Author: Kadie Johannson

This is your KILJ news in review for quarter four of 2025, brought to you by Two Rivers Bank & Trust, highlighting the biggest local stories from October through December 2025 – weather, agriculture, community, education, and city and county developments. Quarter four was a season of change for Mount Pleasant.

WEATHER

From October through December of 2025, weather in Mount Pleasant and across southeast Iowa followed a familiar seasonal transition from fall into winter, with a few notable extremes. October brought cooler temperatures and periods of dry, pleasant fall weather, while November trended colder with increasing cloud cover and occasional rain and light wintry precipitation. December delivered the most impactful weather of the quarter, as the region saw its first significant winter storm, bringing several inches of heavy, wet snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions across much of southeast Iowa. Many holiday and school events were canceled, postponed and rescheduled as folks scrambled to fit in all the regular holiday events despite mother nature’s attempts at dampening our Christmas spirits. Temperatures fluctuated throughout the month, including brief stretches of unseasonably mild weather mid-December and around Christmas before colder air returned late in the year. Overall, Quarter Four was marked by a steady cooling trend and the arrival of winter conditions that set the stage for the start of 2026.

AGRICULTURE

During the final months of 2025, agriculture in southeast Iowa moved from a productive fall harvest into winter planning and reflection. Warm, dry weather in October allowed farmers to make strong progress harvesting corn and soybeans, with many operations finishing fieldwork on schedule. By November, most producers reported mixed but generally near-average yields, with soybeans performing well in many areas despite localized disease pressure and variability from field to field. As harvest wrapped up, attention shifted in December to winter education, livestock management, and preparation for the 2026 growing season, highlighting the resilience of southeast Iowa’s farm families as they navigated tight margins, changing markets, and continued learning opportunities within the agricultural community.

COMMUNITY

In late November, one of the most heartwarming highlights of the season was the Mount Pleasant Community Thanksgiving Dinner, held on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, at the First United Methodist Church. Open to everyone in the area, the event brought together neighbors of all ages to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast — complete with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn, dressing, rolls, cranberry relish, and an assortment of pies generously baked and donated by local residents and sponsored by Pilot Grove Savings Bank and KILJ. What truly set this meal apart was its spirit of inclusivity and fellowship: residents could dine in, pick up meals, or have them delivered to those without transportation, ensuring that no one in the community went without a warm holiday meal. It was a powerful reminder of the strength of community bonds and the generosity that defines southeast Iowa.

The Mount Pleasant Festival of Lights hosted more than 2,200 people, plus many visitors under 5 years old, during the walk through the weekend prior to Thanksgiving. The Festival of Lights was extended this year, making it Iowa’s longest drive through light display at two miles. And while Old Man Winter was a little temperamental in quarter four of 2025 forcing the Festival of Lights organizers to cancel two nights and close early for a few others, visitors from all over the country made their way through the dazzling displays, visited Santa in his house, and marveled all the way through the holiday light displays.

CITY OF MOUNT PLEASANT

Election results were finalized, highlighting civic participation across the community. Incumbent Mayor Steve Brimhall was re-elected. First elected in 2010, Brimhall won in November over challenger Kim – Kasey Conrad with 66% of the vote. Council members Terry McWilliams and Robert Griffith were also re-elected and newly elected to the Mount Pleasant City Council was Matthew Barton. They were officially sworn in at the last city council meeting of the year on December 23, 2025.

Henry County Election Results: Official City and School Election

The city of Mount Pleasant marked a significant loss in December with the passing of longtime City Administrator Brent Schleisman, who served the city for more than three decades. Schleisman was widely credited with providing steady leadership and institutional knowledge, helping guide major infrastructure projects, economic development efforts, and the day-to-day operations of city government. City officials and community leaders remembered him as a dedicated public servant whose work left a lasting impact on Mount Pleasant and helped shape the community heading into the future.

EDUCATION

One of the most significant Mount Pleasant Community School District stories in the last quarter of 2025 was the schools reported decline in enrollment. At its October school board meeting, district leaders revealed that certified enrollment for the 2025–26 school year had dropped by nearly 60 students compared to the previous year, a decline that could reduce state funding by roughly $480,000 and has implications for budgeting and programming. In response, the district’s Facilities Ad Hoc Committee continued reviewing elementary programming and attendance centers, hosting community meetings to engage residents in planning discussions.

A Leadership Transition in the School District was announced in late December with the school board’s hiring and appointment of Dr. Sharon Dentlinger as the district’s next superintendent following Mr. Henriksen’s retirement in mid-2026.

