Crystal Ann Reneker

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 4th, 2025 at 8:21 am CDT

Crystal Ann Reneker, 78, of rural Douds, passed away Saturday, August 2, 2025 at her home.

A celebration of life will be held at 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2025 at Oak Grove Church, 15818 Iowa Oak Grove Ave, Douds, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oak Grove Church or Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation and mailed to the family at 15105 Iowa Oak Grove Ave. Douds, Iowa 52551. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Crystal was born December 5, 1946 in Fairfield, the daughter of Fred and Frances (Miller) Turner. She married Gary Reneker, April 4, 1970 in Memphis, Missouri.

Crystal worked as a bookkeeper for Iowa Tire Sales and as a LPN for Jefferson County Hospital and Park View Care Center, along with being at home, caring for her family.

Crystal loved her dogs and Christmas. She enjoyed shopping and thrifting. Crystal also loved spending time in Colorado and visiting Estes Park.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Gary; children, Melodee (Randy) Staton of Douds, Johnny (Laura) Mineart of Fairfield, and Tiffany (Gregory Oakes) Reneker of Des Moines; grandchildren, Austin, Jordan, Jacob, Madison, and Emma; ten great-grandchildren; and a cousin, Lucinda Goodwin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Kaitlyn Mineart; and sister, Mona Sue Howard.

Online condolences may be made to Crystal’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Larry Lee “Fuzz” Neff

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 4th, 2025 at 8:19 am CDT

Larry Lee “Fuzz” Neff, 86, of Lockridge passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at his home surrounded by love.

Larry was born on August 16, 1938 in Wayland, Iowa, the son of Gerald and Mary (Stalder) Neff.  He attended Wayland High School.  Larry worked at many farms over the years, including a turkey farm, Boshart farm, Don Sheets farm and Mel Jaspering farm. Larry then went to work for Jefferson County as a county road grader for 30 years until his retirement.

He was previously married to Sharon (Layman) Barton and Ruth Ann (McDole) Gugel and later divorced.  In 1979, he met the love of his life, Barbara Gerleman and they were united in marriage on December 12, 2008.  

Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, mushroom hunting, tinkering with tractors, watching westerns and feeding the birds in the winter months.  He most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and spent many, many Sundays playing cards and enjoying his other “family” at the Eagles Nest in Coppock.

Those thankful for sharing his life include his wife, Barbara, his children, Lynn Neff of Fairfield, Angie (Kenny) Kempf, of Wayland, Maryjo (Matt) Rich, of Washington, and Wendi Neff (Michael) Ulin, of Washington, his six grandchildren, Morgan (Nick) Kaufman, Mason (Haley) Rich, Makenna (Koltyn Niles) Rich, Amiah (Jeff Cox) Neff, Aidan Ulin and Alec Ulin, one great grandchild, Brewer Kaufman along with his honorary sons, Craig Kaufman and Dan Raymond.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, a brother. Rich Neff and by his mother and father-in-law and two brothers-in-law.  Larry’s father passed away in 1944 when he was 6 years of age. Edith and Tom Lowry helped raise him with his mom and he considered them as his second set of parents.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant with Father Nick Adam officiating.  Burial will follow in the Lockridge Cemetery.  Those attending the service are asked to dress casual.   Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Wednesday at the Murphy Funeral Home where the family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Lockridge First Responders or to Compassus Hospice in his memory.  

 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

 

Murphy Funeral Home of Mount. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Salem Nurse Surrenders License Amid Multiple Allegations of Substance Use

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 4th, 2025 at 7:44 am CDT

Jennifer Melcher, a licensed nurse from Salem, has voluntarily surrendered her nursing license following new disciplinary action from the Iowa Board of Nursing involving allegations of drug use and on-duty impairment.

In its most recent case, the board charged Melcher with excessive use of drugs that may impair a licensee’s ability to practice safely and competently. The charge stemmed from allegations that Melcher repeatedly used marijuana and was suspected by co-workers of being impaired while on duty. The board has not released the name of Melcher’s employer, her specific role, or whether any patients were affected.

Without admitting to the allegations, Melcher agreed to surrender her nursing license to resolve the matter.

