Henry County Supervisors, April 23rd

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 10:48 am CDT

Henry County Supervisors

100 E Washington St Ste 202

Mt Pleasant, IA  52641

Fax: 319-385-3601

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

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

 

AGENDA

Board of Supervisors

April 23, 2026

9:00 a.m.

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call of Members and Secretary present

Approval of Consent Agenda items

Note: These items are routine and will be enacted by one motion without separate discussion unless a Board member requests an item be removed for separate consideration.

Approval of Board Minutes.

Approval of financial claims for payment.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Final discussion and board actions on request from the Optimist Club concerning courthouse lawn time capsule removal.

COMMITTEE UPDATES

Supervisor Lindeen-

Supervisor Detrick-

Supervisor White-

NEW BUSINESS

Henry County Engineer, Jake Hotchkiss-Secondary Roads Department updates

  • Motion / Resolution 13-2026-20 – New employee for full-time Mechanic II
  • Motion / Resolution 14-2026-20 – 170th Street (H-28) Project Revision Application.
  • Motion / Resolution 15-2026-20 – Sign FY2027 IDOT Budget and Five-year
  • Construction Program
  • Excavator replacement evaluation

County building office space study was completed. Issues to consider.

  1. Does the “need” to switch multiple office areas exist?
  2. Is current space / room usage compliant with occupancy code?
  3. Recognize the “need” to install computer server fire protection measures.
  4. Is it a “need” or “want” to have a break room area for employees?
  5. Would the financial expense of implementing the changes be worth it?
  6. What would the disruptions / problems be if switching offices?

Resolution # 7-2026, Henry County Treasurer, abatement of taxes, interest and costs due to City of Mount Pleasant acquiring property via court order #EQEQ007119 free and clear of liens, claims or encumbrances and Cancelation of Tax Sale 2025-00116. Total amount associated with resolution is $1,086.00. Total amount associated with Cancellation of Tax Sale Certificate is $3454.00 grand total of abated taxes being $4540.00.

OTHER BUSINESS

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Note: The Board welcomes public comments on items not listed on the agenda. You are asked to state your name and general address for the record. Please limit your comment to 3 minutes in length to allow the opportunity for others to speak.

Adjourn

 

Lee County Student Receives Iowa Farm Bureau Scholarship

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 10:30 am CDT

A southeast Iowa student is being recognized with statewide support as she prepares for a future in agriculture.

Aubrey Weber of Donnellson, Iowa has been named a first-time scholarship recipient by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation as part of its 2026 scholarship program.

Weber, who plans to attend Iowa State University, is among 98 students across Iowa selected for the honor. The awards include both new recipients and renewals, aimed at supporting students pursuing careers that strengthen agriculture and rural communities.

The Iowa Farm Bureau says scholarship recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and involvement in their communities, along with a clear commitment to the future of rural Iowa.

The program is designed to invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders, helping students like Weber continue their education while preparing to support farm families and rural economies.

Scholarships through the program are renewable for up to four years, totaling as much as $10,000 for qualifying students.

Fairfield Student Receives Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Scholarship

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 10:25 am CDT

A Jefferson County student is among those receiving support to continue their education and invest in the future of agriculture.

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation has announced 98 scholarships awarded to high school seniors and college students across the state for 2026. The program includes both first-time recipients and returning students, with scholarships renewable for up to four years.

Locally, Brock Atwood of Fairfield, Iowa has been named a recipient of the Beverly Rubey Scholarship, a $1,000 award designated specifically for students from Jefferson County pursuing degrees in agriculture.

Scholarship recipients are selected based on several factors, including academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, and a demonstrated commitment to rural Iowa. Applicants must also be members of the Farm Bureau.

Iowa Farm Bureau says the investment reflects a broader effort to support the next generation of agricultural leaders and strengthen rural communities across the state.

Scholarships through the program can total up to $10,000 over four years, helping students like Atwood continue their education and prepare for careers in agriculture.

