Tom Beasley
Tom Beasley, 85, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, May 12, 2025 at his residence.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, which is assisting Tom’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com
Rodney “Rod” Wade Zirkle, 54, of Richland, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on January 1, 1971, in Virginia, Rod was the beloved son of Roger Lee and Linda (Hall) Zirkle. He graduated from high school in Virginia in 1989 and went on to earn his Associate’s Degree. Rod’s life journey brought him to Iowa in 1999, where he began a distinguished career in public service as a firefighter at the Veterans Hospital in Knoxville. He later joined the Ottumwa Fire Department as a firefighter and paramedic, proudly serving the community and standing strong with his brothers and sisters in the Firefighter’s Union.
It was during his time in Ottumwa that Rod met the love of his life, Sarah Ann Keeley. They were united in marriage on February 22, 2008, and together built a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, and devotion. Rod and Sarah were blessed with two wonderful children, Bekah (13) and Brody (10), who were the light of his life.
After retiring from his fire service, Rod continued to serve his community in another way—by becoming a school bus driver. He faithfully drove routes for the Fairfield, Winfield-Mt. Union, and Pekin school districts, always looking out for the children in his care with the same dedication he had shown his entire career.
Rod was a man of many passions. He loved the outdoors and could often be found hunting, fishing, golfing, or practicing archery. He had a natural talent for working with his hands and took pride in tackling yard projects and handiwork around his home. His quick wit, warm hugs, and perfectly timed jokes made him unforgettable to all who knew him. Rod had a wicked sense of humor and a deep love of comedy that brought joy to many. Above all, he was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a loyal friend.
Rod’s gentle spirit extended to all creatures—especially his cherished service dog, Maisie, a constant and beloved companion who was truly a member of the family.
One of Rod’s favorite traditions was volunteering at Old Threshers, where he could be found doing what he loved—driving the ground train and enjoying the music echoing from the grandstand.
Rod is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Sarah, and their children, Bekah and Brody; his brother, Kevin Zirkle and wife Anne; his in-laws, Jerry and Becky Keeley; sisters-in-law Tressa Keeley-Pickett and husband John; Cynthia Keeley Ridinger and husband Thom; his brother-in-law, John Keeley; his (Aunt)Sue Rapheld of Mt. Pleasant and his cousins Jill and Kenny Stutsman.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Dan Keeley.
Rod’s life will be honored with a memorial service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 17th at the Conservation Center in Marr Park, 2943 Iowa Highway 92, Ainsworth, Iowa. The Ottumwa Fire Department Honor Guard will render final honors. Following the service, a Celebration of Life and luncheon will be held until 2:00 PM. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation for the future education of Rod and Sarah’s children, Bekah and Brody. Checks may be made payable to Sarah Zirkle.
Online condolences may be shared at www.kimzeyfh.com.
The Mt. Pleasant Community School District has a new school board member. Mark Overberg emerged victorious in Tuesday’s special election, defeating Todd Liechty to fill the vacant seat.
A total of 861 were cast in the election, which took place at St. Alphonsus Manning Hall.
Todd Liechty: 339
Mark Overberg: 522
Total: 861
Throughout the campaign, both Overberg and Liechty emphasized the importance of transparency, open communication, and student-centered leadership. Voters ultimately chose Overberg to represent those values on the board.
Overberg is expected to be sworn in at an upcoming board meeting as the district continues its work on budget planning, student support initiatives, and strategic goals.
For additional updates, visit the Mt. Pleasant Community School District’s official website.
BURLINGTON, Iowa – May 13, 2025 — The Burlington Fire Department responded to a house fire Tuesday afternoon at 2011 Isabella Avenue. Crews were dispatched at 4:03 p.m. and arrived on scene just three minutes later to find smoke coming from the single-story home.
Firefighters entered the residence and were able to quickly bring the blaze under control. The property is owned by Michelle and Mark Putnam and leased to Jenna Putnam and Alex Schweitzer. Schweitzer was home at the time but escaped without injury.
Officials say the fire was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials and has been ruled accidental. The home had multiple working smoke alarms, and the property was insured at the time of the fire. Damage assessments are still underway.
The Burlington Fire Department was assisted on scene by Alliant Energy and Gas, the West Burlington Fire Department, and the American Red Cross. Fire ground operations concluded at 6:15 p.m.
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
The Henry County Health Center Foundation is pleased to announce the successful completion of its recent $100,000 campaign to purchase medical beds and equipment for Henry County Health Center (HCHC). Thanks to generous private donations and strong community support at Foundation fundraising events, the Foundation surpassed its goal, raising a total of $104,000.
In addition to private donations, proceeds from the Foundation’s Bingo Night and Derby Party contributed to the successful campaign. Over 200 people attended Bingo in March, while May’s Derby Party drew supporters for a festive evening featuring Churchill Downs–style flair, mint juleps, auctions, and themed attire. Campaign funds provided new beds, equipment, and furniture for the Medical-Surgical and Emergency Departments, as well as the expanded Mount Pleasant Clinic.
All event proceeds and donations to the HCHC Foundation stay local, supporting high-quality healthcare in Henry County. To learn how your gift can help your friends and neighbors, contact the Foundation at (319) 385-6541 or scollins@greatriverhealth.org.
