Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington will host its annual Employee and Volunteer Craft Fair on Thursday, November 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The event will take place in the Mercy Plaza lobby on the West Burlington campus, and the public is invited to attend. 

Visitors can browse and purchase one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted items created by Great River Health employees and volunteers. Offerings will include leatherwork, woodworking, doll clothes, blankets, greeting cards, holiday décor, and more. Food will also be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. 

The annual craft fair is a long-standing tradition organized by the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, celebrating the creativity and generosity of hospital staff and volunteers while helping support hospital programs and services. The annual Employee and Volunteer Craft Fair is Thursday, November 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Lake Darling Management District

• Contact Person: Vance Polton – 319-694-2430

For more information on these lakes and ponds call the Lake Darling Fisheries at (319) 694-2430. Last updated on 11/05/2025

Big Hollow Lake (Des Moines)

• Water Temperature (°F): 56.0
• Ramp Condition: Useable

Black Crappie – Fair: You can still catch the crappies but they seemed to be headed to the outer edges of the flooded timber slow troll down the outer edge of the trees on the south side.

East Lake Park Pond (Henry)

• Water Temperature (°F): 56.0
• Ramp Condition: Useable

Mid 50’s during the afternoons yet. A few degrees cooler in the mornings fluctuating several degrees during the day.

Rainbow Trout – Status Unsure: The fall community trout stocking has been rescheduled for Nov. 14 at 10 a.m.

Lake Belva Deer (Keokuk)

• Water Temperature (°F): 55.0
• Ramp Condition: Useable

Water temperature has warmed up a little bit with the warm weather. Water clarity at nearly six feet.

Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies seem determined to stay out in deeper areas 10 to 15 feet around the trees and brush piles. A few were trying to come into the base of the rock along the dam (about 6-7 feet deep) but have turned around and headed back out into the deeper water.

Bluegill – Fair: The bluegills seemed to have headed back out to their deeper water haunts. It is November after all despite the continued warm weather.

Largemouth Bass – Fair: A few of the smaller bass are still trying to fatten up on the late spawn of bluegills and redears hiding in the rocks along shore. The bigger bass have headed back out deep for winter.

Lake Darling (Washington)

• Water Temperature (°F): 51.0
• Ramp Condition: Useable

With it’s shallower water Darling is staying cooler as the nighttime lows can cool them off faster than the deeper lakes.

Black Crappie – Fair: The crappies have headed back into deeper water. The shorter days are telling them winter is coming despite the continued warm weather. Hit the outer edges of the rock piles down by the dam and the old cedar trees out in the middle of the lake to find them.

Bluegill – Fair: The bluegills have moved out to deeper habitat in 8-10 foot of water for the most part. Try the rock piles off lagoon point and the brush piles across from the main boat ramp. Start down sizing your baits to smaller jigs (1/64 oz) and wax worms or red worms.

Lake Geode (Henry)

• Water Temperature (°F): 56.0
• Ramp Condition: Useable

The water temperature actually came up a little bit (+2). Sounds like colder weather over the weekend should change that.

Black Crappie – Fair: Everybody is fishing right overtop of the fish habitat in 10 to 12 feet of water and even deeper along the old creek channel out from the main boat ramp.

Bluegill – Fair: The bluegills have headed out to deeper water as the water willows have wilted finally taking away much of their cover. Look for them along with the crappies in 10-12 feet of water.

Lake of the Hills (Scott)

• Water Temperature (°F): 50.0
• Ramp Condition: Useable

Holding in the low 50’s for the most part reaching the mid 50’s during the sunny afternoons.

Rainbow Trout – Status Unsure: The fall trout stocking has been rescheduled for November 14th at noon.

Lost Grove Lake (Scott)

• Water Temperature (°F): 50.0
• Ramp Condition: Useable

Black Crappie – Fair: The crappies seemed to have headed deeper look for them to be suspended out around the taller flooded trees in 25-30 feet of water.

Bluegill – Fair: The bluegills seem to be headed for deeper water now as the days get shorter. look for them along the outer edges of the flooded trees along the old creek channel and down in 18-25 feet of water around the flooded tall trees.

