Central Lee School District Names New Superintendent

By Lisa Grilliot · Saturday, May 9th, 2026 at 5:17 am CDT

The Central Lee Community School District School Board announced Friday night that Stacey Schmidt has been selected as the district’s next superintendent, pending board approval. Schmidt holds a master’s degree in education from Southwest Minnesota State University and an education specialist degree and superintendent endorsement from the University of Sioux Falls.

Schmidt currently serves as director of student services for the Atlantic Community School District, where she oversees programming, including special education, gifted and talented, Section 504, and at-risk services. She also leads efforts in fiscal planning and compliance. According to a press release, Schmidt’s previous experience includes serving as a PK-12 principal in the Whiting Community School District, where she oversaw school operations, instructional leadership, and staff evaluation.

“Stacey brings a strong background in student-centered leadership, instructional improvement, and district operations,” said Board President Bill Young. “Her experience aligns well with Central Lee’s priorities, and we look forward to the impact she will have on our students and community.”

“I am so excited to be joining the team.,” Schmidt said. “I was not just looking to be the next Superintendent; I was looking to be the right Superintendent for the next chapter of success for Central Lee.”

Schmidt is expected to begin her role on July 1, 2026.

 

Salem City Council Meeting 5/5/26

By Lisa Grilliot · Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 at 6:04 am CDT

The City of Salem City Council will meet at 5:30pm on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in the Community Center, 201 S. Main Street.  This meeting is open to the public.

 

MP Ordinance Committee Meeting 5/5/26

By Lisa Grilliot · Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 at 6:03 am CDT

The City of Mt. Pleasant Ordinance Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 9:00am in the City Administrator’s Conference Room at city hall.  Several ordinances are on the agenda for consideration, including allowing four wheelers within city limits.  This meeting is open to the public.

 

 

Romajean Messer

By Lisa Grilliot · Monday, May 4th, 2026 at 6:02 am CDT
Romajean Messer, 80, of Mount Pleasant, died Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Prestige Care Center of Fairfield in Fairfield.

Born September 29, 1945, in Burlington, IA, she was the daughter of Francis “Snook” and Evelyn (Hartman) Walsh.  She married Robert Hutchinson but later divorced.  On April 28, 1990 she married James Messer.

Romajean started her career at Bennett’s Home Furnishings making drapery.  She later went to work for Champion Spark Plug where she retired after 30 years.

Romajean was the kindest person you ever met.  She had a great attention to detail and excellent organizational skills; both of which aided her greatly in her career and at home.  She loved adding the finishing decorations that allowed her to make her house a home, and maximized comfort for her family.

Romajean loved baking, sewing and making delicious meals for her family.  She loved going to family events, often with a camera in hand and a bag packed to ensure that all the needs of her family were met.  It wouldn’t be a surprise to find a first aid kit and an extra snack packed away for an emergency.

She loved her family deeply, and looked forward to spending as much time with them as she could.  Her kindness, generosity, and attention to detail will be missed, but her legacy will continue on through all who love her.

Survivors include husband of 36 years, James Messer; children, Chelli (John) Schoof, Mindee Hutchinson, Chad Hutchinson, Shelley (Mike) Anderson, and Jodi (Jason) Wenthe; siblings, Lori Steward, Lynette (Scott) Salisbury, Gary Walsh, and Gloria (Ted) Gooch; 10 grandkids, 9 great-grandkids with one on the way; brother-in-law, Carl Carman; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Troy Hutchinson; sister, Rosemary Carman; sister-in-law, Mary Walsh; and brother-in-law, Ron Steward.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.

The funeral service for Mrs. Messer will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street with Father Carl Mann officiating.  A time of food and fellowship will follow in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service.  Romajean will be laid to rest with a private ceremony at Forest Home Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Romajean’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.”

May 4, 2026 – May 10, 2026

By Lisa Grilliot · Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 at 5:00 pm CDT
05/04/26
Tammy Mulford
05/04/26
Lou Schimmelpfennig
05/04/26
Chris Stauffer
05/05/26
Karen Hassel
05/05/26
Deb Mabeus
05/06/26
Jerry Lalaga
05/06/26
Brock Greear
05/07/26
Larry Prior
05/07/26
Adalyn Anderson (10th)
05/08/26
Joni Stoderl (70)
05/08/26
Alissa Alexander
05/08/26
Flint Wilson
05/08/26
Denny & Sue Kingery *Anniversary
05/09/26
Karen Carter
05/09/26
Peter Kilbourne
05/09/26
Doug Fraise
05/09/26
Joe & Kristen Halt *Anniversary
05/10/26
Thelma Scarff
05/10/26
Philip Geiser (80th!)

Danville City Council Meeting 5/4/26

By Lisa Grilliot · Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 at 12:00 pm CDT

The City of Danville will meet in regular session on Monday, May 4, at 5:30pm at Danville City Hall, 105 W. Shepherd Street. Items on the agenda include a water rate increase and departmental reports.  This meeting is open to the public.

MP City Council Special Session Meeting: 5/4/26

By Lisa Grilliot · Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 at 1:00 pm CDT

The City of Mt. Pleasant will meet in special session at 12:00pm on Monday, May 4, 2026, at City Hall, 307 E. Monroe Steet in the City Administrator’s Conference Room.  The city council will address a resolution awarding the contract for the Winfield Avenue 2026 Street and Trail Project.  The meeting is open to the public.  The Mt. Pleasant City Council will meet in regular session on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 5:30pm.