Author: Hayden Douglas

Anglers across southeast Iowa are finding steady late-summer action on rivers and reservoirs, with catfish continuing to provide the most consistent bite.

On the Cedar River, from Cedar Rapids down to Moscow, as well as between La Porte City and Cedar Rapids, catfish remain the main draw. Channel catfish are biting fairly well on cut bait worked into brush piles, while flatheads can be found with live bait in similar areas.

At Coralville Reservoir, electronics are key for locating suspended black and white crappie around brush piles and rock walls. Channel catfish are hitting well, with anglers having success trolling rattle rigs with cut bait or soaking stink bait near cover.

The Iowa River, both from Coralville Lake to River Junction and upstream to Marshalltown, is producing fair results for multiple species. Channel and flathead catfish are steady on cut or live bait near brush and rock structure. Smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and white bass are showing up along rocky shorelines and current seams, with soft plastics working best. Wipers are also biting in current seams on similar presentations.

At Lake Macbride, the seasonal 10-horsepower motor restriction is in effect. Electronics are useful for finding suspended schools of crappie in the lake basin. Channel catfish are biting on stink bait, cut bait, and green sunfish along the rocky jetties. Flathead catfish are also active near rocks on cut or live bait. Bass anglers are finding fair success on soft plastics worked through green vegetation. Wipers are slow, but scattered suspended fish may be located around wind-blown points or shad schools.

The Wapsipinicon River, from Troy Mills to Oxford Junction, is another solid option. Channel catfish are taking cut bait in brush piles, while flatheads prefer live bait in the same areas. Smallmouth bass and walleye are biting on soft plastics fished along rocky shorelines and current seams.

For more details, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — The 75th Annual Midwest Old Threshers Reunion is officially underway, and this year’s milestone celebration brings not only a packed schedule of events, but also a heartfelt tribute to the association’s origins.

The program turned to a special presentation honoring the four men whose vision created the Midwest Old Threshers Association back in 1949: Clark Everts, W.E. “Ted” Detrich, Ray Ernst, and Herman Elgar. Inspired by a steam engine and threshers gathering in Pontiac, Illinois, the group believed Henry County’s rich agricultural history and steam power heritage made Mount Pleasant the perfect place for a reunion. Their idea became reality in 1950, when the first show featured 15 steam engines, 8 separators, and drew an estimated 10,000 visitors to McMillan Park.

Seventy-five years later, the reunion continues in the same location, now attracting crowds from across the nation. Descendants of the founding families were invited to the presentation and recognized before the crowd.

The ceremony concluded with applause for the families, who wore matching shirts bearing images of the founding fathers, before the Mount Pleasant Panther Marching Band prepared to take the stage.

As the 75th reunion continues, organizers encourage visitors to not only enjoy the steam engines, parades, music, and exhibits, but also to remember the tradition and vision that began with four men in 1949 — a tradition that continues to bring generations together in Mount Pleasant.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning, approving minutes, permits, and zoning updates while hearing a detailed report from County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss.

Supervisors approved two permits: one for LISCO to relocate aerial lines ahead of a bridge replacement on 235th Street, and another for a contractor to repair a broken water line on Benton Avenue.

Hotchkiss reported that crews have completed patching on Goodyear Road, are preparing for a culvert replacement on White Oak Road, and continue resurfacing rock in the Winfield area. With Old Threshers underway, county equipment will stay clear of Mount Pleasant. Penn Avenue remains closed near a 10-ton bridge due to heavy truck traffic, and additional dust control will be applied to detour routes near schools.

A delay in the county’s fuel tank replacement project was also announced, with completion now expected in late fall. Hotchkiss added that the county may pursue a RISE grant, in partnership with Mount Pleasant, to fund major improvements on Goodyear Road.

Supervisors voted to update the zoning ordinance to comply with state law, allowing two dwellings on a parcel if setback requirements are met. They waived the first two readings and adopted the measure on final reading.

The board also approved a three-lot subdivision near the Mount Pleasant Country Club, though discussion highlighted a desire for closer involvement from the Planning and Zoning Commission in future cases.

Committee updates included regional planning work, networking with Lee County officials, and follow-up from the statewide supervisors’ conference.

The meeting adjourned following public comments.

An Iowa City man was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison for Receipt of Child Pornography.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Heath Ashley Harmon, 49, received, uploaded, and distributed files containing child sexual abuse material. During an online investigation into the BitTorrent network, law enforcement discovered Harmon was distributing child pornography content over the internet from August 2023 through January 2024.

