Author: Hayden Douglas

The Salem City Council will convene for its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Salem Community Center, located at 201 S Main Street.

The agenda includes a range of business items spanning employee matters, maintenance staffing, infrastructure concerns, and property issues. The meeting will begin with the formal opening, followed by the council’s consideration of several new business items:

• Employee Separation – The council will address the departure of a current city employee.
• Maintenance Employee Position – Discussion is expected on filling or restructuring a maintenance role within the city workforce.
• Building Permit Request – A permit for 511 E Oak Street will be reviewed.
• City Park Rental Questions – Council members will examine questions or concerns surrounding park use and rentals.
• Sinkhole Concerns – The city will consider reported sinkholes near W Jackson and Van Buren Streets.
• 206 N Main Street Property – A reversion agreement related to a new buyer of the property will be discussed.

The meeting will conclude with formal adjournment. Residents are encouraged to attend and stay informed about developments impacting the city

Danville Community School District is currently hiring for several coaching positions—and there’s still time to apply! If you or someone you know has a passion for working with student-athletes and a desire to be part of a supportive, energetic school community, now is the time to step up to the plate.

The district is looking to fill the following positions:

• Junior High Head Baseball Coach
• High School Boys Head Soccer Coach
• High School Head Golf Coach
• High School Assistant Golf Coach
• High School Head Softball Coach

These roles offer a great opportunity to positively impact students while fostering leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Interested applicants can view job descriptions and apply online at:
IowaWORKS Job Listings – Danville CSD

For more information about the coaching positions, contact Activities Director Amber Taeger at amber.taeger@danvillecsd.org.

Olds, Iowa – Around 2:00 p.m. Monday, emergency crews responded to reports of a dump truck fire on southbound Highway 218 near Olds.

The vehicle involved was a dump truck owned by Norris Asphalt Paving, Inc. By the time KILJ News arrived, the fire had been extinguished, but thick smoke was still rising from the truck. The Olds Fire Department remained on scene, hosing down the vehicle to ensure the fire was fully out and the area was safe.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Department assisted with traffic control. Southbound traffic was reduced to a single lane as the right lane and shoulder were blocked off. Drivers were detoured onto James Avenue through Olds before rejoining Highway 218 southbound toward Mount Pleasant.

The Olds Fire Department stayed on site for an extended period to monitor the situation. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — The Mount Pleasant Community School District would like to remind families that online registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now OPEN.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the district’s website at www.mtpcsd.org to access the official registration letter, which outlines important steps and information needed to complete your child’s enrollment.

Early registration helps the district plan effectively for the upcoming school year, including classroom assignments, transportation, and meal services. Families should complete the online process as soon as possible to ensure a smooth start for students this fall.

If you have any questions or need assistance, contact your child’s school office or the district administrative office.

Don’t wait—head to www.mtpcsd.org today and get your student registered!

Danville, Iowa – The Danville City Council will convene for its regular session this afternoon at Danville City Hall, with the meeting starting at 5:15 p.m. The session will open with a public hearing on Resolution 2025-26, which proposes a sewer rate increase. The hearing will include time for public comment before being closed and transitioning into the council’s regular business agenda.

Key Items on the Agenda:

• Public Hearing – Resolution 2025-26: Sewer Rates Increase
  • Citizens will have the opportunity to provide input on the proposed increase to sewer rates.
• June 2025 Sheriff’s Report
  • Council will review and potentially act on law enforcement activities reported for the month of June.
• Grant and Financing Hearings Scheduled
  • Council will discuss setting two public hearings for August 4, 2025:
    • One regarding an AMI Grid grant application.
    • Another on a Loan and Disbursement Agreement with the Iowa Finance Authority, which would authorize up to $4.97 million in Sewer Revenue Capital Loan Notes to fund wastewater infrastructure improvements.
• Fire and Public Works Updates
  • The Fire Chief and Building Inspector will present a report, including a driveway permit approval.
  • The Public Works Department will submit a written report, with the council expected to take action. Additional discussion may follow concerning a DNR report, if action is warranted.
• Council Correspondence   
  • The council will also review and discuss a letter submitted by Bob and Janet Hesler.

The council encourages public attendance and participation. As allowed by Iowa Code 21.8, the meeting may be conducted electronically if necessary.

The next regular meeting of the Danville City Council is scheduled for Monday, August 4, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Van Buren County, Iowa – Discover the charm of rural Iowa at the 16th Annual J40 Farm Crawl, happening Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. along scenic Highway J40 in the Villages of Van Buren County.

This self-guided tour spans 40 miles of the Historic Hills Scenic Byway, connecting visitors with farms, artisan shops, and family-owned businesses. Enjoy hands-on experiences, fresh local food, and genuine small-town hospitality.

Event highlights include:

• Amish breakfast from 8:00 a.m.–Noon at Lebanon Amish School
• Farm tours, flowers, livestock, and greenhouses
• Horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, and artisan demos
• Homemade goods—baked treats, cheese, mead, syrup, and more
• Courtyard Market in Keosauqua featuring local vendors and handmade crafts

Popular stops include Bloom and Bark Farm, Milton Creamery, Miller’s Bakery, and Yoder’s Indian Creek Furniture.

“The J40 Farm Crawl is more than just an event—it’s an invitation to experience the slower, sweeter side of Iowa,” said Emily Starnes, co-coordinator and Executive Director of the Villages of Van Buren.

Admission is free. Visitors are encouraged to bring cash, wear comfortable shoes, and come ready for a day of food, fun, and fresh country air.

To view the full list of stops or download the event brochure, visit villagesofvanburen.com or follow J40 Farm Crawl on Facebook.