Mount Pleasant School Board Site and Policy Committees to Meet Thursday

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at 3:48 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community School District will hold a Site and Policy Committee meeting on Thursday, March 5th at 5:00 p.m. at the District Office, located at 1010 East Washington Street, Suite 1021. The meeting is open to the public.

School officials will review several facility, budget, and policy items during the meeting. Under the Site Committee agenda, members will discuss the proposed FY27 Buildings and Grounds project list, along with a proposed floor plan for the Central Office. The committee will also review notes from the February 18th School Improvement Advisory Committee meeting and examine potential Phase 1 and Phase 2 general fund budget reductions.

The Policy Committee portion of the meeting will include the first reading of School Board Policy Series 600, which addresses the district’s education program. Committee members will also consider an update to the 2025–2026 school calendar.

In addition, the committee will review two overnight trip requests. One request is for students attending the State Science Fair in Ames on March 26 and 27, and the other is for students participating in the State FFA Convention in Ames from April 19 through 21.

Community members and patrons are encouraged to attend the meeting to stay informed on district planning, policy updates, and upcoming student activities.

 

Mount Pleasant Man Identified as Victim in Marshalltown Shooting

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at 2:42 pm CDT

Authorities have identified the victim in a deadly shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in Marshalltown.

According to the Marshalltown Police Department, 33 year old Gage Gersema of Mount Pleasant died after being shot during an incident at a home in the 100 block of North 11th Avenue around 4:15 a.m. Sunday.

Officers responding to the scene located two people suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to the hospital, where Gersema later died. Police say two additional victims with gunshot wounds later arrived at the hospital for treatment. Those individuals have since been treated and released.

Authorities say the shooting does not appear to be a random act.

Police have since made an arrest in the case. 29 year old Allen Hart of Mount Pleasant has been charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon and two counts of reckless use of a firearm in connection with the shooting.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Marshalltown Police Department.

 

Henry County Accepting Applications for Public Health Director Position

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 2:59 pm CDT

Henry County is now accepting applications for its next Public Health Director.

County officials announced the opening this week, inviting qualified candidates to apply for the leadership position. The Public Health Director will oversee the Henry County Public Health Department, guiding programs and services that support the health and well-being of residents across the county.

The role includes administrative oversight, staff supervision, budget management, and collaboration with community partners, healthcare providers, and local agencies. The director also works closely with the Henry County Board of Health and plays a key role in emergency preparedness and public health planning.

County leaders say they are looking for a motivated, experienced professional who is passionate about serving the community and leading a dedicated public health team.

Applications will be accepted through March 16, or until the position is filled. Interested candidates can find additional information about qualifications and responsibilities and submit an application by visiting the Henry County website at henrycounty.iowa.gov under the employment opportunities section.

For more information, applicants are encouraged to review the full job posting online.

Ollie Man Arrested on Felony Sexual Abuse Charge Following Tattoo Appointment Investigation

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 2:53 pm CDT

An Ollie man is facing a felony sexual abuse charge following an investigation by the Fairfield Police Department.

Forty nine year old Louis Stanley Fitzner the Second was arrested Monday and charged with Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, a Class C felony. According to court documents, the alleged incident stems from a February tenth tattoo appointment at Ink Therapy in Fairfield.

Police say the victim reported that while receiving a tattoo, Fitzner made unwanted sexual contact during the procedure. Officers took the report on February eleventh and began investigating. An arrest warrant was requested on February twenty sixth and granted March second. Fitzner was taken into custody without incident.

He is currently being held at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility on a $10,000 cash only bond.

Jean Francis Scarff Leichty

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 2:25 pm CDT

Jean Francis Scarff Leichty of Wayland entered into the presence of her Savior on February 27, 2026, at the age of 94.

Funeral Services have been set for 10:30 AM, Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Independent Bible Church in Wayland. The service will be live-streamed on the Beatty-Peterseim Funeral Home Facebook page and YouTube Chanel Burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-7:00 PM, Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Independent Bible Church in Wayland. Memorials in the name of Jean may be designated to the Independent Bible Church.

She was born on September 28, 1931, in Mount Pleasant to Jesse Emil Scarff and Inez Gail (Bishop) Scarff. On November 5, 1950, she married Edwin C. Leichty at Bethel Mennonite Church, beginning a partnership that would span 74 devoted years.

Together Jean and Ed raised six children: Sidney, Barry, Nancy, Nanette, Scott, and Lisa. In 1968, at the age of 36, Jean accepted Christ as her Savior after hearing evangelist Mike Cocoris speak at Independent Bible Church. Soon after, she and Ed were baptized at Lake Darling, publicly affirming the faith that would anchor the rest of her life.

Jean’s first job was as a secretary at Nicholls Oil and Motor, a position that proved life changing. One day a young man named Ed walked in to purchase a ’98 Oldsmobile, and Jean processed the title paperwork. He asked her on a date. The rest was history. During their courtship Jean accidentally wrecked that very Oldsmobile. In a video recorded shortly before his passing, she fondly recalled that Ed “never got that mad,” and true to form, he simply said he “treated her good.” It became part of their family folklore, proof that grace can begin even with a crumpled fender.

In many ways, Ed and Jean were their family’s version of Priscilla and Aquila. They served side by side for decades. Ed often made the invitations, extending welcome with a handshake and a smile. Jean created the magic behind the scenes, preparing meals, organizing details, and ensuring that hospitality felt effortless. Together, they ministered not only through words, but through open doors and full tables.

