Henry County Supervisors Public Hearing Offers Tense Discussion

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 10th, 2025 at 11:46 am CDT

In a packed Court room, the Henry County Board of Supervisors opened a public hearing Thursday April 10th to present and discuss the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. The hearing gave community members and elected officials a chance to review financial projections, ask questions, and offer feedback before the board moves forward with budget approval.

The presentation included an overview of current revenues, expenditures, fund balances, and proposed salary adjustments. Copies of the budget were available to attendees and posted online. The topic of supervisor compensation drew questions from the public. One resident asked how the $45,000 annual salary aligns with the workload for a position that holds one official meeting per week. Supervisor Steve Detrick responded that while legally defined as part-time, the job often requires 40 to 45 hours weekly, including subcommittee work, constituent conversations, and off-hours preparation.

A more contentious exchange emerged during discussion of the County Attorney’s Office budget. Concerns were centered on an apparent increase in salary expenditure despite a reduction in staff. Supervisor Detrick suggests, “You’re losing a person yet increasing the budget allocation by 1%.”

County Attorney Darin Stater defended the request, explaining that the increase was due to a phased retirement and the decision not to replace the outgoing office manager. Instead, her duties will be absorbed by current staff, which he feels are owed compensation adjustments.

 

Stater continued “If we delay this restructuring until January, my staff will effectively be doing extra work for free for six months.

The hearing also touched on broader frustrations. One member of the public referenced a perceived increase in dismissed or reduced criminal charges, questioning the quality and consistency of prosecution—an implication Stater strongly rejected.

Despite the tense discussion, the budget was ultimately approved by the board, along with wage increases of 5% for all county employees, department heads, and elected officials—except the Sheriff, who will receive a 10% raise.

The fiscal year 2025–26 budget goes into effect on July 1.

Timothy “Tim” Wayne Bower

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, April 10th, 2025 at 10:23 am CDT

Timothy “Tim” Wayne Bower was born February 1st, 1961 in Fairfield, IA. the son of H. Wayne and Audrey (Baity) Bower. He went home to the Lord at the age of 64 on April 7th, 2025 after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer that was diagnosed in December 2024. He was surrounded by the infinite love of his family as he left this world and entered the next part of his journey.  Tim was known for many things throughout the communities in which he lived. He was a thoughtful professional leader, passionate advocate for education, avid woodworker, proud father and grandfather, and steadfastly in love with his wife of 38 years.

Those who knew Tim were aware of his pride in the long list of accomplishments that he achieved during his time here on earth, as he embodied the definition of ‘hard work’. Tim learned by the age of 10 how to show pride in his work by raising the 150 head of cattle while growing up on the family farm in Stockport (Fairfield), IA. He took this work ethic with him to Iowa State University, where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1984.

After college, Tim started his professional career at Mason & Hanger in Middletown (Burlington), IA where he played a key role in earning the company a Malcom Baldrige Quality Award. He taught classes at Southeast Community College. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (1979), a member of American Society of Quality (1990), and a Certified Quality Engineer (1991). In 1995, he graduated from the University of Iowa with an Executive Master of Business Administration degree. He continued his professional career at many different companies, but most notably, over 20 years with HNI in Muscatine, IA and eventually summarizing his career as the President at Flint Cliffs Manufacturing in Burlington, IA.

Tim was known for his public service throughout the communities in which he lived. He was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Muscatine, IA where he held multiple leadership position and was trained with his wife as a Stephen Ministries leader. Also, he served as the Vice President of the Glasgow Cemetery Board. He used these opportunities to not only apply his mind, but most importantly to provide service, compassion, and love to the community where he lived.

While not formally an educator, he knew the importance of the community in providing a strong educational foundation for their youth. He knew that children are the future and felt it essential that he play a role in ensuring all kids’ success in life. This love for education and service led him to serve for 14 years on the Muscatine Community School District School Board where he was elected President and Vice President. His work with the school board guided him to be highly involved with education throughout the state. Specifically, he was a member of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners for six years, appointed by Governor Branstad as the President of the inaugural Southeast Iowa STEM Advisory Board, and served on the 2020 Governor’s Economic State Advisory Board as the Director of the Education Sub-Committee. He continued this passion for education by serving on the Fairfield Community School District School Board for four years after moving back to Fairfield in 2018.

