Barbara E. Raymond

Barbara E. Raymond, 86, of Gig Harbor, Washington and formerly of Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield, IA, died Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Gig Harbor Court in Gig Harbor.

A private graveside funeral service for Barbara will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield, with her grandson, Father Tyler Raymond officiating. There will be no visitation. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, is caring for Barbara and her family.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Prep Track and Field: Mt. Pleasant Sweeps the Panther Relays and a Recap of Other Local Meets

Southeast Iowa- It was a busy day for our local track and field teams, especially for the Mt. Pleasant locals with their second home track meet in less than a week’s time. Nevertheless, more meet records fell at Mapleleaf  as athletes get ready for the upcoming Drake Relays

Panther Relays

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team has hit their stride as of late with back-to-back team meet victories, winning the Panther Relays by one point over conference foe Washington; moreover, the Mt. Pleasant boys’ team joined their counterparts in winner’s lane for the second time this season, dusting Mediapolis by 30 points.

While it was not quite on the same rate as the Denny White Relays, the Mt. Pleasant girls’ team did reset a new meet record and in an event that the Panthers did not get one last Thursday. This time, it was the distance medley team of Ellie Freeman, Taylor Williamson, Izzy Sloat, and Avery Fedler crossing the finish line in 4 minutes and 16 second, which was nearly three seconds faster than the record set back in 2002.

The Panthers also picked up wins in the shuttle hurdle, 4×100, and 4×200 meter relays, along with Sloat taking the long jump with a leap of 17 feet and 2.5 inches.

Danville’s lone win came in the sprint medley relay with a time of 1 minute and 54 seconds by the team of Macie Wagner, Violette Sowell, Delaney Newberry, and Alaina Gourely.

WACO’s Josie Dykstra grabbed the gold in the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes and 23 seconds, less than a tenth of a second faster than second place. Allison Gillip had the lone win for New London in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1 minute and 12 seconds.

Mediapolis’s Avery Crear won the high jump with a leap of 4 feet and 10 inches.

Lastly, Washington’s Jaedyn Moore claimed the 100 and 200-meter dashes. Lauren Drahota took the 400-meter dash. Leighton Messinger glided to the win in the 100-meter hurdles. Additionally, the Demons won the 4×400 meter relay with the team of Drahota, Brynnlee Flynn, Sawyer Manz, and Iris Dahl.

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team strode to victory due, in large part, to six first-place finishers for the Panthers, including a new meet record. Mason Frueh has continued to step up in the discus ring, catapulting a new Panther meet record throw 139 feet and 9 inches.

Other Panthers to end up with the gold last night: Silas Hulett in the 3200-meter run, posting the only sub-10-minute time (9:55), Griffen Jones displayed his speed with a victory in the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.44 seconds, Kaden Schadt in the high jump with a leap of 5 feet and 10 inches, and Jaymisen Rich helped sweep the throwing events with a toss of 44 feet and 11.5 inches in the shot put.

Additionally, the Panther team of Kayle Brown, Keegan Heaton, Gavin Kerr, and Kaden Schadt snatched the win in the shuttle hurdle relay.

Mediapolis may have finished in second place as a team, but the Bulldogs did walk away with more meet records than Mt. Pleasant. The team of Will Luttenegger, Brock Spears, Kyler Crow, and Henry Luttenegger broke both the 4×100 and the 4×200 meter relay meet records.

The Bulldogs ran the 4×100 in 43.34 seconds, which was 0.46 seconds faster than Williamsburg a year ago, and the 4×200 was completed in 1 minute and 30 seconds, which was nearly one second faster than Pekin’s run a year ago.

The Bulldogs were plenty busy elsewhere with Will Schmidgall outrunning the field in the 400-meter dash with a time of 52.5 seconds and Gannon Gunn taking the 110-meter hurdles. Simon Wendel snatched the gold in the 1600-meter run with a mark of 4 minutes and 31 seconds. Larson Truett won the tiebreaker for the boys’ long jump with a mark of 20 feet and 10 inches.

Washington’s Kael Williams sprinted to the gold in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.42 seconds. Andrew Rees took the 800-meter run.

Danville’s team of Drake Bielser, Zaylan Wenig, Ty Frazier, and Noah Horn won the distance medley with a time of 3 minutes and 42 seconds and 4×400 meter relay with a mark of 3 minutes and 36 seconds.

Ottumwa’s Don Newell Classic

Fairfield traveled to the Don Newell Classic in Ottumwa last night and the girls’ team finished in 8th place, while the boys’ team grabbed the bronze medal with 100 points.

The boys’ team found victories in the 4×200 meter relay with a time of 1 minute and 33 seconds and the 4×800 meter relay with a mark of 8 minutes and 45 seconds. Moreover, Eli Zillman flew to a win in the high jump with a height of 6 feet and 6 inches.

Warrior Relays

The WACO boys’ team held the Warrior Relays last night with two divisions running. In Class A, Van Buren County snatched the title with 105 points with West Burlington/Notre Dame and Central Lee taking 4th and 5th place, respectively. For Class B, Winfield-Mt. Union ended up on top with 100 points, while New London, WACO, and Wapello made up 3rd through 5th place, respectively.

