Glen Edward Fraise

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, November 13th, 2025 at 4:53 am CDT

Glen Edward Fraise, 75, of Charleston, Iowa, passed away at 9:08 a.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at his home in Charleston.

He was born on May 15, 1950, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Anthony and Clara (Hawkins) Fraise. On May 26, 1973, he married Cheryl Smith in Burlington, Iowa.

Survivors include his wife: Cheryl; children: Jennifer (Jason) Anderson of Donnellson, Iowa, Aaron (Ann) Fraise of Charleston, Iowa; grandchildren: Andrew Shaffer, Alexis Fraise, Addalyn Fraise, Ariah Fraise, Izzabell Anderson, Loki Anderson; one great granddaughter: Mia; two brothers: Ralph (Betty) Fraise of Farmington, Iowa, Alfred Fraise of Farmington, Iowa and one sister: Annette Jones of Ottumwa, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Melvin, Raymond, Ronald and three sisters: Josephine, Esther, Ruth Ann.

Glen was a United States Army veteran, stationed in Germany during the Vietnam era. He worked maintenance at Fruehauf prior to closing. He then worked as an electrician. Glen loved the outdoors, collecting arrowheads, fishing, hunting and logging. Most of all, he enjoyed being with family and watching his grandchildren.

Glen’s wish was to pass away at his home surrounded by his family. The family sends a special thank you out to Every Step Hospice and Wendy Harshbarger for helping fulfill his wish.

His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

Per his wishes, there will be no services at this time.

A memorial has been established in his memory and can be mailed to the family at: Schmitz Funeral Home, P.O. Box 56, Donnellson, Iowa 52625.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Jennifer C. Riepe

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 4:32 pm CDT

Jennifer C. Riepe, 55, of Mt. Pleasant, died unexpectedly on Monday, November 10, 2025 in the Emergency Room of the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Donald “Butch” Martin

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 3:52 pm CDT

Donald “Butch” Martin, 81, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Tuesday November 10, 2025 in Washington, Iowa at United Presbyterian Home surrounded by his family.

Visitation for family and friends will be 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Memorial services celebrating his life will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 17th at Behner Funeral Home with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Jefferson County Park in care of the family at 1491-240th St. Libertyville, Iowa 52567.

Butch was born October 3, 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Donald and Janet (Praefke) Martin. Donald, Sr. was a flight engineer on a B24 bomber during WWII and didn’t get to meet his son until he was six months old.

Butch attended school in Fairfield and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1963.

Butch started dating Jo Ann Short in high school. They were united in marriage April 18, 1965 and recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.

Butch retired from Rockwell/Meritor and then worked for the Jefferson County Parks.

Butch always had a horse or mule around. He had a white mule named Joker that was a constant trail and coon hunting companion for several years. Butch and Joker also brought several ribbons home from mule shows.

In his leisure time he was a member of the Lockridge Rough Riders Saddle club, was an avid coon, deer, and coyote hunter. Butch was never one to be “sitting in the house”. He loved being outside or just driving the country roads. He shared all of his hobbies with his children. As his grandchildren grew, he attended many school sporting events to cheer them on.

Butch is survived by his wife Jo Ann; daughter, Kim (Steve) Myers of Packwood; sons, Jeff (Jennifer) Martin of Fairfield and Todd (Lisa) Martin of Libertyville; his nine grandchildren, Kate (Brad) Shelangoski, Colten (Tara) Showman, Makenna and Tessa Myers, Zach, Drew and Maddie Martin, Kylie and Lauren Martin.

Also surviving are three great-grandchildren, Aiden and Connor Shelangoski, and Preslee Showman.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Donald and Janet Martin; sisters, Sandra DeSmit and Mary Waugh; and his in-laws, James and Edith Short.

Online condolences may be made to Butch’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Henry County 2025 City/School Election Results Certified

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 3:47 pm CDT

The Henry County Auditor’s Office has completed the canvass of votes for the 2025 City and School Election.

Results from communities across the county that have now been officially certified and sent to the Iowa Secretary of State include:

Mount Pleasant, New London, Olds, Rome, Salem, Wayland, Westwood, Winfield, and local school districts.

The canvass includes outcomes for city council, mayoral, and school board races, as well as local public measures.