Mount Pleasant City Council Meeting, April 22nd

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 10:04 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in Regular Session on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at City Hall, 307 E. Monroe Street, second-floor meeting room at 5:30 p.m.

AGENDA

  1. Roll Call.
  2. 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 Councilmembers. 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.
  3. Receive & file communications.
  4. Approve agenda.

*5. Approve minutes of previous meetings.
*6. Approve payment of bills.
*7. Receive report of Officers.

8. Old Business —

a) 5:30 p.m. Public Hearing on proposed 2026/2027 Budget.

b) Resolution authorizing the adoption of the 2026/2027 Budget for the City of Mount Pleasant and authorizing its filing.

  • c) Renewal of a Class F Retail Alcohol License for Loyal Order of Moose located at 108 North Saunders Avenue.
  • d) Renewal of a Class E Retail Alcohol License for Hy-Vee Food Store #1433 located at 1700 East Washington Street.
  • e) Renewal of a Class B Retail Alcohol License for Mt. Pleasant Redemption Center located at 1001 North Broadway Street, Suite 102.

9. New Business —

a) Approve Change Order #4 for airport taxilane and hangar construction.

b) Approve mayoral appointment to the Library Board.

c) Approve motion to set Public Hearing for May 27, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. to amend the 2025/2026 Budget.

d) Resolution approving FYE 2027 salaries for full-time employees.

e) Resolution approving FYE 2027 salaries for Volunteer Fire Department.

f) Resolution approving FYE 2027 salaries for temporary and seasonal part-time employees.

g) Resolution authorizing the change of assignment of Nicholas A. Ettinger from Deputy Fire Chief to Fire Fighter with the Mount Pleasant Fire Department.

h) Resolution approving drawings, specifications, form of contract, estimated cost and the taking of bids for PCC Pavement-Grade & Replace for Winfield Avenue-Broadway Avenue to Grand Avenue IDOT Project #STP-U-5292(629)-70-44 City of Mount Pleasant.

  1. Public Forum.
  2. Adjourn to meet in regular session on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

Severe Weather Forecast for Thursday into Friday

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 6:47 am CDT

Stay weather aware Thursday night as strong storms are expected to move through the area.

The National Weather Service says a line of storms is forecast to move across the region Thursday night into early Friday morning. Some of those storms could become severe, bringing damaging winds as the primary threat, along with the possibility of isolated tornadoes.

The most likely timing for the strongest storms is between 11 p.m. Thursday and 6 a.m. Friday, when many people will be sleeping. Officials encourage you to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts overnight, including weather radios or cell phone notifications.

Heavy rain and lightning may also accompany the storms, and gusty winds could lead to downed tree limbs or power outages in some areas.

Stay tuned to local forecasts for updates as conditions develop, and be prepared to take shelter quickly if warnings are issued.

Sports, April 22nd

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 6:43 am CDT

High School Track and Field

Mt. Pleasant hosted the Panther Relays last night and it was a complete sweep for the home team as the girls’ team snuck past Washington by one point and the boys’ team collected 161 points–30 more than second place Mediapolis.

On the girls’ side, Mt. Pleasant dominated the relays, taking the shuttle hurdle, the 4×100, the 4×200, and broke the meet record in the distance medley relay with the team of Ellie Freeman, Taylor Williamson, Izzy Sloat, and Avery Fedler crossing the finish line in 4 minutes and 16 seconds. Sloat would also go on to take the long jump with a leap of 17 feet and 2.5 inches.

Danville’s lone win came in the sprint medley relay with a time of 1 minute and 54 seconds. 

WACO’s Josie Dykstra grabbed the gold in the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes and 23 seconds, less than a tenth of a second faster than second place.

Allison Gillip had the lone win for New London in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1 minute and 12 seconds.

Mediapolis’s Avery Crear won the high jump with a leap of 4 feet and 10 inches.

Lastly, Washington’s Jaedyn Moore claimed the 100 and 200-meter dashes. Lauren Drahota took the 400-meter dash. Leighton Messinger glided to the win in the 100-meter hurdles. Lastly, the Demons won the 4×400 meter relay.

