Mary Frances Graber, 94, of Washington, formerly of Crawfordsville, died Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Halcyon House in Washington.
A private family graveside service will be held in the Sugar Creek Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Crooked Creek Christian Camp in rural Washington, on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Mary and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Local residents will have two meaningful opportunities this week to honor and support Iowa National Guard soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion 133d Infantry and Company A, 224th Engineers as they prepare for deployment.
On Wednesday, May 28, Company B will depart from the Iowa City Readiness Center located at 4540 Melrose Avenue, Iowa City. Community members are invited to attend the farewell ceremony, with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. and the ceremony beginning at 5:30 p.m. The unit will then travel south on Highway 218, expected to pass through Mount Pleasant around 7:30 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to line the pedestrian bridge connecting Linden Heights to East Lake Park, waving flags and holding signs to show support as the soldiers pass through the area.
The next day, Thursday, May 29, Company A, 224th Engineers will report for duty at 1:30 p.m. at the Mount Pleasant Armory, 405 E Thresher Rd. A formal send-off ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. in Wright Pavilion, followed by time with family and friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Departure is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., when buses carrying the unit will leave Mount Pleasant.
The community is encouraged to line Walnut and East Washington Streets, extending all the way to U.S. Highway 218 near Davis Home Sales, to salute the soldiers as they begin their journey. The escort will include the Mount Pleasant Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and Mount Pleasant Fire Department, along with a motorcade of veteran and civilian motorcycles accompanying the convoy to the Missouri border.
Another chance to cheer on the troops comes Thursday at 5:45 p.m. as locals are again urged to gather on the Linden Heights-East Lake pedestrian bridge for one last wave and cheer.
These service members are the sons and daughters of our community—friends, neighbors, and family. Let’s come together to show our deep appreciation, respect, and support as they answer the call to serve.
George J. Ensminger, 88, of Rome, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
George was born on September 25, 1936, in Rome. He was the son of George and Gayle (Messer) Ensminger. He attended grade school in Rome and graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in the Class of 1955. He then went on to attend Iowa Wesleyan College.
George was united in marriage to Donna Jean Scarff on June 15, 1956, in Trenton, Iowa. She preceded him in death on May 20, 2018. He worked as a union iron worker for 35 years with memberships in locals 97, 89 and 577. George was a proud farmer in the Rome community for over 55 years raising cattle, hogs, and planting many acres of row crops. George loved fishing in the Skunk River, where he became well known for catching impressive 50-pound flathead catfish. He took great pride in passing on his knowledge, teaching many young people the art and joy of fishing. George made a habit of frequently sharing his abundant catches with friends and neighbors at fish fries and get-togethers.
George was known for his sociable nature–his door was always open, and he always had a cold beer and a story for anyone who stopped by. He served on the Grant Cemetery Board for many years. Later in life, he found joy in spending time at the Rome Baptist Church, where he formed many meaningful friendships. Always by his side, George found great comfort in the companionship of his cherished dog, Jenny.
Those thankful for sharing in his life include his children: Dianna Lynn Ensminger (Butch Wellington) of Mt. Pleasant; Richard Allen Ensminger (Cindy) of Louisville, Tennessee; and Rachel Neis (Tim) of rural Mt. Pleasant. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Shane, Leah, Mallory, and Lillian; many great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a sister-in-law, Betty Ensminger; several nieces; a nephew; and a dear friend, Trudy Rodgers. He is also remembered by his treasured dog, Jenny.
George was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Donna, and two brothers, Robert and Richard Ensminger. His memory lives on in the hearts of all who shared in his life.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Rome Baptist Church, with Pastor Guy Sammons officiating. Burial will follow in the Grant Cemetery, rural Rome. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. on Friday at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant, where the family will be present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. that evening. Memorials may be directed to the Rome Baptist Church or to the Grant Cemetery in his memory.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com
Murphy Funeral Home of Mount. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.
Thomas LaVerne Judd, 67, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at his home.
Tom was born on October 3, 1957, in Mount Pleasant the son of LaVerne and Eva May (Humbert) Judd. Tom worked at the Henry County Health Center for a number of years and did lawn care and snow removal. He enjoyed going to Midwest Old Threshers and fishing on the Skunk River. Tom was a jokester and was always the life of the party. He was a loyal friend and was willing to help anyone he could.
Those thankful in sharing in his life include his sisters, Martha Messer and Nancy Landes, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews, along with his many friends at Mapleleaf Apartments, including his dear friend, Pam Baldwin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Maxine Nichols and two brothers, William Judd and Robert Judd.
According to his wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant and no services are planned at this time.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com
Murphy Funeral Home of Mount. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the Burlington riverfront Monday afternoon after reports of a woman jumping into the Mississippi River and drifting into the main channel.
