“Our Roads Safety Week” begins on Monday, June 2^nd.  The US Department of Transportation goal is to bring awareness to road safety. Millions of large trucks, buses, and vehicles help move the nation’s economy and citizens.

95 lives have been lost on Iowa’s roadways so far this year according to the Iowa State Patrol.   Memorial Day kicked off what the Iowa State Patrol calls the “100 deadliest days of summer,” a period marked by an increase in teen driver crashes and fatalities.

This time of year, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, is when many younger drivers are hitting the roads for the first time Law enforcement agencies, including the Iowa State Patrol, increased their presence on the roadways and noticed a reduction in fatal collisions over the holiday weekends over the past 3 years.

Mt. Pleasant Municipal Utilities reported a water main break at about 4pm this afternoon at Walnut Street and Laurel Drive in Mt. Pleasant.  The water main break was a result of a separate project requiring digging in the area today.  The water has been shut off along Walnut Street from Washington to Alter Court and Green and Webster Streets from Walnut to Locust Street.  Mt. Pleasant Utility crews are currently on the scene and working to repair the line.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a reported large physical disturbance on Thursday evening in the 900 block of North Grand Avenue. Officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 6:16 p.m. on May 29 after receiving information about a possible fight involving a firearm.

While en route, officers were informed that the suspect vehicle had left the area. The vehicle was later located and stopped on Mapleleaf Drive. Due to the nature of the report—suggesting a firearm might be involved—officers had all occupants exit the vehicle. One individual was detained and subsequently arrested on an unrelated warrant issued by Des Moines County.

Authorities determined that the incident stemmed from an altercation between a group of juveniles. According to an independent witness, someone was overheard instructing another individual to “get a gun out of the car.” However, after further investigation and a review of video footage showing the altercation, police confirmed that no firearm was involved.

There is no ongoing threat to the public, police emphasized. The investigation remains active, and multiple charges are anticipated as it progresses.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Mount Pleasant Police Department in responding to the incident.

Law enforcement officials remind the public that a criminal charge is merely an accusation and that any defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Mount Pleasant Police Department by calling 319-385-1450.

Packwood, Iowa (May 29, 2025) – A 17-year-old girl from Packwood, Ia was killed and a Missouri man seriously injured following a head-on collision Thursday morning on Packwood Road, just north of the Jefferson–Van Buren county line.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, Ava Ford, 17, of Packwood, was driving a 2003 Toyota Camry southbound on Packwood Road at approximately 7:35 a.m. when, for unknown reasons, her vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with a northbound 1999 Dodge Ram driven by Clinton Weaver, 40, of Lancaster, Missouri.

Ford, who was wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene. Her body was transported by Cranston Funeral Home.

Weaver, also properly restrained, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted by AirCare to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Authorities noted that his seatbelt use likely saved his life.

Both vehicles were heavily damaged and removed from the scene by RPM of Fairfield. No additional vehicles were involved.

The crash remains under investigation by Iowa State Patrol Post 13, with assistance from multiple local and regional agencies.

No further details have been released as authorities continue to examine the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.