On April 11th, 2025, at approximately 8:30PM the Henry County Sheriff’s Office was requested to do a welfare check on an individual at Casey’s General Store in New London.
Upon arrival Deputies were informed the individual was dropped off around 5:00PM and had been sitting in the corner rambling to himself the past few hours. The male subject was identified as Corey Halvorson, 39 of South Ogden, Utah. Corey was asked to leave before the store closed. Corey refused, stating he owned the store.
After failed attempts to convince Corey to leave on his own free will, Deputies removed Corey from the store and placed him under arrest. Corey was charged with Trespassing 1st Offense and Interference With Official Acts, both simple misdemeanors.
On April 11th, 2025, at approximately 7:20PM a Henry County Deputy observed a Grey Jepp Cherokee exit the HyVee parking lot in Mount Pleasant. The vehicle did not have license plates attached to the front or rear. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle at the Jet Stop Laundry Mat parking lot.
The driver was identified as Jason Swailes. 39, of Mount Pleasant. An investigation revealed Jason’s driving status in Iowa to be suspended with 9 withdrawals in effect. Jason was arrested for Driving Under Suspension.
A celebration of life for Lynn E. Bender, who died Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, will be 4-7 PM on Saturday, April 19th, at the Mt. Pleasant Masonic Temple, 206 North Main Street.
Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the family for a charity to be chosen at a later date.
Ruth Ebersole, 95, of Mount Pleasant, formerly of the Iowa City and West Branch communities passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living Center in Mount Pleasant.
Ruth was born in rural Manheim, Pennsylvania, on June 8, 1929, the daughter of Clarence and Jennie (Rohrer) Moyer. Ruth was united in marriage to J. Delmar “Del” Ebersole on April 9, 1949, at Hernley Mennonite Church, near Manheim, Pennsylvania. They celebrated 69 years together before his death on October 23, 2018. After Delmar’s death she moved to Mount Pleasant in March of 2019. Ruth was a member of the First Christian Church in Coralville and had attended the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Pleasant.
Those thankful for sharing in her life include her children, Dennis Ebersole (Karen Hassell), Karen (Lynn) Richard, her loving grandchildren, Angela D. (Jeremy) Stenger, Christopher L. (Renee) Richard, Kimberly S.(Shannon) McClellan, Jeffrey D. (Kristin) Ebersole and her loving great grandchildren, Jack McClellan, Isabella Ebersole, Max McClellan, Jonah Ebersole, Sam McClellan and Josie Stenger, her sister, Mary Jane Sauder, her sister-n-law, Lois Moyer and her brother-in-law, Alvin Zimmerman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Delmar and three brothers, Clyde Moyer, Ken Moyer and Clarence “Chut” Moyer, Jr.
Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the West Branch Cemetery in West Branch, Iowa with the Reverend Jill Michel officiating. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Saint Jude’s Children Research Hospital in her memory.
MT. PLEASANT, Iowa – April 14, 2025 — The Henry County Engineering & Road Department has announced upcoming road construction work along Franklin Avenue, set to begin Tuesday, April 15.
Contractors will begin finish work on the stretch of Franklin Avenue between Salem and 285th Street. The work is expected to continue throughout the week, weather permitting.
The project will require a lane closure with flaggers present to direct traffic. Drivers are advised to use caution in the area and anticipate delays.
For more information, contact the Henry County Engineering & Road Department at 319-385-0762 or via email at engineer@henrycountyiowa.us.
Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Kerr, 79, of Mount Pleasant, died Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Harmony Care Center in Cedar Rapids.
Libby was born November 28, 1945, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Walter and Anna (Hoffman) Wehrle. She graduated from New London High School in 1964. Libby served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, with an honorable discharge in 1977. She attended the School of Cosmetology in Cedar Rapids, graduating in 1989. She worked as a hairdresser and massage therapist in Mount Pleasant for many years. Libby enjoyed shopping, caring for her pets, dining out, and spending time with her family and friends.
Libby is survived by her siblings, Ginny (Jim) Ritchey of Burlington, Kay Behmer of Des Moines, Diana (Bob) Olaszek of Plainfield, IL, Betty Ensminger of Mount Pleasant, and Roger (Susan) Wehrle of Ponte Verda, FL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three siblings Shirley Kay, Jack Wehrle and Pete Wehrle.
According to her wishes, her body has been cremated. There will be a graveside service with Military Rites in the Grant Cemetery at a later date. Memorial funds have been established for the American Cancer Society and Alzheimer’s Association. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Libby and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Larry Wayne Haight, 73, of Swisher, formerly of Winfield, died peacefully on April 11th, 2025, at his home.
Larry was born on April 9, 1952, to Keith and Norma (Maxwell) Haight. His brother Lon rounded out their small but mighty crew. He grew up in Winfield, Iowa, where he had a wonderful childhood filled with farm life, Boy Scouts, and athletics. He learned early on the value of hard work, helping on the farm, and getting into just enough mischief to keep things interesting.
