Danville Residents Invited to Help Shape the City’s Future

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 15th, 2025 at 8:13 am CDT

Danville, Iowa — The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission (SEIRPC) is inviting Danville residents to take an active role in planning the city’s future. A new Comprehensive Plan is in development, and community input is a key part of the process.

The plan will serve as a 20-year blueprint to guide Danville’s decisions on housing, transportation, parks, economic development, and public investment. Officials say they want to hear from everyone—whether you’ve lived in Danville for decades or just recently moved in.

“This is your chance to have a real impact on the future of your community,” said Sam Avery with SEIRPC. “Your feedback will directly influence how Danville grows and invests in coming years.”

Residents can share their ideas by filling out a short online survey. The survey is designed to be quick and easy but covers a broad range of topics that will help shape the city’s long-term vision.

🔗 Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Danville20YearVision

SEIRPC encourages everyone to spread the word. “Please share the survey with your friends, family, and neighbors,” Avery said. “Every voice truly matters.”

Anyone with questions about the planning process can contact Sam Avery directly at savery@seirpc.com.

Now is the time to get involved and help ensure Danville’s future reflects the values and needs of its residents.

Mount Pleasant to Honor Veterans with Memorial Day Observance

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 15th, 2025 at 8:12 am CDT

The Henry County Veterans Memorial Committee has finalized plans for the 2025 Memorial Day observance in Mount Pleasant, with several opportunities for the public to participate in honoring local veterans.

Flag Placements Begin May 22

On Thursday, May 22, volunteers will begin placing flags at Forest Home, Old City, and St. Alphonsus Cemeteries. Flags can only be placed where a flag holder is present—families are responsible for ensuring holders are in place. Flag pickup is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27 at 4:00 p.m.

Courthouse Flags Raised May 24

Flags will be raised on the Courthouse lawn Saturday, May 24 at 8:00 a.m., remaining for five days. They will be retired Wednesday, May 28 at 4:00 p.m., weather permitting. Volunteers are welcome to help during both events.

Memorial Day Program Set for May 26

The community Memorial Day observance will be held Monday, May 26 at 10:30 a.m. in the Mount Pleasant High School gym. Dean King, Avenue of Flags Chairman, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Pastor Monte Knutson will give the Invocation and Benediction.

The MPCHS Band, under Brad Cook, will perform patriotic selections. Elementary students led by Shari Moeller will present the Gettysburg Address and other tributes.

State Representative Taylor Collins will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. Seven new names will be added to the Veterans Memorial, bringing the total to 1,536. Families of those honored will be recognized.

The program concludes with a three-volley salute and “Taps” by the MPCHS Band. All are encouraged to attend and participate in this meaningful tribute.

Mount Pleasant City Council Reviews Major Projects & Prepares for Regional Spotlight

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 15th, 2025 at 7:55 am CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa — The Mount Pleasant City Council tackled a full agenda at its most recent meeting, ranging from infrastructure improvements and budget adjustments to exciting news about a regional media spotlight that will soon shine on the city.

City to Be Featured on KCRG’s “Our Town” Series

Rachel Lindeen, speaking on behalf of the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance, announced that Mount Pleasant has been selected as KCRG-TV9’s next “Our Town” feature community. This initiative will showcase the city in a week long news and community spotlight airing June 23–27.

KCRG crews will be in town beginning June 11 to film community landmarks and local businesses, including Old Threshers, Moro Organics, Harlan-Lincoln House, the Heritage Museum, and more. A live morning broadcast is scheduled for Friday, June 27, with filming starting at 4:30 a.m.

“This is a big opportunity to share Mount Pleasant’s story beyond our usual reach,” Lindeen said. “It aligns perfectly with our 2025 strategy to promote the community to audiences 90 to 120 miles out.”

