Author: Hayden Douglas

The New London Community School District invites all veterans and community members to join students and staff for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Charles Lorber Gymnasium. 

The program will include participation from K-12 students and staff as they honor the service and sacrifices of local veterans. 

Prior to the ceremony, veterans and their spouses are invited to enjoy refreshments at 9:00 a.m. in the New London High School Commons. Guests may enter through the gym lobby. 

The district welcomes the public to attend this meaningful event recognizing those who have served and continue to serve our nation. 

Keokuk High School will host its 38th Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the First Christian Church, 3476 Main Street in Keokuk. 

The event welcomes all area residents age 60 and older for an afternoon of good food, fellowship, and holiday entertainment. Doors open at 11 a.m., with serving beginning at noon. 

The annual tradition is made possible through the cooperation of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Food Service Department, Transportation, and numerous special volunteers. Guests will also enjoy performances by the Keokuk High School Band and Vocal Music Department. 

Bus transportation will be provided, with several pickup times beginning at 11:20 a.m., and return trips will be available following the meal. 

Reservations are required and can be made by calling (319) 524-2542, option 3. 

In the event of inclement weather, the postponement date will be Thursday, December 11. 

This long-standing holiday tradition continues to bring together students and community members to celebrate the season and show appreciation for local seniors. 

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Leadership Conference will take place December 3–4, inviting participants from across Iowa and beyond to engage in a dynamic program of learning, networking, and inspiration.

This year’s theme, “Leading with Resilience,” celebrates the strength, innovation, and adaptability of women who are shaping the future of agriculture. The conference will feature speakers, workshops, and panel discussions designed to empower attendees with new ideas, leadership strategies, and tools for navigating challenges in today’s ag industry.

The event is open to all, offering valuable insights for women involved in every aspect of agriculture — from production and agribusiness to education and community leadership.

To learn more or register, visit https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag/

Hy-Vee will continue offering $3 family meals at all store locations with hot food service through Friday, November 14. The program provides an affordable dining option for families, with meals served daily and both dine-in and takeout choices available. Children ages 12 and under can enjoy the same meals for free. 

The full $3 meal schedule for the week includes: 

• Monday, Nov. 10: Chicken alfredo with penne and garlic toast (4–7 p.m.) 

• Tuesday, Nov. 11: Chicken or pork with vegetables, steamed rice, appetizer, and fortune cookie* (4–7 p.m.) 

• Wednesday, Nov. 12: Breakfast for Dinner featuring scrambled eggs with cheese, sausage links, fruit, and a cinnamon roll (4–7 p.m.) 

• Thursday, Nov. 13: Chicken hind quarter with potato salad and a chocolate chip cookie (4–7 p.m.) 

• Friday, Nov. 14: Sloppy Joe sandwich with seasoned green beans (4–7 p.m.) 

*In locations without HyChi, the meal will be two chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, and corn. 

In addition to the meal program, Hy-Vee has launched a register round-up campaign allowing customers to support local food pantries by rounding up their purchases at checkout. Shoppers can also purchase $5 and $10 food bank donation bundles, which will go directly to local pantries to assist families in need. 

These community efforts follow Hy-Vee’s recent $100,000 corporate donation to Feeding America, along with additional food donations being distributed to local food pantries across the region. 

The Mount Pleasant Community School District Finance Committee met Friday to review October financials, audit results, and state revenue projections.

October expenditures covered all district funds, including capital projects, HVAC repairs, and custodial contracts. The committee noted a temporary accounting issue within the Nutrition Fund, where about $50,000 in student payments were misapplied due to a software glitch. The funds are secure, but final approval of the report will wait until corrections are complete.

Its Reported that the district’s annual audit was “super clean,” with only minor notes regarding documentation of prom expenses and food service inventory.

Committee members also reviewed a state forecast projecting an 8% revenue drop, which could limit school funding growth. With certified enrollment down 51 students to 1,705, the district may lose about $278,000 in FY27 funding if state supplemental aid is set at 1%.

Superintendent John Henriksen said expenditures continue to exceed revenue as the district maintains staffing and programs but praised careful fiscal management.

The committee’s review will go before the full School Board on Monday, November 10, at 6 p.m.