This is not the first time Melcher has faced disciplinary action. In September 2024, the Board of Nursing charged her with a similar violation, again alleging repeated marijuana use. In that case, there was no indication she was under the influence while working. Melcher accepted an indefinite suspension of her license at the time, with reinstatement contingent upon her being deemed fit to return to practice.

Court records also show a pattern of impaired driving incidents. In February 2025, Melcher was arrested in Henry County after a single-vehicle accident and charged with second-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI). She later pleaded guilty. The incident marked at least her third OWI arrest, with prior convictions in 2010 in Wapello County and in 2017 while she was employed by GrapeTree Medical Staffing. In the 2017 case, she initially faced a second-offense OWI charge but ultimately pleaded guilty to a reduced first-offense charge.

Melcher’s nursing license status and disciplinary history are publicly recorded by the Iowa Board of Nursing and will remain part of the state’s official record.

Mount Pleasant Prison Counselor Pleads Guilty to Contraband Charge in Prison Scandal

By Hayden Douglas · Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 at 8:39 am CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT – A Mount Pleasant woman accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with an inmate and smuggling contraband into a correctional facility has pleaded guilty to one felony charge as part of a plea agreement.

Kimberly Jo Kerr, 47, a former counselor at the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, pleaded guilty Monday in Henry County District Court to one count of conveying contraband in or onto the grounds of a correctional facility without a weapon—a Class D felony. In exchange for the guilty plea, two additional charges were dismissed: ongoing criminal conduct-unlawful activity (Class B felony) and sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist (Class D felony).

Kerr now faces up to five years in prison and a potential fine. Her sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on September 22 at the Henry County Courthouse.

The charges stem from allegations that between July and October 2024, Kerr maintained an inappropriate relationship with an inmate and helped smuggle contraband—including tobacco—into the facility. According to court records and a criminal complaint, Kerr and the inmate allegedly engaged in sexual activity in private counselor rooms. Investigators say Kerr denied physical contact but admitted to a romantic relationship.

Authorities also uncovered “love letters” from Kerr to the inmate and reported that Kerr helped facilitate the sale of contraband through a third-party Cash App account, receiving more than $5,600 in payments over several months. Witnesses stated that the contraband originated from the inmate and had been supplied by Kerr.

A warrant for Kerr’s arrest was issued on February 25. She was taken into custody by Mount Pleasant Police the same day and released after posting a $35,000 bond.

The Iowa Department of Corrections has declined to comment on the case or Kerr’s current employment status.

Kerr is being represented by defense attorney Steve Ort.

Carma Sue (Mortland) Reiss

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, July 31st, 2025 at 2:53 pm CDT

Carma Sue (Mortland) Reiss, 76, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the Hiawatha Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, August 2, 2025 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Van Horne, with Rev. David Lingard officiating.  Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 PM, Friday, at the St. Andrew Lutheran Fellowship Hall also in Van Horne.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.  Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is in charge of arrangements.

Carma was born on January 27, 1949, to Bill and Enid (Boughton) Mortland, in Oskaloosa. She was baptized on April 10, 1949, and confirmed on September 4, 1977.  Carma graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School with the class of 1967, and the University College of Cosmetology in 1969. She worked in retail and cosmetology before working as a Program Technician at the USDA Office.  Carma married George Reiss on November 13, 1976 in Mt. Pleasant.

She was a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church where she participated in bible study and LWML.  She was a member of the Van Horne American Legion Auxiliary.  She also enjoyed playing cards, crafting, following her grandsons activities and the Foxy 5 get-togethers.

She is survived by her daughters, Sarah Reiss of Lincoln, NE, Heather (Shane) Mell of Vinton; 2 grandsons, Braden and Parker Mell; and her sister, Shirley (Ben) Flam of New London.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband George in 2021; daughter Elizabeth; twin sons, Brandt and Brian; and her brother, Billy Lee Mortland.

Special thanks to Pastor David Lingard and the Hiawatha Care Center for their care and support.

