Dorothy D. Leichty

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 14th, 2025 at 6:06 am CDT

Dorothy D. Leichty, 89, of Washington, went to be with the Lord after a short illness on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the University of Iowa Downtown Campus. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Washington with Pastor Darryl Carr officiating. The service will be available via Livestream on the Beatty Peterseim YouTube and Facebook pages. Burial will be held at 9:30 AM at the Bethel Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 4 – 7 PM at the First Baptist Church. A memorial fund has been established for the First Baptist Church or the United Presbyterian Home. The Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Dorothy Darlene (Schrock) Leichty was born July 29, 1935, in rural Kalona, the daughter of Levi C. and Vera (Gingerich) Schrock. She graduated from Iowa Mennonite School in 1953. On June 4, 1955, she was united in marriage to James Leichty at the Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church. Dorothy loved the Lord and served Him faithfully. She was a homemaker and farmwife, raising six children, helping James with farm tasks, gardening, canning, and cooking. She attended the First Baptist Church in Washington and took part in the Wednesday morning ladies Bible study. Dorothy served on the board at Crowded Closet as well as volunteering there for many years. She enjoyed word searches, jigsaw puzzles and watching Hawkeye football and basketball. Her family was particularly important to her, and she cherished the time spent with them.

Survivors include her children: Joyce (Norman) Schrock of Kalona, IA, Loran (Chris) Leichty of Wayland, IA, Janice (Lynn)  Hostetler of Kalona, IA, Brenda (Tom) Roth of Dorchester, NE, Barbara (Ron) Jones of Middlebury, IN, Edward (Amy) Leichty of Archbold, OH; 15 grandchildren: Aaron (April) Schrock, Ryan (Sarah) Schrock, Carmen (Joe) Fernau, Katie Leichty, Erica (Frank) Slabaugh, Tony (Mary) Hostetler, Kerri (Dylan) Martin, Reggie (Payton) Hostetler, Darren Roth, Joel (Kaylee) Roth, Ross (Jenna) Jones, Andrew (Brianna) Jones, Spencer fiancé Haley) Jones, Jessica Bixler, and Parker Bixler, and 19 great-grandchildren: Tori, Kenna, Levi, Leah, Ruby, Sadie, Noah, Micah, Beckett, Leah, Hayes, Collins, Paxton and two on the way, Amos, Holly, Addie, Wyatt, Mia and Lily.

Preceding Dorothy in death were her parents, her husband James and two granddaughters: Amy and Mikayla Leichty.

House Happenings with Heather- District 92 Representative

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 14th, 2025 at 5:52 am CDT
House Happenings with Heather
Highlights From This Past Week’s Legislative Session:

