Little Panthers Preschool Opens Pre-Registration for 2025-2026 School Year

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at 5:47 am CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT — Preschool teachers and administrators with the Mount Pleasant Community School District are already preparing for the 2025-2026 school year, beginning with an important step: estimating enrollment numbers for Little Panthers Preschool.

In accordance with state law, children must be four years old on or before September 15, 2025, to be eligible for preschool enrollment. Parents and guardians who are interested in enrolling their child are encouraged to complete the online pre-registration form, available now through the district website at www.mtpcsd.org.

The preschool program is tuition-free for all students. Classes are held Monday through Thursday, with two daily sessions offered: a morning session from 8:15 to 11:00 a.m. and an afternoon session from 12:10 to 3:05 p.m.

Pre-registration reserves a child’s place in the program, with final registration to be completed online in July. Sessions will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The preschool has a capacity of 108 students, with 18 students per class. Administrators aim to keep morning and afternoon enrollment numbers as balanced as possible.

At the end of the pre-registration process, families will be asked to indicate a preference for either the AM or PM session, though placement in a preferred session is not guaranteed.

Families already enrolled in the district will be able to register their preschool student through the Infinite Campus parent portal in July. New families to the district will receive an email with an activation code from Cindy Smith to create an account and complete registration through Infinite Campus.

The district encourages parents to share this information with any families who may not have received it.

To access the Little Panthers Preschool pre-registration form, visit www.mtpcsd.org.

Marvin Eugene Creech

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at 5:37 am CDT

Marvin Eugene Creech, 89, of Eldon, IA passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Jefferson County Health Care Center if Fairfield, IA

  • A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at the Living Hope Bible Church in Eldon, IA with Pastor Mark Clark officiating.
  • Burial, with military honors, will be held in the Eldon Cemetery immediately following the service.
  • Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at the Living Hope Bible Church in Eldon with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
  • Memorial contributions in Marvin’s honor may be directed to the Eldon Avenue of Flags and mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556.
  • Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Mary F. Graber

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at 5:31 am CDT
Mary Frances Graber, 94, of Washington, formerly of Crawfordsville, died Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Halcyon House in Washington.

Mary was born August 9, 1930, in Henry County, the daughter of Alfred H. and Bessie A. Orn Keith. As a young child Mary loved her horses and being outside on their farm. She graduated from Wayland High School in 1947 and went on to AIB in Des Moines. On November 24, 1949, Mary was united in marriage to Dwight W. Graber, at Finley Church in Wayland. Mary was the true definition of a devoted wife, caring for Dwight, their children, and the home. She was hardworking in everything she did; sewing clothes for the girls, gardening, canning produce, and tending flowers. She enjoyed baking and was known for her pies, bread, rolls, and of course, the grandkids favorite-homemade glazed donuts. Mary’s foundation for life was her faith. She was a member of Sugar Creek Mennonite Church, Mennonite Women, and volunteered time at The Crowded Closet in Iowa City. She was involved with the church and taught Sunday school and Bible school. She loved the grandkids and great grandchildren, spending many hours babysitting. Mary and Dwight never wanted to miss a ball game of the grandchildren!

Mary is survived by three daughters, Vickie (Bill) Kurtz of Indianapolis, IN, Annette (Paul) Boshart VonTersch of Wayland, Joanne (Rick) Shelman of Solon; two sons, Greg (Carol) Graber, Mark (Lori) Graber both of Crawfordsville; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Graber of Iowa City; 17 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Dwight; son Doug Graber; son-in-law Gale Boshart; five siblings, Theron Keith, Velma Keith, Dorothea Brooks, Lucille Mast, and Marvin Keith Sr.

A private family graveside service will be held in the Sugar Creek Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Crooked Creek Christian Camp in rural Washington, on Saturday, May 31, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Halcyon House, Hospice of Washington County, and Sugar Creek Cemetery. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Mary and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Weekly Fuel Report AS OF April 16th

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at 5:27 am CDT
Weekly Fuel Report

DES MOINES, Iowa (April 16, 2025) – The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 9 cents, averaging $2.98 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $5.19 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $62.57.
  • Brent crude oil rose by $5.21 and is currently priced at $65.84.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $86.15 and Brent crude was $91.29.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.98 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices fell 9 cents from last week’s price and are down 34 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.17, down 7 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 3 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.35.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.77 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 24 cents lower than the national average of $3.59.
  • Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.02 for U87-E10, $2.31 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.24 for ULSD#2, $2.48 for ULSD#1, and $1.95 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices were down $.27 at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.27 MMbtu.
  • We will continue reporting retail heating oil and propane prices in Iowa in October.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Dewey R. McLerran

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at 5:26 am CDT

Dewey R. McLerran, 92, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 4:55 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Van Buren County Hospital in Keosauqua, Iowa.