Wilson Lake (Lee)

• Ramp Condition: Useable

Water temperature still holding in the mid 50’s.

Rainbow Trout – Status Unsure: The fall community trout stocking has been rescheduled for Nov. 14 at noon.

The Mount Pleasant Community School District’s Site Committee met Thursday evening to review progress and proposals on several ongoing facility projects ahead of Monday’s full board meeting. Items discussed included the PEO Memorial Building demolition, roof repairs at Van Allen and Lincoln Elementary Schools, the Agricultural Education greenhouse construction plans, the potential sale of district property at 400 East Madison, snow removal contracts, and possible public use of the activity center walking track.

PEO Memorial Building Demolition

The district’s demolition project for the PEO Memorial Building is moving forward on schedule. Superintendent John Henriksen reported that the written contract between the district and DeCarlo Corporation has been fully reviewed by the district’s attorney and architect, with all recommended revisions completed.

Abatement work began earlier this week, and the demolition contractor expects to complete the job by mid-December, weather permitting. The contract sets substantial completion for December 8 and final punch-list items by December 15. The total project cost remains $238,250.

Henriksen said the board will be asked Monday to formally approve the written contract — a step he described as “best practice” for the district, even though the low bid had already been accepted.

Van Allen and Lincoln Elementary Roof Repairs

The Board was shown updates about ongoing issues with the metal “armor lite” roofing systems at Van Allen and Lincoln Elementary Schools. Both buildings have developed persistent leaks along roof seams due to aging materials and water intrusion.

The repair plans include seam sealing, replacement of roof drains, and installation of roof vents to address moisture damage beneath the roof panels.

Work is expected to begin soon, with contractors estimating completion within a week, weather permitting. The board will consider approval of the combined Van Allen and Lincoln roof repair proposals as a single agenda item on Monday.

Agricultural Education Greenhouse

Progress continues on plans for the district’s long-anticipated Ag Education greenhouse project. The structure has been purchased, but installation and site preparation remain in progress.

The district is seeking final pricing for professional construction rather than relying on volunteers, citing the complexity of the assembly. Early estimates to erect the building range around $50,000, though local contractor quotes are still pending.

The project will include concrete work, electrical and water connections, and site drainage, and must be completed before the ground freezes. Funding comes from a $129,000 grant awarded during the 2019–2020 school year, which has been reserved for the greenhouse since that time.

400 East Madison Property Sale

The committee also discussed next steps for the proposed sale of district property at 400 East Madison, the former maintenance and storage site. The City of Mount Pleasant has expressed interest in purchasing the building for use as a childcare facility, a project that board members say will help address community childcare shortages.

The property’s appraised value is $115,850, though some committee members questioned whether that figure reflects the current market. Others urged collaboration with the city, noting recent partnerships on infrastructure projects like lighting and crosswalks near school campuses.

Henriksen said the board will consider a resolution to set a December 8 public hearing for the sale during Monday’s meeting. The agreed-upon sale price is expected to be $116,000.

Snow Removal Contract

The district received a single bid for its two-year snow removal contract, from Jim Barton Construction. at $3,500 per push for one to four inches of snow.

While officials acknowledged limited competition, the cost was described as reasonable when compared with past years — particularly given the scope of seven district sites. The district has explored doing its own snow removal but lacks the necessary staffing and equipment.

Activity Center Walking Track Access

Finally, Henriksen said the district is thinking about opening the community access to the indoor walking track at the Mount Pleasant High School Activity Center. Cameras and security systems are installed, and staff can now program access keys for public entry.

Community members would be asked to sign a waiver and pay a $20 key deposit, refundable upon return. The district is considering limited access hours — potentially early mornings before school — to avoid conflicts with student practices.

Committee members also discussed potential background checks and coordination with insurance requirements before opening access.

The Mount Pleasant School Board will meet Monday at 6 p.m. to consider formal action on these items, including contract approvals, property sale resolutions, and repair bids.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning, November 6, for its regular department head meeting, where officials shared updates on ongoing projects, staffing changes, and community programs across multiple departments.

