West Point Woman Arrested on Drug Charges

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force reported on Friday, May 30th, the arrest of a West Point woman on felony and misdemeanor drug charges.

Allison Lea Wolkenhauer, 42, of West Point was charged with possession, possession with intent to deliver while possessing a firearm and multiple other charges.

(Possession of more than 5 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver while possessing a firearm, a class B felony; (3) counts of Iowa drug tax stamp violation, all are class D felonies; Possession of a controlled substance (morphine), a serious misdemeanor; Possession of a controlled substance (oxycodone), a serious misdemeanor; Possession of a controlled substance (clonazepam), a serious misdemeanor; Possession of a controlled substance (ecstasy), a serious misdemeanor; Possession of marijuana, a serious misdemeanor; Possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor.)

The charges are the result of a search warrant that was executed at Wolkenhauer’s residence by the Lee County Narcotics Task Force and other law enforcement agencies.

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force were assisted by the Lee County area SRT (special response team), the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Madison Police Department, and the Keokuk Police Department K-9 Szolt.

The defendant in this case is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Lee County Narcotics Task Force is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Justice and the funds administered by the Iowa Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy.

Our Roads Safety Week

“Our Roads Safety Week” begins on Monday, June 2nd.  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.

 

Water Main Break: Walnut Street in MP

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.

Michael A. Chrissinger

Michael Arthur “Mike” Chrissinger, 62, of Mt. Pleasant, died Friday, May 23, 2025 at his residence.

Mike was born December 4, 1962 in Burlington, Iowa. He was the son of Everett Dean and Cecile (Lauber) Chrissinger. He grew up in New London, and graduated from New London High School in 1981. Following graduation, Mike enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on November 12, 1981. He served as a semi-tractor/trailer operator. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal on April 10, 1990 at Camp LeJune, North Carolina.

Mike married Rhonda Kay Martin. The couple later divorced. Mike was then united in marriage to Wendy Quay Westerbeck. The couple later divorced.

For many years following his military service, Mike was a machine mechanic for McKay-Mitchell Envelope and later Innovaire.

Mike enjoyed hunting. He also enjoyed his collection of pocket and bowie knives.

Survivors include his daughters, Ryen Moehle and her husband Zach of Westwood, Nicole Humble and her husband Tyler of Des Moines and Shawna Hefele and her husband Anthony of Indianola; 2 half-sisters – Kristie Wilson of Cedar Rapids and Sheryl Chrissinger; a step brother – Ryan Homan of Marion, IA; a step-sister – Melissa Chrissinger of Cedar Rapids. Mike is also survived by a soon-to-be born grandchild, as well as 3 children that called him “Papa” – Lydia, Levyn and Lyza.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

There will be no formal funeral service for Mike. Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

Police Respond to Reported Disturbance Involving Possible Firearm in Mount Pleasant

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.

George Fredrick Septer – Pending

George Fredrick Septer, 83, of Salem passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Park Place in Mount Pleasant.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.

Michael Chrissinger

Michael Arthur “Mike” Chrissinger, 62, of Mt. Pleasant, died Friday, May 23, 2025 at his residence.

Mike was born December 4, 1962 in Burlington, Iowa. He was the son of Everett Dean and Cecile (Lauber) Chrissinger. He grew up in New London, and graduated from New London High School in 1981. Following graduation, Mike enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on November 12, 1981. He served as a semi-tractor/trailer operator. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal on April 10, 1990 at Camp LeJune, North Carolina.

Mike married Rhonda Kay Martin. The couple later divorced. Mike was then united in marriage to Wendy Quay Westerbeck. The couple later divorced.

For many years following his military service, Mike was a machine mechanic for McKay-Mitchell Envelope and later Innovaire.

Mike enjoyed hunting. He also enjoyed his collection of pocket and bowie knives.

Survivors include his daughters, Ryen Moehle and her husband Zach of Westwood, Nicole Humble and her husband Tyler of Des Moines and Shawna Hefele and her husband Anthony of Indianola; 2 half-sisters – Kristie Wilson of Cedar Rapids and Sheryl Chrissinger; a step brother – Ryan Homan of Marion, IA; a step-sister – Melissa Chrissinger of Cedar Rapids. Mike is also survived by a soon-to-be born grandchild, as well as 3 children that called him “Papa” – Lydia, Levyn and Lyza.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

There will be no formal funeral service for Mike. Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

George Fredrick Septer – PENDING

George Fredrick Septer, 83, of Salem passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Park Place in Mount Pleasant.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.