Mount Pleasant City Council Regular Session on Wednesday, June 25 5:30 p.m.

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at 3:00 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in Regular Session on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at City Hall, 307 E. Monroe Street, second-floor meeting room at 5:30 p.m.

 

A G E N D A

  1. Roll Call.

 

  1. 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.

  1. Receive & file communications.

 

  1. Approve agenda.

 

*5.  Approve minutes of previous meetings.

 

*6.  Approve payment of bills.

 

*7.  Receive report of Officers.

 

  1. Old Business-

 

*             a)   Renewal of a Class C Retail Alcohol License with outdoor service for Henry County Fair located at 405 East Threshers Road.

 

*             b)   Renewal of a Class E Retail Alcohol License for Mount Pleasant BP located at 2120 East Washington Street.

 

*             c)   Renewal application for a cigarette/tobacco permit for Steam Demons located at 215 West Washington Street.

 

*             d)   Renewal application for a tobacco device retailer license for Iowa Wine & Spirits located at 109 South Jefferson Street.

 

*             e)   Renewal application for a tobacco device retailer license for Greenleaf Tobacco & Vape located at 901 North Grand Avenue, Suite 102.

 

  1. New Business-

 

  1. 1st reading of 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.

Page 2 of 2

 

  1. 1st reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 12, Section 12-6 (Stop Intersections) of the City Code of Ordinances for Harvest Drive and South Walnut Street.

 

  1. 1st reading of an 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.

 

  1. Authorize the Mayor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the City, Henry County and Henry County Secondary Roads for the project on Winfield Avenue between North Broadway and North Grand Avenue.

 

  1. Resolution Canceling Special Assessment RE: “Mowing”.

 

  1. Approve concrete patch work for Beaver Drive (Pizza Hut).

 

  1. Approve concrete patch work for 800 block of East Mapleleaf Drive.

 

  1. Approve concrete patch work for South Grand Avenue Intersection.

 

  1. Resolution setting a Public Hearing for comment on changes to appendix D-Zoning, Chapter 19.38 (M-1 Limited Industrial District Regulations) of the Mount Pleasant, Iowa Code of Ordinances.

 

  1. Approve the renewal of the contract with Johnson Controls to service the Library/Civic Center HVAC system.

 

  1. Public Forum.

 

11.     Adjourn to meet in regular session on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m

Andrew Walter “Andy” Heins

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at 1:27 pm CDT

Andrew Walter “Andy” Heins, 32, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away Saturday evening, June 21, 2025, near Wever, Iowa, following a boating accident.

He was born on June 30, 1992, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Glen Fredrick and Karen (Durand) Heins. On July 8, 2017, he married Abbie Barnett in Keokuk, Iowa. They later divorced.

He is survived by his two sons: Aaron Heins, Abraham Heins; parents: Karen Durand of Dallas City, Illinois, Fred Heins of Donnellson, Iowa; brother: Dylan Heins of Donnellson, Iowa and grandfather: Bob Durand of Dallas City, Illinois. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandmothers: Kathy VanHyning, Norma Heins; grandfather: Glen Heins and two cousins: Amy and Amanda.

Andy was a 2010 graduate of Central Lee High School. He worked at Siemens in Fort Madison. He enjoyed fishing, anything mechanical, shooting guns and most of all, spending time with his sons.

A visitation with the family receiving friends will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

A private family burial will be held at a later date at Charleston Cemetery, Charleston, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in his memory for his children’s education.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Jefferson County Fair Showcases Top Talent in Dog, Cat, and Pet Competitions

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at 12:54 pm CDT

Jefferson County Fair Showcases Top Talent in Dog, Cat, and Pet CompetitionsThe Jefferson County Fair recently highlighted the hard work and dedication of local youth during the annual Cat, Dog, and Pet Shows. Exhibitors from across the county impressed judges and audiences alike with their handling skills, obedience training, and well-groomed pets.

Dog Agility and Obedience Champions

In dog agility, Jackson Stremsterfer of the Future Leaders 4-H Club took top honors, earning both a blue and purple ribbon along with the Top Dog Agility award. Peyton Freeman of the Ceniteers secured second place, while Anna Hall of the Packwood Trojans claimed third.

Dog handling and showmanship categories saw strong competition. Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers) was named Top Junior Dog Handler, while Anna Hall (Packwood Trojans) earned Top Intermediate Dog Handler. In the senior division, Sydney Stremsterfer (Future Leaders) captured Top Senior Dog Handler.

For obedience, Canaan Freeman also stood out, earning first place and High Scoring Dog – Junior in the intro class. In the Preferred Novice A Class, Peyton Freeman topped the field with a blue ribbon and High Scoring Dog – Intermediate, followed by Sydney Stremsterfer in2nd  and Anna Hall in 3rd.

Cat and Pet Winners

Among the feline competitors, Alex Hudson (Leading Hands) received Best of Show Cat with his longhair male entry. Emma Cass (Leading Hands) took first in the shorthair male division.

In the pet category, Abbie Hammes (Future Leaders) and her pet earned Best of Show Pet, while Brogan Mottet (Jefferson County) followed with second place honors.

