The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission will hold its Full Board meeting Thursday at noon in West Burlington, with several transportation-related public hearings and budget items on the agenda.

Board members are expected to consider adoption of the agency’s Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation Planning Work Program during a public hearing. The proposal includes Resolution 201-2026, which would authorize grant applications and contracts tied to transportation planning funding, along with Resolution 202-2026 assuring local matching funds for federal transportation programs.

The board will also hold a public hearing on the final Fiscal Year 2026 Passenger Transportation Plan and consider Resolution 203-2026 adopting the plan.

Another public hearing will focus on proposed SEIBUS fare increases. Board members will review Resolution 204-2026, which would authorize the fare changes.

Additional agenda items include adoption of the SEIRPC Fiscal Year 2027 budget, review of the draft Fiscal Year 2027 through 2030 Transportation Improvement Program, and consideration of a transit vehicle disposition plan.

The meeting will take place at the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission office at 211 North Gear Avenue in West Burlington, with a Zoom option also available.

The New London School Board held a tense special session Wednesday night centered around leadership changes and questions over board procedure.

A special board member election was held as Board President Mike McBeth resigned from his role as president, and Vice President Kyle Helmerson then declined the opportunity to step into the position.

Board member Jen Loyd was nominated and approved by fellow board members to serve as the new board president. Jessica Boyer voted against the motion, saying she wanted the opportunity to speak with the school district’s attorney before officially assuming the role.

Boyer was told she could not speak with the attorney until after the meeting concluded. McBeth shared he had already sought legal guidance prior to the meeting, though that guidance reportedly came from an attorney with the Iowa Association of School Boards, not directly from the school district’s attorney.

Boyer and board member Becky Hayes raised concerns about whether the board was properly following procedure, specifically questioning whether McBeth could remain on the board after resigning as president.

The public portion of the meeting concluded as the board voted to enter closed session. Before voting, a letter was shared from Superintendent Chad Wahls’ regarding his yearly evaluation. Wahls submitted a letter requesting that his review be conducted in closed session, citing concerns that information discussed publicly could cause what he described as “irreparable injury” to his reputation.

The Mount Pleasant City Council met Wednesday evening and approved several ordinances, permits, and resolutions during its regular meeting.

Council members held a public hearing on the amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget before approving the final budget amendment resolution.

The council also approved the sale of property at 403 East Green Street to McGwider Incorporated for $12,500. The property will be used by the Building and Trades Department at the Mount Pleasant Community School District to construct a new home.

Council members approved the second reading of an ordinance increasing solid waste fees from $4.25 to $5.25 per month. City officials said the increase is intended to help offset administrative and operational costs associated with solid waste collection services.

The council also approved several alcohol license renewals along with outdoor sound permits for PFLAG Mount Pleasant and the Henry County Fair. Council members additionally approved a request allowing alcohol sales in McMillan Park during the Henry County Fair July 15th through the 21st.

Under new business, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance allowing ATVs on city streets. Existing ordinances already permit golf carts and UTVs, and officials noted modern ATVs now include additional safety features.

Council members also approved the first reading of a traffic ordinance establishing no parking restrictions along portions of Winfield Avenue and replacing a yield sign with a stop sign at North Perry Street entering Winfield Avenue.

The council also approved a resolution supporting Monroe Street Landing LLC in its application for Workforce Housing Tax Credits tied to a proposed housing development at 1302 East Monroe Street. Plans for the project include thirteen new multi-residential rental units.

Additional discussion during the meeting included updates on the city swimming pool ahead of opening weekend set for this Saturday, May 30, ongoing construction preparation work on Winfield Avenue with the first stage starting June 1 depending on arrival of materials, and a nuisance property located at 412 North Main Street.

The meeting adjourned after public comment. The next regular city council meeting will be Wednesday, June 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Administrators’ Conference Room.

The Mount Pleasant Public Improvement Committee met Wednesday afternoon at City Hall to discuss the future of the former Wisdom Quest building at 401 East Monroe Street and a potential memorial project honoring former City Administrator Brent Schleisman.

Councilman Matt Barton called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. before architect Thomas McInerney presented renovation concepts and cost estimates for the building, which the city previously purchased from the Mount Pleasant Community School District.

City leaders have discussed using the building for storage space for The Fellowship Cup food pantry while also creating a permanent home for Mount Pleasant Community Childcare.

