Washington County Fair Announces 2026 Theme: “Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights”

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 11:32 am CDT

The Washington County Fair in conjunction with the 4-H County Council is proud to announce its 2026 theme, “Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights,” celebrating the timeless traditions, local pride, and memories defining summer in Washington County. It is the perfect summer to celebrate patriotism for America’s 250th birthday.

“It’s an honor to select the county fair theme,” said 4-H County Council member Averi Janecek. “This year it’s about patriotism, community spirit, and those perfect summer evenings spent with family, friends, and neighbors at the county fair.”

This year’s fair will bring together classic fair favorites with a full lineup of events, including the tractor pull, rodeo, demolition derby and fresh new experiences for all ages. The fair favorites of carnival, food stands who support local service groups, live entertainment offered all day long and over 3000 youth exhibits make this place where generations gather to celebrate what makes our community shine.

The fair continues its commitment to honoring the hardworking individuals and traditions that keep Washington County strong.

The fair association is excited to preview these new shows: Canines in the Clouds featuring rescue dogs trained to entertain, Engineering Encounters where participants can discover robotics and future technologies, and Fisherman Dan’s comedy stunt show, plus more!

The Washington County Fair will take place July 19-25, with the kick-off concert on Saturday, July 18. Additional details, schedules, and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Washington County Fair Association, follow them on Facebook or at www.washingtoncountyfairia.com .

AAA Weekly Fuel Report: Iowa Gas Prices Rise Slightly This Week

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 11:24 am CDT

Gas prices are moving higher across Iowa this week. According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded rose eight cents to $2.55 per gallon. That’s still 39 cents lower than this time last year. The national average sits at $2.88, up five cents from a week ago.

Diesel prices in Iowa also climbed eight cents, now averaging $3.40 per gallon. That’s two cents lower than a year ago and about 20 cents below the national diesel average.

Crude oil prices increased this week as well. West Texas Intermediate crude rose to about $63.00 per barrel, while Brent crude reached $68.00. Both remain well below prices from a year ago.

For home energy, natural gas prices declined to about 385 per million BTUs. Propane in Iowa is averaging $1.59 per gallon, and home heating oil averages $2.84 statewide.

Drivers and homeowners can find energy-saving tips at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Burlington Man Found Guilty of Meth Precursor Possession

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 11:18 am CDT

A Burlington man has been found guilty on a drug-related charge following a jury trial in Des Moines County.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, a Des Moines County jury found Anthony Drake Selters, 42, of Burlington guilty of possession of precursors, specifically lithium, an ingredient commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

The charge resulted from an investigation at a residence at 1611 Lincoln Street in Burlington on October 29, 2025. The case involved the Burlington Police Department, High-Risk Unit officers, and the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force. Selters was later arrested as part of that investigation.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 9, 2026 at 3 p.m. at the Des Moines County Courthouse. Selters faces a maximum possible sentence of up to five years in prison.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Des Moines County Attorney Terri Quartucci. Selters was represented by Burlington attorney James Carter, and Judge Shane Wiley presided over the trial.

Sheila C. Kiesey

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 11:11 am CDT

Sheila C. Kiesey, 76, of Loveland, CO and formerly of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, January 29, 2026 at her residence in Loveland.

A memorial funeral service will be held at a later date. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, will be caring for Sheila’s local service arrangements.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Marilyn E. Davison

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 9:50 am CDT

Marilyn E. Graber Davison, 95, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of New London, died Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Briarwood Healthcare Center in Iowa City.  She was born November 7, 1930, in Trenton, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph L. and Alice B. Brannon Graber.  She married Dean D. Davison on July 21, 1952, and was widowed on November 29, 2010.

She was a student at Eagle Country School until eighth grade and a 1948 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School.  She then received her teaching certificate and began her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse where she taught children through eighth grade at Maple Grove (Prospect) Country School.  She went on to teach at Crawfordsville Elementary School and finished her many years of teaching at New London Elementary School, retiring in 1992.  She received her B.A. Degree in Education from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1973.

