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Fundraising begins with fishing tournament at Oakland Mills
Anglers cast lines for a cause in Oakland Mills, raising funds — and community spirit — to help save the historic footbridge
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MT. PLEASANT — With the Skunk River running high and camp chairs lined up along the dam, more than 100 anglers turned out Saturday, June 7, for the first annual Catfish Tournament at Oakland Mills. The event kicked off fundraising efforts for Preserve Oakland Mills, a group determined to save the historic Oakland Mills footbridge.
The Oakland Mills Bridge was built in 1876 by the Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Company and originally carried Hickory Road across the Skunk River. The bridge features a rare, pinned Pratt through-truss design with steel stringer approaches supported by stone abutments and piers. Spanning roughly 358 feet, it is one of the oldest truss bridges of its kind still standing in Iowa.
It was converted to pedestrian use in the 1970s and later became part of the Oakland Mills Park trail system. In 1998, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Closed in 2023 following a safety inspection, the structure now faces possible demolition unless funding can be secured for repairs estimated to cost between $2-4 million.
Local residents are now banding together to restore it for public use and historical preservation.
“We are so thankful to everyone in our community who stepped up and helped out,” the committee said in a statement following the event.
They thanked everyone from those that contributed prizes to those that fished, and weighed the fish.
“[Thank you to] those who had compliments and encouragement before, during and after … and The Committee,” the statement read. “This is the first of many events we hope to do with the goal to [Save the Bridge].”
Participants competed for prizes, including biggest fish and heaviest stringer. The day also included a silent auction and a freewill donation catfish fry hosted by Lu Lu’s Landing.
“It was a great time,” Attendee said Jodi Stauffacher said. “I can’t wait for the next event.”
After the event, Lu Lu’s Landing owner Marcy Davis shared her appreciation.
“So happy to see all the participants for yesterday's fish tournament for Preserve Oakland Mills and Save Our Bridge,” she said. “So thankful for everybody that donated and came and enjoyed our event and came to the fish fry afterward. All of your responses have meant the world to all of us on the committee.”
Preserve Oakland Mills formed in mid-2024 and has held regular meetings, including public planning sessions. Earlier this year, Henry County Conservation Director Caleb Waters.
“The group that I'm working with, they are bound and determined to get things rolling,” he said in February. “Obviously it’s going to be a pretty extensive project and could be fairly costly. But … it looks like we’re going to have [community support].”
The group’s next fundraising event is a disc golf tournament, set for Saturday, June 21, at Oakland Mills. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with a 9:30 a.m. tee-off. Lunch will be available by freewill donation at Lu Lu’s Landing, and loaner discs will be provided for participants.
Supporters say this summer’s events are just the beginning of a broader campaign to preserve a piece of local history — one cast, one catch, and one community at a time.
Those interested in donating, fundraising or volunteering are encouraged to reach out members of the committee which include Steve Davis, Marcy Davis, Miranda Pratt, Nathan Menke, Steve Bain, Terri Bain, and Brenda Carver. The committee can be contacted via email at preserveoaklandmill@gmail.com
Contributions were made to this article by New London Journal Reporter Virginia Ekstrand.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