Infrastructure Projects Advance

The council approved several street and infrastructure projects, continuing its long-term efforts to improve roads and public spaces across the city:

  • Cemetery Upgrades: Approval was given to Norris Asphalt Paving to overlay a section of Forest Home Cemetery for $42,152.
  • Street Overlays: Additional contracts were approved with Norris Asphalt for overlay work on South Street (Washington to Clay) and Harrison Street (Madison to Monroe).
  • South Adams Place: Engineering work was approved for future street improvements on South Adams and surrounding areas.
  • Airport Development: A major resolution was passed to accept the low bid of $2.6 million from Jim Barton Construction for the airport’s taxi lane and hangar project, which is being largely funded by state and federal grants. The project total is expected to reach $3.1 million with 90% covered through grant funding.

Utility Rate Adjustment and Equipment Purchase

In financial updates, the council approved the second reading of an ordinance reducing the minimum sewer charge from $7.50 to $6.50. The decrease offsets a solid waste administration fee increase, aiming to maintain a neutral impact on residents’ bills.

School Resource Officer Agreement Renewed

A new three-year agreement was authorized between the city and the Mount Pleasant Community School District to continue the shared school resource officer program. The officer will spend 70% of their time with the school and 30% on city assignments.

Council Wrap-Up

In closing, Mayor Steve Brimhall and other city leaders reflected on the momentum Mount Pleasant is building—from road improvements and downtown revitalization to gaining regional recognition. “The airport alone is transforming,” said one council member. “People don’t realize how active and important that site has become.”

The next city council meeting is scheduled for May 28.

Sports, May 15th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, May 15th, 2025 at 6:35 am CDT

High School Track

Danville, Columbus, New London, Wapello, and Winfield-Mt. Union will make the trip to WACO for their state qualifying meet tonight.

Mt. Pleasant will host their state qualifying meet tonight with Fairfield and West Burlington/Notre Dame participating. 

Mediapolis will travel to Monticello, Van Buren County will go to Wayne, and Central Lee will make the trip to PCM for their state qualifying meets tonight. 

High School Tennis

The Fairfield boys’ team hosted the District singles and doubles tournament yesterday and the Trojans’ Rumin Luo breezed his way to a district championship without dropping a set. 

In the singles bracket for Mt. Pleasant, Elijah Rynders fell in his first round matchup to the #4 seed Dexter Westbay of Central DeWitt as he went on to finish in 3rd place. Beckham Prough won his first match against Camanche’s Ethan Hudson 6-3 in both sets but was shutout in the second round.

In the doubles tournament for the Panthers, the squad of Sawyer Fulton and Lou Schimmelpfennig defeated the team of Cass and Galusha of Fairfield to advance to the second round, but fell in the tiebreaker 11-9 to end their day. Dane Cook and Max Heater slammed Fort Madison’s duo of Broadhurst and Hennings before losing their second round match 6-2 and 6-4 to Dorsey and Hoerschelmann of Camanche.

Rumin Luo will compete at the State Singles Tournament in Waterloo on May 27th. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will compete against Grinnell for the first round of the team Substate 7 tournament at Kennedy High School on Saturday, May 17th.

The Fairfield boys’ team will face off against Centerville at home on Saturday for their first round matchup for Substate 8.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel back to Fairfield tomorrow, May 16th, for their team Regional Tournament. 

High School Golf

The SEC girls’ teams competed for the conference crown yesterday and Keokuk clinched their second consecutive title with a team score of 367. Mt. Pleasant finished with a 419 as Sophia Walderbach led the Panthers with an 18-hole score of 95. Fairfield carded a 443 for the course. 

The Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield girls’ teams will compete in the Class 3A Regional on Wednesday, May 21st, at Edmundson Golf Course. 

In Class 1A, Winfield-Mt. Union finished as the Sectional champions with a team score of 336 followed by Wapello with a 350. Holy Trinity Catholic snuck past New London to take 3rd place with a score of 387 and will advance to Districts. 