McInerney estimated renovation costs at approximately $150 per square foot, bringing the projected total to nearly $2.5 million. He said the building has a solid structure and foundation but would require extensive interior renovation to meet childcare licensing requirements. When asked about the cost of a new build versus renovation, McInerney said constructing a brand-new facility could come at a similar price point and may be more practical if land is already available elsewhere, noting demolition costs at the current site would likely eliminate any potential savings from new construction.

Committee members discussed both the advantages and challenges of the project. Advantages included the building’s location and existing structure, while concerns centered on renovation costs, curb appeal, and the need for major interior reconstruction.

Barton noted the childcare center is currently operating under a temporary location license and said continued extensions from the state may not be guaranteed. He said services could potentially be interrupted if a permanent facility is not secured, but that the state may continue to extend if progress toward a permanent facility continues.

Griffith said financing options are available through borrowing, while Crull suggested fundraising and grant opportunities could help offset costs. Engberg questioned at what point the expense may outweigh the benefits of the project.

White also discussed alternative uses for the property, including residential development or maintaining the building primarily for city storage purposes.

The committee also discussed ideas for a memorial honoring former City Administrator Brent Schleisman. Mayor Brimhall suggested incorporating the city’s recreation trail system, one of Schleisman’s longtime priorities, through a trailhead archway and commemorative mile markers along the trail.

Barton said the memorial project could also serve as a catalyst for future trail expansion fundraising efforts. Crull volunteered to assist with conceptual renderings and design ideas for the project.

No formal action was taken during the meeting before adjournment.

The City of Mount Pleasant will join Amtrak officials, contractors, and community leaders Thursday morning to celebrate the completion of accessibility improvements at the Mount Pleasant Amtrak Station.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the station as part of Amtrak’s nationwide accessibility improvement initiative. The upgrades are aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and the overall passenger experience for residents and visitors using rail service in southeast Iowa.

According to Amtrak, the Mount Pleasant project is part of a larger investment in Americans with Disabilities Act compliance projects across the country. Since 2011, Amtrak says it has invested more than $1 billion nationwide to improve accessibility at stations throughout its rail network.

Mount Pleasant Mayor Steve Brimhall says the station remains an important transportation connection for the community and surrounding region. Brimhall says the improvements will help ensure all passengers can safely and comfortably access rail service for years to come while also improving the experience for travelers visiting the area.

Thursday’s event will also recognize contractors and subcontractors involved in the project and include information regarding local investment and job creation connected to the improvements.

Members of the public and media are invited to attend the ceremony at the Mount Pleasant Amtrak Station.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors will meet this morning in Mount Pleasant with several county facility and financial topics on the agenda.

Supervisors are scheduled to discuss the county’s employee retirement program during unfinished business, along with continued conversations regarding space needs and possible future meeting locations. The board is expected to receive an update from All Space, including information that a third revision is in progress, although estimated project costs are not yet available.

Board members will also discuss holding three future supervisors meetings at the Henry County Emergency Management building before making any decisions about relocating meeting space. One evening meeting at the Emergency Management facility is also being planned for Thursday, June 18th.

Additional unfinished business includes reviewing retirement plans for the county’s Planning and Zoning manager Joe Buffington.

Under new business, supervisors will hear the weekly Secondary Roads Department update and consider setting a bid date for petroleum products.

The board will also hear from Hub International regarding the county’s workers compensation renewal and consider a resolution reallocating ARPA funds toward county records digitization costs.

Other agenda items include discussion of departmental budget amendment criteria ahead of a June 11th hearing, an update on the county’s financial status, and discussion surrounding a picnic table on courthouse grounds.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant.

As warmer weather settles into Southeast Iowa, turtles are becoming a common sight near area roadways as they search for gravel and sandy areas to lay eggs during nesting season.

Wildlife experts say drivers should stay alert, especially near rural roads, gravel shoulders, and waterways where turtles are more active.

If you spot a turtle trying to cross the road and it is safe to stop and help, experts recommend picking the turtle up carefully by the shell using both hands. They stress never picking up a turtle by its tail, as it can cause serious spinal injuries.

Snapping turtles require extra caution due to their powerful bite. In many cases, it is safer to gently encourage the turtle across the road rather than attempting to pick it up. If moving a snapping turtle becomes necessary, experts advise grabbing it by the back legs while keeping the turtle facing away from your body.

Wildlife officials also remind residents to always move turtles in the direction they were already traveling. Otherwise, the animal will likely attempt to cross the road again. Turtles should never be relocated to a different area or taken home, as they are simply trying to reach nesting grounds.

Drivers are also encouraged to leave turtles alone if they are sitting in gravel or sandy areas, as they may already be nesting.

Anyone handling turtles should thoroughly wash their hands afterward.