One of the most talked-about local stories in late 2025 was the fate of the historic P.E.O. Memorial Building on the former Iowa Wesleyan University campus. Built in 1927 and long tied to the P.E.O. Sisterhood’s legacy, the aging structure became a focus of community discussion after the Mount Pleasant Community School District moved forward with plans to demolish it, citing safety concerns, high renovation costs, and lack of educational use.

In October and November, the district held a public hearing, accepted sealed bids for demolition, and debated the scope and timing of the project, including careful removal of architectural elements like the cornerstone that may contain a time capsule. Despite vocal community interest in preservation or adaptive reuse, the school board proceeded with awarding a demolition contract to DeCarlo Demolition Company and approved a timeline extension into early 2026 to accommodate weather-related delays and site safety protocols. This project marked one of the most visible shifts in the former university campus’s landscape in 2025, blending historic reflection with forward-looking facilities planning by the school district.

COUNTY

One of the most significant county infrastructure stories of late 2025 was the progress on the Big Creek bridge replacement on 235th Street, west of Mount Pleasant. Construction activity began in early December, with dirt work beginning December 1 and the bridge itself closing to traffic on December 8 to allow full removal and rebuilding. The project — part of a long‑planned effort to modernize the county’s road network — is expected to continue through the winter and into 2026, with detour plans and traffic adjustments communicated to the public as the new structure takes shape. This infrastructure investment responds to longtime county needs and highlights ongoing collaboration between county engineers and the Board of Supervisors on road safety and connectivity.

The Board of Supervisors continued to engage with residents and stakeholders on energy‑related land use policy in 2025, especially regarding commercial wind development. While much of the core debate and ordinance drafting occurred earlier in the year — with sweeping revisions approved mid‑year that tightened setback, noise, decommissioning, and financial requirements for future wind energy systems — the ripple effects carried into Q4 as county governance wrapped up and prepared to move on related solar and battery storage regulation discussions. This prolonged scrutiny underscores local priorities around agriculture, property values, and rural quality‑of‑life concerns tied to utility‑scale wind projects.

Although not directly a Board of Supervisors action, conversations about law enforcement credibility and transparency surfaced locally through ongoing coverage of Deputy Carlos Lopez’s placement on — and eventual removal from — the Brady‑Giglio list. In late 2025, the court ruled that Lopez be taken off the list, ending a multiyear legal battle over his credential status in court proceedings. This development was widely discussed in community forums and raised questions about public confidence in law enforcement and prosecutorial decisions — a topic of intense local interest and civic dialogue throughout the year.

As 2025 came to a close, Henry County and Mount Pleasant reflected on a quarter marked by infrastructure improvements, community engagement, and forward‑looking leadership decisions. From classrooms to city halls…From celebrations to challenges…2025 was a year shaped by planning, progress, and the people who call this community home. That’s a look back at the year that was — 2025 in review brought to you by Two Rivers Bank & Trust — from KILJ News.

Two people were arrested following a suspicious vehicle call on Christmas Eve in rural Des Moines County.

According to the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called around 9:41 p.m. on December 24th to the area of 10994 115th Avenue after a report of a suspicious vehicle. Deputies observed the vehicle driving in the area and later made contact after it parked at that address.

During the investigation, deputies identified the driver as 37-year-old Hollie Marie Brake of Wayland. Deputies reported smelling alcohol and observed an open container inside the vehicle. Brake admitted to consuming alcohol and using heroin prior to driving. After failing standardized field sobriety tests, she was taken into custody. Deputies also located heroin in her possession.

Brake was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center and charged with Operating While Intoxicated, second offense, and Possession of a Controlled Substance, third or subsequent offense.

Deputies also made contact with the front passenger, identified as 32-year-old Taylor Marvin Wood of New London. Authorities say Wood was found in possession of a loaded hypodermic needle and a bag containing suspected methamphetamine. Both items tested positive for methamphetamine.

Wood was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, third or subsequent offense, and was also transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.

Authorities remind the public that all charges are accusations, and both individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Lee County deputies responded to a disturbance involving gunfire Monday afternoon in rural Lee County.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s press release, deputies were dispatched around 1:39 p.m. on December 29th to the 1800 block of West Point Road after reports of a disturbance in progress. While en route, dispatch advised that a male subject at the scene was reportedly armed with a firearm and that shots had already been fired.

When deputies arrived, they confirmed shots were actively being discharged. Deputies made contact with the male subject outside the residence. He complied with commands and was taken into custody without further incident.

Deputies then secured the residence and located a female occupant who had been hiding inside the home. Investigators determined the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute. The female also reported the male had made threats toward himself, law enforcement, and others.

