Healthy Henry County Communities invites all to the “Stride into Summer” Family Walk on Sunday, June 7, from 1pm – 4pm at Eastlake Park in Mt. Pleasant. Bring a stroller or wagon and you will start the walk at the tennis courts where you can pick up a bag. Some of the stations throughout the walk include sun safety, bike safety, bubbles, and kids’ games sponsored by local organizations. (Rain date is 6/14/26). This event is free, packed full of information and fun!
MP Public Library News!
The Mt. Pleasant Children’s Discovery Center is closing for the months of June and July. The discovery center will reopen on August 3rd! On Mondays, the discover center will open from 12pm – 2pm and on Fridays from 10am – noon. Every other Saturday starting in August, the Discover Center will be open from 10am – noon. Registration is currently open for the MP Library summer reading program: “Plant a Seed, Read”! Readers of all ages can register through the program start date which is June 1st and runs through July 2nd. The Mt. Pleasant public library has special programming planned for the month of July – Please be listening to KILJ Radio during the Hy Vee half hour Monday through Friday at 7am for details or refer to KILJ’s community calendar at KILJ.com.
Rick Everett Krogmeier
Rick Everett Krogmeier, 49, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Henry County Health Center.
Rick was born on September 28, 1976, in Ottumwa, Iowa. After several months at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Rick came to join the family of Marvin and Karen Krogmeier on June 17, 1977.
As a youngster Rick attended the Developmental Center and then to Hope Haven. In 1983, special needs classes came to Mount Pleasant, where he graduated from Living Skills class.
Rick enjoyed listening to music, especially his musical puppy or bear that went everywhere with him. The past few years he has enjoyed living in his REM home with his housemates and staff.
Those thankful for sharing in Rick’s life include his parents, Marvin and Karen Krogmeier, and his sister and brother-in-law, Becky and Kevin Miller all of Mount Pleasant.
Rick was preceded in death by his grandparents.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant with Father Ross Epping officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant. The family will not be present. Memorials may be directed to the St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery in his memory.
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 Rick.
Two Vehicle vs. Deer Accidents on Sunday, North of Mt. Pleasant
The Washington County Dispatch reported a motorcycle vs. deer accident on Highway 218 at Crawfordsville at about 8:40pm Sunday night. Washington County deputies and rescue units responded. Gregory Joseph Oler of Cedar Rapids was the operator of the motorcycle. While injured, Oler was conscious at the scene.
At about 9:30pm on Sunday, Washington County dispatch reported a vehicle vs deer accident in the 2900 block of Highway one near Brighton. Chase Branch of Ottumwa was the driver of the vehicle and was not injured.
MPFR Responds to Field Fire Sunday
AAA: Over 39 Million Americans On the Road Memorial Day Weekend
The latest AAA survey estimates a record 39.1 million Americans are expected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, and the National Safety council warns that Memorial Day remains one of the deadliest holidays for road travel.
Memorial Day was the second-deadliest holiday for road travel in 2024, with 451 deaths, according to data from the NHTSA. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May and is always a 3.25-day weekend. Labor Day ranked highest at 149 deaths per day. Memorial Day remains dangerous for drivers simply because more vehicles are on the road; seat belt use drops and alcohol consumption increases, according to the National Safety Council.
About 38% of traffic fatalities during Memorial Day weekend in 2024 involved at least one alcohol-impaired driver. That was 8% higher than the national average of 30% that year.
The Iowa State Patrol and law enforcement across the state of Iowa continue the “Click It or Ticket” high visibility campaign through May 31st. Seatbelts remain the single best defense against serious injury and death on the road.
May 25, 2026 – May 31, 2026
05/25/26
Jeryn Rich
05/25/26
(Twins!) Elliott & Garrett Cook (21 years)
05/25/26
Robert Kinney
05/25/26
Phyllis Overton
05/25/26
Ryan Ho & Makenzie Kauffman-Ho *Anniversary
05/25/26
James & Susan Haffarnan
05/26/26
Matthew Kinney
05/26/26
Summer Schroeder (20th)
05/26/26
Karen Bower
05/27/26
Betty Baker
05/27/26
Mikayla Brown
05/27/26
Philip Wilson
05/27/26
Bob & Pat Bensmiller *Anniversary
05/28/26
Robert Bensmiller
05/28/26
Theodore Wesely (5)
05/28/26
Richard Fredona
05/30/26
Benjamin Sourwine
05/30/26
Heather Lightfoot
05/30/26
Lane Cooper
05/30/26
Addilynn Berry
05/30/26
Brady Roth
05/30/26
Mike & Anita Hampton *Anniversary
05/31/26
Everly Johannson
05/31/26
Damien & Karley Dawson *Anniversary