Henry County youth and their families are invited to kick off a new year of 4-H with two fun-filled open house events at the Henry County Extension Office in Mount Pleasant. The “Ready, Set, 4-H!” gatherings are designed to introduce new families to 4-H and welcome returning members for another exciting year of learning and growth.

The first event, Clover Kids Night, will be held Tuesday, October 7, from 6 to 7 p.m. and is geared toward children in grades K–3. The following evening, Wednesday, October 8, from 6 to 7 p.m., the 4-H Welcome Night will focus on youth in grades 4–12.

Both evenings will feature a drop-in, hands-on open house format. Families can meet local 4-H clubs and leaders, explore activity stations, grab enrollment information, and enjoy snacks and a photo booth. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and help with enrollment for the new 4-H year.

The event is open to all Henry County families—both new and returning members. Organizers encourage participants to stop by for a few minutes or stay for the entire hour to discover the many opportunities 4-H offers.

The Henry County Extension Office is located at 127 N. Main Street, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641. For more information, contact Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Henry County.

Montrose, Iowa — The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an attempted murder after deputies responded to a violent altercation on September 17, 2025.

According to a press release from Sheriff Elliott Vandenberg, deputies were called to a medical emergency involving a stabbing. Upon arrival, they discovered that a fight had taken place between two Adult Male. Before deputies arrived, one of the men allegedly retrieved a knife and inflicted multiple injuries on the other, including lacerations to the head and neck.

Deputies quickly intervened and were able to separate the individuals. The suspect was taken into custody and is facing a charge of Attempted Murder. The victim was transported for medical treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

Both individual’s names have not been mentioned at this time. The case remains under investigation by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Officials emphasize that a charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Mount Pleasant voters will have a full slate of choices in the upcoming Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education election, set for November . Five candidates have officially filed to run for seats on the board.

The list of candidates includes:

• Craig Hurd – District 1
• Melinda Huisinga – District 1
• Derek Mullin – District 2
• Kevin Schrader – District 2
• Josh Maher – At-Large

This election will determine representation for two district seats and one at-large seat, giving voters across the district an opportunity to help shape the future of Mount Pleasant schools.

The school board oversees policy, budgeting, and strategic planning for the district, making these positions critical to decisions about education, staffing, and student opportunities. Absentee voting and early voting options will be available ahead of Election Day.

More details about voting locations and sample ballots will be released by the Henry County Auditor’s Office as the election approaches.

The Henry County Historic Preservation Commission gathered Wednesday, September 17, at the Henry County Courthouse to review ongoing projects and plan for upcoming historic initiatives.

The meeting opened with a welcome to Jeff McPheron of Mount Pleasant, who was recently nominated and accepted as the newest member of the Commission. The group quickly moved through a packed agenda, which included updates on the maintenance of the Camp Harlan memorial and the addition of three new historic brown sign markers. These markers will highlight the Tri-T Oakland Mills Clubhouse, the CB&Q depot in Winfield, and the long-abandoned village of Finis.

Commissioners also reviewed a historic site application for a new tower south of Swedesburg, ensuring any development respects the cultural significance of the area. In addition, BNSF Railroad submitted a 63-page draft report detailing the history of railroads in Henry County, which the Commission will carefully examine in the coming weeks.

Work continues on one of the Commission’s most ambitious efforts to date: a countywide historic site guidebook. Members are actively gathering photographs and maps to help residents and visitors explore Henry County’s rich past.

Several longtime commissioners have expressed plans to retire in the near future, prompting a call for new members. Anyone interested in preserving and promoting Henry County’s heritage is encouraged to contact a current commissioner or attend a monthly meeting to learn more about joining this dedicated group.

Historic enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy this month:

• Saturday, September 20 – 2:00 PM: Henry County Pioneer Cemetery Commission hosts Pioneer Cemetery Day at the Henry County Heritage Center, featuring Baltimore, Scott, and Wayne Township cemeteries.
• Sunday, September 21 – 1:30 PM: The Dover Museum in New London presents a scale models exhibit by Seth Eberhardt.
• Sunday, September 28 – 1:30 PM: The Winfield Historical Society offers a Scott Township pioneer cemetery walk.

The Commission encourages residents to attend these events and celebrate the county’s vibrant history.

Anglers across Southeast Iowa are finding late-summer fishing conditions holding steady despite recent stretches of warm weather. Water temperatures remain in the mid- to upper-70s at most area lakes and rivers, keeping fish active but often deeper during the heat of the day. Here’s a look at the latest fishing action:

Big Hollow Lake

Afternoon water temperatures are pushing near 80 degrees, and fish are adjusting accordingly.

• Black Crappie – Fair: Look for crappies holding in 7–9 feet of water, particularly around thicker flooded brush and cedar trees. Early mornings along the brush edges are best.

• Largemouth Bass – Good: Smaller 10- to 12-inch bass remain in shallow water, while larger bass have moved to deeper areas to escape the heat.

Cedar River (Moscow to Columbus Junction)

River levels dropped about six inches, but the bite remains solid.

