Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig highlighted the strong start to harvest season following the release of the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The weekly report, issued April through November, tracks field conditions, crop maturity, and harvest progress across the state. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship also provides a weather summary during this period.
“Combines are rolling all across Iowa,” said Secretary Naig. “The warm and dry weather is allowing farmers to make good progress on corn and soybean harvest. With the favorable weather expected to hold through next week, farmers should be able to continue making harvest headway, though conditions
may be a bit dusty. As we get a little further into the start of October, outlooks are indicating a possible shift back to more chances of widespread rain.”
According to the report, dry weather created 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 28. Warm temperatures helped speed crop maturity, with farmers across the state focused on corn and soybean harvest.
Soil conditions remain largely adequate. Topsoil moisture was rated 65 percent adequate, with 27 percent rated short to very short and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was 70 percent adequate, with 23 percent short to very short and 7 percent surplus.
Corn is advancing steadily, with nearly all of the crop dented or beyond. Eighty percent of corn has reached maturity, running four days ahead of last year and one day ahead of the five-year average. Corn harvest for grain is 15 percent complete, about four days ahead of last year. Moisture content in harvested corn averaged 20 percent. Crop condition was rated 71 percent good to excellent.
Soybeans are also nearing completion in maturity stages. Ninety-five percent of soybeans have turned color, while 83 percent were dropping leaves—both slightly ahead of average. Harvest progress reached 17 percent, trailing last year and the five-year average by three days. Soybean condition was rated 73 percent good to excellent.
Pasture conditions held steady, with 53 percent rated good to excellent.
The full weekly report is available at nass.usda.gov.
Every day, someone in America becomes a victim of fraud. To help protect Iowans from scams and financial exploitation, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services is bringing the Iowa Fraud Fighters program to Mt. Pleasant.
The community is invited to attend a free seminar on Tuesday, October 21st at 6:30 PM at Veterans Hall, 300 W. Monroe St., Mt. Pleasant.
The program will highlight:
· Common scam tactics used to trick unsuspecting victims.
· Tips for prevention to protect savings and personal information.
· Reporting resources to stop fraudsters and help others.
The Iowa Fraud Fighters initiative is designed to educate and empower residents, especially seniors, to recognize warning signs and take action against scams. Attendees will walk away with practical tools to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from financial fraud.
For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services website or attend the event in person.
IowaWINs (Iowa Welcomes Immigrant Neighbors) is marking a milestone—its 10-Year Anniversary—with a special celebration in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, October 18.
The event will feature a presentation by Rev. Craig Mousin, an attorney, professor, author, and ordained minister who has devoted more than three decades to ministry and advocacy for immigrants and refugees. His keynote address will take place at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel Auditorium, 629 N. Main, and is free and open to the public.
After the presentation, guests are invited to gather at The Belle Center, located just across the street, for refreshments and interactive “break-out” sessions. These conversations will offer opportunities to
engage with Rev. Mousin and others on topics central to IowaWINs’ mission and the experiences of immigrant and refugee families in Iowa communities.
Earlier in the day, at 11:00 a.m., IowaWINs will host its Annual Meeting in The Belle Center. The meeting will highlight the organization’s 2025 accomplishments and outline future goals. Community members and supporters are encouraged to attend.
For the past decade, IowaWINs has provided support, resources, and advocacy for immigrants and refugees in southeast Iowa. This anniversary celebration offers a chance to honor the contributions of volunteers, partners, and community members who have worked together to welcome neighbors and build stronger, more inclusive communities.
MEDIAPOLIS — Today, Rep. Taylor Collins threw his support behind Winfield resident Becky Wilson to be Henry County’s next top prosecutor.
“Involving myself in a Republican primary is not something I take lightly – but I can no longer sit idly by as Henry County law enforcement are under attack,” said Collins. “Today, I’m endorsing Becky Wilson in the Republican primary to be Henry County’s next top prosecutor.”
Collins endorsement comes after a Judge ruled Henry County Deputy Carlos Lopez was wrongfully placed on the Brady-Giglio list by current Henry County Attorney Darin Stater, and that he be immediately removed from the list.
“Henry County deserves a prosecutor that is focused on going after career criminals, not local law enforcement. Becky Wilson has my complete support in the Republican primary next June. It’s time to restore trust in the Henry County Attorney’s Office, and I know Becky will do exactly that.”
Mount Pleasant – Democratic gubernatorial candidate and State Auditor Rob Sand brought his “Sandstorm Tour” to a packed room at the First Presbyterian Church on Monday afternoon, delivering a message of accountability, local empowerment, and practical solutions to Iowa’s toughest challenges.
