| Iowa Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program
Receives Funding Boost, Duration Extension Program strengthens supply chains and builds connections between Iowa farmers and consumersDES MOINES, Iowa (May 10, 2023) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has received an additional $2.9 million for utilization in the Iowa Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program (ILFPA). The statewide program was announced in June of 2022 to facilitate the purchase and distribution of Iowa grown and produced food for use by underserved communities. The program, which also received an extension through May of 2025, is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) via the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act. Iowa originally received approximately $2.7 million, and the extension adds an additional $2.9 million, bringing the total to over $5.6 million in program funding. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has an operating agreement with Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development (Iowa Valley RC&D), which will continue to lead project management and ensure successful program implementation. “Given the rising consumer interest in local foods, I love that we can build connections between Iowa farmers and Iowa consumers while also strengthening supply chains,” said Secretary Naig. “The Iowa Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program establishes the foundation for longer term partnerships that will create new markets for farmers, increase access to nutritious food and help our community members who are food insecure.” During the first phase of the program, $684,456 in food value was sourced from farmers and producers in the state, including nearly $393,193 from socially disadvantaged farmers. ILFPA is expected to benefit at least 300 Iowa farmers. With a reach of 2,000 food distribution sites through partnerships with 16 distributors, including food hubs, food banks, and the Meskwaki Nation, the decentralized emphasis allows local specialists to meet the community’s needs through the implementation plans they design for their area. To learn more about the program or how to participate, visit www.iowalfpa.org or https://iowaagriculture.gov/ILFPA. |
MPPD Virtual Reality Training
On 5/10/23, the Mount Pleasant City Council approved the purchase of a virtual reality training system for the Mt Pleasant PD. This will be one of the first V/R training programs in the State of Iowa. It was funded by American Rescue Funds and donations to the department.
The program will have numerous realistic situations that will give officers the ability to better prepare for high pressure situations. It will be a safer training as it does not involve real weapons or physical contact.
It will have the standard shoot/no shoot simulations on it, but more importantly, will feature dangerous situations where communication skills are utilized.
De-Escalation training begins with effective communication skills. In today’s society we are seeing a change in people being able to communicate effectively so this will be vital to our future.
The Mt Pleasant PD will be able to host trainings which will enhance other law enforcement agencies to hopefully, make everyone better. This training can be done in a much shorter time constraint than “normal scenario based” training. This will cut down on costs and equipment.
The Mt Pleasant PD would like to thank the City Council, Wal Mart Store, Wal Mart Distribution, BNSF, Street Smarts Virtual Reality, and the private donors who asked not to be named.
Kevin Nims
On May 10, 2023 at approximately 11:41a.m. Des Moines County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the area of 16097 Iowa City Rd. for a female reporting that she was assaulted. Deputies spoke with the female and observed her to be bleeding from a laceration on her head. She stated she had been beaten by Kevin Nims at his residence of 16595 Iowa City Rd. She stated Kevin had punched her, hit her with an object, and hit her head into the concrete. The female was transported to the hospital for treatment of her head injury.
Deputies went to 16595 Iowa City Rd. and made contact with Kevin. Kevin admitted he had punched the victim. While at the residence, deputies learned that Kevin had been in possession of a firearm. Deputies seized a 12-gauge shotgun that Kevin had been in possession of. Kevin has a felony conviction and is not allowed to possess firearms. Kevin Eugene Nims, age 57, of Sperry, IA was then placed under arrest for Assault Causing Serious Injury (D Felony) and Dominion/Control of Firearm by Felon (D Felony). He was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.
Janice Newman
MOUNT PLEASANT- Janice Newman, 78, of Mount Pleasant, died Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the United Presbyterian Home in Washington.
