Russell R. Sandy

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 at 10:52 am CDT
Russell R. Sandy, 88, of Mount Pleasant, died Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Russ was born on July 27, 1937, in Sandoval, IL, the son of Adrian and Gudruda Sandy. He was saved and then baptized at Sandoval Baptist Church on March 27, 1955. He then graduated from Sandoval High School that May. In November, he was married to Donna Sechrest of Salem, IL. They later divorced. Russ worked several jobs throughout his lifetime, but his main career was institutional food sales. If you were to ask him what his most rewarding job was, he would tell you it was being a paraeducator at an elementary school until he officially retired. On July 5, 1987, Russ was united in marriage to Diana Flack, in Kansas City, MO. The couple made their home in Olathe, KS, prior to moving to Mount Pleasant in 2014. While in Olathe, Russ was extremely active in their church, having also served as an ordained deacon in prior churches. Russ had three things that he absolutely loved: serving the Lord, his family, and working with his hands. His hobbies included wood carving, leather work, and stained glass. He could always be found finding something to fix or tinker with. Russ attended Calvary Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant.

Russ is survived by his wife Diana; four children Mark Sandy of Lee’s Summit, MO; Lisa (Jerry) Toops of Wayland, MO; Scott (Karen) Colstrom of Osage City, KS; Todd (Suzanne) Colstrom of Gardner, KS; grandchildren John (Nadia) Sandy, Jason (Ashlee) Sandy, Brian Sandy, Brandi (Cody) Kreisel, Brittany (Joseph) Nigro, Tanner (Ashlee) Toops, Tara Toops, Tucker Toops, Megan (Andrew Zeserman) Colstrom, Max Colstrom, Ava Colstrom; great grandchildren John, Daniela, Kaylee, Wyatt, Jacob, Mikaela, Colton, Easton, Clara; great great grandchildren Charlotte, Elliot; sisters-in-law Charlene Woods, Elaine Woods, Ramona Sandy, Susan (Stephan) Eiermann, Paula (Bruce) Doyle, and brother-in-law Jim Delehanty.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Wilma Jean (Stan) Leith, Jim Woods, Raymond Woods, Phil Sandy, Bev Wiseman, Jolynne Harling; and sister-in-law Ann Delehanty.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staffs of the Hospice House and SE Iowa Regional Medical Center for the excellent care of Russ and the family.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the Floral Hills Cemetery in Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association – Iowa Chapter. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for Russ and his family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com

State Corrects Posting Error in New London School Board Election Results

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 at 10:39 am CDT

UPDATE (10 a.m.) — Henry County Auditor Robin Detrick has confirmed that the discrepancy in the New London School Board election results was due to a data entry error at the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office.

According to Detrick, communication with the Secretary of State’s Office Wednesday morning clarified that the state office had incorrectly entered the New London School Board results on the Iowa election website. The mistake has since been corrected, and the official online results now reflect the accurate numbers as originally submitted by Henry County.

Henry County’s official totals for the Director At-Large race are as follows:

  • Kyle Helmerson – 367 votes (41.10%) ✅

  • Jessica Boyer – 321 votes (35.96%) ✅

  • Josh Housman – 205 votes (22.96%)

Based on these results, Helmerson and Boyer have been elected to the New London School Board.

Detrick emphasized that the county’s results were accurate from the beginning and that the issue stemmed from the state’s data entry process, not local reporting.

KILJ News will continue to monitor and report any additional updates related to Tuesday’s election results.

Large Field Fire East of Mount Pleasant Contained Tuesday Afternoon

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 at 9:37 am CDT

A large field fire broke out Tuesday afternoon, November 4th, east of Mount Pleasant, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and drawing response from multiple fire departments. 

The blaze was reported behind the property at 2273 Highway 34, just before Hinkle Auto Sales, as motorists traveling toward Mount Pleasant noticed heavy smoke and flames spreading rapidly through an open field. 

The Mount Pleasant Fire Department was first on scene with a brush truck and water truck, facing a fire line stretching roughly 300 to 600 yards through dry grass and stubble. Firefighters worked quickly to establish control lines as gusty winds pushed flames across the field. 

Mount Pleasant crews were later assisted by the New London Fire Department, helping to contain the blaze before it could reach nearby properties. 

No injuries were reported, and no structures were damaged. The cause of the fire is said to be from a burn barrel. 

Henry County Auditors Investigate Discrepancy in New London School Board Election Results

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 at 9:18 am CDT

UPDATE:

As of 10 a.m., KILJ News has heard from Henry County Auditor Robin Detrick, who confirmed communication with the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office regarding the discrepancy. Detrick clarified that the Secretary of State’s Office entered the New London School Board results incorrectly on the Iowa election website.