A Conversation with KILJ
Before the event, KILJ News Director Hayden Douglas asked Sand for his “elevator pitch” to Henry County voters.
Sand added that his administration would invest in education, reverse Medicaid privatization, and end what he calls “wasteful giveaways to the wealthy,” while maintaining Iowa’s balanced-budget tradition.
Rob highlighted Iowa’s tradition of political reform, noting that the state pioneered nonpartisan redistricting and merit-based judicial appointments. He called for opening the system to more competition so lawmakers are forced to solve problems instead of pointing fingers.
Audience Questions: Local Control and Water Quality
The town hall featured a wide-ranging Q&A, where Sand fielded questions on everything from city authority, water quality, to public pensions.
One audience member pressed Sand on how a governor can support local governments. Sand said he wants to “protect home rule under the Iowa Constitution,” which gives counties and cities the ability to solve their own problems.
“People often associate Democrats with liking big government. I actually disagree,” Sand said. “The government that governs best is the one that governs most locally, closest to the people it represents. It’s hard to find me in Des Moines, but you can find your county attorney. When you look someone in the eye, you make fewer obviously wrong decisions.” He pledged to be an ally to mayors and county officials, promising no unfunded mandates and no state preemption of local decisions.
Another question focused on Iowa’s water quality. The audience member noted that the University of Iowa’s network of water-quality monitors has been dramatically reduced.
“You’re exactly right,” Sand said. “There’s a system of 500 water-quality monitors that has been defunded. Nitrate monitors went from 80 down to 20. That tells you two things: they know there’s a water quality problem, and their preference is to bury their heads in the sand. They don’t want you to know we have an issue—but we do.”
Sand said he is meeting with experts and farmers before releasing a formal plan. “Farmers are signing up for conservation programs and being denied funding,” he said. “Large majorities of farmers recognize the issue and want to do better. We need an effective, achievable plan, and I’m doing my homework before putting one forward.”
Money in Politics and State Privatization
Sand also addressed concerns about campaign finance, the Department of Corrections, and privatized state services. He criticized the state’s expansion of private contracts—such as Medicaid management and school voucher administration—that he said pay out-of-state companies millions while underfunding local staff.
“If you just pay employees to do a job, you’re paying them to do a job,” he said. “If you hire a big company and give them a cut, they can come back again and again for more.”
On public pensions, Sand promised to protect Iowa’s IPERS system:
“If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said, warning against efforts to cut benefits without increasing wages. “Otherwise fewer people will sign up to do the work taxpayers need.”
Supporting Teachers and Changing the Narrative
The final question came from a retired educator who spoke emotionally about negative rhetoric toward Iowa teachers. Sand responded with a personal story about his mother, a longtime Area Education Agency employee.
“These are people who put their lives into serving others,” Sand said. “I’m sick and tired of state government being run by people who think it’s okay to insult teachers. My answer to those critics is simple: go volunteer in a classroom and see the incredible work happening every day.”
Looking Ahead
As the event wrapped up, Sand reminded the crowd that his campaign depends on volunteers and grassroots support. He urged attendees to share his message, follow him on social media, and help build a movement that goes beyond party labels.
“This campaign isn’t about red or blue—it’s about better and truer,” Sand said. “If you’re ready to help flip some tables in Des Moines, join us.”
The Sandstorm Tour will continue with stops in all 99 counties as Sand builds momentum toward the 2026 governor’s race.
Janet Rae “Jan” Alvine, 77, of rural Mt. Pleasant, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Sunrise Terrace Care Center in Winfield, on what was her 55th wedding anniversary.
Jan was born September 12, 1948 in Mt. Pleasant. She was the daughter of Wilbur C. and Henrietta (Hingst) Cooper. Her early education years were in Salem, IA, and later in Mt. Pleasant. Jan graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School as a member of the Class of 1966. Friends introduced her to her future husband at the former Jerry’s Pizza, uptown Mt. Pleasant. On September 26, 1970, at Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jan was united in marriage to Carl Eric Alvine.
Following high school, Jan enrolled in the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. While working as a nurse, Jan furthered her nursing education and received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Iowa Wesleyan College.
Jan worked for the SE Iowa Renal Dialysis Unit as she began a nursing career. Janu then accepted a position with Mercy Hospital in the late 1980’s. She worked in several departments of the hospital, eventually becoming a Supervisor in the Intensive Care Unit. Jan retired from Mercy Hospital in 2013.
