Beef:

Champion Angus Heifer- Jackson Heindel

Champion Chianina Heifer- Peyton Salazar

Champion Hereford Heifer- Kennedy Rife

Champion Maine-Anjou Heifer- Gavin Hunt

Champion Maintainer Heifer- Jackson Heindel

Champion Red Angus Foundation Heifer- Miley Ossian

Champion Shorthorn Heifer- Paige Totemeier

Champion Simmental Heifer- Jack Wiele

 

Champion Supreme Heifer- Jack Wiele

Reserve Champion Supreme Heifer- Paige Totemeier

3^rd Overall Supreme Heifer- Jackson Heindel

4^th Overall Supreme Heifer- Kennedy Rife

5^th Overall Supreme Heifer- Gavin Hunt

 

Champion Market Heifer- Emma Salazar

Reserve Champion Market Heifer- Kinlee Brown

 

Champion Angus Steer- Alanna Edwards

Champion Charolais Steer- Edward Hoopes

Champion Shorthorn Steer- Madeleine Howell

 

Champion Midweight Market Steer- Brynlee Cunningham

Reserve Champion Midweight Market Steer- Wyatt Strawhacker

 

Champion Heavyweight Market Steer- Kate Totemeier

Reserve Heavyweight Market Steer- Brynlee Cunningham

 

Grand Champion Market Beef- Edward Hoopes

Reserve Champion Market Beef- Brynlee Cunningham

3^rd Overall Market Beef- Kate Totemeier

4^th Overall Market Beef- Wyatt Strawhacker

5^th Overall Market Beef- Emma Salazar

Champion Rate of Gain- Kensley Salazar

 

Champion Junior Bucket Bottle Calf- Breanna Brown

Champion Intermediate Bucket Bottle Calf- Arizona Nelson

Champion Senior Bucket Bottle Calf- Lillian Bishop

 

County Raised Market Beef- Claire Humphreys

Champion County Raised Breeding Beef- Hunter Dieckman

Champion Home Raised Breeding Beef- Gavin Hunt

 

Champion Feeder Calf- Drew Totemeier

Reserve Champion Feeder Calf- Gavin Hunt

 

Champion Open Showman- Kennedy Rife

Champion Senior Showman- Paige Totemeier

Champion Intermediate Showman- Kale Brown

Champion Junior Showman- Jack Wiele

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — The Henry County Board of Supervisors moved through a wide-ranging agenda during their July 24, 2025, meeting, approving financial resolutions, roadway safety improvements, a regional workforce merger, and finalizing a new open burning ordinance.

Bond Account Closed, Funds Returned to County Budget

Supervisors unanimously approved Resolution 2025-24, officially closing out the county’s General Obligation Debt Service fund and transferring the remaining balance—$113,778.85—into the General Basic Fund. The fund held remaining dollars from a bond used to construct the county’s maintenance facility, now fully paid off. The remaining funds will be moved to close this old account.

The transfer is authorized under Iowa Code and ensures the unused funds are available for general county operations moving forward.

Supervisors Back Workforce Development Merger

Supervisor Chad White brought forward a request for board direction on whether to support a proposed merger between Mississippi Valley Workforce Development and the South Central Iowa Workforce District.

White said that if any single county involved opposes the merger, the plan would fail. He voiced personal support, noting the merger would help consolidate administrative duties while avoiding new financial burdens on counties.

Supervisor Marc Lindeen made the motion to approve the merger, which passed unanimously. White will now cast Henry County’s vote in favor of the consolidation.

Salem Speed Zone Changes Finalized

The Board also approved Resolution 2025-25, following a speed study by County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss. The resolution establishes new speed limits for all four paved routes entering the City of Salem:

• 40 mph zones will begin approximately 500 to 1,000 feet outside city limits.
• 25 mph zones will be enforced within Salem.
• The former 20 mph zone around the square will be eliminated for consistency, the speed will remain 25 mph
• Flashing speed feedback signs and pedestrian beacons will be installed near the school crosswalk.

Hotchkiss said the updated speed limits are intended to reduce confusion and improve traffic safety. He noted the changes came after discussions with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Salem.

Supervisors voiced support, calling it a well-thought-out and consistent update. Supervisor Steve Detrick mentioned positive feedback on the improved school crosswalk visibility, while also noting a few lingering concerns about speeds on the south side near a trail crossing.

Open Burning Ordinance Finalized

Supervisors held the final reading and passed an open burning ordinance, which restricts outdoor burning during red flag warnings issued due to fire risk. The ordinance was approved without requiring additional readings, as board members agreed it had been thoroughly discussed and reviewed in previous meetings.

The ordinance outlines exceptions but generally prohibits open burning during burn bans unless conducted under specific, regulated conditions.

Road Maintenance and Infrastructure Updates

Engineer Hotchkiss also provided a detailed update on current and upcoming county road work:

• A culvert repair was completed on Lexington Avenue near the airport.
• ADA-compliant sidewalks and crosswalks were poured in Salem.
• The second round of roadside mowing is underway and progressing quickly.
• Boom mowing and shoulder disking are being used to improve gravel road drainage and safety.
• Crews completed centerline and edgeline striping, along with new stop bars and crosswalk markings.
• A fiber installation permit from Windstream was approved for a stretch along Old Highway 34.

