The Mount Pleasant Community School District Policy Committee met this week to review upcoming fundraisers, community engagement strategies, and policy updates ahead of the September board meeting.

The committee discussed a new fundraiser proposed by the high school music department: a one-day mattress sale. The fundraiser, common in districts across Iowa, transforms a gymnasium into a showroom, with proceeds directed toward student trips and music program costs. Several board members noted the success of similar events in nearby schools.

Another major discussion centered on the district’s superintendent search survey. While the survey itself will ask community members to weigh in on desired attributes for the next superintendent, the outreach methods for the survey were also considered. A direct mailing would cost an estimated $3,000, while placing the survey announcement in a weekly newspaper publication delivered to all households in the district—was seen as a more cost-effective alternative. The committee agreed to pursue that option, supplemented by notices on KILJ Radio, the district website, and school newsletters.

In addition, the board heard about a possible 28E agreement with Danville schools to allow their students access to Mount Pleasant’s Home School Assistance Program, similar to the current arrangement with New London. With capacity for 150 students and current enrollment at 131, district leaders said there is room to accommodate additional students without strain on resources.

Finally, members explored facility options to address ongoing space challenges. One proposal involved leasing modular classrooms that could provide temporary relief, particularly at Lincoln Elementary. While portable units could ease crowding, board members stressed they should only be considered as a short-term solution while long-term facility planning continues.

The full board is expected to revisit these topics during its regular board meeting on Monday, 6pm at the high school media center.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Water temperature is 77 degrees.  Black Crappie – Good: Crappie fishing is picking up. Look for crappies in the trees in 6-8 feet of water; they are not ready to move in shallower. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are starting to get more active in shallow, especially around the islands and jetties where there are lots of little fish hiding in the rocks and weeds. Be careful or you might lose your crankbait to a feeding muskie.

Cedar River (Moscow to Columbus Junction)River level near Conesville is dropping nearly a foot a day. Channel Catfish – Fair: Forget about  bank poles with the water dropping as fast as it is. Try cut bait or dip baits along the back edges of the rapidly appearing sandbars.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
River level has been dropping steadily the last few days, roughly a foot every day or so. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfishing off the back edges of the sandbars that are just starting to poke out of the water is a good place to start.  Dip baits work best. Try a grass frog as bait along the front edge of a logjam.

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is75 degrees. Water clarity is 18 inches. The water is green in color. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill fishing continues to improve. Most bluegills are in deeper water (10-12 feet) amongst the flooded timber. Use slip bobbers and waxworms or try vertically jigging with waxworms. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass fishing is starting to pick up with more fish moving in shallow. The further back into the trees you go the bigger the fish; good place to practice your flipping technique with jigs.

Lake Darling
Water temperature is 76 degrees. Water clarity is 12 inches; water color is green. Black Crappie – Good: Crappie fishing started to pick up over the holiday weekend over the deeper water habitat or trolling by it. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill fishing is hit-or-miss.  Most bluegill are still holding out over the deeper water habitat in 8-9 feet of water. You can do well if you find the right spot. Anglers are vertically jigging or using slip bobbers. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass fishing is picking up with more bass moving into shallower water (4 to 5 feet deep) to hunt.  Try crankbaits at those depths that is also not too far from the deeper water.

Lake Geode
The water is green in color. Water temperature is 76 degrees. Water clarity is 14 inches. Black Crappie – Good: Crappies are getting pretty aggressive; they are holding out in the habitat right next to deeper water yet. Bluegill – Good: More bluegills are reaching 8 inches. Use a worm and bobber over the habitat in 7-8 feet of water. They should come in shallower as the water continues to cool down. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are getting more active with the cooling waters. They aren’t as aggressive as they were a couple of years ago.

Lost Grove Lake
Water temperature is 73 degrees. Water clarity is good at about 3.5 feet. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are enjoying the cooler water temperatures. Look for them around the habitat in 4-5 feet of water trying to avoid the bass.  Worm and bobber work best in the thicker cover, less casting. Largemouth Bass – Good: Try running crankbaits down about 4 to 5 feet along the edges of the weed beds and along the outer edges of the submerged brush.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
River levels continues to drop fairly quickly. Lots of exposed mud along the banks from the high water. Channel Catfish – Good: With still plenty of water in the river for the boats, anglers have been able to get out on the river. Use stink baits on the back edges of the sand bars and around the leading edges of the brush piles.

For more information on the above lakes and rivers call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors held their monthly department head meeting Thursday, addressing updates from various county departments and ongoing projects.

Tax Resolution for City of New London Property
Supervisors addressed an unusual tax situation involving a small parcel purchased by the City of New London to facilitate a sidewalk connection for a new subdivision. The property had been acquired via tax certificate sale after previous owners failed to pay taxes. Legal guidance confirmed the city is responsible for back taxes, but the county may abate them if unpaid. Supervisors approved a resolution to abate the taxes on this parcel, noting the city had no interest in retaining it beyond the sidewalk easement.

Conservation and Parks Updates
Caleb Waters, Conservation Director, reported a quiet weekend at Oakland Mills due to full reservations for the Old Threshers event, with campers spending much of the day at event grounds. Upcoming events include the “Oakland Mills Fun Day” at South Shore on September 20, featuring food trucks, bounce houses, and a horseshoe competition. Waters also noted the Skunk River Napin event, offering public demonstrations of Native American history and artifacts.

