The Lee County Extension Office has announced the schedule for this fall’s Commercial Pesticide Applicator Continuing Instruction Courses. Pre-registration is required for all sessions by calling 319-835-5116. All courses will be held at the Lee County Extension Office.

The fall lineup includes:

• Forest, Aquatic, & Right-of-Way (Categories 2, 5, 6) – Oct. 22 at 9:00 a.m.

• Ornamental & Turfgrass (Categories 30, 3T, 30T) – Nov. 12 at 9:00 a.m.

• Fumigation (Category 7C) – Nov. 18 at 9:00 a.m.

• Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, & Plant Disease Pest Control (Categories 1A, 1B, 1C) – Nov. 19 at 9:00 a.m.

• Pest Control Operators (Categories 7A, 7B, 7D, 8) – Dec. 10 at 9:00 a.m.

Two additional courses are available by appointment:

• Aerial Application (Category 11) – Call to schedule

• Greenhouse Pest Control (Category 3G) – Call to schedule

These courses provide essential training and certification updates for commercial pesticide applicators. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact the Lee County Extension Office at 319-835-5116.

Big Hollow Lake – Water temperature is around 75 degrees. Crappie fishing is picking up with fish holding in 6–8 feet of water around trees. Largemouth bass remain active but are expected to move into deeper water as hot weather sets in.

Cedar River (Moscow to Columbus Junction) – Water levels are falling about a foot a week. Channel catfish bite is good, but forecasted heat may slow action as water warms.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River) – Water levels continue to drop about a foot a week, exposing more sand bars. Channel catfish are good; target logjams with cut bait or dead shad as flow decreases.

Lake Belva Deer – Water temperature is 72–73 degrees with 18 inches of clarity and a green tint. Bluegills remain mostly in 10–12 feet of water among flooded timber. Largemouth bass were shallow earlier in the week but will likely move deeper with rising temperatures.

Lake Darling – Water temperature is about 72 degrees with good clarity below a surface layer of planktonic algae. Bluegills are starting to move shallower but many remain in 8–9 feet of water. Channel catfish bite is fair. Largemouth bass are active but expected to shift deeper as heat returns.

Lake Geode – Water temperature is 73–74 degrees, clarity around 20 inches, and a green color. Crappies are holding in habitat near deeper water. Bluegills are biting well in 7–8 feet of water. Largemouth bass are working along deep-water drop-offs.

Lost Grove Lake – Water temperature is 70 degrees with about 3.5 feet of clarity. Bluegills are active in 4–5 feet of water around habitat. Largemouth bass are striking crankbaits along weed bed edges and submerged brush.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River) – River levels are dropping about a foot a week but remain navigable with caution. Channel catfish bite is good, especially off the back edges of sand bars and near brush piles.

For more details, contact the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the courthouse in Mount Pleasant. The meeting opened with approval of the agenda before moving into updates from County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss.

Road and Maintenance Updates

Hotchkiss reported Spot blading is underway to address rough intersections and washboards created by dry conditions and harvest traffic. Shoulder maintenance is also in progress near Mount Union and south of Salem, where equipment is being used to repair eroded edges and redistribute rock.

Hotchkiss noted that mowing is nearly finished for the season, with the county’s third round of mowing operations coming to a close. Additional work will be limited to targeted areas as needed.

On the bridge project west of Mount Pleasant, Hotchkiss shared that construction is not expected to begin until mid-October at the earliest. For now, the road remains open through harvest season. All utility relocations in the project area have been completed.

Supervisors also reviewed budget items related to rock hauling and shoulder work, with Hotchkiss confirming that part of the cost will be reimbursed by the City of Mount Pleasant. The board passed along resident praise for recent road patching work on 235th Street.

HR Contract Renewal

Supervisors voted to renew the county’s contract with PJ Greufe & Associates for human resources support. The contract, which runs from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, carries a $1,500 monthly fee and includes a 90-day opt-out clause.

Compensation Plan Approved

The board also formally approved a new county compensation plan developed in partnership with Greufe’s team. The plan introduces a hybrid structure that factors in both employee longevity and annual performance evaluations.

Discussion centered on how cost-of-living adjustments (CPI) will be handled, with supervisors clarifying that while the CPI index moves annually, any wage increases tied to it will require board approval. Department heads voiced support for the plan, noting it provides clearer structure for reviews and pay adjustments. Supervisors agreed that policy details will be spelled out in writing and included in the updated employee handbook.

The plan takes effect immediately, with department heads expected to incorporate it into budget planning for the next fiscal year.

Other Business

No subcommittee reports were presented this week. Public comment followed, with discussion continuing from prior meetings.

The Mount Pleasant City Council met in regular session Wednesday evening, September 10, 2025, at City Hall. The meeting opened with roll call, approval of the agenda, and routine consent agenda items, including bills, minutes, and interfund transfers for August.

Second Baptist Church Project Tabled

The council held a scheduled public hearing regarding the proposed plans and specifications for the Second Baptist Church Project. After discussion, it was noted that only one bid was received — and it came in roughly $340,000 higher than anticipated.

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.

Ordinance Adoption

The council then completed the third and final reading of an ordinance amending Appendix D, Chapter 19.38 of the city code, which relates to M-1 Limited Industrial District Regulations. The ordinance was formally adopted.

ContiTech Expansion Proposal

In new business, the council approved a resolution supporting ContiTech USA, LLC’s application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority High Quality Jobs Program.

The project represents a potential $65 million expansion, significantly larger than the original $5 million estimate from a year ago. If approved, the expansion could bring more than 50 new jobs to the Mount Pleasant area. While city leaders emphasized that the proposal is not yet finalized, they voiced strong support for the opportunity.

City staff also provided updates on infrastructure projects:

• Work continues on Adam Street, where grading and rock base preparation are underway.
• Winfield Avenue plans will be submitted to the Iowa DOT next week, with hopes for a March 2026 letting.
• Preparations are beginning at the airport for construction of a new eight-bay T-hangar, corporate hangar, and taxiways, a project expected to be one of the largest at the site in years.
• Additional work is planned for Cherry Circle, where crews are assessing underground utilities before improvements.

The council adjourned with plans to reconvene in regular session on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.