This is your KILJ News 2025 Quarter Three Year in Review, brought to you by Two Rivers Bank & Trust, highlighting the biggest local stories from July through September 2025 – weather, agriculture, education, community events and economic developments in Mount Pleasant and the broader southeast Iowa region.
WEATHER
Quarter Three of 2025 in southeast Iowa saw a stormy midsummer give way to a warm, drier start to fall. July brought heavy rainfall — 9.2 inches, over 5 inches above average — keeping soils saturated and raising occasional flooding concerns across Iowa. August stayed warm and humid with occasional storms, while September was warmer but drier, signaling the transition into fall – a weather pattern that shaped local events, agriculture, and day-to-day life across southeast Iowa.
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture in quarter three of 2025 blended solid harvest progress and generally good yields with economic and market pressures. Local weather patterns supported fieldwork and crop maturity, contributing to harvest activity that often ran ahead of schedule for the season. However, challenges including disease pressures, tighter margins, and a farmland market that is more stable than booming reminding Southeast Iowa farmers that profitability remains sensitive to commodity price and rising input cost trends.
COMMUNITY
The 75th Midwest Old Threshers Reunion held August 28–September 1, marked a historic milestone, celebrating three-quarters of a century of preserving our rich agricultural heritage, steam power, and rural traditions in Southeast Iowa. The weather was perfect, with clear skies, warm days, and comfortable evenings leading to a new attendance record, drawing more than 38,000 visitors over the five-day event.
Attendees experienced 88 steam engines, 1,047 tractors, 101 antique cars and trucks, and 643 gas engines on working display. The entertainment on the KILJ Stage included the Malpass Brothers on Thursday, Cooper Alan on Friday, Priscilla Block on Saturday, and, for the first time ever, Sunday night featured a comedian versus a musical performance. Legendary comedian Jeff Foxworthy performed to a sold out crowd and if the laughs were any indication, it was the perfect rounding out to celebrate 75 years!
Along with a great Old Threshers Reunion, Mount Pleasant High School capped the quarter with spirited 2025 homecoming festivities, including “Pink Panther Day,” the traditional Boom Night with Powder Puff football, Royalty Court announcements, and a rivalry football game that energized the community’s support for the Panthers. Ramzey Davis was crowned MPHS Homecoming King and Alex Scott took the title of 2025 Homecoming Queen.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
In August, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) approved a major manufacturing investment for ContiTech USA, LLC in Mount Pleasant. The project — a substantial expansion of the existing facility — represents a multi-million-dollar capital infusion and is projected to create approximately 50 new jobs with competitive wages. The expansion includes a new state-of-the-art compounding center that will enhance production, warehousing, and office capacity, reinforcing Mount Pleasant’s manufacturing sector.
This project reflects ongoing regional economic momentum by leveraging industrial strengths and workforce development opportunities.
SCHOOL
From July through September, the Mount Pleasant Community School District was busy preparing for the new school year and advancing key projects.
In July, Superintendent John Henriksen announced his intent to retire at the end of the 2025–2026 school year. The school board prepared for a superintendent search anticipated later in the academic cycle, which you’ll hear more about in Quarter Four. Enrollment opened in mid‑July, and students returned to classes on August 25th.
A new Personal electronic devices policy was implemented statewide in 2025. The use of all cell phones, smart phones, gaming devices, and media players was prohibited during instructional time at school – an adjustment for students, parents, and school staff.
In September, a special session board meeting included discussions on a proposed agricultural education greenhouse and initial plans for the demolition of the PEO Memorial Building, which led to much discussion on preservation efforts from local organizations and community members.
PUBLIC SAFTY
On September 2, law enforcement executed a significant narcotics investigation resulting in the arrest of a Mount Pleasant individual and the seizure of a shipment containing illegal THC vape devices, marijuana products, and related contraband. The case underscored ongoing coordinated efforts by the Mount Pleasant Police Department, DEA, Iowa State Patrol, and the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force.
CITY
City Council actions during September included consideration of community development projects and support measures for business expansions, including resolutions connected to potential ContiTech growth. Infrastructure planning — such as street grading and airport hangar expansion — was also part of council discussions, reflecting ongoing operational priorities in municipal governance.
The council also held a scheduled public hearing regarding the proposed plans and specifications for the Second Baptist Church Project. On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, council members voted to table both the resolution to accept bids and a related asbestos removal contract. The committee advised that the city should step back, reevaluate options, and consider alternative planning before moving forward.
The City of Mount Pleasant and the Mount Pleasant School Board of Education spent much of October gearing up for the upcoming election in November. We will hear more about the results of that election, in our quarter four report.
COUNTY
In county news the Henry County board of supervisors focused on both governance and infrastructure. At the July 31 meeting, in addition to routine administrative items, the board took up a third reading of a standard penalty amendment and discussed the moratorium on commercial solar and battery storage zoning, reflecting ongoing consideration of local land‑use policy.
In August and September, the board turned its attention to local infrastructure projects. Planning and approvals moved forward for a bridge replacement on Fremont Avenue, along with ongoing maintenance and improvements across county roads, including Old Highway 34, Franklin Avenue, and 170th Street.
Supervisors also continued routine administrative work, keeping an eye on county finances and preparing for the next fiscal year’s budget. Public input remained a key part of each meeting, allowing residents to weigh in on matters ranging from infrastructure improvements to local ordinances.
As quarter three concluded, Mount Pleasant positioned itself for year-end momentum. Community traditions like the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion reinforced the city’s cultural identity and economic impact, while strategic industrial investments pointed toward expanded employment opportunities. Education leadership planning and active civic engagement suggested sustained community involvement as the region enters quarter four. And that’s your 2025 Quarter Three KILJ News Year in Review bringing you the stories that matter in Mount Pleasant and southeast Iowa, courtesy of Two Rivers Bank & Trust.