“See Yourself Here” Downtown Property Tour Set for July 31 in Fort Madison

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, July 28th, 2025 at 4:28 pm CDT

The Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to explore the heart of the city during its “See Yourself Here” Downtown Property Tour, taking place Thursday, July 31, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The event coincides with the popular Downtown Summer Market, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the community and local real estate.

The self-guided tour will showcase 11 available properties throughout downtown Fort Madison. Attendees are encouraged to step inside these spaces, meet with property owners, and envision the potential for future businesses, offices, studios, or creative ventures. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, an established business owner seeking expansion, or simply curious, the event aims to inspire.

“This is about helping people picture what’s possible,” said Savanna Collier, Executive Director of the Fort Madison Area Chamber. “Downtown is full of opportunity, and this tour is a fun, informal way to explore spaces, ask questions, and get inspired.”

Maps of participating properties will be available at each tour location and can also be accessed in advance via the Fort Madison Chamber’s Facebook page or their website.

In addition to the in-person experience, the Chamber has launched a new online resource hub to support both current and prospective business owners. The site includes information on:

  • Local, state, and federal incentive programs

  • Zoning regulations and permitted uses in the downtown district

  • Entrepreneurial tools and startup resources

  • Expert guidance from the Chamber, the City of Fort Madison, and the Southeast Iowa Small Business Development Center

The resources are available at www.fortmadison.com/seeyourselfhere.

The tour is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce at (319) 372-5471 or email chamber@fortmadison.com.

Sharron Ann Lox

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, July 28th, 2025 at 2:35 pm CDT

Sharron Ann Lox, 82, of New London, died Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at her home.  She was born November 15, 1942 in Burlington to John Ellis and Marjory Marilyn Finley Lox.  She was a graduate of Burlington High School and was of the Catholic faith.

She retired from Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant after thirty-two years as executive secretary.

Sharron enjoyed doing yardwork, spending time with her mom, cooking, doing ceramics, crochet, and macrame, and was an outstanding seamstress.  Throughout the years, she received much joy from her precious dogs.

She is survived by her niece Lesley Stewart (Clint Smith) who was like a daughter to her.  Her parents preceded her in death.

According to her wishes, a private graveside service was held at Oquawka Cemetery, Oquawka, Illinois.  Elliott Chapel, New London assisted the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Yarmouth Woman Arrested for OWI After Vehicle Found Parked Facing Wrong Direction

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, July 28th, 2025 at 9:31 am CDT

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.

Iowa Family Week

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, July 28th, 2025 at 6:01 am CDT

Starting yesterday and running through August 3rd, Iowa Family Week or the Iowa Unified Activities Federation’s Non-Contact Period, is a week-long break from school-related activities. There will be no organized school events, and coaches and teachers are prohibited from contacting students regarding school activities. Enjoy the break!

 

This Day in Sports History July 28th

1929 – The Chicago Cardinals became the first NFL team to hold their training camp outside of their home city, establishing a precedent by training in Michigan.

1987 – Ángel Cordero Jr becomes 4th jockey to win 6,000 races

1991 – Dennis Martínez pitches the 13th perfect game in baseball history.

July 28, 2025 – August 3, 2025

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, July 27th, 2025 at 2:46 pm CDT
07/28/25
Doyle Dunn
07/28/25
Jack Thomas
07/28/25
Colton Wiley
07/29/25
Pat Doak
07/29/25
Vahid Fazlali
07/29/25
Brianna Wibstad (15)
07/30/25
Danielle Davidson
07/30/25
Sandy Ernst
07/30/25
Macy Jones
07/31/25
Payden Jones
7/31/25
Lennon Scott
07/31/25
Delaney Ita
07/31/25
Nancy Wolfe
08/01/25
Kristen Halt
08/03/25
John & Rachel Stauffer *Anniversary

NWS- High Heat Indexes Possible Through Tuesday 7/28/25

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, July 26th, 2025 at 7:23 pm CDT

The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities is cautioning residents in the KILJ listening area that hot and humid conditions are possible through Tuesday, July 29th, with potential for heat index values reaching up to 112 degrees at times. A heat advisory is in effect from 1pm – 9pm.

