Greater Jefferson County Fair Horse and Communication Event Winners

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 at 7:44 pm CDT

FAIRFIELD, Iowa — The  Greater Jefferson County Fair continues to shine as a platform for youth talent and hard work. From horse arenas to public speaking stages and fashion runways, Jefferson County’s 4-H and FFA members demonstrated excellence across a variety of disciplines.

Halter Classes

  • Pony Mares (35-56 inches): Wayne Wiley of Future Leaders took 1st place with entry #711.
  • Pony Gelding (35-56 inches): Canaan Freeman  earned 1st place with entry #87.
  • Mares 8 Years and Above (Quarter Horse or Stock Type): Brooklyn Headley of Des Moines Ramblers secured the top spot with entry #646.
  • All Other Breeds: Peyton Freeman claimed 1st with entry #750.

Horse Showmanship

  • Senior Showmanship: John Miller of Future Leaders won 1st place with entry #1223.
  • Intermediate Showmanship: Brooklyn Headley impressed judges again with entry #647.
  • Junior Showmanship: Gabriella Diers from Walnut Ridge Workers earned 1st place with entry #1253.

Performance Division

  • Driving – Pony Class: Peyton Freeman took 1st with entry #755.
  • Trail – Intermediate: Peyton Freeman placed 1st again with entry #756.
  • Trail – Junior: Gabriella Diers showed well with a 1st place finish using entry #1248.

Pleasure & Equitation

  • Walk, Trot Pony Class: Peyton Freeman led the class with entry #752.
  • Walk, Trot Horse Class: Kate Miller (Future Leaders) topped the class with entry #1212.
  • Pony Pleasure (English or Western): Peyton Freeman placed 1st with entry #753.
  • Western Pleasure: John Miller earned top honors with entry #1225.
  • Ranch Horse Western Pleasure: Kate Miller took 1st place with entry #1213.
  • Ranch Riding: Kate Miller won again with entry #1214.
  • Horsemanship – Senior: John Miller topped the division with entry #1226.
  • Horsemanship – Junior: Gabriella Diers won with entry #1246.

Speed Division

  • Pole Bending (Trot): Gabriella Diers raced to 1st with entry #1249.
  • Pole Bending: Kate Miller captured 1st with entry #1217.
  • Barrels (Trot): Gabriella Diers claimed another win with entry #1250.
  • Barrels: Kate Miller rounded the barrels fastest with entry #1218.
  • Plug Race: Kate Miller also took 1st in this event with entry #1219.
  • Flag Race: Kate Miller capped off a successful fair by winning 1st place with entry #1220.

Communication & Clothing Events

Outside the show ring, Jefferson County youth also impressed judges in communication and fashion-based events:

Educational Presentations

  • Audrey Bailey (Ceniteers)
  • Joey Roop (Packwood Trojans)
  • Jordan Miller (Leading Hands)
  • Mareyn Dunkin and Kinzley Dunkin (Future Leaders)
  • Anna Hall and Brooklyn Ledger (Packwood Trojans)

All received blue ribbons for their informative and well-delivered presentations.

Working Exhibits

  • Anna Hall (Packwood Trojans) earned a blue ribbon for her hands-on demonstration in this interactive event.

Clothing Events

  • $20 Challenge: Emma Cass, Avery Wendland (Leading Hands), and Joseph Lanman (Packwood Trojans) all succeeded in styling fashionable, budget-conscious outfits, each earning blue ribbons.
  • Clothing Selection: Ivy Mitchell (Packwood Trojans), Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers), and Ruby Diers earned top marks and blue ribbons for their clothing choices and presentations.

Stephen John “Steve” Wenke

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 at 2:05 pm CDT

Stephen John “Steve” Wenke, 69 of Bonaparte, Iowa, passed away at 9:36 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the Select Specialty Hospital in Davenport, Iowa.

He was born on January 6, 1956, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Ferdinand Joseph and Lois Mary (Anderson) Wenke. He married Carol Severson, they later divorced.

Survivors include his daughter Amber Wenke (Josh) of Farmington, Iowa; two sons: Victor (Brandii) Wenke of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Shane Severson; grandchildren: Konner, Mattisyn, Arabella, Tytin, Layla, Berkley; siblings: Susan (Gary) Spencer of Fort Madison, Iowa, Sam (Rita) Wenke of Bonaparte, Iowa, Cynthia (Rick) Eden of Bonaparte, Iowa and Sarah Wenke of Ottumwa, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Steve was a graduate of Harmony High School. He farmed and retired from Riverside Plastics in Bonaparte. He enjoyed farming, canoeing and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren.

