Tickets On Sale Now for 71st Annual Mount Pleasant Rotary BBQ Tickets on June 4

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at 5:37 am CDT

The Rotary clubs of Mount Pleasant announce tickets are now on sale for the 71st Annual Mount Pleasant Rotary BBQ, continuing a long-standing community tradition.

Held annually on the first Thursday in June, this year’s BBQ will take place on Thursday, June 4, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Wright Family Pavilion in McMillan Park on the Midwest Old Threshers grounds.

Guests will enjoy a meal featuring a choice of pork chop or turkey tenderloin, served with baked potato, coleslaw, roll, and cookie. Meals are available for $15 for adults and $7 for children.

Attendees may take advantage of both drive-thru and dine-in options. Drive-thru traffic should enter from Walnut Street, while walk-up and dine-in service will be available on the north side of the pavilion.

Tickets are available in advance at:
• 5 Star Community Credit Union
• Pilot Grove Savings Bank (downtown location)
• Mount Pleasant City Hall
• or from any Mount Pleasant Rotarian

Proceeds from the annual BBQ support Rotary’s mission locally and globally through service, leadership, and financial assistance to community organizations and scholarships for local students. Rotary initiatives have included promoting literacy by partnering with the Mount Pleasant Public Library and Henry County Conservation for a new storybook walk by the Oakland Mills Nature Center, supporting health and wellness by hosting blood drives at local elementary schools quarterly, donating to Polio Plus – Rotary’s foundation to support immunization efforts worldwide and eradicate Polio off the face of the planet, and environmental stewardship projects such as picking up trash and maintaining portions of local highways. And that’s just to name a few!

More About Rotary
The Rotary clubs of Mount Pleasant have served the community and beyond since 1921, guided by the Rotary motto “Service Above Self.” Those interested in becoming a member can join the Mount Pleasant Noon Rotary Club, which meets Wednesdays at noon, or the Mount Pleasant Evening Rotary Club, which meets the first and third Mondays at 6:00 p.m.

For more information about Rotary, membership opportunities, or BBQ tickets, contact Kadie Johannson at 319-721-2729 or any Mount Pleasant Rotarian.

Bomb Threat at Mount Pleasant Walmart Distribution Center Determined to Be Hoax

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 5:28 pm CDT

Authorities say a reported bomb threat at the Mount Pleasant Walmart Distribution Center Wednesday afternoon appears to be a hoax.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the facility at approximately 3:41 p.m. Wednesday, April 29 following a report of a bomb threat made to the distribution center. The Mount Pleasant Police Department, along with the Mount Pleasant Fire Department, responded to the scene and secured the area.

When asked if the incident was related to the bomb threats at Walmarts across the country, Mount Pleasant Police Chief Lyle Murray indicated it may be part of a broader pattern.

“Yes, it appears to be related to the other ones across the country. The Distribution Center did a great job getting their staff to a safe location. Mount Pleasant Police Department was assisted by Iowa State Patrol, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, and management on a sweep of the facility. Nothing suspicious was located and it appears to be a swatting incident.”

Officials confirmed that employees were safely moved during the response while law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the building. No suspicious items were found.

Chief Murray added that the investigation is ongoing, “We are still investigating to see if we can determine where the call came from, but that will take time.”

Agencies assisting in the response included the Iowa State Patrol and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say there is no ongoing threat to the public, but the incident remains under investigation. KILJ will bring you more details as they become available.

Mount Pleasant Eighth Graders Explore Local History on Educational Tour

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 2:23 pm CDT

Mount Pleasant Community School District eighth grade students in Mrs. Mullin’s class recently stepped outside the classroom to explore local history firsthand in Mount Pleasant.

The students toured several historic sites, including the Harlan-Lincoln House, Pioneer Hall, Old Main, and statues honoring Belle Babb Mansfield and Senator James Harlan. The visit focused on how local Iowans have shaped education, government, and the broader community.

During the tour, students learned that some classrooms in the area have been used for nearly 170 consecutive years. They also heard about the destruction and rebuilding of Old Main, the founding of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, and the many contributions of James Harlan, who served as Secretary of the Interior under President Abraham Lincoln.

One highlight for students was discovering the close connection between the Harlan and Lincoln families. Robert Todd Lincoln, the president’s son, married Harlan’s daughter, Mary, and the couple’s children often spent summers in Mount Pleasant.

