Mount Pleasant Eighth Graders Explore Local History on Educational Tour

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 2:23 pm CDT

Mount Pleasant Community School District eighth grade students in Mrs. Mullin’s class recently stepped outside the classroom to explore local history firsthand in Mount Pleasant.

The students toured several historic sites, including the Harlan-Lincoln House, Pioneer Hall, Old Main, and statues honoring Belle Babb Mansfield and Senator James Harlan. The visit focused on how local Iowans have shaped education, government, and the broader community.

During the tour, students learned that some classrooms in the area have been used for nearly 170 consecutive years. They also heard about the destruction and rebuilding of Old Main, the founding of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, and the many contributions of James Harlan, who served as Secretary of the Interior under President Abraham Lincoln.

One highlight for students was discovering the close connection between the Harlan and Lincoln families. Robert Todd Lincoln, the president’s son, married Harlan’s daughter, Mary, and the couple’s children often spent summers in Mount Pleasant.

Students described the experience as eye-opening, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich history located just blocks from their own middle school.

Henry County Supervisors Meeting, April 30th

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 1:54 pm CDT

Henry County Supervisors

100 East Washington St. Ste. 202

Mt Pleasant, IA  52641

Email: supervisors@henrycountyiowa.us

Chad White, Chairman                 Marc Lindeen, Member              Steven Detrick, Vice-Chair

   319-385-0759                                 319-385-0760                                    319-385-0761________

AGENDA

Board of Supervisor

April 30, 2026

9:00 a.m.

 

  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  2. Roll Call of Members and Secretary
  3. Approval of Consent Agenda

Note: These items are routine and will be enacted by one motion without separate discussion unless a Board member requests an item be removed for separate consideration.

  1. Approval of Board Minutes.
  2. Approval of financial claims for payment.

 

  1. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  2. A. Auditor’s Office (Mandra) working on yearly reporting of ARPA as required
  3. Start discussions on Battery Energy Storage Systems / data mining systems / solar

energy systems for appropriate ordinances or moratorium until ordinance language

can be formulated

  1. FY2026 / 2027 Budget approval has been made

 

  1. COMMITTEE UPDATES
  2.  Iowa State Extension Planning and Zoning training session was attended by

White –

Detrick –

Lindeen –

 

  1. 6. NEW BUSINESS
  2. Henry County Engineer, Jake Hotchkiss
  3. Motion 16-2026-20 Approval of Henry County Secondary Roads Haul Road Agreement.
  4. Secondary Roads Weekly Updates.

     

  1.   Henry County Attorney’s Office staff hiring: Co. Atty. Becky Wilson
  2. Terri Quartucci, Attorney
  3.     Edward Harvey, Attorney
  4.     Kelly Patterson, Office Manager
  5. Cheyenne Patterson, Victim Witness Coord.

 

 

  1. OTHER BUSINESS
  2. Absolute Security alarm systems field check update
  3. Moose Lodge, Renewal of Liquor License
  4. Deerwood Golf INC., Renewal of Liquor License

 

  1. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Note: The Board welcomes public comment on items not listed on the agenda. You are asked to state your name and address for the record and limit your comment to 3 minutes per person to allow opportunity for others to speak.

 

  1. Adjourn

Two-Vehicle Crash on Highway 218 Sends One to Hospital

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 1:53 pm CDT

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a two-vehicle accident that occurred Thursday afternoon.

According to authorities, the crash happened April 24th at around 4:20 p.m. in the 1300 grid of northbound Highway 218.

Officials say 82-year-old Danny Spray of Mount Pleasant was attempting to cross the highway westbound when he pulled into the path of a northbound vehicle driven by 57-year-old Michelle McCarthy of Ainsworth. The two vehicles collided and came to rest on the shoulder of the roadway.

Spray was cited for unsafe entry onto a roadway.

McCarthy was transported to a local hospital with possible injuries. The extent of those injuries has not been released.

The accident remains under investigation by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

Iowa State Locks Down T.J. Otzelberger Through 2036

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 12:07 pm CDT

Ames, IA- The Iowa State Men’s Basketball program’s renaissance has been orchestrated by head coach T.J. Otzelberger and the Cyclones want to keep the tempo flowing as Otzelberger agreed to a 10-year extension that will increase his salary to $6 million annually.

A deal that would put him in the top six for highest-paid men’s basketball coaching salaries. A deal he has earned as Iowa State has been ranked for 52 straight weeks, the second longest steak in school history, and are fresh off a 29-8 season, their second-most wins in school history, where they finished as the #8 team in the final AP Top 25 Poll.

