Central Lee CSD Rated ‘High Performing’ in Iowa School Performance Profile

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 at 7:09 am CDT

DONNELLSON, IA — The Central Lee Community School District has earned a “High Performing” rating in the inaugural release of the district-level Iowa School Performance Profiles.

The district outperformed the state average on every indicator measured in the new performance system, achieving the highest overall score among all public school districts in southeast Iowa. Central Lee’s strongest results included a 97 percent graduation rate, a postsecondary readiness score of 95 percent, and a chronic absenteeism rate of just 7 percent.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition and the continued efforts of our staff, students, and families,” Superintendent Dr. Andy Crozier said. “This achievement reflects our district’s commitment to academic excellence and the wellbeing of every student. While we are happy with these results, we also know that we must continue to get better at everything we do.”

The Iowa School Performance Profiles provide an online tool that evaluates all public schools and districts based on academic achievement, student growth, graduation rates, college and career readiness, and attendance. The 2025 update marks the first year the state has included district-level ratings, following the approval of a unified accountability system by the U.S. Department of Education earlier this year.

In October, the district received building-level ratings of “High Performing” for Central Lee High School and “Commendable” for both Central Lee Middle School and Central Lee Elementary School.

The Iowa Department of Education developed the School Performance Profiles to improve transparency and support school improvement across the state. The full report, including school- and district-level results, is available at www.iaschoolperformance.gov.

Sports, December 17th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 at 6:40 am CDT

High School Basketball

The Holy Trinity Catholic boys’ team steamrolled Van Buren County last night, 70-34 as Jay Ellison collected 25 points for the Crusaders. 

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

Central Lee handled New London last night with the the girls’ team winning 58-25 and the boys’ team taking their game 58-31. 

Central Lee will participate in the Rumble on the River tomorrow, December 18th, with the girls’ team competing against Monroe City at 4:30 pm and the boys’ team facing off against Clopton at 6 pm.

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

West Burlington swept Danville last night with the girls’ winning 52-45 and the boys’ taking their game 72-46. The Falcons will square off against Central Lee on the road on Friday with the boys’ game following the girls at 7:30 pm.

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

WACO split their night with Hillcrest Academy with the girls’ team demolishing the Ravens 45-19 and the boys’ team falling 55-44. Brenna and Drew Graber each put up 11 points in the victory, while Nick West led the boys’ team with 15 points. The Warriors will take on Highland on the road tomorrow with game one at 6 pm.

The Wapello girls’ and boys’ teams fell to Highland last night, 53-38 in the girls’ matchup and 45-42 in the boys’ game. Wapello will compete against Columbus at home on Friday with game one at 6 pm.

The #10 Mediapolis girls’ team extended their undefeated streak to five games last night with a dominant 85-30 victory. Grace Holsteen dropped eight threes to finish the night with 30 points for the Bulldogs. In the boys’ game, Burlington Notre Dame won their sixth game of the season, decimating the Bulldogs 77-44. 

Mediapolis will host Winfield-Mt. Union tomorrow with game one at 6 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union split their night with Columbus last night, losing the girls’ game 54-30 and winning the boys’ game 56-27. The Wildcats will travel to Pekin tomorrow with tip-off at 6 pm for the girls’ contest. 

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Washington on Friday 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 on Friday at home with game one at 6 pm.

High School Bowling

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

High School Wrestling

The WACO boys’ team competed in a quad last night and defeated HLV 57-18 and Montezuma 42-39, while tying North Mahaska at 42. Rydge Sterna, Harley Larrimore, and Ian Maize each finished the night undefeated. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team fell to Lisbon and Union Community last night in a triangular 48-12 in each duel. Brynn Pogmore finished the night undefeated, while Jada Moats and Jalynn Phillips each collected a 1-1 record. The Wildcats will travel to Prairie on Saturday, December 20th, for an invite.

The Mediapolis boys’ team hosted a triangular and finished the night unbeaten with a 42-36 win over Van Buren County and a 54-6 trouncing of Pekin. James Garrison, Kyler Crow, and Brody Minster each finished the night 2-0. Jackson Meek and Alex Scott collected victories for the Warriors.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will compete in a triangular at home against WACO and Mediapolis tomorrow, December 18th.

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

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

Fairfield will face off against Burlington tomorrow at home.