A visitation with family receiving friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington.

Following the visitation, a celebration of life will be held in the basement of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Farmington.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Judy M. Ham

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 at 9:57 am CDT

Judy M. Ham passed away Monday, June 23, 2025. She was 66 years of age.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. A time to gather with friends and family to share stories and memories will follow the service until 3:00 p.m. Judy’s family asks for any donations in her memory to be made to the Lord’s Cupboard of Jefferson County in lieu of sending flowers.

Judy was born September 27, 1958 to Leonard and Betty Grieser. The middle of 5 children, Judy grew up surrounded by loud siblings and quiet cornfields. She graduated from Waco High School in 1977 and then spent a year as a foreign exchange student in Belgium. She returned to the states to start her college education at Hesston College, finishing at the University of Iowa with a degree in theatre.

Life took Judy on many adventures, including her time as a cross-country trucker, a disc jockey for KCCI in Washington, and as a dispatcher for the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. She met her husband, Ray, while working for the sheriff’s department and often joked that they met in jail. They were joined in marriage on June 2, 1989. Ray picked that date specifically because it is his birthday and he didn’t want to chance forgetting their anniversary.

Once married, Judy settled in Fairfield with Ray and they welcomed their daughter, Aissa. Judy filled her spare time by working as a parish assistant at First Lutheran Church, participating in and teaching bible studies, and a part-time job at the local Christian bookstore. It was through the bookstore that she met Greg and Julie Crawford and was invited to be one of the teachers at their bible school. She taught at the Jubilee Ministry School from its beginning until its last in Fairfield.

Judy was also passionate about helping her community in any way she could. This eventually led to her running for Fairfield City Council. She was in her second term at the time of her passing.

Judy is survived by her husband, Ray Ham; step-son, TJ (Lisa) Ham; daughter, Aissa (Jacob) Jones; granddaughters, Madison and Jaelen; grandsons, Ronan, Callon, Judah, Abel, Connar, and Asher; her mother, Betty Grieser; sisters, Twila Grieser, Ranee (Mick) Reschly, Jalaine (Paul) Fishell; brother, Doyle (Barb) Grieser; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Leonard; and her nephew, Justin.

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

Vandalism Reported at Madison Apartments in Fort Madison

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 at 9:12 am CDT

The Fort Madison Police Department responded to a report of vandalism Monday night, June 23, at the Madison Apartments, located at 3421-128 Avenue North. The call was received at 9:42 p.m. and logged under case number 25-019671.

According to the responding officer, “There was minor damage to the picnic tables on the east side of the pickleball courts and on one electrical box on the north side of the pickleball courts where someone wrote a profane word.”

In response to the incident, the officer stated that extra patrols will be conducted in the area to help reduce and prevent further vandalism. Security cameras have also been installed near the courts to monitor activity and support future investigations.

This was the only vandalism incident reported in Fort Madison between June 23 and June 24, per the department’s daily press log. Residents with any information are encouraged to contact the Fort Madison Police Department.

Illinois Man Arrested in Lee County for Second OWI, Reckless Driving, and Open Container Violation

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 at 8:32 am CDT

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 73-year-old Illinois man Tuesday evening on multiple driving-related offenses, including his second Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charge.

At approximately 6:14 p.m. on June 24, deputies conducted a traffic stop near mile marker 1 on northbound Iowa Highway 27, just outside of Keokuk. The driver, identified as John Thomas Vance, of Warsaw, Illinois, was taken into custody following the stop.

According to arrest records, Vance faces the following charges:

  • OWI – 2nd Offense, a serious misdemeanor under Iowa Code 321J.2(2)(b)

  • Reckless Driving, Iowa Code 321.277

  • Open Container – Driver Over 21, Iowa Code 321.284

  • Driving on the Wrong Side of a Two-Way Highway, Iowa Code 321.297

Authorities noted that Vance was allegedly operating his vehicle on the incorrect side of the highway and was found to have an open alcoholic beverage container in the driver’s area. Further investigation led to the OWI charge, marking it as his second offense.

Vance was transported to the Lee County Jail, where he was held following the arrest. The incident remains under investigation by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

No injuries were reported in connection with the traffic stop.