• Channel Catfish – Good: The hot weather hasn’t slowed the catfish bite. Focus efforts on the lower Cedar.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)

Levels are down another foot, creating more shallow areas for boaters.

• Channel Catfish – Good: Cut bait or dead shad fished behind or beside logjams continues to produce.

Lake Belva Deer

Surface temperatures reach 80 degrees in the afternoons, with mid- to upper-70s the rest of the day.

• Bluegill – Good: Most bluegills remain in 10–12 feet of water among flooded timber. Use slip bobbers or vertically jig with waxworms.

• Largemouth Bass – Good: Smaller bass are staying shallow; bigger bass move in early mornings before the sun hits the water.

Lake Darling

After reaching 80 degrees earlier in the week, water temps have cooled to around 76 degrees. The water is clearing with some planktonic algae remaining.

• Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are holding over deeper habitat.

• Bluegill – Fair: Many remain deep, but some linger in shallow water. Try a worm and bobber off jetties or steep shorelines.

• Channel Catfish – Good: Fishing has picked up with stink bait or chicken liver along rocks near the main boat ramp and around Crappie Cove.

• Largemouth Bass – Fair: Smaller bass are staying shallow, while larger fish are holding deeper. Crankbaits run 7–9 feet past structure work well.

Lake Geode

Water is green with about 20 inches of clarity and temperatures near 78–80 degrees.

• Black Crappie – Fair: Target habitat in 8–10 feet of water with vertical jigs.

• Bluegill – Good: Eight-inch fish are common; try a worm and bobber in 7–8 feet of water. Expect them to move shallower as daylight shortens.

• Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are holding along deep-water drop-offs.

Lost Grove Lake

Water temperatures are in the mid-70s with about 4 feet of clarity. Eurasian watermilfoil is present—anglers are reminded to drain, clean, and dry all equipment before leaving.

• Bluegill – Good: Most are in 6–7 feet of water around flooded brush.

• Largemouth Bass – Good: Evening and early morning crankbait action is strong along weed bed edges and submerged brush.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)

Sand and gravel bars are reappearing, limiting access to shallow-water boats and canoes.

• Channel Catfish – Fair: Reduced flow has slowed the bite slightly. Stink baits and cut bait around sand bar edges and brush piles remain effective.

For up-to-date fishing information, contact the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning, September 18, to approve routine business items, hear infrastructure updates, and address upcoming projects and funding matters.

Fremont Avenue Bridge Project

County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss presented two motions related to a bridge replacement on Fremont Avenue over an unnamed creek.

• Right-of-Way Contract: Supervisors approved a right-of-way and construction contract for Project LBC-1725547344. The project will replace a small bridge with a cast-in-place concrete box culvert south of the Skunk River Conservation area.

• Construction Plans and Letting Date: The board also approved construction plans and set a letting date of October 23, 2025. Hotchkiss explained that while contractors may begin preliminary work this winter, the official start date will be in spring 2026.

The project, funded with local construction dollars, is expected to take approximately eight weeks once work begins. Hotchkiss added that next year’s construction season could see as many as three box culvert projects and a bridge replacement, representing an unusually high level of activity and investment.

Road Maintenance and Rock Resurfacing

Hotchkiss reported ongoing maintenance efforts, including seeding and topsoil placement along Old Highway 34, shoulder repairs, and rock resurfacing southwest of Mount Pleasant. Crews are also addressing drainage issues on Franklin Avenue and continuing routine sign work, mowing, and brush control. Blade operators are on standby for gravel road grading once moisture levels allow.

Jake Brake Ordinance Discussion

The board revisited citizen concerns about truck engine braking (“Jake braking”) in the Winfield area. Hotchkiss explained that adopting an ordinance would require countywide signage at major entry points and enforcement by the sheriff’s office. Supervisors agreed to follow up with the sheriff before pursuing further action.

Urban Renewal Resolution

Supervisors approved Resolution 28-2025, certifying an $8,903.50 advance from the Community Betterment Fund for administrative costs associated with the Hershey Hall Urban Renewal Project. The certification allows the county to reimburse itself with future tax increment financing (TIF) revenues.

Landfill Operations Update

Landfill President Lynn Whaley presented the monthly landfill and recycling report, noting tonnage levels remain consistent with recent years—projected to end near 645 tons for 2025. Spring cleanup collections boosted numbers in April. Whaley also reported facility improvements, including new signage, freshly painted barriers, and repairs to a soft spot in the entryway floor. Crews discovered rotting subflooring and are replacing it with stronger materials to prevent future damage.

Committee Reports

Supervisors shared updates from regional boards and planning groups, including Great River Housing Trust Fund, Southeast Iowa Regional Planning, Mississippi Valley, and Southeast Iowa Community Action. Topics included ongoing transportation discussions with SEIBUS and progress on a new Head Start facility in Fort Madison.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors meets regularly to oversee county operations, infrastructure projects, and budget matters. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Henry County Courthouse.