Sign Up Now for Summer Swimming Lessons!

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at 5:47 am CDT

It’s not too early to register for summer swimming lessons in Mount Pleasant. Mail-in registration began April 1st, and some private lesson spots are already full. If you’ve already turned in your registration forms, keep an eye on your email, confirmation messages will arrive soon.

You can still send in your registration by mail. Just send your completed form to 307 E Monroe Street, Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641.

This year’s swimming lessons will run from June 2nd through July 31st. Group lessons are scheduled for two weeks, Monday through Thursday, while private lessons take place over one week, also Monday through Thursday. Walk-in registration opens May 1st at our office.

Please note: children must be at least 5 years old to sign up for private lessons.

For the full lesson schedule, class descriptions, and a registration form, visit the City of Mount Pleasant website.

New London Spring Cleanup Set for May 5

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at 5:47 am CDT

The City of New London has announced its annual Spring Cleanup event, scheduled for Monday, May 5. Residents are encouraged to place their bagged or boxed bulk household items at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on their regular trash pickup day. All items must be within three feet of the roadway.

Acceptable items include large miscellaneous household items that don’t fit in regular garbage carts. However, the total volume must not exceed that of a standard pickup truck bed.

Prohibited items include construction debris, dirt, stumps, railroad ties, wet paint, hazardous waste, mechanical parts, appliances without proper documentation, tires, and any business-related waste. Loose trash or uncontained items will not be collected.

Residents wishing to dispose of appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, or air conditioners must first pay a $15 fee at the City Office and present a receipt for curbside pickup.

Televisions and computer monitors will not be collected and must be taken to the Des Moines County HazChem Center. Residents should contact the center at 319-753-8758 for disposal fees and drop-off details.

Little Panthers Preschool Opens Pre-Registration for 2025-2026 School Year

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at 5:47 am CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT — Preschool teachers and administrators with the Mount Pleasant Community School District are already preparing for the 2025-2026 school year, beginning with an important step: estimating enrollment numbers for Little Panthers Preschool.

In accordance with state law, children must be four years old on or before September 15, 2025, to be eligible for preschool enrollment. Parents and guardians who are interested in enrolling their child are encouraged to complete the online pre-registration form, available now through the district website at www.mtpcsd.org.

The preschool program is tuition-free for all students. Classes are held Monday through Thursday, with two daily sessions offered: a morning session from 8:15 to 11:00 a.m. and an afternoon session from 12:10 to 3:05 p.m.

Pre-registration reserves a child’s place in the program, with final registration to be completed online in July. Sessions will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The preschool has a capacity of 108 students, with 18 students per class. Administrators aim to keep morning and afternoon enrollment numbers as balanced as possible.

At the end of the pre-registration process, families will be asked to indicate a preference for either the AM or PM session, though placement in a preferred session is not guaranteed.

Families already enrolled in the district will be able to register their preschool student through the Infinite Campus parent portal in July. New families to the district will receive an email with an activation code from Cindy Smith to create an account and complete registration through Infinite Campus.

The district encourages parents to share this information with any families who may not have received it.

To access the Little Panthers Preschool pre-registration form, visit www.mtpcsd.org.

Marvin Eugene Creech

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at 5:37 am CDT

Marvin Eugene Creech, 89, of Eldon, IA passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Jefferson County Health Care Center if Fairfield, IA

  • A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at the Living Hope Bible Church in Eldon, IA with Pastor Mark Clark officiating.
  • Burial, with military honors, will be held in the Eldon Cemetery immediately following the service.
  • Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at the Living Hope Bible Church in Eldon with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
  • Memorial contributions in Marvin’s honor may be directed to the Eldon Avenue of Flags and mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556.
  • Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Mary F. Graber

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at 5:31 am CDT
Mary Frances Graber, 94, of Washington, formerly of Crawfordsville, died Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Halcyon House in Washington.

