Keith Garmoe

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 at 6:08 am CDT

Keith E. Garmoe, 95, lifelong resident of Mount Pleasant passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

Keith was born on September 7, 1930, in Salem, Iowa, the son of Otto and Ruth (Alter) Garmoe.  Keith graduated from Salem High School in the class of 1949.  Keith was united in marriage to Charlotte M. Cox on December 1, 1972.  She preceded him in death on April 23, 2022. Keith had a wonderful gift as a carpenter.  He was a very skilled and accomplished carpenter and lamp maker.   He worked well into his 80’s before he retired.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his daughter, Debra Titus of Burlington and his son, Duane (Kate) Rice of Elk River, Minnesota, his grandchildren, Tara Sterba (Andy), Tony Titus, Andrew (Sadie), Patrick (HailyAnna), Megan (Morgan) and Abigail (Tanner) and 5 great grandchildren, along with several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one brother, Maurice Garmoe, and two sisters, Lucille Garmoe and Donna Frank.

A celebration of Keith’s life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 11 to 1 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant.  Private family burial will be in the Hillsboro Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Mount Pleasant Building Trades class in his memory.  

Keith’s family would like to express their appreciation to Every Step Hospice of Mount Pleasant for the loving care they gave to Keith during this time.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Keith.

Janice Giles

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 1st, 2026 at 2:01 pm CDT

With grace and peace, Janice Giles of Fairfield, IA passed away on May 28 at the age of 71.

Born in Minot, ND on October 21, 1954, Janice was the daughter of LeRoy and Anna Holte.

She spent her childhood on a farm near Velva, ND growing up with four brothers and two sisters and cherished the bonds of family and rural life.  Her faith was an important part of her life from an early age, as she was baptized and confirmed at Hjerdal Lutheran Church, Voltaire, ND.

Janice graduated from Velva High School, ND before graduating from Capital Commercial College.

She was a member of First Christian Church of Fairfield where she faithfully serviced in every capacity.  She as an avid worker with countless hours served for the Fairfield Community Center.  Additionally, she served as secretary of the Fairfield Skeet Club where they loved her.

She loved and was loved.

Her professional career began with Tastee Freeze in Velva, ND, next moving up to Caterpillar.  She proceeded to a position with a general contractor in Bismark, and Office Manager for a CPA in Des Moines, and lastly to Office Manager for TDT Fairfield.

Janice is survived by her devoted husband Max Giles with whom she shared 28 wonderful years (his words) of marriage.  Janice’s love and devotion to all of her children was evident throughout her life.  Her memory will remain close to their hearts.

She was fierce.  She was patient.  She was forever loving.

Janice lovingly embraced her family and is survived by her children: Michael Letvin of Lake Michigan, MI; Jessica Letvin of Fairfield, IA; Daniel (Teresa) Giles of Jasper, AL; Sarah Giles of Plainwell, MI.

She especially cherished her grandchildren – Kaden, Lochlan, Brianna (Brett), Kellie (Dalton), Nathan (Anna), Seth, and Amber (Charlie); her great-grandchildren Payton, Chase, Colton, Kason, Oakley, Aurora, and Elly.

Three brothers Darell Holte, Larry (Wanda) Holte, Greg Holte; two sisters Corrine (Greg) Sorge and Harriet (Arlin) Buchholz; many nieces and nephews.  She loved them all.

In addition to her parents, Janice was preceded in death by her brother Delare Holte and nephew Nicholas Holte.

A memorial service lead by Pastor Joe Phipps will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026 at First Christian Church in Fairfield, Iowa where family and friends can gather in the dining room of the church from 11-1, followed by the memorial service at 1PM and graveside services immediately after.

As a memorial to Janice please give generously to the First Christian Church of Fairfield.

Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Two Vehicle Accident Outside New London Ends in Arrest

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 1st, 2026 at 1:54 pm CDT

A Mount Pleasant man faces multiple charges following a two-vehicle crash late Friday night west of New London.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were called at approximately 11:23 p.m. on May 29th to the area of Oakberry Avenue and Highway 34 after receiving a report of a collision with no injuries. When deputies arrived, however, they determined that emergency medical personnel and first responders were needed at the scene.

According to the Sheriff’s Office investigation, a 2014 Dodge Ram driven by Lynn Boyd of Danville was traveling eastbound on Highway 34 near Oakberry Avenue when it was struck from behind by a 2013 Lincoln MKS driven by 24-year-old Jose Perez-Rojas of Mount Pleasant.

Authorities say Perez-Rojas was also traveling eastbound and approached the Boyd vehicle at a high rate of speed before the collision. The impact forced both vehicles into the south ditch alongside the highway.