Although his professional accolades and community service were great, his love for his family and friends was greater. He married H. Karen Jane Randall on December 27th, 1986, in Burlington, IA. Tim and Karen raised three children. Later, he would have two grandchildren that he would love and spoil with many tractor rides. He provided for us countless trips to Iowa State University football and basketball games. He was in the stands at Jack Trice Stadium cheering on his Cyclones no matter the weather and staying until the end of countless losses and celebrations of wins where he would loudly sing Sweet Caroline and the ISU Fight Song. Tim and Karen served as the Co-Presidents of Muskie Band Boosters and traveled throughout the country following his children’s band with the famous Muskie Marching Band trailer. He sat for many nights at the kitchen table fighting about math homework and geeking out about science. He worked on numerous woodworking and furniture refurbishment projects in the garage, teaching his kids all that he knew. He and Karen’s marriage survived over 10 home renovations, which is a testament to their love for each other. Most recently, they joyfully renovated his childhood home. This last project brought him the most peace. Although his illness made it feel like he had been robbed the opportunity to enjoy more time at the farm, he knew that the love and memories he left behind was so much greater and enduring than death itself.

Tim will be remembered by so many people for his kind spirit, joy, and love. Tim lived with a smile on his face into his passing. He truly believed that death would bring him nothing but happiness. To have loved Tim on earth was the greatest honor and privilege that one could have been given in this lifetime.

Tim’s memory will continue living through his wife Karen Bower, daughter Brittany (Nathan) Oakley, son Aric Bower, grandchildren Caroline and Oliver, brother Ben (Judy) Bower, sister Melissa Olson, brothers- and sisters-in-law Robert (Jeanette) Randall, Barbara (Bob) Bailey, Judy Randall, Randy Kinney, Dave Propst, Brion and Lisa Oakley, over 50 extend family members, and many friends. He was greeted in heaven by his father and mother, H. Wayne and Audrey (Baity) Bower, daughter Megan Schultz, mother- and father-in-law, Page and Shirley Randall, and sisters-in-law, Deborah Kinney and Ann Propst.

The visitation for Tim will be held from 4:00-7:00pm, April 10th, 2025 at Lunning Funeral Chapel in Burlington, IA where the family will meet with friends. Funeral services for Tim will be held at 10:30am Friday, April 11th, 2025 at First United Methodist Church, 309 N Main St. in Mt. Pleasant, IA with Reverend Court Fisher officiating. Following the service a fellowship meal will be provided, prior to the burial at Glasgow Cemetery in Glasgow, IA.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his memory for the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant and Glasgow Cemetery. Go Cyclones!

Mount Pleasant City Council Approves Sonic Site Plan, Board Appointments, and New Businesses in Mount Pleasant

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 10th, 2025 at 7:01 am CDT

City Council Approves Sonic Site Plan, Board Appointments, and New Business in Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant, IA – April 9, 2025 — The Mount Pleasant City Council moved efficiently through its agenda at this week’s meeting, approving a new Sonic Drive-In site plan, confirming board appointments, and welcoming a new local business.

Sonic Drive-In Site Plan Gets Green Light
Following a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Council unanimously approved the site plan for a new Sonic Drive-In. Known for its drive-up dining experience, Sonic’s business model minimizes the need for traditional parking or dine-in seating.

According to the Commission, the site will include a restroom accessible to customers from the outside and a separate one inside for employees. Given the limited need for patrons to leave their vehicles, the plan met all zoning requirements.

Mike Tometich Appointed to Mount Pleasant Utility Board
After a recent resignation, the Council approved Mike Tometich to fill the vacant seat on the Board of Trustees.

Jordan Pohren Joins Fire Department Reserves
The Council also approved the appointment of Jordan Pohren to the Mount Pleasant Fire Department Reserves. Pohren will support the department in a reserve role, helping to bolster public safety efforts in the community.

New Liquor Store Approved at 719 North Grand Avenue
A business license was unanimously approved for Hometown Liquor & Wine, which will be opening at 719 North Grand Avenue. No concerns were raised during discussion, and the store is expected to open soon.

The meeting concluded without further debate or public comment. The next city council meeting is April 23rd at 5:30p.m.

Sports, April 10th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, April 10th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track

Mt. Pleasant, Wapello, WACO, and Fairfield will compete in the Demon Relays tonight. 

New London, Danville, Mediapolis, and Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to West Burlington/Notre Dame to compete in the Co-Ed Falcon Relays tonight.

The Van Buren County boys’ team will participate in the Pekin Invitational tonight, while the girls’ team will travel to clash in the Eddville-Blakesburg-Fremont Burdell Hensley Invitational.

High School Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will compete against Fort Madison tonight with the boys at home and the girls on the road.

Fairfield will face off against Burlington tonight with the boys on the road and the girls at home.