  • University of Iowa Day on the Hill
    • On Wednesday, we celebrated Hawkeye Caucus Day, where we heard from students, staff, and administrators about the research and learning happening on campus! Thanks for coming to advocate for your school!
  • Debate
    • It was a slower week at the Capitol, however we passed many important bills, including our annual SSA funding. Here is what the bill does:
      • Sets Supplemental State Aid (SSA) at 2% for FY26 for both the Regular Program and the Categorical Supplements.
      • Extends the Property Tax Relief Payment (PTRP) an additional year which has the state pick up any property tax growth in the Additional Levy portion of the school funding formula.
      • The State Cost Per Pupil (SCPP) amount on which the school aid formula is based increases to $7,988 which includes the additional $5 for the District Cost Per Pupil and is an increase of $162.
      • Raises Operational Sharing cap to 25.
      • Increases funding towards transportation equity by an additional 3%.
      • Transportation Equity: $1,554,938
      • Additional $5 dollars to SCPP: $2,889,174
      • Operational Sharing increase: $942,087
      • Below is a breakdown of the funding result of the bill:
  • House Ways & Means Committee Approves Farm to Table Meat Sales
    • On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the House Ways & Means Committee passed House File 179 unanimously.  The bill creates a new type of food processing entity that is licensed and inspected by the Department of Inspection, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) agents that can store officially processed packaged meat or poultry raised by the licensee and offered for sale at a premise or farm on a wholesale or retail basis.  The bill legalizes the on-farm storage of processed inspected packages and allows the sale on wholesale or retail basis for such packages by the producers.  The annual license/inspection fee level to be assessed upon on-farm meat and poultry production operations with wholesale or retail packaged sales is $75.  The measure further in a Code renumbering process strikes and replicates existing provisions applying to ‘small food processing premises’ that specify annual license/inspection fees of:
      • $150 if gross sales of processed and marketed meat is less than $200,000;
      • $300 is gross sales for is at least $200,000 but less than $2-million; and
      • $500 for operations with gross annual sales exceeding $2-million.
  • What Kind of Accountability Exists in the ESA Program? 
    • The Iowa Education Savings Account (ESA) program, established under the Students First Act,  includes several safeguards and accountability measures to prevent improper expenditures by recipients and schools. These measures ensure that funds are used appropriately for approved educational purposes while maintaining oversight and transparency. Below are the key safeguards and accountability mechanisms in place:
      • Administration by a Third-Party Entity:
        The Iowa Department of Education has contracted with Odyssey, a third-party administrator, to manage the ESA program. Odyssey handles applications, financial transactions, compliance, and fraud prevention. This external oversight helps ensure that funds are securely administered and that payments are processed only for verified, eligible expenses.
      • Restricted Use of Funds:
        ESA funds must first be used to pay tuition and fees at an accredited nonpublic school before any remaining balance can be applied to other qualified educational expenses, such as textbooks, tutoring, or educational therapies. This prioritization ensures that the primary purpose—supporting enrollment in accredited schools—is met before discretionary spending is allowed.
      • Approval and Verification Process:
        Parents or guardians must apply annually for an ESA, and applications are subject to verification processes. For example, residency and income (where applicable) are checked, often through automated systems like Iowa state tax return data. Once approved, families must designate the accredited nonpublic school their child will attend, and the school invoices the ESA account directly. Payments are only released after parental approval, keeping funds under state control until a legitimate expense is confirmed.
      • Enrollment and Payment Deadlines:
        To retain ESA funds, students must be enrolled in an accredited nonpublic school, and tuition and fees must be paid through the ESA portal by specific deadlines (e.g., September 30 for fall funds and February 1 for spring funds in the 2025-26 school year). If these conditions aren’t met, the student becomes ineligible, and the account is closed, with any remaining funds returned to the state’s general fund. This ensures funds are tied to active participation in an accredited educational setting.
      • Fraud Detection and Penalties:
        The program includes provisions to address fraudulent use of funds. If funds are improperly obtained or spent, the Department of Education or Odyssey can recover those amounts from the parent or guardian, including through legal action if necessary. Parents or guardians found to have committed fraud are barred from future participation in the program, serving as a deterrent against misuse.
      • Closure of Unused Accounts:
        When a student graduates high school or turns 20 (whichever comes first), any remaining funds in their ESA account are transferred back to the state’s general fund. This prevents indefinite retention of unused public money and ensures it is redirected to other state priorities.
      • Accreditation Requirement for Schools:
        Only accredited nonpublic schools can participate in the ESA program. This requirement ensures that schools meet certain educational standards, providing a baseline of accountability for the institutions receiving ESA funds. Home-based education and unaccredited programs are explicitly excluded from eligibility.
      • Annual Application Requirement:
        Families must reapply each year to continue participating, which allows the state to reassess eligibility and monitor ongoing compliance. This recurring process helps prevent long-term misuse by requiring regular updates and verification.
    • What are the qualified educational expenses?
      • Tuition and Fees at an Accredited Nonpublic School: 
        This is the mandatory first use of ESA funds. It includes costs associated with enrolling a student in an accredited private school in Iowa, such as tuition, registration fees, or other mandatory school fees.
      • Textbooks: 
