Recognized as one of the top five large outdoor rodeos in the nation since 2000, the Tri-State Rodeo has reached another milestone—its 2025 induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. The celebrated event, which also features the Jim Baier Chute Out, continues to draw the world’s top rodeo athletes and fans alike.

“Every year, we aim to provide something unique and enjoyable for our long-time attendees while also attracting newcomers who may not have experienced the event before,” said Bobby Hotkamp, Chairman of the Tri-State Rodeo. “2025 is going to be unforgettable!”

In addition to four nights of thrilling rodeo competition, visitors can expect four evenings of national entertainment on the Great River Health Stage, followed by live music from top bands inside the Bud Light Stockyard.

The entertainment kicks off on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, with country star Nate Smith. In just a few years, Smith has amassed more than 1.6 billion career streams and topped the charts with back-to-back No. 1 singles, “Whiskey on You” and “World on Fire.” Tickets are on sale now at www.tristaterodeo.org

Wapello’s own Lydia Fisher is set to compete for the crown of Miss America later this week in Orlando, carrying with her both hometown pride and pageant history.

Fisher was crowned Miss Iowa in June, marking the pinnacle of a 15-year pageant journey. She became the first contestant in state history to win all four divisions of the Iowa pageant system—earning titles as L’il Miss Iowa in 2010, Junior Miss in 2014, Teen Miss in 2017, and now Miss Iowa 2025.

The Miss America competition runs September 2–7, with the national finals scheduled for Sunday evening. To support their hometown representative, Wapello High School will host a public watch party. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the event beginning at 6 p.m.

For many in Wapello, Fisher’s achievements represent not only her own hard work but also a source of pride for the community. As she takes the national stage, her hometown will be cheering every step of the way. You can watch the Miss America 2026 finals for free on the official Miss America YouTube Channel (@missamericaofficial) and on PageantVision.com. The pageant will not be broadcast on traditional television this year.

With only scattered rainfall across the state, Iowa farmers had 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 31, 2025, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Activities in the field included cutting and baling hay.

Topsoil moisture was rated 1% very short, 9% short, 78% adequate and 12% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1% very short, 7% short, 79% adequate and 13% surplus.

Corn development continued to move forward, with 92% of the crop in the dough stage or beyond. Sixty-three percent of corn has reached the dent stage, which is two days ahead of last year but two days behind the five-year average. Nine percent of corn has matured. Overall, corn condition was rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 13% fair, 58% good and 26% excellent.

Soybeans are progressing as well, with 95% setting pods. Nineteen percent of soybeans have begun coloring, which is one day ahead of last year but one day behind the average. Scattered reports noted soybeans beginning to drop leaves. Soybean condition was rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 19% fair, 58% good and 19% excellent.

Oat harvest was virtually complete across the state. The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 87% finished. Pasture conditions remained favorable, with 72% rated good to excellent.

Two employees of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department are facing charges following an incident at a Libertyville bar earlier this month.

According to court documents, Deputy Austin Almon and jailer Dustin Mallinger have both been charged with disorderly conduct – fighting/violent behavior, a simple misdemeanor. The charges stem from an altercation on the evening of August 1, 2025, at the Dew Drop Inn in Libertyville, Iowa.

Court records indicate that both men had been drinking alcohol at the establishment when a dispute arose. Witnesses reported that Mallinger initially pushed Almon inside the bar before being escorted outside by other patrons. The confrontation continued outdoors, where Mallinger allegedly grabbed Almon’s shirt, breaking his necklace, while being restrained by acquaintances. During the struggle, Almon punched Mallinger in the face, causing an injury to Mallinger’s left eye that resulted in bleeding and swelling.

Multiple witnesses were interviewed, with statements confirming that the fighting occurred in public view. Court documents note that numerous patrons and acquaintances attempted to restrain both men during the altercation.

In interviews with investigators, Almon admitted to consuming alcohol and acknowledged punching Mallinger in the face. Mallinger also admitted to drinking but told investigators he could not recall his aggressive actions due to intoxication.

Both Almon and Mallinger are scheduled for court hearings on September 4, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

The case represents a significant legal matter for the Sheriff’s Department, as both a deputy and a jailer now face criminal charges related to their off-duty conduct. The department has not yet released a public statement regarding the incident or any potential disciplinary measures.

The Des Moines County Engineer’s Office has announced that two railroad crossings will be temporarily closed for repairs the remainder of the week.

According to County Engineer Brian J. Carter, BNSF Railway has scheduled closures at the Jimtown Road and 210th Avenue crossings. The closures will remain in place until Friday, September 5.

Motorists are encouraged to plan alternate routes during this period.

For more information or general questions regarding the project, BNSF may be contacted directly at 815-503-3895.

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

Board of Supervisors

September 4, 2025

9:00 a.m.

1. Approval of Agenda

1. Approval of Minutes

1. Department Head Meeting

1. County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss Weekly Updates

1. Approval of Resolutions for the City of New London Abatement of Taxes

1. Kasey Conrad, Courthouse Safety, Sidewalk Incident.

Supervisors Sub-Committee’s

Washington County 4-H kicks off the 2025-2026  4-H year with a big announcement.  They are offering TWO special interest clubs open to youth 4^th-12^th grade – the Camera Corp Club and the Wilderness Wanderers Club.    Specialty clubs are unique because they focus each club meeting on that specialty topic.   The traditional 4-H Club, or a community club, has a more general focus area and each club meeting can focus on different topics but always to include a business meeting. Youth are welcome to belong to multiple clubs if they wish.    The new 4-H year begins in September and so new members and returning members should get enrolled in 4hOnline for any of these clubs.

The Camera Corps Club is for youth who have a special interest in photography, art, and design.  This specialty club is open to youth from across the county who want to spend time each month in a club setting with peers focused on new photography learning, challenges, and practice.  Each month members will be able to showcase their work through the Washington County 4-H Facebook page and also submit them to the Iowa 4-H Camera Corps as well for feedback from professional photographers across the state.  This club will partner with Iowa 4-H and their already formed Camera Corps curriculum but bring it to the local level hosting the meeting site and inviting local photographers as presenters.   It is a free program to join.   The club will meet once a month on the second Thursday of the month from 6:30 – 7:30 pm at the Extension Office.  The goal is to connect youth from across the county with similar interests in photography and art.  Youth should grow in their own photography skills and learn about opportunities in the field of photography from the experts.

The Wilderness Wanderers Club is for youth who have a special interest in the outdoors, wildlife, and conservation.  Topics to be covered include kayaking, ice fishing, star gazing, shed hunting and more.  It is open to 4^th-12^th grade students from across the county.  They will meet the third Sunday of the month at 5pm at Marr Park.  Many meetings will be spent outdoors or on field trips for outdoor activities.  There is a $40 club fee.  The Wilderness Wanderers will start September 21.  The goal is to connect youth from across the county with similar interests in outdoor activities.

Washington County 4-H has 21 4-H club options for youth 4^th-12^th grade and 11 clover kid club options for youth kindergarten-3^rd grade.   Interested youth should register through v2.4honline.com and select their club of choice or contact the Washington County Extension Office for next steps.    For more information on how to support the 4-H program as a volunteer or sponsor or with other questions about Washington County 4-H, contact Amy Green at the Washington County Office, 319-653-4811 or washington4h@iastate.edu.