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

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

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Tune in to KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, tonight at 6 pm for a new episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook with Winfield-Mt. Union being our school of focus.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will host Ellsworth Community College tonight at 5:30 pm.

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. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call.

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

1933 – The National Football League Championship – First title game, Wrigley Field, Chicago: the Chicago Bears beat the New York Giants, 23-21; “Bronko Nagurski Rule” – a forward pass is legal anywhere behind the line of scrimmage.

1944 – The National Football League Championship, Polo Grounds, NYC: The Green Bay Packers beat the New York Giants 14-7 for the 6th and final league title under long-time coach Curly Lambeau.

2022 – The Minnesota Vikings recover from a 33-0 deficit at halftime to beat the Indianapolis Colts 39-36 in overtime at US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN; the largest comeback in NFL history.

Brent Schleisman Remembered With Private Farewell, Public Legacy

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 at 6:26 am CDT

Following the passing of longtime City Administrator Brent Schleisman, the family has shared that, in accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral, visitation, or formal obituary.
Schleisman dedicated more than 30 years of his life to public service in Mount Pleasant, but was a private individual who preferred to keep personal matters out of the public eye. The family has asked that those wishes be respected.
The family also acknowledged the community’s desire to honor Schleisman’s legacy. Those who feel inclined to do so are invited to make a memorial tribute in his honor, given to the City of Mount Pleasant and designated for bike trails through the Mount Pleasant Parks and Recreation Department.
The bike trail aligns with values important to Schleisman throughout his career, including thoughtful planning, community investment, and projects intended to benefit residents for generations to come.
The family expressed appreciation for the respect and understanding shown by the community during this time.

Tommy R. “Tom” Thompson

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 at 5:56 am CDT

Tommy R. “Tom” Thompson, 76, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025 at his home.

Tom was born January 24, 1949 in Anamosa, Iowa the son of Homer and Dorothy (Orr) Thompson. Tom was raised in Wyoming, Iowa. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1971.

Tom was a Certified Public Accountant at TDT CPAs and Advisors, opening the firm in Fairfield in 1975.

Tom was active in the Fairfield community volunteering for many organizations and serving on their boards, including the Community Child Care Center, Fairfield Community Center, and Lord’s Cupboard of Jefferson County. He was on the board of directors for Iowa State Bank, Chairman of the Jefferson County Republicans, Fairfield Chamber of Commerce board president, president of the Iowa Society of CPAs, and served on the Accountancy Examining Board for the State of Iowa.

Tom was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed driving his red Corvette and flying in his airplane.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Phyllis; children, Dr. JayD (Jan) Horton of Plano, Texas, Jolene Horton of Tarpon Springs, Florida, Alisa Thompson of Columbia, Tennessee, and Jennifer (Cott) Sammis of Arrington, Tennessee; grandchildren, Braz Johnson, Max Johnson, and Vivienne Sammis; siblings, Shirley Kellogg of Monticello, Iowa, Gary Thompson of Texas, Donna (Buster) Wilslef of Wyoming, Iowa, and Becky Mullin of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for Tom will be 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. The family will not be present. Private funeral services will be held Friday. Burial will be at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in rural Douds.

Online condolences may be made to Tom’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fairfield Community Center or Word of Life Lutheran Church and sent to 604 S. 32nd St. Fairfield, Iowa 52556.

Gene Wyse

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 at 3:56 pm CDT

Gene S. Wyse, 90, of Wayland, died Monday, December 15, 2025, at Parkview Home in Wayland.

A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Bethel Church in rural Wayland. Burial will be in the Bethel Cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, December 21 at the church, where the family will be present to greet friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bethel Church or Parkview Home. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory in Mount Pleasant is caring for Gene and his family. www.olsonyoderfh.com.

Larry L. Ridinger

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 at 3:43 pm CDT

Larry L. Ridinger, 83, of Trenton, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at his home.

Larry was born on September 3, 1942, in Royal Oak, Michigan, to Leonard and Margaret (Leydens) Ridinger. He attended Star School in rural Trenton and the Greenmound Church. In 1962, Larry asked his grandma Nora Ridinger to sign to authorize him to join the Navy. During his service, Larry was a diver and welded ships under the sea. Additionally, he was on the Navy boxing team.

Larry was united in marriage to Sylvia Klaus on August 28, 1964, at the Trenton United Methodist Church. To this union the couple had three children, Rami, Angela, and Thomas.

