City Council Approves Key Projects and Personnel Changes

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, March 27th, 2025 at 7:35 am CDT

At the latest city council meeting, officials approved plans for an airport expansion, rescinded a subdivision resolution, and confirmed key personnel promotions.

Airport Expansion Moves Forward

The council approved plans for an airport project, including an eight-hangar bay, a new taxiway, and future expansion space. Due to fluctuating steel prices and FAA funding uncertainties, the bid process was postponed to give contractors more time.

Subdivision Resolution Rescinded

A previous resolution regarding the Carol Coley land subdivision was rescinded after officials determined additional approval was unnecessary.

New Agreements and Personnel Promotions

The city administrator was authorized to sign a service agreement with QT Pod Petroleum for airport fuel system management. The council also approved:

  • Anthony Carrasco as criminal investigator
  • Nickolaus Kruger as Volunteer firefighter

This Murder Was Staged is “Constant Chaotic Humor”

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, March 27th, 2025 at 6:49 am CDT

KILJ News Director, Hayden Douglas sat in on dress rehearsal Wednesday night for Mount Pleasant High School’s production of This Murder Was Staged. The Performance is an ambitious and chaotic blend of classic Whodunit mystery, and meta-theatrical comedy. The play weaves a murder mystery into the very fabric of the performance itself, making the audience question what is scripted and what is real.

 

The production will deliver clever wordplay, sharp comedic timing, and strong ensemble chemistry. The detective character, Kendra Drake, commands the show with her presence and sharp wit, anchoring the absurdity with a no-nonsense attitude. The script’s self-aware humor, particularly when characters bickered about the quality of the play within the play, will be a standout feature to provide many laugh-out-loud moments.

The cast’s energy and commitment carried the show. The final reveal of the killer was executed with enough theatrical flair to leave the audience buzzing, and the unexpected twists keeps you engaged.

Overall, This Murder Was Staged was a bold and entertaining production that showcased the students’ creativity and willingness to break walls. While some moments could be lost in clarity, the play’s humor, performances, and inventive premise make for a fun night at the theater. This Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Heatilator Performing Arts Center.

 

 

 

 

KILJ Radio once again is able to bring you coverage of the fine arts scene in the Mt. Pleasant Schools courtesy of some very fine sponsors…….

Smith Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, Gamrath Doyle Vens Insurance, Five Star Community Credit Union, Standard of Beaverdale and Beckman Applianc, Mount Pleasant Tire and Service, Kimzey Funeral Home, Your Dream Home Furniture and Floors, Northeast Animal Hospital.

Sports, March 27th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, March 27th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track

The Washington boys’ team will host the Steve Roth Relays tonight with Fairfield, Mediapolis, Wapello, Mt. Pleasant, Danville, West Burlington/Notre Dame, Columbus, WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union all competing. 

The Danville, Fairfield, Mediapolis, New London, WACO, Winfield-Mt. Union, West Burlington/Notre Dame, and Mt. Pleasant girls’ teams will meet up in Burlington for the Falcon Relays on Tuesday, April 1st. 

High School Basketball

The 2025 Pizza Ranch All-Star Game is scheduled for Saturday, March 29th, at Dallas Center-Grimes High School with three of our local players and a coach making the trip to compete. 

On the girls’ Southeast team, WACO’s Ella Huisenga, who ranked 2nd on the team in points and 1st in rebounds, earned a spot and accompanying her will be her coach Lisa Graber. The Southeast squad will face off against the Northwest team for the first round at 10:45 am.

On the boys’ Southeast team, a pair from the Southeast Iowa Super Conference South Division will join forces in West Burlington’s Mason Watkins and Luke Hellige of Holy Trinity Catholic. Watkins and Hellige both finished within the top 10 in the state in points per game and as their respective program’s all-time leading scorer. The Southeast and Northwest will square off for their first round matchup at noon. 

