The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding a stolen vehicle found Thursday night on Highway 218. Deputies have been actively looking for a male subject that left the scene. The subject is described as wearing a red t-shirt, tan colored pants possibly khakis, dark short hair that looked like a buzz cut possibly, lighter skin tone, skinny to medium build, and average height. He was last seen in the Mount Union area at approximately 4:52am Friday morning. If you see a subject of this description walking in the area, please call the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 319-385-2712 or call 911. It is unknown if this person is armed and dangerous.
Memorial Day Weekend in Mount Pleasant
There are two volunteer opportunities this weekend in Mount Pleasant and both have to do with flags. Saturday, May 28, the Henry County Optimist Club could use help put up flags along city streets. Meet at the U.S. Bank south parking lot at 5:45 am. At 8 am Saturday the Avenue of Flags, Henry County Veterans Memorial Committee needs volunteers to raise the flags on the court house lawn. Assistance will also be needed Tuesday, May 31 at 4 pm to retire the Court House display.
The Mount Pleasant Memorial Day observance will be held this year at the Mount Pleasant Middle School on Monday, Memorial Day at 10:30 am. The event begins with the presentation of the colors by members of the VFW and American Legion Posts and Auxiliaries. Pastor Michael Scudder, pastor of the Faith Lutheran Church, who also served in the United States Air Force, will deliver the Invocation and Benediction.
The MPCHS Band, under the direction of Jim Depriest, will play patriotic music prior tot he beginning of the program and will also pay the National Anthem. Under the direction of Katie Townsend, students from the Mount Pleasant Elementary Schools will present a musical presentation of the Gettysburg Address/Battle Hymn of the Republic.
The featured speaker this year is Joe Mitchell.
Twenty two names will be engraved that have been added to the memorial since last Veterans Day, which brings the total to 1478 names. The names will be read and the families will be recognized during the service.
Following the Benediction, the Honor Guard will fire a 3 volley salute followed by taps by members of the High School Band.
Elizabeth “Beth” Ann Briggs
Elizabeth “Beth” Ann Briggs, 75, of Winfield, died Saturday, May 21, 2022 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospital, West Burlington.
Beth was born on January 2, 1947 in Mt. Pleasant, the daughter of Robert Horace and Mary Elizabeth Eckey Stevens. On July 25, 1965, she married Donald E. Briggs in Winfield. She was a 1965 graduate of Winfield/Mt. Union High School.
Beth, a loving farm wife and mother, was a pastor at Kingston United Methodist Church for a number of years. She was an avid reader and thoroughly enjoyed driving the combine in the fall. She also volunteered as a hospice volunteer with Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.
She is survived by husband, Donald; two sons: Steve Briggs of Davenport, IA and Scott (Gretchen) Briggs of Lafayette, IN; three granddaughters: Amanda, Rachel and Leah Briggs; two brothers: Paul (Sheila) Stevens of Pace, FL and Mark (Dawn) Stevens of New Market, AL; sisters-in-law: Karen Stevens of New London, IA and Mary Stevens of Denver, IA; aunt, Wilhelmina Terry of CT; one brother-in-law, Keith (Barb) Briggs of Grinnell, IA; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Sue Ann; and brothers: David, Tom and Michael (in infancy).
Her body has been cremated. No services are planned at this time. Memorials may be made to Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com. Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Winfield is caring for the family.
Sports, 05.27.22
Golf
The 2022 Girls’ State Golf Tournament kicked off yesterday morning at 9 a.m. The lady tigers are in a great position to begin the second day of play in Class 1A.
The first day of results are in and are as follows:
Taylor Phillips is currently tied for 3rd place at 11 over par and an overall score of 82.
Sophie Mallott is tied for 19th with 21 over par and an overall score of 92.
Emma Nye is tied for 35th at 29 over par with an overall score of 100.
Saige Barron is currently placed 49th at 33 over par and an overall score of 104
Emma Busby is currently placed 66th at 47 over par and overall score of 118.
Stevey Wintermeyer is currently placed 70th at 60 over par and an overall score of 131.
New London is currently in 4th place at 94 over par. We are excited to see what the lady tigers bring to the course throughout today. Teams will tee off at 8:30 a.m.
