Prep Volleyball: Holy Trinity Catholic Still at #1 in Third Edition of the IGHSAU Rankings

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 1:11 pm CDT

Prep Volleyball- It has been a slow start to the season for some of our local teams; yet, it has not detracted from the respect that they have earned through the preseason. It is time for the 3rd edition of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s volleyball rankings.

Class 5A

Waukee Northwest is still enjoying the top of the hill as they sit with a perfect 13-0 record on the season. Ankeny was leapfrogged by Waukee for the #3 slot in the rankings with Ankeny Christian holding on to the #2 slot. Iowa City High was dropped from the top 15 and replaced by the second team in the class with a losing record: (5-9) Linn-Mar at #15.

Class 4A

The top five did not change as Clear Creek-Amana resides as the current favorite with a 13-1 record. Sioux Center is the most intriguing team as they remain undefeated through seven matches, placing them at #5 in the top 15.

Waverly-Shell Rock and Solon entered the top 15 arm-in-arm at #8 and #9, respectively. They replace Western Dubuque and Xavier.

Class 3A

Kuemper Catholic tumbled down the rankings from #2 to #7 after their first loss of the season. Western Christian is still at #1 followed by 15-win Assumption and undefeated Mid-Prairie.

Anamosa and Van Meter were dropped from the rankings and replaced by Unity Christian at #12 and Williamsburg at #13. Mt. Vernon, last year’s champion, is clinging on to the top 15 with a 6-6 record, falling back seven spots.

Class 2A

Class 2A is the home of the undefeated programs as #1 Denver is 16-0, #2 Hinton is 6-0, #4 Grundy Center is perfect through 10, and #7 Riverside is 11-0. Dike-New Hartford, hoping for another shot to lift the title, sits at #3 with a 14-3 record.

Missouri Valley leaps into the top 15 at #13 after Lawton-Bronson was knocked out.

Class 1A

Holy Trinity Catholic has only played five games, at least one less game than everyone else in the top 15, but the Crusaders held on to their #1 spot with a 4-1 record—their only loss to Class 3A’s #8 and undefeated team Wilton. Holy Trinity Catholic has played only one game from their season opening tournament, defeating Danville in four sets.

The game was sloppy by Crusader standards, allowing the Bears to collect eight aces by the night’s end and hit at an efficiency of 0.121. Defense was a big point of emphasis for head coach Melissa Freesmeier and there’s still something there to be desired.

What has gone well this season is the front row attack of Holy Trinity Catholic as Adalyn Kruse and Presley Myers are both swinging above 0.325 and combine for 80 kills on the season. Any team would take 16 kills per game from their two best attackers.

North Tama and Saint Ansgar round out the top three and the team to eliminate the Crusaders last year and finish as the runner-up, BCLUW, is undefeated through nine games and ranked 7th. Last year’s champion, Ankeny Christian, is located at #14 with a 4-6 record.

For a full look at the rankings: IGHSAU Volleyball Rankings

Henry County Supervisors Approve HR Contract Renewal, & Advance Compensation Plan

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 9:59 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the courthouse in Mount Pleasant. The meeting opened with approval of the agenda before moving into updates from County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss.

Road and Maintenance Updates

Hotchkiss reported Spot blading is underway to address rough intersections and washboards created by dry conditions and harvest traffic. Shoulder maintenance is also in progress near Mount Union and south of Salem, where equipment is being used to repair eroded edges and redistribute rock.

Hotchkiss noted that mowing is nearly finished for the season, with the county’s third round of mowing operations coming to a close. Additional work will be limited to targeted areas as needed.

On the bridge project west of Mount Pleasant, Hotchkiss shared that construction is not expected to begin until mid-October at the earliest. For now, the road remains open through harvest season. All utility relocations in the project area have been completed.

Supervisors also reviewed budget items related to rock hauling and shoulder work, with Hotchkiss confirming that part of the cost will be reimbursed by the City of Mount Pleasant. The board passed along resident praise for recent road patching work on 235th Street.

HR Contract Renewal

Supervisors voted to renew the county’s contract with PJ Greufe & Associates for human resources support. The contract, which runs from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, carries a $1,500 monthly fee and includes a 90-day opt-out clause.

Compensation Plan Approved

The board also formally approved a new county compensation plan developed in partnership with Greufe’s team. The plan introduces a hybrid structure that factors in both employee longevity and annual performance evaluations.

Discussion centered on how cost-of-living adjustments (CPI) will be handled, with supervisors clarifying that while the CPI index moves annually, any wage increases tied to it will require board approval. Department heads voiced support for the plan, noting it provides clearer structure for reviews and pay adjustments. Supervisors agreed that policy details will be spelled out in writing and included in the updated employee handbook.

The plan takes effect immediately, with department heads expected to incorporate it into budget planning for the next fiscal year.

Other Business

No subcommittee reports were presented this week. Public comment followed, with discussion continuing from prior meetings.