The Iowa Secretary of State’s Office has since acknowledged the mistake and corrected the error online, confirming that the Henry County numbers were accurate as originally submitted.

KILJ will continue to monitor and report on any further updates related to Tuesday’s election results.

———————

As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, KILJ News is in contact with the Henry County Auditor’s Office and the Secretary of Iowa’s Office regarding the New London School Board Director-at-Large election results from yesterday.

The auditor’s office reported a potential discrepancy in the vote information being transmitted to the Iowa Secretary of State’s office. Officials in Henry County say they believe the correct results were submitted from their office. According to their records:

  • Jessica Boyer received 321 votes from Henry County.

  • Josh Housman received 205 votes from Henry County.

  • Kyle Helmerson received 367 votes from Henry County.

Based on these totals, it appears that Jessica Boyer and Kyle Helmerson would be elected to the New London School Board.

To clarify the discrepancy, both KILJ and the Henry County Auditor’s Office have reached out to the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office for further information.

KILJ will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. The Henry County Auditor’s Office has reassured the public that they believe the correct information was submitted to the state.

New London Community School District Results according to Henry County Auditors office:

Director At-Large (Vote for 2)

  • Kyle Helmerson – 367 (41.10%) ✅
  • Jessica Boyer – 321 (22.96%) ✅
  • Josh Housman – 205 (22.96%)

Sports, November 5th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

Postseason High School Volleyball

The quarterfinals finished up play yesterday and Class 3A featured the only upsets of the day.

For Class 3A, #1 Western Christian punched their ticket to a record 25th straight semifinal match after sweeping #8 Mt. Vernon. The Wolfpack tallied a kill efficiency of 0.380 with just six errors on the match. #5 Humboldt will get to take on the challenge after the Wildcats swept Cherokee Washington in dominant fashion. The semifinal showdown will be at 2 pm today.

In the bottom half of the bracket, #2 Assumption handled #7 Mid-Prairie in straight sets. Jovi Evans tabbed seven kills in the loss as the Golden Hawks finished with a 30-10 record for the season. The Knights will take on #6 Kuemper Catholic at 2:25 pm today after Kuemper Catholic pulled off the upset against #3 Red Oak in four sets. 

Over in Class 2A, #1 Denver started their campaign for a second straight state championship with a sweep against #8 Wapsie Valley, averaging a win differential of 11 points per set. #4 Grundy Center rallied back from a two-set deficit to defeat #5 Beckman Catholic 15-13 in the tiebreaker set. The semifinal matchup between Denver and Grundy Center will take place today at 4 pm.

#2 Dike-New Hartford defeated #7 Aplington-Parkersburg in straight sets, while #3 Hinton took down #6 Regina Catholic in four sets. The Blackhawks and Wolverines will face off today at 4:25 pm. 

Lastly, in Class 1A, #1 Saint Ansgar crushed #8 East Mills in straight sets last night to advance to the semifinals where they will play #4 Dunkerton, who nearly blew a two-set-to-nothing lead against #5 BCLUW but escaped with a 15-8 victory in the fifth set. The Saints and Raiders will play at 6 pm tonight. 

The night concluded with #2 Janesville taking down #7 Gladbrook-Reinbeck in four sets and #3 North Tama sweeping #6 Sidney. The Redhawks and Wildcats will square off tonight at 6:25 pm.

In Class 5A, #1 Waukee Northwest will take on #5 Ankeny today at 10 am, while #2 Ankeny Centennial and #6 Valley will meet at 10:25 am.

For Class 4A, #1 Clear Creek Amana will take on #5 North Scott in the semifinals today at noon. #2 Sioux Center and #3 Pella will meet in the semifinals today at 12:25 pm.

Postseason High School Football

For Class 3A Pod B, Solon will host Winterset on Friday, November 7th, at 7 pm.

For Class 2A Pod C, Mid-Prairie will take on Van Meter on Friday at 7 pm. 

For Eight-Player Pod D, Iowa Valley will face off against Audubon at home tomorrow, November 6th, at 7 pm for their quarterfinal matchup. 

High School All-District Teams

District 5 for Eight-Player released their All-District Teams yesterday and Iowa Valley’s Nolan Kriegle defended his Offensive MVP from last season after leading the state in total touchdowns this season. Casey Krull of Iowa Valley took home All-District Head Coach for the second straight season. 

