Derek Mullin to run for school board re-election

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 25th, 2025 at 8:54 am CDT

Derek Mullin announced today that he will be taking out papers to run for the Mt. Pleasant Community School District Board Director District 2 position for a four year term.  He will begin gathering signatures on August 25th.

Director District 2 encompasses the areas of the school district outside of the city of Mt. Pleasant.  However, all residents of the Mt. Pleasant Community School District vote for the entire slate of candidates.

Mullin is currently serving on the school board, and has served since 2021. He has served on the Ag Task Force which started the current Ag Education program and FFA at the high school.  He and his wife, Tina, have three children that attend MPCSD: Caden, a Junior in high school; Charlize, a Freshman in high school and Cuyler, a 6th grader in middle school.

“As a parent with three children in the district, I have focused on making the best decisions for all students.  I am supportive of our teachers and staff, so that they can give our students the best education.  I also want to ensure that we make strong financial decisions for our district taxpayers.”

“As a former Industrial Technology teacher at the Mt. Pleasant Community High School, I am also committed to helping the Career and Technical Education offerings in our District.”

School board elections will be held on Tuesday, November 4th.  

Help Pack the Pantry with Canned Fruit

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 25th, 2025 at 6:21 am CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT—The Fellowship Cup is asking for the community’s help to restock its pantry shelves with canned fruit.

Donations are welcome from individuals, churches, businesses, youth groups, schools, and anyone who would like to lend a hand in supporting local families. Items may be dropped off at The Fellowship Cup, 203 N. Jefferson Street, Mount Pleasant, on Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For drop-offs on other days, please call ahead at (319) 385-3242 to ensure the pantry is open.

All donated canned fruit will be distributed directly to clients, helping supplement groceries and providing much-needed support as families work toward self-sufficiency.

Entry Level Quilting Workshop for Grades 4–12

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 25th, 2025 at 5:45 am CDT

Students in grades 4 through 12 will have the opportunity to learn quilting skills this fall through an Entry Level Quilting Workshop, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Van Buren County.

The program will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Room at the Fair View Barn on the third Monday of each month, beginning September 15.

Participants will start by constructing a rag quilt. Members may purchase their own materials or select from supplies available through the Extension Office. Before the first session, instructor LaTisha will meet individually with members in August or early September to discuss quilt layouts and determine fabric needs.

Once the rag quilts are completed, the workshop will introduce additional beginner projects, such as a quilted tote bag, quilted table runner, and—if time allows—a pieced lap quilt.

Sewing machines are provided by the Van Buren Extension Council, and two machines are available for checkout with a $25 deposit.

While attendance at every session is not required, members are encouraged to participate as much as possible, as skills will build from one month to the next.

There are only eight spots available, and pre-registration is required. To register, email latishas@iastate.edu

Arlene A. Bonar

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 25th, 2025 at 5:22 am CDT

Arlene A. Bonar, 89, of Mount Pleasant, formerly of Burlington and Fort Madison passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, August 23, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living Center.

Arlene was born on August 28, 1935, in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence and Sophie (Beine) Henschen.  The family later moved to Fort Madison where she was a student at Sacred Heart Elementary School and Central Catholic High School.  She was involved in many clubs and organizations.  Arlene was a cheerleader and was the homecoming queen of 1953.

Arlene was united in marriage to Robert Dean “Bob” Bonar on August 19, 1953, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ft. Madison. He preceded her in death on April 10, 2014. She worked at Sheaffer Pen in the office.  In 1959, they moved to Burlington, there she was a stay at home mom.  She always said her greatest accomplishments and joy were her children.  She never missed a football or basketball game or school function.  

In 1976 they moved to Mount Pleasant, and she decided to go back to work.  Starting at Martha Browns, then moving to Spurgeons Department Store where she was one of the “Candy Ladies.”  Arlene loved watching the Iowa Hawkeye Basketball games with her sons and son-in-law, her sense of humor always kept us guessing.  Arlene was a member of the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church along with the Altar and Rosary Society.  

Arlene will be missed by her children, Pam (Tom) Tipton, Steve (Jackie) Bonar, and Scott (Leigh Weisshaupt) Bonar, her loving grandchildren, Jennifer, David, Morgan, Chase and Brande and her great-grandsons, Jackson, Nathan, Carter, Miles, Benton and Carter. She was the best mother ever and we all have a hole in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob Bonar, her son, Mike Bonar, her sister, Annette Lockwood, along with many aunts and uncles.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant with Father Ross Epping officiating.   Burial will be in the St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 until 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant. The family will not be present.  The family will receive friends on Friday at the church from 10 until service time.  Memorials may be directed in her memory to EveryStep Hospice of Mount Pleasant or to the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is caring for her arrangements.

Irene Boyer Stagers

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 25th, 2025 at 5:20 am CDT

Irene Boyer Stagers passed away at Savannah Heights, Mt. Pleasant, at the age of 95.

Memorial Services celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Fairfield with luncheon to follow. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Private burial will be at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Douds. Memorials made be made to First United Methodist Church, Mt. Moriah Cemetery, or Fairfield Community Center and mailed to Bev Nelson P.O. Box 87, Libertyville, Iowa 52567. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Irene was born November 30, 1929 near Pittsburg, Van Buren County, Iowa to Lawrence and Selma (Clemens) Boyer. She attended Van Buren Schools, playing basketball on several winning teams. On August 3, 1946 in Memphis, Missouri she married Warren Edward Stagers from Douds, Iowa.

