Author: Hayden Douglas

Iowa drivers saw a slight break at the pump this week, while diesel costs held firm. 

According to AAA, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa was $2.86 per gallon as of Wednesday, down 5 cents from last week and 13 cents lower than the same time last year. Nationally, the average price for regular unleaded stood at $3.16, unchanged from last week.Retail diesel prices in Iowa remained steady with a statewide average of $3.50 per gallon. A year ago, diesel was averaging $3.31 in Iowa. Even so, Iowa drivers are paying less than the national average for diesel, which sits at $3.71 per gallon. 

At the Des Moines Terminal, rack prices as of Wednesday were reported as follows: 

• U87-E10: $1.82 per gallon 

• Unleaded 87 (clear): $2.04 per gallon 

• ULSD #2: $2.35 per gallon 

• ULSD #1: $2.73 per gallon 

• E-70: $2.03 per gallon 

Fuel prices continue to fluctuate with seasonal demand, refinery production, and global oil market trends. 

WAPELLO – Jim Carlin, candidate for the United States Senate, will be the featured speaker at the upcoming Louisa County Republican Fundraiser on Saturday, October 4. 

The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. and will be held at the Briggs Civic Center, located at 317 N. Water Street in Wapello. Carlin, who has been active in Iowa politics, is expected to share his campaign vision and discuss key issues facing voters ahead of the election season. 

The fundraiser is hosted by the Louisa County Republican Party and will bring together community members, supporters, and local leaders for an evening of conversation and political engagement. 

Those interested in attending are encouraged to come early, as seating is expected to be limited. 

Mt. Pleasant student-athletes and coaches will be hitting the streets this Sunday, October 5, beginning at 3:30 p.m., to promote and grow support for local athletics. 

As part of an annual tradition, teams will be going door-to-door throughout Mt. Pleasant and surrounding communities to offer memberships to the Mt. Pleasant Athletic Booster Club. Funds raised through memberships and contributions play a vital role in enhancing athletic programs, providing equipment, and supporting student-athlete success. 

Community members are encouraged to consider joining the Booster Club or making a contribution of any kind. Organizers note that every level of support helps ensure continued development and opportunities for Mount Pleasant’s athletic programs. 

The Booster Club has long been a backbone of Panther athletics, helping sustain programs that benefit hundreds of students each year. Sunday’s effort gives residents a chance to connect directly with athletes and coaches while making a meaningful impact on the future of local sports. 

For more information about the Mt. Pleasant Athletic Booster Club and how to get involved, community members can look for representatives during Sunday’s drive or reach out directly to the organization. 

As fall harvest begins across Iowa, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding farmers to stay alert to the risk of wildfires in crop fields. Dry conditions and low humidity can create dangerous fire hazards, and standing crops with low moisture levels are highly susceptible to ignition and rapid fire spread.

The DNR is encouraging farmers to review fire prevention practices and keep equipment “firewise” during harvest. Recommendations include:

• Preparing and maintaining machinery to reduce the chance of sparks or overheated bearings.

• Ensuring fire extinguishers are fully charged, the right size, and the correct type for field or electrical fires.

• Regularly cleaning combines and other equipment of combustible debris.

• Servicing grain storage and drying equipment to prevent dryer fires.

• Storing hay properly to prevent spontaneous combustion, keeping it away from combustibles and monitoring for signs of heat or odor.

• Creating fire breaks around fields, buildings, and storage sites to slow fire spread.

If a fire occurs, the DNR stresses calling 911 immediately and giving clear directions for responders. Farmers may assist by disking a fire break or spraying nearby vegetation, but safety should always come first.

For more details on harvest fire prevention, visit www.iowadnr.gov/fire

UPDATE:

A rollover crash on Wednesday afternoon in southeast Iowa resulted in the death of 38-year-old Marissa Elizabeth Tanner from Mt. Pleasant.

WAPELLO COUNTY – A tragic single-vehicle accident claimed one life Wednesday afternoon on Highway 34 near Exit 199, the Eldon interchange.

According to the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office, multiple 911 calls came in at approximately 4:19 p.m. on October 1, 2025, reporting a rollover crash.

First responders arrived on the scene and discovered one vehicle had overturned with a single occupant inside. Despite immediate lifesaving measures, the individual was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The name of the deceased is being withheld pending family notification.

The Wapello County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in the response by ORMICS, Batavia Fire and Rescue, and the Jefferson County Ambulance Service.

The crash remains under investigation, and authorities say additional information may be released as it becomes available.

The Wayland City Council will convene for its regular meeting this week, with a full agenda covering seasonal events, city operations, and grant opportunities. 

The evening will open with the Citizen Forum, where residents are invited to share comments on issues not listed on the agenda. The Mayor and Council reminded the public that remarks should remain brief to allow multiple voices to be heard, and no action will be taken during this portion of the meeting. 

Following that, the Council will consider the Consent Agenda, which includes routine items such as the approval of minutes from the September 17 meeting, bills for payment, and a renewal of certificates of deposit. Also listed are financial reports from the treasurer and clerk, along with departmental updates from the utility, police, and fire departments, as well as any recent building permits. 

Under unfinished business, the Council will take up two seasonal resolutions—one to set the official date and time for Trick-or-Treat Night in Wayland, and another to establish the schedule for the community’s