A beautiful end to the week is shaping up across the area, with decreasing clouds, lighter winds, and mild temperatures expected as we head into the evening. The weekend forecast looks just as pleasant, featuring similar temperatures along with a mix of clouds and sunshine both Saturday and Sunday.

Looking ahead to the start of the new workweek, rain chances return on Monday, with the potential for strong to severe storms developing across the region.

From the last 24 hour rainfall, totals varied across southeast Iowa. Mount Pleasant recorded about a quarter inch of rain, while Fairfield picked up closer to a half inch. Parts of eastern and northern Henry County saw around two-tenths of an inch, and Lee County averaged roughly four-tenths of an inch.

We’ll continue to monitor the storm chances heading into Monday and bring you updates as the forecast develops.

A historic preservation project nearly two years in the making is nearing completion at Stephenson Park in Lowell, Iowa, along the banks of the Skunk River. The effort centers on preserving a nearly 200-year-old millstone that has now been carefully moved to higher ground and reset into a cut-stone monument base.

The work was highlighted during an event held yesterday morning, April 23rd, at Stephenson Park.

The restoration project is led by the Mount Pleasant James Harlan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, or DAR. The early 19th-century French Buhr millstone was originally used in a mill in pioneer Lowell during the 1830s. In 1930, the stone was placed on a monument along the Skunk River by the James Harlan DAR chapter and the John See DAR Chapter of New London. Over time, years of severe weather, flooding, and even a fallen tree damaged the original monument.

Through grants and coordinated funding, the DAR oversaw construction of a new monument using Anamosa limestone. Henry County Conservation Officer Caleb Waters, the Conservation Department, and others assisted by preparing the large base required to support the heavy stone. Funding for the project has been provided by the William M. and Donna J. Hoaglin Foundation, Incorporated, Enhance Henry County Community Foundation, Henry County Historic Preservation Commission, and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Design work, stonecutting, and the careful movement of the millstone were completed by McClure Masonry of Burlington. Jason McClure and his employees moved the stone to their Burlington shop last fall, where it was preserved and banded through the winter while stone blocks were cut to size for assembly this spring. The millstone has since been lifted into a specially cut groove in the monument, and the original brass plaque describing the mill’s history will be mounted to the stone.

Millstones like this one originated in France and were made largely from a type of quartz known as buhrstone. Constructed from smaller pieces cemented together and banded with iron, they were valued for their sharp and durable grinding surfaces used in producing white flour.

The James Harlan DAR Chapter is preparing a broader history of the mills at Lowell and plans to host a public re-dedication ceremony for the monument at a later date. Historians at the Dover Museum in New London will be consulted as part of the historical presentation.

The Lowell site marks the location of Henry County’s first mills. Settlement in the area followed the defeat of Chief Black Hawk in 1832 and the Black Hawk Purchase in 1833. By 1835, settlers were drawn to the fertile land and opportunities along the Skunk River, known to Native Americans as the Chicaqua.

In 1837, early settlers Hiram Smith and James Caudill built one of the first mills along the river to grind grain and saw wood, laying the foundation for the growth of the village that would eventually be named Lowell.

A special thank you to Cathy and David Helman for the information and photos included in this article.

Mount Pleasant residents could see a slight drop in their tax rate, even as the city moves ahead with new spending and projects.

At its meeting Wednesday night, the Mount Pleasant City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, setting the tax rate at $11.94 per thousand dollars of taxable value. That’s down slightly from last year. No one from the public was present to speak at the public hearing.

The budget passed unanimously including roughly three percent pay increases for city employees, firefighters, and seasonal staff—part of an effort to stay competitive with nearby communities.

Council members also approved a change order for the airport taxilane and hangar project. The adjustment adds just over $15,000 to the cost, largely due to cold weather delays during construction.

In other action, the council renewed local alcohol licenses, including permits for Hy-Vee, and the Mount Pleasant Redemption Center.

The council also approved a new mayoral appointment to the library board. Mike Tometich will serve a six-year term, replacing outgoing member Paulette Shappell.

Looking ahead, residents may notice continued work on Winfield Avenue, with construction expected to ramp up in early June once utility work is completed and city engineers are able to move in contracted crews.