Tractor-Trailer Fire Closes Exit 40 on Southbound US 218 Near Mount Pleasant

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at 11:22 am CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT — At approximately 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, the Mount Pleasant Fire Department responded to a report of a tractor-trailer fire on southbound U.S. Highway 218 at Exit 40. Dispatchers indicated that the rear of a tractor-trailer was fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived on scene.

It was determined that the truck was hauling a load of paper, which contributed to the intensity of the fire. Firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control and prevent further spread. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

Iowa State Patrol closed Exit 40 on southbound U.S. 218 to allow fire crews to safely manage the scene and monitor the trailer for any remaining hot spots. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Motorists traveling in the area experienced delays as the response continued. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes until the exit fully reopens.

KILJ will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Lila Ruth Brown

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at 11:12 am CDT

Lila Ruth Brown, 82, of Yarmouth, died Monday, June 23, 2025 at her home.  She was born July 15, 1942 in Burlington to Ralph George and Mary Ellen Smith Rice.  On August 11, 1963 she married Donald Gene Brown in Mediapolis.  He died August 6, 2013.

She was a 1960 graduate of Mediapolis High School and was a homemaker.  Lila enjoyed sewing, mowing the yard, gardening and canning, working jigsaw and crossword puzzles, baking, attending yard sales, feeding the birds, volunteering, and going to her grandchildren’s ballgames.  She loved watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Indiana Fever.

Survivors include one son James (Pam) Brown of Yarmouth; twin grandchildren Debra and Micheal; and two brothers Ralph D. Rice of Milton, Iowa and Bill Rice of Morning Sun.  Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sons Paul and Dewayne; brothers Floyd and Donald; and sisters Mary and Minnie.

According to her wishes, her body has been cremated.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, Friday, June 27, 2025 at Elliott Chapel, New London, then proceed in procession to Shinar Cumberland Cemetery, Pleasant Grove for a 3:30 graveside inurnment next to her beloved husband with David Mixon will officiate..  A memorial has been established for “It Takes A Village, Just The F.A.K.s” (Foster Adoptive Kinship Support)”.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Henry County Supervisors Board of Supervisors June 26, 2025 9:00 a.m.

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at 10:09 am CDT

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

June 26, 2025

9:00 a.m.

  • Agenda
  • Approve Minutes
  • Approve Claims
  • County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss Weekly Updates
  • Motion to Approve Contract with County Engineer
  • 3rd Final Reading of Alternative Energy Overly District
  • Discussion Open Burning Ordinance.
  • 1st Reading of Standard Penalties Amendment.

Supervisor’s Sub-Committees.

Raymond Edward Goehring

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at 8:39 am CDT

Raymond Edward Goehring, 91, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Parkview Care Center in Fairfield.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Fairfield with Rev. Nathaniel Adkins officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield. Visitation for family and friends will be 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church in care of the family at 1601 Dogwood Dr. Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Ray was born July 1, 1933 in Jefferson County, the son of Andrew Louis and Hazel (Hill) Goehring. Ray served his country in the United States Army from 1954 – 1956 during the Korean War as a radio repairman in Germany. On October 7, 1956 in Fairfield, he married Letha Berg.

Throughout his life Ray worked for First National Bank from 1956-1966, worked in feed sales 1966-1967, managed Packwood Elevator 1967-1970, drove a school bus for Fairfield Community School District from 1970-1997; and was a farmer, specializing in purebred sheep from 1970-2008, showing at the Iowa State Fair for 31 years and other various national events. He also worked as the custodian for First Lutheran Church from 1991-2013.

Ray enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and collecting wood planes. Ray and Letha enjoyed many trips with Libertyville Travel Club and First National Travelers. He traveled on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in May 2013.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Letha; sons and daughters-in-law, David and Rhonda Goehring of Fairfield, and Mark and Margie Goehring of Fairfield; grandchildren, Amy, Nicole, Michelle, and Travis; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Glen, Keith, Carroll, Karl, Fern, Darlene, and Mable.

Online condolences may be made to Ray’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Iowa’s Hands-Free Driving Law Takes Effect July 1: What Drivers Need to Know

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at 8:05 am CDT

Starting next Tuesday, July 1st, a new hands-free driving law goes into effect statewide.

The goal of the law is simple: to reduce distracted driving and make Iowa’s roads safer. But what exactly does “hands-free” mean?

Under the new law, drivers cannot hold their phone in any way while behind the wheel. That means no texting, no scrolling, no typing, and no manually entering an address into GPS while you’re driving.

You also won’t be allowed to stream videos, make video calls, or view social media — not even if you use voice commands to start them. And unless you’re using a hands-free or voice-activated feature, you can’t call, text, or dial at all.

And it’s not just your phone. The law applies to tablets, laptops, PDAs, and gaming devices as well.

So, how can you stay hands-free and legal?

  • You can use an auxiliary cable to connect your phone to your car’s speakers and control it with your voice or a single touch.
  • A vehicle mount can hold your phone in place so you can use voice commands safely.
  • Bluetooth® devices like earpieces or adapters are another option to stay connected without touching your phone.
  • And remember, speakerphone is free — just set your phone in a secure spot and use voice commands.

Law enforcement will be watching, and this will be a primary offense — meaning officers can pull you over just for using a device illegally.

Again, Iowa’s hands-free law takes effect Tuesday, July 1st. Plan ahead, drive safely, and keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Transportation’s website.