MOUNT PLEASANT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
April 21st, 2026
8:00 A.M.
AGENDA
The Mount Pleasant Community Development Committee will meet on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 8:00 a.m. at Central Park Coffee Company located at 111 W Monroe St.
1. Call to order.
2. Approve minutes from March 25, 2026, meeting.
3. Review sign permit request Kat’s Grain Inc, 119 W Monroe Street
4. Open Forum.
5. Adjourn.
Mount Pleasant Police to Conduct Underage Alcohol Compliance Checks
The Mount Pleasant Police Department is teaming up with the Iowa Department of Revenue to crack down on underage drinking.
In a press release issued today, officials announced they will begin conducting underage alcohol compliance checks at local liquor-licensed establishments. The effort is part of a statewide program aimed at reducing illegal alcohol sales and improving public safety.
During these checks, underage individuals—working under the supervision of law enforcement—will attempt to purchase alcohol. Businesses that sell to minors could face citations, and employees involved may be subject to fines ranging from $645 to nearly $2,000.
Police say the goal is not just enforcement, but education. Compliance checks are designed to remind businesses of the importance of properly training staff and following Iowa’s alcohol laws.
Officials also point to broader safety benefits, saying responsible alcohol sales can help reduce impaired driving, accidents, and alcohol-related injuries.
The Iowa Department of Revenue is also offering free training through its I-Pact program, which helps alcohol sellers and servers better understand state laws and prevent illegal sales.
Mount Pleasant Police say the partnership is about creating a safer community by encouraging responsible practices and holding establishments accountable.
New London CSD Board Meeting, April 20th
The New London Community School District Board of Education will meet tonight in regular session at the Middle/High School Success Center.
Prior to the regular meeting, the board will hold a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, giving community members an opportunity to provide input before the board considers approval later in the evening.
The regular meeting will begin at 6:10 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a public forum and approval of consent agenda items, including minutes, financial reports, and claims.
Several fundraising requests are scheduled for consideration, including esports t-shirt sales, baseball and softball apparel sales, and an FFA silent auction.
Under personnel matters, the board will consider the resignation of special education teacher Malissa Nelson. Appointments on the agenda include Matthew Schwenker as assistant high school softball coach and Taran VanAmerongen as summer custodian. The board will also review the termination of overload contracts for Joseph White, elementary art, and Lindsay Wesely, special education teacher.
The board will also consider several sharing agreements with neighboring districts, including transportation services with the Danville Community School District and cooperative athletic programs with both Danville and the Mount Pleasant Community School District.
In board business, members will discuss insurance coverage for the upcoming school year, consider approval of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, review building structure plans for the 2026–2027 school year, and consider naming the New London Journal as the district’s official publication.
The board will also take action on approving the list of 2026 graduating seniors before adjourning the meeting.
Southeast Iowa Combines Prevention and Recovery Efforts to Address Opioid Use
Local officials are highlighting both prevention and recovery as part of ongoing efforts to address prescription drug misuse in southeast Iowa.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents to safely dispose of unused or expired medications during the upcoming DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25. Collection hours will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the sheriff’s office lobby.
Keeping unused medications at home can increase the risk of misuse, particularly among teens, while also posing dangers to children and pets. Proper disposal helps prevent those risks and protects the environment, as flushing or throwing medications in the trash can contaminate water systems.
Needles and liquid medications will not be accepted, but a secure drop box is available at the sheriff’s office 24 hours a day for year-round disposal.
At the same time, local health providers are working to connect people with help. An outreach effort at The Hub inside the Lee County Health Department is offering walk-in support for individuals concerned about opioid use.
The service, provided in partnership with Counseling Associates, is available Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Organizers say appointments are not required, and services are free and confidential. Visitors can speak with a counselor, receive an assessment if needed, and get connected to treatment and support services in the area.
Counselor Garrett Anthony says the goal is to create a safe, judgment-free space for people to start the conversation about recovery.
Together, efforts like drug take-back events and expanded access to counseling are key steps in reducing misuse and helping more people find a path to recovery.
Jónquil Genevieve Kessel
Jónquil Genevieve Kessel, 42, of Fairfield, IA passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA. As were her wishes, cremation has taken place. As she requested, a FUNeral will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Fairfield Golf and Country Club in Fairfield, IA. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
A full obituary will follow when completed.
MP Municipal Utilities Board Meeting, April 21st
Regular Meeting:
1:00 P.M. Tuesday
April 21st, 2026
(MPMU Conference Room located at 509 N. Adams St.)
AGENDA
- CALL TO ORDER.
- Roll call.
- Approval of Agenda.
- APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS.
- Regular Board Meeting March 17, 2026 – (Action).
- Approval of Warrants (Action).
- Treasurer’s Report – Jody Fuller (Action).
- 2026-2028 Agreement between MPMU and Local 55, IBEW – Review and Approval (Action)
- Resolution No. 2026-01: Resolution Increasing the Customer Commercial Demand Rate (DM-031) and the Customer Industrial Demand Rate (ID-033), as a result of an increase in the Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities’ Purchase Power Rate (Action).
