After five years of partnership, a new era has begun for one of Mount Pleasant’s most trusted names in funeral service. Charles Yoder and his daughter, Morgan Yoder—both licensed funeral directors—have purchased the Powell interest in Olson-Powell Chapel. The family-owned business will now move forward as Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory.
While the name is changing, the Yoders emphasize that the heart of their mission remains the same: “Respecting Tradition. Embracing Every Story.” Their commitment to compassion, dignity, and care continues to guide every service and interaction with families during life’s most difficult moments.
“We are sincerely grateful for the trust and support of the Mount Pleasant community and surrounding areas,” the Yoders shared. “It has been an honor to walk alongside families, and we look forward to continuing to serve with the same heartfelt dedication in this exciting new chapter.”
The Yoders invite the community to learn more and stay connected by visiting their updated website at www.olsonyoderfh.com
Carson D. Ryan, 17, of Washington, died September 28, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, as a result of a hunting accident.
Funeral Service for Carson will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Old Washington Middle School Gymnasium.
Burial will follow in the Tipton Masonic Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 5, at the United Presbyterian Church in Washington.
The family will be present to greet friends from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. The family requests everyone dress casually or wear Washington Demon gear.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Washington Community School District Foundation for a scholarship to be given in Carson’s name.
The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for Carson and his family. Condolences may be made at www.olsonyoderfh.com.
Karl Adrian Messer, of Mount Pleasant, age 97 passed the morning of September 27, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living.
Born July 27, 1928, in rural Henry County, Iowa the son of Sheridan Messer, Jr. and Walcom (McMurren) the fifth of eight children.
After graduating from Mount Pleasant High School, Karl enlisted with the Iowa National Guard. He began his Henry and Washington county farming career in 1948. Karl married Murriel Joan Schoonover of Washington on September 26, 1948. The couple raised three daughters; Connie (John) Rich, Barbara (Robert) Miller and Karla Dougherty. Murriel died on August 7, 1993. Returning to Mount Pleasant he formed Messer Feed and Supply in 1964. After retiring in 1988, Karl purchased and operated a saw mill for five years. He married Patti Kelley in 1995, and she preceded him in death on July 2, 2019.
Beginning in 1996, Karl established Cedar Ridge and purchased a cedar log milling machine. Harvesting the timber from their Stockport property he built their cedar log home moving there in 1999. Karl enjoyed wood working and operating his bull dozer. While his many ventures and careers required long hours he made time for his family. He loved bank pole fishing with family and friends, fitting in many hours playing his favorite card game “35”.
Karl was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Pleasant and Pheasants Forever.
Karl is survived by his three daughters; six grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; brother Melvin (Barb) Messer and sister-in-law, Carol Messer.
In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, four sisters and a granddaughter.
Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be 2:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, October 3, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory, where the family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Every Step Hospice, White Oak Cemetery or Green Mound Cemetery. Condolences may be made at www.olsonyoderfh.com.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig highlighted the strong start to harvest season following the release of the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The weekly report, issued April through November, tracks field conditions, crop maturity, and harvest progress across the state. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship also provides a weather summary during this period.
“Combines are rolling all across Iowa,” said Secretary Naig. “The warm and dry weather is allowing farmers to make good progress on corn and soybean harvest. With the favorable weather expected to hold through next week, farmers should be able to continue making harvest headway, though conditions
may be a bit dusty. As we get a little further into the start of October, outlooks are indicating a possible shift back to more chances of widespread rain.”
According to the report, dry weather created 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 28. Warm temperatures helped speed crop maturity, with farmers across the state focused on corn and soybean harvest.
Soil conditions remain largely adequate. Topsoil moisture was rated 65 percent adequate, with 27 percent rated short to very short and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was 70 percent adequate, with 23 percent short to very short and 7 percent surplus.
Corn is advancing steadily, with nearly all of the crop dented or beyond. Eighty percent of corn has reached maturity, running four days ahead of last year and one day ahead of the five-year average. Corn harvest for grain is 15 percent complete, about four days ahead of last year. Moisture content in harvested corn averaged 20 percent. Crop condition was rated 71 percent good to excellent.
Soybeans are also nearing completion in maturity stages. Ninety-five percent of soybeans have turned color, while 83 percent were dropping leaves—both slightly ahead of average. Harvest progress reached 17 percent, trailing last year and the five-year average by three days. Soybean condition was rated 73 percent good to excellent.
Pasture conditions held steady, with 53 percent rated good to excellent.
The full weekly report is available at nass.usda.gov.
Every day, someone in America becomes a victim of fraud. To help protect Iowans from scams and financial exploitation, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services is bringing the Iowa Fraud Fighters program to Mt. Pleasant.
The community is invited to attend a free seminar on Tuesday, October 21st at 6:30 PM at Veterans Hall, 300 W. Monroe St., Mt. Pleasant.
The program will highlight:
· Common scam tactics used to trick unsuspecting victims.
· Tips for prevention to protect savings and personal information.
· Reporting resources to stop fraudsters and help others.
The Iowa Fraud Fighters initiative is designed to educate and empower residents, especially seniors, to recognize warning signs and take action against scams. Attendees will walk away with practical tools to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from financial fraud.
For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services website or attend the event in person.
IowaWINs (Iowa Welcomes Immigrant Neighbors) is marking a milestone—its 10-Year Anniversary—with a special celebration in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, October 18.
The event will feature a presentation by Rev. Craig Mousin, an attorney, professor, author, and ordained minister who has devoted more than three decades to ministry and advocacy for immigrants and refugees. His keynote address will take place at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel Auditorium, 629 N. Main, and is free and open to the public.
