The Henry County Democrats are inviting the public to two special events in Mount Pleasant today, offering residents the chance to hear directly from candidates and connect with neighbors.
The day begins with a Town Hall featuring Rob Sand, Democratic candidate for governor, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 902 S. Walnut St. Sand will share his vision for Iowa’s future and take questions from voters in an open forum.
Following the town hall, the community is encouraged to head to Saunders Park’s Tri-T Shelter House for a Meet the Candidates Celebration from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The evening gathering will feature live music by Checks and Balances, a special community award presentation, and a variety of food from Miss K’s and Double Click Catering. Local Democratic candidates will also be on hand to meet with attendees and discuss key issues ahead of the upcoming election.
Both events are free and open to the public, making it a perfect opportunity to bring friends, family, and neighbors to learn more about the candidates and their plans for Iowa.
The Mount Pleasant Panther Marching Band delivered a strong performance this past Saturday, September 27, at the Shirley Moran Marching Band Festival hosted by Linn-Mar High School. Competing in Class 3A against some of the state’s top programs, Mount Pleasant earned an impressive 77.8 total score, securing 4th place in a highly competitive field.
The Panthers performed at 10:00 a.m., showcasing precision in music execution and visual presentation. Their effort was reflected in standout scores, including 152 in Music General Effect, 75 in Color Guard, and 80 in Percussion.
Independence claimed the Class 3A title with a commanding 84.8, followed by Mount Vernon (82.9), Xavier (80.9), and Mount Pleasant rounding out the top four.
Saturday’s performance continues Mount Pleasant’s tradition of excellence in marching competition, highlighting the band’s hard work and dedication under the leadership of its directors and staff. The Panthers will now look ahead to their upcoming contests, building on the momentum gained from their strong showing at Linn-Mar. The marching band will compete in the Davis County invitational this weekend.
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Karl Messer, 97, of Mount Pleasant died Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living. Funeral services are pending at the Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory.
Les Roth, 65, of rural Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 8:14 P.M. Friday September 26, 2025 at his home.
Born July 8, 1960 at Fort Madison, Iowa the son of Ivan L. And Elsie Irene(Morton) Roth. On April 8,1989 at St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton he married Lora Thompson.
Survivors include his wife Lora; Son: Brady (Emma) Roth; two daughters: Danika Roth and Sara Roth; Four grandchildren: Sophia, Bodhie, Lorelai and Greyson. Two sisters: Marjorie (Gary) Lightfoot and Miriam (Kurt) Freesmeier; Mother-in-law: Florence Thompson. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, father -in-law Clyde Thompson and brother-in-law Rick Thompson.
Les was a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. After graduating from Central Lee High School in 1978, he worked at Mt. Hamill Elevator driving truck until 1983 when he worked alongside his parents owning and operating Town and Country Grocery Store in Donnellson. His first love was also farming, where he raised cattle and became a Dekalb Seed Dealer. Active in his community, Les served on the Lee County Fair Board, the Evangelical Cemetery Board, and was a member of the Lee County Cattleman’s Association. He and his wife, Lora, also opened their home as foster parents for 14 years. A loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan, Les enjoyed coaching his children’s softball, baseball, and basketball teams, as well as volunteering at the scorer’s table for HTC sporting events. In his free time, he loved playing cards, going to the Iowa State Fair, camping, kayaking, and most of all, spending time with his family—especially his grandchildren.
His body has been entrusted to Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
Friends may call after 12:00 P.M. Tuesday September 30, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M., there will be a Christian wake service at 6:30 P.M.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday October 1, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton with Fr. Dan Dorau as Celebrant.
Burial will be in the St. John’s Cemetery in Houghton.
Memorials may be made to Together We Rise (for Foster Children).
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.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 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.
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. KILJ will release additional details as they become available.
Patricia Winheim, 79, of Keosauqua, Iowa, passed away at 12:20 p.m. Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Keosauqua Health Center.
She was born on September 19, 1946, in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Richard and Carmen (Murphy) Dearing. She married George Winheim.
She is survived by her husband: George; son: Eric (Carrie) Winheim of Libertyville, Iowa; four grandchildren: Pearl, Gretta, Patrick (Samantha) Winheim, Christian Douthart and two great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Pat was a graduate of Fort Madison High School. She graduated with honors from the University of Iowa majoring in English and Spanish. She taught for fifty years at Harmony, Aquinas, Marquette and Holy Trinity High Schools. Pat was a champion quilter. She was very meticulous with her quilting creations and her pieces were highly appraised. Pat was known as a saint to her students, family and friends.
Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
A memorial has been established in her memory for Holy Trinity Catholic Schools educational program for a scholarship to be established in her memory and can be mailed to the family at: Schmitz Funeral Home, P.O. Box 22, West Point, Iowa 52656.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
Around 2:20 p.m. Thursday afternoon, multiple 911 calls were made to dispatch reporting a wrong-way driver on Highway 34 in the New London area.
KILJ News Director Hayden Douglas witnessed the incident while driving northbound toward Mount Pleasant. Witnesses reported that a white SUV, driven by an unidentified female, was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes near the New London Casey’s exit. Several vehicles were forced to swerve to avoid a collision.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office quickly responded and successfully stopped the vehicle in the 2400 block of Highway 34 near New London. At this time, it remains unclear whether the driver was confused or impaired.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the situation. Stay tuned to KILJ for updates as more information becomes available regarding the wrong-way driver on Highway 34.
Les Roth, 65, of rural Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 8:14 P.M. Friday September 26, 2025 at his home.