Holiday Schedule for Area Recyclers Manned Drop Off in Mount Pleasant

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, December 18th, 2025 at 11:46 am CDT

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 Inched Up Slightly in 2025

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, December 18th, 2025 at 11:34 am CDT

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.

Sports, December 18th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, December 18th, 2025 at 6:47 am CDT

High School Basketball

Central Lee will participate in the Rumble on the River tonight with the girls’ team competing against Monroe City at 4:30 pm and the boys’ team facing off against Clopton at 6 pm.

WACO will take on Highland on the road tonight with game one at 6 pm.

Mediapolis will host Winfield-Mt. Union tonight with the girls playing at 6 pm.

Columbus will travel to Pekin tonight with tip-off at 6 pm for the girls’ contest. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will travel to Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow, December 19th, with game one at 6 pm.

New London will stay on the road to tangle with Mediapolis tomorrow with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

West Burlington will square off on the road against Central Lee tomorrow with the boys’ game following the girls at 7:30 pm.

Danville will host Van Buren County tomorrow with the night starting at 6 pm.

Wapello will compete against Columbus at home tomorrow with game one at 6 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Washington tomorrow with game one at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm.

Fairfield will face off against Keokuk tomorrow at home with game one at 6 pm.

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant will compete in a quad in Burlington tomorrow, December 19th, with Central Lee also in attendance. 

High School Wrestling

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will compete in a triangular at home against WACO and Mediapolis tonight.

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Fort Madison for a dual tonight.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will host a quad tonight with Van Buren County and Wapello making the trip. 

Fairfield will face off against Burlington tonight at home.

The New London boys’ team will wrestle at the Fort Madison Invitational tomorrow, December 19th.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will travel to Prairie on Saturday, December 20th, for an invite.

The WACO and Wapello girls’ teams will compete in the Warhorse Invitational on Saturday.

College Signing

Mt. Pleasant’s Max Sloat will be continuing his football career at Mount Mercy University next year after signing his Letter of Intent yesterday. Sloat had a phenomenal year as the captain helped direct a defense that ranked in the top five for sacks. His 60 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown led to a First Team All-District honor.

Sloat talked about the process that led to his recruitment,

 “So, I talked to them [Mt. Mercy] a little bit during the preseason. They came to one of our practices with West Liberty, where we scrimmaged them. And then two days later, I believe, I hopped on a call with Coach Montoya, who was here, and he said that we like seeing you and we want to keep doing that. So, he offered me there, and that was huge. Built a lot of confidence and I think since then I just started working harder and trying to become the best player I could.”

He will be studying Exercise Science with a focus set on becoming a Physical Therapist in an effort to help those in the future with a dream he’s chasing in the present,

“…I want to work with athletes. I’ve been around them all my life. I feel like I can understand them, not just on the physical side, but the mental side and what’s going on. So, I want to be able to help them and make them chase their dreams as good as they can.”

He will join former Iowa Wesleyan head football coach MD Daniels with an expected kickoff to the inaugural season in the fall of 2026.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Winfield-Mt. Union was our school of focus for our last episode of the first semester of the 2025-26 school year with special guests Madisen Kellogg and Bowen Thomson joining the program.

As a senior, Madisen talked about what wisdom she’s attempting to impart on the next group of leaders,

“Just go out and have fun, you make so many memories. Win or lose, we still have fun, you’re just here to get better. Some things don’t go your way, but I just like being with my friends and hanging out with them. Getting to play more sports with them and making as many memories as I can for my senior year. If you don’t like the sport, you can go out and try it, you don’t have to stay with it or anything.”

Bowen discussed how he suffers from self-doubt and ways he attempts to alleviate those moments of anxiety,

“Talking with coaches is always a great thing. As I say, my coaches, those three are amazing to talk to. They always make you feel like even if it’s one of the best kids like you’re still in the match. You should never count yourself out so just talking with coaches, talking with teammates like that always helps feel good and gives you inspiration to just go out there and try hard.”

If you missed last night’s episode, then follow this link: Winfield-Mt. Union Episode

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team rallied in the second half but ultimately came up short, losing to Ellsworth Community College last night 54-50. The Blackhawks head into winter break with a 6-8 record. 

College Football

#23 Iowa will take on #14 Vanderbilt on December 31st at 11 am for the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida. 

College Basketball

The #10 Iowa State women’s team will prepare to host their first conference game of the season against Kansas on Sunday, December 21st, at 1 pm.

The #11 Iowa women’s team will face off against #1 UConn in the Shark Beauty Women’s Champions Classic on Saturday, December 20th, at 12:30 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team will travel to play Bucknell on Saturday at 5 pm.

The #4 Iowa State men’s team will stay at home to take on Long Beach State on Sunday at 5 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1932 – The Portsmouth Spartans and the Chicago Bears compete in the first playoff game in NFL history. The Bears beat the Spartans 9-0. 

1949 – NFL Championship, the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Los Angeles Rams 14-0; played in driving rain that caused the field to become a mud pit. 

1983 – NBA San Diego Clippers ends their 29-game road losing streak.

