Author: Hayden Douglas

Washington, Iowa — Washington County 4-H is celebrating two members who earned top statewide recognition in the Iowa 4-H Fishing Club’s 2025 Fall Bass Tournament open September – October. With 38 total entries submitted from across Iowa, Washington County anglers showcased their skill and sportsmanship.

Maison Crawford earned second place in the competition with an 18-inch bass, while Jack Green secured third place with a 17-inch bass.  Both members were fishing in farm ponds in the Brighton area.   Their accomplishments highlights both dedication and the growing interest in outdoor recreation among local 4-H youth.

“This Statewide Fishing Club is a new club offering from Iowa 4-H this fall and I love that we have youth getting involved,”  said Washington County 4-H Youth Coordinator Amy  Green. “I hope this success builds their confidence, curiosity, and hands-on learning that 4-H offers and encourages.  It’s exciting to see our members diving into outdoor experiences and finding joy in their hobbies.”

The Iowa 4-H Fishing Club is open to youth in grades 4–12 statewide. Participants learn about fish species, habitat, conservation practices, outdoor safety, and sport fishing techniques—all while building problem-solving skills and connecting with peers who share similar interests.

Families interested in joining the Iowa 4-H Fishing Club or learning more about upcoming statewide challenges, workshops, or contests can explore the program details should contact the Washington County Extension Office at 319-653-4811 or amygreen@iastate.edu

The achievements of Crawford and Green are a strong reminder of how 4-H empowers young people to explore the outdoors, develop lifelong skills, and discover new passions.  The next challenge set for Iowa 4-H Fishing Club members is on catching crappie and perch through the winter months.

Contact Amy at the Washington County Extension Office, 319-653-4811, with questions or if you would like to volunteer or support these experiences as a volunteer or through financial support.   Follow “Washington County 4-H – Iowa” on Facebook for up to date information on 4-H events and other youth programs for Washington County.

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that this year’s Holiday on Main Parade will be led by Grand Marshal Pat White, Mount Pleasant’s Citizen of the Year. White’s long-standing dedication to service and her deep impact on the community make her a fitting choice to help usher in the holiday season. 

The festive celebration returns Thursday, December 4 at 5:15 PM, bringing a “Storybook Christmas” to life in downtown Mount Pleasant. This year’s theme invites families to experience the magic of childhood classics through twinkling lights, creative floats, beloved characters, and the warm small-town charm that defines the event. 

No holiday parade is complete without Santa Claus, who will make his much-anticipated arrival at the end of the procession. Following the parade, Santa will greet children at Santa’s House for about an hour to listen to Christmas wishes and help officially launch the season. 

Community groups, businesses, churches, and organizations are encouraged to take part. Those wishing to participate in the parade can register by contacting Erica Martin at the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce at 319-385-3101. 

Residents are encouraged to bundle up, bring the whole family, and enjoy one of Mount Pleasant’s most beloved traditions. With Pat White leading the way, this year’s Holiday on Main aims to be a heartwarming celebration of community and Christmas spirit. 

The Henry County Board of Supervisors convened on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, addressing a range of administrative, financial, and operational topics.

Road Department Updates and Projects

The Board received updates on ongoing maintenance and construction projects. Road crews have been blading, hauling spot rock, and completing ditching projects. Notably, a tile was installed near Oakland Mills by the dam to address ponding issues, and new fuel system installation at the county facility is underway, with final calibration expected after a fire marshal inspection.

The board was also briefed on bridge closures, including the upcoming 235th Street Bridge closure starting December 1st, with a detour planned. Additionally, the county submitted a grant application for safety improvements at a local intersection through the RISE program.

The Board recognized two Secondary Roads employees for their years of service, presenting certificates for five and twenty years of dedication. Plans are underway to transition to quarterly recognition to ensure timely acknowledgment of county staff.

School Election Canvassing and Legal Support

County auditor Robin Detrick presented the second-tier canvassing results for surrounding counties in the school district elections, confirming corrected totals.

The Board also approved a $500 contribution to the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) to support a legal brief concerning CO2 pipeline issues and local control authority. This action aligns with efforts to protect county home rule and address potential eminent domain concerns.

Financial Requests and ARP Fund Oversight

The Board reviewed a request for financial support for legal fees from Carlos Lopez. The board also discussed ongoing oversight of ARP funds.

Supervisors emphasized the importance of ensuring all allocated funds are properly tracked, substantiated, and reported to the U.S. Treasury.

Additionally, ongoing efforts to engage local financial institutions in the county’s revolving loan and microloan programs were highlighted, with participation from all major lenders confirmed.

