Author: Hayden Douglas

Julie Clubb and Teresa Hanshaw have been pillars of the Jefferson County 4-H program for decades, and now menbers of the Greater Jefferson County fair Hall of Fame.

Their journey began as members of the Country Daisies 4-H Club, co-led by their mother, Marilyn, which later merged with the Walnut Ridge Workers, led by their father, Dennis Thomes. As youth, they were involved in a variety of projects—rabbits, poultry, beef, sheep, visual arts, food & nutrition, woodworking, and more—while also serving on the 4-H Teen County Council.

4-H runs deep in their family. With multiple siblings, children, and now grandchildren involved, Julie and Teresa have carried the tradition forward by co-leading the Walnut Ridge Workers and Lockridge Clover Kids clubs for the past 16–17 years. Their families have stayed active in rabbit, poultry, beef, and static exhibits, among others.

For the past 4–5 years, the sisters have served as superintendents of the rabbit and poultry barn—affectionately known as “Denny’s Barn” in honor of their father. They’ve also become pullorum-certified to perform testing for local and state fairs and helped lead the effort to upgrade cages in the barns.

Julie and Teresa have always gone the extra mile—whether helping in the barns, mentoring young members, or volunteering in their community. Their advice to 4-H’ers: “Anything is possible. Put in the hard work, and be proud of stepping outside your comfort zone. Learning is growing.”

Their legacy of service, leadership, and family tradition continues to inspire Jefferson County youth and strengthen the 4-H community.

An Iowa City man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

O’Sean Horton, 29, received the 120-month sentence on June 26, 2025, following a conviction stemming from multiple incidents involving illegal firearms and drug-related activity. According to court records and evidence presented during sentencing, Horton was found in possession of two loaded pistols, a distribution quantity of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in December 2020. The items were recovered from two backpacks at his sister’s residence.

In a separate incident in May 2023, Horton was captured on surveillance video firing multiple gunshots at another individual in a Coralville apartment complex parking lot. Responding officers recovered several .40 caliber shell casings from the scene.

At the time of both incidents, Horton was on probation from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County after being convicted for failure to affix a drug tax stamp—an offense related to controlled substances.

In addition to his prison sentence, Horton will serve a three-year term of supervised release. Federal sentences do not allow for parole.

The case highlights ongoing federal efforts to curb gun violence and hold repeat offenders accountable for illegal firearm possession.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is asking for public feedback on a proposed bridge replacement project along Iowa 16 over Sugar Creek in Lee County. The project, scheduled to begin in the spring of 2028, aims to enhance safety and infrastructure in the area.

The plan includes removing and replacing the existing bridge structure, installing new guardrails, constructing slope protection beneath the bridge, and adding edge drains to improve drainage and stability. Construction is expected to be completed by the fall of 2028.

During the construction period, Iowa 16 will be closed to through traffic. A detour is being proposed that would reroute vehicles along U.S. 218/Iowa 27, County Road J40, and County Road W55. The detour is intended to maintain safe travel while allowing work crews full access to the project area.

Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to share their thoughts on the project, including concerns about the detour, environmental impacts, or access during construction.

To submit feedback or learn more about the proposed bridge replacement, visit the Iowa DOT website or contact the Office of Location and Environment.

Your input will help shape final decisions and ensure that local needs are considered as planning continues for this important infrastructure update.

Henry County residents are being asked to plant a little extra in their gardens this season—and share the bounty. The “Grow Another Row and Share With Others” initiative is now underway, offering several drop-off and pick-up locations across the county where community members can donate or collect fresh produce.

The campaign is designed to increase access to healthy fruits and vegetables by encouraging home gardeners to grow and give. Organized through Healthy Henry County Communities, the program provides a simple way for residents to support their neighbors and reduce food insecurity.

Organizers remind donors to call ahead to confirm hours and avoid leaving produce if staff are not available. When picking up produce, recipients are encouraged to take only what they need and to wash all items before eating.

The effort not only provides nutritious options to families in need but also fosters a spirit of community and generosity. As the flyer notes: “Help more people have access to fresh fruits and vegetables by planting a little extra to share!”

For more information, visit HealthyHenryCounty.org or follow them on Facebook.

Donation and Pick-Up Locations:

Mount Pleasant:

• Community Action Food Pantry – 1303 W. Washington St. | 319-385-2310
• Mt. Pleasant Public Library – 307 E. Monroe St. | 319-385-1490
• The Fellowship Cup Food Pantry – 203 N. Jefferson St. | 319-385-3242
  (Note: Fellowship Cup prefers produce donations on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

New London:

• H.J. Nugen Public Library – 103 E. Main St. | 319-367-7704
• Tiger Food Pantry – 106 W. Wilson St. | 319-367-0512

Salem:

• Salem Community Center – 201 S. Main St. | 319-258-4111

Wayland/Crawfordsville:

• WACO Community Food Pantry – 105 N. Chestnut St., Crawfordsville | 319-461-0532
• Wayland City Hall – 218 W. Main St. | 319-256-3276

Winfield:

• Winfield City Hall – 115 N. Locust St. | 319-257-6661
• Winfield Food Pantry – 107 E. Elm St.

