Author: Hayden Douglas

With the December 7th Medicare Open Enrollment deadline fast approaching, now is the perfect time for beneficiaries to review their current coverage and ensure everything is still meeting their needs. medicare.gov

Plans can change from year to year — including premiums, provider networks, and prescription drug coverage. Many Iowans have reported that some healthcare providers are no longer accepting certain Medicare Advantage plans, making it especially important to confirm that your preferred doctor or clinic still takes your current plan before the enrollment window closes. 

It’s also wise to double-check your prescription drug coverage. Formularies can shift annually, and a quick review could prevent unexpected costs at the pharmacy in the year ahead. 

While exploring coverage options, be cautious of unsolicited calls offering “too-good-to-be-true” plans or pressuring you to switch. Scammers often target seniors during open enrollment. If you’re unsure whether a change is right for you, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or advisor for help before making any major decision. 

Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7th, and after that date, most changes can’t be made until next year. Take a few minutes now to review, compare, and ensure your coverage is the right fit for 2026. 

The latest Crop Progress and Conditions Report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service shows that Iowa farmers enjoyed 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 23. Producers continued fertilizer and manure applications, along with fall tillage, as the season winds down.

Moisture levels held steady: topsoil moisture was rated 4% very short, 27% short, 67% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture mirrored those ratings at 4% very short, 27% short, 66% adequate, and 3% surplus.

The corn harvest is essentially finished statewide, with 99% of the crop now in the bin.

Weather Summary – Southeast Iowa

Southeast Iowa experienced another mild November week with temperatures running well above normal. Highs climbed into the upper 50s early in the week, with lows mostly in the 30s and low 40s. Cloud cover was common, and dense fog developed several mornings—especially midweek—before gradually clearing each afternoon.

Rainfall in the region was light and scattered, generally ranging from just a trace to around a quarter inch, with most of the heavier precipitation staying north of Highway 30. Conditions dried out again heading into the weekend, with breezy west winds and sunshine returning Saturday and Sunday.

Today is the final day to reserve a meal for this year’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner, taking place Thursday, November 27 at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant. RSVPs must be made by 3 p.m. today. 

The church will offer sit-down dinners from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., pick-up meals from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., and delivery at 11:00 a.m. for individuals without transportation. 

To reserve your meal, sign up in the back of the FUMC sanctuary or call the church office at 319-385-1740 before the 3 p.m. deadline. 

If you’re unable to volunteer but would like to support the effort, monetary donations may be dropped off at the church office Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The church encourages anyone planning to participate to get their reservations in today. 

The City of Mount Pleasant has announced changes to solid waste and recycling services for the Thanksgiving holiday. Lance Refuse and Wemiga Waste will run their regular routes on Wednesday. However, any collection normally scheduled for Thursday will take place on Friday, November 28, 2025, due to the holiday. 

City offices will also be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, in observance of Thanksgiving. Regular business hours will resume the following Monday. 

Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly and have carts placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on Friday if they are typically a Thursday pickup. 

Thursdays Area Recyclers route in mt pleasant will be picked up Friday. 

KILJ Radio is proud to announce the addition of Shelbi Swinscoe as our new Production Manager.

A lifelong Mount Pleasant resident, Shelbi brings both hometown pride and a strong understanding of the community to her new role.

Many listeners and local residents will recognize Shelbi from her recent position at Mount Pleasant City Hall, where she served as Administrative Assistant. During her time there, she built meaningful relationships across the city and gained valuable experience in local operations and public service.

Shelbi brings that same dedication to KILJ, along with a deep appreciation for Mount Pleasant and the greater southeast Iowa region. “It’s a privilege to step into this role and continue serving the people and places that have shaped who I am,” she shared.

As Production Manager, Shelbi will support KILJ’s ongoing mission of delivering trusted local news, storytelling, and community connection. Please join us in welcoming Shelbi to the KILJ team as she begins this exciting new chapter.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Washington County will host the Aerial Applicator Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) for commercial pesticide applicators on Thursday, December 11, 2025. The annual training is provided through ISU Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP).

This course fulfills the 2025 continuing instruction requirements for commercial pesticide applicators certified in Category 11. Topics on the agenda include pesticide use and its impact on the environment, understanding and interpreting pesticide labels, and an overview of pests, pest management strategies, and related pesticide considerations.

Registration is open now. To sign up or learn more, contact Holly Beinhart at the ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County office by calling 319-653-4811 or visit https://go.iastate.edu/ALTQL4

Tickets for this year’s popular horse-drawn wagon rides will go on sale (today) November 24 at 9:00 a.m., with online sales only. Seats are limited, and rides traditionally fill quickly, so early purchase is encouraged. 

Wagon rides will be offered on the following dates and times: 

• Tuesday, December 9 – 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM 

• Wednesday, December 10 – 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM 

For the safety of guests and horses, each wagon is limited to the maximum number of riders allowed. This includes all passengers—adults, children, and infants seated on laps. 

Route Notice:
While this year’s Festival of Lights offers a new 2-mile display route, the horse-drawn wagons will continue to use the original 1.5-mile route. This longstanding path avoids the South 40 expansion, which includes a steep incline, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for both horses and riders. 

Please note: Tickets are non-refundable, and no cancellations will be accepted. Link at kilj.com