This is your KILJ News Quarter Two Year in Review, brought to you by Two Rivers Bank & Trust, highlighting the biggest local stories from April through June 2025 — weather, agriculture, education, community updates, and county developments.
Weather
As we look back at the weather from April through June 2025 in Mount Pleasant, the spring season delivered warmer-than-average temperatures and a generally active rainfall pattern typical for Southeast Iowa. Temperatures trended warmer than long-term normals, especially in April and June, contributing to an early transition toward summer warmth. Rainfall was episodic but close to seasonal expectations by the end of June, with May and June contributing the bulk of spring precipitation. Spring storm activity brought multiple rounds of thunderstorms to the region, reflecting classic Midwest severe-weather season dynamics.
The weather in Quarter Two of 2025 in Mount Pleasant was marked by a warmer spring with active thunderstorm patterns and seasonal precipitation — a transition from cool early spring into a typical summer pattern by June.
Agriculture
That spring weather shaped the planting season across Southeast Iowa — with farmers moving into fields early, some even in April. While localized reports varied the wet early spring conditions turned into warmer, more active fieldwork as the quarter progressed.
In livestock news, the Iowa Department of Agriculture confirmed the first documented case of Theileriosis, a tick-borne disease in cattle in Southeast Iowa. Producers were urged to monitor herds and work with veterinarians on prevention and treatment.
And Mogo Farms in Mount Pleasant received a $25,000 Choose Iowa value‑added grant from the Iowa Department of Agriculture to support construction of a new produce washing and processing facility, enhancing local farm business capabilities.
Schools & Education
In April and May, education was at the forefront of community attention in Mount Pleasant.
A special election to fill a vacancy on the Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education was held in early May. The voters chose Mark Overberg to serve on the school board, bringing a strong voice for Salem and surrounding communities to the district’s decision-making table. Overberg, a lifelong Salem resident and local business leader, ran on a platform emphasizing neighborhood schools and community inclusion.
In April, a special school board session revealed the results of a high-stakes Facilities Master Plan survey. The survey saw a response from over 1,000 residents who voiced a clear “No” to the proposed $35 million bond referendum. The primary point of contention was the board’s plan to consolidate elementary schools on the former Iowa Wesleyan University campus, which would mean the closure the neighborhood school in Salem as well as the 3 elementaries in town.
The school also denied plans to demolish the P.E.O. Memorial Building during quarter two of 2025, stating they were in an evaluation phase and not considering a demolition currently; a topic that will come up again as we move through the later months of the year.
City & County News
Other highlights in Quarter Two included celebrating local businesses and hosting community events.
Quality Equipment was named the 2025 Small Business of the Year at the Small Business Appreciation Breakfast hosted by the Mount pleasant area chamber of commerce in May. Other finalists were honored at the breakfast as well including Capstone Pharmacy, American Hair Academy, Crossfit Teo, and Family Medicine of Mount Pleasant.
The 26th Annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade rolled through southeast Iowa in early June, once again bringing hundreds of tractors and riders to Mount Pleasant. Hosted at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion grounds and McMillan Park, the three-day event featured daily rides through Henry, Des Moines, Jefferson and Washington counties and featured the best of Southeast Iowa’s small towns and people. With over 300 tractors participating, the Tractorcade highlighted Iowa’s agricultural heritage, multi-generational involvement, strong community support, and the enduring spirit of rural Iowa, wrapping up another successful summer tradition.
June 23-27, 2025 Mount Pleasant was selected as the subject of a week‑long “Our Town” spotlight by KCRG‑TV9. Filming included local landmarks and businesses, a boost for community visibility and regional branding. Segments featured Midwest Old Threshers, the public swimming pool, Henry County Conservation’s plans for an all-inclusive playground, highlights at local museums including the Van Allen House and the Harlan Lincoln House, and spotlighted local businesses.
As spring turned to summer, the momentum built for more infrastructure planning, community development, and long term planning in our schools. With strong civic engagement in local elections and active conversations about school facilities and agricultural resiliency, Quarter Two set the stage for what promises to be an engaged and eventful second half of the year.
And that’s your 2025 Quarter Two KILJ News Year in Review — bringing you the stories that matter in Mount Pleasant and all of Southeast Iowa courtesy of Two Rivers Bank & Trust.