For much of her adult life, Jean worked faithfully behind the scenes of Ed’s businesses, keeping invoices written, payments organized, and the household running with steady precision. She could stretch a dollar until it nearly asked for mercy. She led the family in canning corn and green beans year after year, turning summer harvests into neatly labeled rows of provision for winter. She taught her grandchildren how to embroider and sew, passing down both skill and patience, stitch by careful stitch.

Her most treasured calling was that of mother and grandmother. She maintained a home that was orderly yet welcoming. She mowed the yard, attended concerts and ball games, drove to swimming lessons, Vacation Bible School, and dance classes, and rarely missed a school event. Mornings began early with homemade breakfasts and devotions, sending each child out the door nourished in body and spirit. If you were especially fortunate, like her grandson Reid, your coffee cup might even be prewarmed, because details mattered to Jean.

Grandma Jean was also known for her love of Scrabble. Playing with her required both a dictionary and a careful eye. Family members learned to admire her impressive vocabulary while keeping a friendly watch on the board, just in case an especially creative word needed gentle verification. She played to win, but always with a twinkle.

She was equally well known for her succinct and steady advice. When plans began to drift or stories grew suspiciously elaborate, her counsel was ready: “Stick to the original plan!” and “Stick to the facts!” It was practical wisdom that served her family well in everything from road trips to lively discussions.

Jean would not wish this to be a time defined by sorrow. She longed to see the Lord she faithfully served, and her greatest desire was that others would know the same joy and peace she found in her personal relationship with Christ.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Cynthia, Thelma, and Karole; her beloved husband, Ed; her daughter Lisa England; her grandson Aaron Brown; and her great grandson Jeremiah Keatts.

She is survived by her children: Sidney Leichty; Barry (Joanie) Leichty; Nancy (Barry) Sellergren; Nanette (Ken) Brown; Scott (Kim) Leichty; and son in law Todd England.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Faith Leichty; Hilary (Joshua) Keatts; Nate (Lindsey) Sellergren; Brooke (Jeremy) Carter; Sara (Donovan) Yoder; Reid (Jessie) Leichty; Eric Brown; Tyler (Jessica) Leichty; Katlin Leichty; Hunter (Katelyn) England; and Lauren England, along with ten great grandchildren and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

Jean’s life was marked by quiet strength, steadfast faith, capable hands, and a love expressed in steady service. Her legacy lives on in the generations she shaped, the faith she shared, the gardens she preserved in glass jars, and the well played Scrabble games that will never quite be the same without her.

Edith Kuhens

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 9:20 am CDT

Edith Kuhens age 98 passed away Sunday March 1st at the Grandview Care
Center in Oelwein, Iowa. She was born near Lamont, Iowa where she
attended school and then attended cosmetology school in Waterloo.  She
then married Robert Kuhens and they farmed in N.E. Iowa until his
death in 1988.  They had four children…Diane (Bill Brownell) of
Oelwein.  John (Susie Kuhens) Mt. Pleasant, Suzanne (Vince Carbone )
Georgia and Joel (Cathi) Kuhens of Arkansas. She enjoyed 8
grandchildren, 12 great grand and 1 great great grandchild.  A
celebration of life will be held in Oelwein on 4/18/26  2-4 pm at the
Coliseum.

Felon Arrested After Armed Suspicion Call in Milton

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 6:55 am CDT

A Van Buren County deputy arrested a Fairfield man Sunday morning after responding to a report of a suspicious individual possibly armed with a firearm at the Milton Jet Stop.

According to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred March 1, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m. A deputy arrived at the convenience store and encountered a man exiting the building carrying a soft pistol case. The deputy identified the individual as 55 year old Randy C. Reid of Fairfield.

Authorities stated Reid has an extensive criminal history that includes multiple felony convictions. Upon investigation, the deputy found Reid in possession of a Ruger 9mm pistol and two loaded magazines. The firearm was later determined to have been reported stolen in the Des Moines metro area.

Reid was taken into custody and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and trafficking in firearms.

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office noted that a criminal charge is an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

FFA Chapters Conclude National FFA Week with Bush Hog Raffle Drawing at KILJ

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 6:53 am CDT

Local FFA chapters wrapped up a week of celebrating National FFA Week with a visit to the KILJ studios, where members from Mount Pleasant, Fort Madison, and Central Lee gathered to draw the winner of a Bush Hog mower raffle. The mower was donated by Armstrong Tractor in Donnellson, with proceeds from ticket sales supporting chapter activities and educational opportunities.

Each chapter plans to use the funds raised in different ways, including helping cover travel expenses for leadership trips, conferences, and competitions. The Mount Pleasant FFA Chapter will direct its share toward their greenhouse, supporting hands-on learning and expanding opportunities for students in plant science and horticulture.

The winner of the Bush Hog mower was Gabe Van Ausdall, whose ticket was sold by the Central Lee FFA Chapter.

Students present for the drawing included Aubrey Weber, President of Central Lee; Avery Peterson, Central Lee member; Adelyn Lampe, Treasurer of Fort Madison; Finley Johnson, Secretary of Fort Madison; Hannah Kirchner, Fort Madison member and Jacie Campbell Mount Pleasant President. Their participation highlighted the collaboration between local chapters and the shared goal of strengthening agricultural education and leadership opportunities for area students.