Struggling with Utility Bills? United Way’s 211 Network Can Help

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at 7:58 am CDT

If your gas or electric bill is causing you stress, help is just a phone call away. The 211 network, supported by United Way, connects individuals and families with local resources that can offer financial assistance for past-due utility bills.

By dialing 211, callers are connected to trained specialists who can guide them to programs and services available in their community. Whether you’re facing an unexpected crisis or ongoing hardship, the 211 network is designed to provide confidential support across the United States and Canada.

Don’t wait — call 211 today and ask about utility assistance options. To learn more, visit unitedway.org/211.

Weekly Crop Report

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at 7:57 am CDT

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

“Widespread rainfall across the state delayed planting last week, but provided much-needed moisture, easing drought conditions across portions of Iowa. Outlooks for the next few weeks show unseasonably warm temperatures and perhaps a break in the wet weather, which would give farmers a window to get in the field. Weather models are showing much of Iowa has an elevated risk of experiencing varying types and strength of severe weather this afternoon and evening. This is a good reminder to Iowans to be vigilant, have safety plans in place and be ready to take shelter if needed.”

Crop Report
Periodic rains throughout the week resulted in just 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 27, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. While needed, the precipitation slowed or stopped fieldwork and cool temperatures hampered crop emergence.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 11 percent short, 75 percent adequate and 11 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 21 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 34 percent, 2 days ahead of the 5-year average. Statewide, corn emerged was 2 percent. Twenty-five percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted, 1 day ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of the 5-year average. Oats seeding reached 81 percent complete, 4 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the 5-year average. Forty-one percent of the expected oat acreage has emerged, 3 days behind last year but 4 days ahead of normal.

Pastures and grass continue to green up. Apart from some muddy feedlots, no livestock issues were reported. Some cow calf pairs were being turned out to pasture.

Mount Pleasant School Board Reviews Survey Results on Facility Plans

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at 7:56 am CDT

At their latest meeting, the Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education reviewed results from a community-wide survey regarding facility needs and potential upgrades. Jerry Gallagher of Donovan Group, a communications firm specializing in public schools, presented the findings.

The survey, conducted between April 7 and April 20, gathered over 1,000 responses — a strong turnout for a community of Mount Pleasant’s size. The survey gauged community familiarity with the district’s facility challenges, opinions on proposed solutions, and support for a potential bond referendum.

Key highlights from the survey included:

  • Awareness: 92% of respondents said they were familiar or somewhat familiar with the district’s facility issues.
  • Urgency: About 58% agreed or strongly agreed that facility needs should be addressed now.
  • Bond Support: Only 30% indicated they would “definitely” or “probably” support a bond referendum in November.
  • Concerns: High levels of concern were expressed regarding tax impacts, overall costs, and trust in district leadership.

Participants were also asked about the potential consolidation of elementary schools into centralized locations. Results showed strong resistance:

  • 68% opposed consolidating all Pre-K through 5th-grade students into two attendance centers.
  • 67% opposed closing Salem Elementary, 60% opposed closing Harlan, and 59% opposed closing Lincoln.

Open-ended responses further highlighted community dissatisfaction with the “grade-alike” model, skepticism about the district’s purchase of the former Iowa Wesleyan University campus, and concerns about fiscal responsibility and community engagement.

Edwin Clifford Leichty

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at 7:53 am CDT

Edwin Clifford Leichty of Wayland, IA, entered the presence of his Savior on April 27, 2025. He was born on February 21, 1926, on the family farm in Noble, IA, to Henry Edward and Leona Rachel (Miller) Leichty. On November 5, 1950, he was united in marriage to Jean Frances (Scarff) at Bethel Mennonite Church in Wayland, IA. Together they were blessed with six children: Sidney, Barry, Nancy, Nanette, Scott, and Lisa.

Throughout his life, Ed held many jobs, but he especially loved what he called “dirt work.” He built some of the finest terraces in Montgomery County, installed tile on numerous farms, and, alongside his son Sid, donated his services to build soccer fields at Faith Baptist Bible College.

