MOUNT PLEASANT — Around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the Mount Pleasant Fire Department was called to the Mount Pleasant Family Aquatic Center following reports of a possible gas leak. Swimmers at the facility had alerted staff to a gas-like odor near the pool area, prompting Aquatic Center Director Gary Grunow to contact emergency services out of an abundance of caution.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department and Alliant Energy were also dispatched to the scene to assist with the investigation. Upon inspection, both the fire department and Alliant Energy reported they could not find any signs of a gas leak on-site.

While the origin of the odor at the pool could not be directly identified, fire officials indicated that the smell may have been the result of an unrelated incident elsewhere in town, with shifting winds potentially carrying the scent toward the Aquatic Center.

Out of concern for public safety, the center acted swiftly and responsibly. No injuries were reported, and no evacuation was necessary.

The Aquatic Center resumed normal operations after crews cleared the scene.

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in Regular Session on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at City Hall, 307 E. Monroe Street, second-floor meeting room at 5:30 p.m.

 

A G E N D A

1. Roll Call.         

 

2. Consent Agenda: To the Public – All items with an asterisk (*) are routine

by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion and a roll call of the Council-

members. There will be no separate discussion of items unless the Mayor, a Councilmember

or citizen so request, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and

will be considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.

 

3. Receive & file communications.

 

4. Approve agenda.                   

 

*5.  Approve minutes of previous meetings.

 

*6.  Approve payment of bills.

 

*7.  Receive report of Officers.

 

8. Old Business-

 

1. 3rd reading/adopt the Ordinance amending Chapter 12, Section 12-32 (Parking Regulations) of the City Code of Ordinances prohibiting parking on Pearl Street from North Main Street to North Adams Street.

 

1. 3rd reading/adopt the Ordinance amending Chapter 12, Section 12-6 (Stop Intersections) of the City Code of Ordinances for Harvest Drive and South Walnut Street

 

1. 3rd reading/adopt the Ordinance amending Chapter 12 Section 12-4 (Speed Limits) of the City Code of Ordinances to decrease speed to 35 mph on South Walnut Street from Harvest Drive south to city corporate limits.

 

*                d)   Renewal of a Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for Paul Revere’s Pizza located at 112 West Washington Street.

 

*                e)   Renewal of a Class C Retail Alcohol License for Westside Tap located at 119 South Jefferson Street.

 

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9. New Business –

 

1. Resolution authorizing the change of assignment of Joseph Whalen with the Mount Pleasant Fire Department.

 

1. Approve the purchase of a linelazer to paint city streets and parking lot lines.

 

1. Resolution approving the release of real estate mortgage and authorizing the Mayor to execute on behalf of the City.

 

10. Public Forum.

 

11. Adjourn to meet in regular session on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

Mount Pleasant Community Schools will begin the 2025–26 academic year with a new face leading the music department, as Micah Peck steps in as the new high school band director.

Peck takes over following the departure of the previous director, who served the district for just two years. While the change may come as a surprise to some community members, school leaders are optimistic about the future of the music program under new leadership.

Though Peck is new to the district, he brings a fresh energy and commitment to building on the tradition of excellence in Mount Pleasant’s band program. Students and families can expect him to be visible and engaged early on, especially with the marching season just around the corner.

The band program has long been a point of pride in Mount Pleasant, with community members frequently turning out to support performances at football games, parades, and concert events. The change in leadership is sure to draw interest from supporters and alumni alike.

Stay tuned for a follow-up interview with Micah Peck as he shares more about his musical background, goals for the program, and how he plans to hit the ground running this fall.

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — The Henry County Democrats are inviting the public to an open meeting on Saturday, August 9th at 10:00 a.m. at the First Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant.

Organizers describe the event as a welcoming space for longtime Democrats, curious neighbors, and new voices ready to get involved. As the 2025 election season ramps up, the meeting will feature updates, upcoming events, and opportunities for civic engagement.

A highlight of the morning will be a special 10-minute workshop led by Dave Helman, focused on writing with clarity and impact across platforms. Attendees are encouraged to bring a notebook and prepare to take away practical tips for making their voices heard.

“All are welcome,” organizers say. “Connection and community await.”

Whether you’re looking to get active politically or simply want to learn more about local efforts, this event promises a chance to engage with others committed to building momentum for change in Henry County.

The Salem City Council will convene for its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Salem Community Center, located at 201 S Main Street.

The agenda includes a range of business items spanning employee matters, maintenance staffing, infrastructure concerns, and property issues. The meeting will begin with the formal opening, followed by the council’s consideration of several new business items:

• Employee Separation – The council will address the departure of a current city employee.
• Maintenance Employee Position – Discussion is expected on filling or restructuring a maintenance role within the city workforce.
• Building Permit Request – A permit for 511 E Oak Street will be reviewed.
• City Park Rental Questions – Council members will examine questions or concerns surrounding park use and rentals.
• Sinkhole Concerns – The city will consider reported sinkholes near W Jackson and Van Buren Streets.
• 206 N Main Street Property – A reversion agreement related to a new buyer of the property will be discussed.

The meeting will conclude with formal adjournment. Residents are encouraged to attend and stay informed about developments impacting the city