Fire at Old Threshers Grounds Blacksmith Shop Quickly Contained by Mount Pleasant Fire Department

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 at 11:59 am CDT

Mount Pleasant, Iowa – On Wednesday at 11:02 a.m., the Mount Pleasant Fire Department was dispatched to the Midwest Old Threshers grounds following a report of a fire at the historic blacksmith shop.

Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke coming from inside the wall of the building.

Members of the Old Threshers board had been conducting routine lawn care and burning weeds near the blacksmith shop earlier in the morning. After moving to another part of the grounds to continue landscaping, they returned about 45 minutes later and noticed smoke emerging from the structure.

Before the fire department arrived, quick-thinking volunteers sprang into action. They attached two garden hoses together and began dousing the flames, helping to slow the spread of the fire.

Mount Pleasant firefighters then worked for approximately 40 to 45 minutes to fully extinguish the fire around 11:50 a.m., and ensured there was no remaining heat or hidden flames inside the walls. Thanks to the combined efforts of volunteers and fire crews, damage to the blacksmith shop was minimal.

With the annual Midwest Old Threshers Reunion just weeks away, the incident adds unexpected work for the Old Threshers crew. However, organizers remain confident that the blacksmith shop will be repaired and fully operational in time for the event.

KILJ Launches Nationwide Search for Morning Radio Personality and Production Director

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 at 8:10 am CDT

KILJ Radio is excited to announce a nationwide search for the station’s next Radio Morning Personality/Co-host and Production Director. This rare opportunity invites passionate, creative, and community-minded individuals to bring their voice and talent to the heart of Southeast Iowa.

The new hire will take the mic as a co-host of KILJ’s beloved morning show, helping start listeners’ days with energy, information, and a local touch. In addition to on-air duties, the position includes leading production efforts for the station, ensuring KILJ’s content remains polished, professional, and engaging.

A full list of responsibilities and qualifications is available online by visiting work-at-kilj

Applications are being accepted now through Friday, August 15, at 5:00 p.m. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit early.

For more information or application questions, contact KILJ General Manager Kadie Johannson at sales@kilj.com or call 319-385-8728.

KILJ looks forward to welcoming a new voice to the team—one that shares a passion for local radio, community storytelling, and making mornings brighter across the airwaves of Southeast Iowa.

Mary L.  Ping – PENDING

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 at 8:02 am CDT

Mary L.  Ping, 103, of New London, Iowa, and formerly Burlington, passed away, August 4, 2025 at New London Specialty Care.

Services are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.

Georgette Nordyke,

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 3:42 pm CDT

Georgette Nordyke 88, of Winfield passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Sunrise Terrace. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the Winfield United Methodist Church.  Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the church.    Private family burial will be held in Winfield Scott Township Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warriors Project and Sunrise Terrace in Georgette’s name.      Online condolences may be left at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Winfield is caring for Georgette’s arrangements and her family.

 

Georgette Nellie Bednar was born on February 22, 1937 in Passaic, New Jersey, the daughter of Stephan and Nellie (Gryzbeck) Bednar.  Georgette graduated from high school in Clifton, New Jersey and went on to obtain her Registered Nursing diploma from St. Mary’s Hospital also in New Jersey.  On June 17, 1972, Georgette was united in marriage to Billy Nordyke Sr. in Wayne, New Jersey.  Georgette began her career as a Registered Nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital working in the emergency room.  After moving to Iowa, she served as the director of nursing at Sunrise Terrace in Winfield when it first opened. While working alongside her husband, Dr. Nordyke, in his practice in Winfield, she filled in as the school nurse when the need arose.  Georgette was a member of the Winfield United Methodist Church, Lions Club, VFW Auxiliary and Winfield School Booster Club while her children attended.   She enjoyed flower gardening, canning, baking and cooking.

 

Georgette will be deeply missed by her children, Stephanie Timmis – Nordyke (Melani) of Delray Beach, Florida, Nancy (Chris) Nelson of Decatur, Illinois and their family, Corran and Brendan Nelson of Decatur and Billy Nordyke, Jr. of Brownstown, Michigan; step-children, Mark (Marie) Nordyke of Patterson, New Jersey and their family, Mark Jr., Andrew and Matthew Nordyke and two step great-grandchildren and Brad (Carmen) Nordyke of Rancho Viejo, Texas and their family, Bradley and Brayden; and her brother, Frank Bednar and wife of New Jersey.

 

Georgette was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Billy Nordyke on December 27, 2023 and several brothers and sisters.

Family Medicine-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Welcomes New Provider 

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 12:59 pm CDT

Andrew Root, DO, has joined the medical staff at Family Medicine-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, in Fort Madison.