He was born on October 12, 1932, in Harper, Missouri, the son of Cull B. and Myrtle (Harper) McLerran. On December 28, 1951, he married Lois E. Hahn in Richland, Iowa. She preceded him in death on April 2, 2000.

He is survived by his daughter: Jeanne (Pat) Doyle of Donnellson, Iowa; two sons: Scott McLerran of Stuart, Florida, Michael (Mary) McLerran of New London, Iowa; grandchildren: Andy McLerran, Ryan McLerran, Zachary (Chance Morgan) Doyle and Evan (Kenzie Northup) Doyle. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Lois; siblings: Inez Corbin, Ivan McLerran, Ira McLerran, Clester McLerran and Carolena Anderson.

Dewey served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked at Contel Telephone for thirty-six years, where he held a manager position. He also was a lawn mower and bicycle mechanic. Dewey was a member of the Donnellson City Council and served as Mayor for many years. He was also a member of the Donnellson Lion’s Club and was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan. Dewey especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Evangelical Cemetery in Donnellson with a flag presentation by the Donnellson American Legion.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Lee County Fairgrounds Learning Center.

A memorial has been established in his memory for PAW Animal Shelter in honor of his dog “Princess”.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Aaron William Ballalatak

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 at 11:05 am CDT

Aaron William Ballalatak, 48, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as a result of a vehicle accident.

 

No services are planned at this time and cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant High School to Host Senior Awards Assembly May 14

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 at 8:24 am CDT

Mount Pleasant High School to Host Senior Awards Assembly May 14

Mount Pleasant Community High School will celebrate the Class of 2025 during the annual Senior Awards Assembly on Wednesday, May 14. The event will be held in the high school gymnasium and is set to begin at approximately 7:00 p.m., following the Baccalaureate ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

This special evening recognizes the achievements of graduating seniors, with awards and scholarships presented to honor their hard work and dedication.

Local organizations or individuals interested in presenting an award are encouraged to reach out to Kelli Nehring at the high school by Monday, May 5. She can be contacted by phone at (319) 385-7700 or by email at kelli.nehring@mtpcsd.org.

Sports, April 16th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track

The Timm Lamb Pen City Relays ran yesterday with nine of our local teams participating between two divisions, here’s the highlights. In Division A, Mt. Pleasant finished in 2nd place as a team with 126 points, 50 points behind Washington. Collecting victories in the short sprints was Alex Scott in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.43 seconds and Kynlee White in the 200-meter dash with a time of 27.12 seconds. The two would team up with Kiyah Sanders and Taylor Williamson to win the 4×100 meter relay with a time of 50.66 seconds; Ellie Freeman would replace Williamson in the 4×200 meter relay with the same result, a winning time of 1 minute and 48 seconds.

Fairfield’s sprint medley team of Bella Buckley, Cranston Ireland, Lilly Bergren, and Samantha Lyons secured the Trojans only 1st place finish, as the team finished in 8th place with 48 points. West Burlington’s Kaitlyn Kipp turned in the best performance for the Falcons, taking 4th place in the 800-meter run.

Division B was a two-headed race between Van Buren County and Mediapolis with the Warriors coming out on top with 148 points followed by the Bulldogs’ 145 points, as the two teams finished in 1st and 2nd place in six different events. Helping Van Buren County secure the win was Kayley Snowgren’s 1st place time of 2 minutes and 37 seconds in the 800-meter run. Rylee Phillips captured 1st place in the 3000-meter run with a time that was nearly a minute faster than 2nd place. The team of Gabby Titus, Jacqueline Singer, Phillips, and Snowgren would take 1st place in the 4×800 meter relay. Lastly, Lexie Wiley threw the discus 89 feet and 11 inches for the win.

Mediapolis had Kira Messer win the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.85 seconds and Bryn Wright pace the field in the 1500-meter run with a time of 5 minutes and 18 seconds. The Bulldogs captured wins in the 4×100, distance medley, and shuttle hurdle relays. Madden Thie leapt 4 feet and 10 inches to win the high jump.

Danville collected 110 points for 3rd place as the Bears won the 4×200, 4×400, and the sprint medley relays. Alaina Gourley outsprinted the class in the 400-meter dash with a time of 59.52 seconds and Reagan Henkelvig tossed the shot put 29 feet and 7.25 inches for the win.

Central Lee finished in 5th place with 72 points, followed by Winfield-Mt. Union with 50 points, and New London with 37 points. For the Hawks, Kamryn Cox won the 400-meter hurdles. The Wolves claimed 1st place in the 100-meter hurdles as Josie Nelson clocked a time of 16.8 seconds and the long jump as Kynlee Buffington leapt 16 feet and 0.5 inches. New London had Megan Lee take 3rd place in the shot put, while Irelynn Kelly also collected 3rd place in the 3000-meter run.