- Resolution No. 2026-02: Resolution amending the Municipal Electric Utility’s rates and charges related to electric service by repealing and replacing Resolution 2024-04 and increasing certain electric rates and charges for energy and demand (Action).
- Resolution No. 2026-03: Resolution amending the Municipal Water Utility’s rates and charges related to water service by repealing and replacing Resolution 2023-03 and increasing volumetric and base rates by 15 percent (Action).
- LEGAL COUNSEL.
- Attorney – Timothy J. Whipple (Ahlers & Cooney P.C.) – (Informational).
- Nate Lucas – General Manager
- Cedar Lane Well #7 and Water Distribution System Project – Litigation Update & Approval – (Roll call vote to go into closed session)
- Possible Closed session with Ahlers & Cooney pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(c) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation.
- Discussion of well treatment progress (Informational)
- Motion to Approve sending Demand Letter (Action)
- AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) Status Update – (Informational)
- Discussion of the replacement metering project.
- Water Treatment Maintenance Project Status Update (Informational)
- a) Board discussion of the maintenance project.
- Hoaglin Dr. Overhead to Underground Improvement Project Status Update – (Informational)
- Board review of the Hoaglin Dr. overhead to underground improvement project.
- Transmission System Power Supply Project Status Update – (Informational)
- Status update of the associated 69 kV transmission system power supply work
- Monthly Activities.
OTHER BUSINESS.
Wholesale Power Supply – RPGI Litigation Update (Roll call vote to go into closed session).
-
- Possible Closed Session with Ahlers & Cooney pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(c) to discuss matters presently in litigation.
- No action expected.
- Possible Closed Session with Ahlers & Cooney pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(c) to discuss matters presently in litigation.
Next Regular Board Meeting: 1:00 p.m. May 19th, 2026
Jim Carlin, Republican Candidate for US Senate, Visits Mount Pleasant
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jim Carlin is outlining his vision for strengthening rural Iowa, as he campaigns for the seat currently held by Joni Ernst. Carlin is facing Congresswoman Ashley Hinson in the Republican primary.
During a meet-and-greet in Mount Pleasant Monday morning, Carlin focused on challenges facing Iowans including rising costs and access to healthcare while prioritizing the protection of people.
Carlin proposed expanding telehealth and telepharmacy services as one way to address gaps in rural healthcare. He suggested a system where EMTs could assist residents locally using digital tools, connecting patients to doctors remotely.
On broadband access—an ongoing concern in southeast Iowa—Carlin acknowledged the high cost of expanding fiber networks but pointed to alternatives like satellite-based internet. He said federal support for emerging technologies could help make rural communities more attractive for remote workers.
Carlin also emphasized the potential for rural Iowa to market itself as a destination for those seeking lower costs of living and a higher quality of life, especially as more jobs move online.
When asked about financial pressures facing rural schools, Carlin said federal funding is already significant, but suggested the focus should also include how students are learning. He highlighted legislation he worked on in Iowa to study the impact of screen use on early childhood development, arguing that student outcomes may be influenced by more than just funding levels.
And on the issue of retaining young people, Carlin pointed to what he called the strengths of rural Iowa – community, values, and quality of life. He said while many young people leave to explore opportunities, many ultimately return.
Carlin continues to campaign across the state ahead of the Republican primary.
Barbara Jean Ledbetter
Barbara Jean Ledbetter, 90, of Salem died Sunday, December 28, 2025, at her home.
Barbara was born February 14, 1935, in Henry County, the daughter of Jack and Eva (O’Conner) Vicker. On June 14, 1953, she was united in marriage to Walter Ledbetter. She served as a military wife living in Washington, Iowa, Fort Riley Kansas, Germany, Georgia, Illinois and Texas before moving to Salem in 1974. Barbara worked as a Dietary Supervisor for Southeast Iowa Area Agency of Aging for many years. She was a member of the Salem Auxiliary. Family was very important to Barbara, and her grandchildren were the love of her life. She enjoyed quilting, dancing, and being outdoors fishing and camping.
Barbara is survived by her eight children, Michael (Carol) Ledbetter of Mount Pleasant, Ronald “Tony” Ledbetter of Edwardsville, Kansas, Randy (Tracy) Ledbetter of Mount Pleasant, Kathy (Kenny) Hawkins of Salem, Rhonda (Mumbles) Foss of Salem, Robert (Diane) Ledbetter of Salem, Connie (Scott) Young of Mount Pleasant, Gail Ledbetter of Lone Tree; 27 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren; and five siblings, Jack Vicker of Fort Madison, Jerry Vicker of Mount Pleasant, Ronald (Barb) Vicker of Omaha, NE, Susan (Steve) Gholson of Mount Pleasant, and Holly (Rick) Stewart of Coal Valley, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters Kay Hudson, Linda Thabus and two grandsons Aaron Anderson and Evan Ledbetter.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 pm Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Mount Pleasant Golf and Country Club, 2275 Hickory Ave, Mount Pleasant. Inurnment will be in the Salem East Cemetery. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Barbara and her family. Messages may be sent to the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com.