WACO put five on the 1st Team with Hayden Shelman being named 1st Team running back as the junior produced 1,212 rushing yards and 22 total touchdowns for the season. Adam Stafford was named 1st Team offensive lineman as he helped pave the way for an offense that compiled 2,054 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns. Niles Reichenbach took home 1st Team kicker and linebacker as he nailed a 30-yard field goal and amassed 35 tackles. Lastly, Trey Edeker’s eight tackles for loss earned the senior 1st Team defensive lineman.

Casey Coakley, Tyler Rogers, Sam Meyer, and Raefe Davison were named to the 2nd Team.

Winfield-Mt. Union had seven players find a spot on the All-District Team. Tayson Samuels and Max Edwards were named to the 1st Team as pass catchers. Samuels hauled in 53 receptions for 615 yards and three touchdowns, while Edwards led the team with eight receiving touchdowns on 46 catches for 580 yards. Throwing the ball was 1st Team punter and 2nd Team quarterback Cody Milks. The junior averaged 36 yards per punt and tossed for 1,404 yards and 13 touchdowns, while running for another five scores.

Grant Anderson earned his second 1st Team offensive lineman honor as he provided the lanes for four yards per carry and the necessary time for Milks to throw the ball. 

On the 2nd Team, Gabe Cummings claimed a spot on the offensive line, while Nicholas Sparrow totaled 380 yards and seven touchdowns as a running back for the Wolves. On the 2nd Team defense, Wyatt Palmer was named 2nd Team defensive lineman. 

For a full list of the All-District Teams, follow this link: Eight-Player All-District 5 Teams

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will travel to Fort Dodge for the Region 11 championship match at 7 pm tonight against Iowa Central Community College. 

The women’s basketball team roared back from a slow first half to pull off the 77-76 comeback victory over Carl Sandburg Community College last night. The Blackhawks will host Black Hawk College at 5 pm on Wednesday, November 12th.

The men’s basketball team will host the Midwest Classic on Friday, November 7th, with game one at 7 pm.

College Football

Iowa State will make the trip to TCU on Saturday, November 8th, at 2:30 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

Iowa will host #6 Oregon on Saturday at 2:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call.

College Basketball

The #21 Iowa women’s team will host Evansville on Sunday, November 9th, at 2 pm.

The Iowa men’s team secured their first win in the Ben McCollum era, crushing Robert Morris last night 101-69. Bennett Stirtz stuffed the stat sheet in the winning effort, cashing in for 19 points, six assists, and four steals. The Hawkeyes will stay at home for their Friday, November 7th, matchup against Western Illinois at 6 pm.

The #14 Iowa State women’s team will go against Southern University tonight at 6:30 pm at home.

The #16 Iowa State men’s team will face off against Grambling State tomorrow, November 6th, at 7 pm at home.

This Day in Sports History

1967 – The New Orleans Saints pick up their first franchise victory, beating the Philadelphia Eagles 31-24.

1968 – MLB Detroit Tiger Denny McLain becomes the first AL pitcher to win MVP, winning unanimously.

1978 – Oakland Raider’s John Madden becomes the 13th coach to win 100 NFL games.

The Mount Pleasant Ordinance Committee Wednesday, November 12, 2025 Agenda

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 at 4:59 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Ordinance Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at

9:00 a.m. at City Hall in the City Administrators’ Conference Room.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Discuss Hazardous Waste and Fire Department Service Fees Ordinance

3. Discuss Amending Agreement with All God’s Creatures for kittens

4. Discuss Amending Ordinance on Animal/Fowl Limiting Number of Pets

5. Discuss Ongoing Nuisances

6. Open Forum

7. Adjourn

Henry County Supervisors Agenda November 6, 2025

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 at 4:48 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

November 6, 2025

9:00 a.m.

1. Approval of Agenda

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Approval of Claims

4. Department Head Meeting

5. County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss Weekly Updates

6. Henry County Snow Removal Bids

Supervisors’ Sub-Committees

Henry County Election Results: Official City and School Election

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 at 10:06 pm CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa (Nov. 4, 2025) — The Henry County Auditor’s Office has released the unofficial results from Tuesday’s City and School Election. All nine precincts have reported, with 2,695 ballots cast out of 15,498 registered voters, for a 17.39% voter turnout.