        Funds can cover the cost of textbooks required for coursework or related to the student’s education, whether purchased new, used, or rented.
      • Tutoring Services: 
        Payments for one-on-one or small-group tutoring are allowed, provided the tutor is a licensed educator or a professional qualified to offer academic support.
      • Educational Software or Online Learning Programs: 
        Expenses for software, apps, or online courses that supplement the student’s education, such as math or language learning platforms, are permitted.
      • Curriculum Materials: 
        Costs for curricula or instructional materials directly tied to the student’s educational needs, such as workbooks or lesson plans, qualify.
      • Fees for Standardized Tests: 
        This includes fees for national or state-recognized assessments (e.g., ACT, SAT, Iowa Assessments) that measure academic progress or are required for college admission.
      • Educational Therapies: 
        Services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other specialized interventions are covered if provided by a licensed practitioner and deemed necessary for the student’s educational progress.
      • Transportation Services: 
        Limited to transportation provided by a school or a contracted service to get the student to and from the accredited nonpublic school. This does not include personal vehicle expenses or reimbursements for parental driving.
      • Fees for Extracurricular Activities: 
        Costs for school-sponsored extracurriculars (e.g., sports, music, or clubs) may qualify if they are offered through the accredited nonpublic school and tied to the student’s enrollment.
      • Other Approved Expenses: 
        The Iowa Department of Education may specify additional allowable expenses through administrative rules, but these must align with the program’s educational focus. For example, certain supplies or equipment directly tied to coursework (like lab materials) might be included.
      • Key Restrictions:
        • Funds cannot be used for general living expenses, entertainment, or non-educational items (e.g., toys, electronics not tied to coursework).
        • Expenses must be verified and approved through the ESA portal managed by Odyssey, the third-party administrator, ensuring that only legitimate educational costs are reimbursed or paid.
        • Home-schooling expenses or costs associated with unaccredited programs are explicitly excluded, as the program is tied to enrollment in accredited nonpublic schools.
        • Parents access these funds via a digital wallet in the Odyssey platform, where they submit and approve expenses, adding a layer of oversight to prevent misuse.
      • Is the ESA program audited?
        • The Iowa Department of Education, which oversees the ESA program, is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Students First Act.  As a state agency managing public funds, it is subject to audits by the Iowa State Auditor’s Office. The State Auditor has the authority to examine state programs, including the ESA, to verify that funds are being spent appropriately and in accordance with Iowa law.
        • Odyssey handles day-to-day operations, including processing payments, verifying expenses, and monitoring for fraud. As part of its contract, Odyssey is required to maintain auditable records of all transactions and compliance activities. The Department of Education has the authority to audit Odyssey’s performance to ensure it adheres to state guidelines, such as approving only qualified educational expenses and safeguarding against improper expenditures.
        • These measures balance flexibility for families with oversight to protect public funds. The use of a third-party administrator, strict eligibility and expenditure rules, and mechanisms for recovery and penalties create a framework intended to minimize improper use by both recipients and schools.
      • Does the state spend more on ESA’s than on public K-12 schools?
        • I shared this chart with you a few weeks ago, but I wanted to include it for context as we are discussing the ESA program.
  • Attorney General Brenna Bird Releases a List of Scams Impacting Iowans in 2024
    • Attorney General Brenna Bird released a list of the top reported scams and complaints from 2024. While it’s easy to think you will never be a victim, knowing about these common issues can help keep you and your family from losing money and falling prey to these unscrupulous individuals.
      • Automotive complaints (623 complaints)- this includes faulty repair work, failure to disclose prior damage, and warranty complaints.To avoid issues like this work with reputable dealers, automotive repair companies, and do your own investigation before buying a car or hiring a mechanic.
      • Internet (593 complaints)- including social media accounts being hacked, technical support scams, and unsolicited emails. Don’t share your password with others, and don’t provide account information over the phone.Reach out to the Attorney General’s office to get help with an account that has been locked or hacked.
      • Imposter scams (376 complaints)-fake jobs, online shopping scams, romance scams, Government scams, and more. Be wary of any unsolicited messages, don’t pay people through electronic means if you have not met them, and remember Government agencies will not ask for payment over the phone or through gift cards or cryptocurrency means.
      • Home improvement (332 complaints)- home improvement complaints include trouble with contractors starting or completing jobs, poor work quality, and problems with solar panels. The Attorney General recommends that consumers request itemized estimates of expected work, research contractors, and avoid paying large sums of money before work is completed.
      • Personal goods (209 complaints)- these were general complaints about items like food, and clothing purchased in store and online. Consumers can always reach out to the Attorney Generals office with complaints about these types of goods.
    • If you, or a family member has fallen for any of these scams, reach out to the Attorney General’s office for assistance. You can call 1-888-777-4590  or fill out an online complaint  https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-consumers/file-a-consumer-complaint.
Representative Lawler and I welcoming Herky on the House Floor! Thanks for stopping by!
I always love welcoming and giving a tour of the Capitol to constituents! Here is the Bontrager family that Senator Driscoll and I welcomed in the House Chamber! Thank you for stopping by!
Contact Me

