Author: Hayden Douglas

The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Candidate Forum on Wednesday, October 15, at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, sponsored by Freeman Kevenides Law Firm. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the program starting at 5:00 p.m. 

The schedule includes a social hour (5:00–5:30 p.m.), followed by the mayoral forum with Connie Boyer and Doug Flournoy (5:45–6:45 p.m.), a Fairfield Schools bond session with Superintendent Zach Wigle (6:45–7:15 p.m.), and the Ward 2 council forum with Paul Gandy and Matthew W. Johnson (7:15–8:15 p.m.). 

Mendy McAdams, Chamber Executive Director, will moderate. The event is free and open to the public, with civility expected throughout. 

For details, contact the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce at 641-472-2111 or visit FairfieldIowa.com 

Next Saturday, young hunters have a chance to experience the thrill of the hunt at the Youth Pheasant Hunt, hosted in partnership with the Aldo Leopold Pheasants Forever Chapter. 

This event is open to children ages 15 and under, offering a safe and fun environment to learn about pheasant hunting and wildlife conservation. 

Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP by calling 319-753-5808. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect with nature and sharpen your hunting skills! 

The New London City Council will hold its regular meeting on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the City Office, 112 West Main Street, with Mayor Kirk Miller presiding. 

The meeting will include a public hearing on Ordinance #86, which updates stop and yield requirements, and Resolution #475, regarding the potential sale of city property in the South Pine Street Urban Renewal Area to H & A Contracting, LLC. 

Other business includes amendments to agreements with Q3 Contracting and Joshua and Kelsey Bradley, discussion of repairs at 507 South Walnut Street, and consideration of playground equipment funding from Oktoberfest. New business items feature street closures, fire department job descriptions, approval for residents to keep chickens, and the Annual Urban Renewal and Financial Reports for fiscal year 2024–2025. 

The next regular meeting is Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. 

The Mount Pleasant School Board Election Candidate Forum will take place on Wednesday, October 15th at 6:00 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Community High School, 2104 South Grand Avenue. Hosted by the Government Relations Committee and KILJ Radio, the event will allow voters to learn more about the candidates seeking to serve on the Mount Pleasant Community School District Board. The public is encouraged to attend and hear candidates discuss their priorities and plans for the district’s future. 

The following evening, on Thursday, October 16th at 5:30 p.m., the focus will shift to city leadership with the City of Mount Pleasant Mayoral Candidate Forum. That event will be held in the Civic Center Meeting Room, located at 307 East Monroe Street, and is hosted by the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance Government Relations Committee.
This forum offers Chamber of Commerce members a chance to hear directly from mayoral candidates about their goals and vision for Mount Pleasant. 

Both events aim to promote civic engagement and provide the community with valuable insight before Election Day November 4th. 

The Mt. Pleasant High School Panther Marching Band earned a strong third-place finish Saturday night at the Muskie Marching Band Invitational, held at Muscatine High School. 

In the 3A division, top honors went to Mount Vernon, followed by Center Point Urbana in second, and Mt. Pleasant in third. Other 3A finishers included Fort Madison and Washington. 

Davenport Central captured first place in the 4A division. 

The Panther Marching Band will perform next at the Iowa State Marching Band competition this Saturday, continuing their season with a chance to showcase their skills on the state stage. 

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday, October 9, handling road updates, an IT transition, and a rural sanitation contract.

Speed Zone Adjustment:
Supervisors approved a resolution adjusting the speed limit on Quincy Avenue south of New London. The new limits set 25 mph for the first 530 feet south of Easy Street and 45 mph for the next 625 feet, improving safety near homes and a steep hill.

Road and Bridge Work:
Engineer Jake Hotchkiss reported crews are performing shoulder repairs, ditch cleaning, and bridge maintenance across the county, including along 220th Street, Franklin Avenue, and J20. Mowing and brush work continue before winter.

IT Department Changes:
Supervisors accepted the resignation of IT and Safety Director Derek Wellington and voted to move the IT department directly under the Board’s oversight. The change aims to improve accountability as the county prepares for a technology audit later this month.

Sanitation Contract:
The county awarded its rural sanitation contract to All American Sanitation, citing a projected $55,800 savings over three years compared to WEMIGA Waste Systems.

Behavioral Health Update:
The meeting also included a briefing on Iowa’s new Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization, which now manages mental health and substance use services statewide.

The board will meet again next week at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors voted Thursday morning, October 9th, to award the county’s waste management contract to All American Sanitation, following a competitive bidding process between two companies — All American Sanitation and Wemiga Waste Systems, the county’s current provider.

Bids were received several weeks ago and reviewed by the county attorney prior to the board’s discussion and vote. Supervisor Chad White asked whether both companies were prepared to handle potential compactor failures or repairs, including providing backup equipment to prevent the need for hauling loose trash. County staff confirmed that backup systems are in place and both bidders are equipped to manage such issues.

He also inquired if each company would take care of minor maintenance tasks beyond standard waste services — such as equipment painting, minor building repairs, and picking up stray litter. Officials noted that those responsibilities are included in the contract language.

Finally, White asked whether both companies have the trucks and equipment necessary to handle freezing winter conditions without interruption to service. Both bidders were confirmed to be capable of doing so.

After discussion, the board turned to the financial difference between the proposals. The three-year contract from All American Sanitation was $55,800 lower than the bid submitted by Wemiga Waste Systems — about $18,600 in annual savings, or roughly $1,550 per month.

“With all things being equal, money being the deciding factor, I would have to go with All American,” said White. “That’s not to say that Wemiga hasn’t done an outstanding job — they absolutely have.”

Chairman Marc Lindeen agreed, emphasizing that Wemiga has provided excellent service over the past several years. “I’ve never had a concern whatsoever,” he said.

The board also discussed how the cost savings could support broader county goals, such as increased investment in economic development, a top community priority identified during past local option sales tax discussions.

White made the motion to accept All American Sanitation’s bid, seconded by Supervisor Steven Detrick.

Following the decision, Lynn Whaley, President of Wemiga Waste Systems, expressed gratitude to the county for years of partnership. “We appreciate the honesty and what you shared this morning about our company. We’re dedicated to continuing our service through the end of this contract and to our customers across Southeast Iowa.”

 All American Sanitation will officially take over the county’s rural waste services in January. More details will be released when contracts have been signed.

Fuel prices across Iowa saw another drop this week, according to the latest report from AAA. 

As of Wednesday, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa was $2.82 per gallon, down four cents from last week and twelve cents lower than this time last year. The national average also dipped four cents, coming in at $3.12 per gallon. 

Diesel prices followed a similar trend, falling four cents to an Iowa statewide average of $3.46 per gallon. That’s 11 cents higher than a year ago, but still 22 cents below the current national diesel average of $3.68. 

At the wholesale level, Des Moines terminal and rack prices were reported at $1.86 for U87-E10, $2.07 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.36 for ULSD #2, $2.75 for ULSD #1, and $2.02 per gallon for E-70. Drivers can continue to expect some price variability across regions, but the recent declines reflect ongoing stability in national crude oil markets and steady Midwest supply.