Author: Hayden Douglas

Access Energy Cooperative is inviting young artists and families across southeast Iowa to take part in a creative and educational challenge—the 2025 Poster Contest. This year, the cooperative is switching things up by focusing on artwork that teaches electrical safety, offering participants a chance to win $100 and have their posters featured in the 2027 Access Energy Cooperative calendar.

The contest encourages kids, families, and groups of all ages to design eye-catching horizontal posters (11″ x 5.5″) that include both a vivid visual message and a simple electrical safety tip. Thirteen winning entries will each receive $100, and their posters will appear not only in the annual calendar but also on the cooperative’s website, social media pages, the Iowa Electric Cooperative Living magazine, and at the Access Energy annual meeting.

Entries must be original, two-dimensional creations—drawings, markers, paints, and similar mediums are all welcome. Posters should be appropriate for families and children, and must be submitted by individuals living in the southeast Iowa counties served by Access Energy Cooperative.

Key Dates:

• Submission deadline: March 21, 2026

• Winners announced: April 2026

• Posters featured: 2027 Access Energy calendar, distributed at the 2026 Annual Meeting

All posters will also be displayed at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Members.

Submissions may be mailed or delivered to Access Energy Cooperative, 1800 West Washington Street, or sent to P.O. Box 440, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641. Entrants should include contact details and a poster title on the back of their artwork.

For more details, visit Access Energy Cooperative’s website and look for the poster contest information page. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn about safety, share their creativity, and possibly see their artwork in print for thousands to enjoy!

The Family Connection is inviting parents and caregivers to two upcoming Parent Circle gatherings, designed to offer community, support, and helpful conversation in a relaxed setting.

The first session will take place Monday, November 17th, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Iowa State Extension and Outreach Office, located at 127 N. Main Street in Mount Pleasant.

A second session will follow on Thursday, November 20th, also from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the Washington Public Library, 115 W. Washington Street in Washington.

Both events are open to all parents and caregivers looking for connection, ideas, and encouragement. Snacks will be provided, and children up to 2nd grade are welcome to attend.

The Family Connection hosts Parent Circle gatherings regularly to help families build supportive networks and access resources within their communities. Organizers encourage anyone interested to stop by, meet other local parents, and take part in the conversation.

A young child was seriously injured Saturday evening in an accident in Wapello, according to an Iowa State Patrol crash report.

The incident occurred on November 16, 2025, at approximately 6:25 p.m. in an alleyway just west of 408 Jefferson Street. Authorities say a 2018 Kia Sorento, driven by 29-year-old Katelin Marie Lilly of Wapello, was turning north into the alley when the vehicle struck a 4-year-old girl. The child was hit by the front passenger-side tire.

After the impact, the driver put the vehicle in reverse, and the SUV came to rest in the alley.

Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, and due to the severity of the child’s injuries, Air Care transported her to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for treatment. Her name is being withheld due to her age.

No other vehicles were involved. The case was handled by Sgt. Ellison of Iowa State Patrol Post 13.

The incident remains under investigation.