  • I am so thankful to be your District 92 Representative and I am always looking to hear from you all! Please reach out to me at heather.hora@legis.iowa.gov

Have a great week!

MPCSD Meeting Agenda 4.14.25

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 14th, 2025 at 5:46 am CDT
Meeting Agenda
1. Call To Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Student Spotlight
5. Citizen Comments
6. Approval of Minutes, Claims and Financial Report
7. Reports
a. Instructional Services: Counseling Services
b. Superintendent’s Report
1. Facilities Master Plan Schedule and Survey Update
2. Director District #2 Special Election Dates/Details
3. Transportation Facility Update
4. Prom and Graduation Update – Mr. Wilson
5. Legislative Update
c. Board Committee Reports
1. Finance Committee
2. Site/Policy Committee
8. Other Board Communications
9. Consent Items
a. Personnel
b. Open Enrollment
10. Unfinished Business
11. New Business
a. Consideration to Approve FY26 Certified Budget (Motion)
b. Consideration to Approve Second Reading of School Board Policy 900 Series, Community Relations (Motion)
c. Consideration to Approve Second Reading of School Board Policy 402.04, Gifts to Employees (Motion)
d. Consideration to Approve Second Reading of School Board Policy 208, Ad Hoc Committees (Motion)
e. Consideration to Approve Technology Lease Purchase Agreement
1. Approval of Schedule No. 3, dated May 1, 2025, to the Master Lease Purchase Agreement Between Apple Inc., as Lessor, and Mount Pleasant Community School District, as Lessee, Dated April 26, 2019, Including Amendments No. 1 and Exhibits
f. Consideration to Approve 25-26 Agreement with Four Oaks Student and Family Services (Motion)
g. Consideration to Approve 2025-2026 Student Registration Fees (Motion)
h. Consideration to Approve 2025-2026 Hot Lunch/Breakfast Prices (Motion)
i. Consideration to Approve 2025-2026 Substitute Teacher Pay (Motion)
j. Consideration to Approve Transportation Facility Change Orders (Motion)
k. Consideration to Approve FY26 Construction/Penny Sales Tax Spending Plan (Motion)
l. Consideration to Approve Bus Camera Quote (Motion)
m. Consideration to Approve 2025-2026 Open Enrollment Application (Motion)
n. Consideration to Approve 2025-2026 Open Enrollment Application (Motion)
o. Consideration to Approve 2025-2026 Open Enrollment Application (Motion)
p. Consideration to Approve Overnight Trip Request – JV/V Baseball on June 13, 2025
q. Closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) “to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.”
r. Consideration of Employee Resignation Agreement (Motion)
s. Negotiations Strategy Pursuant to Iowa Code 20.17(3) (Exempt from Open Meetings Law)
t. Consideration to Approve 2025-2026 Master Contract Agreement with Mount Pleasant Education Association (Motion)
12. Adjournment

Mount Pleasant School Board to Hold Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting April 14

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 14th, 2025 at 5:37 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Directors will hold a public hearing and regular meeting on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Mount Pleasant High School Media Center, 2104 South Grand Avenue. The FY26 Certified Budget Public Hearing will begin at 6:01 PM, followed immediately by the board’s regular session.