Hotchkiss also responded to public complaints about the condition of Old 34 east of Lockridge, clarifying that poor drainage—not construction quality—is the likely culprit for deteriorating pavement in Jefferson County’s section. Henry County’s portion remains in better condition thanks to improved water runoff planning.

The meeting concluded with appreciation for county staff efforts and acknowledgment of the efficient pace of summer projects.

The Mount Pleasant City Council met in regular session Wednesday evening to address a packed agenda that included ordinance updates, city equipment purchases, and infrastructure improvements. The meeting concluded with several council members announcing their intention to seek reelection.

After a roll call and approval of the consent agenda and meeting agenda with no opposition, the council moved swiftly into new business.

Ordinance Approvals on Parking, Stop Signs, and Speed Limits

Three ordinance amendments received final approval during their third readings:

• Parking Restriction: An update to Chapter 12 of the city code now prohibits parking on Plum Street from North Main to North Abbott Street. The ordinance passed unanimously.
• New Stop Signs: The council approved stop signs for both northbound and southbound traffic at the intersection of Harvest Drive and South Walnut Street.
• Speed Limit Increase: South Walnut Street from Harvest Drive to the southern city limits will now have a speed limit of 35 miles per hour. Officials noted this change is intended to improve safety and reduce dust in the area. The council supported the measure unanimously.

Parks Promotion and City Equipment Purchase

The council approved a personnel resolution authorizing the promotion of Joe Whalen to lieutenant in the Mount Pleasant Fire Department. City officials confirmed Whalen had accepted the new position.

In another item, the council voted to purchase a line-laser painting machine, which will be used to stripe city streets and parking lots. The equipment purchase was described as a cost-saving move, expected to be more economical than outsourcing painting for just one year. Painting will be scheduled for evenings to avoid traffic disruptions.

Council and staff also highlighted the effectiveness of recent stormwater control efforts. Despite more than six inches of rain in the past week, Mount Pleasant avoided the flash flooding seen in some neighboring communities. “Your policies have really paid off,” one member said, crediting investments in sewer upgrades and runoff control.

Re-Election Announcements

Before adjourning, several council members took the opportunity to announce their intent to run for reelection in the upcoming municipal elections. Mayor Steve Brimhall, Councilmember Bob Griffith, and Councilmember Terry McWilliams all confirmed their plans to seek another term.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Mount Pleasant, Iowa – As the start of a new school year approaches, The Fellowship Cup is once again stepping up to help local students succeed with its annual Back to School Backpack Drive, running from July 24 through August 15, 2025.

The community is encouraged to donate new backpacks to help ensure that every child heads back to school with the supplies they need to thrive in the classroom. Donations can be dropped off at The Fellowship Cup, located at 203 N. Jefferson Street in Mount Pleasant.

Backpacks can be delivered during regular hours on Mondays and Thursdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Those wishing to donate on other days are asked to call ahead to confirm staff availability.

This initiative has become a meaningful tradition in Henry County, easing the financial burden for families while empowering students with confidence and readiness for the school year ahead.

For more information, call The Fellowship Cup at (319) 385-3242.

FORT MADISON, Iowa – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) has introduced legislation to rename the U.S. Post Office located at 1019 Avenue H in Fort Madison as the “Martin L. Graber Post Office.” The bill pays tribute to the late Iowa State Representative Martin Graber, a dedicated public servant, 32-year Iowa Army National Guard veteran, and a respected leader throughout southeast Iowa.

Miller-Meeks is joined by fellow Iowa Representatives Ashley Hinson (IA-02) and Randy Feenstra (IA-04) in leading the legislative effort.

“Martin Graber embodied the very best of Iowa: faith, family, and service,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “He was a patriot, a leader, and a constant source of strength for Fort Madison and all of southeast Iowa. Naming this post office in his honor ensures his legacy of service and sacrifice lives on. I’m deeply proud to lead this effort to recognize a man who gave so much to his community and his country.”

Graber served multiple terms in the Iowa House of Representatives and held the rank of Brigadier General in the Iowa Army National Guard. His leadership and commitment spanned both military and civic service, earning him admiration across party lines and communities.

The bill now awaits consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives. If passed, the official renaming would serve as a lasting reminder of Martin Graber’s lifetime of dedication to his country, his state, and his community.

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — As the Old Threshers Reunion prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, organizers are calling on the community to join the excitement by volunteering at the gates. The annual event, a cherished tradition in southeast Iowa, draws thousands of visitors from across the country to experience a unique blend of history, entertainment, and community spirit.

With the milestone celebration just around the corner, gate volunteers are especially needed to help ensure smooth operations and a welcoming experience for all attendees. Volunteering offers an opportunity to be part of the behind-the-scenes action and contribute to one of the region’s largest and most iconic events.

Those interested in volunteering can register by calling the Old Threshers office at (319) 385-8937, available for calls from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by calling or texting (319) 931-3768 anytime.

The Old Threshers Reunion features antique machinery, steam engines, live music, food vendors, parades, and family-friendly attractions. Volunteers play a key role in making the event a success, and with this year marking a historic 75th year, the need — and the excitement — is greater than ever.

Don’t miss the chance to make memories and support a community tradition. Sign up today and be part of the celebration!