Those who knew Ed will remember his outgoing personality and remarkable “gift of gab”—he once famously called a wrong number and ended up talking with the stranger for over an hour. Ed was also known for his fondness for unique ties and, most importantly, his deep and abiding love for the Lord.

Ed’s passion for serving others was rooted in his unwavering faith. He often welcomed missionaries into his home, faithfully gave of his time and resources, and was always ready to share the gospel with anyone he met. His life stood as a testament to the importance of spreading the message of salvation. Ed would not want this to be a time of sorrow—he is with the Lord! Instead, he would want this moment to focus on the Savior he trusted and to encourage all to recognize their need for a risen Savior. His greatest wish was for everyone to experience the same joy and peace he found through his relationship with Christ.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Leona Leichty; his daughter, Lisa (Leichty) England; grandson, Aaron Brown; great-grandson, Jeremiah Keatts; infant sister, Verda Mae; brothers, Ellis and Marion Leichty; and sister, Lois Hochstetler.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Jean Leichty; children: Sidney, Barry (Joanie), Nancy (Barry) Sellergren, Nanette (Ken) Brown, and Scott (Kim) Leichty; son-in-law, Todd England; grandchildren: Faith Leichty, Hilary (Joshua) Keatts, Nate (Lindsey) Sellergren, Brooke (Jeremy) Carter, Sara (Donovan) Yoder, Reid (Jessie) Leichty, Eric Brown, Tyler (Jessica) Leichty, Katlin Leichty, Hunter (Katelyn) England, and Lauren England; ten great-grandchildren; several cherished brothers and their spouses; a sister; and many nieces and nephews.

Per Ed’s wishes, a private family interment will take place at Bethel Church on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Independent Bible Church in Wayland, IA, with Pastor Ben Linville officiating. A light lunch for family will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Independent Bible Church for future designation

Sports, April 29th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at 6:17 am CDT

High School Track

Winfield-Mt. Union, WACO, Columbus, and Van Buren County will participate in the Sigourney Co-Ed meet tonight. 

New London will host the Co-Ed Chris Selby Invitational tonight with Danville, West Burlington/Notre Dame, Mediapolis, and Wapello making the trip.

Mt. Pleasant and Central Lee will compete in the Keokuk Relays tonight.

High School Tennis

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team celebrated their senior night with a dominant 8-1 win over Fort Madison last night. Seniors Bethany Drury and Aurdrey Richmond shutout their singles opponents, while seniors Hali Crane and Hannah Villaplaza also collected wins in their singles match. The Panthers also swept the doubles matches. The Panthers will have a rematch against the Bloodhounds tonight on the road. 

The boys’ team followed suit with a sweep of Fort Madison. Max Heater, Lou Schimmelpfennig, Elijah Rynders, and the team of Dane Cook and Heater did not allow their opponents to win a game in the impressive performance. The Panthers will travel to Davis County tonight.

The Fairfield boys’ team defeated Burlington 8-1 last night. The Fairfield boys’ team will hit the road tonight for a rematch against Burlington.

High School Golf

Winfield-Mt. Union swept Hillcrest Academy last night with the boys’ team winning 168-180, while the girls’ team won via forfeit. Justin Knipfer led the boys’ team, shooting a 40 (+4) through nine holes as Ashlyn Bender and Ella Kann each carded a 54 for the girls’ team. 

The Winfield-Mt. Union and Wapello boys’ teams will participate in the West Liberty tournament today.

The Holy Trinity Catholic boys’ team defeated New London last night 186-213, while the New London girls’ team avenged their loss with a 208-233 win over the Crusaders. For Holy Trinity Catholic, Luke Hellige and Brock Sheetz each finished with a 45, while Elizabeth Griffin led the girls’ team with a 51. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will make the trip to WACO today.

New London will square off against Burlington Notre Dame at home tomorrow, April 30th.

