Mount Pleasant, Iowa — Henry County Habitat for Humanity is asking for community support after an unexpected expense arose during the construction of their latest Habitat home. The organization has launched a special fundraiser to cover the cost of a newly built retaining wall, which was not included in the original project budget.

The goal is to raise $5,500 to cover the full cost of the retaining wall, which was necessary to ensure the stability and longevity of the home site.

Community members who would like to contribute can send donations to:

HCHH, PO Box 864, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641

Please indicate “Wall” in the memo line of the donation.

Henry County Habitat for Humanity is a local branch of the global nonprofit housing organization, committed to building homes, communities, and hope in Henry County.

Every donation goes directly toward helping local families in need of safe, affordable housing in Henry County.

For more information or to stay up to date on the fundraiser’s progress, residents are encouraged to follow Henry County Habitat for Humanity on Facebook.

MOUNT PLEASANT — Henry County Public Health is making it easier for families to prepare for the new school year by hosting their Back to School Health Fair on Monday, August 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the MPCSD Central Campus Gym.

This one-stop event offers essential health services to help students meet school requirements before the academic year begins. Services include:

• Back to School Immunizations (for Kindergarten, 7th, and 12th grades)
• Dental Screening (required for Kindergarten and 9th grade)
• Lead Testing (required for Kindergarten)
• Vision Screening (required for Kindergarten and 3rd grade)
• Sports Physicals for grades 7–12, available for just $25 (cash only)

In addition to health screenings, the fair will also feature community resource tables, kids activities, and giveaways, making it a fun and informative evening for the whole family.

Language translation will be available on-site to ensure accessibility for all.

For updates and more information, visit Facebook.com/HealthyHenryCounty.

DONNELLSON, Iowa — The 2025 Lee County Fair is gearing up for a full week of action-packed agricultural events, with 4-H and FFA youth taking center stage across multiple species and competitions. From swine shows to stuffed animals, the fairgrounds will be buzzing with activity as young exhibitors showcase their hard work, skills, and dedication to livestock and small animal care.

Festivities kicked off Wednesday, July 2nd with Bucket Bottle Calf Interviews in the morning and Competitive Swine Interviews in the afternoon, giving judges the opportunity to meet with exhibitors ahead of next week’s competitions.

Wednesday, July 9th, will be a busy day, starting at 8:00 a.m. with Swine Weigh-in and Scanning at the Swine Barn. Horses must be on the grounds by 8:30 a.m. in preparation for the 4-H/FFA Horse Show, which begins at 9:00 a.m. Later in the day, sheep and beef will undergo scanning and weigh-ins, culminating in a Mandatory Exhibitor Meeting at 1:00 p.m. at the Horse Arena.

On Thursday, July 10th, the spotlight shines on goats and sheep. The 4-H/FFA Goat Show starts at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Lee County Sheep Producers’ Lamb Dinner running from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Open Bottle Lamb/Goat Show kicks off at 3:30 p.m., with the official 4-H/FFA Sheep Show following at 4:00 p.m.

Friday, July 11th, brings the 4-H/FFA Swine Show at 9:00 a.m. and a hearty Pork Producers Lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The day ends with the Lee County Cattlemen’s Bucket Bottle Calf Show at 6:00 p.m.

KEOKUK, Iowa — The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, through its Project Safe Neighborhood initiative, is inviting students and families to a free, fun-filled evening focused on fitness and community safety.

The Athletic Combine and Family Safety Event will take place on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Keokuk High School, located at 2285 Middle Road in Keokuk. Students in grades 1 through 12 are encouraged to attend — regardless of which school district they’re enrolled in.

Participants will take part in an athletic combine experience, where they can test their physical skills in a welcoming, supportive environment. The event is designed to promote healthy lifestyles and youth engagement while raising awareness about community safety.

In addition to athletic activities, the event will feature a wide range of educational and interactive exhibits, including:

Child car seat safety checks and assistance, Gun violence prevention education, Hands-free driving demonstrations, & K9 demonstrations by law enforcement.

Pre-registration is required and must be completed by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the event. To register, visit: https://form.jotform.com/251744295533057

For more information or questions, contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Washington, Iowa — A Washington resident narrowly avoided becoming the victim of a phone scam Saturday morning after receiving a suspicious call claiming she had won a large cash prize.

The incident was reported around 10:28 a.m. from a home in the 700 block of East 2nd Street. According to the Washington Police Department, the caller was instructed to purchase a $200 gift card and provide the numbers over the phone in order to claim her supposed winnings.

The resident quickly grew suspicious and reported the incident to authorities. Officers responded and confirmed the call was part of a common scam. The number that contacted the resident had already been blocked, and she advised police that she would not be answering any future calls from the scammer and had no intention of purchasing the gift card.

No financial loss occurred, and the situation serves as a reminder to the public to be wary of unsolicited phone calls requesting personal or financial information, especially those demanding payment via gift cards.

The Washington Police Department encourages residents to report any similar incidents and to speak with elderly family members or neighbors who may be more vulnerable to these types of scams.

Donnellson, Iowa – The Central Lee Community School District Board of Education will hold its regular meeting on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. in the high school commons.

Superintendent Dr. Andy Crozier will provide updates on summer projects, online registration, a Back-to-School luncheon, and district finances. The board will also finalize the August board meeting date and review current staff vacancies.

Key items on the agenda include:

• Approval of the FFA officer retreat to Wisconsin Dells
• Appointment of Amanda Brown as board secretary and Ashley Rickelman as treasurer
• Approval of hot lunch guidelines and a board policy on employee contract release
• Authorization for the superintendent and board secretary to pay activity bills
• Approval of the superintendent as Title I contact
• Insurance modifications and administrator contract changes

The board will also consider a resolution to set an August 12 public hearing on issuing sales tax revenue bonds for infrastructure needs.

Personnel actions include the approval of volunteer football coaches, one middle school special education instructor, and multiple special education associates. Coaching contracts will also be approved for Wes McGraw.

The meeting will conclude with board reports, a closed session to evaluate the superintendent, and a vote on the superintendent’s contract.