MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa – The Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility (MPCF) hosted their8 “We’ve Got Your Back” event—an initiative aimed at bringing hope, dignity, and a touch of comfort to children entering the foster care system.

In collaboration with Four Oaks Foster Care, the event saw MPCF staff and incarcerated individuals work side by side to pack backpacks and duffle bags filled with essential items for children who are in or entering foster care. Each bag included hygiene products, clothing items, blankets, and more—simple yet meaningful items meant to ease the transition for children in difficult circumstances.

The effort came from Incarcerated Inmates donating their own money, staff donations, families and fundraisers. Some were able to donate several dollars, while some were able to donate the last pennies they had during event. All that donated, were honored during Wednesdays even.

Dozens of bags were assembled during today’s event, with participants expressing a deep sense of pride and purpose. Organizers say the act of giving, particularly from those who may have experienced hardship themselves, brought a shared sense of healing and humanity.

MPCF officials hope to continue and expand this initiative in the future, with the goal of involving more community partners and reaching even more children across Iowa.

For more information about the program or future events, contact the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility administration.

Heartland Youth For Christ is inviting community members to support their 2025 summer fundraiser by purchasing juicy Georgia peaches and flavorful pecans, with proceeds helping to connect local youth to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

Supporters can choose from:

• 15 pounds of Georgia peaches for $38
• 1 pound of pecans (either plain or cinnamon & sugar) for $18

Orders are available for pick-up the week of June 23rd at four convenient locations across Eastern and Southeastern Iowa: Cedar Rapids, Manchester, Mount Pleasant, and Ottumwa.

To participate:

1. Visit the Pre-Order Form to reserve your peaches and pecans.
2. After submitting your order, follow the provided link to make a secure payment online through Square.

Proceeds from the sale go directly toward Heartland Youth For Christ’s mission of reaching and mentoring teens in our region—providing faith-based guidance, community, and hope.

Mount Pleasant, IA – May 21, 2025 — A Mount Pleasant woman was arrested late Saturday night following a traffic collision in the 700 block of East Cedar Lane that left two vehicles disabled and police suspecting impaired driving.

At approximately 10:43 p.m. on May 18, the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to reports of a crash involving a vehicle that had attempted to flee the scene. Upon arrival, officers discovered a black 2005 Subaru Legacy parked on the side of the road showing signs of damage, and a gray 2012 Kia Sorento disabled in the middle of the street.

According to authorities, the Kia had been traveling eastbound when it sideswiped the parked Subaru. The driver, later identified as 28-year-old Kyndra Ramsey of Mount Pleasant, allegedly attempted to leave the scene but was unable to do so due to significant damage sustained in the crash. Both vehicles were rendered inoperable, and damages were estimated at approximately $5,000.

As Breuer’s Towing worked to remove the Kia from the roadway, officers discovered an open container of vodka inside the vehicle. Ramsey was determined to be operating under the influence of alcohol and was taken into custody at the scene.

She was transported to the Henry County Jail and charged with Operating While Under the Influence, a serious misdemeanor. Ramsey also received a citation for Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability in an Accident.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department continues to investigate the incident and reminds the public that a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a traffic incident Tuesday evening following multiple calls reporting a hit-and-run involving a black Dodge Charger.

Witnesses stated the Charger, bearing Iowa license plate NQJ227, struck another vehicle, swerved off the road into a yard, and lost its rear bumper before fleeing eastbound. The driver, described as a white male, was believed to be intoxicated at the time of the crash.

Deputies arrived at the scene and confirmed that while the second vehicle involved did not sustain visible damage, a yard and utility pole suffered impact. The suspect was not located, and no arrests have been made. Authorities are treating the case as documentation only at this time.

Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.