2026 Women in Agriculture Conference “Beyond the Fields” Set for March 21st

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 7:58 am CDT

Women involved in agriculture across southeast Iowa are invited to gather next month for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration in Washington.

“Beyond the Fields” is the theme of the 2026 Women in Agriculture Conference, set for March 21, 2026 at the Jim and Evelyn Eash Banquet Room at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Washington.

The event is hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Washington County, along with the Washington County Women in Agriculture Advisory Board.

Organizers say this year’s conference is designed to equip attendees with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and inspiring stories from women shaping agriculture today.

Rebecca Vittetoe, ISU Extension field agronomist and advisory board member, says organizers are looking forward to the eighth annual conference and have assembled a strong lineup of speakers to help participants truly think “beyond the fields.”

Sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including beginning farm programs with representatives from the Farm Service Agency and the Iowa Finance Authority; estate and succession planning with Kristine Tidgren of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University; building a farm-based brand with Ashley Recknor of Purple Ribbon Beef; communication styles through the Real Colors® framework; and a personal look at farm life from Joan Maxwell of Cinnamon Ridge Farms.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the program running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The conference is open to all. Cost is $25, or $15 for students, and includes a light breakfast and lunch. The early registration deadline is March 14th. After that date, fees increase to $35, or $25 for students, with late and walk-in registrations accepted as space allows.

To register or learn more, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County office at 319-653-4811 or register online. Early registration is encouraged.

The conference is made possible through support from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Azariah and Martha Foster Heritage Endowment, Hills Bank, and other local sponsors.

Secretary Naig Invites Applications for Century and Heritage Farm Recognition as Part of Iowa’s America250 Celebrations

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 7:33 am CDT

Iowa farm families with deep roots are invited to be part of a special America250 celebration this year.

Mike Naig is encouraging eligible landowners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

The program, created in partnership with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, honors families who have owned their farms for 100 years as Century Farms and 150 years as Heritage Farms.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Century Farm Program and the 20th anniversary of the Heritage Farm Program. Since the programs began, more than 21,000 Century Farms and 2,000 Heritage Farms across Iowa have been recognized.

Families honored in 2026 will receive a certificate featuring a special America250 seal and will be recognized during a ceremony August 20th in the Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair.

To qualify for 2026 recognition, completed applications must be postmarked or received by June 1st. Applications are available on the Department’s website or by contacting the Century and Heritage Farm Program coordinator at the Department’s office in Des Moines.

MPCSD Meets with AFSCME Local 3865 to Discuss 26-27 Master Contract Proposals Today, 2/19/26

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 7:26 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community School District will hold a public meeting this afternoon to begin contract discussions with AFSCME Local 3865.

The meeting is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at the district’s Central Office, located at 1010 East Washington Street in Mount Pleasant.

District officials and union representatives will exchange initial proposals for the 2026–2027 Master Contract between the district and AFSCME Local 3865.

Stolen Firearm Recovered in Milton During Arrest

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 7:18 am CDT

According to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 1:00 p.m. on February 13, 2026 to a report of a burglary at a residence in the 100 block of East Oak Street in Milton.

Investigators say a locked door had been forced open and a firearm was taken from the home.

Later that same day, at approximately 5:00 p.m., deputies took Jagger W. Crees, 18, into custody at a residence in the 200 block of North Iowa Street. During the arrest, authorities recovered the stolen firearm.

Crees has been charged with Burglary in the Second Degree and Making a False Report to Law Enforcement.

As a reminder, a criminal charge is merely an accusation and that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sharon K. Johnson

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 at 4:41 pm CDT

Sharon K. Johnson, formerly of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and most recently residing in Ames, Iowa, passed away on February 18, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on April 12, 1944, in Burlington, Iowa to Jack Clayton and Leora Janet Oetken Brown.

Sharon was a 1962 graduate of New London High School. Following graduation, she worked at the Armory in Burlington, Iowa. In 1965, she married the love of her life, Dale Johnson. Together they made their home in New London and later in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Sharon and Dale shared 59 years of marriage, celebrating their 59th anniversary shortly before Dale’s passing on September 19, 2024.

Sharon devoted many years as a stay-at-home mother before returning to the workforce as an office manager with Mark Hamilton Insurance in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where she worked until her retirement.

She greatly enjoyed the outdoors, especially walking with friends and family. Sharon found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandchildren and was active in her faith communities, including New London Presbyterian Church, Calvary Baptist Church, and Wellspring Churches in New London and Mt. Pleasant.

In addition to her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dale Johnson. She is survived by her brother Ron Brown and his wife Rayma; her sons Joel Johnson and his wife Tracy, and Jamie Johnson and his wife Courtney; and her six grandchildren, Brandon, Ryan, Emma, Reese, Eliza, and Seth.

A Service of Remembrance and Celebration of Life will be held at a future date as a joint celebration honoring both Sharon and Dale, with inurnment at Burge cemetery, rural New London.

Those wishing to remember Sharon may send condolences to Elliott Chapel in New London, Iowa. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Henry County Board of Supervisors Agenda for Thursday, February 19, 2026

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 at 4:06 pm CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors meets tomorrow, Thursday, February 19th, at 9 a.m. at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant.

On the agenda is discussion surrounding the rescinding of last week’s Interim County Attorney appointment and consideration of a new appointment. They’ll also talk about the possibility of calling a Special Election to fill the County Attorney vacancy.

Other business includes updates from County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss on roads and quarry projects, discussion of a rock quarry crushing contract, and news about Trenton Emergency Responders. Supervisor Marc Lindeen will share a Farm Bureau report, and All American Sanitation will update the Board on rural waste collection.

This meeting is open to the public. Members of the public can provide comments on non-agenda items, limited to three minutes each.

KILJ News will be there and will bring you a full report after the meeting.

City of Wayland Meeting Agenda for February 18, 2026

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 at 4:02 pm CDT

The Wayland City Council will meet in regular session tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Wayland City Hall, 218 West Main Street in Wayland.

There are several routine and financial matters on the agenda including a review of water system rates and consideration of a possible rate increase. The council will also consider Resolution 2026-05, approving a wage increase for a public works employee, and Resolution 2026-06, which sets the time and place for a public hearing on the consolidated general fund tax levy for the city’s fiscal year 2026–2027 budget.

This meeting is open to the public.