Author: Patrick Fee

“Operation Front Porch” has officially launched in Mt. Pleasant and is dedicated to supporting the families of our deployed soldiers by fostering a community of care, connection, and encouragement.

Everyone is invited to an organizational meeting scheduled for November 5th, from 6p-8pm at the Mount Pleasant Veterans Hall, 300 W. Monroe Street.   This gathering is to begin to build a database of people that are interested in helping support the community’s miliary families if/when needed. Name, contact information and what areas you would be willing to help is all it takes to help support these very important families. If you are unable to attend the meeting, or if you have questions, please email:  forthetroops67@gmail.com or call Angie Walderbach at 319-931-7434.  Their Facebook page can be found at “Operation Front Porch”.

We are one week away from darkness falling earlier in the evening as daylight savings time ends. Next weekend, on Sunday, November 2^nd, clocks are set back 1 hour (“fall back”), at 2am, gaining an hour.

Daylight Saving Time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. To remember which way to set their clocks, folks often use the expression “spring forward, fall back.”

Daylight saving time was first established in the U.S. by Congress after the Calder Act, or the Standard Time Act of 1918, was passed more than 100 years ago and was more recently amended with the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Henry County has six food pantries; they are ready and willing to help if there is a need.  The pantries service many of the communities in the KILJ listening area:

Community Action and The Fellowship Cup in Mt. Pleasant, The Tiger Food Pantry in New London, The WACO Community Food Pantry in Crawfordsville, the Wayland Food Pantry in Wayland, and the Winfield Food Pantry in Winfield.

Please consider donating items such as instant rice, instant oatmeal, instant potatoes, tortillas, and packaged meals like macaroni and cheese.  Canned food items (with pop-top lids), fresh or frozen meat, and treats for children.  Fresh produce is always welcome.

Personal care items are also needed (shampoo, toothpaste/brushes, body wash, deodorant, dish soap, razors, laundry items.)

Community Action of Southeast Iowa
1303 W. Washington St., Mt. Pleasant
319-385-2310
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

The Fellowship Cup
203 N. Jefferson St., Mt. Pleasant
319-385-3242
Thursdays 10am-4pm
Delivery to Hillsboro and Salem available

Tiger Food Pantry
106 W. Wilson St., New London
319-367-0512
Thursdays 3:30-6pm, Saturdays 9-11am

WACO Community Food Pantry
United Church of Crawfordsville
105 N. Chestnut St., Crawfordsville
319-461-0532
1st & 3rd Thursdays 2-3:30 for age 60+ or those
needing help, ALL other shoppers 3:30-5:30pm

Wayland Food Pantry
Wayland Mennonite Church
104 W. 2nd St., Wayland
319-591-0961
2nd & 4th Thursdays 4-6pm

MOPS-Winfield Food Pantry
Winfield Methodist Church (current)
Summer 2023 moving to: 107 E. Elm St.
319-217-2655
Wednesdays 12-5pm

Red Ribbon Week began on Thursday this week and is observed through Friday, October 31st. This nationwide campaign promotes healthy, drug-free lifestyles and encourages students to make positive choices. This year’s theme is:

“Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug-Free.”

• History: The event started in 1985 in honor of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was killed by drug traffickers.

To support this important message, the New London School District is hosting a school-wide food drive to benefit the local Food Pantry. This is an opportunity for students to practice kindness and generosity by donating non-perishable food items to help families in our community.

The Mt. Pleasant Middle School has a list of theme days to bring attention to Red Ribbon Week:

MONDAY, OCT. 27 – RHYME WITH OUT REASON

TUESDAY, OCT. 28 – TOURIST DAY – WEAR A TROPICAL SHIRT

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29 – USA DAY (RED, WHITE AND BLUE)

THURSDAY, OCT 30 – WHITE LIES (WHITE SHIRT WITH A LIE)

FRIDAY, OCT 31 – PJ DAY (RELAX & WEAR YOUR PJ’S)

The Henry County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports of debris on the roadway on Friday (October 24, 2025) near the intersection of Highway 218 and Iowa Avenue just north of Mt. Pleasant.  An investigation determined a State of Iowa DOT semi-truck was traveling northbound on Highway 218 when a mounted directional arrow sign broke off the trailer and landed on the roadway. Several vehicles struck the sign with minor damage reported from each. No injuries were reported.

Mt. Pleasant Community School District School Board will meet in Special Session on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 6pm.  The meeting will take place in the High School Media Center, 2104 S. Grand Avenue.  Items on the agenda include consideration to accept a bid for the PEO Memorial Building Demolition and a work session item including Iowa House District #87 Representative Jeff Shipley.  This meeting is open to the public.  To view the meeting agenda, please refer to MTPCSD.org/board.

Area Law Enforcement agencies will have their doors open today as part of the DEA National Prescription Drug Takeback Day.  The Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 800 S. Grand Avenue will have the lobby open from 10am – 2pm for citizens to dispose of unneeded medications – no needles or liquids will be accepted.  The HCSO reminds everyone that if you can’t make it to the office today, there is a prescription drug take back drop box available in the lobby 24/7.  Visit DEATakeBack.com for area collection sites.