A public hearing to amend the current 2025-2026 city budget has been scheduled for May 27 at 5:30 p.m. This is a routine occurrence, happening once per year.

No one from the public spoke at Wednesday’s meeting. The council is scheduled to meet again May 13 at 5:30 p.m.

The Mount Pleasant Street Committee addressed public safety concerns, infrastructure updates, and future development during its April 22nd meeting at City Hall.

A key concern raised during the meeting involved a dangerous drop-off along South Jefferson Street. Wesley O’Connor, Operations Supervisor and Critical Care Paramedic, spoke to the committee about a 25-foot ravine located just west of the roadway near Yocum Lane. A creek sits at the bottom of the ravine, and O’Connor noted there are currently no barriers or fencing in place to prevent someone from falling. He emphasized the potential liability for the city and the risk to public safety, particularly for children or cyclists. While committee members pointed out that a sidewalk and bike trail exist on the opposite side of the street, O’Connor cautioned that not everyone uses designated paths. The committee agreed to further evaluate the situation.

Residents from the Harvest Drive and South Walnut Street area also brought forward concerns, specifically regarding dust control on the gravel roadway. Mitch Yaley, along with four neighbors, requested that the city share in the cost of dust control treatments. The total cost for two annual applications is $635, and residents are asking the city to cover half. While neighbors expressed appreciation for the recently installed four-way stop improving safety, they said it has not reduced dust caused by frequent truck traffic in the area. The committee took the request into consideration but cautioned what they do for one, they must do for all and they do not have a formal dust control policy in place.

City engineers provided updates on several ongoing and planned infrastructure projects. The Winfield Avenue project continues to move forward, with utility work nearing completion. Officials say the project—done in partnership with Henry County—came in 15 percent under the estimate and will be completed in four to five phases, beginning on the west end near the Agri-Center and moving east.
As part of that work, the city also plans to improve sidewalks between Winfield Avenue and Harlan Elementary School, enhancing pedestrian access alongside the road and bike trail improvements.

On Walnut Street, engineers reported plans to replace a damaged culvert with a concrete double box culvert following storm damage from recent years. Approximately 64 percent of the project, or about $564,000, will be funded through the Iowa Department of Transportation.
The Cherry and Wilson Street project remains in the planning phase, with costs continuing to be a concern. Engineers noted aging brick sanitary sewer manholes will need replacement, along with a water main located in the right-of-way. Discussion also continues around whether to include sidewalks, though no final decision has been made.

Updates were also given on the Goodyear Road, West Washington Street, and 235th Street improvement project, tied to Continental’s expansion. Funding applications, including a request for RISE funds through the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, are still pending. Plans include widening the roadway and adding a dedicated truck lane if funds are approved for the project.

The committee also discussed the potential extension of Maple Leaf Drive east of Iris Street. The proposal is tied to a possible new industry or regional distribution center considering Mount Pleasant. While no land has been purchased, officials say the project could require infrastructure improvements to accommodate anticipated heavy truck traffic if the development moves forward.

The Mount Pleasant Optimist Club received support from the committee for its request to expand its Avenue of Flags display. The group hopes to extend flag placements west along Washington Street to the Goodyear Road and Hickory Avenue area.

During open forum, residents along Winfield Avenue also attended the meeting to ask questions about the ongoing construction project. Marci Adams thanked the city for the improvements but raised concerns about communication, access to driveways, mail delivery, and garbage pickup during construction. City Engineer Jim Warner said updates will be shared with residents via email as the project progresses. He noted the city is working with local partners to address garbage collection challenges and is awaiting a response from the post office regarding mail service. Warner also reminded residents that the city does not control utility work but expects communication to improve as construction shifts to contracted crews. Once complete, the city will handle snow removal along the new bike trail.

The meeting concluded with no formal action taken on several discussion items, as committee members continue to gather information and evaluate next steps.

A two-vehicle crash in rural Henry County Thursday evening sent both drivers to the hospital.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the accident happened just before 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 34 westbound and Clayton Avenue.