240th Street to Close Thursday for Tile Repairs in Des Moines County

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 at 8:02 am CDT

The Des Moines County Engineer’s Office has announced a temporary road closure set for Thursday, June 26th, 2025, to allow for essential tile repairs.

According to County Engineer Brian J. Carter, P.E. & P.L.S., 240th Street between 140th Avenue and U.S. Highway 61 will be closed from 5:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., weather permitting.

The closure is necessary to complete underground tile work aimed at improving roadway conditions and drainage in the area.

Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes during the work period. The County Engineer’s Office thanks the public for their understanding and patience during the temporary disruption.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience this causes,” said Carter. “We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to improve the roads throughout Des Moines County.”

Mount Pleasant City Council Regular Session on Wednesday, June 25 5:30 p.m.

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at 3:00 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in Regular Session on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at City Hall, 307 E. Monroe Street, second-floor meeting room at 5:30 p.m.

 

A G E N D A

  1. Roll Call.

 

  1. Consent Agenda: To the Public – All items with an asterisk (*) are routine

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.

  1. Receive & file communications.

 

  1. Approve agenda.

 

*5.  Approve minutes of previous meetings.

 

*6.  Approve payment of bills.

 

*7.  Receive report of Officers.

 

  1. Old Business-

 

*             a)   Renewal of a Class C Retail Alcohol License with outdoor service for Henry County Fair located at 405 East Threshers Road.

 

*             b)   Renewal of a Class E Retail Alcohol License for Mount Pleasant BP located at 2120 East Washington Street.

 

*             c)   Renewal application for a cigarette/tobacco permit for Steam Demons located at 215 West Washington Street.

 

*             d)   Renewal application for a tobacco device retailer license for Iowa Wine & Spirits located at 109 South Jefferson Street.

 

*             e)   Renewal application for a tobacco device retailer license for Greenleaf Tobacco & Vape located at 901 North Grand Avenue, Suite 102.

 

  1. New Business-

 

  1. 1st reading of Ordinance amending Chapter 12, Section 12-32 (Parking Regulations) of the City Code of Ordinances prohibiting parking on Pearl Street from North Main Street to North Adams Street.

Page 2 of 2

 

  1. 1st reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 12, Section 12-6 (Stop Intersections) of the City Code of Ordinances for Harvest Drive and South Walnut Street.

 

  1. 1st reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 12 Section 12-4 (Speed Limits) of the City Code of Ordinances to decrease speed to 35 mph on South Walnut Street from Harvest Drive south to city corporate limits.

 

  1. Authorize the Mayor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the City, Henry County and Henry County Secondary Roads for the project on Winfield Avenue between North Broadway and North Grand Avenue.

 

  1. Resolution Canceling Special Assessment RE: “Mowing”.

 

  1. Approve concrete patch work for Beaver Drive (Pizza Hut).

 

  1. Approve concrete patch work for 800 block of East Mapleleaf Drive.

 

  1. Approve concrete patch work for South Grand Avenue Intersection.

 

  1. Resolution setting a Public Hearing for comment on changes to appendix D-Zoning, Chapter 19.38 (M-1 Limited Industrial District Regulations) of the Mount Pleasant, Iowa Code of Ordinances.

 

  1. Approve the renewal of the contract with Johnson Controls to service the Library/Civic Center HVAC system.

 

  1. Public Forum.

 

11.     Adjourn to meet in regular session on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m

Andrew Walter “Andy” Heins

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at 1:27 pm CDT

Andrew Walter “Andy” Heins, 32, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away Saturday evening, June 21, 2025, near Wever, Iowa, following a boating accident.

He was born on June 30, 1992, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Glen Fredrick and Karen (Durand) Heins. On July 8, 2017, he married Abbie Barnett in Keokuk, Iowa. They later divorced.

He is survived by his two sons: Aaron Heins, Abraham Heins; parents: Karen Durand of Dallas City, Illinois, Fred Heins of Donnellson, Iowa; brother: Dylan Heins of Donnellson, Iowa and grandfather: Bob Durand of Dallas City, Illinois. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandmothers: Kathy VanHyning, Norma Heins; grandfather: Glen Heins and two cousins: Amy and Amanda.

Andy was a 2010 graduate of Central Lee High School. He worked at Siemens in Fort Madison. He enjoyed fishing, anything mechanical, shooting guns and most of all, spending time with his sons.

A visitation with the family receiving friends will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

A private family burial will be held at a later date at Charleston Cemetery, Charleston, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in his memory for his children’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.