MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa – Shawn Demetric King was pronounced dead at 9:50 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the Minimum Live-Out of the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility. King was 53 years old at the time of his death.

King had been serving a five-year term for crimes from Scott County. His sentence began on Jan. 12, 2024.

Mount Pleasant, IA — As summer approaches, The Fellowship Cup is once again stepping up to support local families through its Summer Lunch Program, providing much-needed food assistance to Henry County students 18 years old and younger.

Beginning Monday, June 9, families will be able to pick up weekly lunch supplies at The Fellowship Cup Community Room, located at 203 N Jefferson Street in Mount Pleasant. Pickup times are scheduled every Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The program, also referred to as the Summer Sacks Lunch Program, offers groceries and food supplies intended to help families prepare a week’s worth of lunches. However, participants should note that the Fellowship Cup does not prepare the lunches—families are responsible for assembling the meals themselves and ensuring the supplies last through the week.

To enroll a student, parents or guardians must either call The Fellowship Cup at (319) 385-3242, or submit a completed registration form to the Fellowship Cup office. The registration form requires basic student information including names, schools, address, and parent contact details. Forms can be dropped off or mailed to:
203 N Jefferson Street, Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641.

For more information, contact The Fellowship Cup directly or visit their location during regular business hours.

The Henry County Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday,  May 20th at 3.30. at the USDA Office, 709 S. Iris Street, Mt Pleasant.  Tentative agenda

Items include approve minutes, watershed report, and cost share payments and other district business.

Those needing special accommodations should call the office @ 319-385-2824 ext. 3.

Jet Stop has announced a new fuel option now available at its Houghton location—diesel fuel.

This addition aims to better serve the needs of local drivers and truck operators who rely on diesel-powered vehicles.

The expansion is part of Jet Stop’s ongoing commitment to convenience and service across southeast Iowa.

With diesel now available in Houghton, area residents and travelers have another accessible stop for their fueling needs.

Keep an eye out for more updates from Jet Stop as they continue enhancing their offerings to meet customer demand.

Danville, Iowa — The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission (SEIRPC) is inviting Danville residents to take an active role in planning the city’s future. A new Comprehensive Plan is in development, and community input is a key part of the process.

The plan will serve as a 20-year blueprint to guide Danville’s decisions on housing, transportation, parks, economic development, and public investment. Officials say they want to hear from everyone—whether you’ve lived in Danville for decades or just recently moved in.

“This is your chance to have a real impact on the future of your community,” said Sam Avery with SEIRPC. “Your feedback will directly influence how Danville grows and invests in coming years.”

Residents can share their ideas by filling out a short online survey. The survey is designed to be quick and easy but covers a broad range of topics that will help shape the city’s long-term vision.

🔗 Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Danville20YearVision

SEIRPC encourages everyone to spread the word. “Please share the survey with your friends, family, and neighbors,” Avery said. “Every voice truly matters.”

Anyone with questions about the planning process can contact Sam Avery directly at savery@seirpc.com.

Now is the time to get involved and help ensure Danville’s future reflects the values and needs of its residents.

The Henry County Veterans Memorial Committee has finalized plans for the 2025 Memorial Day observance in Mount Pleasant, with several opportunities for the public to participate in honoring local veterans.

Flag Placements Begin May 22

On Thursday, May 22, volunteers will begin placing flags at Forest Home, Old City, and St. Alphonsus Cemeteries. Flags can only be placed where a flag holder is present—families are responsible for ensuring holders are in place. Flag pickup is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27 at 4:00 p.m.

Courthouse Flags Raised May 24

Flags will be raised on the Courthouse lawn Saturday, May 24 at 8:00 a.m., remaining for five days. They will be retired Wednesday, May 28 at 4:00 p.m., weather permitting. Volunteers are welcome to help during both events.

Memorial Day Program Set for May 26

The community Memorial Day observance will be held Monday, May 26 at 10:30 a.m. in the Mount Pleasant High School gym. Dean King, Avenue of Flags Chairman, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Pastor Monte Knutson will give the Invocation and Benediction.

The MPCHS Band, under Brad Cook, will perform patriotic selections. Elementary students led by Shari Moeller will present the Gettysburg Address and other tributes.

State Representative Taylor Collins will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. Seven new names will be added to the Veterans Memorial, bringing the total to 1,536. Families of those honored will be recognized.

The program concludes with a three-volley salute and “Taps” by the MPCHS Band. All are encouraged to attend and participate in this meaningful tribute.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa — The Mount Pleasant City Council tackled a full agenda at its most recent meeting, ranging from infrastructure improvements and budget adjustments to exciting news about a regional media spotlight that will soon shine on the city.

City to Be Featured on KCRG’s “Our Town” Series

Rachel Lindeen, speaking on behalf of the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance, announced that Mount Pleasant has been selected as KCRG-TV9’s next “Our Town” feature community. This initiative will showcase the city in a week long news and community spotlight airing June 23–27.

KCRG crews will be in town beginning June 11 to film community landmarks and local businesses, including Old Threshers, Moro Organics, Harlan-Lincoln House, the Heritage Museum, and more. A live morning broadcast is scheduled for Friday, June 27, with filming starting at 4:30 a.m.

“This is a big opportunity to share Mount Pleasant’s story beyond our usual reach,” Lindeen said. “It aligns perfectly with our 2025 strategy to promote the community to audiences 90 to 120 miles out.”

Infrastructure Projects Advance

The council approved several street and infrastructure projects, continuing its long-term efforts to improve roads and public spaces across the city:

• Cemetery Upgrades: Approval was given to Norris Asphalt Paving to overlay a section of Forest Home Cemetery for $42,152.
• Street Overlays: Additional contracts were approved with Norris Asphalt for overlay work on South Street (Washington to Clay) and Harrison Street (Madison to Monroe).
• South Adams Place: Engineering work was approved for future street improvements on South Adams and surrounding areas.
• Airport Development: A major resolution was passed to accept the low bid of $2.6 million from Jim Barton Construction for the airport’s taxi lane and hangar project, which is being largely funded by state and federal grants. The project total is expected to reach $3.1 million with 90% covered through grant funding.

Utility Rate Adjustment and Equipment Purchase

In financial updates, the council approved the second reading of an ordinance reducing the minimum sewer charge from $7.50 to $6.50. The decrease offsets a solid waste administration fee increase, aiming to maintain a neutral impact on residents’ bills.

School Resource Officer Agreement Renewed

A new three-year agreement was authorized between the city and the Mount Pleasant Community School District to continue the shared school resource officer program. The officer will spend 70% of their time with the school and 30% on city assignments.

Council Wrap-Up

In closing, Mayor Steve Brimhall and other city leaders reflected on the momentum Mount Pleasant is building—from road improvements and downtown revitalization to gaining regional recognition. “The airport alone is transforming,” said one council member. “People don’t realize how active and important that site has become.”

The next city council meeting is scheduled for May 28.