Author: Kadie Johannson

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a fish kill near Houghton in Lee County following a reported pesticide rinsate spill. According to the DNR, the agency’s Washington Field Office was notified on Thursday, June 25 of a possible spill near the ChemGro facility in Houghton.

Officials say the rinsate, a diluted mixture of pesticide used during the cleaning of storage tanks or spray equipment, contained an ammonia-based cleaning agent. Investigators determined the material was discharged onto the ground at the co-op before entering a storm drain that flows into a rural creek south of Houghton.

The drainage eventually connects with larger streams. Co-op staff were instructed to flush the drainageway and pump water from the affected area while DNR personnel collected water samples. Investigators reported the creek water appeared white in color and had a noticeable ammonia odor.

When DNR staff returned to the site the following day, they found numerous dead fish, primarily minnows and bullheads, along about three miles of the creek between 130th Street and 140th Street downstream from the spill.

Preliminary field tests detected elevated ammonia levels in the water. Additional samples have been collected for laboratory analysis, including tests for ammonia, biological oxygen demand, and pesticides or herbicides.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the DNR says it will determine whether enforcement action is warranted once the investigation is complete.

To report a release after hours, please call the DNR’s emergency spill line at (515) 725-8694. Quick reporting can help DNR staff identify the cause of an incident. The DNR website has more information about spill reporting requirements.

With nearly $87 million in permitted construction value in just a year and a half, Mount Pleasant is experiencing one of its strongest periods of investment and development in recent history, according to information shared during last week’s Mount Pleasant City Council meeting.

Some of the largest investments include Continental’s expansion and the interior expansion of the Walmart Distribution Center, representing tens of millions of dollars in commercial investment and long-term confidence in the community.

Growth isn’t limited to large employers. Local entrepreneurs are also investing in Mount Pleasant’s future. Matt and Mackenzie Barton, along with Ryan Barton of Jim Barton Construction, recently opened Bark BLVD, a luxury dog daycare and boarding facility. Meanwhile, Jeff Fedler is constructing a second Pep Stop Car Wash on the east side of Mount Pleasant near the new Henry County animal shelter, All God’s Creatures.

National businesses are taking notice as well. Sonic broke ground earlier this year with plans to be operational before the end of summer, while both Jimmy John’s and Jersey Mike’s Subs opened locations in Mount Pleasant within the past year or two.

Mayor Steve Brimhall says businesses are choosing Mount Pleasant because of the community’s strong workforce, quality of life and central location. He says housing remains one of the city’s biggest challenges, but officials continue working on solutions to support future growth.

City officials say the recent surge in building permits reflects continued confidence in Mount Pleasant’s economy and business climate. While the current numbers are driven by several major commercial projects, leaders say additional business development and new housing opportunities are already in the planning stages.

With nearly $87 million invested in industrial, commercial and residential construction in just a year and a half, Mount Pleasant is experiencing one of its strongest periods of development in recent history.

The Midwest Old Threshers Reunion is looking for volunteers to help make this year’s event a success, and organizers are encouraging community members to get involved leading up to and during the five-day celebration, September 3 through 7.

One of the biggest needs is for tractor drivers to operate the popular ground trains that transport visitors around the reunion grounds. Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older and enjoy driving. The ground trains are one of the most popular services during the reunion, helping thousands of guests travel across the expansive grounds each year.

In addition to tractor drivers, Old Threshers is also seeking volunteer gate workers and ground train workers to assist with collecting tickets and admission fees.

The annual Midwest Old Threshers Reunion welcomes visitors from across the country and relies on hundreds of volunteers to keep the event running smoothly. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a tractor or greeting guests at the gate, volunteering is a great way to be part of one of southeast Iowa’s largest annual events.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call the Midwest Old Threshers office at 319-385-8937 or 319-931-3768 for more information or to sign up.

The 76th Annual Midwest Old Threshers Reunion will be held September 3-7 in Mount Pleasant.

Governor Kim Reynolds has appointed Elizabeth Lee of Ottumwa as a District Associate Judge for Iowa Judicial District 8A.

