Laura Lee Ward, 76, of New London, died on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at her home. Services are pending at Elliott Chapel in New London.
Car vs. Deer Accident in Henry County
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office investigated a car vs. deer collision in the 1300 grid of Highway 34 at about 4:00am this morning. Kemal Dautovic of Clive, Iowa, driving a 2026 Buick Encore collided with the deer. No injuries were reported and damage to the vehicle was estimated at about $9,000.
Carolyn Betty Kaufman
Carolyn Betty Kaufman, 91, of Washington, formally of Wayland, died Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Halcyon House in Washington, surrounded by her family.
Funeral Services have been set for 10:00 AM, Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Beatty Funeral Home in Washington. The service will
be livestreamed on the Beatty-Peterseim Facebook page and YouTube Channel. Burial will follow in the North Hill Cemetery, near Wayland. Visitation will begin at Noon on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the funeral home, with family present from 2-4:00 PM. Memorials may be designated to Halcyon House Activity Department or Hospice Compassus.
Carolyn was born July 11, 1934, at home in Haskins, IA, the daughter of Ben and Pauline (Wingler) Bruegge. She attended Gray Country School and was united in marriage to LeRoy Clarence Kaufman, March 1, 1952, in Washington.
Carolyn helped on the farm, enjoyed time with family, painting, drawing, quilting, fishing for bass and catfish, raising miniature horses and Jack Russell puppies, among a multitude of other things.
Survivors include four daughters; Vickie Gonterman of Washington, Iowa, Marsha (Randy) Chalupa of Wayland, Iowa, Linda (Marlin) Roth of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Janet (Mao Lin) Kaufman of Washington, Iowa, two sons; Steve (Chorey) Kaufman of Wayland, Iowa, Andy (Heidi) Kaufman of Mission, Texas, 17 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild
Preceding Carolyn in death were her husband, sisters, Ethel Jefferies, Gertude Swift, and Elsie Campbell.
World Mental Health Day
The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The Day provides an opportunity for all everyone working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
New London Specialty care reminds area residents that Mental health matters every day — for residents, patients, families, and team members. Taking time to rest, reflect, and reach out for support helps us continue providing the compassionate care our communities deserve.
Health Henry County Public Health and Healthy Henry County communities reminds us that – Every conversation counts. Every check-in matters.
This World Mental Health Day, let’s remind each other that mental health IS health — and we’re all in this together.
HCSO Gifts Area Elementary Schools
The Henry County Sheriff’s Department presented all 8 of Henry County Elementary Schools this week with a $1,400 check. The donation goes toward classroom needs and was made possible thanks to the sponsors and participants in the Sheriff’s Department golf tournament. Schools receiving checks were Harlan, Lincoln, Van Allen, and Salem Elementaries, the Mt. Pleasant Christian School, Clark Elementary, WACO and WMU Elementary Schools.
Barbara S. Gaumer
Barbara S. Gaumer, 80, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, September 25, 2025, at her home.
Graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, October 17, 2025 at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1:30 p.m. at The Oaks Assisted Living, located at Parkview Care Center in Fairfield. Memorials may be made to the Fairfield Public Library (Children’s Library) or The Greater Jefferson County Foundation.
Barb was born September 12, 1945, in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of Dave Sankey and Mary Jane Gill Sankey Pochna. Barb married Stewart Gaumer, Jr., and they later divorced.
In her younger years Barb worked briefly on the New York Mercantile. She later worked as a bank teller at First National Bank
. Barb was also very active with the Jefferson County Hospital Auxiliary, volunteered at the Bargain Box in Fairfield, and served as a board member for The Greater Jefferson County Foundation beginning in 1999.
Barb enjoyed golf and bowling but mostly took pleasure in helping others.
Those left to honor her memory include her son, David (Renee) Gaumer of Belleville, Illinois; grandchildren, Josh (Michaela Burgmeier), Ryan, and Matthew Gaumer; sister-in-law, Larue Wacknov; and Amy Carter Gaumer Zschoche, a dear part of our family’s story.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Matt Gaumer; sister, Carolyn McCall; and a special son, Richard LaRue.
Plans for Mt. Pleasant Historic Downtown District
The Mt. Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission is holding a public meeting on Thursday, October 16th at the Union Block, 111 West Monroe Street. The meeting begins at 6:30pm and the community is invited to hear more about the proposed Mt. Pleasant Downtown Historic District and the National Register of Historic Places. The meeting features a presentation by project consultant Rebecca Lawin McCarley of SPARK Consulting. She will share details about the proposed district, National Register, and available financial incentive programs that support the rehabilitation of historic buildings.
The proposed Mt. Pleasant Downtown Historic District includes historic buildings surrounding the square, and along Jefferson, Main, Monroe, and Washington Streets. A total of about 130 properties represent the development of downtown Mt. Pleasant from 1837-1981.
The nomination process for downtown Mt. Pleasant is being led by the Mt. Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission with funding through a grant from the National Park Service. A draft of the district nomination is expected to be completed in early 2026.
Mt. Pleasant School Board Candidate Forum: 10/15/25
The Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance Government Relations Committee is holding a candidate forum on Wednesday, October 15th. The candidates running for Mt. Pleasant Community School District School Board will answer questions. The Forum will begin at 6:00pm at the Mt. Pleasant High School, 2104 S. Grand Avenue. All Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce members are encouraged to submit questions in the link provided in “What’s Up Weekly. The list of candidates includes:
- Craig Hurd – District 1
- Melinda Huisinga – District 1
- Derek Mullin – District 2
- Kevin Schrader – District 2
- Josh Maher – At-Large