Mary L. Ping, 103, of New London, Iowa, and formerly Burlington, passed away, August 4, 2025 at New London Specialty Care.
Services are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.
Georgette Nordyke,
Georgette Nordyke 88, of Winfield passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Sunrise Terrace. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the Winfield United Methodist Church. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the church. Private family burial will be held in Winfield Scott Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warriors Project and Sunrise Terrace in Georgette’s name. Online condolences may be left at www.sandhfuneralservice.com. Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Winfield is caring for Georgette’s arrangements and her family.
Georgette Nellie Bednar was born on February 22, 1937 in Passaic, New Jersey, the daughter of Stephan and Nellie (Gryzbeck) Bednar. Georgette graduated from high school in Clifton, New Jersey and went on to obtain her Registered Nursing diploma from St. Mary’s Hospital also in New Jersey. On June 17, 1972, Georgette was united in marriage to Billy Nordyke Sr. in Wayne, New Jersey. Georgette began her career as a Registered Nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital working in the emergency room. After moving to Iowa, she served as the director of nursing at Sunrise Terrace in Winfield when it first opened. While working alongside her husband, Dr. Nordyke, in his practice in Winfield, she filled in as the school nurse when the need arose. Georgette was a member of the Winfield United Methodist Church, Lions Club, VFW Auxiliary and Winfield School Booster Club while her children attended. She enjoyed flower gardening, canning, baking and cooking.
Georgette will be deeply missed by her children, Stephanie Timmis – Nordyke (Melani) of Delray Beach, Florida, Nancy (Chris) Nelson of Decatur, Illinois and their family, Corran and Brendan Nelson of Decatur and Billy Nordyke, Jr. of Brownstown, Michigan; step-children, Mark (Marie) Nordyke of Patterson, New Jersey and their family, Mark Jr., Andrew and Matthew Nordyke and two step great-grandchildren and Brad (Carmen) Nordyke of Rancho Viejo, Texas and their family, Bradley and Brayden; and her brother, Frank Bednar and wife of New Jersey.
Georgette was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Billy Nordyke on December 27, 2023 and several brothers and sisters.
Family Medicine-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Welcomes New Provider
Andrew Root, DO, has joined the medical staff at Family Medicine-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, in Fort Madison.
Dr. Root is Board Certified in Family Medicine. He will see patients of all ages, providing comprehensive, continuous care throughout a patient’s lifetime. This includes preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and coordination of care with specialists when needed.
“I like the variety of family medicine, working with patients from newborn to becoming grandparents themselves. It is rewarding for me to take care of my patients as they age, experiencing their life changes with them,” expressed Dr. Root. “I encourage my patients to become involved in their healthcare, ask questions, everyone is unique and should be provided with healthcare that fits their needs.”
Dr. Root received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Des Moines University. He completed his Family Medicine Residency at MercyOne in Des Moines. He is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
Dr. Root grew up in Southeast Minnesota. His wife Haley grew up in Donnellson and attended Central Lee Schools, where she will return as a teacher this school year. When not at work, Dr. Root enjoys spending time with his young family, being outdoors, riding bikes, and participating in sports.
Dr. Root is accepting new patients at the Family Medicine-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Root by calling 319.376.2134.
James Daniel Pearson
James Daniel Pearson, 81, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting with arrangements.
Jim was born June 23, 1944 in Des Moines, the son of Robert C. and Catherine l. Pearson.
Jim grew up in Des Moines and following high school, attended and graduated from the University of Iowa. Jim served in United States Army, stationed in Germany during the Viet Nam War. Following his service in the Army, he attended law school at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and graduated in 1974.
He was a follower of transcendental meditation, beginning in 1972 and became a teacher shortly after graduating from law school. Jim oversaw the Fayetteville, Arkansas TM center, and then moved to the national TM headquarters in California. Jim moved to Fairfield in the 1980s and began his law practice, eventually specializing in immigration law helping many students at MIU and local internationals.
Jim loved history, travel, photography, hiking, and Chicago bears. His caring and giving personality will be greatly missed by many.
He is survived by a cousin, Shari Patrick of Washington state, and some dear friends.
Online condolences may be made to Jim’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.
Henry County Supervisors Revisit Solar and Battery Ordinances
MOUNT PLEASANT — The Henry County Board of Supervisors held a work session Tuesday morning to review proposed ordinances for solar energy and battery storage projects. While no action was taken, the discussion outlined key concerns and potential changes as large-scale renewable energy development continues gaining traction.
Setbacks and Screening
Supervisors generally agreed that current setbacks—300 feet from homes, 50 feet from roads—are in line with other counties. They also discussed the 15-foot height limit on panels, with questions raised about whether it accounts for sun-tracking systems that tilt. Concerns about glare were addressed, though newer solar technologies appear to minimize reflection.
Zoning and Farmland Use
The board emphasized alignment with the county’s 2017 comprehensive plan, which prioritizes preserving high-value farmland and discouraging commercial development in rural areas. Supervisor Marc Lindeen expressed skepticism about converting row crops to solar, questioning whether it truly reduces carbon emissions long-term.
Residential vs. Commercial Systems
A 100-kilowatt threshold still marks the divide between residential and commercial projects, with larger systems facing stricter regulations. Supervisor Steve Detrick noted Access Energy lacks the infrastructure to support major commercial solar or battery storage developments.
Noise and Environmental Oversight
Supervisors discussed potential noise from transformers and tracking systems, referencing reports showing some units reaching 65–105 decibels—well above the county’s 45-decibel ordinance. They also stressed the need for DNR oversight on floodplain and drainage concerns, particularly for projects like a proposed 10,000-acre solar installation in the Green Bay Bottom.