Staying in Class A, Lincoln Bainbridge continued his dominant march to the Blue Oval with a victory in the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.05 seconds. Jace Duncan has continued turning heads as an underclassman with a winning time of 53.91 seconds in the 400-meter dash. Landry Loeffler was a step faster in the 1600-meter run with a mark of 4 minutes and 57 seconds and outpaced the field in the 3200-meter run by over 30 seconds.

Kayden Simmons won the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.71 seconds. Additionally, the Warriors grabbed wins in the 4×100, 4×800, the sprint medley, the distance medley, and the shuttle hurdle relays.

West Burlington/Notre Dame’s Cavin Denney claimed the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes and 6 seconds. Kellan Porter shared the gold medal with Louisa-Muscatine’s Oscar Cline as they both cleared 6 feet in the high jump.

Central Lee managed to come out on top in a pair of relays: the 4×200 and the 4×400.

For Class B, Cruz Hagmeier led the Wolves to a gold medal in the 110-meter hurdles with a mark of 16.15 seconds. Parker Wilson continued the Wolves success in the 400-meter hurdles, leading to a sweep in the shuttle hurdle relay. Graham Haines took the high jump with a mark of 5 feet and 6 inches. Lastly, Colin Anderson swept the throwing events with a heave of 43 feet and 8.25 inches in the shot put and a catapult of125 feet and 8.5 inches in the discus.

New London is known for their speed, and they exhibited why as London Franklin took the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.36 seconds with his teammate Cale Westerbeck finishing right behind him. The 4×100 meter relay team, which will be competing in the Drake Relays also reeled in the gold with a time of 43.17 seconds.

The Tigers also snatched the 4×200 meter relay. Elijah Ingwersen sprinted to a win in the 800-meter by almost 15 seconds. Franklin would go on to leap 22 feet and 6.5 inches in the long jump for a nearly two-foot victory.

WACO had Hayden Shelman win the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.94 seconds. In the 400-meter dash, Jude Dykstra, by nearly two seconds, claimed the win with a time of 52.36 seconds over Shelman.

Up Next

If you are not participating in the Drake Relays, then most of our local teams will be competing tomorrow, April 23rd.

Central Lee, Columbus, Van Buren County, West Burlington/Notre Dame, and Wapello will be heading to Louisa-Muscatine for the Gardner-Wilson Co-Ed Relays.

Winfield-Mt. Union will welcome Danville, New London, and WACO to the Co-Ed Pankoke Relays.

The boys’ teams of Mt. Pleasant, Mediapolis, and Fairfield will head to Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, while the girls’ teams will travel to the Washington Invitational at Case Field.

Lee County Sheriff’s Department Warns of “Court Enforcement Action” Scam

The Lee County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents about a scam message circulating in the area that falsely claims to be a “Final Notice — Court Enforcement Action” for unpaid traffic violations.

Authorities say the text may look official, but it is designed to create urgency and pressure recipients into responding quickly.

The sheriff’s office emphasizes that law enforcement agencies and courts do not notify individuals of violations or request payment through text messages. Residents are urged not to click on links, scan QR codes, or provide any personal or financial information in response to suspicious messages.

Anyone with questions about a legitimate citation or court matter should contact their local court or law enforcement agency directly using verified contact information.

Officials are encouraging the public to stay alert and share the warning to help protect others in the community.

Henry County Supervisors, April 23rd

Henry County Supervisors

100 E Washington St Ste 202

Mt Pleasant, IA  52641

Fax: 319-385-3601

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

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

 

AGENDA

Board of Supervisors

April 23, 2026

9:00 a.m.

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call of Members and Secretary present

Approval of Consent Agenda items

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.

Approval of Board Minutes.

Approval of financial claims for payment.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Final discussion and board actions on request from the Optimist Club concerning courthouse lawn time capsule removal.

COMMITTEE UPDATES

Supervisor Lindeen-

Supervisor Detrick-

Supervisor White-

NEW BUSINESS

Henry County Engineer, Jake Hotchkiss-Secondary Roads Department updates

  • Motion / Resolution 13-2026-20 – New employee for full-time Mechanic II
  • Motion / Resolution 14-2026-20 – 170th Street (H-28) Project Revision Application.
  • Motion / Resolution 15-2026-20 – Sign FY2027 IDOT Budget and Five-year
  • Construction Program
  • Excavator replacement evaluation

County building office space study was completed. Issues to consider.

  1. Does the “need” to switch multiple office areas exist?
  2. Is current space / room usage compliant with occupancy code?
  3. Recognize the “need” to install computer server fire protection measures.
  4. Is it a “need” or “want” to have a break room area for employees?
  5. Would the financial expense of implementing the changes be worth it?
  6. What would the disruptions / problems be if switching offices?