Mount Pleasant, Iowa – May 13, 2025 – The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a recognition ceremony this week to celebrate the graduation of the 2024-2025 Henry County Leadership class. Over the past nine months, participants engaged in a wide-ranging leadership development journey designed to prepare them for service and leadership within their communities.
The program, organized in partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach – Henry County, provided class members with valuable opportunities to interact with local business and community leaders, tour a variety of workplaces, and complete the “Leading Communities” curriculum—a program specifically tailored to building civic leadership capacity.
Henry County Leadership’s mission is to cultivate a continuous pipeline of well-prepared, motivated individuals ready to serve and lead. The program focuses on three core goals:
Graduates:
Samantha O’Connor, Mount Pleasant Community School District
Scarlett Craig, Southeastern Community College
Haley Rodgers, Rock Valley Physical Therapy
Kristin Brinck, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach – Henry County
Samantha Westercamp, Southeast Iowa Realty, Inc.
Court Fischer, First United Methodist Church
Nichole Hummell, iJag
Joseph Whalen, Walmart Distribution Center
Lisa Rees, City of Winfield
Riley Barton, First Interstate Bank,
“The impact of this program is seen not just in the personal and professional growth of the participants, but in the strengthened network of leaders working together for the betterment of Henry County,” said Rachel Lindeen of the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance.
For more information about the Henry County Leadership program or to learn how to get involved, contact the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance at (319) 385-3101 or visit them at 124 S. Main St., Mount Pleasant, IA.
Fax: 319-385-3601
Chad White, Vice-Chair Marc Lindeen, Chairman Steven Detrick, Member
319-385-0759 319-385-0760 319-385-0761________
AGENDA
Board of Supervisors
May 15, 2025
9:00 a.m.
Motion – Calhoun-Burns Contract
in the amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00).
Supervisors’ Sub-Committee Updates
Burlington, IA- The Southeast Iowa Super Conference’s (SEISC) fairways once against belong to the Highland girls’ team as the Huskies cruised to their second consecutive conference championship Monday night by 31 strokes.
Highland was led by the two best golfers on the course in Emersyn Schultz, who carded an 87 (+16), and Adisyn Prottsman, who finished with an 88. The duo also claimed a spot on the All-Conference First Team.
The Huskies had all four scoring members make once of the three teams with Joslyn Prottsman (97) making the Second Team and Adeline Krotz (98) finding her way on to the Third Team.
Wapello’s Emmalin Marshall and Emma Gerhardt helped the Arrows finish just two strokes better than Columbus for second place overall. Marshall claimed the tiebreaker over Hailey Wellington of Columbus to grab the last All-SEISC First Team slot with a round of 93, while Wellington finished as a Second Team member.
Emma Gerhardt carded a 98 to finish on the Second Team as well as Annaka Greiner’s 103 was good enough for Honorable Mention along with Kyndall Stigge.
For the Wildcats, Aracely Garza, who carded a 99, and Kinlee Brown, who shot a 100, finished in 15th and 16th place, respectively, to claim a spot on the All-SEISC Third Team.
Emma Busby was the top golfer for New London, finishing with the 5th best score of the course, a 92, and as the lone Tiger on the All-SEISC First Team. Stevey Wintermeier helped New London finish in 4th place as a team as she shot a 95, the 8th best score of the day, which secured her Second Team honors.
Van Buren County finished in 5th place as a team with a 427, despite Sophia Jirak taking home the bronze medal with a 90 through 18 holes. Callie Kracht collected 22nd place with a 106 as she was the next best Warrior. Kracht was named Honorable Mention.
Danville and Winfield-Mt. Union tied with 437 strokes apiece for 6th place as Ashlyn Bender was the top golfer for the Wolves, carding a 96, which was good enough for 9th place and Second Team honors. Ella Kann took home a 98 and 14th overall, which landed her on the Third Team.
Eastin Chipman’s 17th place finish with a score of 101 gave her Third Team honors for the Bears. Rachael Thompson collected a score of 110 and All-SEISC Honorable Mention.
Mediapolis (446), Notre Dame/West Burlington (460), and Holy Trinity Catholic (461) finished in 8th through 10th place, respectively, as a team. Emersyn Hopkins led the Nikes with a 18th place score of 101, taking the last spot on the Third Team.
The Crusaders leaned on Emma Mohrfeld and Elizabeth Griffin as they finished with a 108 and 109, respectively, and inside the top 30, earning Honorable Mention. Mediapolis had Katelyn Wischmeier and Paytan Gerling card 108s as they each finished with Honorable Mention honors.
WACO’s Morgan Meyer was the only golfer to finish inside the top 10, despite her team ending up outside the top 10; in fact, the Warriors claimed 12th place with a 472. Meyer had a fine day, hitting a 90 for 4th place overall and taking home All-SEISC First Team as a junior.
Marie Young has a similar story as a member of Central Lee as the Hawks finished in last as a team, but Young claimed 11th place with an 18-hole score of 98, a mark that placed her on the All-SEISC Second Team.
Up Next
Classes 1A and 2A Regional Golf will start on Friday, May 16th, with the Regional Finals set for Wednesday, May 21st.