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Last night was a new episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook with Mt. Pleasant’s girls’ and boys’ track and field head coaches Scot Lamm and Shawn Striegel, respectively, and girls’ tennis head coach Martha Peterson discussing their teams heading into the spring sport season. Coach Peterson dove into how competitive the next couple of practices are going to be for her squad,

“So, I have Bethany Drury and Audrey Richmond, who are my two returning varsity players. This will be their third year with varsity experience. So, I’m expecting great things from them. They’ll be real leaders for the team and not to mention probably fill in some of those top spots on the varsity squad. What’s fun about a season like this is that I have 4 varsity spots up for grabs and I see sort of a solid top five group that will be working through challenge matches over the next several days to figure out exactly who falls in which spot, but that sixth spot, at least in my opinion, is kind of up for grabs among another group of maybe four or five players. So, those challenge matches that we’re working through will help to determine that for me there, this may be a year where there’s a little fluctuation even throughout the season… So, it’ll be a good year. It’ll be a fun year to see who battles and who really wants those spots and who is willing to fight for them.”

If you missed last night’s episode, then follow this link: Mt. Pleasant Episode

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The softball team crushed Marshalltown Community College in their doubleheader yesterday, snapping a three-game losing streak. Game one saw Navy Clark pitch a nine strikeout, five-inning no-hitter as the Blackhawks went on to win 22-0. Mackenzie Sweeney and Duanna Coyle led the way with four RBIs apiece. 

Game two was much of the same as SCC tagged the Tigers for eight runs in the first inning to go on to win 13-1. Tayler Braun smacked a double and finished with a game high three RBIs. The Blackhawks tallied 16 extra base hits between the two games Coyle and Lauren Summers each tabbed a home run and a double. The softball team is back in action at home today in a doubleheader against John Wood Community College. 

The baseball team extended their win streak to six after picking up a pair of road wins against Ellsworth Community College yesterday, taking game one 11-10 and continuing the offensive momentum into game two with a 16-4 final. The Blackhawks will travel to Northeast Community College tomorrow, March 28th, for a doubleheader. 

March Madness

The KILJ bracket challenge, sponsored by The Press Box and Wiley’s Interior Furnishings and Design, is officially underway with nearly 50 brackets submitted with the top three set to receive prizes. 

The standings have been updated through the first two rounds. For a look at the top 10 breakdown, follow this link: KILJ Bracket Challenge Standings

The standings will be updated after the Elite Eight, Final Four, and championship matchup. The Sweet 16 will be back in action today.

This Day in Sports History

1871 – First international rugby union match – Scotland beats England 1-0 at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh.

1939 – First NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship: Oregon beats Ohio State, 46-33; Ohio State forward Jimmy Hull is named tournament Most Outstanding Player.

1951 – 13th NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship: Kentucky beats Kansas, 68-58; Wildcats’ third title; a 16-team field is introduced.

Mount Pleasant City Council Holds Final Public Hearing on Property Taxes

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, March 27th, 2025 at 5:59 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council held a public hearing to discuss the 2025-2026 property tax budget, confirming that the tax levy rate will remain at $12.18 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. Mount Pleasant Mayor, Steve Brimhall from the council chambers

Despite keeping the rate unchanged, rising costs—such as a 70% increase in property insurance over three years and a 3% wage increase for city employees—are straining the budget. To avoid raising taxes, the council plans to use $400,000 in reserves.

Residents raised concerns about the state’s property tax rollback, which will increase the taxable portion of home values from 46.34% to 47.4%. Officials clarified that while this means slight increases for some homeowners, the overall impact depends on county and school district levies.

The council approved the proposed maximum property tax dollars, reassuring residents that efforts are being made to control costs without increasing the tax levy.

Herbert James “Jim” Stonehouse -PENDING

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, March 27th, 2025 at 5:43 am CDT

Herbert James “Jim” Stonehouse, 83, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the New London Specialty Care.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.

