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.

Dennis D. DeKraai

By Hayden Douglas · Sunday, August 17th, 2025 at 9:54 am CDT

Dennis D. DeKraai, 70, of Fort Madison, died Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Arbor Court, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He was born July 20, 1955 in Ottumwa, to Dale R. and Nora Lou Cain DeKraai. He attended New London Community schools.

Dennis married Tina Marie; they later divorced. He then married Paula Bailey on July 17, 2001 in Ft. Madison; she preceded him in death on July 26, 2019. Dennis retired from Consolidated Packaging Paper Mill in Ft. Madison. He enjoyed playing cribbage.

Survivors include his children Eric, Dale, Crystal, and step-son Michael; numerous grandchildren including;

Ashley De Kraai-Daly, Piper De Kraai,

Emily Rudd, Jacob Rudd, Lillian Rudd, Lexi De Kraai Ussary, Dylan De Kraai, Draven De Kraai, Daylan De Kraai, Nora De Kraai, and Lydia De Kraai,  he also had 6 great-grandchildren

His stepmother, Doloris De Kraai, half brother Donald De Kraai, and half sister Deanna De Kraai also proceeded him in death. He is also survived by a half sister, Kelly De Kraai, and two step sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Danny, and sister Denise.

Per his wishes, his body has been cremated. Graveside services are pending and will be held at a later date.

Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Henry County Surgeon Sues Jefferson County Health Center Over Pay Disparity

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, August 15th, 2025 at 4:16 pm CDT

A Henry County woman is suing Jefferson County Health Center (JCHC), alleging she was paid significantly less than a male colleague while working as a surgeon there.

Dr. Beth Zielinski, who served as a general surgeon for JCHC from 2013 to 2024, filed her lawsuit July 24 in Iowa District Court for Jefferson County. She claims she was paid $105,000 less per year than another surgeon, Dr. Scott Stoeger, despite performing the same work. The suit also alleges that Stoeger received additional bonuses and benefits she was not offered.

According to documents provided to the court, attorneys for JCHC, they admit the pay difference but argue that the surgeons did not perform identical duties, citing Stoeger’s “additional skillsets” and production levels as justification. The hospital also acknowledged paying Stoeger a signing bonus, retention bonuses, and student loan assistance that Zielinski did not receive.

Zielinski further contends that her replacement, Dr. Edward Ortell, was hired at a higher base rate than she earned. She accuses JCHC of violating Iowa and federal laws prohibiting wage and sex discrimination. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, damages, and legal costs.

The case is ongoing.

Marshalltown Woman Sentenced to Six Months in Federal Prison for Drug Diversion and False Statements in Medical Records

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, August 15th, 2025 at 1:20 pm CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Marshalltown woman was sentenced to six months in prison on August 14, 2025, for diverting controlled substances for her own use and falsely noting the administration of controlled substances in patient records.

According to public court documents, Amanda Nicole Manatt, 37, was employed as a registered nurse in the emergency room at Unity Point Marshalltown Hospital, Marshalltown, Iowa, where in 2023 she diverted controlled substances (fentanyl, hydromorphone, and morphine). She obtained controlled substances in patients’ names, documented them as administered to the patients, and then took them for her own use. In December 2023, Manatt’s employment ended at Unity Point Marshalltown Hospital. In January 2024, Manatt obtained employment as a nurse at the emergency room at Mary Greely Medical Center, where she again obtained controlled substances (hydromorphone) in patients’ names, recorded them as administered to the patients, and then took them for her own use until her employment ended in April 2024.

Court records reflect that in some cases patients experienced pain due to Manatt’s taking the controlled substances prescribed for them. In other cases, Manatt took controlled substances from patients in excess of what they needed. Manatt’s false statements in the medical records resulted in billing health care benefit programs for controlled substances not actually administered.

After completing her term of imprisonment, Manatt will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Manatt was also ordered to pay $5,258.20 in restitution, a $5,500 fine, and a $300 special assessment.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), the Tama County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Insurance Fraud Bureau investigated this case.