At approximately 2:15pm, the Burlington Fire Department launched a boat in response to the incident. Witnesses indicated the woman was seen floating downstream toward the train bridge as rescue crews mobilized.
In a swift response, law enforcement officers utilized a privately owned boat already in the water to reach the woman more quickly than fire department crews could arrive. However, the situation escalated when the woman refused to get into the boat upon contact.
Officials remained in close proximity to her location, attempting to maintain communication and ensure her safety. The woman’s identity has not yet been released. No injuries have been reported.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
The Mount Pleasant Police Department has released an official statement regarding a traffic collision that occurred on Friday, May 16, involving a pickup truck and a juvenile on a bicycle in the 400 block of North Adams Street.
According to the department’s report, officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 3:57 p.m. after receiving a 911 call reporting a vehicle-versus-bicycle accident. The incident involved a 7-year-old boy who was riding his bike southbound on the west sidewalk and a blue 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, also heading south, driven by Jacob Swailes of Mount Pleasant.
Police say the juvenile abruptly veered off the sidewalk and into the roadway, resulting in a collision with the Silverado. The boy sustained a scrape and bruising to his face but was conscious and alert when first responders arrived. He was transported to Henry County Health Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
In the statement, authorities confirmed that the driver showed no signs of impairment, and no citations have been issued at this time. Officers reviewed camera footage to determine the sequence of events and concluded that the collision occurred after the juvenile made a sharp turn into traffic.
The Mount Pleasant Police Department urges drivers and pedestrians alike to remain alert and exercise caution, particularly in areas where children are present.
The department expressed appreciation for the quick response by Henry County Emergency Medical Services and confirmed that the case remains open as they complete standard investigative procedures.
Officer Kyle Vaughn has been assigned to the incident.
This summer, the spirit of jazz will do more than fill the air—it’ll be served on the rocks, with a twist of cabaret. For the first time ever, the Bart Howard Cabaret Cocktail Competition is joining the lineup of the Burlington Jazz Festival, bringing a spirited new tradition to downtown July 25–26.
In honor of Burlington native and iconic songwriter Bart Howard—best known for the timeless jazz standard “Fly Me to the Moon”—local bars and restaurants will shake, stir, and pour their way into the spotlight with original cocktails inspired by Howard’s legacy, jazz culture, and cabaret flair.
Festival-goers will have a delicious say in the competition. Patrons can sample entries at participating venues and cast their votes using ballots available on-site throughout the weekend. Final votes must be dropped off at Night Cap by 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26.
Winners will be crowned that night during the lively 3rd Street Block Party, with titles awarded in categories such as Most Creative, Best Garnish, and Crowd Favorite. And in a sweet bonus, one lucky voter will walk away with a $100 cash prize, just for participating.
But it’s not just about the cocktails—it’s about the cause. Proceeds from cocktail entry fees and sales will benefit local music education programs, ensuring the next generation of musicians continues Burlington’s jazz legacy.
Businesses interested in competing can submit their entries now at btownjazzfest.com, while curious cocktail lovers can follow The Capitol’s social media to preview the lineup of libations.
Whether you’re mixing, sipping, or swinging to the beat, the Bart Howard Cabaret Cocktail Competition promises a weekend where jazz isn’t just heard—it’s tasted.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed the state’s first measles case of the year. The case involves an unvaccinated adult in central Iowa who tested positive at the State Hygienic Laboratory. This marks Iowa’s first reported measles case since 2019.
The individual is part of a broader, evolving national outbreak. Iowa now joins 31 other U.S. jurisdictions that have reported measles cases in 2025. So far this year, the outbreak has led to 1,024 confirmed cases and three deaths nationwide.
According to HHS, a comprehensive investigation has been completed, and public health officials are reaching out to people identified as having close contact with the individual. No large-scale public exposure is expected.
“Prevention starts with vaccination,” said Dr. Robert Kruse, Iowa’s State Medical Director. “The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is our most effective defense. It protects not only the person vaccinated but also those in the community who cannot be vaccinated—such as infants and individuals with weakened immune systems.”
Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus, spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash. The illness can lead to serious health complications: about 1 in 10 people infected in the U.S. require hospitalization, and between 1 to 3 in every 1,000 children with measles die, even with access to quality healthcare.
The MMR vaccine is 97% effective in preventing measles. The first dose is recommended between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose at 4 to 6 years. In Iowa, 84% of 2-year-olds have received the MMR vaccine—below the 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks. Iowans covered by Medicaid can receive the vaccine at no cost, with no age restrictions.
Anyone experiencing measles symptoms or who believes they have been exposed should call their healthcare provider or emergency room before arriving to avoid spreading the virus.
For more information, visit the Iowa HHS measles information page at: https://hhs.iowa.gov/center-acute-disease-epidemiology/disease-information.