Since inheriting a 2-22 team back in 2021, Otzelberger has led the program to five consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament, three Sweet 16 appearances, and a Big 12 tournament title in 2024. He is the only coach in school history with multiple trips to Sweet 16 and his 30 victories over AP Top 25 teams is also the most by any coach in school history.

He currently holds a 0.701 winning percentage with 124 wins in his five seasons at the helm for the Cyclones.

“I’m thankful for the support of our President, Dr. Cook and our Athletics Director, Jamie Pollard,” Otzelberger said. “We are humbled and grateful to continue leading a program that means so much to us. Iowa State is home for my family, and we are excited to be part of the community for years to come.”

Mt. Pleasant Alum Henry Lutovsky Earns a Shot in the NFL

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 11:51 am CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- The Panther football program has enjoyed quite the cycle of success this past year, as the team produced their first winning record since 2019, made the playoffs for the first time since 2010, and defeated vaunted foe Washington for the first time since 2008. Additionally, a trio of seniors inked their letter of intent to continue their athletic careers in college.

Most recently, a Mt. Pleasant alum also inked a deal to advance to the next level as Henry Lutovsky was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 6’6 319-pound interior offensive lineman was an All-State honoree with the Panthers in for the 2020 season and was also named to the 2020 All-Iowa Elite team after helping Mt. Pleasant average 352.6 yards and 26.1 points per game.

He committed to Nebraska and stayed there for all five seasons, starting 25 straight games between his junior and senior seasons. He earned Academic All-Big Ten in 2023, 2024, and 2025 as he got his degree in criminology and criminal justice. Moreover, he earned a spot on the Tom Osborne Citizenship team the past two years.

The Buccaneers are looking to use him at guard, but Lutovsky is hoping that his versatility to move all over the line will give him his best chance to find a spot on the roster.

Julie Liechty – UPDATED

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 11:26 am CDT

Julie Ann Liechty, 64, of Mt. Pleasant passed away at her home with her family at her side on Monday, April 27, 2026. She fought with grace and determination, leaving a legacy of love and strength.

Julie was born July 3, 1961, in Burlington, IA. She was the daughter of Tom and Donna (Morningstar) Ritchey. Julie grew up in New London. She attended New London High School, graduating in the Class of 1979. Soon after high school, Julie became a dedicated wife and mother. She married Jack Manning on December 29, 1979. They had two children and later divorced. On August 20, 1994, Tim and Julie were united in marriage in the small Chapel at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant by the Rev. Deborah Kiesey. Tim and Julie had three girls together.

Julie was hard-working employee of the Walmart Corporation, she went to work no matter what during her 40 plus-year tenure working for Walmart. She began working in Texas and worked in several different locations and positions, including the Distribution Center in Mt. Pleasant in human resources and most recently in the Fairfield Store as a People Lead. Julie was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Pleasant where she taught her daughter in Sunday School. Julie enjoyed belonging to H2O (Help to Others).

Her biggest and longest lasting hobby was supporting her family as their biggest fan. She spent many hours in the bleachers watching her children and grandchildren’s many sports and activities. When she was not rooting for her kids and grandkids, Julie enjoyed both spending time on the beach (or in her pool as a close substitute) and being in the mountains. Julie liked to read and complete jigsaw puzzles. A savvy customer, Julie found great delight in shopping. Julie had an extensive wardrobe which required her to rotate the clothes in her closet every spring and fall. Julie set a high standard for an elegant and well-maintained woman with gorgeous nails and beautiful hair.

Those thankful for sharing in Julie’s life include her husband of over 30 years, Tim, of Mt. Pleasant; her children – Travis (Kisha) Manning of Ruskin, FL, Tiffany (Michael) Riley, Allie (Justin) Liechty-Hultman, Hattie (Matt) Rowan and Abbie Ann Liechty, all of Mt. Pleasant; her parents – Tom & Donna Ritchey of New London; her sisters – Amy (Paul) Newman and Lisa Ritchey, all of Cedar Rapids; her grandchildren – Laken & Beckett Manning; Justis, Jaydin, Jersie, Macie, Myia and Tripp Riley’ Jax, Graham and Ivie Liechty-Hultman and Jolie & Elvie Rowan; her mother-in-law, Gretchen Liechty of Mt. Pleasant and her bonus sister – Jodi Wilson, who was “Louise” to Julie’s “Thelma”

A visitation will begin at 2 PM on Friday, May 1 at the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 4-8 PM on Friday. A funeral service for Julie will be held at 11AM on Saturday, May 2nd at the church. The Reverend Court M. Fischer, Senior Pastor, will officiate.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to H2O (Help to Others), P.O. Box 773, Mount Pleasant, IA, 52641 or to Youth Programs at the First United Methodist Church.