On the boys’ side, Mt. Pleasant had Silas Hulett win the 3200-meter run, posting the only sub-10 minute time. Griffen Jones displayed his speed with a victory in the 200-meter dash. In the field events, Kaden Schadt leapt 5 feet and 10 inches to win the high jump, and Jaymisen Rich’s toss of 44 feet and 11.5 inches led the field in the shot put, while Mason Frueh broke the meet record in the discus with a heave of 139 feet and 9 inches. The Panthers also won the shuttle hurdle relay.

Washington’s Kael Williams sprinted to the gold in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.42 seconds. Andrew Rees took the 800-meter run.

Danville claimed the distance medley and 4×400 meter relays.

Mediapolis had Will Schmidgall out-stride the field in the 400-meter dash with a winning time of 52.5 seconds and Gannon Gunn took the 110-meter hurdles. Simon Wendel snatched the gold in the 1600-meter run with a mark of 4 minutes and 31 seconds. Larson Truett won the tiebreaker for the boys’ long jump with a mark of 20 feet and 10 inches. The Bulldogs shattered the 4×200 meter relay meet record, clocking a time of 1 minute and 30 second with the team of Will Luttenegger, Brock Spears, Kyler Crow, and Henry Luttenegger. The same team broke the 4×100 meter relay meet record with a time of 43.34 seconds.

Fairfield traveled to the Don Newell Classic in Ottumwa last night and the girls’ team finished in 8th place, while the boys’ team grabbed the bronze medal with 100 points.

The boys’ team found victories in the 4×200 meter relay with a time of 1 minute and 33 seconds and the 4×800 meter relay with a mark of 8 minutes and 45 seconds. Moreover, Eli Zillman flew to a win in the high jump with a height of 6 feet and 6 inches.

The Mt. Pleasant, Mediapolis, and Fairfield boys’ teams will compete in the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont meet tomorrow, April 23rd.

The Washington girls’ team will hold an invitational tomorrow with Fairfield, Mediapolis, and Mt. Pleasant participating.

Winfield-Mt. Union will host their relays tomorrow with Danville, New London, and WACO making the trip.

The Drake Relays are set to start tomorrow for our local high school athletes with Eli Zillman of Fairfield competing in the boys’ high jump and Washington’s Greyson Hartman throwing the discus. For a full look at the slate for our local athletes, follow this link: Start List for 116th Drake Relays

High School Soccer

The Washington girls’ team fell to Burlington last night 3-0, while the boys’ team tied Mid-Prairie with a goal apiece. The Demons will take on Keokuk tomorrow, April 23rd, with the girls at home and the boys on the road with the both games starting at 5 pm.

The Fairfield girls’ team snared Knoxville last night, 1-1. The Trojans will square off against Fort Madison tomorrow with the girls’ team at home and the boys’ team on the road with a 5 pm start time.

The Burlington Notre Dame girls’ team lost to Quincy Notre Dame last night, 6-0. The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team handled Hillcrest Academy, 7-0. 

Burlington Notre Dame will travel to Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union with the girls’ teams leading the night at 5 pm.

Mediapolis swept Central Lee last night with the girls’ team winning 9-0 despite 28 saves by Aubree Bunnell and the boys’ team taking their contest, 3-1. Jaedin Ogelsby had the lone goal for the Hawks.

Central Lee will host Wapello on Friday, April 24th, with the night starting at 5 pm.

The Danville boys’ team defeated Wapello last night, 5-2. Zeke Orbiana and Alex Pfadenhauer each notched a goal and an assist in the win. Izaya Bergen and Edgar Vazquez had the goals for Wapello. The Bears will face off against Highland at home on Friday at 5 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will compete against Burlington tomorrow with the boys’ team at home at 4:30 pm and the girls’ team on the road at 5 pm.

The WACO boys’ team will travel to Hillcrest Academy on Friday at 5 pm.

High School Golf

Holy Trinity Catholic held a triangular yesterday and the New London girls’ team came out on top with a team score of 215, while the Crusader boys’ team won the tiebreaker with Danville as both teams shot a 184. Elizabeth Griffin put up a 51 for the Crusaders, while Max Kruse logged a 41.