The SEC boys’ teams met up at Washington to close out the regular season meets amongst the conference and Washington claimed the top spot as a team, shooting 161, and individually as Drew Conrad carded a 35. Fairfield finished a close 2nd place with a team score of 169 as Xavier Kessel took home a 39. Mt. Pleasant and Fort Madison tied for 3rd place with a team score of 176.

The Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield boys’ teams will participate in the Oskaloosa Invite today.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will host a tournament on Friday, May 2nd.

Wapello walked away with a pair of victories against Columbus yesterday with the boys’ team coming out on top 201-242 and the girls’ team winning 216-229. Barrett Garrison led the boys’ team with a nine-hole score of 46, while the girls’ team had Emma Gerhardt card a 50.

The Wapello girls’ team will compete against WACO on Thursday on the road.

Columbus will take on Louisa-Muscatine at home today.

Danville split their matchup against Central Lee last night with the boys’ team losing 188-148 and the girls’ team narrowly winning 235-246. In the boys’ meet, the Hawks claimed the top four spots with Carson Morrison claiming a nine-hole score of 35, while Alex Holtkamp carded a 42 for the Bears. In the girls’ meet, Eastin Chipman led the field for Danville with a 52, as Marie Young took home a 57 for the Hawks. 

Danville will travel to Flint Hills Golf Course on Thursday to face off against Holy Trinity Catholic. 

The Central Lee girls’ team will compete in the Keokuk Invite on May 5th. 

Mediapolis will face off against Burlington Notre Dame today on the road. 

High School Soccer

Burlington Notre Dame swept Columbus last night as the boys’ team clobbered the Wildcats 9-1 and the girls’ team won 1-0. Daisy Hazell had the lone goal in the girls contest as Reese Richardson notched 12 saves.

The Burlington Notre Dame girls’ team will play their make-up game against Quincy Notre Dame tonight at home at 5:30 pm. The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will make the trip to Highland on Thursday, May 1st, at 5 pm.

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team was able to avoid their first conference loss of the season when Dylan White scored a goal with two minutes left in the game to tie Fairfield 1-1. The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team snapped their three-game losing streak last night, sneaking past Fairfield 2-1. 

Mt. Pleasant will square off against Washington on Thursday with the girls’ team at home and the boys on the road.

The Fairfield girls’ team will face off against Fort Madison on the road on Thursday at 5 pm.

The Mediapolis boys’ team handed WACO a 4-0 loss last night. The Bulldogs will take on Central Lee on Friday, May 2nd, at 7 pm at home.

The WACO boys’ team will host Washington tomorrow, April 30th, at 4:30 pm.

The Mediapolis girls’ team will face off against Fort Madison on the road tonight at 5 pm.

The Danville boys’ team will travel to Fairfield tonight at 5 pm.

The Central Lee girls’ team will make the trip to Albia tonight with gametime at 5 pm.

The Wapello boys’ team will play Hillcrest Academy on the road at 6:30 pm tonight and the girls’ team will take on Monmouth-Roseville at home at 5 pm.

High School Soccer Rankings

The Iowa High School Athletic Association released their second round of rankings for boys’ soccer and Burlington Notre Dame remained at the #4 slot after going 2-0 last week, including knocking off previously unbeaten Central Lee 5-0. The Nikes are averaging four goals per game, while Taylor Lundgren is saving 83.7% shots on goal. 

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The baseball team was able to outstride Northeast Community College last night in a 17-11 final to collect their sixth consecutive win and their 41st of the season. The Blackhawks will host Marshalltown Community College tomorrow, April 30th, for a doubleheader.

The softball team starts their Region 11 tournament as the #3-seed tomorrow in a best-of-three series against Iowa Western with the winner advancing to the championship game.

This Day in Sports History

1934 – Pittsburgh is the last major league baseball city to play a home game on a Sunday, as the Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds.

1961 – ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” debuts.

1981 – MLB Philadelphia Phillies Steve Carlton is the first lefty to strike out 3,000 batters.