Resolution # 7-2026, Henry County Treasurer, abatement of taxes, interest and costs due to City of Mount Pleasant acquiring property via court order #EQEQ007119 free and clear of liens, claims or encumbrances and Cancelation of Tax Sale 2025-00116. Total amount associated with resolution is $1,086.00. Total amount associated with Cancellation of Tax Sale Certificate is $3454.00 grand total of abated taxes being $4540.00.

OTHER BUSINESS

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

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

Adjourn

 

Lee County Student Receives Iowa Farm Bureau Scholarship

A southeast Iowa student is being recognized with statewide support as she prepares for a future in agriculture.

Aubrey Weber of Donnellson, Iowa has been named a first-time scholarship recipient by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation as part of its 2026 scholarship program.

Weber, who plans to attend Iowa State University, is among 98 students across Iowa selected for the honor. The awards include both new recipients and renewals, aimed at supporting students pursuing careers that strengthen agriculture and rural communities.

The Iowa Farm Bureau says scholarship recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and involvement in their communities, along with a clear commitment to the future of rural Iowa.

The program is designed to invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders, helping students like Weber continue their education while preparing to support farm families and rural economies.

Scholarships through the program are renewable for up to four years, totaling as much as $10,000 for qualifying students.

Fairfield Student Receives Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Scholarship

A Jefferson County student is among those receiving support to continue their education and invest in the future of agriculture.

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation has announced 98 scholarships awarded to high school seniors and college students across the state for 2026. The program includes both first-time recipients and returning students, with scholarships renewable for up to four years.

Locally, Brock Atwood of Fairfield, Iowa has been named a recipient of the Beverly Rubey Scholarship, a $1,000 award designated specifically for students from Jefferson County pursuing degrees in agriculture.

Scholarship recipients are selected based on several factors, including academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, and a demonstrated commitment to rural Iowa. Applicants must also be members of the Farm Bureau.

Iowa Farm Bureau says the investment reflects a broader effort to support the next generation of agricultural leaders and strengthen rural communities across the state.

Scholarships through the program can total up to $10,000 over four years, helping students like Atwood continue their education and prepare for careers in agriculture.

Mount Pleasant City Council Meeting, April 22nd

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in Regular Session on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at City Hall, 307 E. Monroe Street, second-floor meeting room at 5:30 p.m.

AGENDA

  1. Roll Call.
  2. Consent Agenda:
    To the Public — All items with an asterisk (*) are routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion and a roll call of the Councilmembers. There will be no separate discussion of items unless the Mayor, a Councilmember or citizen so request, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and will be considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.
  3. Receive & file communications.
  4. Approve agenda.

*5. Approve minutes of previous meetings.
*6. Approve payment of bills.
*7. Receive report of Officers.

8. Old Business —

a) 5:30 p.m. Public Hearing on proposed 2026/2027 Budget.

b) Resolution authorizing the adoption of the 2026/2027 Budget for the City of Mount Pleasant and authorizing its filing.

  • c) Renewal of a Class F Retail Alcohol License for Loyal Order of Moose located at 108 North Saunders Avenue.
  • d) Renewal of a Class E Retail Alcohol License for Hy-Vee Food Store #1433 located at 1700 East Washington Street.
  • e) Renewal of a Class B Retail Alcohol License for Mt. Pleasant Redemption Center located at 1001 North Broadway Street, Suite 102.

9. New Business —

a) Approve Change Order #4 for airport taxilane and hangar construction.

b) Approve mayoral appointment to the Library Board.

c) Approve motion to set Public Hearing for May 27, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. to amend the 2025/2026 Budget.

d) Resolution approving FYE 2027 salaries for full-time employees.

e) Resolution approving FYE 2027 salaries for Volunteer Fire Department.

f) Resolution approving FYE 2027 salaries for temporary and seasonal part-time employees.

g) Resolution authorizing the change of assignment of Nicholas A. Ettinger from Deputy Fire Chief to Fire Fighter with the Mount Pleasant Fire Department.

h) Resolution approving drawings, specifications, form of contract, estimated cost and the taking of bids for PCC Pavement-Grade & Replace for Winfield Avenue-Broadway Avenue to Grand Avenue IDOT Project #STP-U-5292(629)-70-44 City of Mount Pleasant.

  1. Public Forum.
  2. Adjourn to meet in regular session on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

Severe Weather Forecast for Thursday into Friday

Stay weather aware Thursday night as strong storms are expected to move through the area.

The National Weather Service says a line of storms is forecast to move across the region Thursday night into early Friday morning. Some of those storms could become severe, bringing damaging winds as the primary threat, along with the possibility of isolated tornadoes.

The most likely timing for the strongest storms is between 11 p.m. Thursday and 6 a.m. Friday, when many people will be sleeping. Officials encourage you to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts overnight, including weather radios or cell phone notifications.

Heavy rain and lightning may also accompany the storms, and gusty winds could lead to downed tree limbs or power outages in some areas.

Stay tuned to local forecasts for updates as conditions develop, and be prepared to take shelter quickly if warnings are issued.