Public Comment and Closing

The meeting concluded with updates on county committees, upcoming board openings, and continued coordination with Southeast Iowa Regional Planning for grants and other county projects.

Henry County Deputy Carlos Lopez appeared before the Board of Supervisors this week to formally request reimbursement for legal expenses he incurred while fighting the county attorney’s decision to place him on the Brady-Giglio list—an action a district judge has since ruled improper.

Lopez, who has served with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office since 2020, read from a prepared statement to ensure accuracy in recounting what he described as nearly two years of damage to his career, reputation, and family.

In late 2023, County Attorney Darin R. Stater accused Lopez of making false statements in an affidavit and placed his name on the Brady-Giglio list, which identifies officers prosecutors deem to be unreliable witnesses. Lopez said he was never disciplined during his tenure and had served honorably, including as the only deputy in recent history involved in an officer-involved shooting that was deemed appropriate.

On September 29, 2025, District Judge Thomas Rydell ruled that placing Lopez on the list was improper and constituted an abuse of discretion. The court ordered that his name be removed.

Lopez told supervisors that despite the ruling, the consequences have been severe. He described damage to his professional standing, termination from his role as School Resource Officer in the New London Community School District, and a shift to overnight work to limit his involvement in active cases while prosecutors dismissed cases in which his name appeared.

He also said confidential transcripts and statements were released to media outlets in violation of Iowa Code 80F, which protects such information unless an officer gives written consent. Lopez said he did not give that consent.

Lopez and his wife, who support a family of six, have paid significant legal fees in the effort to clear his name. He presented the Board with documentation showing total legal expenses of $28,405. Of that amount, he noted approximately $7,200 had been covered by donations from friends, family, and community members. He is requesting the county reimburse the remaining $21,105.

“This ordeal has taken a mental, emotional, and financial toll on my family,” Lopez said. “I am not seeking retaliation or further division. I seek fairness, closure, and the opportunity for healing. It is time for county employees to refocus their energy on serving our community and restoring trust in our local government.”

He thanked those who supported him throughout the process, particularly his wife. “I’m not a perfect man…but I will continue to serve to the best of my abilities,” Lopez said.

Supervisors acknowledged the gravity and complexity of the issue as they reviewed his request. Supervisor Chad White read a prepared statement of his own, noting that while supervisors rely heavily on the county attorney for legal guidance, this case puts them in a difficult position.

White pointed to the judge’s ruling as an important factor. “Considering an impartial, out-of-the-area district court judge reviewed the facts and arguments, then ruled to reverse the Brady-Giglio listing, it would seem the process may have been flawed,” White said. He questioned whether the county has a moral obligation to make Lopez financially whole.

“I’m not fond of the idea of the county having to pay additional money out, but I think it’s the right thing to do,” White said.

Supervisor Steve Detrick agreed, saying the situation has caused a “great deal of strife” throughout the county. “Somebody needs to be responsible for the continued grief and financial burden,” Detrick said. “Working for the county should not put employees in a financial hardship.”

Because one supervisor will be absent next week, a vote on Lopez’s reimbursement request is expected to take at least two weeks.

Fort Madison, IA — The Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that the 33rd annual Parade of Lights will take place on Friday, November 28th at 6:30 PM in downtown Fort Madison.

The community is invited to join us for this festive event, which promises to bring holiday cheer to all attendees. The parade will feature beautifully decorated floats that will illuminate Avenue G as they make their way west from 5th Street to 10th Street. The Parade of Lights will also be livestreamed on the Fort Madison Chamber Facebook page.

Important Parking Notice: To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, there will be no parking allowed on Avenue G from 10th Street to 5th Street starting that afternoon and from 5th Street to 3rd Street all day. Please plan accordingly and make use of alternative parking areas. Avenue G will be closed from 11th -5th Street as well as 9th-10th on Avenue F and 10th Street from Avenues E to G that evening.

After the parade, the floats will proceed up 10th Street and into Central Park, where they will remain on display until the end of December. This provides a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy the holiday decorations throughout the season. Please remember that these floats are for viewing only, do not touch, sit on, or climb on any of the displays.

We want to give a huge shoutout to David Fedler and Savanna Collier for working countless hours to ensure that these floats are parade ready! Thank you to everyone who has helped during the float work nights.

We are in need of drivers to help us pull floats that night. If you have a side by side, four-wheeler, golf cart or other ATV and are willing to help, please reach out to Savanna at 319-372-5471.

We look forward to seeing the community come together for this joyous event. Let’s kick off the holiday season with a night of lights and festive spirit!

Join the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce for the beloved Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony, a festive event that has gathered generations of families to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Taking place on Friday, November 28, this cherished tradition brings the community together for a night of joy, music, and holiday magic.