High School Golf

Winfield-Mt. Union will compete against Columbus today at home.

Wapello will take on Highland today on the road.

Danville will face off against Burlington Notre Dame today at Flint Hills Golf Course.

Central Lee will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic today.

The next boys’ SEC meet will take place today at Fort Madison, while the girls’ teams will make the trip to Fairfield. 

Mediapolis will square off against Louisa-Muscatine tomorrow, April 11th, at home.

WACO will travel to Hillcrest Academy tomorrow.

New London will host Central Lee on April 15th. 

High School Soccer

The WACO boys’ team will travel to Hillcrest Academy tonight at 6 pm. 

The Mediapolis girls’ team will square off against Tipton tonight at home with gametime at 5:30 pm.

The Wapello boys’ team will host Highland tonight at 5 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will square off against Fairfield tonight with the boys’ team making the trip west at 5 pm and the girls’ team playing at home at 4:30 pm.

Columbus will face off against Mid-Prairie at the Muscatine Sports Complex tonight with the girls’ team playing first at 5 pm.

The Danville boys’ team will take on Mediapolis tonight at home with gametime at 5:30 pm.

The Burlington Notre Dame girls’ team will take on Monmouth-Roseville on the road tonight at 5 pm, while the boys’ team will travel to Solon tomorrow, April 11th, at 5:30 pm.

Central Lee will be back in action tomorrow at 5 pm with the girls’ team facing off against Washington at home and the boys’ team competing against Sigourney Keota on the road. 

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Danville was our school of focus for last night’s episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook, featuring seniors Reagan Henkelvig, who’s on the track and field team, and New London’s Colin Pealer, who is a part of the Danville soccer squad. Henkelvig picked one of the lessons she has learned throughout the years to pass along to next group of seniors,

“I just try to be very encouraging for people to go out and try new things because like I mentioned earlier, I’ve always been involved with a whole lot of different activities at my school and, you know, its high school and you’re able to do it and it’s free to do it before you end up looking back and regretting not doing it.”

For Pealer, he’s been trying to improve his leadership ability and sometimes that means not allowing your emotions to distract you from the game,

“I’d say the most important lesson is always that the next play matters the most. If you mess up, you always have to focus on pushing forward and bouncing back from that, rather than dwelling on it too much because it’s going to affect your performance. And just like always, keeping a level head and being able to keep that mindset that you can push further.”

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

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The softball team will square off against Iowa Western Community College at home on Saturday, April 12th, in a doubleheader with game one at 1 pm.

The #4 baseball team will travel to Des Moines Area Community College today.

This Day in Sports History

1947 – Jackie Robinson becomes the first Black player of the 20th century to sign an MLB contract; Brooklyn GM, Branch Rickey announces Dodgers had bought Robinson’s contract from Montreal Royals.

1964 – Demolition begins in Upper Manhattan, New York City on the Polo Grounds sports stadium (home to MLB Giants, 1891-1957, Mets, 1962-63, and NFL Jets, 1960-63) to clear the way for a housing project.

1979 – J. R. Richard of the Houston Astros pitches a complete game but sets an MLB record by throwing six wild pitches in a 2-1 win over the LA Dodgers at the Astrodome.

City of Mount Pleasant Recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 10th, 2025 at 6:09 am CDT

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — The Mount Pleasant City Council convened for its regular meeting this week, where one of the key items on the agenda was a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Rachel Long, a representative from the Domestic Violence Intervention Program and the Rape Victim Advocacy Program (DVIP/RVAP), addressed the council to share information about their services and mission. Long, who lives near Burlington and serves multiple counties including Henry, Des Moines, and Lee County, passionately told the council about the support offered to survivors of sexual violence, from crisis calls to hospital response and court proceedings.

During her presentation, Long asked Mayor Brimhall to read the official proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The City Council unanimously approved the proclamation, reaffirming their support for ongoing violence prevention and survivor assistance efforts. The Mayor signed the proclamation following the motion’s passage.

Long also invited the public to a special “Shop for Survivors” event taking place April 16 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Washington, Iowa, aimed at raising awareness and providing support for survivors in the region. Council members thanked Long for her work and the resources brought to the local community.

Public Health Department Shares Program Highlights and Staffing Updates

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 10th, 2025 at 5:56 am CDT

At the April board meeting, Public Health Administrator Katie Reuter led the discussion, with program updates provided by Public Health Nurse Mandi Morin.

