Washington County youth with a love for the outdoors now have an exciting new opportunity to explore nature and learn valuable outdoor skills through the newly launched Wilderness Wanderers Specialty 4-H Club. The club, led by dedicated 4-H volunteers Megan Jorgensen and Addie Pacha, is designed for students in grades 4 through 12 and focuses on outdoor adventure, education, and stewardship.

Perfect for young people interested in activities such as kayaking, fishing, hunting, stargazing, and campfire cooking, the Wilderness Wanderers club aims to instill a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Members will also learn about local plants and animals while spending quality time outside with their peers.

The club will meet monthly on the third Sunday of each month at 5 p.m. at Marr Park. Enrollment opens September 15 through the website v2.4hOnline.com, and the annual club fee is $40 for the 12-month program.

Questions about the club or the registration process can be directed to Washington County Extension and Outreach at 319-653-4811 or via email at washington4h@iastate.edu.

This initiative is supported by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, which promotes inclusive and educational programming for Iowa youth.

The Mount Pleasant Board of Adjustment met on Monday, July 28, 2025, and voted unanimously to deny a variance request for a new billboard near 900 North Grand Avenue.

Tom Wicks of Summit Locations requested a reduced front setback for a 45-foot-tall static billboard near the Pizza Hut lot. While the proposal met state regulations, it did not comply with Mount Pleasant’s 150-foot front setback ordinance. Wicks emphasized the company’s standards—no advertising for alcohol, gambling, or adult content—and noted the billboard would serve local businesses only.

City Zoning Administrator Gary S, recommended denial, noting the ordinance is clear and the requested variance lacked a qualifying hardship. The board agreed, citing precedent and concerns about setting a zoning exception.

During public comment, Tim King, owner of King’s PC at 602 North Lincoln, requested the city consider allowing a 4-by-4-foot sign for home-based businesses, instead of the current 2-by-2 limit. The board directed him to bring his proposal to the Ordinance Committee, which handles potential code changes.

The meeting adjourned with no further business.

The Mount Pleasant Community Development Committee will convene for its next regular meeting on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. The meeting will take place at Central Park Coffee Company, located at 111 W. Monroe Street in downtown Mount Pleasant.

The agenda includes the approval of minutes from the committee’s previous meeting, held on February 4, 2025, as well as the review of several new sign permit requests.

Committee members will consider signage proposals from the following local businesses:

• Pretty Nails, located at 110 N. Main Street
• Root Whole Health, located at 120 S. Main Street
• Mount Pleasant Chiropractic, located at 204 N. Jefferson Street

Following the sign permit reviews, the meeting will conclude with an open forum session, allowing time for community members or business representatives to bring forward other topics of interest or concern.

The Community Development Committee plays a vital role in overseeing the visual and functional development of the downtown district, ensuring that business signage aligns with city standards and enhances the overall streetscape.

The public is welcome to attend.

The Henry County Engineer’s Office has announced a short-term road construction project scheduled to begin Tuesday, July 29, on Goodyear Road just north of Washington Street/235th Street in Mount Pleasant. The work is expected to last approximately two days, weather permitting.

The project will focus on the stretch leading to the overpass and will involve a one-lane road closure. Flaggers will be present to guide traffic during the construction period. Motorists are advised to use caution while traveling through the area.

Residents and commuters are encouraged to plan accordingly and allow for minor delays. The county emphasizes safety and thanks the public for their patience as improvements are made.

For questions or additional information, contact the Henry County Engineer’s Office at 319-385-0762.

On the evening of Friday, July 25, 2025, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle creating a traffic hazard on 220th Street, near the intersection with Racine Avenue.

At approximately 7:46 p.m., deputies arrived on scene and discovered a grey 2015 Infiniti QX6 parked in the eastbound lane of 220th Street—but facing westbound. The unusual positioning of the vehicle posed a safety concern to other drivers.

Deputies identified the driver as 47-year-old Sherry Christensen of Yarmouth. Upon investigation, Christensen exhibited signs of impairment consistent with alcohol or drug use. She was administered field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested for Operating While Under the Influence, First Offense.

In addition to the OWI charge, Christensen was issued a written warning for Open Container.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office reminds motorists to never operate a vehicle while impaired, and to report suspicious or unsafe driving to local authorities.