Students described the experience as eye-opening, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich history located just blocks from their own middle school.

Henry County Supervisors Meeting, April 30th

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 1:54 pm CDT

Henry County Supervisors

100 East Washington St. Ste. 202

Mt Pleasant, IA  52641

Email: supervisors@henrycountyiowa.us

Chad White, Chairman                 Marc Lindeen, Member              Steven Detrick, Vice-Chair

   319-385-0759                                 319-385-0760                                    319-385-0761________

AGENDA

Board of Supervisor

April 30, 2026

9:00 a.m.

 

  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  2. Roll Call of Members and Secretary
  3. Approval of Consent Agenda

Note: These items are routine and will be enacted by one motion without separate discussion unless a Board member requests an item be removed for separate consideration.

  1. Approval of Board Minutes.
  2. Approval of financial claims for payment.

 

  1. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  2. A. Auditor’s Office (Mandra) working on yearly reporting of ARPA as required
  3. Start discussions on Battery Energy Storage Systems / data mining systems / solar

energy systems for appropriate ordinances or moratorium until ordinance language

can be formulated

  1. FY2026 / 2027 Budget approval has been made

 

  1. COMMITTEE UPDATES
  2.  Iowa State Extension Planning and Zoning training session was attended by

White –

Detrick –

Lindeen –

 

  1. 6. NEW BUSINESS
  2. Henry County Engineer, Jake Hotchkiss
  3. Motion 16-2026-20 Approval of Henry County Secondary Roads Haul Road Agreement.
  4. Secondary Roads Weekly Updates.

     

  1.   Henry County Attorney’s Office staff hiring: Co. Atty. Becky Wilson
  2. Terri Quartucci, Attorney
  3.     Edward Harvey, Attorney
  4.     Kelly Patterson, Office Manager
  5. Cheyenne Patterson, Victim Witness Coord.

 

 

  1. OTHER BUSINESS
  2. Absolute Security alarm systems field check update
  3. Moose Lodge, Renewal of Liquor License
  4. Deerwood Golf INC., Renewal of Liquor License

 

  1. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Note: The Board welcomes public comment on items not listed on the agenda. You are asked to state your name and address for the record and limit your comment to 3 minutes per person to allow opportunity for others to speak.

 

  1. Adjourn

Two-Vehicle Crash on Highway 218 Sends One to Hospital

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 1:53 pm CDT

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a two-vehicle accident that occurred Thursday afternoon.

According to authorities, the crash happened April 24th at around 4:20 p.m. in the 1300 grid of northbound Highway 218.

Officials say 82-year-old Danny Spray of Mount Pleasant was attempting to cross the highway westbound when he pulled into the path of a northbound vehicle driven by 57-year-old Michelle McCarthy of Ainsworth. The two vehicles collided and came to rest on the shoulder of the roadway.

Spray was cited for unsafe entry onto a roadway.

McCarthy was transported to a local hospital with possible injuries. The extent of those injuries has not been released.

The accident remains under investigation by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

Iowa State Locks Down T.J. Otzelberger Through 2036

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 12:07 pm CDT

Ames, IA- The Iowa State Men’s Basketball program’s renaissance has been orchestrated by head coach T.J. Otzelberger and the Cyclones want to keep the tempo flowing as Otzelberger agreed to a 10-year extension that will increase his salary to $6 million annually.

A deal that would put him in the top six for highest-paid men’s basketball coaching salaries. A deal he has earned as Iowa State has been ranked for 52 straight weeks, the second longest steak in school history, and are fresh off a 29-8 season, their second-most wins in school history, where they finished as the #8 team in the final AP Top 25 Poll.

Since inheriting a 2-22 team back in 2021, Otzelberger has led the program to five consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament, three Sweet 16 appearances, and a Big 12 tournament title in 2024. He is the only coach in school history with multiple trips to Sweet 16 and his 30 victories over AP Top 25 teams is also the most by any coach in school history.

He currently holds a 0.701 winning percentage with 124 wins in his five seasons at the helm for the Cyclones.

“I’m thankful for the support of our President, Dr. Cook and our Athletics Director, Jamie Pollard,” Otzelberger said. “We are humbled and grateful to continue leading a program that means so much to us. Iowa State is home for my family, and we are excited to be part of the community for years to come.”

