Mount Pleasant Ordinance Committee to Meet Tuesday Morning September 9

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 at 5:44 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Ordinance Committee will hold a meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The session will take place in the City Administrators’ Conference Room at City Hall.

The agenda includes discussion of regulations regarding amplified sound under Chapter 14-69, ongoing nuisance issues, and the city’s loitering and panhandling ordinance. Following these items, the committee will open the floor for public comment during the Open Forum portion of the meeting.

The meeting is open to the public.

Deputy Cleared in Fatal Shooting of Burlington-Area Man

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 at 5:40 am CDT

The Iowa Attorney General’s Office has ruled that a Des Moines County sheriff’s deputy was legally justified in the fatal shooting of David Leonard Maupin during a domestic disturbance on August 5.

The decision, announced Monday, follows an investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Deputies were called at 9:09 p.m. to a rural Burlington home after a woman reported that her boyfriend, Maupin, was intoxicated, destroying property, and had displayed a shotgun in front of her and her 3-year-old child.

Deputy Brett Haubrich responded and found Maupin in a detached garage. Investigators said Maupin threatened to shoot the deputy, retreated inside, and then reemerged with a rifle. Maupin ordered Haubrich to leave, advanced toward him, and ignored repeated commands to drop the weapon. When Maupin allegedly raised the rifle toward the deputy, Haubrich fired, killing him.

A fully loaded Ruger .22 caliber rifle with a round in the chamber was recovered at the scene, along with two other rifles, two shotguns, and numerous beer cans. An autopsy determined Maupin’s blood-alcohol concentration was .30, more than three times the legal limit.

The Attorney General’s Office said Haubrich acted lawfully in response to an immediate and life-threatening danger.

4-H Adult Award Nominations Due

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 at 5:38 am CDT

 Washington County 4-H would like to recognize volunteers who have had a large impact on 4-H this year and in the past.  These adult awards will be presented at the 4-H Award Celebration on November 2.

Five awards will be given out: Friend of 4-H, Partner in 4-H, 4-H Volunteer of the Year, 4-H Alumni, and 4-H Family of the Year. 

Nominations for these awards can come from anyone in Washington County or a part of the 4-H program; this includes those involved in 4-H or others who simply have witnessed the volunteer in action.  For descriptions of these awards and nomination forms visit https://tinyurl.com/washcoadultawards visit the Extension Office.

Nominations are due to the Washington County Extension Office by October 1.

Arthur Daniel Pugh

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 5:43 pm CDT

Arthur Daniel Pugh, 98, passed peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Arthur was born December 14, 1926, to Lewis and Sclenia (Peters) Pugh, and he often spoke with pride of his Welsh heritage. Art was united in marriage to E. Ann (Zaruba) Pugh in Kahoka, Missouri, and together they welcomed three children: Terry (Janice) Pugh, Sheila (Craig) Helmick, and Patsy (Bobby) Taylor.

He was a devoted grandfather to Troy and Tara Pugh, Augusta and Nate Boulton, and Jesse and Samantha Taylor. His joy only grew with the arrival of his ten great-grandchildren: Mariah, Kendal, and Owen Pugh; Taylor, Victoria, Madeleine, and Cael Howell; Gwyneth and Alys Boulton; and Brendyn Taylor.

Arthur, better known as Art, was an 85-year member of the United Presbyterian Church, over 70-year member of the American Legion, and Columbus City Masonic Lodge #107.  Art proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves.  A lifelong resident of Columbus City, he worked at multiple General Motors car dealerships where he built many lasting friendships, and he also served his community for many years as a city council member.

Art was an avid traveler with Ann, and together they cherished adventures both near and far. On weekends, they could often be found enjoying block parties with neighbors or boating on the river. He loved watching nearly any sport, listening to what he fondly called “Country & Western” music, and most of all, supporting his children and grandchildren. He beamed with pride at every livestock show, musical performance, or athletic event they took part in. In later years, he continued to enjoy outings with assistance, and at home could often be found watching reruns of Gunsmoke and indulging in anything chocolate.