A chance of showers and thunderstorms stays in the forecast through Sunday night.  High temperatures, as we head into the work week will reach into the mid-nineties with the heat index up to 112 degrees.

Drink plenty of water, stay in air-conditioned spaces, and avoid the sun during peak heat.  Check on neighbors, the elderly, kids, and those without access to cooling.

 

Rural Restoration Project Forum in MP 7/28/25

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, July 26th, 2025 at 7:12 pm CDT

The Rural Restoration Project will be hosting a housing forum in Mt. Pleasant on Monday, July 28th, at the First Presbyterian Church, 902 S. Walnut St., from 6:30pm – 8pm.  Three speakers will present on housing supply, affordability, and quality.  The public  will be able to provide input and ask questions.

Joy Padget, president of the Engage Keosauqua economic development nonprofit and general manager of the Hotel Manning in Keosauqua; Oscar Argueta, director of the Welcome Home Center, a Mt. Pleasant facility that helps new immigrants settle in the community; and Teresa Mertens, a Henry County native who has been a landlord and worked with other landlords in southeast Iowa for nearly 40 years, will speak at the event.

 

Edith “Edee” (Bruggemeyer) Weigert

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, July 26th, 2025 at 6:59 pm CDT
Edith “Edee” (Bruggemeyer) Weigert, 74, of New London, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Windmill Manor in Coralville, surrounded by loved ones and the thoughts and prayers of many who loved her.

Edee was born on March 12, 1951, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, to Robert “RW” and Edith (Jennings) Bonser. She grew up in a big, close-knit family where faith and hard work, values she carried with her every day, were the foundation of life.

Edee married her high school sweetheart, William “Ted” Bruggemeyer, on May 24, 1968, in Biggsville, Illinois. The two built a life together full of love, laughter, and partnership that spanned nearly five decades until Ted’s passing in 2015. Their bond was strong and full of devotion.

Given a second chance at love, Edee married David Weigert on September 20, 2016, at Calvary Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant. With Dave, Edee found comfort, companionship, and a steady hand to hold during the most challenging years of her life. His quiet support and steadfast presence were a gift, and their time together was marked by grace and deep care.

For over 35 years, Edee ran a cleaning business with dedication and pride. She had a gift for caregiving, and she was a nanny to a couple of very special families. She cherished most of all the years she gave caring for her own grandchildren, Abigail and Alec. Becoming a great-grandmother to Amelia brought her endless delight; she lit up every time she spoke about her and loved telling people she was a great-grandma.

Edee had a green thumb and delighted in planting flowers every summer, especially ferns and impatiens. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, and her belief in Jesus Christ gave her strength and hope, especially in the face of the hardships she endured in her final years.

In 2023, Edee was involved in a car accident that left her paralyzed. She spent the final years of her life at Windmill Manor in Coralville. Although her world was dramatically changed, her joyful spirit and out-going personality remained. Her family is forever grateful to the Windmill staff for their tender and compassionate care—especially in her final days—and to Compassus Hospice, whose presence and support were a blessing on her journey Home.

Edee’s life was full of love, family, and faith. She is survived by her loving husband, Dave; her daughter Michelle (Michael) Skubal of Tiffin; grandchildren Abigail (A.J.) Martinez and Alec (Allie) Skubal; and her cherished great-granddaughter, Amelia Skubal. She also leaves behind her siblings: Robert Bonser, Judy (Bob) Inglebright, and Joe (Deb) Bonser. Also mourning her loss are Dave’s children, Troy (Lorie) Weigert of Hiawatha and Charie (Lance) McMahon of Centerville, and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Ted; and siblings Myrtle Carpenter, Ward Bonser, Wanda Beaber, Helen Kauffman, Jerry Bonser, and Patti Wiles.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory, with the family present from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A private family inurnment will take place at Forest Home Cemetery. In honor of Edee’s life and the care she received, a memorial fund has been established for Windmill Manor.

Edee touched many lives with her warmth, laughter, and unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed, but her love will live on in those she leaves behind.   www.powellfuneralhomes.com