Lee currently serves as an assistant Wapello County attorney. She earned both her undergraduate degree and law degree from the University of Iowa.

According to the Governor’s Office, Lee will fill a newly created District Associate Judge position.

Judicial District 8A serves 10 counties in southeast and central Iowa, including Jefferson, Keokuk, Van Buren, Washington, Wapello, Appanoose, Davis, Mahaska, Monroe, and Poweshiek counties.

The New London Community School District is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on its Board of Directors.

District residents who are interested in serving on the school board are encouraged to submit a letter of interest to the District Office by Wednesday, July 9. Letters should include the applicant’s name, contact information, and a brief statement explaining their interest in serving on the board.

Under Iowa law, eligible voters in the district also have the option of filing a petition requesting that the vacancy be filled through a special election rather than by board appointment. Information about the petition process is available through the District Office.

School officials say serving on the Board of Directors is an opportunity to help guide the future of the New London Community School District and its students. Those with questions are encouraged to contact the District Office for more information.

Two people were seriously injured in a motorcycle crash Saturday night in Lee County.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the accident happened at approximately 11:18 p.m. on June 27 on southbound U.S. Highway 61, just north of 185th Street.

Authorities say a 2017 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, operated by Todd Helmick, 36, of Argyle, was traveling southbound when the motorcycle lost control for unknown reasons. The motorcycle crashed, injuring both the driver and a passenger.

Helmick was flown by Med Force to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. His passenger Ashley Lundeen, 33, of West Burlington, was airlifted by Air Care to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

The motorcycle was towed from the scene by Dunkin’s Towing.

The crash remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County EMS, Med Force, and Air Care assisted at the scene.

Southeast Iowa is beginning another week under dangerous heat, with the National Weather Service warning that oppressive temperatures and high humidity will continue through at least Wednesday.

An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect for much of the region, including Henry, Des Moines, Lee, Louisa, Van Buren, Jefferson and Washington counties. Afternoon highs will reach the lower 90s, but humidity will push heat index values into the 100 to 110-degree range. Overnight temperatures will only fall into the 70s, providing little relief from the heat.

In Mount Pleasant, highs are expected to remain around 90 to 93 degrees through the middle of the week. The hot and humid pattern is expected to continue into Friday before temperatures begin to ease slightly over the Fourth of July weekend. Scattered thunderstorms are possible Thursday and Friday, which could provide some temporary relief.

The National Weather Service urges residents to limit time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing, and check on elderly neighbors and others who may be vulnerable to the heat. Officials also remind everyone never to leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, where temperatures can quickly become deadly.

The Henry County Heritage Trust is inviting the community to explore local history through a series of summer programs and special events. 

During its June 24 meeting, the Heritage Trust Board celebrated a full house for its recent History of Trenton presentation, with the help of three Mount Pleasant student assistants who supported the event. 

Throughout July, the organization will continue staffing a booth at the Wednesday Farmers Markets, offering information about its museums, upcoming events, and, of course, homemade cookies. 

Both the Heritage Center Museum and the Van Allen House will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Independence Day for tours, browsing, and historical research. 

Upcoming programs include “Voices from the Past” on July 11, featuring portrayals of Captain Warren Beckwith and Ann Eliza Peck Harlan. On July 25, visitors can hear presentations on Henry Clay Dean and his daughter, Christiana. Both events begin at 2 p.m. and are free to attend. 

Looking ahead, the Heritage Trust is also planning a community Bingo Night in October. 

The board also reported progress on a major masonry restoration project at the museum. The first phase has been completed, and board members expressed appreciation for the strong community response to a recent fundraising appeal. The organization notes that it receives no tax funding and relies on donations to preserve Henry County’s historic landmarks. 

The Heritage Center Museum is open Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. through October, with the Van Allen House open the first Saturday of each month during the same hours. Admission to the museums and all events is free. 

The next meeting of the Henry County Heritage Trust Board will be held Wednesday, July 22, at 10 a.m. at the Heritage Center Museum. Anyone interested in local history is welcome to attend.