Author: Theresa Rose

This press release on the Sigma website does not specifically say the acquisition is West Liberty Foods. However, the local facility that announced in October of 2022 that it was closing, is the only company in Mount Pleasant that fits the specs of a food production plant. This release also does not say how many jobs will be available, however there have been some indications that it may be 150.

San Pedro Garza Garcia, N.L. Mexico, March 30, 2023 – Sigma Alimentos, S.A. de C.V. (“Sigma”), a company
dedicated to the production, marketing, and distribution of quality branded foods, announces the
acquisition of a food production plant in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa for US $12.4 Million. The plant will produce
lunchmeats from the Bar-S and FUD brands which will be distributed nation-wide.
“This investment is part of our ongoing efforts to expand capacity in the region to better serve customers and
consumers, as well as to continue delivering value to all stakeholders. We look forward to creating strong ties
with the local community through our first facility in Iowa”, said Jesus Lobo, Sigma US CEO.
About Sigma
Sigma is a leading multinational food company operating in 18 countries throughout North and South America and Europe. With 65 plants
and 183 distribution centers, the company produces, commercializes, and distributes quality branded foods, including packaged meats,
cheese, yogurts, plant-based and other refrigerated and frozen foods. Sigma’s diversified portfolio includes over 100 brands spanning
across different categories and market segments, such as FUD, Campofrio, Bar-S, San Rafael, Aoste, La Villita, Fiorucci, Chimex, Navidul,
Justin Bridou, and Sosua, to name a few.

Water Summary Update: March 2023 – First below normal precipitation month of 2023

DES MOINES — After four months in a row of above normal precipitation, totals for March came in lower than normal.  Precipitation for March was 1.49 inches, 0.5 inches below normal.  As a result, streamflows have been impacted, and the western part of the state is now in “Drought Watch” as defined by Iowa’s new Drought Plan. While precipitation was below normal for most of the state, over the past 90 days precipitation has been above normal, thanks to wetter than normal conditions from November through February. It should be noted that “Drought Watch” is the least severe of the IDP designations, and should serve as a reminder for Iowans to be attentive to conditions. Normal April rainfall should be adequate to restore these two drought regions to normal conditions.

“While we have liked to see a continuation of the wetter than normal months we’ve seen lately, conditions are still relatively good.  March was only 0.5 inches below normal, and that deficit can be made up over the spring months,” said Tim Hall, Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ coordinator of hydrology resources. “The Iowa Drought Plan has designated western Iowa, Drought Regions 1 and 4, as areas of ‘Drought Watch.’”

For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, go to www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.

The report is prepared by technical staff from Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.

Kinney & Sons has finished installation of the drainage structures and piping crossing Aldrin Drive. Aldrin will remain closed to through traffic over this weekend April 8^th & April 9^th. It is accessible to the mid-point of the street from the South off Vine St. and off Armstrong Court for the North half. It was decided to wait until after Easter weekend to start removing the pavement.

All residents should be able to access their driveways until Monday April 10^th. The street will be closed to all traffic from Vine Street to Armstrong Court at approximately 7:30 A.M. The City will be picking up garbage first thing that morning. The plan is to get all concrete removed, street graded, subdrain installed and subbase material placed by Friday April 14^th. Then the street would be reopened to local traffic for homeowners to access their driveways. This will continue until Jones Contracting starts setting up to trim the subbase rock for paving.

Mount Pleasant High School graduate Christopher Raymer has recently graduated from the Department of Public Safety’s Basic Academy and is assigned as a State Patrol Trooper to District 13 headquartered in Mount Pleasant. Prior to attending the 48th Academy Raymer was a police officer for Washington and Fairfield Police Departments.  His training at the Academy focused on law enforcement coursework on laws of arrest, search and seizure, defensive tactics, arrest techniques, precision driving, firearms, emergency management services, fair and impartial policing, criminal law, accident investigation, human relations, physical fitness, human trafficking, motor vehicle law, domestic violence, crisis intervention for mentally ill and several other courses in law enforcement. Trooper Raymer is the son of Alan and Mary Raymer of Mount Pleasant.

A Farmington couple was killed in a motor vehicle crash Wednesday in Lee County.  Rose Marie and Ross Becker died when their car collided with a semi at the intersection of Hwy 218 and County Road J40 at about 4:30 pm. According to the Iowa State Patrol the Becker vehicle was stopped at the stop sign and the semi was northbound on 218. Rose Marie Becker was driving and pulled out headed west.  The semi broadsided the car on the driver’s side.  Both vehicles came to rest in the median and Ross Becker was ejected.  The crash remains under investigation. The semi was driven by Juan Ramirez of Texas who was not injured.

Dr. Michael Volk will take over the head administrative position for Winfield Mt. Union and Columbus Community.  Dr. Volk replaces Jeff Maeder as the shared Superintendent for the two districts. Dr. Volk will come into the position from an administrative position with St. Patrick School in Anamosa, Iowa.  Prior to that he was the Talented and Gifted Administrator for the South Tama School District.