Larry worked for many different contractors pouring and finishing concrete; Mennatts, HE Smith, Fox Pools, and Barton Construction. Additionally, he drove over the road hauling for Bill Rockwell. Larry and Dick Morrow owned and ran the Coppock Sawmill. He owned and raised beef cattle.

Larry was also a member of the International Rodeo Association, riding bulls and helping with pick-up during the performances. He also helped haul rodeo stock for Tonch Heartsill. During his later retirement, he purchased a sawmill and started cutting his own planks. Larry loved working in his shop, building everything from small boxes to headboards and tabletops, all created with different patterns and woods, cut by him at his sawmill.

Larry is survived by his wife, Sylvia; daughters Rami S. Ridinger, Angela M. (Mike) Looker, Melanie Thomson; son Thomas C. (Cindy Keeley) Ridinger; grandchildren, Sasha Noel, Abigail Noel, Tucker Noel, Nicole Schlatter, Justina Thomson, Jesse Thomson, Brittany (Derek) Throckmorton, and Connor (Paige) Wiseman; great grandchildren Easton, Sage, Theone, Natalie and Bennett. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers John and Emmett.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory. Pastor Jeff McPheron will officiate. Burial will follow in the Finley Cemetery. Military Rites will be conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard. Visitation will be 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will be present to greet friends from 4:00 – 6:00. A memorial fund has been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. Condolences may be left for the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com.

James Ryan Robinson

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 at 3:33 pm CDT

James Ryan Robinson, 65, of Brighton, IA, died Friday, December 12, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

James was born June 5, 1960 in Osceola, IA. He was the son of Olin Clay and Nina (Swartz) Robinson. He was raised by his father and adoptive mother, Elna Ruth (Evoritt) Robinson.

James graduated from Mt. Pleasant Community High School in the late 1970’s. He was employed as a truck driver first at Moutrie Trucking and the Agri-Way Processors of Wayland.

James was a member of ABATE District 14. He loved to ride his motorcycle and cook in his garage – grilling steaks and smoking ribs and pork. James kicked back to listen to the radio, especially 80’s and 90’s Country Music with a cold beer in his hand.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his daughter, Ashely Robinson of Brighton; a stepbrother Michael Bird of Altoona, IA; his birth mother Nina Swartz of Tennessee and his fur baby, Skidmore.

His parents, Olin & Elna Robinson Bird, his stepfather – Melvin Bird, his brother – Raymond Robinson and a stepbrother – Jerald Bird, precede James in death.

A visitation will take place from 12 Noon – 7PM on Monday, December 22nd, at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 5-7 PM that evening.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

$141,000 Awarded to 27 Organizations Through Enhance Henry County Community Foundation

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 at 11:30 am CDT

Henry County, Iowa — The Enhance Henry County Community Foundation has awarded $141,000 to 27 County organizations. An estimated 40,000 people will benefit from the 21st round of grants to be made by the Enhance Henry County Community Foundation.

The 27 grants were announced at a special celebration and media advisory event held at the Union Block Building in Mt. Pleasant on December 16th, beginning at 11 am. The event was open to the public, all grant recipients, public officials from throughout the county and community leaders.

This was the 21st time that the Enhance Henry County Community Foundation has engaged in grantmaking. The foundation applied for and received funds from the County Endowment Fund legislation.

“Our foundation received a total of $148,961. Twenty five percent of this was restricted to permanent endowment and 75 percent was required to be released through local competitive grantmaking. In addition, we took $35,903.95 from our endowment earnings and granted them as well.” said Robert Meyer, Foundation President.

“We received grant applications totaling $435,057.32. We only wish that we had more resources at the foundation because we know there are many needs and worthy projects throughout the county.”

The Enhance Henry County Community Foundation was organized by representatives from throughout Henry County. “Our mission involves helping the communities and non-profit organizations of the county,” said Robert Meyer. “We want to partner with communities and non-profit organizations to help them with programs and projects that might otherwise not be available to the individuals, families and visitors to our county.”

As an affiliate foundation, the Enhance Henry County Community Foundation can assist donors who wish to make outright and testamentary gifts of support to our foundation or other charitable organizations in the county. “It’s even possible for local charitable organizations to establish their own funds and benefit from special tax credits and the professional expertise and investment management we help provide,” said Robert Meyer.

Further information about Enhance Henry County Community Foundation is available by contacting, Lora Roth at 319-385-8728.