Dr. Root is Board Certified in Family Medicine. He will see patients of all ages, providing comprehensive, continuous care throughout a patient’s lifetime. This includes preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and coordination of care with specialists when needed.

“I like the variety of family medicine, working with patients from newborn to becoming grandparents themselves.  It is rewarding for me to take care of my patients as they age, experiencing their life changes with them,” expressed Dr. Root. “I encourage my patients to become involved in their healthcare, ask questions, everyone is unique and should be provided with healthcare that fits their needs.”

Dr. Root received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Des Moines University. He completed his Family Medicine Residency at MercyOne in Des Moines.  He is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Dr. Root grew up in Southeast Minnesota. His wife Haley grew up in Donnellson and attended Central Lee Schools, where she will return as a teacher this school year. When not at work, Dr. Root enjoys spending time with his young family, being outdoors, riding bikes, and participating in sports.

Dr. Root is accepting new patients at the Family Medicine-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison.  You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Root by calling 319.376.2134.

James Daniel Pearson

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 11:00 am CDT

James Daniel Pearson, 81, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting with arrangements.

Jim was born June 23, 1944 in Des Moines, the son of Robert C. and Catherine l. Pearson.

Jim grew up in Des Moines and following high school, attended and graduated from the University of Iowa. Jim served in United States Army, stationed in Germany during the Viet Nam War.  Following his service in the Army, he attended law school at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and graduated in 1974.

He was a follower of transcendental meditation, beginning in 1972 and became a teacher shortly after graduating from law school. Jim oversaw the Fayetteville, Arkansas TM center, and then moved to the national TM headquarters in California. Jim moved to Fairfield in the 1980s and began his law practice, eventually specializing in immigration law helping many students at MIU and local internationals.

Jim loved history, travel, photography, hiking, and Chicago bears. His caring and giving personality will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by a cousin, Shari Patrick of Washington state, and some dear friends.
Online condolences may be made to Jim’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Henry County Supervisors Revisit Solar and Battery Ordinances

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 10:50 am CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT — The Henry County Board of Supervisors held a work session Tuesday morning to review proposed ordinances for solar energy and battery storage projects. While no action was taken, the discussion outlined key concerns and potential changes as large-scale renewable energy development continues gaining traction.

Setbacks and Screening

Supervisors generally agreed that current setbacks—300 feet from homes, 50 feet from roads—are in line with other counties. They also discussed the 15-foot height limit on panels, with questions raised about whether it accounts for sun-tracking systems that tilt. Concerns about glare were addressed, though newer solar technologies appear to minimize reflection.

Zoning and Farmland Use

The board emphasized alignment with the county’s 2017 comprehensive plan, which prioritizes preserving high-value farmland and discouraging commercial development in rural areas. Supervisor Marc Lindeen expressed skepticism about converting row crops to solar, questioning whether it truly reduces carbon emissions long-term.

Residential vs. Commercial Systems

A 100-kilowatt threshold still marks the divide between residential and commercial projects, with larger systems facing stricter regulations. Supervisor Steve Detrick noted Access Energy lacks the infrastructure to support major commercial solar or battery storage developments.

Noise and Environmental Oversight

Supervisors discussed potential noise from transformers and tracking systems, referencing reports showing some units reaching 65–105 decibels—well above the county’s 45-decibel ordinance. They also stressed the need for DNR oversight on floodplain and drainage concerns, particularly for projects like a proposed 10,000-acre solar installation in the Green Bay Bottom.

What’s Next

The board tentatively scheduled another work session for 9:00 a.m. on August 15, inviting representatives from Access Energy and industry consultant Bruce Hudson to provide input. Supervisors want to ensure Planning & Zoning is on the same page before advancing ordinance changes.

James Daniel Pearson

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 9:53 am CDT

James Daniel Pearson, 81, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting with arrangements.

Jim was born June 23, 1944 in Des Moines, the son of Robert C. and Catherine l. Pearson.

Jim grew up in Des Moines and following high school, attended and graduated from the University of Iowa. Jim served in United States Army, stationed in Germany during the Viet Nam War.  Following his service in the Army, he attended law school at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and graduated in 1974.

He was a follower of transcendental meditation, beginning in 1972 and became a teacher shortly after graduating from law school. Jim oversaw the Fayetteville, Arkansas TM center, and then moved to the national TM headquarters in California. Jim moved to Fairfield in the 1980s and began his law practice, eventually specializing in immigration law helping many students at MIU and local internationals.

Jim loved history, travel, photography, hiking, and Chicago bears. His caring and giving personality will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by a cousin, Shari Patrick of Washington state, and some dear friends.
Online condolences may be made to Jim’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.