The Wolves were led by Justin Knipfer’s first place card of 78 as Wapello’s Crew Peters won the tiebreaker for runner-up with an 86 along with Konner Kinneberg, Cody Milks, and Nicholas Sparrow of Winfield-Mt. Union. Max Kruse put up a 93 for the Crusaders as Brock Scheetz and Nathan Box each carded a 97.

WACO took 5th place and Danville snatched 6th place. The Bears had Alex Holtkamp and Graylon Walker, a personal best, each shoot an 89 to lead the squad, leading to the pair advancing to Districts as individuals. 

The District meet will take place at Heritage Oaks in Wapello on Monday, May 19th. 

Mediapolis almost grabbed the Sectional crown, but settled for the silver with a team score of 322 as Central Lee also advanced with the 3rd best team score of 327. Albia took the top spot with a 321. Caleb Larson for Central Lee led the local teams with a round of 75 followed by Mediapolis’ Max Griffin’s score of 78. 

Columbus was led by Kason Dopler’s 92 as the team finished in 8th place with a team score of 416. Van Buren County claimed 5th place with a 363. 

The Class 2A District Meet for Mediapolis and Central Lee will take place in Pella on Monday. 

The Mt. Pleasant and Burlington Notre Dame boys’ teams made the trip to Washington yesterday and the hosts were able to advance to Districts with a 2nd place score of 316 along with Solon and West Liberty. The Nikes grabbed 4th place with a team score of 333 and Mt. Pleasant finished in 7th place with a 365. Keokuk’s Mason Baker advanced as an individual as he shot a 79. 

The Fairfield boys’ team took 7th place at the Knoxville sectional with Pella, Knoxville, and Newton claiming the top three spots, respectively. Archer Kreuter took home an 86 for the Trojans. 

The Class 3A District meet will be hosted by West Delaware on Monday at Pin Oak Links. 

The girls’ Class 1A Region 5 meet will take place tomorrow in Wapello with Winfield-Mt. Union, WACO, New London, Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, and Columbus making the trip. 

The Mediapolis and Central Lee girls’ teams will head to Kalona for the Class 2A Region 5B meet tomorrow. 

High School Soccer

The Mediapolis girls’ team will compete against Keokuk tonight at 5 pm on the road. 

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will make the trip to Burlington Notre Dame tonight at 5 pm.

Fairfield will compete against Centerville tonight in a road doubleheader with the girls’ team leading off the night at 5:30 pm. 

The boys’ SEISC tournament semifinals are set for tomorrow, May 16th. Mediapolis will take on Highland with the winner advancing to the championship on Saturday, May 17th, at Central Lee at 10 am. #6 Burlington Notre Dame will travel to Central Lee tomorrow for their semifinal matchup scheduled to start at 7 pm.

The WACO boys’ team will hit the road to take on Sigourney Keota tomorrow at 5 pm.

The Central Lee girls’ team will start Regional play on Monday, May 19th, on the road against Fairfield at 7 pm.

The Wapello girls’ team will face off against Mid-Prairie in the Class 1A Region 3 first round at 7 pm on Monday.

This Day in Sports History

1941 – New York Yankee Joe DiMaggio starts his 56-game hitting streak as he tallied the only RBI, in a 13-1 loss to the visiting Chicago White Sox.

1959 – Massachusetts marks the 100th anniversary of the first college baseball game, between Amherst and Williams. The teams reenact the original contest.

2010 – Jessica Watson at age 16 becomes the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.

Kristine M. Pruitt

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 at 3:00 pm CDT

Kristine M. Pruitt, 52, of Danville, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington. Kristine was born September 8, 1972, in Antioch, California, the daughter of Bryan Houston Jr. and Marsha R. (Wilson) Pruitt.

She graduated from Antioch High School in 1989 and continued her education at Los Medonas College, then later at San Jose State. Kristine worked as a Respiratory Therapist at Kaiser Permanente in California, where she loved her career helping others. She married Mark Smith in 1990, and the couple later divorced. Kristine moved to Danville where she has made her home since 2006.