Art’s steady presence, kind spirit, and deep love for his family will be forever remembered.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Sclenia Pugh; his wife, Ann; daughter, Sheila Helmick; brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Sally Pugh; sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Clem Cecil; brother and sister-in-law, Lee, Mike, and Jeanie Zaruba; sister-in-law, Dottie Pugh; and brother-in-law, Rex Shafer.

He is survived by his children, Terry (Janice) Pugh and Patsy (Bobby) Taylor; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; his brother, Jack Pugh; his sister, Doris Shafer; sister-in-law, Roberta Zaruba; and many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

Visitation for Art will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the United Presbyterian Church in Columbus Junction.  A Masonic Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with funeral services to follow.  Following the services, committal with Military Rites will be held at the Columbus City Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at the American Legion in Columbus Junction.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left in Art’s honor for the following: Columbus Junction Fire Department, Columbus Junction Ambulance/First Responders, Louisa County 4-H or the United Presbyterian Church.   Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Columbus Junction is caring for Art’s arrangements.

Lorna Payne

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 4:06 pm CDT

Lorna Payne, 94, of Mount Pleasant died unexpectedly Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Henry County Health Center.

Memorial services are pending at the Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory.

Mount Pleasant Schools Launch Superintendent Search; Community Feedback Open Until September 30th

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 4:04 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community School District has officially begun the process of hiring a new superintendent to lead the district beginning with the 2026-27 school year. To guide the search, the district has partnered with Grundmeyer Leader Services, a firm experienced in educational leadership recruitment.

The process starts immediately and will conclude with the successful hiring of a new superintendent. Community members, parents, staff, and students are being asked to take part in a survey designed to identify the professional and personal qualities most valued in the district’s next leader.

Survey participants are encouraged to share both narrative insights and ranked priorities for the position. Feedback gathered will be compiled into a report by Grundmeyer Leader Services and presented to the school board. That report will help inform the board’s decision-making by highlighting the traits and qualifications that matter most to district stakeholders.

The survey is anonymous unless a participant chooses to share their name voluntarily. District leaders are emphasizing the importance of broad participation, noting that community input will play a vital role in ensuring the new hire is a strong fit for both the school system and the wider community.

The deadline to complete the survey is Tuesday, September 30.

Superintendent Hiring Timeline

  • Application Close Date: Sunday, Nov. 30

  • Candidate Review: Tuesday, Dec. 2

  • Semi-Finalist Screening: Wednesday, Dec. 10

  • Formal Interviews: Tuesday, Dec. 16

District officials encourage all stakeholders to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share their vision for the future of Mount Pleasant Community Schools.

Prep Cross Country: Van Buren County Puts their Boys’ and Girls’ Teams in the Top 10

By Slaten Swords · Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 1:37 pm CDT

Prep Cross Country- The Iowa Association of Track Coaches released the team rankings for all four classes and eight of our local teams made the top 20 in their respective class.

Class 3A

Despite not having any runners ranked in the top 30 individually, the Fort Madison boys have a strong team as the Bloodhounds rank 17th. The team grabbed an easy victory at the Keokuk Invite after five of their runners finished in the top 13, including a 2nd place finish by Riley Tripp.

This was on the heels on a 2nd place finish at the Prairie Invite.

Rounding out the top 20 is Washington with the help of #16 Andrew Rees. The Demons have finished in 5th place at both the Anamosa Meet and the Bob Brown Invitational to start the season.

On the girls’ side, Fort Madison had all seven of their runners finish in the top 13 at the Keokuk Invite, including a sweep of their pole positions with Avery Rump turning in a sub-19-minute time. The Bloodhounds are ranked #9 after that impressive performance.

Class 2A

The Mediapolis boys’ team snuck into the top 20 at #19 after claiming 5th place at the Williamsburg Invitational to start the season. The Bulldogs return three state qualifiers, yet only Simon Wendel was the lone runner ranked individually this week.

