Mount Pleasant Planning and Zoning Commission Approves Sonic Site Plan

At its latest meeting, the Mount Pleasant Planning and Zoning Commission approved the site plan for a new Sonic restaurant, recommending it for final approval by the City Council.

The main agenda item was the consideration of the Sonic site plan. The commission heard from city staff, who confirmed that the proposed restaurant meets all local building codes and ordinances. The plan includes the addition of a new fire hydrant in the northwest corner of the property, a requirement set by the utility department to improve fire safety in the area. Public Works and utility officials had already signed off on the plan. Gary Shahan with Building & Zoning thinks the plan is sufficient.

 

A significant portion of the discussion centered around traffic flow. The Sonic development is part of a larger site that includes a Jimmy John’s and a T-Mobile store, with shared access roads and utilities. Some commissioners raised concerns about how vehicles would enter and exit Sonic, particularly since traffic would need to pass through the Jimmy John’s lot. Questions were also raised about whether an additional entrance on the south side of the Sonic property would help ease congestion.

Despite these concerns, the commission ultimately agreed that the existing traffic plan—developed when the entire site was first planned—was sufficient. The motion to approve the site plan was passed unanimously. With no further public comments or additional business, the meeting was adjourned.

Fairfield Pharmacist Pleads Guilty to Prescription Drug Diversion

A Fairfield pharmacist has admitted to stealing thousands of prescription pills from his own pharmacy, pleading guilty to charges of prescription drug diversion on March 27, 2025.

According to public court documents, Bryan Paul Vander Linden, 42, acknowledged that between June 2022 and at least November 2023, he illegally obtained prescription medications from Summit Pharmacy of Iowa, which he owned and operated. Prosecutors say Vander Linden acquired the drugs for personal use by ordering but not reporting them in the pharmacy’s inventory, taking them from stock, or retrieving pills from the controlled substance collection bin.

Authorities report that Vander Linden obtained more than 3,500 oxycodone and hydrocodone pills—both classified as Schedule II controlled substances—along with more than 400 carisoprodol pills, a Schedule IV muscle relaxant.

Vander Linden is set to be sentenced on July 28, 2025. He faces a potential prison sentence of up to four years, though a federal district court judge will ultimately determine the punishment, taking into account the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa announced the guilty plea. The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

David Franklin Brown – PENDING

David Franklin Brown, 78, of Danville, died Monday, March 31, 2025 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House, West Burlington.  Arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.

Harley “Jim” Bloomquist

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Harley “Jim” Bloomquist, 91, of Lone Tree, formerly of Conesville, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Columbus Junction.  Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Columbus City Cemetery.  Following the committal service, a time of food and fellowship will be held at the Columbus Junction American Legion.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the United Presbyterian Church of Lone Tree in memory of Jim.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Harley James Bloomquist was born on February 17, 1934, in Milton, Iowa, the son of Harley John and Irene Catherine (Smith) Bloomquist.  Growing up, he lived on farms near Wyman, Iowa and Letts, Iowa. Jim played baseball in high school, was a 1952 graduate of Letts High School and then attended Iowa State University.  On May 15, 1954, Jim was united in marriage to Margaret Caroline Bell in Riverside, Iowa.  Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army from Jan 1954 to Jan 1956 in Korea and Hawaii.  He was active in 4-H, winning the grand champion steer at the Louisa County Fair in 1948 was the highlight.  Following his footsteps, Jean, Mike and Steve were all active in 4-H and he served as a softball coach for the Lucky Clovers and a leader/softball coach for the Oakland Raiders..

Jim was a farmer and at one time had land in four different counties.  With help from Mike and Steve, he raised hogs, cattle, corn, beans, hay, oats and even sheep for a short time.  After retirement, he and Margaret had large gardens and traveled to many places with the Hills Bank Friends Club and in their fifth wheel.  They spent the winter in Harlingen, TX for over 30 years.  Jim was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Lone Tree, serving as both an elder and dishwasher, Louisa County Cattlemen’s Association, Farm Bureau and Columbus Junction Lions Club.  He loved the Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes and created a whole family that loves them too.

Jim will be deeply missed by his wife, Margaret of Lone Tree; his children, Jean Bloomquist of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Michael (Jeanette) Bloomquist of Letts and Steven (Dawn) Bloomquist of Fruitland; grandchildren, Stephanie Bloomquist, Allison (William Wells) Bloomquist, Amber Bodman, Erin (Jared) Kary, Mitchel Bloomquist, Anita (Zeke) Purdy, Maxwell (Emily) Bloomquist, Haley Bloomquist, Tara Wise, Cody (Kayla) Massey, Dani Massey, Kaine Bloomquist; great-grandchildren, McKenna (Rick) Fossen, Riley Swehla, Boston Garland, Tatum Costas, Payton Costas, Isabella Kary, Abigail Kary, Everett Purdy, Elliott Purdy, soon to come Emmett Purdy, Jimmy Bloomquist, Weston Wise, Brylee Wise, Keegan Massey and Avery Massey; great-great grandchild soon to come baby, Fossen; sister-in-law, Joyce Hartzler and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Rose Crone; many brothers and sisters in law and two nephews.

