Pauline Mae Wyse

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at 6:54 am CDT

Pauline Mae Wyse, 95 of Wayland, died Monday, January 12, 2026, at Parkview Home in Wayland.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Sugar Creek Mennonite Church, with Pastor Pam Unruh officiating. Burial will be at the Sugar Creek Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Sugar Creek Mennonite Church. Beatty Funeral Home in Wayland is assisting with arrangements. A memorial has been established to Sugar Creek Cemetery and Crooked Creek Christian Camp.

Pauline was born May 09, 1930, in Wayland, Iowa, the daughter of Elon M. Boshart and Eldora M. (Wyse) Boshart in rural Henry County. She was baptized on October 17, 1943, at Sugar Creek Church. She was a faithful member until death. She graduated from Wayland High School in 1948 and attended the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, Iowa. She worked at Spahn & Rose until she married Eldon Wyse on October 29, 1950, near Wayland, Iowa. She helped Eldon on the farm, where they raised hogs, turkeys, planted corn and beans, and a few sheep here and there.

Pauline was a lifetime member of Sugar Creek Mennonite Church, where she taught Sunday School, was a youth group sponsor, and served with Eldon for 21 years as CROP representative. After Pauline and Eldon retired, she stayed active with sewing and Mennonite Women. They enjoyed traveling and spending part of the winter in Phoenix.

Survivors include son Mike (Jeanie) Wyse, daughter Pam (Myron) Hoylman, Grandsons Nathan (Rebecca) Wyse, and Nicholas Wyse. Granddaughter, Jordyn Wyse. Sister –in –law Eldora Boshart, Nephew Mark (Linda) Boshart, niece Jan (Randy) Shelman, Great granddaughter Betty, and many nieces and nephews.

Pauline is preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, and Brother Don Boshart, and nephew, Gale Boshart.

Charles Edward Bird

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at 6:50 am CDT

Charles Edward Bird, 52, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026 at his home.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2026 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Douds. Memorials may be made to Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation.

Charles was born January 17, 1973 in Fairfield, the son of Charles Ernest Bird and Mary Cravens. He married Trudy Rusch. They later divorced.

Charles worked in lawn care and landscaping and as a bicycle mechanic. He enjoyed fishing, jamming out to his music, and spending time with people, having a good laugh and a smile. He loved his dog, patches.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Katherin Bird of Mt. Pleasant, Cassandra Bird of Columbus City, Iowa, Clayton Garrison of Fairfield, and Lucia Kuster; siblings, James Cravens, Emma (Ronnie) Welcher, Julie Garrison, Ronald Bird, Tammy Martinez, and Elsworth Cook.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marie Rambo; and brother-in-law, Brad Garrison.

Henry County Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda for Thursday, January 15, 2026

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at 6:22 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors will meet Thursday morning, January 15th, at 9:00 a.m. at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant.

Supervisors will begin with approval of the agenda and minutes, followed by a weekly update from County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss. The board will also consider a contract with Calhoun-Burns and Associates for bridge inspections.

Planning and Zoning Administrator Joe Buffington will present items including a construction evaluation resolution and discussion on compensation related to 911 salaries.

The board will also vote on appointing Gloria Fear to the Henry County Board of Health for a three-year term running through the end of 2028, along with additional board appointments.

The meeting will conclude with discussion on agenda formatting and supervisors’ subcommittee updates. The meeting is open to the public.

View the full agenda here.

 

MPCSD Board Meeting Student Spotlight: MPHS Culinary Arts Program

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at 6:16 am CDT

Culinary arts students took center stage at the January 12th Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education meeting during a Student Spotlight presentation.

The spotlight featured students from the high school’s culinary arts program, led by Family and Consumer Science teacher Nichole Hummell.

Senior Zoey Johnson, a Culinary III student, shared that one of her favorite activities was the “create your own restaurant” project. She also spoke about the culinary arts students efforts to recognize teachers and staff at the school on their birthdays, special holidays, and even providing and preparing the meal for events such as the Veteran’s Day Breakfast held at the high school in November.

Alexis Hellweg spoke about her experience providing table service for the P.E.O. Henry County Fall Dinner.

