Author: Kadie Johannson

The Ottumwa Community School District is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation and a $20,000 grant from the Cargill Cares Council to support the expansion of the Ottumwa Schools Agricultural Education Center. These investments will significantly enhance hands-on learning, agricultural career pathways, and real-world student experiences across the district.

The grant monies contribute to an expansion of the Ottumwa Community School District Agricultural Center/FFA, located at 14880 IA-149, adding modern animal housing, instructional space, animal stalls, wash bays, storage areas, and expanded breezeways. These improvements allow students to move from classroom simulations to lab-based instruction in animal science, veterinary technology, agricultural biotechnology, and livestock management.

“This project gives students real responsibility and real experience,” said Kelly Genners, President of the Legacy Foundation. “Caring for animals builds skills students carry into any career and into their own lives.”

The expansion is expected to begin in early 2026. The project will be completed in phases, with the barn and barnyard becoming fully operational by the 2026–2027 school year and crop farming, animal care expansion, and showing areas coming online through 2028.

The expansion supports growing student interest in agriculture and FFA programming. Current enrollment includes 65 students in agriculture courses and 98 students participating in FFA, with plans to increase both as new courses and hands-on opportunities are added. By 2027–2028, more than 90 students are expected to enroll in advanced classes, including agribusiness, advanced horticulture, agronomy, advanced animal sciences, and additional specialty coursework, while maintaining a goal of over 100 FFA members. The program ensures that all students, including those who do not live on farms, can participate in supervised, experiential learning.

“We are extremely grateful for our community partnerships and continued investments in Ottumwa students,” said Superintendent Mike McGrory. “This expansion strengthens our agricultural program, opens new pathways for student success, and provides meaningful, real-world experiences.”

The Ottumwa Community School District extends sincere appreciation to the Legacy Foundation, Cargill Cares Council, and the community for their ongoing support of our students and student programs.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday morning at the courthouse in Mount Pleasant, approving routine business and discussing cost savings, department needs, and upcoming infrastructure projects.

Under the consent agenda, supervisors approved meeting minutes and financial claims for payment, with a correction made to the previous meeting’s minutes clarifying that Preserve Oakland Mills had been incorrectly listed as Friends of Oakland Mills.

During unfinished business, the board heard from Adam Kerns with HUB Insurance regarding possible changes to insurance deductibles under the county’s Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP) coverage. Supervisors accepted several recommendations that are expected to reduce insurance costs by approximately $13,000 this year.

Supervisors also reported progress on department budget reviews, noting that several have been received, with a handful of departments still pending review.

Discussion also continued regarding the county compensation board. Vice Chair Steven Detrick reiterated his concerns with the board’s repeated 10 percent wage recommendations, calling them unrealistic and noting that several other Iowa counties have abolished their compensation boards altogether.

IT Director Gunner Sloan updated the board on county owned cellular phones, saying he is gathering quotes and working with department heads to determine how many phones are needed. Sloan plans to present a full report to supervisors by mid-February.

Supervisors continue to wait for the county attorney to review a contract related to a self-funded engineering study of the Oakland Mills historic walking bridge proposed by the stand-alone non-profit organization Preserve Oakland Mills.

Committee updates included a safety committee report, where Jake Hotchkiss said he and Emergency Management Coordinator Walt Jackson have begun reviewing budgets and emphasized the need for clear job classifications to better define responsibilities.

Additional updates were provided from Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, IT, and Planning and Zoning. Planning and Zoning Administrator Joe Buffington reported that polling places have been added to Beacon and that the county is addressing a floodplain violation, stressing that compliance is required to maintain FEMA insurance eligibility.

In new business, County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss gave his secondary roads update, noting that crews are blading routes, cutting brush, and preparing equipment. He also announced that Fremont Avenue east of Franklin Avenue is closed for a bridge removal and culvert placement project, and demolition work continues on the 235th Street bridge.

Supervisors approved a resolution setting a speed limit on South Walnut Street in partnership with the City of Mount Pleasant.

Supervisors also heard funding requests and reports, including a $23,000 funding request from the Henry County Fair. Fair officials reported an increase in swine entries last year and strong beef participation despite market conditions.

Area Economic Development Director Rachel Lindeen highlighted recent marketing efforts for Mount Pleasant, including features on KCRG’s Our Town and newly produced promotional commercials.

The board noted there would be no supervisors’ meeting on Thursday, January 29, as members will be attending the Iowa State Association of Counties Conference (ISAC). The meeting concluded with budget work sessions for the Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office. Learn more about the budget work session here.

Elite Casino Resorts has officially expanded its footprint in Southeast Iowa. Elite Casino Resorts has finalized the acquisition of Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort in Burlington. The purchase became effective January 27, 2026.

