Author: Hayden Douglas

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa — The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2025-2026 Henry County Leadership Class. This distinguished program offers a nine-month journey designed to develop local leaders and deepen community involvement.

Participants in the Henry County Leadership series will engage with community and business leaders, take part in local business tours, and travel to Des Moines for Southeast Iowa Days. The class will also participate in “Leading Communities,” a leadership development curriculum provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach – Henry County.

The program’s mission is to create a lasting network of diverse leaders who are equipped and motivated to make a difference in Henry County. As a skills-building opportunity, the program focuses on three main goals:

• Identifying and motivating emerging community leaders
• Offering an educational experience centered around leadership and civic engagement
• Encouraging participants to use their skills to serve and enhance their communities

Those interested in learning more or applying should contact the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance at 319-385-3101 or email info@mpiowa.org. The deadline to apply is September 15, 2025.

Senator Chuck Grassley’s office has announced a series of traveling office hours to be held across Southeast Iowa on July 28 and 29. While the Senator will be in Washington, D.C., attending to Senate votes, his Regional Director, Penny Vacek, will meet with constituents to assist with federal agency issues and hear concerns from Iowans.

These office hours offer residents the opportunity to seek help with matters involving Social Security, veterans’ benefits, immigration, tax issues, or other federal services. Grassley’s office emphasized that this outreach complements—but does not replace—the Senator’s commitment to hold Q&A sessions in all 99 Iowa counties every year.

The schedule for the traveling office hours is as follows:

Monday, July 28

• Louisa County
  8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
  City Hall Council Chambers
  232 2nd Street, Columbus Junction

• Des Moines County
  10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
  City Hall Council Chambers
  400 Washington Street, Burlington

• Lee County
  1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
  City Hall Council Chambers
  811 Avenue E, Fort Madison

Tuesday, July 29

• Henry County
  8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
  City Hall
  307 E Monroe Street, Mount Pleasant

• Jefferson County
  10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
  City Hall Council Chambers
  118 S Main Street, Fairfield

• Van Buren County
  12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
  City Hall Council Chambers
  201 Main Street, Keosauqua

Senator Grassley encouraged constituents experiencing issues with the federal government or those wanting to express views on federal policy to attend the local office hours or contact his office directly at 563-322-4331. Additional assistance is also available online at www.grassley.senate.gov.

Rabbit:

Champion Commercial Rabbit- Grace Keltner

Fancy Rabbit Mini Rex- Khayden Rees

Champion Fancy Rabbit- Garrick Ball

Reserve Champ- Travis Tate

Best In Show- Garrick Ball

Reserve Best- Brantly Keltner

Champion Open Showman- Grace Keltner

Sr. Showman- Jonathan Warnstaff

Inter. Showman- Isabelle Warnstaff

Champion Ind. Herdsman- Grace Keltner

Horse:

Champion Horse Halter- Taylor Morrison

Reserve Champ- Kylie Morrison

Champion Mule & Donkey Halter- Emeree Hargrave

Senior Walk Trot: Kylie Morrison

Jr. Horsemanship- Brantley Keltner

Senior Horsemanship- Taylor Morrison

Jr. Western Pleasure- Brantly Keltner

Sr. Western Pleasure- Taylor Morrison

Jr. Barrels: Emeree Hargrave

Jr. Flags Race- Emeree Hargrave

Sr. Flags Race- Taylor Morrison

Jr. Poles- Emree Hargrave

Sr. Poles- Kylie Morrison

Costume: Emree Hargrave

Jr. Trail-  Adeline Bishop

Sr. Trail- Taylor Morrison

High Point Jr- Tatum Woepking

High Point Sr- Taylor Morrison

Swine:

Champion Commerical Gilt: Jase Henidel

Reserve Champ- Jase Heindel

3^rd Overall- Kaelyn Townsley

Champion Purebred Breeding Gilt- Emma Salazar

Reserve Champion- Peyton Salazar

3^rd Overall- Kaelyn Townsley

Grand Champion Breeding Gilt- Jase Henidel

Reserve Champ- Jase Heindel

3^rd Overall- Emma Salazar

4^th Overall- Peyton Salazar

5^th Overall- Kaelyn Townsley

Champion Lightweight Market Barrow- Eli Miller

Reserve Champ- Kaelyn Townsley

Champion Middleweight Market Barrow- Emma Salazar

Reserve Champ- Jake Milder

Champion Heavyweight Market Barrow- Jase Henidel

Reserve Champ- Jase Heindel

Champion Crossbred Market Gilt- Josie Nelson

Reserve Champ- Drew Totemeier

Champion Purebred Market Swine- Peyton Salazar

Reserve Champ- Gabe Totemeier

Grand Champion Market Swine- Jase Heindel

Reserve Champ- Jase Henidel

3^rd Overall- Emma Salazar

4^th Overall- Jake Milder

5^th Overall- Josie Nelson

Champion Open- Gabe Totemeier

Champ Senior Showman- Wyatt Strawhacker

Champ Intermediate Showman- Kale Brown

Champ Junior Showman- Jase Heindel

Mount Pleasant, IA — The Mount Pleasant Community School District’s music program is striking a new chord this year with the return of a familiar face. Micah Peck, a 1996 graduate of Mount Pleasant High School and 2001 Iowa Wesleyan alum, is stepping into the role of music director—bringing with him a deep appreciation for the town, its traditions, and a clear passion for shaping students through music.

Peck moved to Mount Pleasant in third grade and says growing up in the southeast Iowa town helped shape him both personally and professionally. After college, Peck launched a career in music education that has spanned more than two decades. Now, returning to Mount Pleasant three years ago with his family, he’s ready to take the helm of the same program that inspired him as a student.

As band camp kicks off, there’s a sense of excitement in the air—not just among returning students, but also alumni and families invested in the program’s long-standing legacy. Drumline and front ensemble members have already been meeting, putting in extra hours to prepare for the marching season ahead.

While there’s plenty of work ahead, Mr. Peck is grateful for the warm welcome and ongoing support.

With a rich musical legacy behind him and a vision for what’s ahead, Micah Peck is ready to lead the next generation of Mount Pleasant musicians—one spirited note at a time.