Author: Hayden Douglas

The Mount Pleasant Community School District’s Site and Policy Committee will meet this afternoon, Thursday, October 9, at 5:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Central Office, located at 1010 East Washington Street, Suite 102. 

The Site Committee will review several facility-related topics, including potential improvements to lighting at the district’s baseball field and proposals for abatement work at the PEO Memorial Building. Committee members will also discuss the planned transition of the WisdomQuest Alternative High School to the district’s Activity Center, as well as receive information on the sale of property at 400 East Madison Street. Updates from the Facilities Ad Hoc Committee are also on the agenda. 

Following that, the Policy Committee will conduct a second reading of School Board Policy Series 300, which covers administrative functions within the district. The committee will also consider three proposed fundraisers — from iJAG’s 9th and 10th grade students, the Salem PTA, and the High School Junior Class/iJAG program. 

The meeting is open to the public. 

The excitement of a new 4-H year filled the air as families and students gathered for the Henry County 4-H Open House, marking the official start of another season of learning, leadership, and livestock. 

Among those attending was returning 4-H member Jeb Beard, the son of Katie and Philip Beard, who is preparing to enter his second year in the program.  

When asked what brought him back for another year, Jeb’s enthusiasm was clear. “I just thought the showing process was really fun.” he said. 

The open house served as an opportunity for new and returning members alike to learn about project options ranging from livestock and photography to woodworking, robotics, and community service. Volunteers and club leaders were on hand to answer questions and encourage youth to get involved. 

Henry County 4-H continues to build on its strong legacy of helping young people gain hands-on experience, develop responsibility, and build confidence — one project at a time. 

For more information on joining 4-H in Henry County, families can contact the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Office or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/henry 

The Mount Pleasant City Council met Wednesday evening at City Hall, covering audit results, infrastructure updates, and new site plans. 

City Administrator Brent Schleisman reported the city’s 2025 audit has been received, noting strong financial management and compliance. The council also approved the annual financial report to be submitted to the State of Iowa and published locally. 

An amendment was approved to the Winfield Avenue Replacement Project’s engineering agreement after the Iowa DOT required the road and trail portions to be separated due to different grant requirements. The project includes $1.9 million in state and federal funding. The council also approved a $149,100 contract with Geeding Construction for manhole replacements to prepare for upcoming roadwork. 

Two new developments received approval: Bark Blvd. Kennels, a boarding & daycare facility and Coffee shop at 905 and 907 East Ash Street, and a six-building self-storage complex by County Ridge Builders at 915 South Iris Street. 

Council members also approved a $90,000 cost reduction change order for the airport taxi lane and hangar project. Mayor Steve Brimhall noted that the airport had a productive year, including spraying over 200,000 acres and training new pilots. 

A resident raised a concern about tree maintenance along Broadway Street; the city will review whether the trees are within the right-of-way. 

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for October 22 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. 

Southeast Iowa anglers can look forward to one of the season’s favorite traditions as the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) begins its fall community trout stockings on October 23. Several local lakes will soon be stocked with 1,000 to 2,000 rainbow trout each, giving families and fishing enthusiasts the chance to enjoy trout fishing close to home. 

The DNR’s cool-weather trout program brings the popular fish to lakes that can’t support them during the summer, creating unique fishing opportunities throughout the region. The fall stockings are also a great way to introduce kids to fishing—just a small hook with a nightcrawler or corn under a bobber, or a simple spinner such as a Panther Martin or Mepps, is all that’s needed to catch trout. 

Community events are often held alongside the stockings, helping new anglers learn and enjoy the experience together. 

Southeast Iowa trout stocking schedule: 

• Oct. 23: Ottumwa Park Pond, Ottumwa – 11 a.m. 

• Oct. 25: East Lake Park Pond, Mount Pleasant – 10 a.m. 

• Oct. 25: Wilson Lake, Donnellson – Noon 

The trout program is supported by the sale of trout fees, which are required along with a valid Iowa fishing license. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler, with a possession limit of 10. Children 15 and under can fish with a licensed adult and share the limit, or purchase their own trout fee to keep a full daily catch. 

For more information and tips on trout fishing in community lakes, visit the Iowa DNR’s Community Trout Stocking Schedule and trout fishing webpage at iowadnr.gov 

Des Moines County, Iowa — The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office reports that a Burlington man was arrested late Friday night following an incident at Catfish Bend Casino. 

According to Sheriff Kevin Glendening, deputies were called to 3001 Winegard Drive around 11:57 p.m. on October 3 after receiving a report of a man walking around the casino attempting to sell methamphetamine. 

Deputies located the individual, identified as 48-year-old Mark Antonio Carter of Burlington. During the encounter, Carter reportedly consented to a search, and deputies say they found a bag of methamphetamine in his possession. 

Authorities say Carter then attempted to flee on foot but was quickly detained after a short pursuit. He was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense, and interference with official acts. 

Carter was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center. The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.