Public Health
Katie Reuter, representing Public Health, shared updates on maternal and child health programs and back-to-school vaccination events, which saw 37 children receive 92 vaccines. Public health officials continue to navigate the statewide behavioral health system rollout, emphasizing public access through LifeLong Iowa and local navigators. General assistance efforts included 13 calls, with one individual receiving rental support.

Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff’s Office reports showed a steady jail population in the upper 50s and slower emergency service call volume compared to previous years. The department welcomed a new jailer, leaving one remaining vacancy. Several community events, including Crooked Creek Day and the Trenton Classic Car Show, were managed without incident.

Traffic safety initiatives were highlighted, including a checkpoint in West Point in partnership with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, where 888 vehicles were checked and multiple violations addressed. The Sheriff’s Office also collaborated with the Henry County Opioid Prevention Alliance to provide community education during an event this week.

Secondary Roads
Jake Hotchkisss, from Secondary Roads, reported ongoing projects including culvert replacements and road maintenance. Budget expenditures for road maintenance were roughly $6.5 million, matching construction costs from the previous year. Preparations are underway for the 25th Street Bridge project this fall, with completion anticipated around November.

Veterans Affairs
The Veterans Affairs office reported handling 243 phone calls and 92 office visits in August. Staff attended state and regional meetings, emphasizing ongoing efforts to ensure every veteran in the county receives services. Plans for future training and informational sessions are underway.

The meeting concluded with supervisors thanking department heads for their work and coordination across ongoing county projects.

Melinda Huisinga has begun collecting signatures to run for the Mt. Pleasant Community School District Director District 1 position for a four-year term; she is currently serving on the MPCSD board.  Prior to moving back to her hometown of Mt. Pleasant, Melinda served 12 years on the school board in Carlisle, Iowa, where both of her children attended.

She decided to re-run for election in order to continue the unfinished business currently being addressed by the board, such as the search for a new district superintendent, development and use of Central Campus, location of the district offices, formation of a new facilities Master Plan ad hoc committee, and right-sizing of the district’s facilities based on enrollment and the findings of that committee along with input from the community.  “First and foremost of importance is providing a productive and innovative learning environment for our students along with a supportive work environment for our teachers and staff.”

As a graduate of Upper Iowa University with a BS in Business Administration, Melinda served as Vice President of Human Resources for an insurance company in Des Moines.  Upon retirement, she and her husband, the late Alan Huisinga, relocated to Mt. Pleasant where both have served as Executive Director of the Old Threshers Foundation and have been very involved in the Mt. Pleasant Festival of Lights.  Melinda also currently serves on the Midwest Old Threshers board and as an officer of P.E.O. Chapter OX and Chapter DD of the National T.T.T. Society.

Director District 1 encompasses the area of the school district inside the city limits of Mt. Pleasant; however, all residents of the district vote for the entire slate of candidates.  School board elections will be held on Tuesday, November 4^th.

The Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, 2025. During this time, participants can join, switch, or drop plans for 2026. Since Medicare plans and prices change each year, it’s important to review your coverage to ensure your prescriptions and health needs remain covered.

To help, Great River Health offers free, confidential counseling through the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). SHIIP is a statewide service that provides unbiased information to help Medicare participants understand their benefits and compare plans. Trained volunteers can answer questions, explain changes, and guide you through the enrollment process.

Appointments can be scheduled starting September 2 at Fort Madison, Keokuk, or West Burlington by calling 319-768-3342, or online at bit.ly/4mwlXVy

Washington County 4-H’er Lason Montz was recognized at the Iowa State Fair for his tractor restoration project, earning an award from the International Harvester Collector’s Club (IH) Chapter 5.

Montz accepted his honor for restoring a 1953 Farmall Super M, presented by IH Chapter 5 board members Paul Schaefer and Brian Holdeman. The IH award program, now in its eighth year, celebrates 4-H members across Iowa who take on projects connected to the International Harvester brand.

This year’s winners represented counties across the state, with projects ranging from tractor restorations to creative repurposing of antique equipment and even quilting. Along with recognition, winners received a one-year membership to IH Collector’s Club Chapter 5 and a monetary award.

“We greatly appreciate their support of young people who restore and keep the tradition of International Harvester alive,” said Gail Castillo, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H exhibits building superintendent.

Montz was one of ten 4-H members honored in 2025, showcasing both the skill and creativity of Iowa’s youth in preserving agricultural heritage.

Burlington police have arrested a Lomax, Illinois, man in connection with two separate sexual assault cases in the city.

Hosea Antonio Winters III, 32, has been charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, a Class C felony. The charges stem from incidents that occurred more than two years apart.

The first case dates back to May 30, 2023, when an adult woman was assaulted at around 2:14 a.m. in the 1700 block of Dill Street.

The second case took place on August 8, 2025, when police say Winters forced his way into a home in the 700 block of Arch Street and sexually assaulted an elderly woman around 11 p.m. Winters faces additional charges of First-Degree Burglary, a Class B felony, and Obstruction of Emergency Communication, a misdemeanor, related to the incident.

Authorities say DNA evidence linked the two assaults. The investigation was carried out by the Burlington Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the state’s Criminalistics Laboratory.

Police emphasized that the case remains under investigation and are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Burlington Police Department at (319) 753-8366.