The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, is assisting Julie’s family with her arrangements.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Sports, April 29th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 6:49 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team took home another team title after winning the Keosippi Relays last night with 148.5 points. Alex Scott’s 100-meter dash time of 12.3 seconds was good enough for 1st place and 3rd in school history. Elodie Rawson claimed the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes and 29 seconds. The Panthers gathered victories in the 4×100, 4×200, and 4×400 meter relays. 

Mt. Pleasant and Van Buren County will compete in the Bob Gerard Relays on Friday, May 1st. 

New London hosted the Chris Selby Co-Ed Invitational last night and Mediapolis walked away with the sweep as the girls’ team collected 163 points, while the boys’ team snatched 177 points.

For the girls’ teams, Mediapolis took home the gold in the 4×400, 4×800, and distance medley relays. Layne Price also won the 100-meter hurdles. The Bullettes swept the throwing events with Payton Harris throwing the discus to a mark of 123 feet and 8 inches and Jemma Huntington snatching the win in the shot put with a heave of 31 feet and 8 inches. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame’s Kaylee Webb won the 100-meter dash with a time of 13.37 seconds and the 200-meter dash with a mark of 27.11 seconds. Hannah Ritter took the 800-meter run.  

Danville’s Alaina Gourley sprinted to a win in the 400-meter dash with a time of 1 minute. The Bears claimed victory in the 4×100, 4×200, and sprint medley relays. 

New London’s Allison Gillip picked up the lone victory in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1 minute and 15 seconds. 

On the boys’ side, Mediapolis was led by Simon Wendel, who won the 800-meter run, and Gannon Gunn, who took the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 16.05 seconds. The Bulldogs claimed the 4×400, 4×800, and the sprint medley relays.

New London finished in 2nd place as a team with the help of London Franklin winning the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.88 seconds along with the long jump with a mark of 21 feet and 10.25 inches, while Riley Raines won the 1600-meter run with a time of 4 minutes and 41 seconds.

Landry Haberichter claimed the 200-meter dash for West Burlington/Notre Dame with Eli Oleson winning the 400-meter dash with a time of 54.25 seconds. Kellan Porter soared to a win in the high jump with a leap of 6 feet and 2 inches. 

Lastly, Danville’s Trevon Herman won the shot put with a toss of 40 feet and 7 inches. 

WACO will host the Ekstrand Relays tomorrow, April 30th, with Danville, Fairfield, Mediapolis, New London, Washington, and Winfield-Mt. Union participating. 

High School Soccer

The Central Lee boys’ team clobbered Highland last night, 10-0. Peter Seyb netted four goals in the victory. 

The Burlington Notre Dame girls’ team, led by Makayla Marsden’s two goals, shutout Macomb last night, 4-0. The Nike boys’ team followed that with a 7-0 handling of Danville. 

The Danville boys’ team will host Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union on Friday, May 1st, at 4:30 pm. 

Burlington Notre Dame will attempt to spoil Central Lee’s senior night on Friday with the boys’ teams leading off the night at 5 pm.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team nudged past Hillcrest Academy last night, 1-0. 

The WACO boys’ team fell 5-0 to Mediapolis last night. The Warriors will take on Sigourney-Keota tomorrow, April 30th, at 5 pm on the road. 

The Mediapolis girls’ team lost to Burlington last night, 4-0. The Bullettes will compete against Canton tomorrow at 5 pm on the road. 

The Wapello girls’ team will travel to Northeast tomorrow at 5 pm, while the boys’ team will hit the road to play Prince of Peace at 7 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will take on Fairfield tomorrow with the boys’ team on the road kicking off at 5 pm, while the girls’ team will host the Trojans at 4:30 pm.

Washington will compete against Burlington tomorrow with the boys’ team at home and the girls’ team hitting the road with both games starting at 5 pm.

High School Golf

The Mt. Pleasant, Fairfield, and Washington boys’ teams participated in the Oskaloosa Invite yesterday and the Demons finished on the podium with a 3rd place team score of 307, while the Trojans and Panthers took 10th and 11th place, respectively.

Washington was led by Rajan Roth and Drew Conrad’s score of 71, which placed them in 4th and 5th place respectively. Fairfield’s Archer Kreuter claimed a round of 78 for 18th place, while Merrick Lamm of Mt. Pleasant took home a card of 80 for 25th place. 

The Southeast Conference boys’ teams will meet up in Keokuk on Friday, May 1st. 

The SEC girls’ teams will make up their conference meet in Burlington tomorrow, April 30th. 

