Chad Hudson is a familiar name in this area, as he has been involved in banking for nearly 20 years in Southeast Iowa. He now has another wick in the fire that is the world of banking. After being announced as Senior Vice President for Danville State Savings Bank in February, Hudson is now the President of the Community Bankers Services and Insurance (CBSI) board. CBSI is the for-profit subsidiary of Community Bankers of Iowa.

According to their website, the Services and Insurance subsidiary is governed by a ten-person board of directors whose primary purpose is to oversee the operation of currently endorsed products and services and to evaluate vendor performance and suitability for continued use by CBI members. This board also evaluates new product and service providers for association endorsement, and their decisions are presented to the Community Bankers of Iowa Board of Directors for affirmation. CBSI Moard membership is made up of the Community Bankers of Iowa Executive Committee and five at-large members who serve three-year terms.

The mission statement of CBI is to “promote public endorsement of independent banking and to support and secure an environment that is favorable to independent ownership and local control of Iowa banks.”

Wayland local Brian Troutman, a CPC Logistics truck driver assigned to drive for John Deere, was named a National Private Truck Council (NPTC) National Driver All-Star at the annual NPTC National Safety Conference September 5 in Orlando, Florida.

Every year NPTC National Driver All-Star awards are given to private fleet truck drivers who have demonstrated high performance standards against their peers throughout the country based on customer service, safety, adherence to company standards, regulatory compliance and community service

In a statement, he attributes the success to his dad, who taught him how to take pride in maintaining his vehicle and pleasing the customer.

5 members of the Mt. Pleasant school board met for their September meeting last night. Notably absent were members Donnolly and Williamson. The meeting began with past and present students of Mr. Wagoner’s video team sharing their favorite memories as part of the student spotlight. One student voiced that they enjoyed being there for the parents who couldn’t make it. Superintendent Henriksen even called MPTV Closeup a “lifeline” during the COVID months when many parents were unable to make it to their child’s event.

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services works with TAP (Transition Alliance Program) to help students who have “barriers” such as a mental disability. Any student with an IEP, 504, or medical diagnosis, can be counseled through this program, which is way to help them transition from highschool to life through job tours, coaching, life skills, and more.

The FY25 penny sales tax revenue estimates were shared, with the district expected to receive close to 2.4 million dollars to be used on upgrades, maintenance, and buildings and grounds to name a few. Speaking of buildings and grounds, there was a construction progress meeting on Monday to discuss happenings at the new facility located at 1515 E Monroe St. Construction is about one week ahead of schedule and they are hoping to bore the main electric line under the road this week.

The board continued their meeting by discussing new changes to Iowa’s law that will see less leniency offered to those who miss school. Chronic Absenteeism and truancy have been redefined, which will see students who miss 10% of the days in a semester consider “chronically absent” and those who miss 20% as truant. To put that into perspective, students who are absent for 9 days this first semester, will receive a certified letter home.

Excused absences no longer are exempt, meaning students who miss class for any reason, such as staying home sick, will count against them. There are a few exemptions, such as students including religious services or those who have already reached the graduation requirements. It is important to note that these changes have not been brought forth by the school district, but rather the state. Angie Blint, the president of the school board, asked a variety of questions on this matter, referring to a hypothetical student who has a sickness and stays home for 2 weeks. Looking at the other side of the coin, she mentioned that this new policy might scare students into coming to school, even if they are sick, which could cause illnesses to spread quicker and easier.

The board finished their meeting by approving a trip request for the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis in late October. 14 students will be attending this year, which offers them to opportunity to network with likeminded individuals and bring improvement back home, according to one student who has attended in the past. Board member Mike Hampton stated that he worked with FFA students at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion and that they were hardworking and a “fantastic group.”

“Changes are coming to a small corner of Main Street Mount Pleasant, thanks to a Backing Small Business Enhancement Grant through American Express and Main Street America.

On Tuesday, June 25, American Express and Main Street America announced the grant recipients for the Backing Small Businesses Grant Program.

Aurora Salon LLC , based at 206 South Adams Street, Mount Pleasant, Iowa was among the winners.

“I am so grateful to be able to use these funds to do much-needed exterior updates on my business. It will really brighten up the corner across the street from the court house exit. I am most excited about the addition of the accessible ramp. I have been working as a cosmetologist in Mt. Pleasant for nearly 20 years and the ramp will allow me to keep serving all of my guests for years to come” says owner Martha Watson. “And of course a huge thank you to Jeremy at Northern Lights Window Tinting for all of his hard work on this project!”

Aurora Salon along with Nothern Lights Window Tinting, also located at 206 South Adams Street, invite the community to stop by and see the finished project during the annual Witch Way to Main on October 24th.

American Express and Main Street America announced the 500 small business owners who have been awarded $10,000 through the Backing Small Businesses grant program. The program’s 2024 grant recipients represent U.S. small businesses across all 50 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. Later this year, grantees will have the opportunity to apply for an additional $30,000 enhancement grant that will be awarded to 25 small businesses.

Since launching in 2021, Backing Small Businesses has provided over $9 million in grants to 1,180 small business owners nationwide. American Express and Main Street America initially created the grant program to help economically vulnerable small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses.

This program is part of American Express’ “Backing Small” initiative to provide financial support and resources to small business owners experiencing economic hardships. Other Backing Small grant programs include Backing Historic Small Restaurants and Backing International Small Restaurants. Backing Small is an extension of American Express’ longstanding commitment to support small independent businesses globally, including through its Shop Small movement and Small Business Saturday campaign, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.”