Thrift and antique shopping was a favorite pastime for Kristine. She found joy in reading, listening to audiobooks, and enjoyed all types of music, specifically 90’s hip-hop while sipping an ice-cold Pepsi. Kristine truly loved being a grandma and spending time with her granddaughters, often playing alongside them outside in the backyard all year round. She had a deep love for the many dogs in her life as well, from the pets she had as a child through adulthood. Lunch dates with her mother along with afternoon “cups of sugar with a splash of coffee” are what made her happiest at home.

Kristine is survived by her daughter Anna (Bennett) Stewart of Burlington; son Michael (Roxanne) Smith of Burlington; two granddaughters Jaymie “MiMi” and Evelyn; mother Marsha Pruitt of Danville; and cousin Rebecca (Gene) Pointer of Ohio. She was preceded in death by her father and brother Kenneth “Kenny” Pruitt.

In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated and there will be no service. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Kristine and her family.

A memorial fund has been established for the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House. A link provided below will direct you to the website with all information.

Henry County Supervisors AGENDA REVISED

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 at 11:14 am CDT

Henry County Supervisors

100 E Washington St Ste 202

Mt Pleasant IA  52641

Fax: 319-385-3601

 

  Chad White, Vice-Chair               Marc Lindeen, Chairman               Steven Detrick, Member    

           319-385-0759                                 319-385-0760                                     319-385-0761________                        

 

AGENDA REVISED

Board of Supervisors

May 15, 2025

9:00 a.m.

  1. Approve Agenda
  1. Approve Minutes
  1. Engineer, Jake Hotchkiss Weekly Update.

Motion – Calhoun-Burns Contract

  1. Follow up & Discussion on County Ordinance for Traffic Codes
  1. Motion to approve settlement of EEOC #26A-2025-000463 and CP # 03-25-83451

in the amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00).

Supervisors’ Sub-Committee Updates

Contour Airlines to Launch Jet Service Between Burlington and Chicago; Fares Start at $59

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 at 8:44 am CDT

Daily Flights Begin July 1, 2025

Contour Airlines has announced the launch of nonstop jet service between Burlington, Iowa (BRL) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), with flights beginning July 1, 2025. To celebrate the new route, Contour is offering special introductory one-way fares starting at just $59.

The service will be operated using a 30-seat regional jet, offering passengers all-leather seating with expanded legroom. Each ticket includes a complimentary checked bag, snacks, and beverages—no additional fees required.

“We are thrilled to launch new nonstop jet service from Burlington, IA to Chicago,” said Ben Munson, President of Contour Airlines. “This enhances access to Chicago and its surrounding areas, while also allowing passengers to connect seamlessly to over 100 destinations with our partners, Alaska, American, and United Airlines.”

Sara Sandburg, Airport Director of Southeast Iowa Regional Airport, welcomed the announcement:
“Southeast Iowa Regional Airport Authority’s Board is excited to announce the arrival of Jet Service by Contour Airlines,” said Sandburg. “Starting July 1, Contour will provide daily flights to and from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Our community is looking forward to having dependable service to meet your travel needs. This service will help our community’s economic growth with the help of Contour’s transformation service.”

The new route marks a significant development for southeast Iowa’s air travel connectivity, providing both convenience for local passengers and potential for broader economic benefits.

For more information or to book a flight, visit www.contourairlines.com or call (888) 332-6686.

Sports, May 14th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 at 6:22 am CDT

High School Track

Danville, Columbus, New London, Wapello, and Winfield-Mt. Union will make the trip to WACO for their state qualifying meet tomorrow, May 15th.

Mt. Pleasant will host their state qualifying meet tomorrow with Fairfield and West Burlington/Notre Dame participating. 

Mediapolis will travel to Monticello, Van Buren County will go to Wayne, and Central Lee will make the trip to PCM for their state qualifying meets tomorrow. 

High School Tennis

The Fairfield boys’ team will host the District singles and doubles tournament today with Mt. Pleasant making the trip.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel back to Fairfield on Friday, May 16th, for their team Regional Tournament. 

