Becky Wilson has officially announced her candidacy for Henry County Attorney, pledging to bring what she calls “strong, commonsense leadership” to the office.

In a public statement shared with friends, family, and supporters, Wilson said her decision to run came “after much prayer and seeking,” describing the campaign as both a challenge and an exciting opportunity to serve the community. “Henry County needs a strong, commonsense leader who will defend the citizens by prosecuting criminals, clean out corruption, and listen to the people,” she said. “It has been a long time since their needs were put first. I believe I can be that kind of leader.”

Wilson brings years of legal experience to the race. She has worked extensively in law firms in Texas as a paralegal and has practiced in Iowa courts across at least 18 counties, including juvenile court, family court, criminal defense, wills and probate, and personal injury. She believes this broad background uniquely qualifies her to “revamp the prosecutor’s office” in Henry County.

Her campaign will focus on three key priorities:

• Supporting law enforcement and building strong working relationships with local agencies

• Protecting the public through firm prosecution of criminal cases

• Restoring citizens’ trust in the County Attorney’s Office

Wilson emphasized that her platform is rooted in the lifelong values of faith, family, and responsibility. She is seeking early support from friends and neighbors to help launch her campaign, noting that contributions of any size will help share her message with voters.

“I’m truly grateful for your friendship and support,” Wilson said. “I promise to make you proud on the campaign trail and in the County Attorney’s Office.”

The Henry County Attorney’s race will be decided by voters in the upcoming election.

The Mt Pleasant Rotary Clubs are sponsoring a diaper drive for the Family Connection from September 15^th to October 10^th. By participating in the Family Connection programs, parents can utilize their participation points to receive diapers, wipes, laundry detergent, and other basic baby supplies. Many families who live within the federal poverty guidelines worry about how to afford these necessities.  Donation drives like this allow Family Connection to get diapers in the homes of families who need them.  The Family Connection can work with up to 45 families at one time and these families need 30-40 packages of diapers a month. Last year Rotary collected 34 boxes and 64 packages of diapers to help meet that need.

Donation Box Locations in Mt Pleasant

5 Star Credit Union

Coffee Depot

Mt Pleasant Public Library

Both Pilot Grove Bank locations

Central Park Perk

Diaper Collection at Hy Vee in Mt Pleasant

Saturday, September 27^th 9 to 11 am

Friday, October 3^rd 5 to 8 pm

About Rotary

Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. On of our seven main causes is child and maternal health and wellness. This diaper drive supports this cause and improves the lives of families in Henry County. For questions about the Mt Pleasant Evening Rotary or this diaper drive, please contact MPERotary@gmail.com.

A Muscatine man has been sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison after admitting to possessing a firearm while prohibited as a felon.

According to public court documents, Robert Owen Knapp III, 33, was arrested in May 2024 after fleeing on foot during an attempted traffic stop while carrying a pistol. Officers apprehended Knapp and recovered the firearm he was holding at the time of his arrest.

Knapp was on federal supervised release stemming from a 2017 conviction for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. His actions in the 2024 incident led to the revocation of his supervised release.

U.S. District Court officials sentenced Knapp to 58 months in federal prison, followed by a four-year term of supervised release. In addition, his prior supervised release was revoked, and he received a consecutive nine-month prison term for that violation.

There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentence, noting the investigation was conducted by the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man will spend more than seven years in federal prison after being found in possession of child pornography while already serving a term of federal supervised release.

According to court records, David Anthony Tumea, 44, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison after staff at a residential reentry center discovered four flash drives hidden inside his hat. Tumea was living at the center as part of his supervised release stemming from a 2014 federal conviction for possessing an unregistered firearm and ammunition as a felon.

The discovery prompted searches of Tumea’s vehicle and room, where authorities seized a total of 27 electronic storage devices and a cell phone. Multiple devices were found to contain child sexual abuse material.

In addition to his prison sentence, Tumea will serve a ten-year term of supervised release following his incarceration. He was also ordered to pay $35,000 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.

Because the offense occurred while he was on supervised release, the court revoked Tumea’s previous supervision and imposed an additional 18-month prison term, to be served consecutively to the 87-month sentence.

The case was investigated by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office and announced by United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa.

The City of Mount Pleasant Parks and Recreation Department is removing two large Sycamore trees from Central Park after determining they posed a safety risk.

Since spring, staff have closely monitored the trees following incidents of large limbs falling. On Wednesday, September 10, a particularly large limb from the north tree came down and struck a park light shade. Fortunately, no one was injured and damage was minimal.

A local tree company was called to inspect the Sycamores, and their assessment revealed that the tops of both trees were dead, creating a significant hazard for park visitors. To protect the public, the city made the decision to remove the trees.

Removal work began Tuesday, September 16. According to Parks and Recreation Director Gary Grunow, the tree company has done an excellent job keeping debris contained to a single area during the process.

The Parks and Recreation Department thanks the community for its understanding as they work to keep Central Park safe and welcoming for everyone.