Ella Louise Ritz, 89 of Wayland, died Wednesday, August 13. 2025 at Arbor Court in Mt. Pleasant.
Funeral Services will be at 10:30 AM, Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Beatty Funeral Home in WAYLAND, with Chaplain Gordon Hawkins officiating.
She will be cremated following the service and will have a private family burial at the Wayland Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at Noon Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the Beatty Funeral Home in WAYLAND with family present from 2-4:00 PM
The Mount Pleasant City Council covered a range of topics during its recent regular meeting, from a zoning code update prompted by a letter from the ACLU to preparations for bidding on significant infrastructure projects.
The meeting opened with routine consent agenda approvals before moving into a 5:30 p.m. public hearing on proposed changes to Appendix D, Chapter 38 of the city’s zoning code, which regulates the M-1 Limited Industrial District. City staff explained that the amendment is in response to a letter from the ACLU, which objected to part of the city’s definition or phrasing of “adult cabaret.”
In other business, the council authorized the mayor to sign an amended engineering services agreement Klinger & Associates for the Second Baptist Church property project. The agreement adjusts costs as the project moves toward the construction phase, including an increase of roughly $7,000 for additional design work and updated construction estimates.
The council also approved a resolution ordering bids for the Second Baptist Church project, with bids due September 9 at 11 a.m. The bid results will be reviewed at the September 10 council meeting before deciding whether to proceed.
Additional actions included:
Public Works reported progress on upcoming airport improvements, with grant funding secured and pre-construction activity expected after the Old Threshers Reunion.
Henry County Health Center Foundation welcomes applicants for the 2025 Foundation Grant Program. The HCHC Foundation seeks to deploy financial resources to groups and organizations focused on a healthier future for Henry County Communities. The grant opportunities have doubled this year to $20,000, an intentional strategy to bring an increased impact to awardees.
The Foundation will fund projects in six health related priority areas: STEM, Health Education, Health Programming, Workforce Development, Workforce Recruitment, and Capacity Building. Those seeking funds should submit applications to HCHC Foundation by Friday, September 15, 2025.
Application information is available on the HCHC Foundation web page listed here: www.henrycountysoldiersandsailors.com/hchc-foundation in the “Grant Application Process” section.
After uploading your application, click submit to send electronically or print the application and mail to Henry County Health Center Foundation, 407 S. White Street, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641.
The HCHC Foundation remains a leading steward of financial resources focused on the future of healthcare and quality of life in our Henry County communities.
“Investing in Henry County is what we are here to do,” HCHC Foundation Director Savannah Collins said. “Building relationships, hearing the success stories of previous awardees, and supporting future local initiatives will continue to be a focus of our investment back into the community.”
Consideration for funding will be given to proposals which closely align with the Foundation’s mission, have the potential to achieve both the objectives of the applicant organization and program goals of the Foundation, and have the potential for long-term impact and sustainability in the community.
For additional details please contact Savannah Collins at the HCHC Foundation at 319-385-6541 or scollins@greatriverhealth.org.
Heather Diana Farmer, 47, a resident of Douds, passed away Sunday, August 10, 2025 at her home.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family and sent to 14212 Rte. V64, Douds, Iowa 52551. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.
Heather was born June 17, 1978 in Washington, Iowa, the daughter of William and Diana (Jacobs) Farmer. Heather graduated from Washington High School in 1996. She served her country in the Iowa National Guard from 1996 – 2001 as a Specialist First Class in the 134th Medical Company – Ground Ambulance.
Heather worked as an assistant manager for Casey’s at the west location in Fairfield. She loved Mountain Dew, and enjoyed reading, singing, and watching WWE with her family.
Those left to honor her memory include her fiancé, Chuck Engle of Douds; children, Kodi Farmer-Riley and Savana Farmer-Riley, both of Douds; granddaughter, Emily McElderry; and her parents, Bill and Diana farmer of Brighton.
She was preceded in death by her son, Lucas McElderry; and brother, Jim Jenkins.
Online condolences may be made to Heather’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa — Goat and sheep producers across Southeast Iowa will have the opportunity to sharpen their herd health management skills at Parasite Patrol: Mastering Fecal Egg Counts for Healthier Goat Herds and Sheep Flocks, a hands-on educational workshop aimed at improving livestock well-being through practical parasite control.
The program, offered through a collaboration between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension, will take place Tuesday, September 24, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Henry County Extension Office. A light snack will be provided.
Internal parasites are among the most persistent and damaging health challenges facing small ruminants, and this training will give producers the tools to address them effectively. Participants will gain first-hand experience in fecal egg count (FEC) techniques — a valuable method for monitoring parasite levels and guiding targeted treatments.
Workshop topics include:
By learning and applying FEC methods, producers can reduce unnecessary deworming, measure treatment effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions that protect animal health and improve productivity.
Because space is limited to allow for in-depth, hands-on participation, early registration is encouraged.
For more information or to register, contact the Henry County Extension Office at 319-385-8126.
Henry County Conservation is inviting crafters, vendors, and businesses to take part in their upcoming Wine Walk in the Woods fundraiser, set for Tuesday, September 16th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Oakland Mills Park.
Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their products, services, or crafts while guests enjoy a scenic evening stroll through the park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their favorite wine to sip along the walk. A $5 donation will be collected, with all proceeds going toward the care of Henry County Conservation’s live animals.
This unique event offers a relaxed, nature-filled setting for businesses and artisans to connect with the community while supporting local conservation efforts.
Those interested in reserving a spot can contact Kendall with the conservation department at 319-931-5228.
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 14, 2025
9:00 a.m.
NW of the NW of Section 27 Center Township, in the 2600 Block of Hwy 218.
Title VI Chapter 2 to align the Henry County Zoning Ordinance with Senate File 592.
Supervisors Sub-Committee’s
The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in Regular Session on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at City Hall, 307 E. Monroe Street, second-floor meeting room at 5:30 p.m.
A G E N D A
by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion and a roll call of the Council-
members. There will be no separate discussion of items unless the Mayor, a Councilmember
or citizen so request, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and
will be considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.
*5. Approve minutes of previous meetings.
*6. Approve payment of bills.
*7. Receive report of Officers, including Resolution No. 2025- 65 approving July interfund
transfers.
* d) Renewal of a Class C Retail Alcohol License for Rumors located at 117 South Jefferson Street.