Public Health adds tools to reduce anxiety while receiving immunizations

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 at 4:22 pm CDT
painted by local painter Annie Guldberg

Henry County Public Health has new tools to help patients have a better immunization experience. A cold spray option is now available to help numb the skin before the shot. You can also ask for a Buzzy, which uses vibration and cold, or a ShotBlocker to provide pain relief. There are also fidget toys and stress balls to use as a distraction. These items are available for both children and adults.

Children can also have the option of a weighted lap blanket or vibrating ball pillow to provide comfort. Another way Public Health has improved the immunization experience is with an underwater themed mural that was painted on two of the walls last year by local painter Annie Guldberg.

Kelly Carr, Community Outreach Coordinator talks about making the process easier for everyone.

 

The colorful mural full of sea creatures helps distract all kids by giving them something fun to focus on. Additional options for patients with sensory needs include dimming the lights and using a sound machine.

Public Health is located at 106 E. Jackson Street in Mt. Pleasant and walk-in immunization clinics are held Tuesdays 9-11am, Wednesdays and Thursdays 1-4pm, and the 1st and 3rd Thursday 1-6pm.

If you or your child would benefit from extra time, you can also make an appointment outside of clinic hours.

If you have any questions about these immunization tools or immunizations in general call 319-385-0779 or email publichealth@henrycountyiowa.us.

Find all latest updates at Facebook.com/HealthyHenryCounty.

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 at 4:01 pm CDT

John Carl Parker, 83, of New London, died Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at his home.  He was born November 18, 1941 to Gerald and Ruby Fulk Parker.  On December 28, 1963 he married Sharon Kay Wittstock; she died September 12, 2013.

He was a graduate of Yarmouth High School and attended Mechanical Trade School.  He worked as a forklift driver for more than thirty years and retired from the US Gypsum Plant where he enjoyed playing on the recreational basketball team.  John enjoyed fishing and hunting; mushroom hunting; gambling at the casino; yearly get-togethers with his high school classmates; and loved his dogs.  He cherished time as a boy scout leader for his grandson Dustin’s troop.

He is survived by his daughter Kelly Parker of Wyaconda, Missouri; grandchildren Dustin Ravelin of Danville, Leanna Ravelin of New London, and Jackie Brown of Wayland; great-grandchildren J.C., Josephine, Jenessa, Jeremiah, Gabriel, Elizabeth, Emmitt and Yessenia; and his brother Mike Parker of Rome, Iowa.  Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by two daughters Grace and Lisa Parker; grandson Phillip Hillman, Jr.; granddaughter Rebecca Hillman; and two sisters Kathryn and Linda.

According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and there will be no services.  Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Constance Louise Simmons Tarrence

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 at 4:00 pm CDT

Constance Louise Simmons Tarrence, 74, of New London, died Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Parkview Home, Wayland, Iowa.  She was born in Burlington on November 6, 1950 to Virgil and Henrietta Mable Lee Simmons.  On March 17, 1990 she married Darrell Tarrence; he died September 29, 2019.

Connie was a 1969 graduate of New London High School and attended New London Christian Church.  She worked for the Department of Human Services and retired from the correctional facility in Mt. Pleasant where she worked in central records. She enjoyed time with her grandkids; shopping; McDonald’s coke; Reese’s peanut butter cups and all chocolate; decorating for the holidays and socializing with her many friends.  She loved the traditions of Christmas and family picnics and get togethers.

She is survived by her children, Jodi (Walt) Jackson and Mike (April) Raines, both of New London; grandchildren Amber (Serj) Dacin, Peyton (Korte) Maddy, Cameron, Michael and Riley Raines; great-granddaughter Michelle Dacin; and step children, Steve (Patti) Tarrence, Traci (Daryl) Thomas, Debi Sanchez and Mike (Nicky) Tarrence.  Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters Joan Lance and Carol Bunkley; and her brother Ken Simmons.

According to her wishes her body has been cremated and inurnment next to her beloved husband, Darrell will be held at 9:00 am, May 3, 2025, at Burge Cemetery, New London. A Celebration of Life will follow at 10:00 AM at New London Christian Church.  A memorial has been established for New London Jr. Baseball Association. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.