This event continues to be at no cost all season thanks to our presenting sponsor, Everybody’s Whole Foods, and your Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce. This tradition is one of the many ways the Chamber gives back to the community for its support throughout the year.

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with caroling from Fairfield High School’s talented chorus students, who will fill the square with classic holiday tunes. At 6:00 p.m., our Citizens of the Year, Werner Elmker and Diane Goudy, will lead the countdown to illuminate the town square, bringing Fairfield’s holiday spirit to life.

Santa Claus will make his entrance in true holiday style, arriving by horse-drawn wagon to the delight of attendees of all ages. After his arrival, the horse-drawn wagon will be available for festive rides throughout the evening, adding to the charm of the night. Dexter Laundry have generously made these wagon rides available at no cost to all!

Santa’s House and Workshop will be open from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., where children can sit with Santa to share their holiday wishes and receive a keepsake photo capturing the moment. Our film sponsor is Dexter Laundry. Thanks to our wonderful sponsors, each child will also receive a candy cane and a holiday book to take home.

Candy canes are provided by Hy-Vee. Hot cocoa sponsors are TDT CPAs & Advisors, SERVPRO, Washington State Bank, and Morrissey Law Offices. Cookie sponsors are TDT CPAs & Advisors and McDonald’s. Books are provided thanks to AERON Lifestyle Technology and First MainStreet Insurance.

In Santa’s Workshop, volunteer elves will guide children in decorating their own ornaments, specially crafted by Fairfield High School’s SkillsUSA Club. Kids can even add their Santa photo to their ornament, creating a personalized holiday memory to cherish. Meanwhile, the cozy Santa’s Cocoa Hut will offer free hot cocoa and cookies for all.

Santa House Dates and Volunteers Provided By:

· Friday, November 28 and Saturday, November 29: Chamber Board, Staff, and Ambassadors

· Friday, December 5: AERON Lifestyle Technology

· Saturday, December 6: Hy-Vee

· Friday, December 12: Cambridge Investment Research

· Saturday, December 13: Washington State Bank and Maharishi School

· Friday, December 20: Community 1st Credit Union, Live Wire Electric and Straight Up Doors

· Saturday, December 21: ServPro

There is always room for more volunteers! Let us know if you want to be part of the magic!

Don’t forget the Chamber’s Trees of Lights Campaign, which accepts donations for the purchase of new decorations and the maintenance of existing ones on the square and throughout the community. 100% of all funds donated go directly into an account used exclusively for these decorations. Donations may be directed to the “Trees of Lights Campaign.”

Celebrate the magic of the season with family and friends—enjoy festive wagon rides, cookies, cocoa, and the joy of the Fairfield community. We can’t wait to ring in the holiday season with you!

There is still room for more sponsors to help support this holiday magic and keep it at no cost all season long. For more information, contact the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce at 641-472-2111 or visit FairfieldIowa.com.

About the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce: The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community in Fairfield by supporting local businesses and providing engaging events for all

As cold and flu season arrives, Great River Health is reminding the community about the importance of knowing the difference between viral and bacterial infections—especially during Antibiotic Awareness Week.

Since penicillin was discovered more than 90 years ago, bacteria have continued to evolve, developing resistance to even the strongest antibiotics. While antibiotic development has slowed, resistance continues to grow, fueled in part by years of over-prescribing. Today, research makes it clear: antibiotics treat bacterial infections only, not viral illnesses.

This year’s theme, “Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance Takes All of Us,” highlights the shared responsibility in using antibiotics correctly.

When Antibiotics Help—and When They Don’t

• Viral infections—such as the common cold, flu, RSV, COVID-19, and most sore throats—do not benefit from antibiotics. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications remain the best treatment. Antivirals may be prescribed in certain cases. Severe symptoms like high fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain should prompt a call to your healthcare provider.

• Bronchitis, ear infections, and sinus infections can be either viral or bacterial; antibiotics may or may not be effective depending on the cause.

• Strep throat and whooping cough are bacterial, and antibiotics are the correct treatment.

Unnecessary antibiotic use can cause harmful side effects and contributes to the rise of antibiotic-resistant “superbugs.” According to the CDC, at least 2.8 million Americans get antibiotic-resistant infections each year, and 35,000 die from them.

When truly needed, antibiotics save lives—the key is using them properly.

Great River Health also encourages simple steps to prevent illness:

• Stay home when sick

• Avoid touching your face

• Avoid close contact with people who are ill

• Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed

• Wash hands often or use hand sanitizer

• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

• Stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccines

Great River Health says that being antibiotic aware not only protects your own health, but strengthens the health of the entire community.