Mount Pleasant Rec Center Kicks Off New Year with “Lose It!” Weight Loss Challenge

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 10:08 am CDT

As many area residents set New Year’s resolutions focused on health and wellness, the Mount Pleasant Rec Center is inviting the community to turn those goals into action with its annual “Lose It!” Weight Loss Challenge.

The individual challenge runs from January 9 through March 8, with registration open December 8 through January 9. The program is designed to motivate participants to build healthier habits at the start of the new year while competing for prizes and accountability along the way.

Participants will have a chance to win a $300 grand prize, which includes a cash award, a yearly individual Rec Center membership, and four personal training sessions. Second place will receive a six-month individual membership and four personal training sessions, while third place earns a three-month individual membership.

Registration fees are $20 for Rec Center members and $30 for non-members. The challenge is open to individuals looking to jump-start their fitness journey, stay consistent with New Year’s resolutions, and make lasting lifestyle changes.

Those interested can register or get more information by contacting the Mount Pleasant Rec Center at 319-385-2960, visiting the facility at 200 E. Monroe Street, or online at www.mprecctr.com

The Mount Pleasant Rec Center encourages residents to make 2026 the year they commit to healthier living—and reminds participants that every step forward counts.

Burlington Police Arrest Man Following Train Depot Vandalism

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 7:00 am CDT

The Burlington Police Department reports an arrest following an incident of property damage late Wednesday night.

Police say officers were dispatched around 11:10 p.m. on December 31st to the Burlington train depot at 300 South Main Street after receiving a report of a man breaking windows. Upon arrival, officers observed significant damage to the building.

The suspect was identified as Obie Taylor, who police say admitted to causing the damage during the investigation. Taylor was taken into custody and transported to the Des Moines County Jail, where he is being held on bond.

Taylor has been charged with second-degree criminal mischief. Police note that additional charges may be pending. As with all cases, the charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Henry County Conservation Board Meeting Set for Wednesday, January 7, 2026

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 6:57 am CDT

The Henry County Conservation Board will hold their January Board meeting on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 4:30 pm in the conservation board meeting room at the office in Oakland Mills.

Items on the agenda will include: FY26/27 Budget Discussion, Board Member Vacancy, Committee Updates, Project Updates, Director Report, and Naturalist Reports.

Please contact the conservation department if you have any questions, 319-986-5067. Henry County Conservation Director, Caleb Waters, will be in to KILJ to provide listeners updates on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Rep. Taylor Collins to seek Reelection to Iowa House in 2026

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 6:55 am CDT

Iowa House Representative Taylor Collins has announced plans to seek reelection in 2026. Collins currently represents Iowa House District 95, which includes all of Louisa County and portions of Des Moines, Henry, and Muscatine counties.

Collins, first elected in 2022 and reelected by a wide margin in 2024, says he is running to continue what he calls conservative priorities for southeast Iowa, including tax relief, public safety, and education policy. During the current legislative term, Collins was appointed chair of the Iowa House Higher Education Committee, where he helped advance legislation capping tuition increases, expanding civic education initiatives, and creating accelerated degree and work-study programs at Iowa’s regent universities.

In addition to his leadership role on higher education, Collins serves on the Appropriations, Government Oversight, State Government, and Natural Resources committees. Outside the legislature, Collins works as executive director of economic development for the Greater Burlington Partnership and helps manage his family’s farm. Collins and his family live in Mediapolis.

 

Caroleann Black

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 6:27 am CDT

Caroleann Black, age 88, of Columbia, Missouri died on December 19, 2025.

Her body was cremated.  Visitation for family and friends will be 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield.  A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Frosty Van Voorst officiating.  A private burial will be held at Batavia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Caroleann was born December 20, 1936 in Polk County, Iowa and was adopted by Emmet and Hazel Gingerich at the age of five months.  She was united in marriage to Marvin Lee Black (“Bud” Hupp) on October 23, 1955, at Hope Lutheran Church in Germanville, Iowa.  Caroleann lived most of her life in Germanville and the Batavia area.  She graduated from Brighton High School with the class of 1955.

In her younger years, Caroleann sewed clothes for herself and her daughter.  She spent many years gardening and canning while living on the Batavia farm.  Caroleann loved music and sang solos for many weddings and funerals.  She served as a church organist and choir director for many years.  She also cleaned houses and worked for the University of Iowa Hospitals for a period of time. Caroleann and Marvin loved camping together.

She was a member of the Richland United Methodist Church in Richland, Iowa, before moving to Columbia, Missouri in 2021.

Caroleann is survived by her two children, Ron (Sandy) Black, and Martha (Thomas) Morrow; three grandchildren: Nicole (Jared), Billie Jo, and Jason; two step-grandchildren: Bobbi (Alex) and Steve (Tyana); six great-grandchildren: Gage, Kane, Zaden, Xzavier, Oakley, and Cashton; and three step great-grandchildren: Shadyn, Adrian, and Mateo.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Emmet and Hazel Gingerich; her husband, Marvin Lee Black; one son, Randy Joe Black; one sister, Nancy Jones; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Ruth Hupp.