Sami Wibben from the Mount Pleasant Panthers is a lone fighter in the 2022 Class 3A Girls’ Golf Tournament. She is currently tied for 16th at 16 over par and a total score of 88.
Baseball
The New London Boys high school baseball team collected a win over Cardinal last night 4-2 and will play Central Lee tonight at 5:30 in Central Lee.
Winfield Mount Union is scheduled to play Pekin at the Winfield-Mt. Union Community School tonight at 7 p.m.
The Mount Pleasant Panthers will play Muscatine tonight at 7 p.m. at the Mapleleaf Athletic Complex.
Softball
The New London tigers saw a loss to Cardinal last night at 11-0. They will hit the field again tonight to face off against Central Lee at 7 p.m. in Central Lee.
Winfield Mount Union saw a win over Mediapolis last night 20-7 and will face Pekin in Winfield at 7 p.m. tonight.
The Mount Pleasant Panthers have a tournament tomorrow in Louisa-Muscatine and will play the Louisa Muscatine Falcons at noon, followed by a game against Columbus at 4 p.m.
Gov. Reynolds announces $20M investment in nonprofits
Thursday Gov. Reynolds announced a $20 million investment to help nonprofit organizations in Iowa expand to meet the needs of more Iowans.
The new Nonprofit Innovation Fund will provide a competitive grant opportunity to help nonprofit organizations make transformational investments in vertical infrastructure that will enable them to offer additional services or help more Iowans.
“Iowa nonprofits provide critical support to Iowans most in need,” said Gov. Reynolds. “While these organizations work around the clock to meet today’s needs, the Nonprofit Innovation Fund will provide innovative and transformational investments to help prepare Iowans for tomorrow.”
Nonprofits are encouraged to apply with shovel ready projects that expand the number of services provided to Iowans and/or projects that increase the number of Iowans served by the nonprofit. Eligible expenses for infrastructure projects include construction costs, acquisition, site development, engineering and architectural services. The program provides awards up to $3 million for infrastructure projects.
Applications will be accepted starting June 27th at iowagrants.gov. Grant recipients must have all funds obligated no later than December 31, 2024 and expended by June 30, 2026. For more information, visit iowaeda.com/nonprofit-innovation-fund/.
Funding for this grant opportunity is made available through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
Jerry Mabeus
Ralph Hole (final arrangements)
Ralph L. Hole, 43, of Mt. Pleasant, died Friday, May 20, 2022 at his residence of natural causes.
Visitation will be from 11 AM-1PM on Wednesday, June 1 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. A funeral procession will form at 1 PM and leave for a graveside funeral service at 2:00 at the Ollie Cemetery, Ollie, IA.
Ralph Lakin Hole was born June 24, 1978 in Iowa City, IA. He was the son of David John and Joyce Ann (Cavin) Hole, Sr. Ralph grew up in Olds, IA and graduated from Mt. Pleasant Community High School. He later attended classes in computer science at Southeastern Community College.
Ralph had a paper route for many years. He worked for Sirloin Stockade and Hy-Vee. He was a member of the Boy Scout Troop #28 where he enjoyed camping and backpacking at Philmont. For many years, Ralph assisted the Mt. Pleasant Community High School Panther Marching Band, maneuvering equipment for the pit at the football games, and for the Mt. Pleasant Marching Band Invitational. Ralph was proud to be one of the Conductors for the Midwest Center Railroad during all their events, most especially at the Old Threshers Reunion.
Those thankful for sharing in Ralph’s life include his father and his wife, John and Sharon Hole of Washington; his foster mother, Annmarie Sabel of Wapello; his brothers, Gary Hole of Florida, Roger Hole of Mt. Vernon, David Hole and Lloyd Hole, both of Cedar Rapids; his foster siblings – Jimmy Sabel of Wapello, Josh Sabel of Iowa City, Chuck Kalar and his wife Becky of Bettendorf, IA, Shane Sabel and his wife Amy of Wapello and Tasha Sabel of Wapello.
Ralph’s mother Joyce precedes him in death.
From the WMU School Board Special Meeting
The Winfield Mt. Union School Board met in Special Session Wednesday night. The board awarded the Industrial Tech Building addition project to Odessa Mechanical. Odessa’s bid was $260,200 including contingency fees. Substantial completion date is December 1.
The Board also voted to hire Karinda Wahls for the elementary principal’s position.