A good ol’ Iowa farm boy, he somehow found his way to Northeast Missouri State (now Truman State University) and graduated with a Business Administration degree. This is where he met our mom. For him, it was love at first sight. He often reminisced about hearing her heels clicking down the hallway, her short skirt, and that long brown hair. Mom’s friends lovingly dubbed him “Starry Larry”—which, let’s be honest, was probably a step up from the high school nickname his buddies gave him, “Sugar Lips.” (We’re not asking questions, Dad, but we all know you were a looker.)
Mom and Dad were married on August 11, 1973. They spent several more years in Kirksville, Missouri, enjoying weekends in Leonard, Missouri, where our mom grew up. After Mandy and Seth were born, they moved back to Winfield and had one more baby, Clint. Dad farmed with his brother and began working as an electrician’s apprentice before starting his own business, Haight’s Electric, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2020.
In addition to owning his own business, Dad was highly involved in so many things: Volunteer Firefighter, Little League Coach, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church (Building & Grounds Committee, Old Threshers, Fall Auction), Twin Lakes Golf Course Board and Sunrise Terrace Board, and more recently, a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Mt. Vernon, to name a few.
While Winfield was always a beloved place where he and mom raised us kids, Clint built them their dream home in Swisher, Iowa, in 2020—just two doors down from his own family home, 25 minutes from Mandy in Mt. Vernon, and an hour closer to Seth in Minneapolis. It was the perfect spot for them, with a spectacular view and plenty of space for Dad to do what he loved. He kept the deer well-fed and could often be found mowing the Orchard property, binoculars in hand, keeping tabs on his four-legged visitors.
Dad was one of the great ones. He was generous, fiercely loving, and always up for a good laugh—especially if the joke was slightly inappropriate. His cousin recently described his laugh as something that started all the way down in his toes, and his brother noted that he ‘never met a stranger.’ Both couldn’t be more true. His laugh was infectious, and he was the friendliest person you’d ever meet. He was young at heart, hardworking, and always the first to show up when we needed help—whether it was moving, fixing something around the house, or just making sure we never left home without a full tank of gas.
His greatest joy was his family, and nothing made him happier than watching his grandkids shine in whatever they did. And he adored our mom—he never missed a chance to remind her (and us) that she was “the prettiest one there” wherever they went. He also loved the weekends spent at our cabin in Oakville. We don’t think he’d say he had a single regret, except for maybe selling that ’69 Chevelle.
Even as cancer slowly took its toll, he stayed true to himself—loyal, helpful, and full of love for the people who meant the most to him. Dad, we know you weren’t ready to leave us, but we also know exactly where you are. You’re already getting settled, taking in the view from heaven, where the bucks are big, the fish are biting, and the pheasants line the fence rows. You’ve got the best seat in the house to cheer us on. We miss you already, Dad. We promise to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus—until we see you again.
Those grateful for sharing in Larry’s life include his wife, Susan (Peoples) Haight; his children, Amanda (John) Rhomberg, Seth (Annie) Haight, and Clint (Katie) Haight; and his eleven grandkids: Annie, Nelson, Sara, Jackson, Joey and Tommy Rhomberg; James, Ryder and Sam Haight; and Maxwell and Levi Haight. He also leaves behind his brother, Lon (Linda) Haight, along with many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a whole lot of people who were blessed to have known him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Rev Ross Epping and Rev Nick Adam will concelebrate the mass. Visitation will be held Monday, April 14, 2025, from 3:00 – 7:00 pm at the Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory in Mount Pleasant, where a rosary will be recited at 3:30 pm and the family will greet friends from 4:00 – 7:00pm. A general memorial fund has been established.
A private family burial will take place at a later date at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Leonard, Missouri. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Larry and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
New London, Iowa — Students at New London Middle School/High School are gearing up to show their appreciation for the community with a day of service on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. As part of Community Day, students will step outside the classroom to lend a hand across town, tackling a variety of outdoor projects for local residents.
The event is designed as a way for students to thank the community for its continued support of the school. Volunteers will be out in full force helping with tasks like raking leaves, washing windows, painting, picking up trash and rocks, doing light landscaping, and even assisting with small construction projects under adult supervision.
Residents in need of a helping hand are encouraged to contact the school. Requests can be made by calling the high school office at 319-367-0500 or by emailing Melissa Bence at Melissa.Bence@nlcsd.org.
Community Day promises to be a rewarding experience for both students and residents, highlighting the strong connection between New London schools and the people they serve.
On April 11th, 2025, at approximately 8:30PM the Henry County Sheriff’s Office was requested to do a welfare check on an individual at Casey’s General Store in New London.
Larry Wayne Haight, 73, of Swisher, formerly of Winfield, died peacefully on April 11th, 2025, at his home.