The Kiwanis Club of Mount Pleasant is collecting essential baby care items to benefit Family Connection Henry County, a local organization that supports families with young children. The “Baby Basics” drive is now underway, and community members are encouraged to donate new, unopened items to help meet a growing need.

These basic supplies go a long way in supporting caregivers and ensuring infants have a safe, healthy start.

Items Needed Include:

• Diapers (especially in sizes 4, 5, and 6)

• Baby wipes and diaper cream

• Allergen-free laundry detergent

• Dish soap, baby wash, bibs, and burp rags

• Hooded towels, pacifiers, and teething rings

• Infant toys, including rattles

• Sippy cups, bottles, and nipples

• Home safety items and first aid kits

Donation Drop-Off Locations:

• Mount Pleasant Hy-Vee

• Brad Holtkamp Automotive

• Olson Powell Chapel & Crematory

• First Interstate Bank – Mount Pleasant

• First Presbyterian Church

This initiative highlights the ongoing need for community support of young families, particularly in times of economic stress. Family Connection Henry County, a program that provides education and resources to caregivers, will distribute the collected items to those who need them most.

Organizers encourage residents to participate and spread the word. Whether it’s a pack of diapers or a few bottles of baby soap, every donation helps ensure that children in Henry County have a healthy and safe start in life.

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in regular session on Today (Wednesday, June 11, 2025), at 5:30 p.m. in the second-floor meeting room of City Hall, 307 E. Monroe Street. The agenda includes routine business, permit renewals for summer events, and several new developments involving trail funding, infrastructure improvements, and historical preservation.

Routine approvals include the minutes of previous meetings, payment of bills, and officer reports. Among the reports is Resolution No. 2025-50, which authorizes May fund transfers within city accounts for routine budget management.

New Business: Trails, Streets, and Asbestos Removal

The Council will then shift to several new items, beginning with Change Order #1 for the H Street Construction Project, which may reflect adjustments in scope or materials based on progress so far.

A notable development on the agenda is a resolution authorizing an application to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s State Recreational Trails (SRT) Program. If approved, the city will seek state support for the construction of the Washington-Grand Connector Trail, a proposed addition to Mount Pleasant’s trail network designed to improve non-motorized travel options and community connectivity.

Council members will also consider a resolution setting a public hearing on the proposed South Adams Street Reconstruction Project, which will cover the drawings, contract forms, specifications, and cost estimates. The public hearing date will provide an opportunity for residents to offer input on the plan before it proceeds further.

In a step toward historical preservation, the Council will review a proposal to authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with McKee Construction for asbestos removal in the basement of the Second Baptist Church. The measure would help clear the way for future restoration efforts involving the historic structure.

Public Forum and Next Meeting

As is customary, a Public Forum will be held to allow citizens to speak directly to the Council about issues or concerns not listed on the agenda. The session will conclude with adjournment, and the Council will next meet in regular session on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to attend or follow the proceedings to stay informed on local governance and upcoming community developments.

This weekend, Burlington will be buzzing with energy as two major events transform the city into a hub of creativity, community, and celebration. Whether you’re drawn to fine art or live music, there’s something for everyone between the Snake Alley Art Fair and Burlington River Days.

Snake Alley Art Fair – Sunday, June 15

A beloved Burlington tradition, the Snake Alley Art Fair returns to 301 Jefferson Street this Sunday, hosted by the Art Center of Burlington. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors will stroll the famously crooked street while exploring handmade and original creations by artists from across the Midwest.

More than just an art sale, the fair is a full-day celebration of creativity. Guests can meet the artists, hear the stories behind their work, and take home one-of-a-kind pieces. The event also features:

• Live music performances
• Kids’ art activities
• Local food vendors

Now in its 50+ year history, the Snake Alley Art Fair continues to bring the community together through the power of art.

Burlington River Days – June 12–14

Starting Thursday and rocking through Saturday night, Burlington River Days takes over the riverfront with an explosive lineup of music, carnival rides, contests, and even a boat giveaway.

This three-day celebration of Burlington’s river heritage includes:

• Live music every night, headlined by Saliva on Saturday
• A full carnival with family-friendly fun
• Boat parade and boat show
• Outdoor River Days Olympics with activities like archery and casting contests
• “Boatload of Prizes” giveaway – including a brand-new boat

Proceeds from the event support the Partners for Conservation Foundation, helping fund local riverfront projects, outdoor recreation improvements, and conservation efforts.

The Olds Fire Department was dispatched Tuesday afternoon to a fire in the median of Highway 218 near the intersection with 140th Street, just outside of Swedesburg.

When KILJ News arrived at the scene around 2:20 p.m., firefighters from Olds were actively working to extinguish flames in the grassy median dividing the highway. Iowa State Patrol and the Henry County Sheriff’s Department were also present, assisting with traffic control and monitoring the flow of vehicles through the area.

The fire was brought under control and extinguished quickly, with the scene cleared shortly after KILJ’s arrival. No injuries were reported, and traffic continued to move safely around the scene during the response.

At this time, the cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities have not released any further information regarding the incident.

KILJ News will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more details become available.