Marilyn was a lifelong member of the Trenton Missionary Church and served as Children’s Sunday School Superintendent as well as Sunday School teacher and Children’s Church director for over fifty years.  She also assisted her husband as church treasurer for many years and continued that position for several years after his death.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter Deana (Tim) Gholson of Iowa City and their sons Greg (Kelly) of Urbandale, Iowa and Grant (Kylie) of Windsor Heights, Iowa; her son Brian (Amy) Davison of Dublin, Ohio and their sons Joe (Gabby) of Monroe, North Carolina and Jeff (Kate) of Hilliard, Ohio; five great-grandchildren, Adelynn, Henry, Rosalina, Theodore and Kaleb; sister-in-law Sherry Graber of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents; siblings, Kenneth (Cecile) Graber, Ruth (Max) Wyse, Esther (Elwyn) Hirschy, Josephine (Charles) Conner, and John Graber; in-laws, Dale (Margie) Davison, Arthur (Grace) Davison, Kenneth (Virginia) Davison, Allie (Glen) Guengerich, Dorothy (John) Hinkle, Leo Wagner, Phyllis (Max) Graber, Erma (Duane) Alliman, and Jim (Pat) Davison.

Visitation will begin at noon on Friday at Elliott Chapel, New London, with the family greeting friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.  Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Trenton Missionary Church with Rev. David Forrester officiating.  Burial will follow at Burge Cemetery, New London with a luncheon immediately following at the Pizza Ranch in Mt. Pleasant.  Please check in with the hostess for Davison Funeral.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Trenton Missionary Church or Burge Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Henry County Caucuses Monday, February 2, 2026 – Locations Announced

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 7:57 am CDT

Henry County Republicans and Democrats have announced their caucus locations and times for Monday, February 2, 2026.

For Republicans, caucus sites vary by precinct:

  • Precinct 1: Waco High School Library at 706 N Pearl St, Wayland, IA 52654
  • Precinct 2: Winfield Veterans Building at 116 N Locust St, Winfield, IA 52659
  • Precinct 3: Salem Elementary School at 412 E Jackson St, Salem, IA 52649
  • Precincts 4-7: First United Methodist Church of Mount Pleasant at 309 N Main St, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
  • Precinct 8: Salem Elementary School at 412 E Jackson St, Salem, IA 52649
  • Precinct 9: New London Community Center at 103 W Washington St, New London, IA 52645

Henry County Democrats will hold all of their precinct caucuses at the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Pleasant located at 902 South Walnut Street.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and caucus activities begin at 7 p.m. Participants can register when they arrive if needed.

Party leaders say caucuses play an important role in the political process, giving local residents a voice in shaping party priorities, selecting delegates, and participating directly in grassroots democracy.

If you are unsure which precinct you live in, visit Iowa’s Secretary of State website and put in your address. It will list your precinct along with your polling place.

Henry County Republicans Contact Information:

Henry County Democrats Contact Information:

Charles A. Brinkman

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, January 29th, 2026 at 4:45 pm CDT

Charles A. Brinkman, 92, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of Danville, died Monday, January 26, 2026 at University of Iowa Hospitals Downtown.  A Celebration of Charles’s life will be held at Elliott Chapel, New London, on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM.  The family will greet friends from 9:30 am until the time of the service.  According to his wishes his body has been cremated and inurnment will be held at a later date at Bonaparte Cemetery.  A full obituary will be published soon.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Wednesday Night Stabbing Leads to Arrest in Burlington

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, January 29th, 2026 at 10:37 am CDT

Burlington Police are investigating a stabbing that happened Wednesday, 1/28/26, on the city’s south side.

Officers were dispatched just after 10:00 p.m. Wednesday to the 100 block of South 9th Street for a reported stabbing. When officers arrived, they found a victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was taken to Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center for treatment. The victim’s current condition has not been released.

Police say that after speaking with a witness at the scene, they identified a suspect as Kurt Savage, 27, of Burlington. Officers located Savage outside the residence, where he was reportedly armed with a knife.

Authorities say the incident appears to be isolated and there is no ongoing threat to the public. Officers took Savage into custody using a Taser. No officers were injured during the arrest.

Savage was transported to the Des Moines County Jail. He is charged with willful injury resulting in serious injury and interference with official acts while displaying a weapon. He is currently being held on bond.

Police remind the public that a criminal charge is an accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.