No deputies or other individuals were injured during the incident. Firearms were secured at the scene, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Lee County deputies arrested 51-year-old Landon A. Rampy of West Point. He is charged with Harassment in the First Degree, Domestic Abuse Assault second offense, Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, and Reckless Use of a Firearm. Authorities remind the public that all charges are accusations, and Rampy is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is also reminding the public that domestic-related incidents involving firearms are extremely dangerous and encourages anyone experiencing a domestic crisis to seek help immediately through law enforcement or local support resources.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Henry County residents who use the rural sanitation collection site will see a change in service starting with the new year.

The county’s rural sanitation contract is now being handled by All American Sanitation, with updated hours taking effect Friday, January 2, 2026.

According to All American Sanitation representative Tim Myers, the transition will not impact what materials are accepted at the site located at 900 West Washington Street in Mount Pleasant. All separation requirements and disposal procedures will remain business as usual.

The primary change residents should note is the operating schedule. Beginning January 2nd, the collection site will be open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays; and from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The site will be closed on Sundays.

The facility will also observe closures on major holidays, including New Year’s Day, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Myers says signage will be posted at the site with updated hours and contact information to assist residents. All American Sanitation will move equipment into place on New Year’s Day and officially open under the new contract on Friday, January 2nd.

The rural sanitation service change in hours applies to residents across Henry County. This site is for rural residents only; city trash isn’t accepted. Proof of rural residency is required. They accept household trash and recyclables.

Residents with questions or concerns can contact All American Sanitation at 319-986-6355.

As New Year’s Eve celebrations approach, the Fort Madison Police Department is reminding residents and visitors to celebrate responsibly and make safe choices behind the wheel.

Police say New Year’s Eve is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for impaired driving. Alcohol and drugs can significantly reduce reaction time, judgment, and coordination, putting drivers, passengers, and others on the road at serious risk.

The department says driving under the influence is entirely preventable and urges people to plan ahead before celebrating. Officers encourage anyone who plans to drink to designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service or public transportation, or stay overnight at their celebration location. Police also stress the importance of never allowing a friend or family member to drive while impaired.

Fort Madison officers will be on patrol throughout New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, actively enforcing impaired driving laws to help keep roadways safe.

Police remind the public that impaired driving is illegal and remains a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities. Anyone who sees a suspected impaired driver is urged to contact local authorities.

The Fort Madison Police Department’s message is simple: celebrate responsibly, plan ahead, and don’t drink and drive.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a Keokuk man following an investigation into alleged misconduct at a juvenile detention facility in Montrose.

According to a press release, deputies were called on October 29th to assist with an investigation at the South Iowa Area Detention Service Agency, also known as the JDC. Officials emphasized the facility is not overseen by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began after the JDC director reported concerns involving inappropriate conduct between a detention officer and a 16-year-old juvenile detainee. Those concerns included excessive and unnecessary contact, attempts to obstruct camera views inside the facility, and violations of prior employment restrictions.

Investigators reviewed employee reports, surveillance video, and conducted multiple interviews. Authorities say the evidence showed the employee engaged in inappropriate behavior toward the juvenile and violated policies meant to protect youth in custody.

The investigation also revealed the employee made unauthorized contact with the juvenile’s parent and misrepresented his authority regarding bonding the juvenile out of custody. Search warrants were executed at the employee’s residence and for personal electronic devices.

As a result, 48-year-old Mark Young of Keokuk was arrested and charged with Sexual Misconduct with a Juvenile. Authorities stress that a charge is an accusation, and Young is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The sheriff’s office says the employee is no longer in a position of authority over juveniles. Due to the involvement of a minor, additional details are being withheld to protect the victim’s privacy.

This is your KILJ News 2025 Quarter Three Year in Review, brought to you by Two Rivers Bank & Trust, highlighting the biggest local stories from July through September 2025 – weather, agriculture, education, community events and economic developments in Mount Pleasant and the broader southeast Iowa region.

WEATHER

Quarter Three of 2025 in southeast Iowa saw a stormy midsummer give way to a warm, drier start to fall. July brought heavy rainfall — 9.2 inches, over 5 inches above average — keeping soils saturated and raising occasional flooding concerns across Iowa. August stayed warm and humid with occasional storms, while September was warmer but drier, signaling the transition into fall – a weather pattern that shaped local events, agriculture, and day-to-day life across southeast Iowa.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture in quarter three of 2025 blended solid harvest progress and generally good yields with economic and market pressures. Local weather patterns supported fieldwork and crop maturity, contributing to harvest activity that often ran ahead of schedule for the season. However, challenges including disease pressures, tighter margins, and a farmland market that is more stable than booming reminding Southeast Iowa farmers that profitability remains sensitive to commodity price and rising input cost trends.

