Mount Pleasant, IA — The Mount Pleasant Community School District’s music program is striking a new chord this year with the return of a familiar face. Micah Peck, a 1996 graduate of Mount Pleasant High School and 2001 Iowa Wesleyan alum, is stepping into the role of music director—bringing with him a deep appreciation for the town, its traditions, and a clear passion for shaping students through music.

Peck moved to Mount Pleasant in third grade and says growing up in the southeast Iowa town helped shape him both personally and professionally. After college, Peck launched a career in music education that has spanned more than two decades. Now, returning to Mount Pleasant three years ago with his family, he’s ready to take the helm of the same program that inspired him as a student.

 

As band camp kicks off, there’s a sense of excitement in the air—not just among returning students, but also alumni and families invested in the program’s long-standing legacy. Drumline and front ensemble members have already been meeting, putting in extra hours to prepare for the marching season ahead.

 

While there’s plenty of work ahead, Mr. Peck is grateful for the warm welcome and ongoing support.

With a rich musical legacy behind him and a vision for what’s ahead, Micah Peck is ready to lead the next generation of Mount Pleasant musicians—one spirited note at a time.

An exciting new escape room experience is coming to Winfield at the end of July, offering local residents and visitors a thrilling mystery to solve: What’s Gone Wrong in the Lab?

Hosted as part of the 2025 Crooked Creek festivities, this interactive event will be held in the historic Old Pilot Grove Bank building — the future site of the Winfield Public Library. Participants will be plunged into a chaotic laboratory setting filled with bubbling beakers, mysterious clues, and puzzling challenges as they race against the clock to escape.

The escape room will run for multiple days, with 45-minute sessions offered at the following times:

• Tuesday, July 29: 5, 6, 7, 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 30: 5, 6, 7, 8 p.m.
• Thursday, July 31: 5, 6, 7, 8 p.m.
• Friday, August 1: 5, 6, 7, 8 p.m.
• Saturday, August 2: 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 p.m.
• Sunday, August 3: 9, 10, 11 a.m., 12, 1, 2 p.m.

The cost is $10 per person, and teams of 4–8 people are recommended for the best experience. With limited slots available, advanced reservations are highly recommended. To book your spot, call 319-931-3169.

The event is organized and sponsored by WMU’s 2026 Student Europe Trip, making it a fun and educational fundraiser to support international learning opportunities for local students.

If you’re ready for an immersive adventure and want to help solve the mystery of a science experiment gone wrong, make your reservation today — and prepare to escape!

Drivers in Henry County will notice several changes on area roadways following new traffic resolutions passed by the Board of Supervisors and the Mount Pleasant City Council this week. The adjustments are aimed at improving safety, consistency, and traffic flow in and around the communities of Salem and Mount Pleasant.

Salem Speed Zone Adjustments Finalized

The Henry County Board of Supervisors approved Resolution 2025-25, establishing new speed limits for all four paved routes leading into the City of Salem. The changes follow a comprehensive speed study conducted by County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss, in coordination with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and City of Salem officials.

Key changes include:

• 40 mph transition zones will now begin roughly 500 to 1,000 feet before entering city limits.
• 25 mph limits will apply throughout Salem city limits, providing a uniform speed standard.
• The previously posted 20 mph speed limit around the city square will be eliminated for consistency, aligning with the citywide 25 mph limit.
• New flashing speed feedback signs and pedestrian beacons will be installed near the school crosswalk to enhance pedestrian safety, especially for students.

Hotchkiss noted that the updates are designed to reduce confusion for drivers and create a safer environment for both motorists and pedestrians.

In Mount Pleasant, the City Council gave final approval to three ordinance amendments during their most recent meeting, affecting parking rules, stop signage, and speed limits.

1. Parking Restriction on Plum Street
   A revision to Chapter 12 of the city code now prohibits parking along Plum Street between North Main and North Abbott Street. The measure was approved unanimously to improve visibility and traffic flow in the area.
2. New Stop Signs on Harvest Drive
   Stop signs will be installed for both northbound and southbound traffic at the intersection of Harvest Drive and South Walnut Street, addressing concerns about intersection safety.
3. Speed Limit Increase on South Walnut Street
   The council also approved raising the speed limit to 35 mph on South Walnut Street, from Harvest Drive to the southern city limits. Officials say the change is meant to enhance safety and help reduce dust along the route. This ordinance also received unanimous support.

These coordinated updates reflect ongoing efforts by local officials to address traffic concerns, standardize regulations, and make travel safer for area residents.

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.