Author: Hayden Douglas

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, has named Staats Awards of Henry County & Mount Pleasant as her Small Business of the Week. Throughout the 119th Congress, Senator Ernst is recognizing one standout small business from each of Iowa’s 99 counties. 

“For over 100 years, Staats Awards has been helping Iowans and communities nationwide celebrate achievement, truly taking top honors as a leader in the awards and recognition industry,” said Ernst. “From ribbons and rosettes to trophies and plaques, Staats deserves a standing ovation as one of the most respected names in their field.” 

Founded in 1898 by E.G. Staats, the Mount Pleasant-based business is now owned by the Patten and Webster families. Staats Awards provides a wide range of recognition products and promotional materials for fairs, livestock shows, organizations, and businesses. Their distinctive trophies and ribbons have long been a fixture at the Iowa State Fair and at countless community events, schools, corporations, and exhibitions across the country. 

With a team of more than 20 employees, Staats continues to uphold its motto, “Small Town Values, World Class Quality.” The company’s dedication to craftsmanship, customer service, and community pride has made it a trusted partner in recognizing achievement and inspiring excellence for over a century. 

The Iowa FFA Foundation has officially opened applications for its annual scholarship program, providing financial support to students pursuing education and careers in agriculture. 

Students involved in FFA are encouraged to apply for a wide range of scholarship opportunities designed to recognize leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to the future of agriculture. 

Applications must be submitted by January 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST. 

The Iowa FFA Foundation’s scholarship program connects student success with the generosity of sponsors and donors who believe in investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders. To learn more and apply, visit www.iowaffafoundation.org/scholarships.aspx 

DES MOINES, Iowa (Oct. 6, 2025) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says warm and dry conditions have allowed corn and soybean harvest to progress quickly across the state. 

“Showers early this week may briefly pause harvest, but the moisture will help reduce dust and fire risk,” said Naig. “With above-average temperatures expected through mid-October, harvest should continue at a strong pace.” 

According to State Climatologist Justin Glisan, Iowa experienced summer-like weather last week, with temperatures 12 to 16 degrees above normal and an average of 72°F. Rainfall was scarce statewide, with only a few locations reporting light precipitation. 

Muscatine recorded the week’s high temperature at 93°F, while Osage and Spencer saw lows of 41°F. Windy and dry conditions late in the week raised fire concerns, though only minimal rainfall was reported across western Iowa. 

BURLINGTON, Iowa – Despite recent rumors, Burlington Trailways is not closing. The company remains open and active, proudly serving Southeast Iowa and the Midwest with its tours, charters, and vehicle repair services. 

Earlier this year, Burlington Trailways ended its longtime intercity “line run” routes—the daily bus service connecting towns like Burlington to major cities. While that chapter has closed, the company continues operating as a family-owned, independent business, not affiliated with Jefferson Lines. Jefferson simply adjusted its own routes to serve some former Trailways stops. 

Travel and Charter Services Continue
Trailways Travel still offers exciting group tours and dependable charter bus rentals for schools, churches, and organizations. Travelers can subscribe for tour updates at www.TrailwaysTravel.com 

Kalona, Iowa (October 6, 2025) – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded early Monday morning to a traffic accident involving a vehicle and a horse near 1051 Maple Avenue in Kalona. 

According to the report, a caller advised dispatch that she struck a horse with her Toyota RAV4. The vehicle, driven by Emma Gingerich of Kalona, was rendered undrivable as a result of the collision. 

Deputies responded to the scene and identified the horse’s owner as Elmer Beachy of Kalona. Authorities noted that the horse was not injured in the incident. 

Damage to the vehicle was estimated at more than $1,500, and a state accident report was filed. No human or animal injuries were reported. 

Mount Pleasant, Iowa, October 2, 2025 – Early detection is the best protection against breast cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Henry County Health Center will offer screening mammograms with no appointment necessary on Friday, October 17. Normal billing processes will apply.

On October 17, anyone over the age of 40 is invited to get a routine screening mammogram between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at HCHC with the following guidelines:

· Must be over the age of 40.

· Routine screening mammograms only.

· Must be at least one year since your last mammogram for insurance purposes.

· No appointment necessary, but must register at the health center registration areas near the main entrance.

· Patients must designate a physician or advanced practice provider to receive the report.

· Normal billing processes will apply.

HCHC patients receive advanced breast imaging with HCHC’s 3-D mammography. Breast tomosynthesis, often referred to as 3-D mammography, allows doctors to see masses and distortions associated with cancers and precancerous cells significantly more clearly than conventional 2-D mammography.

For more information about mammography at HCHC, contact the Diagnostic Imaging Department at 319-385-6158. On October 17, no appointment is required for a routine screening mammogram; just register at the registration areas near the front entrance of the hospital. However, for patients wanting to schedule a mammogram, call 319-385-6540.