Wednesday, September 14, the Mount Pleasant City Council signed off on three street projects completed this summer.  Harvey Drive was finished at a total cost of $340,615. The Madison Street reconstruction project came in at $838,636 and Oakbrook Place work totaled $128,476.

Also, at the regular council meeting, the first reading passed for a proposed amendment that would establish a fee structure for fire department services for those that don’t live int he city limits.  There will be two more readings before final passage.

IowaWINS and the First Presbyterian Church of Mt Pleasant are hosting Carmen Elena Dias Anzora from El Salvador, an international peacemaker who is part of a group of seven individuals touring the country for the next month with the PC(USA)’s Peacemaking Program. Ms. Anzora will be visiting the First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, September 27. Ms. Anzora will give a presentation about her work at 4:30 PM, and a potluck dinner will follow afterwards at 5:30 PM. The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program makes it possible for leaders from overseas partner denominations and organizations to visit Presbyterian congregations and institutions in the U.S. to bear witness and interpret peace and justice issues.

Since 1984 more than 350 International Peacemakers from 60 countries have been hosted through the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. The International Peacemakers focus their time on 3 priority areas of the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s work: dismantling structural racism, alleviating systemic poverty and building congregational vitality. They also help Presbyterian’s live into a biblical commitment based on Matthew 25 by sharing unique experiences and stories from their work in the following areas:

• Hunger Ministries: I was hungry and you gave me food
• Clean Water/Environmental Justice: I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink
• Immigration/Migration/Refugee Welcome: I was a stranger and you welcomed me
• Poverty Alleviation: I was naked and you gave me clothing
• Health and Wellness: I was sick and you took care of me
• Racism/Systems of Oppression and Violence: I was in prison and you visited me

This year the Peacemakers come from seven different countries or regions, including Cameroon, El Salvador, Madagascar, Malawi, Israel/Palestine, Rwanda, and Tuvalu (Pacific Islands). For more information, contact the First Presbyterian Church at firstpresbymtp@gmail.com. Visit the Presbyterian Peacemaking page for more information about the International Peacemakers.

Dr. Steve and Dr. Shelly Wickhm were inducted into the 2022 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 21. Ninety-eight Iowa counties participated this year and selected 133 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4‑H Foundation President, Julie McGonegle, State 4-H Program Leader, Debbie Nistler, as they were introduced on stage.

Steve and Shelly have been and continue to be active supporters of the Henry County 4-H Program.  Shelly served as the Secretary of the Henry County Extension Council for eight years. Both Shelly and Steve were 4-H Leaders.  Steve being a leader of the Wayne Soil Savers 4-H Club for 15 years and Shelly the leader of the Country Creators. Shelly assisted with the startup of the Henry County 4-H Bottle Calf program and chaired the program for many years, as well as provided expertise for the 4-H Pet Show. Steve’s passion for Beef production in Henry County and as a large promoter of the production side of the 4-H Beef show emphasizing the importance of quality and the beef industry.  Steve has served as the Henry County Fair Veterinarian for over 30 years, and has hosted numerous Beef Weigh-ins at his facility while providing guidance and support to beginning beef producers. As former 4-H’ers both Steve and Shelly encouraged 4-H participation with many Henry County youth and then their own triplets Blake, Hannah and Sterling. Steve provided support as a head leader to new incoming leaders, provided many hands on learning opportunities and club tours for the members of the Wayne Soil Savers.

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program, said Erin Heaton, Henry County 4-H Youth Coordinator. Many inductees serve as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension and Outreach staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.

“We are honored to recognize these special individuals, for their advocacy and dedication to the Iowa 4-H program,” shared Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director, Emily Saveraid.

“This is a great way to honor the volunteers and staff across the state of Iowa that generously give their time and talents to foster positive partnerships with our 4-H youth,” said Tillie Good, Iowa 4-H staff and volunteer development manager.

The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. A summary of previous honorees was on display at the 2022 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building.  These summaries are also available at the Iowa 4-H Foundation office in the Extension 4-H Youth Building at Iowa State University. Information about previous inductees to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame also is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and select “Recognition” then “Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.”

Wednesday, Sept. 14, just before 4 pm, the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to the intersection of South Grand Avenue and East Washington Street for a report of a two vehicle accident. Upon investigation, it was determined that a vehicl operated by Kathleen Seberg of Mount Pleasant, was stopped at the intersection on South Grand Avenue facing north. A pickup operated by Philip Graber of Mount Pleasant, was stopped at the intersection on East Washington Street facing west. The Seberg continued through the intersection driving north. Graber failed to see the Seberg and continued through the intersection westbound. Graber’s truck struck the Seberg vehicle causing disabling damage. The combined damage of both vehicles is estimated to be in excess of $7,000.00. No injuries were reported.

On September 14, 2022, at approximately 10:15 P.M., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on US Highway 34 near Mile Marker 229 in Mount Pleasant on a vehicle for a traffic violation.

Upon speaking with the driver, later identified as Oscar Daniel Leyva Sandoval, 32, of Ottumwa, Iowa, it was discovered he currently held a suspended driving status through the State of Iowa. The vehicle was occupied by two other passengers, later identified as Jessica L. Jasso, 27, of Ottumwa, Iowa, and Deserae Ramirez, 24, of Ottumwa, Iowa.

Upon further investigation by deputies, a search was conducted of the vehicle where amounts of Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were located.

Resulting from the investigation, Deserae was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance – 3^rd or Subsequent Offense (D Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – (Serious Misdemeanor), and Possession of Contraband in Correctional Institution – (D Felony). Oscar was issued a summons for Driving Under Suspension – (Simple Misdemeanor), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – (Serious Misdemeanor), and was cited for Speeding Over 55 Zone (16 through 20 over) – (Non-scheduled Violation). Jessica was issued a summons for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – (Serious Misdemeanor)

***A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.***