King of the Hill: Mt. Pleasant’s Max Sloat Signs on to Play Football at Mt. Mercy University

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 at 5:35 pm CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- When teams had to gameplan for Mt. Pleasant this past football season, the defense took central stage with a group that would bring unrelenting pressure, resulting in splash plays and game defining moments. One of the leaders of the defense was Max Sloat, who signed his National Letter of Intent to play linebacker at Mt. Mercy University.

Sloat talked about what went into the decision,

“It’s been a long journey, but kind of like finding what felt like home and it just being in Cedar Rapids about an hour and a half away from here. It was a perfect fitting, like puzzle pieces going into the correct spot. I got on campus, you know, once, twice, and it’s where I wanted to be.”

Two years ago, Mt. Pleasant celebrated their first win in 24 attempts at Trojan Stadium in Fairfield; this year, the Panthers got to celebrate their first trip to the postseason since 2010 on the same field. Back-to-back years of Super Bowl-esque celebrations.

But the foundation of that celebration started four years ago, according to Sloat,

“… All the seniors, when we showed up, we were 0-9, two straight years. But I tell you what, that sophomore year was probably the best 0-9 team you could look at, so the second we became juniors, you know, 4-5, that’s where it just started going up and up. Senior year, I think we proved a lot of people wrong, and they kept looking over us and we just kept fighting back.”

That sophomore season saw Sloat generate 22 tackles in limited action. The desire to play at the next level went from a spark to a full-on bonfire after his sophomore season.

“I’ve always wanted to” said Sloat. “You know, I grew up an Iowa State fan. I’m still am. But yeah, you know, once you get to high school, freshman year, I wasn’t really doing much. Once I got to sophomore year, started playing some varsity, then I was, like, thinking, you know, ‘maybe I can go do this college thing.’ You know, junior year going into my senior year, I was like, ‘I really want to play college football.’ Started going to camps, meeting coaches, all that good stuff. Coach Bowlin was a big part of that. He brought that college bit to our school. So, getting exposed to those things, those coaches early was just, that’s really what exploded it.”

Him and Payton Walker—someone that Sloat has regular conversations with as Walker plays linebacker at St. Ambrose—controlled the middle of the defense for a squad that finished 4-5 and Sloat kept improving, totaling 42 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and recovered a fumble. That’s when linebackers coach Ilias Montoya started talking to Sloat about coming to play for a program that is gearing up for their inaugural season in 2026.

“So, I talked to them [Mt. Mercy] a little bit during the preseason” Sloat described. “They came to one of our practices with West Liberty, where we scrimmaged them. And then two days later, I believe, I hopped on a call with Coach Montoya, who was here, and he said that we like seeing you and we want to keep doing that. So, he offered me there, and that was huge. Built a lot of confidence and I think since then I just started working harder and trying to become the best player I could.”

That’s when the self-diagnosed “killing feeling” took over the voracious senior linebacker, who led the team in tackles with 60 and finished second on the team in tackles for loss with 9.5 and sacks with 6.5 along with collecting a scoop-and-score against Knoxville.

It’s a feeling that only those crazy enough to play football on the defensive side of the ball can understand. Still, the First Team All-District linebacker is attempting to clean up the image,

“…I think it was the Hawkeye. He said I was a heat-seeking missile. So, I think, you know, coming down field and hitting people before they can even see me. And just, like, having fun. And, yeah, I like to play with some swag, I’d say, some swag.”

After building the Panther program back up into a 7-3 playoff squad, Sloat is confident that he can help the Mustangs build up their program. It will also be a Mt. Pleasant reunion of sorts with MD Daniels, former Iowa Wesleyan head football coach, in control of the program.

With a love of competition, it is no surprise that Sloat was looking to keep his life’s work related to athletics.

“I’m going to do exercise science. Currently, they do not have physical therapy, but since St. Ambrose has kind of bought into their academics, that program may show up to Mount Mercy or those classes from St. Ambrose will be there. I want to work with athletes. I’ve been around them all my life. I feel like I can understand them, not just on the physical side, but mental side and what’s going on. So, I want to be able to help them and make them chase their dreams as good as they can.”

The season is expected to kickoff in the fall of 2026 as a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference at the NAIA level.

Terry Lynn “Barney” Bernhardt

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 at 3:59 pm CDT

Terry Lynn “Barney” Bernhardt, 81, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Franklin, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa.

He was born on October 12, 1944 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of LeRoy J. and Pauline (Haffner) Bernhardt.

He is survived by three nephews: Mark Bernhardt, Steve Bernhardt, Jeff Bernhardt; and three nieces: Nancy Morgan, Carol Pence, and Heather Bernhardt. Also surviving are several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Wayne and Donald; and two nephews: Tom and Leonard.

Barney worked at the Langenback Saw Mill in Fort Madison, Iowa.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, with no family present. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Pastor Mike Bennett officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery, near Franklin Iowa. A memorial has been established in his memory.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Mental Health During the Holidays – Henry County Public Health Holds Monthly “Ask a Nurse” Series

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 at 11:17 am CDT

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.

Police Arrest Burlington Man Wearing Ski Mask, Carrying Shotgun

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 at 10:40 am CDT

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.