The Wapello boys’ team hosted their relay last night for their senior night, but it was Mediapolis who exited the night on top with 126 points. The Bulldogs grabbed 1st place in the 4×200 meter relay, while Henry Luttenegger won the long jump with a mark of 20 feet and 6.25 inches and Simon Wendel took the 3200-meter run with a time of 10 minutes and 18 seconds.

Winfield-Mt. Union fielded 4th place with 100.5 points, while Danville took 5th place with 83 points. For the Wolves, Sheaden Adams finished in 1st place with a time of 24.34 seconds, while Kohlby Newsom captured the gold in the 400-meter dash with a time of 51.29 seconds and the 1600-meter run with a mark of 4 minutes and 31 seconds. The Bears’ Jackson Shacklett led the way in the 800-meter run, while the team won the 4×400 and distance medley relays.

West Burlington/Notre Dame’s lone victory occurred in the high jump with Mason Watkins leaping 6 feet and 2 inches. Kolton Small of Wapello claimed the silver in both the shot put and discus. 

The New London boys’ team and WACO traveled to participate in the Lisbon Opener last night and here’s the highlights. On the boys’ side, WACO finished in 5th place with 76 points and New London collected 45 points. WACO’s Jude Dykstra took the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes and 9 seconds. Hayden Shelman’s jump of 21 feet and 7.75 inches grabbed the narrow win. The Tigers won the 4×200 meter relay with a time of 1 minute and 33 seconds.

On the girls’ side, Carlee Lunsford, with a time of 2 minutes and 32 seconds, won the 800-meter run as the Warriors took 7th place as a team with 47 points. 

The Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will host a meet tomorrow, April 17th, with Danville, Van Buren County, and WACO making the trip.

Mt. Pleasant will present the Denny White Relays tomorrow with Central Lee, Mediapolis, West Burlington/Notre Dame, and the boys’ teams of Fairfield, Danville, New London, Wapello, WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union participating. 

The Fairfield girls’ team will compete in the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Rocket Relays tomorrow.

Columbus will head to Central City tomorrow for a Co-Ed meet. 

High School Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will square off against Burlington tomorrow, April 17th, with the boys on the road and the girls’ taking on the Grayhounds at home.

The Fairfield boys’ team shutout Davis County last night 9-0. The Trojans will take on Keokuk tomorrow with the boys on the road and the girls at home.

High School Golf

The New London boys’ team fell to Central Lee yesterday 221-157 as Caleb Larson carded a 36 for the Hawks.  

The Mediapolis boys’ team tabbed a score of 382 at the Golden Hawk Invitational yesterday as Gannon Gunn shot an 88 to lead the Bulldogs. Mediapolis will travel to New London to compete in a tournament today with Columbus joining the fray.

Danville will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic today.

WACO will square off against Winfield-Mt. Union at home tomorrow, April 17th.

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will host the next SEC meet tomorrow, while the girls’ SEC meet will take place in Keokuk. 

The Van Buren County boys’ team will compete in a triangular along with Burlington Notre Dame on April 21st at the Bloomfield County Club. 

High School Soccer

The Mediapolis girls’ team lost to Canton last night 2-0. The girls’ team will make the trip to West Branch tomorrow, April 17th, at 5 pm.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team smacked Fort Madison last night 6-1. The Nikes will take on Danville on April 22nd at home at 5 pm.

The Central Lee boys’ team scraped past Danville last night 3-2 as Zach Estrada, Peter Seyb, and Mason Sanders each collected a goal for the Hawks. Central Lee will host Wapello on April 22nd with the girls’ teams playing first at 5 pm.

Columbus was swept by Tipton last night with the girls’ team losing 3-2 and the boys’ team getting shutout 5-0. Iris Garza and Frannie Sosa tabbed the goals for the Wildcats. The Columbus girls’ team will travel to Wapello tomorrow at 5 pm.

The Columbus boys’ team will hit the road on April 21st at 5 pm to tangle with WACO.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will host Keokuk tomorrow at 4:30 pm. The boys’ team will compete at the Fort Madison Tournament on Saturday, April 19th, along with Mediapolis.  

Fairfield will take on Washington tomorrow at 5 pm with the boys on the road and the girls at home.

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The softball team will compete in a doubleheader against Marshalltown Community College on the road on Friday, April 18th, with first pitch at 2 pm.

The baseball team uncorked the offense yesterday against Illinois Central College, scoring nine runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to eventually win 19-7. Efrain Osorio smacked a home run and grabbed eight RBIs in the victory. The Blackhawks will face off against Kirkwood Community College today on the road. 

This Day in Sports History

1929 – The New York Yankees become the first MLB team to permanently feature numbers on backs of uniforms; numbers correspond to position in batting order.

1939 – Stanley Cup Final, Boston Garden, Boston, MA: the Boston Bruins beat the Toronto Maple Leafs, 3-1, for a 4-1 series win; the first best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final series.

1959 – MLB Philadelphia Phillies’ Dave Philley gets a major league record 9th straight pinch hit, having ended the previous season with a streak of 8.