On Sunday, January 22, 2023, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a semi had flipped over onto its side and was blocking the west bound traffic of Highway 34 near MM229 in Mount Pleasant. The driver, Ahmed Guled (23) of Urbandale, IA, was traveling west bound along Highway 34 when he lost control of the semi and over corrected causing the semi and trailer to flip on its side and came to rest perpendicular to the road blocking the flow of traffic. No other vehicle was involved in the accident and Ahmed did not report any injuries. Ahmed was examined and cleared by Henry County Ambulance personnel. Iowa DOT, State Patrol, and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office temporarily rerouted the west bound traffic while the semi and trailer were removed from the road. Ahmed was given a citation for Failure to Maintain Control.
Assault Investigation in Winfield
On January 23rd, 2023, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office took a report of an assault occurring in the 200-block of South Locust Street in Winfield. The Sheriff’s Office arrived and conducted an investigation into the allegations. One of the parties involved was identified as Dustin Beames, 38 of Winfield. During the investigation, it was discovered Dustin had a metal smoking pipe on his person. It was determined the pipe was used for ingesting/smoking a controlled substance. Dustin was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor.
***A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.****
De Anne Swartzendruber
De Anne Swartzendruber, 59, of Wayland, died Sunday, January 22, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. A funeral service will be held Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Beatty Funeral Home in Washington. The family will greet friends from 9:30 until the time of service on Thursday. Following the meal, burial will be held at the Sugar Creek Cemetery in Wayland. A memorial fund has been established for Hospice of Washington County.
De Anne was born July 3, 1963, in Washington, Iowa, the daughter of Don and Karen Deanna (Roth) Swartzendruber. She graduated from WACO High School and the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. De Anne worked for Farm Bureau for 31 years, working in insurance for 13 years and for the Washington and Johnson County Board of Directors for 18 years. She enjoyed crafts, selling them at various craft sales with her mother, and working on the computer. She loved to be outdoors fishing and camping and had recently started collecting gnomes.
Survivors include her brother Rick Swartzendruber of Wayland, uncles and aunts: Lynn and Linda Roth of Wayland, and Rod and Kathy Roth of Wayland and a number of cousins.
Preceding De Anne in death were her parents, her sister-in-law Donna Swartzendruber and her cousin Mike Roth.
Imelda M. Groene
Imelda M. Groene, 95, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 9:11 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.
Born on August 6, 1927, in Fort Madison, the daughter of Dr. S. P. and Elinor Catherine (Winnike) Holtz. On August 4, 1947, in West Point, Iowa, she married James J. Groene. He preceded her in death on March 19, 2007.
Imelda is survived by her three daughters: Jeanne Bremekamp of Belize, Central America, Janet (Bill) Benjamin of Donnellson and Joyce (Bill) Meierotto of West Point; twelve grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; two brothers: Carl (Rita) Holtz of West Point and Delmar Holtz of St. Joseph, Missouri. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: James; son-in-law: John Bremekamp; great granddaughter: Reagan Hulsebus; brother: Lester Holtz; sisters: Lucy Vonderhaar and Rozella Freitag.
Imelda graduated from Saint Mary’s High School. She was a member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Society of the church and Daughters of Isabella. She enjoyed playing cards and spending time with family. Her passion was being a wonderful mother and grandmother.
Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point, where the family will receive friends from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A parish rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m. and a Christian wake service will be held at 5:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 26, 2023, at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point, with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.
Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in West Point.
A memorial has been established in her memory for West Point Holtz-Geers American Legion Post #668 or Calvary Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com. Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements.
Daily Jail Count
In the interest of keeping Henry County residents informed, the Henry County Sheriff’s office has requested KILJ post the daily jail count. During the jail referendum campaign it was publicized that the jail would be able to house additional inmates from surrounding counties and this would generate revenue for Henry County.
Date: 01-23-2023______
45 _ Henry County Inmates
30 _ Out of County Contract Inmates
75_ TOTAL
Special Session and Work Session
Mount Pleasant Community School District School Board Special Session Meeting
Date Monday, January 23 6:00 PM
Mount Pleasant Community School District: High School Media Center
Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
- Approval of Agenda
- Consideration to Approve ESSER Phase 2 Change Request: Gymnasium Duct Sock (Motion)
- Consideration to Approve ESSER Phase 2 Change Request: Chiller Waterbox Circuit (Motion)
- Adjournment
Mount Pleasant Community School District School Board Work Session
Date Monday, January 23, 2023 6:05 PM
Mount Pleasant Community School District: High School Media Center
Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
- Approval of Agenda
- E.L.L. Class Presentation
- Grade-Alike Elementary Building Discussion
- 2023 – 2024 Calendar Information
- School Board Director District Information
- Adjournment
Police Respond to A Domestic Dispute
On January 20, 2023, at approximately 13:27 hours, the Mt Pleasant Police was dispatched to 1002 W Saunders for a report of two males in a physical fight outdoors with a female present as well. While enroute, officers were advised two little kids were being dragged from a vehicle.
Upon arrival, officers located just one male and female in the yard. They were not overly cooperative. Officers made contact with the residence at 1002 W Saunders St and were advised nothing had happened. The investigation revealed a female and young child crying who had blood on his head. The defendant identified as Terron N Wilson age 27 of Mt Pleasant, attempted to prevent officers from conducting an investigation to the safety of the children. Wilson began to resist and not comply and fought with officers and was subsequently Tazed. Wilson continued to fight and resist and attempted to kick, headbutt, and bite officers. He was transported to the Henry County Jail where he was held pending arraignment. The investigation revealed that Wilson had been in a physical altercation with his girlfriend with the kids present. At one point Wilson fired a weapon in the house which went through the building. Wilson obstructed the victim from calling 911 or leaving. Wilson then fought with family members who arrived to help out the victim. They provided false information to law enforcement. The children were taken into police custody for their safety and turned over to their mother. The Mt Pleasant Police was assisted by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and the Department of Human Services. Wilson was charged with Interference with Official Acts, causing injury, Assault on a Peace Officer, Child Endangerment, Domestic Abuse Assault, display of a weapon, Intimidation with a dangerous weapon, Obstruction of Emergency Communications, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Mt Pleasant PD
Anyone who sees suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the Mt Pleasant PD at 319 385-1450.
Black History Month Meal and Program
Second Baptist Ministries in Mount Pleasant is pleased to be able, once again, host a Black History Month program featuring a meal, music and special speaker. The annual celebration was put on hold the last couple of years because of covid. However, the event, that over the past years has become a community favorite, will be held this year on February 11. The meal will be served at noon and the program will follow. Everyone is invited to attend.