COMMUNITY

The 75th Midwest Old Threshers Reunion held August 28–September 1, marked a historic milestone, celebrating three-quarters of a century of preserving our rich agricultural heritage, steam power, and rural traditions in Southeast Iowa. The weather was perfect, with clear skies, warm days, and comfortable evenings leading to a new attendance record, drawing more than 38,000 visitors over the five-day event.

Attendees experienced 88 steam engines, 1,047 tractors, 101 antique cars and trucks, and 643 gas engines on working display. The entertainment on the KILJ Stage included the Malpass Brothers on Thursday, Cooper Alan on Friday, Priscilla Block on Saturday, and, for the first time ever, Sunday night featured a comedian versus a musical performance. Legendary comedian Jeff Foxworthy performed to a sold out crowd and if the laughs were any indication, it was the perfect rounding out to celebrate 75 years!

Along with a great Old Threshers Reunion, Mount Pleasant High School capped the quarter with spirited 2025 homecoming festivities, including “Pink Panther Day,” the traditional Boom Night with Powder Puff football, Royalty Court announcements, and a rivalry football game that energized the community’s support for the Panthers. Ramzey Davis was crowned MPHS Homecoming King and Alex Scott took the title of 2025 Homecoming Queen.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

In August, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) approved a major manufacturing investment for ContiTech USA, LLC in Mount Pleasant. The project — a substantial expansion of the existing facility — represents a multi-million-dollar capital infusion and is projected to create approximately 50 new jobs with competitive wages. The expansion includes a new state-of-the-art compounding center that will enhance production, warehousing, and office capacity, reinforcing Mount Pleasant’s manufacturing sector.

This project reflects ongoing regional economic momentum by leveraging industrial strengths and workforce development opportunities.

SCHOOL

From July through September, the Mount Pleasant Community School District was busy preparing for the new school year and advancing key projects.

In July, Superintendent John Henriksen announced his intent to retire at the end of the 2025–2026 school year. The school board prepared for a superintendent search anticipated later in the academic cycle, which you’ll hear more about in Quarter Four. Enrollment opened in mid‑July, and students returned to classes on August 25th.

A new Personal electronic devices policy was implemented statewide in 2025. The use of all cell phones, smart phones, gaming devices, and media players was prohibited during instructional time at school – an adjustment for students, parents, and school staff.

In September, a special session board meeting included discussions on a proposed agricultural education greenhouse and initial plans for the demolition of the PEO Memorial Building, which led to much discussion on preservation efforts from local organizations and community members.

PUBLIC SAFTY

On September 2, law enforcement executed a significant narcotics investigation resulting in the arrest of a Mount Pleasant individual and the seizure of a shipment containing illegal THC vape devices, marijuana products, and related contraband. The case underscored ongoing coordinated efforts by the Mount Pleasant Police Department, DEA, Iowa State Patrol, and the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force.

CITY

City Council actions during September included consideration of community development projects and support measures for business expansions, including resolutions connected to potential ContiTech growth. Infrastructure planning — such as street grading and airport hangar expansion — was also part of council discussions, reflecting ongoing operational priorities in municipal governance.

The council also held a scheduled public hearing regarding the proposed plans and specifications for the Second Baptist Church Project. On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, council members voted to table both the resolution to accept bids and a related asbestos removal contract. The committee advised that the city should step back, reevaluate options, and consider alternative planning before moving forward.

The City of Mount Pleasant and the Mount Pleasant School Board of Education spent much of October gearing up for the upcoming election in November. We will hear more about the results of that election, in our quarter four report.

COUNTY

In county news the Henry County board of supervisors focused on both governance and infrastructure. At the July 31 meeting, in addition to routine administrative items, the board took up a third reading of a standard penalty amendment and discussed the moratorium on commercial solar and battery storage zoning, reflecting ongoing consideration of local land‑use policy.

In August and September, the board turned its attention to local infrastructure projects. Planning and approvals moved forward for a bridge replacement on Fremont Avenue, along with ongoing maintenance and improvements across county roads, including Old Highway 34, Franklin Avenue, and 170th Street.

Supervisors also continued routine administrative work, keeping an eye on county finances and preparing for the next fiscal year’s budget. Public input remained a key part of each meeting, allowing residents to weigh in on matters ranging from infrastructure improvements to local ordinances.

As quarter three concluded, Mount Pleasant positioned itself for year-end momentum. Community traditions like the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion reinforced the city’s cultural identity and economic impact, while strategic industrial investments pointed toward expanded employment opportunities. Education leadership planning and active civic engagement suggested sustained community involvement as the region enters quarter four. And that’s your 2025 Quarter Three KILJ News Year in Review bringing you the stories that matter in Mount Pleasant and southeast Iowa, courtesy of Two Rivers Bank & Trust.