For a complete breakdown of all Election results: Results

City of Mount Pleasant

Mayor

  • Steve Brimhall – 716 (65.87%) ✅
  • Kim Conrad – 371 (34.13%)
  • Total Votes: 1,087
  • Undervotes: 17 | Overvotes: 1

City Council At-Large

  • Terry McWilliams – 918 (100%) ✅

City Council Ward 2

  • Robert Griffith – 226 (100%) ✅
  • Undervotes: 23

City Council Ward 4

  • Matthew Barton – 246 (100%) ✅
  • Undervotes: 52 | Overvotes: 1

Mount Pleasant Community School District

Director At-Large

  • Josh Maher – 1,368 (Unopposed) ✅

Director District 1

  • Craig Hurd – 823 (50.4%) ✅
  • Melinda Husinga – 810 (49.6%)
  • Undervotes: 111 | Overvotes: 2

Director District 2

  • Kevin Schrader – 850 (51.58%) ✅
  • Derek Mullen – 798 (48.42%)
  • Undervotes: 98

City of Coppock

Mayor

  • No votes recorded
    City Council At-Large (Vote for 4)
  • 16 total votes recorded, none assigned

City of Hillsboro

City Council At-Large (Vote for 3)

  • Michaeleen Kaeser – 8 (24.24%)
  • Steven Jorgensen – 15 (45.45%) ✅
  • Myron Helmers – 10 (30.30%) ✅
  • Undervotes: 18

City of Olds

Mayor

  • Candice Curry – 24 (100%) ✅
  • Undervotes: 12

City Council At-Large (Vote for 2)

  • Jason Waterhouse – 26 (46.43%) ✅
  • Timothy Faller – 17 (30.36%) ✅
  • Timothy Breuer – 13 (23.21%)

City of Rome

Mayor

  • Jeremy Lanferman – 6 (100%) ✅

City Council At-Large (Vote for 5)

  • Lester Garrison – 6 (20.69%)
  • Ashley Schultz – 6 (20.69%)
  • John Anderson – 6 (20.69%)
  • Clayton Sammons – 6 (20.69%)
  • Sandy Johnson – 6 (20.69%)

City of Salem

Mayor

  • JC Lambert – 69 (79.31%) ✅
  • Cody Cousins – 18 (20.69%)

City Council At-Large (Vote for 2)

  • Tarrant French – 49 (28.99%) ✅
  • Aaron Berry – 26 (15.38%)
  • Haley Swinscoe – 36 (21.30%) ✅
  • Kaitlin Cousins – 18 (10.65%)
  • John Wagner – 25 (14.79%)
  • Kenneth Guinther – 3 (1.78%)
  • Justin Traman – 12 (7.10%)

City of Wayland

Mayor

  • Travis Shelman – 116 (100%) ✅
  • Undervotes: 12

City Council At-Large (Vote for 2)

  • Jamie Roth – 115 (50.00%) ✅
  • Caylon DeVaul – 115 (50.00%) ✅
  • Undervotes:

City of Winfield

City Council At-Large 

    • David Piert – 116 (40.42%) ✅
    • Scott Jennings – 67 (32.34%)
    • Jennifer Lemke – 104 (36.24%)
    • Undervotes: 115

City of Westwood

Mayor

  • Brant Knudsen – 34 (100%) ✅

City Council At-Large (Vote for 3)

  • Gary Lane – 41 (36.28%) ✅
  • Zachary Moehle – 38 (33.63%) ✅
  • Monte Knudsen – 34 (30.09%) ✅

Council To Fill a Vacancy

  • Dee Bumgardner – 38 (100%) ✅

City of New London

City Council At-Large (Vote for 3)

  • Dan Berner – 258 (29.86%) ✅
  • Scott Campbell – 226 (26.16%) ✅
  • John Doyle – 149 (17.25%)
  • Undervotes: 231 (26.74%)

WACO Community School District

Director At-Large

  • Bryce Shelman – 302 (Unopposed) ✅

Director District 2

  • Tim Graber – 282 (Unopposed) ✅

Director District 4

  • Barb Shelman – 297 (Unopposed) ✅

New London Community School District

Director At-Large (Vote for 2)

  • Kyle Helmerson – 367 (41.10%) ✅
  • Jessica Boyer – 321 (22.96%) ✅
  • Josh Housman – 205 (22.96%)

Winfield-Mt. Union School District

Director At-Large (Vote for 2)

  • Aaron Cummings – 134 (42.81%) ✅
  • Grant Klopfenstein – 161 (51.44%) ✅
  • Josh Housman – 18 (5.751%)

Public Measures

WACO Measure JZ – PASSED ✅

  • YES: 198 (62.26%)
  • NO: 120 (37.74%)

Winfield-Mt. Union Measure KA – PASSED ✅

  • YES: 94 (72.87%)
  • NO: 35 (27.13%)

For a complete breakdown of all Election results: Results