As part of the transition, the property will be renamed Great River Casino Resort and FunCity, a name meant to reflect Burlington’s long-standing connection to the Mississippi River and Iowa’s early gaming history.

Elite Casino Resorts CEO Dan Kehl says the Mississippi River played a major role in shaping the region and the state’s gaming industry, and the new name honors both that history and the people of Southeast Iowa.

Kehl also credited longtime Catfish Bend leaders Randy Winegard and Gary Hoyer for their role in keeping riverboat gaming alive in the early 1990s, saying Elite plans to build on their legacy while continuing to work closely with local leaders and community partners.

With the acquisition, Elite Casino Resorts now owns and operates seven Midwest casino resorts and adds approximately 500 new team members, bringing the company’s total workforce to more than 3,000 employees. The Burlington location now joins Elite’s portfolio of casino resorts across Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska.

The transition to the new Great River Casino Resort and FunCity name is expected to begin soon.

About Elite Casino Resorts

Elite Casino Resorts is a leading regional gaming operator in the Midwest and a privately-owned U.S. company known for premier casino resort destinations, first-class guest service and amenities, great entertainment, and exceptional food. With a strong commitment to community service, Elite was recognized as the Iowa Character Counts 2024 Partner of the Year. Elite Casino Resorts will now operate seven casino resorts: Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, located just south of Iowa City, IA; Rhythm City Casino Resort, located in Davenport, IA; Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort, located in Larchwood, IA, just minutes from Sioux Falls, SD; Grand Island Casino Resort located in Grand Island, Nebraska and Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, in Carterville, Illinois IL Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack in Ogallala, NE and Catfish Bend Casino & FunCity Resort in Burlington, Iowa.

Along with the presentation from the Ad Hoc Committee, Superintendent John Henriksen presented updated demographic data to the Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education during the work session Monday night, offering a long-term look at enrollment trends and what they could mean for the district’s future.

The data shows Mount Pleasant schools are experiencing declining enrollment, a trend consistent with broader regional and statewide patterns. The presentation included historical enrollment figures, birth rate data, and future projections, all pointing to continued gradual decreases in student numbers over the coming years

Henriksen emphasized that demographic trends are an important planning tool, particularly as the district considers future facility needs. Fewer students can impact how buildings are utilized, staffing levels, and how resources are distributed across the district.

The superintendent also noted that enrollment shifts do not happen evenly across all grade levels, which can create space and capacity challenges in some buildings while leaving unused space in others

Board members discussed how the demographic data fits into ongoing conversations about long-term planning. Henriksen stressed that the information is meant to guide thoughtful decision-making, not predict specific outcomes, as the district works to ensure it can meet the needs of students both now and in the future.

Click here for the full report from the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee for Mount Pleasant Community School District.

The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education met in a work session Monday night at the high school media center, where board members received the final report from the district’s Ad Hoc Facilities Committee.

The committee spent several months reviewing the condition and future needs of elementary school facilities, gathering community input, touring buildings, and studying multiple long-term options. The report outlines four possible scenarios for the district’s elementary schools, ranging from maintaining current buildings with improvements to various consolidation and reconfiguration options.

Board members were told the committee’s work was not driven by finances but instead guided by a shared “North Star” focused on what is best for every Mount Pleasant elementary student—both now and into the future. The north star statement was also created by the Ad Hoc Committee and used to guide all discussion.

The committee did not recommend a specific plan, but instead presented strengths, concerns, and tradeoffs for each scenario to help guide future board discussion. No decisions were made during Monday’s work session.

The Fort Madison Police Department is continuing its search for a missing teenager and is asking for the public’s help.

Police are seeking information on the whereabouts of Marlia Jean Maciel, 15, who was reported as a runaway on September 24th of 2025. Authorities say Marlia has not had confirmed contact since that date.

Marlia Maciel is described as a white female, standing 5’5″ tall, weighing approximately 117 pounds, with red hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who may have information about her location is urged to contact Lee County Communications Dispatch at 319-372-1310.

Tips can also be provided to the Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at 515-725-6036.

If you believe you have seen Marlia, do not attempt to approach her yourself. Instead, take note of details such as the location, time, or any vehicles involved, and report that information immediately to law enforcement.

Police say even small details could help bring Marlia home safely.

Many area schools will be wearing orange and black today, January 27, 2026, in memory of 17-year-old Fairfield student Emmelia Miller who passed away in a car accident over the weekend.

School officials say that while wearing school colors may seem like a small gesture on its own, when schools across the region participate together, it sends a powerful message of unity, compassion, and support for the Fairfield Trojans and for Emmelia’s family and friends.

Community members are also encouraged to wear orange and black today as a visible show of remembrance and solidarity.