Mt. Pleasant Alum Henry Lutovsky Earns a Shot in the NFL

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 11:51 am CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- The Panther football program has enjoyed quite the cycle of success this past year, as the team produced their first winning record since 2019, made the playoffs for the first time since 2010, and defeated vaunted foe Washington for the first time since 2008. Additionally, a trio of seniors inked their letter of intent to continue their athletic careers in college.

Most recently, a Mt. Pleasant alum also inked a deal to advance to the next level as Henry Lutovsky was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 6’6 319-pound interior offensive lineman was an All-State honoree with the Panthers in for the 2020 season and was also named to the 2020 All-Iowa Elite team after helping Mt. Pleasant average 352.6 yards and 26.1 points per game.

He committed to Nebraska and stayed there for all five seasons, starting 25 straight games between his junior and senior seasons. He earned Academic All-Big Ten in 2023, 2024, and 2025 as he got his degree in criminology and criminal justice. Moreover, he earned a spot on the Tom Osborne Citizenship team the past two years.

The Buccaneers are looking to use him at guard, but Lutovsky is hoping that his versatility to move all over the line will give him his best chance to find a spot on the roster.

Julie Liechty – UPDATED

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 11:26 am CDT

Julie Ann Liechty, 64, of Mt. Pleasant passed away at her home with her family at her side on Monday, April 27, 2026. She fought with grace and determination, leaving a legacy of love and strength.

Julie was born July 3, 1961, in Burlington, IA. She was the daughter of Tom and Donna (Morningstar) Ritchey. Julie grew up in New London. She attended New London High School, graduating in the Class of 1979. Soon after high school, Julie became a dedicated wife and mother. She married Jack Manning on December 29, 1979. They had two children and later divorced. On August 20, 1994, Tim and Julie were united in marriage in the small Chapel at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant by the Rev. Deborah Kiesey. Tim and Julie had three girls together.

Julie was hard-working employee of the Walmart Corporation, she went to work no matter what during her 40 plus-year tenure working for Walmart. She began working in Texas and worked in several different locations and positions, including the Distribution Center in Mt. Pleasant in human resources and most recently in the Fairfield Store as a People Lead. Julie was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Pleasant where she taught her daughter in Sunday School. Julie enjoyed belonging to H2O (Help to Others).

Her biggest and longest lasting hobby was supporting her family as their biggest fan. She spent many hours in the bleachers watching her children and grandchildren’s many sports and activities. When she was not rooting for her kids and grandkids, Julie enjoyed both spending time on the beach (or in her pool as a close substitute) and being in the mountains. Julie liked to read and complete jigsaw puzzles. A savvy customer, Julie found great delight in shopping. Julie had an extensive wardrobe which required her to rotate the clothes in her closet every spring and fall. Julie set a high standard for an elegant and well-maintained woman with gorgeous nails and beautiful hair.

Those thankful for sharing in Julie’s life include her husband of over 30 years, Tim, of Mt. Pleasant; her children – Travis (Kisha) Manning of Ruskin, FL, Tiffany (Michael) Riley, Allie (Justin) Liechty-Hultman, Hattie (Matt) Rowan and Abbie Ann Liechty, all of Mt. Pleasant; her parents – Tom & Donna Ritchey of New London; her sisters – Amy (Paul) Newman and Lisa Ritchey, all of Cedar Rapids; her grandchildren – Laken & Beckett Manning; Justis, Jaydin, Jersie, Macie, Myia and Tripp Riley’ Jax, Graham and Ivie Liechty-Hultman and Jolie & Elvie Rowan; her mother-in-law, Gretchen Liechty of Mt. Pleasant and her bonus sister – Jodi Wilson, who was “Louise” to Julie’s “Thelma”

A visitation will begin at 2 PM on Friday, May 1 at the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 4-8 PM on Friday. A funeral service for Julie will be held at 11AM on Saturday, May 2nd at the church. The Reverend Court M. Fischer, Senior Pastor, will officiate.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to H2O (Help to Others), P.O. Box 773, Mount Pleasant, IA, 52641 or to Youth Programs at the First United Methodist Church.

The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, is assisting Julie’s family with her arrangements.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com