Authorities say an 82-year-old man from Mount Pleasant, identified as Ronald Wayne Welcher, was attempting to cross the westbound lanes of Highway 34 to head north on Clayton Avenue when he failed to yield to an oncoming pickup driven by 22-year-old Collin McDaniel Congdon of Donnellson.

The two vehicles collided in the westbound lanes, sending Welcher’s truck into the ditch and Congdon’s pickup into the southbound lanes of Clayton Avenue.

Both drivers were injured in the crash. Welcher, who was wearing a seatbelt, was airlifted by MedForce to the University of Iowa Hospitals. Congdon, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was transported by ambulance to Henry County Health Center.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol, with assistance from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Pleasant Fire Department, Henry County EMS, and MedForce.

Southeast

Lake Darling Management District

• Contact Person: Vance Polton – 319-694-2430

For more information on these lakes and ponds, call the Lake Darling Fisheries at 319-694-2430. Last updated on 03/04/2026

Big Hollow Lake (Des Moines)

• Water Temperature (°F): 66.0
• Ramp Condition: Useable

• Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie fishing slowed down a little as the week has progressed. Anglers are still catching decent numbers in 6-8 feet of water in amongst the flooded timber. Try bobber and minnow or vertical jigging.
• Largemouth Bass – Fair: On sunny warm (70+) days, anglers were picking up bass along the north side along the more open shoreline where the sun could get in to warm the water.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi R) (Louisa)

• Ramp Condition: Useable

The water level is dropping, but is still only about a foot and a half from being bank full.

Lake Belva Deer (Keokuk)

• Water Temperature (°F): 62.0
• Ramp Condition: Useable

Starting to see the curly-leaf pondweed coming up. Water clarity is good.

• Black Crappie – Fair: Bite is hit-and-miss. The last couple of days have been slow for catching crappies. Haven’t seen many up close to shore spawning.
• Bluegill – Fair: Starting to see a good number of smaller bluegills coming into shallow water. No sign of nest building yet.
• Largemouth Bass – Fair: A few more boats are chasing bass on sunny warm days. Anglers are catching some decent bass up to 4 pounds. Try working the lures slow and shallow along sun heated rocks.

Lake Darling (Washington)

• Water Temperature (°F): 66.0
• Ramp Condition: Useable

Surface temperature is 66 degrees; down four feet below the surface at 65 degrees, so the water is mixing. Water clarity is good at about 5 feet, especially after all the wind and rain. Lake level is about 6-8 inches higher than normal.

• Black Crappie – Fair: The crappie bite is fair to slow. Tuesday (4/21), anglers were doing fairly well along the rock piles and brush in 6-7 feet of water; decent catch of eaters with some sorting. Wednesday (4/22) morning the bite was slow and only for the smaller fish; started to pick back up towards the evening.
• Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass are starting to occupy the habitat in the shallower water. The brushpiles and old willow bats in 4 to 5 feet of water are holding good numbers of decent sized fish. Haven’t seen any nesting behavior yet.

Lake Geode (Henry)

• Water Temperature (°F): 67.0
• Ramp Condition: Useable

• Black Crappie – Fair: Bite has been hit-or-miss; one day they will be along the brush and tree falls near shore, the next they will be back out in the habitat in 8 feet of water. They are not spawning yet.
  Largemouth Bass – Fair: Depends on the day. Warm and sunny: hit the tops of the long mounds across from the beach or along the rock shoreline in the sun with crankbaits. Cool and cloudy: work the steeper shorelines where they can stay closer to deeper water.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock) (Washington)

• Ramp Condition: Useable

The Skunk River came down about a foot this last week. It is down to about 3 feet below bank full. The current remains fairly fast.

Macbride Management District

• Contact Person: D. J. Vogeler or Chris Mack – 319-624-3615

Lake Sugema (Van Buren)

• Ramp Condition: Useable
• Channel Catfish – Slow: Try cut bait or dead minnows.
• Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers report catching largemouth bass. Target the rip-rapped shorelines using plastics or spinnerbaits.

The Henry County Road Department has announced a bridge closure on 180th Street (dirt section), West of Graham Ave. The bridge will be closed indefinitely due to deterioration.