Gas Line Struck in Mount Pleasant Thursday Morning Sept 11

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 8:25 am CDT

Just before 8 a.m. Thursday morning, (Sept, 11th) the Mount Pleasant Fire Department was dispatched to the intersection of Winfield Avenue and Main Street after a construction crew reportedly struck a natural gas line.

Fire crews arrived on scene shortly after 8 a.m., with the Mount Pleasant Police Department assisting by blocking off the area and securing the neighborhood.

At this time, there has been no word from Alliant Energy regarding the extent of the damage or how long repairs may take.

KILJ reminds residents to remain cautious in the north neighborhoods of Mount Pleasant near Winfield Avenue and Main Street throughout the morning as crews continue to secure the area and work on the leak.

KILJ will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Sports, September 11th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 6:34 am CDT

High School Girls’ Tennis

The Southeast Conference held their conference tournament last night and the best finish for Mt. Pleasant was the team of Lila Cook and Bella Dodds, who went undefeated in the consolation bracket, including a victory over fellow Panthers Lianah Phangchanthong and Shaye Barbee for 5th place. Katana Phangchanthong and Mia Gray captured 6th and 7th place, respectively, in the singles bracket.

Fairfield was headlined by the 1st place pair of Ria Ross and Sriya Yammanur in the doubles bracket, while Natalie Steele finished with the silver in singles.

Mt. Pleasant will celebrate their senior night on Monday, September 15th, against Davis County.

Fairfield prepares to host the Class 1A Region 6 Individual tournament on Wednesday, September 17th.

High School Volleyball

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against West Burlington tonight at 7:30 pm on the road. 

Danville will host Mediapolis tonight at 7:30 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will travel to Van Buren County tonight at 7:30 pm. 

WACO will host Winfield-Mt. Union tonight at 7:30 pm.

New London will travel to Central Lee tonight at 7:30 pm.

Columbus will hit the road to take on Pekin tonight at 7:30 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will compete in the Wilton Tournament on Saturday, September 13th, with Mediapolis and Winfield-Mt. Union also making the trip. 

Fairfield will travel to Williamsburg to compete in a tournament on Saturday along with West Burlington.

High School Cross Country

Fairfield will host the “Ron Hunerdosse” Invite tonight with Mt. Pleasant, Notre Dame/West Burlington, Van Buren County, New London, Wapello, and Winfield-Mt. Union joining the meet. 

Central Lee will run at the Mustang Invitational tonight.

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant gets back to work as they stay on the road to face off against Oskaloosa tomorrow, September 12th, at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

Wapello will square off against Pekin at 7 pm on the road tomorrow. 

Van Buren County will face off against Cardinal tomorrow at 7 pm at home.

WACO will host HLV/TC tomorrow at 7 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will hit the road to square off against English Valleys tomorrow at 7 pm. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame will compete on the road against Keokuk tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

Mediapolis will head to Fairfield tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

Danville will host Columbus tomorrow at 7 pm.

Central Lee will make the trip to Fort Madison tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

WACO was our school of focus for the latest episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook with special guests Morgan Meyer, Raefe Davison, and Tristian Luitjens. The seniors are in the midst of their Homecoming week having just celebrated Boom Night, now the volleyball team has to get ready for their match tonight. Meyer talked about what head coach Addison Fort has been preaching to the team,

“…One of the biggest things that she’s preached to us is just that we are family out on that court. And I think that another big thing that we’ve learned from them so far is that you can put in as much work as anyone else, but it’s the work that you put on, on and off the court by yourself, what you choose to put in is what’s going to be the big difference. And I suppose for the big Winfield game tomorrow, I mean, we’ve been watching film. We’ve been preparing for that game. Obviously, homecoming. When you get the big rivalry at home. I assume it’ll be a pretty big game, but we’ll just have to see how that goes.”

If you missed last night’s episode, then follow this link: WACO Episode

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will host North Iowa Area Community College tonight at 7 pm.

The women’s soccer team will stay at home to square off against State Fair Community College at 1 pm on Saturday, September 13th.

The men’s soccer team will take on State Fair Community College at 3 pm on Saturday.

College Football

#14 Iowa State will travel to Arkansas State on Saturday, September 13th, at 3 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will have the call.

Iowa is hoping for a get-right game against UMass on Saturday at home with kickoff at 6:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call.

This Day in Sports History

1951 – Florence Chadwick becomes the first woman to swim the English Channel from England to France. It takes 16 hours and 19 minutes.

1966 – Johnny Miller becomes the first New York Yankee to hit a home run on his first MLB at bat; his second home run came on his final MLB at bat in 1969.

1983 – Pittsburgh running back Franco Harris runs for 118 yards in a Steelers 25-21 win at Green Bay to become only the third player in NFL history at the time to rush for 11,000 yards.

Mount Pleasant City Council Tables Baptist Church Project, Council Supports Possible ContiTech USA LLC Expansion

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 5:28 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council met in regular session Wednesday evening, September 10, 2025, at City Hall. The meeting opened with roll call, approval of the agenda, and routine consent agenda items, including bills, minutes, and interfund transfers for August.