Bella Tedrow, a Culinary II student, talked about being part of the team that earned third place at the Indian Hills Iron Chef Competition.

Ava Comayagna highlighted the gingerbread house competition that was held as she was a member of the team that earned first place bragging rights.

The students also brought samples of their work to the meeting, including Oreo cheesecake chocolate cookies and Oreo cupcakes, giving board members a taste of the skills being developed in the district’s culinary arts program.

Mount Pleasant City Council Meeting Agenda for Wednesday, January 14, 2026

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 at 3:20 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in regular session Wednesday evening at City Hall.

The meeting is scheduled for January 14th at 5:30 p.m. in the second-floor council chambers at City Hall on East Monroe Street. The council will begin with routine business, including approval of minutes, payment of bills, and monthly financial transfers.

Under old business, council members will hold second readings on proposed ordinance changes related to animals, nuisances, and miscellaneous offenses. The council will also consider setting regular meeting dates and times, approving committee assignments, naming a mayor pro tem, and designating the city’s official publication for public notices.

Several alcohol license renewals are also on the agenda, including renewals for Walmart and Dollar General.

New business items include resolutions related to city property matters, the hiring of a public works maintenance worker, airport construction change orders, and approval of an agreement with Air Advantage for airport management services. The council will consider multiple mayoral appointments to city boards and commissions, including the Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, and Human Rights Commission.

The meeting will conclude with a public forum, followed by adjournment. The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for January 28th at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

View the full agenda for the 1/14/26 meeting here.

Guerdon Hugh Lee

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 at 3:07 pm CDT

Guerdon Hugh Lee, 94, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026 at Park Place in Mt. Pleasant.

Graveside services will be held at a later date at Lockridge Cemetery. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is caring for Guerdon and his family.

Guerdon was born May 24, 1931 in Keokuk, the son of Harry and Mildred (Tweedy) Lee. He was a graduate of Lockridge High School in 1948, and later joined the Marine Corps in 1949 serving for four years, two of which during the Korean War.

Guerdon was united in marriage to Juanita Bentzinger, October 21, 1955. She preceded him in death April 27, 2024.

Guerdon worked for Western Electric and Bell Telephone until 1968, when he engaged in full-time farming in rural Libertyville. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, throwing horseshoes, and was a master woodworker.

Those left to honor his memory include his sons, Michael (Deborah) Lee of Lockridge and Mark (Lisa) Lee of New River, Arizona; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; sister, Marilyn (Jim) Sheets of Ames; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Margaret Millard and Linda Lunsford.

Memorials may be made to the Lockridge Fire Department and cards may be sent to Mike Lee at 2974-220th St. Lockridge, Iowa 52635.

Burlington’s Summer Street – Dankwardt Park Connector Trail Project Receives Iowa DOT Funds

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 at 2:56 pm CDT

The Iowa Transportation Commission has approved new transportation funding that includes a major project in Burlington.

The Iowa Transportation Commission announced Tuesday it has awarded more than 5.3 million dollars statewide through the Transportation Alternatives Set-aside Program, which supports multi-modal transportation, trail connections, and safety projects.

Among the projects funded is the Summer Street–Dankwardt Park Connector Trail in Burlington, which received a $750,000 award. The project is designed to improve trail connectivity and provide safer, non-motorized transportation options linking neighborhoods to Dankwardt Park.

The Transportation Alternatives Set-aside Program funds projects with statewide or regional impact, including trail expansions, tourism enhancements, and safe routes to school. Cities, counties, school districts, and other eligible organizations apply through an annual competitive process.

State officials say the program helps expand Iowa’s transportation network beyond roadways, while improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists across the state.

Walking Track at MPCSD’s Central Campus Open for Public Use

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 at 6:43 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community School District has opened its indoor walking track at Central Campus to public use.

The walking track is available Monday through Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 a.m., September through the end of May. Access is limited to the indoor track only, with entry through the southeast door of the building.

Adults age 18 and older must complete an application, pass a background check, and pay a $25.00 annual fee to receive a key/fob for access. District officials say keys are for individual use only and access is limited to designated hours and areas.

Additional rules and application details are available through the Mount Pleasant Community School District. You can download and print the application here or visit the district office for a copy of the application and to pay your $25.00 fee.