MPCHS Announces “Portrait of a Panther” Students for Fall 2025

The Mount Pleasant Community High School is proud to announce the August/September Portrait of a Panther students: Senior Gavin Kerr, Junior Amanda Stonehouse, and Junior Edward Seymoure. Two other students were nominated, and they are Sophomores Daniel Hagans and Aiden Krogmeier. Students are nominated for “Portrait of a Panther” by staff members for displaying one or more of the following qualities: resilience, integrity, compassion, responsibility, communication, and problem solving. We are Panther Proud and Congratulate these students.

 

Early Voting for the November 4th Election in Progress

Early voting in Iowa began this week and runs until Election Day, which is Tuesday, November 4th.  Citizens can vote and/or register to vote at the county auditor’s office, and you will need a valid ID. The Henry County Auditor’s Office is located at 100 E Washington St # 202 in Mt. Pleasant.  Hours are Monday – Friday 8am – 4:30pm and for more information, call 319-385-0756 or access online: henrycounty.iowa.gov/auditor

Bridge Closure Planned for Henry County on 10/20/25

Henry County Engineers announced a bridge closure on Monday, October 2oth. Preliminary design work will begin on 200th Street just East of Hickory Avenue and the work will last through Tuesday, October 21st.  The Engineers’ office reports that the closure will occur during daytime hours, with the bridge open overnight.  The work is weather permitting, scheduled for two days, and questions may be directed to 319-385-0762.

Danville City Council to Meet

The City of Danville will meet in regular session on Monday, October 20th with call to order at 5:15pm.  The council will receive departmental reports, and this meeting is open to the public.

 

MP Man Arrested in Washington

The Washington Police Department arrested 44-year-old Lucas Blint of Mt. Pleasant on public intoxication and arson charges on Tuesday, October 14th this week.   According to court records, officers responded to a fire call on the northeast corner of the Washington Hy-Vee grocery store’s property and found Blint on the scene.  Camera footage showed Blint starting the fire, which recklessly endangered the property of the store.

 

Laura Lee Ward – Pending

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.