Click through the slides below to view certified results:

Auditor Copier_20251113_093425

Meet the Panthers Night Set for November 20 at Mount Pleasant High School

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 3:17 pm CDT

Mount Pleasant — Fans are invited to come out and celebrate the start of winter sports season during Meet the Panthers Night on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Mount Pleasant High School Gym. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with a full evening of introductions, performances, and scrimmages scheduled to showcase Panther pride.

The Mount Pleasant Athletic Booster Club will be serving concessions throughout the evening, and announcements from the Booster Club will kick off the program.

Beginning at 6:45 p.m., the spotlight turns to the student-athletes, cheerleaders, managers, and coaches representing Mount Pleasant’s 9th through 12th grade bowling, wrestling, cheerleading, dance, and basketball teams—both girls and boys.

Following introductions, the MPHS Dance Team will perform their State Pom Routine, a highlight of the night that always brings energy and excitement to the crowd.

The evening will then feature a series of scrimmage games:

  • 9th/JV Boys Basketball (10-minute normal clock)

  • JV Girls Basketball (10-minute normal clock)

  • Varsity Girls Basketball (two 6-minute quarters)

  • Varsity Boys Basketball (two 6-minute quarters)

The event wraps up around 8:15 p.m., giving fans a great preview of the winter sports season ahead.

Community members, families, and Panther fans of all ages are encouraged to attend and support the student-athletes as they gear up for competition.

Update on IA 78 Culvert Replacement Project Near Winfield

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 2:51 pm CDT

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s District 5 Office has provided an update on the culvert replacement project on Iowa Highway 78 near Winfield, east of Henry County Road G66.

According to Transportation Planner Chris Kukla, the culvert replacement portion of the project has been completed. The contractor is now focused on finishing shoulder work, with corrective pavement grinding and pavement markings scheduled to take place later this month.

The DOT understands public concerns regarding the reopening of IA 78 ahead of the busy holiday travel season. Kukla noted that, weather permitting, IA 78 is expected to reopen by the beginning of December.

Motorists are encouraged to continue following posted detours and use caution around work zones as crews complete the remaining tasks.

Keokuk Area and North Lee Community Foundations Award $170,239 in Grants to 37 Local Organizations

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 11:14 am CDT

The Keokuk Area Community Foundation (KACF) and its affiliate, the North Lee Community Foundation (NLCF), have awarded a combined total of $170,239 in grants to 37 nonprofit organizations through their 2025 community grant cycle. These grants support a wide range of community projects, from youth programs and food security initiatives to arts, recreation, and essential human services. Each improving quality of life across Lee County and surrounding areas.

“It is an honor for the Keokuk Area Community Foundation to be able to fulfill our donor’s wishes to support local non-profits” said KACF Chairman of the Board, Kerry Klepfer. “We are committed to doing this for many, many years to come”.

This year, both the Keokuk Area Community Foundation and the North Lee Community Foundation made intentional efforts to look beyond traditional boundaries, funding projects that reach across the county and beyond, reinforcing the idea that community prosperity knows no geographic lines.

The annual Grant Reception was held Thursday evening at the Turnwater Banquet Room in Fort Madison, bringing together board members from both the Keokuk Area Community Foundation and the North Lee Community Foundation, foundation staff, and representatives from each of the grant recipient organizations. More than 120 guests attended the beautiful evening celebrating local nonprofits and their impact across Lee County. Moving forward, the Foundations plan to rotate the event each year, hosting it in different communities across Lee County to further highlight the broad reach of their shared mission.

2025 Grant Recipients

Keokuk Area Community Foundation Grant Recipients

(Eichacker / Lofton Fund)