Mary was born August 9, 1930, in Henry County, the daughter of Alfred H. and Bessie A. Orn Keith. As a young child Mary loved her horses and being outside on their farm. She graduated from Wayland High School in 1947 and went on to AIB in Des Moines. On November 24, 1949, Mary was united in marriage to Dwight W. Graber, at Finley Church in Wayland. Mary was the true definition of a devoted wife, caring for Dwight, their children, and the home. She was hardworking in everything she did; sewing clothes for the girls, gardening, canning produce, and tending flowers. She enjoyed baking and was known for her pies, bread, rolls, and of course, the grandkids favorite-homemade glazed donuts. Mary’s foundation for life was her faith. She was a member of Sugar Creek Mennonite Church, Mennonite Women, and volunteered time at The Crowded Closet in Iowa City. She was involved with the church and taught Sunday school and Bible school. She loved the grandkids and great grandchildren, spending many hours babysitting. Mary and Dwight never wanted to miss a ball game of the grandchildren!

Mary is survived by three daughters, Vickie (Bill) Kurtz of Indianapolis, IN, Annette (Paul) Boshart VonTersch of Wayland, Joanne (Rick) Shelman of Solon; two sons, Greg (Carol) Graber, Mark (Lori) Graber both of Crawfordsville; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Graber of Iowa City; 17 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Dwight; son Doug Graber; son-in-law Gale Boshart; five siblings, Theron Keith, Velma Keith, Dorothea Brooks, Lucille Mast, and Marvin Keith Sr.

A private family graveside service will be held in the Sugar Creek Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Crooked Creek Christian Camp in rural Washington, on Saturday, May 31, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Halcyon House, Hospice of Washington County, and Sugar Creek Cemetery. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Mary and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Weekly Fuel Report AS OF April 16th

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at 5:27 am CDT
Weekly Fuel Report

DES MOINES, Iowa (April 16, 2025) – The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 9 cents, averaging $2.98 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $5.19 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $62.57.
  • Brent crude oil rose by $5.21 and is currently priced at $65.84.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $86.15 and Brent crude was $91.29.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.98 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices fell 9 cents from last week’s price and are down 34 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.17, down 7 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 3 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.35.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.77 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 24 cents lower than the national average of $3.59.
  • Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.02 for U87-E10, $2.31 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.24 for ULSD#2, $2.48 for ULSD#1, and $1.95 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices were down $.27 at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.27 MMbtu.
  • We will continue reporting retail heating oil and propane prices in Iowa in October.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Dewey R. McLerran

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at 5:26 am CDT

Dewey R. McLerran, 92, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 4:55 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Van Buren County Hospital in Keosauqua, Iowa.

He was born on October 12, 1932, in Harper, Missouri, the son of Cull B. and Myrtle (Harper) McLerran. On December 28, 1951, he married Lois E. Hahn in Richland, Iowa. She preceded him in death on April 2, 2000.

He is survived by his daughter: Jeanne (Pat) Doyle of Donnellson, Iowa; two sons: Scott McLerran of Stuart, Florida, Michael (Mary) McLerran of New London, Iowa; grandchildren: Andy McLerran, Ryan McLerran, Zachary (Chance Morgan) Doyle and Evan (Kenzie Northup) Doyle. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Lois; siblings: Inez Corbin, Ivan McLerran, Ira McLerran, Clester McLerran and Carolena Anderson.

Dewey served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked at Contel Telephone for thirty-six years, where he held a manager position. He also was a lawn mower and bicycle mechanic. Dewey was a member of the Donnellson City Council and served as Mayor for many years. He was also a member of the Donnellson Lion’s Club and was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan. Dewey especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Evangelical Cemetery in Donnellson with a flag presentation by the Donnellson American Legion.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Lee County Fairgrounds Learning Center.

A memorial has been established in his memory for PAW Animal Shelter in honor of his dog “Princess”.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Aaron William Ballalatak

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 at 11:05 am CDT

Aaron William Ballalatak, 48, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as a result of a vehicle accident.

 

No services are planned at this time and cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant