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
Roll Call.
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.
Receive & file communications.
Approve agenda.
*5. Approve minutes of previous meetings.
*6. Approve payment of bills.
*7. Receive report of Officers.
Old Business-
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.
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
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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New Business –
Resolution authorizing the change of assignment of Joseph Whalen with the Mount Pleasant Fire Department.
Approve the purchase of a linelazer to paint city streets and parking lot lines.
Resolution approving the release of real estate mortgage and authorizing the Mayor to execute on behalf of the City.
Public Forum.
Adjourn to meet in regular session on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
“Darwin “Dar” Charles Cooley, 74, of Burlington, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born on September 21, 1950, in Burlington, Iowa, Darwin was the son of Charles and Leona (Wirt) Cooley.
Darwin was a 1968 graduate of Burlington High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Iowa in 1974. He was a dedicated pharmacist who had many professional achievements and impactful contributions serving as the Director of Pharmacy at Great River Medical Center for 46 years.
Beyond his professional achievements, Darwin found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time outdoors gardening, fishing, golfing, or just relaxing in nature. He was a member of Carthage Lake Club where he spent lots of time hanging out with friends and family, sharing stories and enjoying the outdoors. His lifelong dedication to bowling was reflected in numerous accomplishments and a cherished circle of friends. Dar was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, making many road trips to St. Louis with his son and friends.
He was an excellent cook and loved making food for his family, friends, and coworkers. On several occasions, he would make a gourmet meal for those working Thanksgiving at the hospital.
Darwin was a generous man and a proud father and grandfather. He loved spending time with his children and granddaughters, and it brought him great joy watching them grow up.
Darwin is survived by his children, Adam Cooley and Lisa (Chad) Lambi; and his beloved granddaughters, Ella and Paige. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gary Cooley.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has been entrusted to Prugh Crematory. No services are scheduled at this time.
Brian Emery Blankenburg, 71, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Birkwood Village in Fort Madison, Iowa.
He was born on October 31, 1953, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Donald Lee and Alvera Bell (Bentzinger) Blankenburg.
He is survived by his brother: Evan (Jan) Blankenburg.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Brian graduated from Iowa Wesleyan University and worked as a pharmacy technician at HyVee until his retirement. He enjoyed baseball and was an avid New York Yankees fan and an avid collector.
His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Homes for cremation.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
A memorial has been established in his memory.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
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
Danville Community School District is currently hiring for several coaching positions—and there’s still time to apply! If you or someone you know has a passion for working with student-athletes and a desire to be part of a supportive, energetic school community, now is the time to step up to the plate.
The district is looking to fill the following positions:
Junior High Head Baseball Coach
High School Boys Head Soccer Coach
High School Head Golf Coach
High School Assistant Golf Coach
High School Head Softball Coach
These roles offer a great opportunity to positively impact students while fostering leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
“Darwin “Dar” Charles Cooley, 74, of Burlington, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.