Veterans Affairs

Veterans Affairs Director Roger Pittsenbarger reported a busy October, with 157 office visits and strong participation in outreach events. He attended the Senior Health Fair at the Mennonite Church to share information about veterans’ benefits. Pittsenbarger also highlighted that Iowa ranked 19th nationally in veteran expenditures last year, with $1.27 billion in VA funds distributed statewide in 2023.

He announced he will speak at two Veterans Day programs on November 11 — at Park Place Nursing Home and the Mount Pleasant VFW Hall.

Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Rich McNamee said October was “steady but slower,” with 17,633 service calls logged countywide, about 1,500 fewer than last year. The Sheriff’s Office has earned $437,784 in revenue from housing out-of-county inmates through October and is actively interviewing for three open jailer positions.

The department collected over 200 pounds of prescription drugs during the DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day. McNamee also cautioned drivers about an increase in deer-related accidents and urged residents to prepare for winter road conditions.

He closed by thanking his department’s veterans and reminding residents that the Sheriff’s mobile app offers weather alerts, inmate information, and emergency updates.

Conservation Department

Conservation Director Caleb Waters said the department has completed winterizing of county parks and facilities. Looking ahead, crews are planning for 2026 habitat projects through two major grant applications — Trees Forever and the Iowa Forest Resiliency Partnership Program, the latter potentially providing over $100,000 for restoration efforts without requiring county labor.

Waters reported continued fundraising success for Jared’s Park, an inclusive playground at Oakland Mills. More than $60,000 has been raised in four months, supported by a $10,000 Henry County Health Center Foundation grant and a $95,000 equipment match.

He also noted a record turnout of over 200 people for the department’s annual night hike and announced that campground reservations will soon transition to a new CivicPlus online system to improve user experience.

Treasurer’s Office

Treasurer Kellie Sloan said October marked a return to normal business following property tax season. Delinquent notices were mailed to 596 property owners, with 2.64% of payments still outstanding.

Motor vehicle transactions generated $620,000, with $30,800 retained by the county. The Driver’s License Station handled 374 renewals, including 32 out-of-county customers.

Public Health

Public Health Director Katie Reuter reported a busy vaccination season, administering 700 doses to over 400 residents through 26 clinics in October. The department also completed school vaccination audits and continues compliance checks at local daycare facilities.

Reuter shared that Iowa’s Public Health Realignment Initiative is back on track, with possible implementation in July 2026. She clarified that local public health departments will remain independent, not becoming state-run entities.

General Assistance funding remains tight due to federal restrictions, though $500 will be directed to the Fellowship Cup for local food support.

Emergency Management

Emergency Management Coordinator Walt Jackson attended trench rescue training near Chicago and has begun reviewing his draft budget with staff before submission.

Secondary Roads

County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss said crews are preparing gravel roads for winter and wrapping up fall brush and seeding work. The 235th Street Bridge project west of Mount Pleasant will close December 1, with reconstruction expected to continue through next fall. Detours and speed limit adjustments along Old Highway 34 are under discussion.

Recorder’s Office

Recorder Lynnae Buffington reported that the county’s digitization project is nearly complete, with supervisors’ minutes from 1861–2023, along with survey and plat records, now available online. Additional estimates are being collected to scan historical survey books still stored in the office.

Planning and Zoning

Planning Director Joseph Buffington noted upcoming zoning board meetings, including proposals for a 290-foot cell tower southwest of Highway 218 and a new substation west of Franklin Avenue to meet growing electrical demand.

He also reported that the 911 Board is recommending a name change for a short segment of Benton Avenue to improve emergency response coordination.

Auditor’s Office

Auditor Robin Detrick thanked staff for managing a smooth city and school election earlier this week. Results will remain unofficial until the canvass on November 12.

She also announced that budget worksheets will soon be distributed to departments, with the Compensation Board meeting forthcoming.

Snow Removal Bids Opened

Supervisors opened bids for the county’s snow removal contract, which covers six separate locations. The bidding process was briefly clarified after earlier confusion regarding publication and posting procedures.

Two bids were received:

• M&B Lawn Care submitted individual bids for each of the six locations, specifying the timing and frequency of snow removal.

• JBC provided a single combined bid covering all six sites, along with proof of liability insurance.

Supervisors took both proposals under advisement, planning to review details before making a final decision next week.