The Mount Pleasant Annual Chamber Banquet was a night to remember, filled with celebration, heartfelt moments, and recognition of the individuals and organizations that make our community thrive. Reflecting on the past year’s accomplishments, Chamber members, business leaders, and community members gathered to honor those who have made significant contributions to Mount Pleasant and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.

Recognizing Outstanding Individuals and Organizations

Ambassador of the Year: Kim Davis

Kim Davis was honored as this year’s Ambassador of the Year for her unwavering commitment to supporting new businesses and ensuring events and initiatives run smoothly. Her energy and kindness have made a tangible impact on Mount Pleasant’s business community.

Volunteer of the Year: Mount Pleasant RAGBRAI Volunteers

The Chamber also recognized the dedicated group of RAGBRAI volunteers who made the July 26th event a success. A special call to action encouraged those who wore orange shirts on the day of the event to stand up, highlighting the collective effort that made the occasion so impactful.

Community Impact Award: Midwest Old Threshers Festival of Lights

The Midwest Old Threshers Festival of Lights received the Community Impact Award for its outstanding contributions to the local area. Described as one of the largest Christmas light displays in Iowa, this beloved event attracts visitors from 36 states and 66 counties, all thanks to the dedication of 124 volunteers. Their efforts continue to bring joy and holiday spirit to thousands each year.

Citizen of the Year: Pat white

One of the most prestigious awards of the evening, Citizen of the Year, was presented to Pat white for her dedication to historic preservation and community service. A longtime advocate for Mount Pleasant’s heritage, Pat has played a key role in numerous preservation projects, museum exhibits, and tourism initiatives. Her work ensures that Mount Pleasant’s history remains a treasured part of its future.

Though unable to attend the banquet due to prior commitments, Pat’s recognition was met with resounding applause, and her contributions were honored with heartfelt speeches.

Looking Forward to 2025

As the Chamber looks ahead, plans are already underway for another impactful year. Community leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration and encouraged everyone to continue working together to make Mount Pleasant an even better place to live, work, and visit.

With a strong foundation of dedicated volunteers, businesses, and residents, the future of Mount Pleasant shines bright. Congratulations to all the award recipients, and here’s to another year of growth, success, and community spirit!

March was a relatively slow month for Henry County’s General Assistance program, with 6.25 hours spent on cases. The office was closed for five days, including three days for vacation and two for meetings. Four applicants were deemed ineligible due to reasons like not living in Iowa or exceeding income limits.

A key discussion focused on increasing the income eligibility to 75% of the federal poverty level. This change could potentially allow three more individuals to qualify for assistance, adding about $2,400 to the budget for utility support. Sarah With Henry County General Assistance gave the report

Additionally, the interim assistance reimbursement for those applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) was reviewed. While it hasn’t been used in years, it would allow General Assistance to cover rent and utilities while an SSI claim is processed. However, this option poses a financial risk, as the county may have to absorb costs if the claim is denied.

Joe Buffington with Henry County Planning and Zoning Commission gave a report during this weeks Supervisors meeting. Joe talked about a meeting Tuesday night with four members present and one absent. The meeting focused on two key recommendations related to local ordinances.

The first recommendation was to repeal the existing ordinance and replace it with a new version developed by Watchman LLC. The second recommendation, found on the last page of the proposed changes, was to include language that outlines the venue for any potential court proceedings arising from the new ordinance.  Joe Buffington with Henry County Planning and Zoning brings those recommendations to the board of supervisors.

Board members agreed to discuss the recommendations further and will add discussion to the agenda for their next session and plan to hold a public hearing afterward.

The Planning & Zoning commission members also discussed the importance of reviewing the new ordinance in conjunction with the area’s comprehensive plan to ensure alignment. There was consensus that the comprehensive plan may need an update in the near future to reflect current and long-term goals of the community.

The group agreed to reconvene in one week, on April 3rd, to finalize their discussion and set a date for the public hearing. The members are hopeful that this timeline will allow for a thorough review and public input before any further action is taken.

The next steps in the process are expected to provide clarity on the proposed changes and ensure the ordinance is both workable and in sync with the area’s planning goals.

Henry County Releases Five-Year Secondary Roads Plan

The Henry County Secondary Roads Department has outlined its five-year plan, focusing on key road and bridge projects while balancing funding challenges. County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss explains the five year plan

Among the major projects is the potential upgrade of 110th Street from a dirt road to gravel or Class A, with an $800,000 bridge replacement also under consideration. A federally funded $2.9 million project on 170th Street from Highway 218 to Oasis Avenue is slated for fiscal year 2028, with plans to replace existing asphalt with a concrete overlay.

Other significant projects include the replacement of the aging National Branch Pony Truss Bridge, flood mitigation on Nebraska Avenue, and resurfacing of New London Road. The county is also seeking grant funding for pavement improvements on Racine and J20 from Salem to Highway 218.

The five-year plan outlines $24 million in needed improvements, though only $13 million is currently funded, with officials leveraging farm-to-market and federal bridge funds to stretch resources.

The county is also closely monitoring its budget, with a planned $7.3 million in expenditure, while ensuring essential infrastructure projects remain on track.

At the latest city council meeting, officials approved plans for an airport expansion, rescinded a subdivision resolution, and confirmed key personnel promotions.

Airport Expansion Moves Forward

The council approved plans for an airport project, including an eight-hangar bay, a new taxiway, and future expansion space. Due to fluctuating steel prices and FAA funding uncertainties, the bid process was postponed to give contractors more time.

Subdivision Resolution Rescinded

A previous resolution regarding the Carol Coley land subdivision was rescinded after officials determined additional approval was unnecessary.

New Agreements and Personnel Promotions

The city administrator was authorized to sign a service agreement with QT Pod Petroleum for airport fuel system management. The council also approved:

• Anthony Carrasco as criminal investigator
• Nickolaus Kruger as Volunteer firefighter

KILJ News Director, Hayden Douglas sat in on dress rehearsal Wednesday night for Mount Pleasant High School’s production of This Murder Was Staged. The Performance is an ambitious and chaotic blend of classic Whodunit mystery, and meta-theatrical comedy. The play weaves a murder mystery into the very fabric of the performance itself, making the audience question what is scripted and what is real.

The production will deliver clever wordplay, sharp comedic timing, and strong ensemble chemistry. The detective character, Kendra Drake, commands the show with her presence and sharp wit, anchoring the absurdity with a no-nonsense attitude. The script’s self-aware humor, particularly when characters bickered about the quality of the play within the play, will be a standout feature to provide many laugh-out-loud moments.

The cast’s energy and commitment carried the show. The final reveal of the killer was executed with enough theatrical flair to leave the audience buzzing, and the unexpected twists keeps you engaged.

Overall, This Murder Was Staged was a bold and entertaining production that showcased the students’ creativity and willingness to break walls. While some moments could be lost in clarity, the play’s humor, performances, and inventive premise make for a fun night at the theater. This Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Heatilator Performing Arts Center.

KILJ Radio once again is able to bring you coverage of the fine arts scene in the Mt. Pleasant Schools courtesy of some very fine sponsors…….

Smith Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, Gamrath Doyle Vens Insurance, Five Star Community Credit Union, Standard of Beaverdale and Beckman Applianc, Mount Pleasant Tire and Service, Kimzey Funeral Home, Your Dream Home Furniture and Floors, Northeast Animal Hospital.