Irene and Warren lived in Douds for many years then bought a farm northwest of Fairfield in 1959. Irene was a farm wife and worked various part-time jobs in Fairfield such as at the Tastee Freeze (where she memorized many of the regular’s orders), many years at Gimbel’s Jewelry, then retiring from Washington School.

Irene was actively involved in volunteer work over the years especially for the VFW Auxiliary, where she was past president, First United Methodist Church, and JCHC Auxiliary, working at the Bargain Box as needed. She was a lifetime member of the neighborhood Victory Club.

She enjoyed reading, puzzles, naps, bingo, playing cards, socializing, tractor rides with Warren, dancing and going to the casino. While living on the farm she raised vegetables in two gardens, canning and freezing most of the produce. She enjoyed her flower gardens with cut flowers on her table to enjoy.

Together they raised five children: Linda Stagers Simpson, Charlotte, North Carolina; Shirley Stagers (Ron Shy), Cape Fair, Missouri; Bev Stagers Nelson (Rod Nelson), Libertyville; Lori Stagers Boyer (Jay Martinez), Thorton, Colorado; and daughter-in-law, Becky (Fry) Stagers, Bettendorf, Iowa.

Her cherished grandchildren: Alissa Simpson (Forrest) King of Charlotte, North Carolina, Amanda Stagers (Adam) Creighton of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Trenton Nelson of Libertyville.

Her dear great grandchildren: Ahriyana Creighton (Tyler) Timmerman of Galesburg, Illinois, Alex Creighton of Bettendorf, Iowa, Ronin King and Irie King of Charlotte, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Stagers; son, Jim Stagers; granddaughter, Lindsay Stagers; son-in-law, Jim Simpson, and her parents.

Irene was the last of her eight brothers and sisters: Dorothy Wood, John Boyer, Wilma McVey, Wayne Boyer, Harold Boyer, Marilyn Nelson, and Esther Lancaster preceded her in death.

 

 

Mount Pleasant CSD Board Work Session Set for August 25

By Hayden Douglas · Sunday, August 24th, 2025 at 4:29 pm CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa – The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Directors will hold a Board Work Session on Monday, August 25, at 6:00 p.m. in the High School Media Center.

The session will include updates and discussions on several key district matters. Agenda items include:

  • Superintendent Search Process – presented by Grundmeyer Leader Services

  • Transfer Student Athletic Eligibility Process – presented by Activities Director Scot Lamm

  • Buildings and Grounds Projects Update

  • Facilities Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee Update

Community members may view the full agenda by visiting the district website at www.mtpcsd.org

James Edward Carpenter

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, August 22nd, 2025 at 1:24 pm CDT

James Edward Carpenter, 68, of West Point, Iowa, passed away 7:36 p.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025, unexpectedly due to cancer complications at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

He was born on December 8, 1956, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Edward D. and Louise (Kaufman) Carpenter.

Survivors include his mother: Louise Pieper of Fort Madison; daughter: Doris Kempker of Donnellson; son: Wade Carpenter of Olds and sister: Kelly (Carl) Bergman of West Point. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father: Edward; step-father: Harry Pieper and nephew: Eric Bergman.

Jim attended Fort Madison High School until the age of seventeen when he enlisted in the United States Army. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, music and riding his motorcycle. Jim especially enjoyed spending time with his mother.

His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

A private family graveside service with full military rites will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Fort Madison.

A memorial has been established in his memory and can be mailed to the family at: Schmitz Funeral Home, P.O. Box 22, West Point, Iowa 52656.

Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

KCSD Earns Nearly $300K in Grants, Expands Programs and Facilities

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, August 22nd, 2025 at 6:03 am CDT

KEOKUK, Iowa – The Keokuk Community School District is continuing its path of improvement with nearly $300,000 in new state grants, expanded academic offerings, and updated facilities.

Recent staffing and program updates include the launch of a new Agriculture department and FFA chapter with over 100 members at Keokuk High School, expanded reading and math interventions at Keokuk Middle School, full-time automotive and industrial technology instructors, and growth in welding and other Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs. The district also added a dedicated elementary science teacher and a work-based coordinator at KHS.

Facility upgrades feature a refinished gym floor in Wright Fieldhouse, a renovated track and turf football field with advanced lighting, updated tennis courts, and improved landscaping across the district.

KCSD was awarded three state grants:

  • Credentials to Careers Grant (up to $50,000) to expand CTE pathways and help students earn industry-recognized credentials.
  • Iowa Early Childhood Continuum of Care Grant ($100,000) to expand full-day early learning through Torrence Preschool and the Keokuk Community Child Development Center.
  • Therapeutic Classroom Grant ($144,000) to create a sensory-sensitive classroom, provide trauma-informed staff training, and expand mental health supports.

“These grants are investments in the future of our students,” said KHS Principal Nathan Harrison. “They open doors to new opportunities and prepare graduates for success.”

Funding will be distributed this fall for use during the 2025-26 school year.