Perez-Rojas was arrested and charged with Operating While Under the Influence, First Offense, a serious misdemeanor, as well as Failure to Maintain Control, Open Container, and Failure to Prove Financial Liability.

Both vehicles were declared total losses and were removed from the scene. One driver was treated for injuries and released at the scene, while the other was transported by ambulance for further medical care.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the New London Police Department, New London Fire and Rescue, and Henry County Emergency Medical Services.

LTJG Samuel W. “Sam” Barton

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 1st, 2026 at 1:51 pm CDT

LTJG Samuel W. “Sam” Barton, age 26, U.S. Naval Aviator assigned to VFA-122 at NAS Lemoore, CA, a lifelong resident of Naperville, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 15, 2026, near Dardanelle, CA. He was born on September 1, 1999, at Edward Hospital in Naperville, IL.

Beloved son of Phil and Karen (née Keeler) Barton of Naperville, loving brother of Max Barton, adored grandson of the late Wesley and Geraldine Barton; Judith and the late Jack Keeler; dear nephew of Jim (Diane) Barton, Mike (Lyndel) Barton, Kathy (Mike) McAlister, the late Rick Barton, Pete Barton and Missy (Jeff) Sitar; Gerianne (Jeff) Salzbrunn and Jack (Beth Knuth) Keeler, fond cousin and friend to many.

Sam was a 2018 graduate of Metea Valley High School in Aurora, IL. Sam attended Iowa State University, Ames where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Minor in Naval Science. He was a member of the ISU Naval ROTC, Cyclone Battalion.

Sam was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy on December 17, 2022 upon graduating from college. Sam was initially stationed at NAS Pensacola, FL where he completed Naval Introductory Flight Education (NIFE) training. From there Sam went on to NAS Corpus Christi, TX where he completed the Primary phase of flight training as part of the “Boomers” of VT-27. Sam moved to NAS Kingsville, TX where he completed Intermediate and Advanced training in the Strike fighter platform with VT-22, the “Golden Eagles”. Sam received his “Wings of Gold” on March 27, 2026 and was selected to fly the F/A 18 Super Hornet. Sam was most recently assigned to the “Flying Eagles” of VFA-122 at NAS Lemoore, CA.

While in Corpus Christi and Kingsville, Sam was an active member of Corpus Christi Community Church.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 4:00-8:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540.

A celebration of Sam’s life with military honors will be held on Thursday, June 4, 1:00 PM at Community Christian Church 1635 Emerson Ln, Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 388-5000.

Graveside service will be held Saturday, June 6, 1:00 PM at Forest Home Cemetery in Mount Pleasant. Military Honors will conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sam’s memory may be made to any of the following:

Corpus Christi Community Church

2501 Lady Alexa Drive

Corpus Christi, TX 78415

https://cccommchurch.churchcenter.com/giving/to/in-memoriam

or

Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society

www.NMCRS.org

or

VFW Post 2561

300 W. Monroe St.

Mount Pleasant, IA 52641

 

The Olson-Yoder Funeral assisting the family with local arrangements. www.olsonyoderfh.com

Mount Pleasant Utilities Sets Public Hearing on Ameren Agreement, Reports New Well 7 Challenges

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 1st, 2026 at 1:31 pm CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT — The Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities Board has scheduled a public hearing on a proposed transmission facility joint ownership agreement with Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois while also receiving an update on new complications involving the city’s Well 7 project.

During a special meeting Tuesday, board members unanimously approved Resolution 2605, setting a public hearing for 5 p.m. June 16 at the Municipal Utilities Board Room, 509 N. Adams Street.

Utility officials said the hearing is a required step before entering into the proposed agreement with Ameren. Manager Nathan Lucas told the board the contract has undergone months of review by utility staff, legal counsel, bond attorneys, engineering consultants and Ameren representatives.

The board’s regular meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. June 16, immediately before the public hearing.

Well 7 Project Encounters New Concerns

Following approval of the hearing date, utility officials updated board members on a new challenge involving Well 7.

According to Lucas, recent discussions with contractors and engineers raised concerns about plans to reinstall the utility’s existing 12-inch pump and motor into an 18-inch casing at the well site.

The issue centers on the limited clearance between the equipment and the casing. Lucas said the current pump and motor assembly is leaving less than an inch of clearance inside the casing.

Contractors expressed concern that the tight fit could lead to rubbing against the casing, damage to wiring and piping, and premature equipment failure.

“They’re concerned we could be pulling that equipment back out in six months,” Lucas told board members.

The concern has prompted additional engineering review by McClure Engineering and other consultants. Engineers are now evaluating whether the utility may need to use a smaller pump system.

