Two Juveniles Injured in Fort Madison Bicycle-Vehicle Collision

Fort Madison, Iowa — On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at approximately 4:44 p.m., the Fort Madison Police Department responded to a motor vehicle accident involving an electric bicycle and a passenger car at the intersection of 20th Street and Avenue E in Fort Madison. 

According to the Iowa State Patrol crash report (Case No. 2025024565), a 2020 Honda Civic driven by 19-year-old Jordyn Burch of Fort Madison was traveling eastbound through the intersection when a 2025 Kepin electric bicycle, operated by a 9-year-old male and carrying a 12-year-old male passenger, entered the intersection heading southbound and failed to stop. The electric bike struck the front driver’s side of the vehicle, ejecting both juveniles from the bicycle. 

Both young riders sustained injuries. The 9-year-old was airlifted by Air EMS to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, while the 12-year-old was transported by ground ambulance to Fort Madison Community Hospital. Neither was wearing a helmet or seatbelt at the time of the crash. The driver of the Honda Civic was uninjured. 

Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Dunkin Towing. 

The collision remains under investigation by Trooper J. Gronewold (Post 13) of the Iowa State Patrol, with assistance from the Fort Madison Police and Fire Departments, Lee County EMS, AirEvac, and Dunkin Towing. 

Authorities remind the public of the importance of observing traffic signs and using proper safety equipment when operating or riding bicycles and electric bikes. 

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Kidsymphony: A John Williams Halloween Brings Movie Magic to Southeast Iowa

Get ready for a Halloween celebration filled with capes, candy, and cinematic magic! The Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra invites families to enjoy “Kidsymphony: A John Williams Halloween,” a delightful costume concert perfect for children of all ages. Tickets range from $0 to $5, making it an affordable and unforgettable family outing.

Under the direction of Maestro Bob McConnell, the orchestra will bring to life some of the most iconic movie scores ever written by legendary composer John Williams — including themes from Superman, E.T., and Star Wars.

Children (and parents!) are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes. After the 45-minute concert, families can meet the musicians and explore their instruments up close. The event will also feature a festive costume photo booth and tasty treats to enjoy, creating a full afternoon of fun and imagination.

The concert will travel across Southeast Iowa on November 1–2, with performances scheduled as follows:

  • November 1 – 11:00 AM: Bridge View Center, Ottumwa

  • November 1 – 2:00 PM: Chapel Auditorium, Mount Pleasant

  • November 1 – 4:30 PM: The Capitol, Burlington

  • November 2 – 2:00 PM: Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, Fairfield

  • November 2 – 4:30 PM: Washington High School, Washington

So grab your lightsabers, capes, and candy buckets — and get ready for a musical adventure that soars to infinity and beyond!

For more information or directions to each venue, visit the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra’s website.

Sam Wellington – PENDING

Sam Wellington, 77, of Williamsburg, Iowa, formerly of New London, died Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Compass Memorial Healthcare in Marengo, Iowa.  

Services are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London. 

Karen Sue Angstead Brown

Karen Sue Angstead Brown, 83, of New London, died Monday, October 13, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House, West Burlington. She was born March 4, 1942, in Fairfield to Donald and Jean Ross Angstead. On January 27, 1961, she married Wilbur “Bud” Brown at the New London Methodist Church Chapel.

Karen was a 1960 graduate of New London High School and worked at the Flower Shack in New London, Bud’s Flower Shop in Mt. Pleasant and retired from the New London City Clerk’s office after many years. She was a member of the Community of Christ Church, Dover Museum, and New London VFW Post 7641 Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, flowers and plants, feeding the birds and squirrels, and loved her Yorkshire Terriers.

Karen is survived by her husband Bud of New London, sons Jon (Dawn) Brown, New London, and Michael (Trish) Brown, Sperry; one daughter Connie (Daniel) Norton, New London; a special niece Kathi who she thought of as a second daughter; one brother Don (June) Angstead of Mt. Pleasant; six grandchildren; Thomas, Aaron, Stacy, Kara, Alaina, and Bennett; Great-grandchildren Rili, Emma, Ella, and Archer; nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Sharon Nehring.

Visitation will begin at noon on Friday, October 17, at Elliott Chapel, New London, with family present from 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM. According to her wishes, her body will be cremated following the visitation with inurnment at a later date at Burge Cemetery, New London.

Memorials have been established for New London Fire and Rescue and Community of Christ Church.

Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com

Henry County Supervisors Board of Supervisors October 16, 2025 9:00 a.m.

Henry County Supervisors

100 E Washington St Ste 202

Mt Pleasant, IA 52641

Fax: 319-385-3601

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

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

AGENDA

Board of Supervisors

October 16, 2025

9:00 a.m.

1. Approval of Agenda

2. Approval of Minutes

3. County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss Weekly Updates

4. WEIMGA Waste, Lynn Whaley Monthly Updates

5. Approve Smyth Subdivision, in Section 8 Salem Township

6. Approval of #30-2025 Resolution to set Public Hearing to Sell Tract G of the Plate of Lots C through and P through S of the SE ¼ of the SW ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 15 Township 71 Range 6 West of Henry County, Iowa to Michael A. Moehlman; for the sum of $100.00

7. Sheriff Rich McNamee, Courthouse Security

Supervisors’ Sub-Committees’

Mount Pleasant Public Library Closing Early; Board Meeting Rescheduled

The Mount Pleasant Public Library will close early today, Tuesday, October 14th, at 5:00 p.m. due to unforeseen circumstances.

As a result, the library board meeting originally scheduled for 6:00 p.m. this evening has been postponed. The meeting will now take place next week on Tuesday, October 21st.

Library officials apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate the community’s understanding. Regular library hours are expected to resume tomorrow.

Dillon J. Becker

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dillon J. Becker on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the age of 31.

 Dillon was born on May 7, 1994, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, to James and Lori (Alberts) Becker. He grew up in Mount Pleasant, where he was surrounded by the love and protective spirit of his older brothers, AJ and Cameron. His childhood was filled with the close bonds of family, including his grandparents, Robert and Delores Alberts and Bernice and James Milton Becker.

 Dillon possessed a gentle soul and a kind heart that warmed everyone around him. He approached life’s challenges with remarkable patience and understanding, and his demeanor was consistently amiable and friendly. His gentle laugh a perfect reflection of his inner spirit.

 He found joy in the simple pleasures of life: his dog Fitz, riding his motorcycle, rounds of golf with his family and friends, and getting “rowdy” while playing video games online with his closest friends.

 Dillon was the cherished son, brother, and grandson his family adored. His younger sister, Grace, looked up to Dillon and remembers his sweet demeanor when they were together. His mother, Lori, fondly remembers Dillon as her constant tag-along buddy, always present and comforting her with unparalleled compassion throughout her life’s journey. His father, Jim, cherished their relationship, noting that Dillon was an open book who never caused a fuss. While Dillon cherished his mother’s love and support, he also shared a bond with his “bonus mom”, Candice Becker — where she was blessed to see his tender heart and the way he loved people so freely.

 Dillon’s sole remaining brother, Cameron, admired his patient work ethic, quiet discernment, and inner wisdom, noting his unique ability to remain calm and collected, amidst life’s abundant challenges.

 Dillon’s loss comes just over three years after the passing of his older brother and closest companion, AJ. The two were inseparable from the moment of Dillon’s birth, and he cared deeply for him.

 Dillon J. Becker will always be close to the hearts and minds of all who knew him. His family and friends will endure the road ahead by holding tight to the memory of his warm presence and gentle smile.

 Dillon can be described as having a quiet lion’s heart-steadfast and gentle-free at last to run into the light.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 18, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant. Rev. Ross Epping will celebrate the Mass. There will be no visitation. A Gathering of Grief & his Goodness to follow in Manning Hall.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Brothers To Infinity & Beyond; a charity fund (tax deductible) has been established; To honor AJ & Dillon and to provide the funding for education toward mental health & suicide awareness in communities throughout the area. Memorials may be sent to Lori at 1900 Audubon Dr. Waterloo IA 50701. Or to Luv Ya Like A Brother (a 501(c)(3) charity) to advance mental health awareness, expand access to care and suicide prevention resources, and provide scholarships to local students of character who champion mental well-being.

The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Dillon and his family. www.olsonyoderfh.com

Driver Injured in Early Morning Franklin Avenue Accident

On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at approximately 5:44 a.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported accident near 1277 Franklin Avenue.

Authorities determined that Christopher Wiggins of Viola, Illinois, was traveling south on Franklin Avenue when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Wiggins was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

The Wayland Fire Department and First Responders, along with Henry County EMS, assisted at the scene.

No additional details regarding the cause of the accident have been released at this time.