Lee County Sheriff’s Office Recognizes Outstanding Service, Bravery at Annual Awards

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at 6:57 am CDT

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office recently recognized several employees for exceptional service during its annual awards ceremony.

Correctional Officer Amber Lucas was named Correctional Officer of the Year. The Sheriff’s Office says Lucas was selected for her professionalism, reliability, sound judgment, and willingness to take on additional responsibilities to support her coworkers and the mission of the facility.

Deputy Connor Marlin received the Deputy of the Year award. Over the past year, Marlin made 33 arrests, issued more than 160 citations, and completed over 160 civil papers. He was also recognized for volunteering at community events and maintaining a professional and positive presence with the public. Marlin is expected to receive the department’s second K-9 in 2026.

The Supervisor of the Year honor went to Captain Matt Van Berkum, who was recognized for overhauling the agency’s firearms training program and for his leadership on the Special Response Team. Officials say Van Berkum leads by example and consistently prioritizes the well-being and development of his deputies.

Two deputies were also recognized with a Sheriff’s Commendation for Bravery. Deputies Bryson Hennigar and Colin Crenshaw were honored for their actions during a crash response in October of 2025. The pair rescued a trapped individual from an unstable vehicle that was at risk of falling down an embankment, putting their own safety at risk to prevent a potential tragedy.

Sheriff’s officials say the awards highlight the dedication, professionalism, and courage shown by members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in service to the community. Congratulations to those honored!

Henry County Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda for Thursday, January 22, 2026

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at 6:52 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors will meet Thursday morning to review budgets, hear departmental updates, and consider action on several county operations items.

The meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Thursday morning, January 22, 2026 at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant.
Supervisors will begin with routine business, including approval of meeting minutes from January 15, 2026 and authorization of financial claims for payment.

Unfinished business includes continued departmental budget reviews and an update on the Friends of Oakland Mills contract.

New business will feature reports from several county departments. County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss will present a motion to approve dust control dates and fees for secondary roads. Updates are also scheduled from Planning and Zoning – Joe Buffington, Information Technology – Gunner Sloan, and Human Resources – Paul Greufe.

Committee updates will include a report on safety-related expenses.

Other items on the agenda include a WEMIGA report on e-waste disposal totals for 2025, reassignment of employee and building alarm code duties, discussion of noxious weed responsibilities, and reminders regarding internal contact information.

The meeting will include time for public comment, with speakers asked to limit remarks to three minutes.

The meeting is open to the public. View the full agenda here.

City of Wayland Meeting Scheduled Wednesday, January 21, 2026 – Agenda Posted

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at 6:44 am CDT

The Wayland City Council will address several administrative and policy items at its meeting tonight at 7:30 at Wayland City Hall, 218 West Main Street in Wayland.

Council members are scheduled to begin with approval of routine business, including minutes from the January seventh meeting, bills for payment, and certificate of deposit renewals.

The meeting will include a citizen forum, giving residents the opportunity to address the mayor and council on items not listed on the agenda. Public comments are welcome, though no formal action will be taken during that portion of the meeting.

Under unfinished business, the council will consider a resolution approving an agreement with the Wayland Area Childcare Organization.

New business items include adoption of a revised 2026 operations and maintenance plan, which includes updated emergency procedures. Council members will discuss modifying city staff office hours to Monday-Friday 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 12-4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Closed Wednesday after 11:30 a.m. They will also consider approval of a cash payment policy.

The meeting will conclude following council discussion and action on agenda items. This meeting is open to the public. View the full agenda here.

Shelia Dianna Pate

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 3:58 pm CDT

Shelia Dianna Pate, 70, of Mount Pleasant, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at her home.

Shelia was born on January 14, 1956, in Birmingham, Alabama, the daughter of Verne Clark. She spent her early childhood years in Lakeland, Florida. Shelia worked at various places, including cooking at different truck stops and was a mail carrier. Shelia was united in marriage to James A. Bryant. From this union her two sons were born, James and Sean. She was married for twenty-three years before his death in October of 2015. She worked for Drs. King and Hart in Fairfield and Mount Pleasant. Shelia later moved back to Lakeland, Florida, where she married Julius Pate. Following his death she returned to Mount Pleasant.