  • Advocacy Network for Children – CASA of Hancock County
  • Argyle Community Boosters – Rebuilding our Ballpark Phase 2
  • City Hope Foundation – Food Pantry Office
  • Community Action of Southeast Iowa – Emergency Services Set Up
  • Community Services Council, Inc. of Ft. Madison (Fort Madison Food Pantry) – Feeding the Food Insecure of Lee County
  • Denmark Iowa Renaissance Faire – Guardians of the Black Forest Cabins
  • Domestic Violence Intervention Program – Serenity House Shelter Support Project
  • Farmington Food Pantry – Farmington Food Pantry Grant Match
  • First Christian Church – Keokuk – Loads of Love
  • Fort Madison Family YMCA – YMCA 2025 Grant Request
  • Friends of Shimek State Forest Equestrian Trails – Wet Weather Trails and Campground Upgrades in the Lick Creek Unit of Shimek Forest
  • God’s Way Christian Center – Feeding the Less Fortunate
  • Hoerner YMCA – Fitness Equipment Purchase
  • Houghton Community Events – Pickleball
  • Iowa Community Care Foundation – Game On: Access To Special Olympics in Keokuk
  • Junior Achievement of the Heartland – Financial Literacy and Career Readiness Programming for Lee County Youth
  • KARE: Keokuk Association for Rights and Equality – Juneteenth Celebration
  • Keokuk Cares – Adopt-a-Walk/Yard Program
  • Keokuk Catholic Schools – HVAC System
  • Keokuk Saddle Club – Bring The Arena Home
  • Keokuk Union Depot Foundation – Arched Waiting Room Windows Restoration
  • KPLAY Playgrounds for All – Phase 4 – Shades for Splash Pad
  • Legacy Theater Foundation, Inc – Inspiring Imaginations
  • Montrose Fire Rescue – Hazmat & Safety
  • Rand Park Pavilion Commission – Pavilion Band Loading/Unloading Drive
  • River Bend Food Bank – Fighting Child Food Insecurity in Hancock County
  • St. Paul’s Food Pantry – Feeding Our Family
  • Standing Bear Council, Inc. – Standing Bear Council 2026 Winter Gathering
  • Three Rivers Conservation Foundation – Accessible Outdoor Classroom & Conservation Center Entrance
  • Toys for Tots Foundation – Toys for Tots of Lee Co IA and Clark Co MO 2025 Distribution
  • United Presbyterian Church – Strawberry Patch Daycare Proposal
  • United Way of the Great River Region – RSVP Hygiene Kit Program

North Lee Community Foundation Grant Recipients

(Kowzan / Sandrock Fund)

  • Adventist Community Service Center – Adventist Community Service Center
  • Community Action of Southeast Iowa (Burlington) – Supplemental Education Supplies for Early Childhood Classrooms
  • Community Services Council, Inc. of Ft. Madison (Fort Madison Food Pantry) – Feeding the Food Insecure of Lee County
  • Domestic Violence Intervention Program – Supporting Victim-Survivors of North Lee County
  •  Fort Madison Community School District – After School Program Community Partnership Expansion
  • Fort Madison Family YMCA – YMCA 2025 Grant Request
  • Friends of Shimek State Forest Equestrian Trails – Wet Weather Trails and Campground Upgrades in the Lick Creek Unit of Shimek Forest
  • Iowa Community Care Foundation – Game On: Sustaining Access to Special Olympics in North Lee County
  • Keokuk Garden Club – Rand Park Revamp
  • Keokuk Saddle Club – Bring the Arena Home
  • Old Fort Madison Preservation Inc. – Self-Guided Tour Signs for 1812 Battlefield and Old Fort Madison
  • The Salvation Army Community Meals Program

Together, these grants highlight the Foundations’ shared mission of strengthening local nonprofits through sustainable, long-term support.

Looking ahead, both Foundations are preparing for a remarkable expansion in funding opportunities beginning with the 2026 Grant Cycle, made possible by a significant estate gift from the Sandrock Trust, established by longtime community supporters Dr. Austin Sandrock and Carole Wallis-Sandrock. This extraordinary act of generosity will allow the Foundations to substantially increase their annual grantmaking and scholarship awards.

“Beginning in 2026, the gift will directly increase funding for The North Lee Community Foundation Grant Fund and the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, providing an additional $400,000 annually to nonprofit organizations and schools throughout the greater Tri-State area,” said Philip Ricketts, Chief Operations Officer of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation. “This increase will bring the total annual grant funding from both Foundations to approximately $630,000.”

The Keokuk Area Community Foundation and the North Lee Community Foundation are proud to partner with donors who believe in investing in the future of Lee County. Their collective efforts continue to build stronger, more connected communities throughout Southeast Iowa.

Intersection Change Coming to Mediapolis December 3

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 9:09 am CDT

Mediapolis, IA — Motorists traveling through Mediapolis will soon notice a change at a key intersection. The Iowa Department of Transportation’s District 5 Office has announced that beginning Wednesday, December 3, the intersection of old U.S. 61/Wapello Street and Main Street will be converted from a two-way stop to a four-way stop.

The DOT says the change is being made to improve both safety and traffic operations at the busy junction. Drivers are encouraged to stay alert and be prepared to stop in all directions once the new signs are in place.

The department reminds motorists to use extra caution during the first few days of the transition as drivers adjust to the new traffic pattern.