Author: Kadie Johannson

Area Recyclers wants to remind you of their Holiday schedule for their manned recycling drop off located at the southwest corner of 1000 West Washington Street in Mount Pleasant.

For the Christmas Holiday, the recycling drop off will be closed on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24th. Regular hours will resume on Friday, December 26th. For the News Years holiday, the recycling dop off will close at 2pm on Wednesday, December 31st. Regular hours will resume on Friday, January 2nd.

Please remember the Area Recyclers manned recycling drop off located at the southwest corner of 1000 West Washington Street is normally open Wednesdays and Fridays from 830am-3pm. The drop off is free and open to all residents or businesses with no residency requirements. They accept plastics # 1, 2, and 5, corrugated cardboard, glass, metals, and paper.

For more information, please visit their website.

Iowa farmland values edged up slightly this year, but the gains were uneven — and in parts of southeast Iowa, landowners likely felt more pressure than growth.

The annual Iowa State University Land Value Survey shows the statewide average farmland value rose less than one percent to about $11,550 an acre, a modest increase economists describe as a market “readjustment,” not a boom. After adjusting for inflation, most counties actually saw values slip.

In southern and southeastern Iowa, land prices remain among the lowest in the state. Appanoose County posted Iowa’s lowest average value at about $6,700 an acre, down more than two percent from last year. The broader South Central district, which overlaps much of southern Iowa, continues to trail other regions, with average land values well below the state average.

ISU economist Rabail Chandio says strong crop yields and limited land for sale helped support prices in some areas, but lower commodity prices, high interest rates and tight farm margins weighed more heavily on others — including much of southern Iowa. She notes that while sellers may receive slightly higher dollar amounts than last year, inflation means that money doesn’t go as far.

Overall, the survey shows a divided land market, with stronger increases in northeast Iowa and weaker conditions in the south. For southeast Iowa farmers and landowners, the message is stability rather than growth, as the farmland market continues to adjust to higher interest rates and softer commodity prices.

For more information, watch the Land Value Survey press conference.

For many people, the holidays are a time of joy and celebration. But mental health professionals say the season can also bring increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness.

Shorter days, financial pressure, family expectations, and the loss of loved ones can all take a toll on mental well-being during the holidays. Experts say it’s important to remember that it’s okay if the season doesn’t feel merry.

Mental health providers recommend setting realistic expectations, including limits on spending and social commitments. Maintaining routines—such as regular sleep, meals, and exercise—can also help provide stability during a busy time of year.

Staying connected is another key factor. Reaching out to friends, family, or community groups, even briefly, can help reduce isolation. At the same time, professionals say it’s healthy to take breaks and allow yourself quiet time when needed.

Experts encourage people to be mindful of alcohol use, which can worsen anxiety and depression. Instead, find simple stress-relieving strategies—like taking a walk, practicing deep breathing, or stepping away from social media—to help restore balance.

Locally, Henry County Public Health is holding their “Ask a Nurse” series this month focusing on the topic of mental health. Head to the Crew Public Library in Salem on Tuesday, December 23rd at 1 pm to get answers to your questions related to mental health in a relaxed, supportive environment by a registered nurse. This event is free and open to all and no RSVP is necessary. Click here to view the flyer.

If feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness become overwhelming, help is available. In Iowa and across the country, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988.

Mental health professionals say the most important reminder this holiday season is that you’re not alone—and taking care of your mental health is just as important as any holiday tradition.

Early Sunday morning, Burlington Police were called to a residence on the 2100 block of Douglas Avenue for a report of four men outside the home sitting in a truck wearing ski masks with a shotgun.

Eric Shaffer, 43, was arrested by the Burlington Police and charged with:

• control of a firearm/offensive weapon by a felon
• possession of a short barrel rifle/shotgun
• violation of a no contact order
• driving under suspension

Shaffer acknowledged that the woman who had initially contacted police was inside his truck and that he was aware of the no-contact order she had against him. Shaffer is being held at the Des Moines County Jail on bond.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

A caretaker in Burlington is charged after police say the woman she was taking care of died.

According to Burlington police, a dependent woman was hospitalized on July 21, 2025, after her mattress caught fire. She was later moved to hospice care and died on August 14, 2025.

Her death led to an investigation and Audrey Engler, age 25, was identified as a suspect. A warrant was issued for her arrest on December 11, 2025.

On December 15, 2025, at 4:50 a.m. Engler was spotted on the 100 block of South 9th Street. She was arrested and charged with a felony – intentional dependent adult abuse by a caretaker with serious injury. Engler was transported to the Des Moines County jail. A judge has set a preliminary hearing for Engler for December 29, 2025. Bond for Engler has been set at $10,000.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.