Maynard G. Palmer

Maynard G. Palmer, 79, of Morning Sun, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.  Visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services in Morning Sun.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Fulton Cairo Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established at the funeral home in memory of Maynard.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Maynard Glenn Palmer was born on April 5, 1945, in Iowa City, Iowa the son of Edward and Margaret (Evans) Palmer.  On December 7, 1963, Maynard was united in marriage to Dixie L. McCulley in Winfield.  He was a truck driver for Gabeline Trucking, worked for Hawkeye Concrete in Mediapolis, Thomas Trucking and Screamer Express.  During his working career, Maynard owned and operated, Morning Sun Towing, served as a Louisa County Reserved Deputy Sheriff and was on the Morning Sun Fire Department.  He enjoyed camping, drinking free beer and whiskey, playing cards, trucking, watching NASCAR, with his favorite drivers being Sterling Marlin and Martin Truex, but most of all, Maynard loved to spend time with his family, especially the grandchildren.

Maynard will be deeply missed by his wife, Dixie of Morning Sun; son, Sonny (Judy) Palmer of Winfield; step-son, Karl Wilz of Kirksville; grandchildren, Missy Campbell of Mt. Pleasant, Kevin (Samantha) Palmer of Winfield and Jessica Palmer of Winfield; great-grandchildren, Madison, Julie, Jacie, Wyatt, Abigail, Timber, Oakley and Maxlynn; great-great grandson, Walker and siblings, Gary Palmer of Creston, Bob (Redna) Palmer of Muscatine, Loretta (Eugene) Andrew of Burlington, Nita (Jim) Carlson of New Port Ritchie, Florida and Jean (Joe) Johnson of Washington.

Maynard was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Dale Palmer, Faylon Palmer, Gladys Beenblossom, Dewayne Palmer, Harlon Palmer, Clair Palmer, Francis Palmer, Karl Palmer and Nadine Walker and sister-in-law, Theresa Palmer.

Henry County Supervisors / AGENDA / Board of Supervisors / April 3, 2025 / 9:00 a.m

Henry County Supervisors

100 E Washington St Ste 202

Mt Pleasant IA  52641

Fax: 319-385-3601 

  Chad White, Vice-Chair               Marc Lindeen, Chairman               Steven Detrick, Member    

           319-385-0759                                 319-385-0760                                     319-385-0761________

 

AGENDA

Board of Supervisors

April 3, 2025

9:00 a.m.

  1. Approve Agenda
  1. Approve Minutes
  1. P&Z Joe Buffington, Review Recommendation P&Z Commission and Public Hearing Dates.
  1. Department Head Meeting
  1. Jake Hotchkiss Engineer Weekly Update

Other County Business as time allows

Supervisors’ Sub-Committee Updates

 Franklin Avenue Road Construction

Residents and commuters in Henry County should prepare for temporary traffic adjustments on Franklin Avenue as construction crews begin work this week.

Starting Wednesday, April 2, contractors will be installing rumble strips and pavement markings on Franklin Avenue between Salem and Oakland Mills. This work will continue through the remainder of the week and may require a moving lane closure with flaggers directing traffic. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and anticipate possible delays.

Looking ahead, weather permitting, additional construction will take place during the week of April 7. Crews will begin work on sidewalk ramps at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Cherry Street, improving accessibility and pedestrian safety.

The Henry County Engineer’s Office urges drivers to be patient and remain alert in work zones. Updates on project timelines and any changes due to weather conditions will be provided as needed.

For further details, residents can contact the Henry County Engineer’s Office.

SCC Baseball and Softball Reschedule Wednesday’s Doubleheaders

West Burlington, IA- Southeastern Community College has announced a change of schedule due to the weather forecast for tomorrow, April 2nd.

The baseball team’s home doubleheader against Kirkwood Community College will now be played on Thursday, April 3rd, with game one at 3 pm.

The softball team now has their matchup against Indian Hills Community College for next Wednesday, April 9th, with game one of their doubleheader at 2 pm. The Blackhawks will have a busy week ahead of them with doubleheaders on Sunday, April 6th, and Monday, April 8th.