Jimmy Eugene Mahan

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 28th, 2025 at 8:17 pm CDT

Jimmy Eugene Mahan, 66, of Gladstone, Illinois passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

Jimmy was born on May 18, 1958, in Iowa City, the son of Theodore E. and Doris (Shafer) Mahan.  Jimmy served his country in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1979.  He was united in marriage to Candise Scholl on May 27, 1995 in Lockridge, Iowa.  Jimmy enjoyed fishing, hunting and riding his Harley.  He was a talented carpenter and took pride in everything he did.  Jimmy enjoyed spending time with his family.  He worked at Dexter in Fairfield, McKay Envelope and later for Walmart Distribution Center both of Mount Pleasant.  

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife, Candise, his children, Shenelle Mahan and Reno Mahan and his step-daughter Jessica (Roy) Brockman, his loving grandchildren, Logan, Blake, Iris, Dannie, Tyrion, and Marianna, his sister, Dianna (Duane) Chance, his brothers, Ted (Belinda) Mahan and Steven (Cathy) Mahan, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Henry.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 2 p.m., at the Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 until 1:00 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant.  Memorials may be directed to the family to help with funeral expenses.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Mary M. Gilbert

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 28th, 2025 at 8:16 pm CDT

Mary M. Gilbert, 99, of Winfield, passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at her home in Winfield.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Winfield United Methodist Church.  Immediately following the visitation, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the church.  Following the services a time of food and fellowship will be held at the church.  Burial will be in the Winfield Scott Township Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Winfield Museum or the Winfield First Responders in memory of Mary.  Online condolences may be left at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  The Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Winfield is caring for Mary’s family and arrangements.

Mary M. Snell was born on July 15, 1925, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa the daughter of Elbert and Ruth (Breuer) Snell.  She was a 1942 graduate of Winfield High School.  Mary was married to Melvin Youngman from 1944 – 1981 and then divorced.  Following her divorce, Mary entered the workforce working at a convenience store, large bakery, CNA at nursing homes and transported patients to the mobile MRI.  She later was united in marriage to Robert Gilbert in Winterhaven, Florida and they were married from 1996 – 2008 when Robert passed.  Mary was a homemaker and was a member of the Winfield United Methodist Church, Eastern Star and associate member of the First Congregational Church in Texas.  Mary enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, canning, quilting and volunteering at the Mt. Pleasant Old Threshers.

Mary will be deeply missed by her children, Patricia King-Williams of Winfield, Rand (Jeanne) Youngman of Winfield, Rev. Wayne Youngman of Elberta, Alabama and Mary K. Dyal of Phoenix, Arizona; son-in-law, Steve Reneau of White Rock, New Mexico; grandchildren, Cheryl Wade, Loretta King, Steve Brown, Mike Youngman, Katie, Pat and Dillon; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; daughter, Margaret “Peggy” Reneau; two sons, James and Michael in infancy; granddaughter, Monica King and three sisters, Norene, Katherine “Kay” and Elberta June.

Southeastern Community College Soars to #4 in Latest NJCAA Baseball Rankings

By Slaten Swords · Monday, April 28th, 2025 at 2:05 pm CDT

West Burlington, IA- The Southeastern Community College (SCC) baseball team has clawed their way back inside the top 5 of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II top 25 rankings at #4 after going 5-1 this past week.

The week started rough after a 7-0 shutout loss to Black Hawk College, but the Blackhawks had the opportunity to rough up some conference opponents and did just that with sweeps of Des Moines Area Community College and Southwestern Community College.

The offense was nearly unstoppable, putting up double-digit runs in four of the five wins and cracking nine home runs by the week’s end. Their pitching also exhibited the ability to come up in clutch moments, shutting out the Bears in the final two innings of a thrilling 13-10 win and Owen Thomson’s two strikeouts ended the Spartans hope of extending extra innings.

Jackson Petsche was on a tear at the plate this week, tabbing 11 RBIs on eight hits including three home runs.

The Blackhawks sit at 40-10 for the season and first in the ICCAC with a 24-3 record against conference opponents. Five of their last six games will be conference showdowns with the last three on the road against Indian Hills Community College, who is 18-10 versus the ICCAC.