The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the prestigious 2025 Small Business of the Year award. Each year, Chamber members have the opportunity to recognize an outstanding local business that has made a significant impact in the community.
To qualify for the Small Business of the Year award, nominees must be a current member of the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, have a primary business location in Henry County, employ fewer than 50 individuals, and have been in operation for at least two years.
The award will be presented during the MPACC’s Small Business Breakfast on May 9th, 2025. This annual event celebrates the contributions of small businesses and highlights the achievements of entrepreneurs who help drive the local economy.
If you know a deserving business that meets the qualifications, we encourage you to submit a nomination. Nominations must be received by March 21, 2025. To submit a nomination or for more details, please contact the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance office.
Joanne B. Wilson, 98, of Fairfield, Iowa, passed away on Monday, March 3 at Parkview Care Center in Fairfield. As were her wishes, cremation has taken place and a family service will be at a later date. Cards and condolences may be sent to the family at 1707-A Linden Drive, Fairfield, IA 52556. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.
Joanne was born March 28, 1926 in Evanston, Illinois to Edwin Burt (Ned) and Edith (Blaeser) Brown of Winnetka.
She spent her childhood along the north shore of Chicago living blocks away from Elder Lane Beach on Lake Michigan in a small house with her parents, two siblings and maternal grandparents. Her youth though during the Great Depression was idyllic—summers at the beach, learning gardening, sewing and how to make everything from scratch from her grandma. She always said if she was one thing, she was a Girl Scout. She kept her first Girl Scout guide until she was 97 when she passed it down to her great granddaughter.
Coming of age for Joanne during World War II meant not as many stories about the sacrifices made for the war, but the tales about boyfriends and dates. She kept a calendar with all those events. The calendar goes mysteriously blank after a date with war veteran and Marine Robert L. (Bob) Wilson in fall, 1945. They married in June, 1946. She had graduated from New Trier High School in 1943 and attended National College of Education in Evanston for three years before marrying Bob.
Joanne told her granddaughters that she was the luckiest because all she ever wanted to be was a wife and mother. And that is exactly what she did her whole life. She was the master of making cozy homes and good friends through nine moves including 13 years in Galena, Illinois and a final move to Fairfield in late 1996.
She was the kind of wife, mother, grandma that if you needed to be at work or just early morning volleyball practice, she would wake up with you and make a full breakfast before leaving.
She took her mothering job seriously and was told many times she didn’t have to be the “den mother of the world” by her husband of 53 years. But that is exactly how many remember her—caring for, worrying about and protecting as many children as she could.
Her hobbies included doll making, pressed flowers, weaving baskets, reading, gardening, bird watching, keeping her home clean and tidy, making quality meals for herself and her family, and keeping photo books for each of her grandchildren.
Her happy place has always been outside in her garden or along the shores of the Great Lakes, especially Door County, Wisconsin, where she honeymooned and instilled a love for the peninsula to multiple generations of her family.
She is survived by three sons; Brad (Sue) Wilson of Western Springs, IL, Jeff Wilson of Fairfield, and John (Beth) Wilson of Bloomingdale, IL; seven grandchildren, Lucy, Anna, Maggie, Brandon, Laura, Kevin and Hanah; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was proceeded in death by her parents; husband Bob in 2000; daughter Linda Dyer MacDonald; brother Bucky Brown, sister Mary Jean Ellis and granddaughter Kirby Wilson.
Online condolences may be made to Joanne’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.
Note: These are routine items and will be enacted by one motion without separate discussion unless a Council member requests an item be removed for separate consideration.
Minutes of February 19, 2025
Bills for Payment
Report
Clerks Budgetary Report
Utility Dept. Report
Police Dept. Report
Firefighter Dept. Report
Building Permits
Citizen Forum
The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public for items not listed on the agenda. You are asked to state your name and address for the record and to limit your remarks in order that others may be given the opportunity to speak. The Order of Business is at the discretion of the Chair. No action will be taken.
Unfinished Business
Annual Review of Water System Rates/Consider Rate Increase
New Business
2025-06 City Budget Amendment & Certification Resolution FY2024/2025
Renewal Permit Application – Dollar General Class B Retail Alcohol License
Change of Ownership Application – Dollar General Class B Retail Alcohol License
Set Offer Amount for Purchase of Used Rescue Van
2025-07 Resolution Accepting Work North Plains Estates Subdivision – Phase 2024
Change Order/Final Draw – North Plains Subdivision Project – DeLong Construction
Request for WACO After-Prom Donation
Discuss Request – Apply for RISE Grant for Industrial Park East
Families, get ready for a fun-filled day with traveling children’s musician, Jim Gill at Westland Mall on Saturday, March 22nd! This free event includes an interactive concert at 10 AM, followed by Day of the Child activities from 11 AM – 2 PM.
📍 Location: Westland Mall, 550 S Gear Ave, West Burlington, IA
Jim Gill is a musician, author, and child development specialist known for his unique approach to music that encourages movement and interaction. His concerts are designed to be fun for the whole family, bringing joy to children and parents alike through playful songs, games, and engaging performances
This event is sponsored by local early childhood organizations and is open to the public at no cost.
The Fort Madison Community School District (FMCSD) has officially released its 2025-2026 academic calendar, allowing students, parents, and staff to plan ahead for the upcoming school year.
This calendar includes all the key dates for the year, including school holidays, breaks, teacher professional development days, and other important events. Families can now stay informed about scheduled closures and plan accordingly.
To view the full calendar and ensure you’re up to date with all school-related dates, visit the link to the calendar HERE.
The Lee County 4-H Endowment supports senior 4-H members by offering financial assistance for further education. Scholarships are awarded based on 4-H involvement, future aspirations, and personal growth.
Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from their 4-H club volunteer leader and consult their 4-H records when completing the application. A point-based system determines eligibility, with a minimum score required for consideration. Funds can be used for college, vocational training, or other accredited educational programs.
The application deadline is April 1st. Senior 4-H members are encouraged to apply early to secure this valuable opportunity and continue their educational journey with support from the 4-H community.
The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the prestigious 2025 Small Business of the Year award. Each year, Chamber members have the opportunity to recognize an outstanding local business that has made a significant impact in the community.
Joanne B. Wilson, 98, of Fairfield, Iowa, passed away on Monday, March 3 at Parkview Care Center in Fairfield. As were her wishes, cremation has taken place and a family service will be at a later date. Cards and condolences may be sent to the family at 1707-A Linden Drive, Fairfield, IA 52556. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.