High School Golf

The SEC girls’ teams will compete in their tournament today.

In Class 1A, Winfield-Mt. Union will host their Sectional meet today with Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, New London, WACO, and Wapello making the trip. 

Mediapolis, Central Lee, Columbus, and Van Buren County will make the trip to Pella for their Class 2A sectional meet today. 

The Mt. Pleasant and Burlington Notre Dame boys’ teams will head to Washington, while the Fairfield boys’ team will make the trip to Knoxville for their Class 3A District Qualifiers today. 

The girls’ Class 1A Region 5 meet will take place on Friday in Wapello with Winfield-Mt. Union, WACO, New London, Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, and Columbus making the trip. 

The Mediapolis and Central Lee girls’ teams will head to Kalona for the Class 2A Region 5B meet on Friday. 

High School Soccer

The boys’ SEISC tournament got underway yesterday with Mediapolis and Burlington Notre Dame hosting a pair of games and the semifinals are now set for Friday, May 16th. 

At Mediapolis, Highland defeated Hillcrest Academy for the first time since 2017, despite trailing 2 to 0 at halftime, winning 3-2 in extratime. Seth Ours tallied an assist for both goals for the Ravens.

In the nightcap game, Mediapolis shutout WACO 3-0 as the Bulldogs look to defend their SEISC championship. Mediapolis will take on Highland with the winner advancing to the championship on Saturday, May 17th, at Central Lee at 10 am.

Over in Burlington, the Nikes displayed why they are ranked #6 in Class 2A in a 10-0 trouncing of Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union to start off the night. Alessandro Markomichelakis netted four goals in the thunderous victory. 

Central Lee and Danville were locked in a tight battle after a second half goal by the Bears tied the game at one, eventually leading to penalty kicks, which the Hawks would exit on top of for the 2-1 victory. Peter Seyb had the lone goal for Central Lee. 

#6 Burlington Notre Dame will travel to Central Lee on Friday for their semifinal matchup scheduled to start at 7 pm.

The Central Lee girls’ team had no answers for Fort Madison last night, losing 10-0. The Hawks will start Regional play on Monday, May 19th, on the road against Fairfield at 7 pm.

The WACO boys’ team will hit the road to take on Sigourney Keota on Friday at 5 pm.

The Mediapolis girls’ team will compete against Keokuk tomorrow, May 15th, at 5 pm on the road. 

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will make the trip to Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow at 5 pm.

Fairfield will compete against Centerville tomorrow in a road doubleheader with the girls’ team leading off the night at 5:30 pm. 

The Wapello girls’ team will face off against Mid-Prairie in the Class 1A Region 3 first round at 7 pm on Monday.

High School Postseason Soccer

The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) released the postseason brackets and here’s the matchups for our local teams.

In Class 1A Substate 5, Danville and WACO will face off against one another in round one, which is slated to start at 7 pm on Tuesday, May 20th. The winner will take on West Liberty. In the bottom half of the bracket, Mediapolis earned a bye and will await the winner between Central Lee and Sigourney Keota, on May 27th.

In Class 2A Substate 5, Burlington Notre Dame earned the #1 seed and a first-round bye. The Nikes will compete against either Assumption or Solon. On the bottom half of the bracket, Wapello will take on Central DeWitt. 

Over in Substate 6, Fairfield will host Centerville in the first round with the winner advancing to play Mt. Pleasant on May 27th.

In Class 3A Substate 4, Burlington will play Clinton in the play-in game, while in Substate 6 Fort Madison will travel to Mt. Vernon for their second round matchup.

This Day in Sports History

1906 – The flagpole at the White Sox ballpark breaks during the pennant-raising.

1995 – At 43 years, 162 days Manchester City goalkeeper John Burridge becomes the oldest player to appear in an English Premier League match, a 3-2 home defeat to Queens Park Rangers.

2016 – Gabriel Medina becomes the first surfer ever to land the move “Backflip” in competition.