Jan was a member of Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church where she led the Sunday School Music Program and served on the Church Council. She was a member of the former WELCA (ladies’ society) of the church. Jan was also a member of the Olds American Legion Auxiliary Post.
Those thankful for sharing in Jan’s life include her husband Carl of Mt. Pleasant; three children – Kent Alvine of Swedesburg, Kurt Alvine of Mt. Pleasant and Kay Hotchkiss and her husband Russell of Robins, IA, and one grandson – Keegan Hotchkiss of Robins.
Her parents precede Jan in death.
Friends may call from 12 Noon to 7PM on Thursday, October 2, at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 5-7 PM on Thursday evening.
A memorial funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 3 at the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Reverend Mark Youngquist will officiate. Burial will be in the Swedesburg Lutheran Cemetery.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the family for charitable causes to be chosen later.
On Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.
Schools across the area are coming together today to honor the memory of Carson Ryan, a Washington High School senior who tragically passed away Sunday morning following a weekend accident. Students, staff, and community members are wearing orange and black, Washington’s school colors, to show their support for Ryan’s family, friends, and classmates during this difficult time.
The Washington Community School District announced Carson’s passing earlier this week and shared that support services are available to students, including district counselors, the school nurse, the school support team, AEA staff, and trained counselors from neighboring schools.
In a statement, the district described Carson as “a truly kind, thoughtful, and caring presence”. He had recently been named to the school’s homecoming court, a reflection of the respect and admiration he earned among his peers.
According to an update from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the fatal incident occurred Saturday around 3 p.m. in rural Brighton. Carson, 17, was squirrel hunting when he was accidentally shot by another member of his hunting party, who mistook him for a squirrel. He was struck in the back of the head and transported to UI Health Care Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries. The Iowa DNR, along with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, is continuing to investigate the accident.
As the community continues to grieve, Washington schools and neighboring districts are encouraging students and staff to lean on one another and to take advantage of the resources offered
Joseph Andrew “Joe” McSorley, 64, of Winfield, passed away at his residence in Winfield on Thursday, September 25, 2025, with his family close at hand.
Joe was born August 20, 1961 in Norfolk, Virginia, while his father was stationed there with the United States Navy. He was the son of Jimmie Lynn and Maxine Joy (Jamison) Mc Sorley. Joe came back to the family hometown of Winfield in 1970 following his father’s service to the Navy. Joe graduated from Winfield-Mt. Union High School in 1979. On June 6, 1981 in Mt. Pleasant, Joe was united in marriage to Pamela Jean “Pam” Ruby.
Joe worked to establish his own business, forming the Winfield Manufacturing Company with his father Jim in 1987, producing a grain spreading machine for which they held the patent. He manufactured the machines individually by hand and sold them to several implement dealers around the country. Joe operated the company up until the time of his death.
Joe also worked for 10 years at the Mt. Pleasant Correctional Institute. Joe’s commitment to civic duty led Joe to be a member of the Winfield Volunteer Fire Department for 28 years.
Joe loved to be outdoors, and his many hobbies allowed him to do that. Joe hunted for rocks and Indian artifacts. He had a substantial collection of Indian arrow heads. Joe enjoyed fishing and deer hunting. His love of hunting led to his formation of the Winfield Bow Hunters Club. However, no amount of outdoors took the place of his favorite thing to do – spending time with his grandchildren.
Those thankful for sharing in Joe’s life include his wife of 44 years, Pam of Winfield; 6 children – Eric (Brandi) Smith of Wapello, Clint (Amanda) Smith of Tampa, FL, Brandy (Jeff) Smith of Winfield, Andrew (Samantha) McSorley of Riverside, Nikki McSorley of Ft. Madison and Dan (Hope) McSorley of Winfield, and a sister – Cynthia Cozine of Muscatine, IA. Joe will especially be missed by his 16 grandchildren – Brianna, Hunter (Haley), Samantha, Brady (Lauren), Carter, Hadley, Mackenzie, Blakely, Madden, Briston, Ally, Hynlee, Benjamin, Camden, McCoy and Melia. Joe is also survived by a great grandson, Roland, and was happily expecting the birth of another great grandchild. Joe is also survived by his companion and “best boy” – his dog Colt.
Joe’s parents and brother Dale McSorley precede him in death.
A private family service will be held at a later date. Interment of Joe’s ashes will also occur later at the Bethel Cemetery, rural Wapello.
A memorial has been established for charities to be determined at a later date.
The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, is caring for Joe and his family.