 

Morin also reported that the department is now a Presumptive Medicaid Provider, allowing staff to offer immediate, temporary coverage to individuals likely eligible for Medicaid, such as pregnant women and foster children. She shared examples of recent client support through Medicaid and WIC navigation, as well as assistance for an elderly resident preparing for a medical procedure.

Mandi and her Director Katie Reuter are also participating in the Public Health Residency Program, a grant-funded professional development initiative that includes mentorship and culminates in a quality improvement project.

The Board also reviewed several updated department policies, including those related to emergency response, inclement weather, and needle stick procedures. A new flex-time policy was proposed to allow hourly staff to adjust their schedules during the workweek, with HR support and a board vote pending.

Staffing changes were also announced. Nurse Amy Martin has resigned to launch a diabetes education program in Jefferson County. Morgan Francie has accepted the open nurse position and will begin in June. Francie comes from the University of Iowa and brings experience in wound care and burn treatment. The next Health Board Meeting will be held May 7th at 12:30pm.

CENTRAL LEE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE APRIL 10th

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 at 4:14 pm CDT

CENTRAL LEE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
DONNELLSON, IOWA 52625
DISTRICT OFFICE
TENTATIVE AGENDA APRIL 10, 2025
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
The Central Lee Education Association and the Central Lee Board of Education will share their opening proposals for collective bargaining in a public session beginning at 5 p.m. at the Central Lee District Office.

Prep Golf: The Highland Girls’ Team and Central Lee Boys’ Team Lock Down First Place at the Nike Invitational

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 at 11:48 am CDT

Burlington, IA- The Flint Hills Golf Course housed seven teams yesterday for the 18-hole Nike Co-Ed Invitational yesterday with the Central Lee boys’ team and the Highland girls’ team hoisting their respective titles by the end of the meet.

Girls Tournament

The Huskies touted the two best individual scores of the day with Emersyn Schultz shooting an 81 and Adusyn Prottsman carding an 84. Both golfers sported 3-over rounds on the back-nine. Highland finished with a team score of 389 as all five golfers touted scores within the top 21 spots.

Fort Madison finished in 2nd place with a team score of 412. Leading the Bloodhounds was the duo of Ava Taylor and Kylie Lumino as Taylor shot a 96 and Lumino a 97 with mirror-like scores between the front and back nines.

Van Buren County finished with the bronze with a team score of 428 followed by Mt. Pleasant with a team mark of 432. Sophia Jirak touted the sixth best score of the day with a 99 through the 18 holes.

The Panthers were the definition of consistent with Izzy Zihlman, Sophia Walderbach, and Vivian Cornell each shot a 110, but Ashlynn Beauchamp led the squad with a 102.

Emersyn Hopkins of Notre Dame/West Burlington tied for the third best score, individually with a 96, shooting a 44 on the first nine holes—one of just four players to shoot under 50. The Nikes tabbed a team score of 454.

Winfield-Mt. Union’s duo of Kelle Milks and Ashlyn Bender each finished with a round of 113, while Danville had Aubrey Nahorny card a 119 to lead the Bears with Marley Garland taking home a 130.

Boys Tournament

In a showdown between Central Lee and Winfield-Mt. Union, the two squads made up six of the seven best scores on the course, but it was the Hawks that touted Carter Jones, who shot par (71) for the course, that led the to victory for Central Lee with a team score of 303.

Helping the flock was Caleb Larson and Mylan Lowenberg each notching a round score of 77 (+6), while Bo Herdrich finished seven-over for the 18-hole course.

The Wolves had Justin Knipfer tab a 76, the second-best individual score of the day, with Konner Kinneberg taking home a 79. Cody Milks and Nick Sparrow’s 82 helped Winfield-Mt. Union take home the silver with a team score of 319.

Mt. Pleasant finished in 3rd place with a total score of 328. Brody Engle nabbed a 77 (+6) to tie for the third-best score of the meet. Alex Barton shot an 82 followed by Logan Calhoun and Merrick Lamm, taking home scores of 84 and 85, respectively.

Mason Watkins ended the day strong with a back-nine score of 39 to lead the Nikes with an 83 for the course. Sam Yonker (87) and Kaiden Dietzenbach (88) each carded a sub-90 round to outpace Van Buren County 348 to 355.

Leo Jirak led the Warriors as he finished in 8th place individually, notching an 81 (+10). Will Cocherell managed to finish sub-90 with an 89 for the 18 holes.

Danville had Alex Holtkamp and Mattix Furnald pace the squad with a round of 87 and 88, respectively, as the Bears finished with a team score of 424, while Highland’s best golfer was Issac Giesman with an 18-hole final of 118.