The agenda includes a student spotlight, citizen comments, financial approvals, and updates on the facilities master plan, transportation, graduation, and legislative news. Board committees will report, and the board will consider several action items, including the FY26 budget approval, board policy updates, a new technology lease with Apple, student services contracts, and decisions on student fees, lunch prices, and substitute pay.

Additional items include a closed session to evaluate an individual staff member and an exempt session on negotiation strategy. The board is also expected to approve the 2025–26 master contract with the Mount Pleasant Education Association.

Community members are encouraged to attend. The full agenda is available at www.mtpcsd.org.

Fort Madison Police Investigate Serious Assault; Suspect in Custody

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 14th, 2025 at 5:29 am CDT

FORT MADISON, Iowa — On Saturday, April 12, 2025, at approximately 12:48 p.m., officers with the Fort Madison Police Department responded to the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center following a report of a subject with lacerations to the head and neck area.

Upon arrival, officers conducted an initial investigation and identified Kristopher Murie as the suspect. Murie was subsequently taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including Violation of a No Contact Order, Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury, and Domestic Abuse Assault with a Weapon. He was transported to the Lee County Jail.

According to the Fort Madison Police Department, the case remains under active investigation.

Authorities remind the public that criminal charges are merely accusations, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This information was released by Fort Madison Police Chief Cody Potthast.

Brad G. Ford

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 14th, 2025 at 5:28 am CDT

Brad Ford, 75, of Mount Pleasant, died unexpectedly Thursday, April 10, 2025, at his home.

Brad was born February 8, 1950, in Mount Pleasant the son of Robert and Margaret (Grey) Ford. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School. Brad continued his education at Southeastern Community College studying tool and die. He served in the Iowa National Guard. On September 25, 1971,Brad was united in marriage to Sherry Housh in Kahoka, Missouri. He has lived in the Mount Pleasant community his entire life. He worked as a welder for Alliant Energy for many years, retiring in 2014. In his free time, Brad enjoyed working on vehicles, he could weld and fabricate anything. He was an avid race fan, and you could find Brad racing modifieds at 34 Raceway in West Burlington and Lee County Speedway in Donnellson.

Brad is survived by his wife Sherry; son David and wife Stefanie Ford of Mount Pleasant and their children Ethan and Natalie, daughter Angie and husband Justin Stover of Mediapolis, and their son Brock. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother.

Brad’s family requests no flowers or memorials. They would like anyone that knew and liked Brad, to know those memories are sufficient. For anyone that knew Brad and didn’t like him, rest assured the feeling was mutual.

According to Brad’s wishes he has been cremated and there will be no service. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Brad and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

April 14, 2025 – April 20, 2025

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, April 13th, 2025 at 11:35 am CDT
04/14/25
Lydia Pullis
04/14/25
Benjamin Olson
04/15/25
Steve Brimhall
04/15/25
Zachery Smith - 15 (Golden birthday)
04/16/25
Chloe Haffarnan
04/16/25
Mary Shy
04/17/25
Jerry Barker
04/17/25
Janis Rankin
04/18/25
Nikole Keaster
04/18/25
Wyatt Schroeder (14)
04/19/25
Heather Cole
04/19/25
Ruth Hagist
04/19/24
Anders Horn
04/19/25
Kynlee White
04/19/25
Sue Kingery
04/19/25
Avery Evans - 1
04/20/25
Carson Bagles
04/20/25
Miah Phelps - 11
04/20/25
Hayden Duffy - 14
04/20/25
Stelma Smittey - 80

Weekly Drought Monitor

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at 6:42 am CDT

According to the National Drought Monitor this week, nearly 30% of Iowa is in moderate drought, which is an improvement from last week’s report.  About 50% of the state is abnormally dry.  However, Henry, Lee & Jefferson counties in Southeast Iowa remain untouched by drought.  The drought monitor information shows that the month of March is Henry County is the 53rd wettest March ove the past 131 years, while Jan.-March has been the driest.