During a search warrant at Harmon’s Iowa City residence, law enforcement seized several electronic devices. A forensic examination showed Harmon stored child pornography on seven devices, including a laptop, two phones, SD cards, and other storage devices.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Harmon will be required to serve an eight-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Harmon was also ordered to pay $35,000 in restitution.

Mount Pleasant Mayor Steve Brimhall has issued a proclamation celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, recognizing the ensemble’s long-standing contributions to education, culture, and community life across the region.

The proclamation highlights the symphony’s deep roots in Mount Pleasant, where its founding story is intertwined with the area’s history and its ongoing partnerships with schools and institutions throughout southeast Iowa. For decades, the Old Main building has served as the home base for the symphony, its adult chorus, and children’s choir. Performances are often held in the historic Chapel Auditorium, now part of the Mount Pleasant Community School District, where the acoustics have long been praised as ideal for live music.

Mount Pleasant holds a special place in the orchestra’s history as the exclusive home of its cherished “Holiday Concert” each December. This anniversary season will also introduce a new Valentine’s Day concert, adding to the ensemble’s traditions.

Mayor Brimhall’s proclamation praised the symphony for providing invaluable opportunities to both professional and student musicians, while also offering world-class performances to audiences in a largely rural region. He also commended the organization’s long-standing practice of providing free admission for children, students, and those in need—an effort that reflects its values of accessibility and community service.

“As we celebrate 75 years of excellence, Mount Pleasant is proud to serve as the home base for an organization that brings world-class music to Southeast Iowa,” the proclamation reads.

The City Council approved the proclamation, formally recognizing the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra as a cultural treasure and an important partner in the region’s educational and artistic life.

Mount Pleasant residents voiced strong concerns at the latest City Council meeting regarding an incident on May 18th, when a man on a motorcycle drove onto the sidewalk in front of the Henry County Courthouse, narrowly missing a crowd of more than 50 people.

Although no one was injured, the event left many shaken. Three months later, with an investigation still ongoing and no arrest made, frustrations were brought forward at City Hall.

According to comments shared during the meeting, a suspect has been identified, but authorities have faced significant challenges due to limited video evidence. The only footage available came from a courthouse security camera, which one resident described as “blurred” and positioned too far away to capture clear details.

“The person could be seen coming onto the sidewalk and exiting, but the camera was so far away you could only tell it was a large motorcycle and likely a man,” the speaker explained. “That’s not enough to identify someone.”

The resident also highlighted that no other city cameras were located along Washington Street, Adam Street, or near the Grange Hall, where the motorcycle was last seen. This lack of surveillance, they argued, leaves the public vulnerable.

“What if someone had gotten seriously injured?” they asked. “The police department has now spent three months investigating this. The cost in man hours alone likely exceeds what it would cost to have proper cameras in place.”

Another major concern raised was the absence of a public statement from city officials. The resident noted that aside from brief coverage the following day on KILJ Radio, little has been shared with the community.

“This was not just a little thing that happened,” they continued. “Your child or grandchild could have been there. People feel unprotected, and because nothing has been said, there’s a fear this could inspire others to act similarly. We need to know that our city leaders have our backs.”

When pressed for comment, council members did not respond, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

The call for improved public safety measures, including additional cameras in high-traffic areas, is expected to remain a topic of discussion in the weeks ahead.

Mount Pleasant, Iowa – The Mount Pleasant City Council met this week to work through a range of business, beginning with a special proclamation honoring the Southeast Symphony Orchestra on its 75th anniversary.

Mayor Steve Brimhall read the proclamation, which highlighted the orchestra’s deep community roots and its historic connection to education and the arts in the region. The mayor praised the group’s ongoing commitment to free admission for children, students, and families in need, noting that Mount Pleasant is proud to serve as the symphony’s home base. “As we celebrate 75 years of excellence, Mount Pleasant honors the role this organization plays in bringing world-class music to Southeast Iowa,” Brimhall said.

Council members then turned to regular agenda items. Among them was the second reading of an ordinance amendment to update language in the city’s zoning code. Following a request from the ACLU, the council moved forward with a change to remove gender-specific terms from the city’s definitions within industrial district regulations. The measure will require one more reading before final approval.

The council also approved the annual Road Use Tax report, a state requirement that details the city’s road expenditures and future planning.

Another matter of business involved a contract for the removal of asbestos-containing materials at the former Texas Church property. Only one bid was received, and it came in more than double the city’s expectations. On recommendation, the council voted to table the item until more information and bids can be gathered.

The meeting concluded with no further new business, and council members expressed appreciation for the community organizations recognized during the session.