Central Lee split their contest with Van Buren County yesterday with the girls’ team losing 217-263 and the boys’ team taking down the Warriors 149-166. On the girls’ side, Lily Smith led the Hawks with a score of 55. On the boys’ side, Caleb Larson and Mylan Lowenberg each carded a 36 for the Hawks, which was tops in the field, and the Warriors’ had Leo Jirak and Aden Debner each produce a round of 41. 

The Central Lee, Burlington Notre Dame, and Holy Trinity Catholic boys’ teams will compete in the Keokuk Invite today.

The Central Lee and Van Buren County girls’ teams will travel to Keokuk for an Invite on Monday, May 4th.

The Wapello girls’ team exited with the sweep in their triangular yesterday, while the boys’ team defeated Lone Tree, 196-201, but fell to WACO, 193-196. The Arrows were anchored by Emmalin Marshall’s card of 42, while Wyatt Marlette and Cully Fry each shot a 48 for the Wapello boys’ team. 

The Wapello girls’ team and the WACO girls’ and boys’ teams will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic for a triangular tomorrow. 

The Burlington Notre Dame girls’ team finished in 3rd place at a quad in Ottumwa yesterday. 

Mediapolis will take on Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow at home.

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team competed in the West Liberty Invitational yesterday and claimed 5th place as a team with a score of 344. Konner Kinneberg and Justin Knipfer medaled for the Wolves with Kinneberg taking 10th place and Knipfer grabbing 15th place as they both carded an 84. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Hillcrest Academy tomorrow. 

High School Boys’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant remained unbeaten on the season with a 6-3 victory over Ottumwa last night. Sawyer Fulton and Carter Gehling each collected tiebreaker victories in their singles matches, while the teams of Fulton and Max Heater and Isaiah Lange and Charlie Syfert picked up wins in their doubles matches. 

Fairfield snuck past Burlington last night, 5-4. The Trojans will host Mt. Pleasant tomorrow, April 30th.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team swept Black Hawk College in two thrillers, winning game one 10-9 and taking game two 6-5. The Blackhawks will travel to Kirkwood Community College today.

The softball team will continue their home stand today against Indian Hills Community College in a doubleheader. 

College Baseball and Softball

The Iowa baseball team fell to Illinois State last night, 13-6. The Hawkeyes will play Illinois at home on Friday, May 1st, at 6 pm.

The Iowa softball team will host Northern Illinois tonight at 5 pm.

The Iowa State softball team swept St. Thomas yesterday, 6-5 in game one and 11-8 in game two. The Cyclones will take on #22 UCF at home at 4 pm on Friday.

This Day in Sports History

1941 – The Boston Bees agreed to change their name to the Braves.

1961 – ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” premiered.

1981 – Steve Carlton (Philadelphia Phillies) became the first left-handed pitcher in the major leagues to get 3,000 career strikeouts.

Darlyne Gray

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 6:04 am CDT

Darlyne Gray, 93, of New London, died Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at her home.  She was born December 1, 1932 in Burlington to Paul Robert and Pauline Cramond Humiston.  She was a graduate of Wapello High School and a member of New London Christian Church.  On April 12, 1953, she married Kenneth D. Gray in Burlington.  He died December 16, 2020.

She was a wonderful homemaker and owned her own silk floral business which she operated from her basement.  Her favorite job was selling boots at The Western Wearhouse in Colorado Springs.  Darlyne and Ken enjoyed wintering for twenty-eight years in Bowling Green, Florida at the Avion Palms. She was a member of Midway Circle and the Red Hat Society in Bowling Green. She enjoyed quilting; Tuesday lunch with her friends; playing cards; cooking and baking as feeding people made her very happy and when her answering machine picked up, it said she was busy baking cookies.

Darlyne is survived by her children, Mark (Sally) Gray of Colorado Springs, Scott Gray of Fairfield, John (Jill) Gray of Holland, Michigan and Sue (Gary) Lachapelle of New London; eight grandchildren, Elisabeth, Zachary, Jaron, Meagen, Matthew, Addie, Amber and Justin; and seventeen great-grandchildren.  Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by six brothers, Harry, Phil, Fred, Rex, George and Dale.

A memorial has been established for The Fulton Cairo Cemetery.

According to her wishes her body has been cremated and a Celebration of her life will be held at 7:00 pm, Friday, May 1, 2026 at Elliott Chapel, New London with Pastors Rod and Nathan Cooper officiating.  Visitation will begin at noon with the family receiving friends from 5:00 until the time of the service.  Inurnment for Darlyne and her beloved husband will be at Fulton Cemetery, Cairo, Iowa at a later date.  A memorial has been established and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.