Second Baptist Church Project Tabled

The council held a scheduled public hearing regarding the proposed plans and specifications for the Second Baptist Church Project. After discussion, it was noted that only one bid was received — and it came in roughly $340,000 higher than anticipated.

On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, council members voted to table both the resolution to accept bids and a related asbestos removal contract. The committee advised that the city should step back, reevaluate options, and consider alternative planning before moving forward.

Ordinance Adoption

The council then completed the third and final reading of an ordinance amending Appendix D, Chapter 19.38 of the city code, which relates to M-1 Limited Industrial District Regulations. The ordinance was formally adopted.

ContiTech Expansion Proposal

In new business, the council approved a resolution supporting ContiTech USA, LLC’s application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority High Quality Jobs Program.

The project represents a potential $65 million expansion, significantly larger than the original $5 million estimate from a year ago. If approved, the expansion could bring more than 50 new jobs to the Mount Pleasant area. While city leaders emphasized that the proposal is not yet finalized, they voiced strong support for the opportunity.

City staff also provided updates on infrastructure projects:

  • Work continues on Adam Street, where grading and rock base preparation are underway.
  • Winfield Avenue plans will be submitted to the Iowa DOT next week, with hopes for a March 2026 letting.
  • Preparations are beginning at the airport for construction of a new eight-bay T-hangar, corporate hangar, and taxiways, a project expected to be one of the largest at the site in years.
  • Additional work is planned for Cherry Circle, where crews are assessing underground utilities before improvements.

The council adjourned with plans to reconvene in regular session on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

Henry County Board of Supervisors September 11, 2025 9:00 a.m.

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 5:15 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

Board of Supervisors

September 11, 2025

9:00 a.m.

  1. Agenda

 

  1. Approve Claims

 

  1. County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss Weekly Updates

 

  1. Conservation Caleb Waters Monthly Updates

 

  1. PJ Greufe Associates Renewal of Contract

 

  1. Paul Greufe Compensation Plan

 

Supervisors Sub-Committees

Ellen S. Krieger

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 at 3:45 pm CDT

Ellen S. Krieger

Ellen S. Krieger, 77, of Mt. Pleasant, died Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Addington Place in Mt. Pleasant.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Charla Louise Warner

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 at 2:48 pm CDT

Charla Louise Warner, 81, of Bonaparte, passed away at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL on September 8, 2025. Charla was a remarkable woman whose life was a tapestry of love, dedication, and community service.

Born on May 26, 1944, in Argyle, Iowa, to Kenneth and Virginia Schroeder Carson, Charla’s early years were marked by frequent moves around Iowa, following her father’s work. She graduated from Denmark High School in 1962 and soon after began working at the Penitentiary in Fort Madison. Charla married Lyle Williams on May 30, 1964 and they later divorced.  Charla found love again with Kenneth C. Warner, whom she married on September 16, 1979, in Farmington. Together, they built a life in Bonaparte.

Charla’s career was diverse and fulfilling. After her time at the penitentiary, she took several years off to raise her children. Once they were old enough for school, Charla re-entered the workforce, holding positions at the Van Buren Leader Record, State Central Bank, and the doctor’s office in Bonaparte. Her professional life was just one facet of her dedication to her community.

Charla was a pillar of her community, serving on numerous boards and associations. She was the current president of the Bonaparte Cemetery Board, the Bonaparte Historical Association, the Tea Leaf Club, and the Township Store. She also contributed to the former Bonaparte Main Street Association and the Rathbun Rural Water Association Director. Volunteering was not just a pastime for Charla; it was a passion. She believed in the power of community and gave her time generously to make Bonaparte a better place.

Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Charla had a zest for life. She enjoyed traveling with friends and cherished the camaraderie of Thirsty Thursdays at the Hotel Manning. However, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Charla’s love for her family was evident in everything she did, and her legacy of love and dedication will live on through them.

Charla is survived by her son, Alan Williams (Cortney) of Somerset, WI; her daughters, Susan Hines and Lori Loyd (Steve) of Bonaparte; her brother, John Carson (Jessie) of West Point; her sisters, Barb Rockhold of Mercer, MO, and Margaret Moeller of Fort Madison; her grandchildren, Jordy, Colten (Taylor), Jacob (Madison), Andrew, and Brady (Ashley); her great-grandchildren, Camden, Kinzley, and Kaden; and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charlie, brothers Jim and Dick Carson, and sisters Pam Carson and Judy Huprich.

Charla’s life will be celebrated at a funeral service on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua, with Ellis Andrews officiating. Visitation with family present will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday September 14, 2025 at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua. Burial in Bonaparte Cemetery will follow the service. Memorials in Charla’s honor to the Bonaparte Cemetery may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family at P.O. Box 37, Bonaparte, Iowa 52620. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com

Charla’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her dedication to her family, her community, and her friends will be remembered and cherished forever.