After the presentation, guests are invited to gather at The Belle Center, located just across the street, for refreshments and interactive “break-out” sessions. These conversations will offer opportunities to
engage with Rev. Mousin and others on topics central to IowaWINs’ mission and the experiences of immigrant and refugee families in Iowa communities.
Earlier in the day, at 11:00 a.m., IowaWINs will host its Annual Meeting in The Belle Center. The meeting will highlight the organization’s 2025 accomplishments and outline future goals. Community members and supporters are encouraged to attend.
For the past decade, IowaWINs has provided support, resources, and advocacy for immigrants and refugees in southeast Iowa. This anniversary celebration offers a chance to honor the contributions of volunteers, partners, and community members who have worked together to welcome neighbors and build stronger, more inclusive communities.
MEDIAPOLIS — Today, Rep. Taylor Collins threw his support behind Winfield resident Becky Wilson to be Henry County’s next top prosecutor.
“Involving myself in a Republican primary is not something I take lightly – but I can no longer sit idly by as Henry County law enforcement are under attack,” said Collins. “Today, I’m endorsing Becky Wilson in the Republican primary to be Henry County’s next top prosecutor.”
Collins endorsement comes after a Judge ruled Henry County Deputy Carlos Lopez was wrongfully placed on the Brady-Giglio list by current Henry County Attorney Darin Stater, and that he be immediately removed from the list.
“Henry County deserves a prosecutor that is focused on going after career criminals, not local law enforcement. Becky Wilson has my complete support in the Republican primary next June. It’s time to restore trust in the Henry County Attorney’s Office, and I know Becky will do exactly that.”
Mount Pleasant – Democratic gubernatorial candidate and State Auditor Rob Sand brought his “Sandstorm Tour” to a packed room at the First Presbyterian Church on Monday afternoon, delivering a message of accountability, local empowerment, and practical solutions to Iowa’s toughest challenges.
A Conversation with KILJ
Before the event, KILJ News Director Hayden Douglas asked Sand for his “elevator pitch” to Henry County voters.
Sand added that his administration would invest in education, reverse Medicaid privatization, and end what he calls “wasteful giveaways to the wealthy,” while maintaining Iowa’s balanced-budget tradition.
Rob highlighted Iowa’s tradition of political reform, noting that the state pioneered nonpartisan redistricting and merit-based judicial appointments. He called for opening the system to more competition so lawmakers are forced to solve problems instead of pointing fingers.
Audience Questions: Local Control and Water Quality
The town hall featured a wide-ranging Q&A, where Sand fielded questions on everything from city authority, water quality, to public pensions.
One audience member pressed Sand on how a governor can support local governments. Sand said he wants to “protect home rule under the Iowa Constitution,” which gives counties and cities the ability to solve their own problems.
“People often associate Democrats with liking big government. I actually disagree,” Sand said. “The government that governs best is the one that governs most locally, closest to the people it represents. It’s hard to find me in Des Moines, but you can find your county attorney. When you look someone in the eye, you make fewer obviously wrong decisions.” He pledged to be an ally to mayors and county officials, promising no unfunded mandates and no state preemption of local decisions.
Another question focused on Iowa’s water quality. The audience member noted that the University of Iowa’s network of water-quality monitors has been dramatically reduced.
“You’re exactly right,” Sand said. “There’s a system of 500 water-quality monitors that has been defunded. Nitrate monitors went from 80 down to 20. That tells you two things: they know there’s a water quality problem, and their preference is to bury their heads in the sand. They don’t want you to know we have an issue—but we do.”
Sand said he is meeting with experts and farmers before releasing a formal plan. “Farmers are signing up for conservation programs and being denied funding,” he said. “Large majorities of farmers recognize the issue and want to do better. We need an effective, achievable plan, and I’m doing my homework before putting one forward.”
Money in Politics and State Privatization
Sand also addressed concerns about campaign finance, the Department of Corrections, and privatized state services. He criticized the state’s expansion of private contracts—such as Medicaid management and school voucher administration—that he said pay out-of-state companies millions while underfunding local staff.
“If you just pay employees to do a job, you’re paying them to do a job,” he said. “If you hire a big company and give them a cut, they can come back again and again for more.”
On public pensions, Sand promised to protect Iowa’s IPERS system:
“If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said, warning against efforts to cut benefits without increasing wages. “Otherwise fewer people will sign up to do the work taxpayers need.”
Supporting Teachers and Changing the Narrative
The final question came from a retired educator who spoke emotionally about negative rhetoric toward Iowa teachers. Sand responded with a personal story about his mother, a longtime Area Education Agency employee.
“These are people who put their lives into serving others,” Sand said. “I’m sick and tired of state government being run by people who think it’s okay to insult teachers. My answer to those critics is simple: go volunteer in a classroom and see the incredible work happening every day.”
Looking Ahead
As the event wrapped up, Sand reminded the crowd that his campaign depends on volunteers and grassroots support. He urged attendees to share his message, follow him on social media, and help build a movement that goes beyond party labels.
“This campaign isn’t about red or blue—it’s about better and truer,” Sand said. “If you’re ready to help flip some tables in Des Moines, join us.”
The Sandstorm Tour will continue with stops in all 99 counties as Sand builds momentum toward the 2026 governor’s race.
Carson D. Ryan, 17, of Washington, died September 28, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, as a result of a hunting accident.
Karl Adrian Messer, of Mount Pleasant, age 97 passed the morning of September 27, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living.