Winfield-Mt. Union swept Wapello yesterday with the girls’ team narrowly winning, 206-207, and the boys’ cruising to a 167-223 final. Ashlyn Bender led the Wolves with a round of 46, while Konner Kinneberg shot a 39 for the boys’ team. 

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will compete in the Lone Tree Quad tomorrow, April 23rd.

Wapello will travel to Columbus tomorrow.

The Central Lee girls’ team will hold an invitational today with Holy Trinity Catholic competing.

The Wapello girls’ team will prepare for their invite today with Burlington Notre Dame, Danville, Mediapolis, New London, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip. 

The Mt. Pleasant and Washington girls’ teams will compete in the Oskaloosa Invitational tomorrow.

The Fairfield girls’ team will contend in the Golden Hawk Invitational tomorrow at Mid-Prairie. 

WACO will host Louisa-Muscatine tomorrow.

The Fairfield boys’ will hold an invitational on Friday, April 24th, with Mt. Pleasant participating.  

High School Boys’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will face off against Keokuk tomorrow, April 23rd, on the road. 

Fairfield will travel to Burlington on Monday, April 27th.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team will square off against Kirkwood Community College today.

The softball team will look to bounce back at home on Saturday, April 25th, in a doubleheader against Marshalltown Community College at 1 pm.

College Baseball and Softball

The Iowa baseball team demolished Western Illinois last night, 22-3. The Hawkeyes will host UIC tonight at 6 pm.

The Iowa softball team got their revenge in the Cy-Hawk series with a 7-2 victory over Iowa State last night. The Hawkeyes will travel to UNI tonight at 6:30 pm.

The Iowa State softball team will start their series against Kansas on Friday, April 24th, at 5 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1876 – Philadelphia native Tim McGinley of the Boston Red Caps scores baseball’s National League’s 1st run, in Philadelphia, as his team wins 6-5. 

1954 – NBA adopts a 24-second shot clock and the 6 team-foul rule. 

1969 – Robin Knox-Johnston ends his 312 days of non-stop sailing to become the first person to perform a single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe.

Inmate Death in Fort Madison Prison

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 6:35 am CDT

An inmate at the Iowa State Penitentiary died at 9:31 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Jess Ellsworth Whitsel, age 77, was serving for crimes committed in Linn County.

Whitsel’s sentence began on April 23, 1982.

Valerie Kay Boal

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 6:23 am CDT

Valerie Kay Boal, age 68, of Burlington, Iowa, passed away on April 17, 2026, at the Savannah Heights Nursing Home in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, while in the care of Hospice. She was born in Mount Pleasant on August 14, 1957, the daughter of Wesley “Dean” and Mary (Eubank) Boal. As a young girl, Valerie was a part of the Special Olympics and participated in a 4-H Club. Valerie was a part of Hope Haven and Imagine the Possibilities. She lived at (Hope Haven) Guegler Group Home in Burlington since 1985. While living in the Group Home, she worked various jobs including a Recycling Center, cleaning offices and Hopefully Yours Thrift store. After retiring she attended Day Hab at Hope Haven. She loved her family very much and they loved her, attending many family dinners, holidays, and reunions. A special acknowledgement to her caregivers and her family at Guegler and Hope Haven, she genuinely loved living there and it was due to all the love and care she received.

 

She is survived by her sisters, Amy (Paul) Eiserman of Mundelein, Illinois; Jean (Kim) Holtgrewe of Waukee, Iowa; and Rosemary (Steve) Burnett of Johnston, Iowa; two nieces: Erin and Kathryn and four nephews: Jason (Kelsey), Jared (Stacy), Jacob and Tim, great nieces and nephews. Aunt Glenda and Uncle Malcom Alvine and many cousins.

 

Valerie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Michael Boal.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 9th at 11:00 a.m. at the Finley Chapel in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Imagine the Possibilities/Valerie Boal Memorial or the Finley Cemetery Association.