Dorothy L. Robertson

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 6:17 am CDT

Dorothy L. Robertson, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away early Wednesday morning, December 31, 2025 at Park Place Elder Living at the age of 104 years.

Mrs. Robertson, the former Dorothy Lilian Gholson, was born February 14, 1921 in the Richwoods area of rural Mount Pleasant. She was the daughter of Omer L. and Elsie C. (Ericson) Gholson. Dorothy graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School as a member of the Class of 1939. On November 17, 1942 in St. Louis, MO, Dorothy was united in marriage to Robert W. Mathews. Mr. Mathews died February 23, 1945 from injuries suffered in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. At the time, Dorothy was expecting the birth of their daughter, who was born after her father’s death. Dorothy raised their daughter, Janet, on her own. On June 7, 1966 in Keokuk, Dorothy was united in marriage to Leland “Lee” Everett Robertson. Mr. Robertson died August 15, 1985 at Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Dorothy worked for Dr. Byron Hartley, MD and Dr. Dean Frisch, DDS. After her marriage to Lee, Dorothy worked at Ruth’s Fashions and Rodd’s Cards and Gifts.

Dorothy was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church. As Lee was an airplane pilot, she also obtained her pilot’s license after taking lessons from Raymond Breazeale. Lee and Dorothy spent many hours in the air. Dorothy even acquired the nickname “Flying Grandma”.

Those thankful for sharing in Dorothy’s life include a grandson – Scott Schurhammer of Wabasha, MN; nieces and nephews – Richard (Kellann Redhead) Aicher, Nancy Behner, Dean (Doris) Aicher, Ted (Kathy) Aicher, Sherri Leeper, Robert Gholson and Dennis (Jody) Gholson, and the families of all the nieces and nephews, and 2 step children – Lee (Lori) Robertson, Jr. of Oakville, and Lyn (Andy) Brader of Mediapolis.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Dorothy is preceded in death by her daughter, Janet K. Mathews Schurhammer (died January 1, 1998) and Janet’s husband, William Schurhammer, siblings and their spouses – Vera (Dale) Aicher, Martha (Red) Leeper, Edward (Blondie) Gholson and Edwin Gholson.

Friends may call from 9AM – 12Noon on Saturday, January 3rd at the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 12 Noon to 1PM at the church. A funeral service for Dorothy will be held at 1PM on Saturday, January 3rd in the Chapel of First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, is honored to serve Dorothy’s family.

Mildred V. Rich

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 at 4:49 pm CDT

Mildred V. Rich, 95 of Wayland, died Monday, December 30, 2025, at the Parkview Home in Wayland.

Funeral Services have been set for 11 AM, Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Wayland Mennonite Church in Wayland. Burial will follow at the Cottonwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Wayland Mennonite Church in Wayland. A memorial in the name of Mildred Rich has been established to Hospice of Washington, Cottonwood Cemetery, and Parkview Home. The Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home of Wayland is caring for Mildred and her family. Online condolences may be directed to peterseimfuneralhome.com.

Mildred was born on September 5th, 1930, in Jefferson Township, Henry County. She was the daughter of Lester A Hill and Mary L. Sinn. Mildred was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Rich on September 6th, 1951, in Little Brown Church in Vale. Mildred worked for McCleery Cummings for over 25 years. She was a member of the Cottonwood Church, Cottonwood United Methodist Women, and Wayland American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, flowers, canning, reading, spending time with family, and cooking. She was a great cook; all the grandchildren loved her pancakes. Every year, she went to Old Threshers and the State fair.

Survivors include her children, Debbie Rich of Hudson, FL, Marla (William) Graf of Washington, Lorri (Russell) Conrad of Olds, Larry (Brenda) Rich of Mt. Pleasant, Patty (Karl) Krueger of Crawfordsville; siblings Gary (Laura) Hill of Washington, Violet McGuire of Mt. Pleasant, Johnnie (Gail) Hill of Palm Desert, CA, Thelma Bush Burlington, IA. Eleven Grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded by her parents, husband Bob, and sons, Greg and Joey. Sibling Beulah Manning, Dennis Hill, Art Hill, Marvin Hill, and Linda Underwood.

Yehoshua “Joshua” Cohen

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 at 3:15 pm CDT

Yehoshua “Joshua” Cohen, 75, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Parkview Care Center in Fairfield.

A Vedic Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 1, 2026 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield with Jennifer Hamilton presiding. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Joshua was born May 11, 1950 in Jerusalem, Israel, the son of Shlomo and Reena (Saban) Cohen. He married Phalya Estee Heller, August 22, 1983 in Jerusalem.
Joshua was a faculty member at Maharishi International University. While in Israel, Joshua and his father owned and operated an electric car business.

Joshua was a saint throughout life and he left this world like a saint. He is now rejoicing in heaven with his beloved son.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Phalya, and a brother and sister in Israel. He was preceded in death by his parents, and son, Sheerel Cohen.