The Henry County Engineer’s Office has announced a short-term road construction project scheduled to begin Tuesday, July 29, on Goodyear Road just north of Washington Street/235th Street in Mount Pleasant. The work is expected to last approximately two days, weather permitting.
The project will focus on the stretch leading to the overpass and will involve a one-lane road closure. Flaggers will be present to guide traffic during the construction period. Motorists are advised to use caution while traveling through the area.
Residents and commuters are encouraged to plan accordingly and allow for minor delays. The county emphasizes safety and thanks the public for their patience as improvements are made.
For questions or additional information, contact the Henry County Engineer’s Office at 319-385-0762.
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 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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