What’s Next
The board tentatively scheduled another work session for 9:00 a.m. on August 15, inviting representatives from Access Energy and industry consultant Bruce Hudson to provide input. Supervisors want to ensure Planning & Zoning is on the same page before advancing ordinance changes.
James Daniel Pearson
James Daniel Pearson, 81, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting with arrangements.
Jim was born June 23, 1944 in Des Moines, the son of Robert C. and Catherine l. Pearson.
Jim grew up in Des Moines and following high school, attended and graduated from the University of Iowa. Jim served in United States Army, stationed in Germany during the Viet Nam War. Following his service in the Army, he attended law school at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and graduated in 1974.
He was a follower of transcendental meditation, beginning in 1972 and became a teacher shortly after graduating from law school. Jim oversaw the Fayetteville, Arkansas TM center, and then moved to the national TM headquarters in California. Jim moved to Fairfield in the 1980s and began his law practice, eventually specializing in immigration law helping many students at MIU and local internationals.
Jim loved history, travel, photography, hiking, and Chicago bears. His caring and giving personality will be greatly missed by many.
He is survived by a cousin, Shari Patrick of Washington state, and some dear friends.
Online condolences may be made to Jim’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.
Preppin’ Mama Represents Mount Pleasant with Pride at the 2025 Open for Business Statewide Contest
Inside the historic Pearl City Station in downtown Muscatine, five inspiring small business owners stepped into the spotlight Monday night to pitch their dreams, share their strategies, and showcase the power of Main Street entrepreneurship. Among them, representing Mount Pleasant with heart and hometown pride, was Preppin’ Mama.
A Local Vision with Statewide Impact
Dani Murphy and her daughter, Tatum Kane, the dynamic duo behind Preppin’ Mama, took the stage to present their vision of a modern homesteading education hub. Rooted in their passion for self-sufficiency and community connection, the Mount Pleasant-based business offers workshops and mentorship programs that teach food growing, cooking, and preservation.
Their pitch emphasized not only their deep knowledge and passion for homesteading but also their commitment to helping others build confidence and resilience through practical skills. With Mount Pleasant in their hearts and the future in their sights, Dani and Tatum made a strong case for how Preppin’ Mama can grow into a statewide resource for education, sustainability, and rural entrepreneurship.
Cheering on Mount Pleasant
The 2025 Open for Business Statewide Contest—hosted by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Main Street Iowa—is designed to elevate and invest in Main Street businesses across the state. The event drew supporters, judges, and economic leaders from around Iowa to witness firsthand the creativity and determination of local entrepreneurs.
During the evening, Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority, highlighted the vital role of small businesses like Preppin’ Mama.
“Small businesses make up 99% of Iowa’s business community,” she said. “When we support them, we’re investing in people, families, and the very identity of our communities.”
Recognition and Reward
As the judges tallied their results and anticipation filled the room, a surprise announcement added to the excitement. Preppin’ Mama was awarded a tied fourth-place finish, sharing the honor with Torrent Brewing Company of Ames. Each business was awarded $10,000 to support future growth.
Applause erupted from the crowd as Dani and Tatum accepted the recognition, proudly representing Mount Pleasant on a statewide stage. The funds will support their continued mission to expand workshop offerings, increase access to their mentorship programs, and strengthen rural education in food security and sustainability.
Shining a Light on Main Street
Preppin’ Mama’s success is part of a larger celebration of Iowa’s Main Street innovation. Other awardees included DroneEx of Elkader ($15,000), Z’s Pizza & Diner of Waverly ($20,000), and the grand prize winner, The Honey Den of West Branch, which took home $25,000.
But for Mount Pleasant, the night belonged to Preppin’ Mama.
“This wasn’t just about business,” said one event organizer. “It was about vision, passion, and community. And Preppin’ Mama brought all three.”
As Dani and Tatum return home with new support and statewide recognition, Mount Pleasant can proudly say: one of Iowa’s best and brightest small businesses is growing right here.
Marianne Williams
Marianne Williams, 77, of New London and formerly of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Marianne Denzler Williams was born September 28, 1947 in Munich, Germany. She was the daughter of Wendlin and Zenta (Schmaus) Denzler. She attended a business college in Munich. After her education, she worked in a veterinarian clinic in Augsburg, Germany. Marianne was united in marriage to Larry Williams. The couple later divorced.
Marianne emigrated to the United States and became a US Citizen in 1970 in Baltimore, MD. She moved to the Mt. Pleasant area where she lived with her family on a farm southeast of Mt. Pleasant. Marianne worked as a telephone operator for the Contel Telephone Company. In 1980, Marianne opened up a photography studio on the west side of the Mt. Pleasant town square. She operated the studio until 1992. Marianne then owned and operated the 34 Restaurant in Danville, IA. Marianne also worked for REM and Hope Haven.
Marianne was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and sang in the church choir. She was a longtime member of the Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club and the former Lions Club. She was a member of a poetry society and was a former candidate for a position on the Henry County Board of Supervisors.
Marianne loved to work in arts and crafts, most especially knitting. She was an ardent animal rights activist.
Those thankful for sharing in Marianne’s life include her 2 sons – Drew Williams and his wife Kelly Murphy of Rockford, IL and Michael Williams of Hillsboro, IA; 2 grandchildren – Thadius Williams and Ashli McCusker and her husband Michael and a great granddaughter – Rhiannon McCusker.
Her parents precede Marianne in death.
A memorial funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, August 12 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 607 South Jackson Street, Mt. Pleasant. Father Ross Epping will celebrate the mass. Friends may call from 12 Noon to 7PM on Monday, August 11 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 5-7 PM.
Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com