Lucas said the well should still be capable of producing its intended capacity of approximately 2,000 gallons per minute, but a smaller pump could require operating at higher pressures, potentially creating additional challenges elsewhere in the water system.

The review is also examining how the smaller well casing may affect water flow and drawdown characteristics compared to the larger casing originally anticipated during design.

Lucas said the findings could impact equipment already purchased for the project, although officials are still determining the full extent of any financial consequences.

Water Testing Continues

Meanwhile, utility staff continue to pump and test water from Well 7 while engineers work through the latest issues.

Lucas said water is being moved through the system regularly to prevent stagnation, which could create water quality concerns.

Although most recent tests have been satisfactory, utility officials reported occasional failed tests during the evaluation process and said they want to ensure the well is operating reliably before connecting it to the municipal water supply.

Additional information on both the Ameren agreement and the Well 7 project is expected to be discussed during upcoming utility board meetings.

Henry County Sheriff’s Office Launches Ice Cream Safety Program for Young Riders

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 1st, 2026 at 8:47 am CDT

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with local ice cream businesses this summer to encourage children to practice safe bicycle and scooter riding habits.

As part of the program, deputies will be on the lookout for young riders who are wearing helmets and following safe riding practices. When deputies spot a child demonstrating good safety habits, they may stop and issue a special “ticket” — a coupon redeemable for a free ice cream treat at participating local businesses.

Sheriff’s officials say the program is designed to promote safety in a positive way while recognizing children who make smart choices when riding.

To help parents feel comfortable with the program, the Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that tickets will only be distributed by uniformed deputies operating official Henry County Sheriff’s Office vehicles or by uniformed deputies conducting foot patrols.

The Sheriff’s Office is also thanking the many local businesses that donated treats and partnered with the program. Participating businesses include Uptown Scoops, Oakie J’s Lunch Box, Dairy Queen, Main Street Pizza, Wayland BP, Short Stop, By The Scoop Ice Cream, McDonald’s, St. Ave Stop BP, New London Jet Stop, Buy’s on Broadway, and Kramer’s Sinclair.

Officials say the partnership reflects the strong community support found throughout Henry County and hope the program will encourage children to make safety a priority every time they ride this summer.

Keith E. Garmoe – PENDING

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 1st, 2026 at 8:45 am CDT

Keith E. Garmoe, 95, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at his home.

 

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.

Martha Bernice (Calhoun) Whaley

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 1st, 2026 at 8:44 am CDT

Martha Bernice (Calhoun) Whaley, 95, of Mount Pleasant peacefully passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at her home surrounded by family.

Martha was born on December 3, 1930, the daughter of Victor and Mary (Manning) Calhoun.  Martha was united in marriage to Donald E. Whaley on November 12, 1948, in Mount Pleasant.  They celebrated 68 beautiful years of marriage before his death on February 11, 2017. 

Don and Martha moved to Oakland Mills in 1964 to raise their family of 4 children.  Martha decided to open the Oakland Mills Store next to their home to help support her family and still be able to be present for her children.  She was very well known for selling her homemade tenderloins and the best homemade fish doughball to catch the biggest carp. 

Martha and Don together spent many years supporting the Oakland Mills community. They were active members of the Oakland Mills Church and as a couple they were involved in the AWANA youth program, supporting the group meetings as leaders and as teachers. They would always make sure the children were able to attend AWANA events.

Martha and Don enjoyed traveling the country hunting treasures!!  They both enjoyed buying antiques, keeping some and selling some.  They would come home in their greyhound bus full of treasures to share with all. Lions were Martha’s favorite, as you can see from the two majestic animals standing at the entrance to her home representing her faith in Jesus Christ.

Martha contributed to many community projects throughout her life and would open her door to all.  She was a servant of the Lord, a daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother and a great grandmother.  Martha loved her entire family and friends and was so loved by all.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her children, Donnie (Sally) Whaley of Coralville, John (Kim Bennett) Whaley of Cedar Bluff, Alabama, Debra Lamm of Mount Pleasant and Lynn (Lori) Whaley of Mount Pleasant, her thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren and her sister-in-law, Marilyn Calhoun.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Mary Calhoun, her husband, Donald, her two brothers, Victor Calhoun and Bill (Naoma) Calhoun and her son-in-law, Robert Lamm.

A celebration of Martha’s life will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Oakland Mills Community Church with Pastor Rick Moorman officiating.  Burial will follow on the hill at Oakland Mills Cemetery. Following the burial there will be a time of food and fellowship back at the church.   Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 4 to 6 p.m. that evening.  Memorials may be directed to the Oakland Mills Community Church or the Oakland Mills Cemetery in her memory.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Martha.