Jan was born September 10, 1944, in Burlington, the daughter of Bryon and Ruby (Gittings) Miller. She graduated from Mediapolis High School in 1962. On February 2, 1964, Jan was united in marriage to Donald “Steve” Newman. She worked at XLM and Heatilator. Jan enjoyed tending to her garden and flower beds. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by three children Vicki Messer of Mount Pleasant, Michelle Newman of Burlington, Don (Pam) Newman of Washington; grandchildren Bryce, Lucas and Kalli Messer, Meghan and Sarah Newman, Matthew Zachmeyer, Amy Kagemann and Chelsie (Jake King) Kagemann; great grandchildren Evelynn, Soren, Navey, Avalon, Logan, Levi, Abi, and Bladen; sister Jean Westerbeck of New London; brother Ben (Nancy) Miller of Texas; sister Sharon (Ron) Graham of Arizona; Dayle (Alando) Blanco of Burlington; Dick (Kathryn) Newman, Bob (Shelia) Newman and Phyllis Davis.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Steve in 2012, sisters-in-law Trudi McGuire and Martha Lee.
Visitation will be held 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2023, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. No formal service will be held. A memorial fund has been established for the United Presbyterian Home and Washington County Hospice. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel is caring for Jan and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
House Fire in Mount Pleasant
A house on Lincoln Street in Mount Pleasant was damaged by fire Tuesday evening. The Fire Department responded to a call at 1201 North Lincoln just after 7 pm. From the outside it appears most of the damage was to the back of the single store home. One engine and at least two other fire department vehicles were on the scene along with Mount Pleasant Utilities. More details to come.
Mount Pleasant Community School District SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
Tom Septer
Tom D. Septer, 68, of rural Fairfield passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.
Tom was born on September 6, 1954, at the Jefferson County Hospital in Fairfield, the son of Carl V. and Virginia (Avery) Septer. Tom graduated from Fairfield High School in 1972. He was united in marriage to Nancy Vorhies in 1974. He later married Tina Raker in 1976. Tom worked from Farm Service for a number of years and later went on to work for the Walmart Warehouse until his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and collecting guns, but most especially spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Tina of rural Fairfield, his children, Chad (Brandy) Septer of Birmingham and Cory (Samantha) Septer of Fairfield, 4 grandchildren, Madison, Nichole, Caden and Emma and two great grandchildren, Charlotte and Chandler, two brothers, Doug Septer and Brian Septer, and two sisters, Judy Aplara and Carla Septer, (Doug Dye) and a sister-in-law, Diane Septer all of Lockridge.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Terry Septer.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant. No services are planned at this time.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com
Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.
Thomas “T.J.” Pratt,
Thomas “T.J.” Pratt, 62, of Mt. Pleasant, died Friday, May 5, 2023 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
Per T.J.’s wishes, there will be no funeral service or family visitation. A private family burial will be held. Friends may call to sign the register book from 12 Noon to 7 PM on Friday, May 12 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main Street. Pleasant. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com
Thomas Jeffrey “T.J.” Pratt was born September 5, 1960 in Roswell, New Mexico. He was the son of Dr. Carl William and Geraldine May (Pelisek) Pratt. He grew up in the Southwest United States until his family moved to Clarinda, Iowa and later to Tama/Toledo, Iowa.
T.J. entered the United States Marines following his completion of high school. He was inducted on May 25, 1978 in Sioux Falls, SD. He rose to the rank of Lance Corporal, last serving with the 4th Battalion of the 1st Marine Division of 29 Palms, CA. He was honorably discharged on August 31, 1982 at 29 Palms.
T.J. then began his collegiate studies at the University of Montana. He graduated in 1993 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Forestry, Organic Wildlife and Transitional Wildlife and minors in Botany and Zoology.
Nearly all of T.J.’s working career was with the Department of Corrections for the State of Iowa. He served 27 years as a Storekeeper II at the Mt. Pleasant Correctional Institution. He retired in January of 2023.
Survivors include a brother, Phillip Pratt of Astoria, NY and a sister, Ann Pratt of Marshalltown, IA as well as friends in the Mt. Pleasant area who made up his “adopted family”.
His parents precede him in death.