The 2025 Greater Jefferson County Fair is officially underway, and this year’s fair royalty has been crowned! The 2025 Greater Jefferson County Fair Queen, Nicole Robb, and our 2025 Little Miss, Vivian Miller. Nicole is the daughter of Sara and Andrew Robb, and Vivian is the daughter of Heather and Steve Miller.

Both girls shined during the coronation ceremony, showcasing confidence, poise, and pride in representing Jefferson County. Their presence throughout the fair will help celebrate the spirit of community, agriculture, and youth leadership.

Congratulations to Nicole and Vivian on a job well done! We look forward to seeing both of you at events throughout the fair week—whether it’s handing out ribbons, attending livestock shows, or cheering on fellow 4-Hers and fairgoers. Be sure to say hello when you see them around the fairgrounds!

Mount Pleasant, Iowa – The Mount Pleasant City Council held its regular meeting this week, covering a full agenda that included road work approvals, ordinance readings, and updates to city policies in response to community concerns.

Street Projects Move Forward

The council approved several infrastructure projects, including concrete patchwork in the 800 block of East Mapleleaf Drive and intersection improvements at the intersection of South Mount Pleasant Street and East Mapleleaf Drive. The contract for the patchwork came in at $12,000, while another project, awarded to Wesley Barton Construction, will address work on Harvest Drive for $26,056.

A major collaboration between the City of Mount Pleasant and Henry County was also approved. The agreement pertains to a road improvement project on Avenue D, between North Broadway and North Grand Avenue. The council unanimously supported the resolution.

The council held first readings of three ordinance amendments:

1. Pearl Street No Parking Ordinance – Prohibits parking along Pearl Street from North Main to North Adams. This aims to facilitate access for crews and electric vehicles while minimizing disruption to residents and businesses in that area.
2. Stop Sign Installation – The first reading as held for a new four-way stop at the intersection of South Harvest Drive and South Walnut Street. This change stems from concerns raised by the Street Committee regarding speeding and safety.
3. Speed Limit Adjustment – An ordinance reducing the speed limit on South Walnut Street, from Harvest Drive to the city limits, to 35 miles per hour was also introduced. The council cited both safety and dust control as reasons for the proposed change.

Each ordinance passed its first reading and will be brought back for additional readings before final approval.

Zoning Ordinance and ACLU Letter

In response to a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the council approved a resolution setting a public hearing to consider changes chapter 19.38 of the city’s Limited Industrial District zoning regulations. The proposed changes will address language concerns raised by the ACLU and the city’s legal team.

Community Baby Shower on Sunday, July 7th at 5:30 PM at the Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant.

This free event celebrates the arrival of little ones while providing valuable resources and information to support early parenthood. A meal will be provided for attendees, and the first 20 people to register will receive a diaper bag filled with baby essentials. Additionally, all registrants will be entered into a drawing to win a car seat or a pack-n-play.

The event will feature a variety of presentations on crucial topics including:

• Perinatal Depression
• Car Seat Safety
• Breastfeeding
• Unexplainable Crying
• Safe Sleep
• Parent Support and Home Visiting Programs
• WIC Services
• Choosing a Child Care Provider

To participate, parents must register by July 3^rd. For those needing help registering or who have questions, Arin Jones is available via email at arinj@iastate.edu.

This event offers a welcoming space for new parents to connect, learn, and feel supported as they begin or continue their parenting journey.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa — Area residents are invited to participate in a community-wide conversation about cancer in Henry County during a special presentation and open discussion hosted by the Iowa Cancer Registry.

The Henry County Cancer Presentation and Discussion will take place on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Henry County Emergency Management Office, 900 W. Washington Street, Mt. Pleasant, with a virtual attendance option available through registration.

The event is part of the Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project, a statewide initiative aimed at delivering local cancer data and enhancing public engagement around cancer prevention and control efforts.

Iowa Cancer Registry staff will share county-specific findings, including cancer incidence and key risk factors, followed by a community discussion. The goal is to listen to local concerns, gather feedback, and explore policy and behavioral changes that could reduce cancer risk and improve health outcomes in Henry County.

The meeting is free and open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend in person or online. A portion of the session will be reserved for audience questions and comments, allowing community members to share their experiences and ideas directly with the project team.

For those attending virtually, a meeting link will be provided via email upon registration.

To learn more about the 99 Counties Project or to register for the Henry County event, visit the Iowa Cancer Registry website register