Class 1A

The Columbus boys’ team enter this week’s rankings a step higher than Van Buren County after winning the Early Bird Meet at Hillcrest Academy, while the Warriors finished 2nd at the Wildwood Meet.

Aptly, the Wildcats are ranked 8th, and the Warriors are at #9.

WACO is not too far behind after taking 2nd place as a team in the Early Bird Meet. Aided by the #10 runner in the class Jude Dykstra, the Warriors are ranked 14th.

All three teams will have to wait until September 18th at the Timm Lamb Invitational to run against one another.

On the girls’ side, Van Buren County is off to a great start this season, snatching 2nd place at the Albia Meet and 1st place at the Wildwood Meet. Accordingly, the Warriors enter the third week of rankings at #8.

In both meets, the Warriors have had at least two runners finish in the top 10 with Kayley Snowgren clinching 5th place at Albia and 4th place at Wildwood to lead the team. Freshman Adalyn Snowgren consistently gives the Warriors three runners competing for the top 10 with Rylee Philips in the mix.

Prep Cross Country: Third Week of Individual Rankings Places Mt. Pleasant’s Avery Fedler Inside the Top 5

By Slaten Swords · Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 11:55 am CDT

Prep Cross Country- The Iowa Association of Track Coaches released their third edition of the individual rankings. This is the first rankings of the season that every team has at least one race under their belt, leading to some new names being added to the list, including a freshman phenom.

Class 3A

Starting on the girls’ side, Mt. Pleasant’s Avery Fedler was not ranked entering the season but there was plenty of hype surrounding the freshman and so far, she has delivered in her first high school meets.

Fedler was tasked with running against three top 10 runners in Mid-Prairie’s #5 Brooklyn Sutuzman, #7 Rachel Hostetler, and #9 Kendal Landstrum in her first meet of the season at Williamsburg. She responded by grabbing the gold medal time of 19 minutes and 7 seconds.

Her second meet of the season put her up against some of the best from Class 3A at the Dutch Invite from Central College. The freshman managed to shave off 18 seconds from her time to take 3rd place.

She only finished behind #1 Marissa Ferebee and #2 Elise Brennenman, both from Pella. For Fedler’s effort, she was ranked #4 in this week’s rankings, leapfrogging two other Southeast Conference runners.

In a bit of shock, Washington’s #16 Iris Dahl ranks two spots above Fort Madison’s Avery Rump. The reason for the surprise is Rump just won the Keokuk Invite with a time of 18 minutes and 59 seconds, while Dahl’s season-best time sits just two seconds under the 20-mintue mark.

The three will meet on Thursday, September 11th, at the Ron Hunerdosse Invite in Fairfield.

On the boys’ side, Washington’s Andrew Rees landed at #16 for this week’s ranking after claiming a time of 16 minutes and 33 seconds at the Bob Brown Invitational.

He finished 2nd at the meet behind only Quentin Nauman of Western Dubuque—the Oregon commit and last year’s champions with the Class 3A state record time of 14 minutes and 59 seconds.

Class 2A

#15 Simon Wendel is the only runner left from not only Mediapolis but of all our local teams. In the Bulldogs’ only meet of the season, Wendel claimed the bronze with a time of 16 minutes and 49 seconds as the team finished in 5th place.

The Bulldogs will run tomorrow, September 9th, at the Van Buren County Invite in a meet that won’t help their team rankings, per se, but it could cement Wendel’s individual ranking.

Class 1A

Van Buren County has competed in two meets so far and Lincoln Bainbridge has finished 2nd place twice with a season best time of 16 minutes and 25 seconds. That places the senior at #17 in this week’s rankings, one spot behind Hayden Riggan of Louisa-Muscatine, who he just recently lost to.

Surprisingly, WACO’s Jude Dykstra, who won his only race of the season at Hillcrest Academy, is ranked 10th this week. His season-best time rests at 17 minutes and 18 seconds.

Ryan Villa of Columbus, who finished in 2nd place at the meet, entered the rankings at #24.

On the girls’ side, Alaina Gourley of Danville was knocked out of the top 30.