Ad Hoc PowerPoint: https://www.mtpcsd.org/apps/news/article/2121620

The Mount Pleasant Community School District’s Facilities Ad Hoc Committee is moving forward with its work to shape the future of the district’s schools.

Following the initial public community meeting held October 16, the committee — made up of more than 40 members representing staff, parents, and community members — will hold three key meetings through the end of the year.

The next session is set for October 22, focusing on defining the ideal elementary experience for students. A November 18 meeting will assess current facilities and needs, and a December 18 session will explore options and potential solutions.

The group will deliver final recommendations to the school board in January 2026, guided by principles of transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement.

All meeting materials and updates will be publicly available on the district’s website as the committee continues its work toward a long-term, sustainable facilities plan.

The planning work is supported by SFM Consulting Group, led by Stephen F. Murley of Iowa City, who has helped guide similar projects across Iowa, including in districts such as Algona, Iowa City, and Council Bluffs.

Members of the Facilities Ad Hoc Committee:

Mason Fraker, Kelsey Bolin, Levon Mullen, Heather Goetsch, Kurt Schinstock, Katie Westphal, Ashley Lohmann, Ben Baxter, Aimee Shepherd, Ashley Hobbs, Brandon Beauchamp, Brent Rich, Alexandra Achen, Jodi Reisdorf, Alan Magnani, Kadie Johannson, Matt Barton, Anne Davidson, James Bryant, Lisa Oetken, Bob Griffith, Jeff Sitar, Ed Kropa, Jill Taylor, Chris Van De Berg, Kate Ridinger, Abby Liechty, Matt Shull, Stacie Baccam, Denise Wolfe, Allie Remick, Kelly Burgmeier, Amanda Dunn, Cody Welch, Yesenia Sosa, Jacque Bowlin, Mark Adams, Tyler Rodgers, Katie Sands, Chad Venghaus, Angie Butler, Josh Maher

The Mount Pleasant Community School District’s Facilities Ad Hoc Committee will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, October 22, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Mount Pleasant Community High School Media Center, located at 2104 South Grand Avenue. 

The committee—tasked with reviewing and evaluating district facility needs, long-term maintenance plans, and potential improvements—continues to play a key role in guiding future infrastructure decisions for the district. 

Community members are welcome to attend and stay informed about ongoing discussions related to school buildings, renovations, and capital planning within the district. 

For those wishing to mark their calendars, the meeting can be added directly to Google, Outlook, or Yahoo calendars through the district’s published link. 

Henry County Food Pantries Offer Support for Families in Need

If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, several Henry County food pantries are ready to help. Each pantry serves local communities with weekly or monthly opportunities to receive groceries and essential items, and all welcome donations from the public to keep their shelves stocked.

Community Action – Tolson Center
1303 W. Washington St., Mt. Pleasant
📞 319-385-2310
Open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Fellowship Cup
203 N. Jefferson St., Mt. Pleasant
📞 319-385-3242
Open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Delivery to Hillsboro and Salem is also available.

Tiger Food Pantry
106 W. Wilson St., New London
📞 319-367-0512
Open Thursdays from 4–6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9–11 a.m.

WACO Community Food Pantry
United Church of Crawfordsville, 105 N. Chestnut St., Crawfordsville
📞 319-461-0532
Open the 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 2:30–3 p.m. for those age 60+ or needing help; 3:30–5:30 p.m. for all other shoppers.

Wayland Food Pantry
Wayland Mennonite Church, 104 W. 2nd St., Wayland
📞 319-591-0961
Open the 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 4–6 p.m.

Winfield Food Pantry
107 E. Elm St., Winfield
📧 winfieldpantry@gmail.com

The Henry County Board of Supervisors will meet on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Henry County Courthouse, 100 E. Washington Street, Suite 202, Mount Pleasant. 

The meeting will open with routine business, including approval of the agenda, minutes, and claims. Following that, County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss will provide his weekly update, including the bid opening for the Fremont Avenue Culvert Replacement project. 

Supervisors will also review a letter from the Treasurer’s Office regarding a DVH credit refund error. 

A public hearing and first reading are scheduled for a proposed Traffic Code Enforcement Ordinance, giving residents an opportunity to comment before the measure advances. 

One of the key action items on the agenda is a motion to create an Information Technology (IT) Department as a standalone county department, which would be directly answerable to the Board of Supervisors. 

The meeting will conclude with reports from Supervisors’ sub-committees. 

Henry County residents are welcome to attend the session or contact the Supervisors’ office at 319-385-0759 for more information. 

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in regular session on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at City Hall, 307 East Monroe Street, in the second-floor meeting room. 

Under new business, the council will consider approval of the Annual Urban Renewal Report for Fiscal Year Ending 2025, along with a resolution requesting reimbursement from the Henry County Auditor’s Office for economic development costs incurred within the city’s urban renewal areas for FY 26/27. 

Additional resolutions will be reviewed, including one to authorize an internal advance to the tax increment revenue fund for the Henry Street Construction Project between Broadway and Adams Streets. 

Council members will also take up Change Order No. 2 for the Airport Taxilanes and T-Hangars Phase 2 Construction, as well as a lease agreement for airport farm ground. 

Other agenda items include:  

Approval of a contract with BIG Language Solutions, LLC, providing translation services to ensure compliance with federal Title VI language accessibility requirements. 

• Acceptance of the South Adams Street Re-Paving Project, covering the stretch from South Street to Langdon Street. 

• Approval of the site plan for Hershey Hall. 

A public forum will be held before adjournment, allowing residents to share comments or concerns. 

The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. 

T.T.T. Chapter DD is once again helping the community stay warm this winter by hosting their annual Winter Coat Drive, running now through November 7, 2025. 

Residents are encouraged to donate new or gently used coats, hats, and mittens to help local families in need prepare for the cold months ahead. Donations can be dropped off at any of the following Mount Pleasant locations: Old Threshers, Hy-Vee, and The Coffee Depot. 

The local T.T.T. Chapter DD has a long-standing tradition of community service, and this seasonal effort ensures that everyone—especially children—has access to warm clothing as temperatures drop. 

Community members are encouraged to take part and make a difference this fall by checking their closets and contributing to the cause. Every donation, large or small, helps keep a neighbor warm this winter.