Shelia enjoyed going on airplane rides, making jewelry, but most of all spending time with her family.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her sons, Sean Bryant and James Bryant, both of Mount Pleasant, her three grandchildren, Corey, Trinity and Jayden, and one great grandchild, Cora.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands and one brother, Eddie.

According to Shelia’s wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant and no services are planned.

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

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Shelia Pate.

Connie Sue Peterman

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 3:54 pm CDT

Connie Sue Peterman, 83, of New Boston, Iowa, passed away at 2:41 a.m. Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.

She was born on May 21, 1942, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Edwin and Mary (Walker) Bonham.

Survivors include her children: Kelly (Jeff) Fett of Donnellson, Iowa, Tony Peterman of Ewing, New Jersey, Penny (Todd) Vandenberg of Ankeny, Iowa; grandchildren: Zachary, Justin and Connor (Makaylee) Fett; Hunter (Anna), Lexi (Greg), Chance (Giana), Preston (Erica) and Quentin Vandenberg; ten great grandchildren; two sisters: Kim Bonham and Tammy Yaley. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter: Polly Peterman; sister: Sharon Mosbarger and brother: Steve Bonham.

Connie was a graduate of Fort Madison High School. She retired from Sheller Globe. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Donnellson. Connie enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers and her dog “Pooder Bear”. She also enjoyed trips to Branson with her family to visit her sister.

Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Homes for cremation.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Donnellson with Pastor Tony Keefe officiating.

A memorial has been established in her memory for St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.

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

Annie’s Project Farm Business Management Course Begins January 31, 2026

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 10:53 am CDT

Women involved in agriculture in Louisa and Washington Counties are invited to participate in “Annie’s Project,” a six session farm business management course designed to help women make informed, confident decisions for their farm operations.
The course will run from January 31 – February 12, 2026, with the first session held Saturday, January 31 at 9:00 a.m.

Annie’s Project focuses on the whole farm business, offering practical education in financial management, human resources, legal considerations, marketing strategies, production decision tools, crop insurance, USDA programs, and farmland leasing.

Sessions will be held at two locations. Classes on January 31 and February 3 will take place at the Conservation Education Center at Marr Park, located at 2943 Highway 92 in Ainsworth. Sessions on February 6, 10, and 12 will be held at the Youth Center at the Louisa County Fairgrounds, located at 101 Fairground Road in Columbus Junction.

Each session includes a meal, and participants can receive a discounted registration rate by using the code louisawashington when registering.

For more information or questions about the program, contact Adair Lents at 319-523-2371.

Legislative Forum Dates Set for Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce in February and March

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 7:47 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce will host two upcoming legislative forums giving local residents and business leaders a chance to hear directly from state lawmakers and ask questions about issues affecting the community.

The forums will feature State Representatives Taylor Collins and Jeff Shipley, along with State Senators Adrian Dickey and Mark Lofgren. The events are hosted by the Chamber’s Government Relations Committee.

Both forums will be held at the Union Block building, 111 West Monroe Street, on the 3rd floor:

  • Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
  • Friday, March 20, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

All Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce members are invited to attend. The forums are a benefit of Chamber membership and are designed to encourage open dialogue between elected officials and the local business community.

Henry County Public Health Reminds You of the “3 Cs” of Flu Prevention

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 7:30 am CDT

Henry County Public Health is reminding residents to take simple steps to stay healthy as flu season continues,  sharing guidance from Iowa Health and Human Services focused on the “3 Cs” of flu prevention:

  • Cover your cough
  • Clean your hands
  • Contain germs by staying home when sick

Officials encourage using a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing, washing hands often with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, and limiting the spread of illness by avoiding contact with others when symptoms are present.

In addition to prevention reminders, Henry County Public Health hosts immunization clinics Tuesdays 9–11 am, Wednesdays & Thursdays 1–4 pm, and 1st & 3rd Thursdays 1–6 pm at 106 North Jackson Street in Mount Pleasant. No appointment necessary. Residents are asked to bring their insurance card if they have one, but vaccines are also available for uninsured or underinsured individuals.

Anyone with questions about the clinic or available vaccines can call Henry County Public Health at 319-385-0779.