Author: Hayden Douglas

The North Lee Community Foundation (NLCF) and the Keokuk Area Community Foundation (KACF) are honored to announce the receipt of a significant estate gift from the Sandrock Trust, established by longtime community supporters Dr. Austin Sandrock and Carole Wallis – Sandrock. The Sandrock’s had previously created permanent endowment funds with the Foundations and were generous supporters throughout their lifetimes. They also championed local causes such as the Fort Madison Public Library and the Fort Madison Community Schools. The couple cared deeply about their hometown and Lee County, and their legacy will continue to strengthen the region for generations to come.

This extraordinary act of generosity will allow the Foundations to substantially expand their annual grantmaking and scholarship awards. Beginning in 2026, the gift will directly increase funding for The North Lee Community Foundation Grant Fund and The Lofton-Eichacker Grant Fund of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, providing an additional $400,000 annually to nonprofit organizations and schools throughout the greater Tri-State area. This increase will bring the total annual grant funding from both Foundations to approximately $700,000–$800,000.

“The impact of this gift will be felt for generations to come,” said Executive Director Roger Ricketts. “It strengthens our ability to help nonprofit organizations dream bigger, reach farther, and make a lasting difference in our communities.”

In the coming weeks, nonprofit organizations in Lee County will be invited to a series of informational meetings with the leadership of both Foundations to learn more about application deadlines, timetables, and available funding opportunities.

About the Keokuk Area Community Foundation Established in 2004, the Keokuk Area Community Foundation receives charitable gifts and
grants from individuals, families, businesses, and corporations to establish permanent endowments for the benefit of our communities. Together with its affiliate, the North Lee Community Foundation, which was established in 2005, the two foundations work to build stronger communities and enable nonprofit organizations to fulfill their missions.

To learn more about the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, visit www.keokukfoundation.org. To learn more about the North Lee Community Foundation, visit www.northleecf.org.

Iowa drivers are seeing continued relief at the pump as fuel prices dropped again this week.

According to AAA, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa was $2.89 per gallon as of Wednesday. That marks a three-cent decrease from last week and a 31-cent drop compared to this time last year. Nationally, the average price for regular unleaded was $3.13, also down three cents from last week.

Diesel prices in Iowa followed a similar trend. Retail diesel fell by five cents this week to an average of $3.51 per gallon. A year ago, diesel in Iowa averaged $3.52. Iowa’s diesel prices remain below the national average of $3.70 by 19 cents.

Wholesale fuel costs also reflected current market conditions. On Wednesday, Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices were reported at $1.97 for U87-E10, $2.26 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.37 for ULSD#2, $2.68 for ULSD#1, and $1.91 per gallon for E-70.

To celebrate 75 Years of Midwest Old Threshers Reunions, , the “Fighting Scots” Bagpipe Band of Monmouth College (Monmouth, IL) will return to perform in the Family Tent on Sunday, August 31st at 3PM.

A resounding success last year in their MOT debut performance, the band was eagerly asked to return this year. The concert will feature traditional Irish and Scottish Bagpipe music, along with demonstrations of bagpipes workings, drumming techniques and the unique backgrounds of each of the musicians.

The band is led by Mt. Pleasant Community High School (’15) and Monmouth College (‘19) graduate Aaron Kimzey.

If you missed last year’s performance, you will definitely want to make it a part of your Midwest Old Threshers experience this year.

On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at approximately 12:53 p.m., the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of West Washington Street and South Marion Street.

According to the investigation, Christina White of Mount Pleasant was stopped at a solid red light while driving her 2015 Chevy Tahoe eastbound when her vehicle was struck from behind. The other driver, identified as Angel Holt of Mount Pleasant, was operating a 2008 Infiniti and failed to stop in time.

Witnesses confirmed that Holt did not stop before colliding with White’s vehicle, which was lawfully stopped at the light. Holt’s vehicle was totaled, and the total damage from the crash was estimated at $5,500.

Holt was cited for Failure to Stop within an Assured Distance and No Insurance.

No injuries were reported at the scene. The Mount Pleasant Police Department was assisted by Breuer’s Towing.

City Wide Garage Sales are coming to Mount Pleasant August 21st–24th, and you won’t want to miss it!

Thanks to Root & Pixel, shoppers can now explore an awesome interactive map to help plan their treasure hunting routes. This tool makes it easier than ever to find the best bargains all around town.

A big thank you goes out to Meadow & Main Realty and Auction for making this community event possible.

Mark your calendars, grab some cash, and get ready to shop—Mount Pleasant’s City Wide Garage Sales are almost here!

City Wide Garage Sale Map!

With the start of the school year just around the corner, Mt. Pleasant Community School District is reminding families how to access their student’s bus information.

Parents and guardians can view bus routes, pick-up, and drop-off details through the district’s Parent App.

To get started, families can download the app at: https://IAMtPleasantComSD.myridek12.tylerapp.com/