Drivers in Des Moines County should plan for a temporary road closure tomorrow, Monday, due to construction work.

Officials with the Des Moines County Road Department say 220th Avenue will be closed Monday, June 8th, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The closure is scheduled to last until approximately 3:00 p.m., weather permitting.

The work involves a culvert replacement about 250 feet north of 18798 220th Avenue.

Crews say the roadway is expected to reopen by mid-afternoon once the project is complete.

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and allow extra travel time while the work is underway.

The county says the temporary inconvenience is necessary to complete infrastructure improvements and maintain roadway safety.

For additional information, residents can contact the Des Moines County Road Department 319-753-8241.

A Central Lee High School senior is among a select group of Iowa students receiving scholarship support as they pursue careers in healthcare.

Jayden Mueller of Donnellson has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship from the Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation, a nonprofit subsidiary of the Iowa Hospital Association. Mueller was one of 65 graduating seniors across Iowa selected for the award.

In her scholarship application, Mueller said a career in healthcare would allow her to combine her values, passion, and academic interests into a meaningful profession.

The scholarship was presented by Great River Health Manager of Talent Management Nicole Panther-Rump during Central Lee High School’s Senior Award Ceremony on May 11. Panther-Rump congratulated Mueller on her accomplishments and wished her success as she begins her nursing education and healthcare career.

Mueller plans to attend the University of Iowa and pursue a degree in nursing.

The Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation established its Health Care Careers Scholarship Program in 2005 to help address shortages in the healthcare workforce and encourage students to enter medical fields. Since then, the program has awarded approximately $3.3 million in scholarships to nearly 1,100 Iowa students.

Applications for 2027 scholarships open November 1, 2026. Additional information can be found online at iherf.org. To view the full release from Great River Health, click here.

Mount Pleasant High School is recognizing several students for their positive contributions to the school community.

The school has announced its April and May “Portrait of a Panther” students: Lindsay Hart, Brianna Wibstad, Quintrie Lee, and Isabella Sloat.

These students were nominated by staff members for demonstrating key Panther qualities, including resilience, integrity, compassion, responsibility, strong communication, and problem-solving skills.

School officials say the recognition highlights students who consistently set a positive example for their peers both inside and outside the classroom.

If you see these students, you’re encouraged to congratulate them and celebrate their achievements.

Again, the April and May Portrait of a Panther students are Lindsay Hart, Brianna Wibstad, Quintrie Lee, and Isabella Sloat.

We are proud of our Panthers.

Elite Casino Resorts officially unveiled a new name for one of Southeast Iowa’s largest entertainment destinations Thursday, cutting the ribbon on the newly rebranded Great River Casino Resort in Burlington.

The property, formerly known as Catfish Bend Casino, now carries a name that company leaders say better reflects its connection to the Mississippi River and the future of the resort.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Chair Amy Burkhart, along with Elite Casino Resorts CEO Dan Kehl and Great River Casino Resort Vice President and General Manager Don Ostert.

Kehl told attendees the name may be changing, but the company’s commitment to Burlington remains the same.

“Today, Catfish Bend Casino becomes the Great River Casino Resort,” Kehl said. “The name is new. The investment is new. The commitment to this community is not.”

He added that Elite Casino Resorts sees significant opportunities ahead for the property and the Burlington area.

The rebranding is part of a broader effort by Elite Casino Resorts to enhance the guest experience through continued investments in the facility. Company officials say additional improvements are planned, including new food, beverage and entertainment offerings.

Ostert said the change represents more than just a new logo or signage.

“We are investing in this building, in this team, and in the future of gaming in southeast Iowa,” Ostert said. “Great River is not just a new sign on the door. It is a new commitment to this community.”

The resort will also host its first major concert under the new name later this summer. Country music star Gretchen Wilson is scheduled to perform August 21, with ticket information expected to be released soon.

Great River Casino Resort and FunCity, located on Winegard Drive in Burlington, includes casino gaming, hotel accommodations, dining venues, an event center, indoor amusement attractions and the Huck’s Harbor outdoor waterpark.

Additional information about gaming, hotel reservations, events and entertainment can be found on the resort’s website.