kyler Robbins, Vanessa Robbins, Elijah Herman Noah Herman, Izzy Jackson, Cara Maskrey, Andrew Keck, Kayden Keck and Adalyn Keck. Even though he may not have been blood related, Jeff considered all of his friends as family. It was this selfless devotion to humankind that Jeff had chosen to be an organ donor. Even though Jeff’s death is tragic, many have now received the gift of life because of his care and concern for all.

Jeff is preceded in death by his father, Monte Keck; his grandparents – Sharon and Richard Vaughn and Beverly and Ewald Herman and 2 aunts – Brenda McDowell and Debra Volner.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held 5-8 PM on Saturday, August 23 at the T.T.T. Shelter in Saunders Park, Mt. Pleasant.

Memorials may be directed to Jeff’s mother, Cindy, for a charity to be determined at a later date.

The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, is caring for Jeff and his family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Thomas  Andrew Spears

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 18th, 2025 at 10:41 am CDT

Thomas  Andrew Spears, 29, of Farmington, Iowa, passed away at 8:33 p.m., Friday, August 15, 2025, near Argyle, Iowa.

He was born on October 19, 1995, in Burlington, Iowa, the son of James and Amy (McDavid) Spears.

He is survived by his daughter: Chenoa Spears; mother and step-father: Amy (Jeff) Krebill; father: James “Jimmy” Spears; brothers: Jacob (Addison) Spears, Elijah Spears, Joseph Krebill; grandmother: Vicki McDavid; grandparents: Mark and Ellen Meek. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather; Robert; paternal grandparents;  Daniel, Sr. & Nora Spears; two uncles and one aunt.

Thomas was an iron worker, concrete laborer and landscaper. He had a big heart and did not know a stranger. He loved his daughter fiercely. She was his world! Thomas loved ice cream dates with Chenoa, hunting, fishing, trapshooting with his brothers, enjoying adventures in nature and a good Sunday on the river. Most of all, he enjoyed time with family and friends. He was a master negotiator with anyone he met and a hard worker – full speed at everything.

A visitation with family receiving friends will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Pastor Kevin Hardcastle officiating.

Burial will be held at a later date.

A memorial has been established in his memory for his daughter’s education.

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

Linda Sue Nicely

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 18th, 2025 at 9:36 am CDT

Linda Sue Nicely, 76, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Friday, August 15, 2025 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield with Fr. Ross Epping

officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Noah’s Ark Animal

Foundation. Sue was born March 4, 1949, the daughter of Harold and Shirley (Weirbach) Hahn. She married Frank Nicely, December 27, 1967, in Ottawa, Kansas. He

preceded her in death, July 28, 2024. Throughout her life, she was a homemaker. Sue also worked at various jobs, the jewelry counter at Wal-Mart, Taco John’s manager, and at Park View

Care Center as a CNA – activity assistant. Sue was a Girl Scout leader for many, many years with her mother and sisters. She loved making crafts and jewelry. She was an avid collector of dolls,

Elvis and Betty Boop memorabilia. She loved attending yard sales and later years, online shopping. Sue had a great love for her pets. Many of them rescues.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Christopher (Cari) Nicely of Libertyville and Jennifer (Veronica) Nicely of Birmingham; grandchildren,

Kristina (Nate) Love, Kenneth Nicely, Zachary Nicely, Chance Nicely, Matthew (Lizzie) Burnstedt, Mitchell Burnstedt, and Kristin Burnstedt; great-granddaughter,

Aria Love; siblings, Charles (Debbie) Hahn, Jean Dorothy, Bill Hahn, Jim (Tracy) Hahn, Sandy (Brian) Davisson, and Carrie (Dave) Gordon.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Harold, Jr. and John Hahn.

Online condolences may be made to Sue’s family by viewing her obituary at

www.behnerfh.com.

Mount Pleasant to Celebrate Dr. James Van Allen’s Birthday with Community Event September 6th

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 18th, 2025 at 8:04 am CDT

Mount Pleasant will honor one of its most famous natives, Dr. James Van Allen, with a community birthday celebration on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The event will take place at the corner of West Madison and North Van Buren in Mount Pleasant, home to the Van Allen House and the Heritage Center Museum. Families and community members are invited to enjoy an afternoon filled with science activities, games, and sweet treats.

At 1:00 p.m., guests can help make homemade ice cream, followed by cake and ice cream at 2:00 p.m. Science-themed activities and children’s games will continue throughout the afternoon.

The celebration also offers free tours of the Van Allen House and the Heritage Center Museum, giving attendees a chance to learn more about the life and legacy of Dr. Van Allen, the pioneering physicist best known for his discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts.

Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. All ages are welcome, but children should be accompanied by an adult.

For questions, community members can call (319) 217-6042.

Henry County Supervisors Agenda 8/21/25

By Hayden Douglas · Sunday, August 17th, 2025 at 10:17 am CDT

Henry County Supervisors

100 E Washington St Ste 202

Mt Pleasant, IA  52641

Fax: 319-385-3601

 

  Chad White, Vice-Chair               Marc Lindeen, Chairman               Steven Detrick, Member    

           319-385-0759                                 319-385-0760                                     319-385-0761________                       

 

 

 

AGENDA

Board of Supervisors

August 21, 2025

 

No Board Meeting

 

Henry County Board of Supervisors

will be attending ISAC in Des Moines, Iowa

Danville City Council Monday, August 18, 2025 Agenda

By Hayden Douglas · Sunday, August 17th, 2025 at 10:15 am CDT

Monday, August 18, 2025

Order of business, regular session

Danville City Council, Danville City Hall

NOTE:  The regular session may be conducted electronically

as allowed by Iowa Code 21.8

Citizen comments:  Comments must be directed to the subject under consideration.  The presiding officer shall rule on the relevance of the citizen comments.  Citizens making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks may be barred by the presiding officer from further comment before the Council during the meeting.

Public Hearing call to order at 5:15

  • Public hearing on the authorization of a Loan and Disbursement Agreement and the issuance of Notes to evidence the obligation of the City thereunder. Not to Exceed $600,000 General Obligation Capital Loan Notes (State of Iowa Revolving Fund Loan).
  • Comments received for the project.
  • Closing of the public hearing.

 Regular Session

  • Call to order, following the public hearing.
  • Accept or amend the agenda.
  • Open forum: A time set aside to receive comments from the public regarding city business.  The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public on any subject pertaining to City business, including items on this agenda.  You are asked to state your name and address for the record and to limit your remarks to five minutes in order that others may be given the opportunity to speak.  The Order of Business is at the discretion of the Chair.  No action will be taken.
  • Discussion and action on the July 2025 Des Moines County Sheriff’s report.
  • Discussion with City Insurance agent Robin Hoelzen regarding workers comp. coverage, action if needed.
  • Discussion and action on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project
  • Not to Exceed $600,000 General Obligation Capital Loan Notes (State of Iowa Revolving Fund Loan.
  • Resolution Ratifying, Confirming and Approving Publication of Notice of Public Hearing.
  • Resolution instituting proceedings to take additional action.
  • $4,971,000 Sewer Revenue Capital Loan Notes, Series 2025A.

1.Resolution approving and authorizing a form of Loan and Disbursement Agreement by and between the City of Danville, Iowa, and the Iowa Finance Authority, and authorizing and providing for the issuance and securing the payment of $4,971,000 Sewer Revenue Capital Loan Notes, Series 2025A, of the City of Danville Iowa, under the provisions of the Code of Iowa, and providing for a method of payment of said Notes; Approval of the Tax Exemption Certificate.

  • $600,000 General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, Series 2025B (State of Iowa Revolving Fund Loan).
  • Resolution approving and authorizing a form of Loan and Disbursement Agreement by and between the City of Danville, Iowa, and the Iowa Finance Authority, and authorizing and providing for the issuance and securing the payment of $600,000 General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, Series 2025B, and providing for a method of payment of said Notes; Approval of the Tax Exemption Certificate.
  • Discussion and action on Resolution 2025-35; Agreement for Sidewalk Repair, Replacement, and/or Installation.
  • Discussion and action on request for sidewalk quote form.
  • Fire Chief/Building Inspector report.
  • Action on the report as presented.
  • Public Works written report.
  • Action on the written report.
  • Approval of consent agenda.
  • Council and paper minutes of August 4, 2025
  • Payment of bills.
  • Old 34 Gas and Grill alcohol permit renewal
  • Authorization for Mayor to sign Identity Authentication Form with Tyler Tech.
  • Council Correspondence and Reports
  • Authorization for City Clerk to send all cell phone tower communication to City Attorney.
  • Setting of the date and time for the first September meeting
  • Council Review of a Verbal Complaint Regarding Neighboring Property, action if necessary.
  • Discussion on email correspondence with City of Burlington regarding a meeting with Des Moines County Humane Society.
  • Closed session
  • Motion to go into closed session as allowed by Iowa code 21.5(1)(i) “To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session”.
  • Motion to come out of closed session.
  • Statement regarding the closed session, action by council if needed.
  • Adjournment.
  • Possible work session following regular session to discuss Wagner Park. No action will be taken.