A theft investigation in Henry County has resulted in a positive outcome after two stolen excavator buckets valued at approximately $15,000 were recovered and returned.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office had asked for the public’s assistance after the buckets were reported stolen from a job site in the 2500 block of Iowa Avenue, south of Mount Pleasant, sometime between June 6th and June 7th. The stolen equipment included a 60-inch ditching bucket and a 36-inch tooth bucket, both used on excavators.

Because of their size and weight, authorities believed whoever removed the buckets would have needed heavy equipment and substantial transportation capabilities.

During Thursday’s Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting, County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss publicly thanked Sheriff Rich McNamee and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office for their work on the case. Hotchkiss noted the recovery of the equipment saved the county roughly $15,000 in replacement costs.

Sheriff McNamee said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Authorities have not released additional details regarding how the buckets were recovered or whether any arrests have been made.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is still encouraged to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 319-385-2712 or submit an anonymous tip through the Henry County Sheriff’s Office mobile app.

The Mount Pleasant City Council met Wednesday evening, approving several infrastructure, traffic, and licensing items while also receiving updates on childcare, utilities, and city projects.

One of the meeting’s largest actions was approval of a resolution accepting a proposal to purchase a $1.235 million General Obligation Capital Loan Note. The financing will be used to purchase a new street sweeper and partially fund the Winfield Avenue 2026 street improvement project.

The council also approved the third and final reading of an ordinance increasing the city’s monthly solid waste fee from $4.25 to $5.25. City officials said the increase is needed to offset rising administrative expenses associated with solid waste collection, including payroll, health insurance, workers compensation insurance, information technology costs, and other operational expenses.

Council members approved the second reading of an ordinance making traffic-related changes along Winfield Avenue. The proposal would establish no-parking zones on portions of the street and replace a yield sign with a stop sign at the intersection of North Perry Street and Winfield Avenue.

The council also approved the second reading of an ordinance that would allow all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, to operate on city streets. Current regulations already permit golf carts and utility terrain vehicles. City officials noted that ATV safety features have improved since the original ordinance was adopted.

Several annual licenses and permits were approved, including cigarette and tobacco permits, alcohol license renewals and special event permits. The council also approved an outdoor amplified sound permit for Faith Christian Outreach Church for an event scheduled July 1.

During public comments, newly hired City Administrator Joe Taylor introduced himself and thanked city staff, elected officials, and community members for the warm welcome he and his family have received since arriving in Mount Pleasant. Taylor said they are excited to become part of the community and call Mount Pleasant home.

Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities General Manager Nate Lucas also addressed the council, providing information about an upcoming public hearing regarding a proposed transmission facility joint ownership agreement with Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois. The hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, in the Municipal Utilities Board Room at 509 North Adams Street.

Mayor Steve Brimhall updated the council on efforts to find a permanent location for the Mount Pleasant Childcare Center, saying discussions continue as city leaders explore long-term solutions. Brimhall also announced that the Public Works Department plans to remove the aging United Through Playground, commonly known as the “Wooden Park” near Saunders School, by the end of June. The city hopes to have a replacement playground installed before the end of the year.

In other business, the council approved Change Order Number One for the Winfield Avenue 2026 project and approved resolutions waiving the city’s right to review proposed subdivisions on South Logan Avenue and North Hickory Avenue following recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Council members also approved Change Order Number Five for the Airport T-Hangar and Taxilanes project, reducing the overall project cost by more than $22,700 due to lower-than-expected material usage.

The council further authorized Mayor Brimhall to sign a five-year master agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation outlining maintenance responsibilities for state highways that pass through Mount Pleasant.

The next regular meeting of the Mount Pleasant City Council will be held Wednesday, June 24, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Administrator’s Conference Room.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors has a full agenda for its meeting this morning, with budget matters, county facilities, and veterans services among the topics scheduled for discussion.

Supervisors will hold a public hearing on a Fiscal Year 2026 budget amendment and consider approval of a resolution establishing Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations.

County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss is expected to provide his weekly update on secondary roads projects, while Planning and Zoning Administrator Joe Buffington will ask the board to consider accepting the Camp Harlan Memorial property if it is formally offered to the county.

Under unfinished business, supervisors will continue discussions on the All Space proposal for office space across the street from the courthouse. Board members are expected to review layouts and costs, discuss any changes needed to accommodate the County Attorney’s Office and Juvenile Court Services, and consider a timeline for the project.

Additional agenda items include a follow-up discussion on GIS services with Schneider and the county’s IT team, contracts with non-governmental organizations, veterans affairs committee appointments and the posting of a Veterans Service Officer position, and efforts to fill vacancies on the Planning and Zoning Board.

The board will also discuss the placement of a picnic table on courthouse grounds before opening the floor for public comments.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the courthouse in Mount Pleasant.

A Des Moines County judge is considering a request to move the upcoming murder trial of a Mount Pleasant man charged in a fatal Burlington bar shooting.

Defense attorney Jeremy Flaws has filed a motion seeking a change of venue for 23-year-old Kaysean Rice of Mount Pleasant, arguing that extensive publicity surrounding the case and difficulties selecting an impartial jury could prevent Rice from receiving a fair trial in Des Moines County.

Rice is charged with second-degree murder, reckless use of a firearm, and intimidation with a dangerous weapon in connection with the March 7 shooting death of 19-year-old Janea Osier of Mount Pleasant. The shooting occurred at Chavy’s Bar and Grill in Burlington.

According to the motion filed Tuesday, Flaws argues that the jury pool has been exhausted and that many prospective jurors have indicated they cannot remain fair and impartial because of their familiarity with the case. The defense is asking that the trial be moved to another county.

As of Wednesday afternoon, District Court Judge Joshua Schier had not ruled on the request. Jury selection continued as court officials worked to seat a panel for the trial.

Rice has pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

A longtime fixture of Mount Pleasant’s parks system will soon make way for a new generation of play.

The City of Mount Pleasant has announced plans to remove and replace the United Thru Play Park later this summer. The playground, which was built in 2002, has served local families for more than two decades and has become a place where generations of children have played and created memories.

City officials say the playground has reached the end of its useful life and that aging equipment now makes replacement necessary. The project is intended to ensure children continue to have a safe and enjoyable place to play.

Demolition of the existing playground is expected to begin within the next month. Once construction starts, the playground area will be closed to the public. Residents are being asked to stay clear of the work zone and follow all posted signs, barricades, and fencing for safety.

The City plans to install a new playground later this year featuring modern equipment designed to provide safe, accessible, and engaging play opportunities for children of all ages.

While city officials acknowledge it is difficult to say goodbye to a playground that has been part of the community for nearly 25 years, they say they are excited to create a new space that will serve local families for years to come.

If you have a commemorative brick or handprint that you would like to retrieve, please email Ashley Lohmann, Park & Recreation Assistant Director, at ashley@citymtpia.com. Include a photo of the item, its location within the park, and your contact information.

Additional information and project updates will be released as they become available. Anyone with questions about the project can contact the Mount Pleasant Parks and Recreation Department at 319-385-1475.