Online condolences www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com

Marianne Williams – pending

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, July 31st, 2025 at 2:52 pm CDT

Marianne Williams

Marianne Williams, 77, of New London, died Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Joey L. Hochstetler

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, July 31st, 2025 at 1:57 pm CDT

Joey L. Hochstetler passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Bethel Church in rural Wayland. The service will be available via Livestream on the Beatty Peterseim Facebook and YouTube pages. The family will greet friends from 5: to 8:00 PM at Bethel Church on Friday, August 8, 2025. In lieu of flowers or plants, donations can be made that will be given to various organizations Joey supported throughout his life such as The Gideons International and United Youth Group.
The Beatty Peterseim Funeral and Cremation service is assisting the family.

 

Joey Lamar Hochstetler was born in Washington, Iowa on November 25, 1952 to Harlan and Joretta Hochstetler. He was joined in marriage to Alice Schrock of Kalona on August 24, 1974. They settled in Crawfordsville where they would remain for the entirety of their marriage. They have 4 children.

Joey was in business for over 50 years working with Kent Feeds and owning and operating 4H Wood Products for much of that time. He was a dedicated member of Bethel Church where he served in many capacities including elder. He also served on the IMS School board.

Joey could often be heard singing, hardly knew a stranger and was known for his generosity and wisdom. He enjoyed traveling, his family, watching sports and telling stories. He was a hard worker but enjoyed life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Joey is survived by wife, Alice, four children- J.B. (Carla) of Goshen, In., Timothy (Kimberly) of Goshen, In., Ilona (Matthew) Roberts of Milford, In. and Lara of Kalona, Ia; seven Grandchildren-Noah (Alaina), Mussie, Greta, Alena, Bennett, Corina and Grady; Brothers-Ledru (Sheri) and Lamonte (Val) and many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Henry County Supervisors Will Consider Landfill Usage Adjustments and Solar Moratorium Begins at July 31 Meeting

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, July 31st, 2025 at 10:31 am CDT

At their July 31, 2025, meeting, the Henry County Board of Supervisors tackled a wide-ranging agenda that included updates on landfill operations, changes to facility hours, designation of county voting representatives for ISAC, and a newly approved moratorium on commercial solar and battery energy storage development.

Landfill Usage Report and Hour Change Discussion

Lynn Whaley delivered the monthly landfill usage report, detailing tonnage and visitor numbers through July. While the number of users appears steady or slightly down, total landfill tonnage is up compared to previous years. Whaley attributed the increase—403.33 tons through July—to heavy rainfall, which has led to more water-heavy waste being compacted and hauled.

Recyclables accounted for 39.47 tons, while other materials such as scrap metal, tires, and CRTs were also tracked. A year-over-year comparison showed higher tonnage than in 2023 and 2024, despite similar or slightly lower foot traffic.

Whaley also proposed adjusting facility hours to reflect actual usage. He suggested shifting weekday hours from the current noon–6:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and possibly opening Saturdays earlier, around 7:30 a.m., to manage high-volume morning traffic.

Resolution 21-2025: ISAC Voting Representatives

The supervisors unanimously approved Resolution 21-2025, designating county voting representatives to the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC). The move ensures compliance with IRS requirements, as ISAC operates under 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and mandates formal designation of voting representatives.

Final Reading of Standard Penalty Ordinance

The board completed the third and final reading of the updated standard penalty ordinance, which includes a clarified section on FEMA penalties. No further changes were proposed. The ordinance was unanimously approved.

Resolution 22-2025: Moratorium on Commercial Solar and Battery Projects

The board also approved Resolution 22-2025, placing a 12-month moratorium on rezoning land for commercial solar and battery energy storage systems within unincorporated Henry County. The action is intended to give the county time to update its zoning ordinance and align regulations with ongoing revisions to the 2017 comprehensive plan.

Supervisors cited concerns over the impact of large-scale energy projects on infrastructure, the environment, and neighboring landowners. The moratorium pauses any new rezoning requests for alternative energy overlay districts until July 31, 2026, unless lifted earlier by board action.

During discussion, it was clarified that a reference to the comprehensive plan was removed from the final resolution text, but planning efforts involving public input will continue. A second work session on the issue is expected soon, and the moratorium ensures consistency as discussions evolve.

The meeting concluded with subcommittee updates and general board business. The next major item will involve revisiting the county’s wind energy moratorium in the coming weeks.