In observance of Christmas, City Hall will be closed on Monday, December 25, 2023. Garbage collection will be delayed a day during the week of December 25^th.

Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all state flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff on from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 in honor and remembrance of Sandra Day O’Connor, who was the first woman to serve as a United States Supreme Court Justice. O’Connor died on December 1, 2023 at the age of 93. She served on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1981 to 2006.

The governor’s order is issued in conjunction with President Joe Biden’s proclamation to lower all United States flags to half-staff for the same length of time on her day of interment.

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flags at half-staff for the same length of time.

Keokuk Community School Board voted in LeAnn Clifford as a new board member to fill a vacancy at the school board meeting on Dec. 18.

Clifford showed interest in the position via email after a position became open on the school board. At the meeting the board provided background information on each of the candidates and then asked for nominations and voted.

“I had been approached by board members saying I would be a good fit and was asked if I would be interested in being on the board,” Clifford said. “Part of the reason why I wanted to join is to be able to make a difference in the community.”

She moved to the district five years ago with her two children and is originally from Kahoka, Missouri. Her daughter is a senior and her son is a freshman both at Keokuk High School. Clifford is heavily involved in activities, athletic boosters and works the gates at many events.

Clifford was invited to join the board at the table at the Dec. 18 meeting and will serve on the board immediately.

Daryl Alan Heyl age 34, is currently wanted by authorities on warrants including, but not limited to, Violation of Probation, Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. If you know the whereabouts of Daryl Alan Heyl, please call Crime Stoppers at 319-753-6835.

Samuel J. Pogue, age 31, is currently wanted by authorities on warrants including, but not limited to, Escape from Custody and Violation of a No Contact Order. If you know the whereabouts of Samuel J. Pogue, please call Crime Stoppers at 319-753-6835. If your tip leads to their arrest, you will receive a cash reward. PLEASE DO NOT POST YOUR TIP ON THIS PAGE!!

It’s that time of year where family gatherings, big feasts, and quiet nights are ruined by sickness. Something seems to be hitting the good folk of Mt. Pleasant right now, and it seems as good a time as any to remember how to protect yourself from illness.

1. 1. Avoid close contact.
      Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
   2. Stay home when you are sick.
      If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
   3. Cover your mouth and nose.
      Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.
   4. Clean your hands.
      Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
   5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
      Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
   6. Practice other good health habits.
      Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

No one wants to miss out on family Christmas because they are “coughing up a lung” so make sure to take care of yourself and others, by following these tips.

Treasurer Smith encourages individuals with disabilities and their support system to consider saving with IAble in 2024. “A new year is the perfect opportunity to review past goals and determine new ones for your future,” Smith said. “If things like achieving financial freedom and saving money without restrictive asset caps comes to mind, IAble might be a perfect fit for you.”

IAble is Iowa’s Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) plan and helps individuals with disabilities and their support system save money.

• Up to $100,000 can be saved in an IAble account without affecting eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

1. Any amount saved does not affect eligibility for other federal needs-based programs, including Medicaid.
2. Choose from a blend of up to six Investment Options and a Checking Account Option, which comes with a debit card.
3. Money saved can be used for any expense relating to the Account Owner’s disability, including rent, food, assistive technology and employment support.
4. If an Account Owner does not have the capacity to manage their finances, an Authorized Individual may do so on their behalf