The New London School District Public Hearing

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, March 24th, 2025 at 6:46 am CDT

The New London School District has announced a public hearing regarding the proposed property tax levy for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 24th, at 5:30 PM and will take place at the Central Office Board Room.

The hearing will address the proposed property tax levy for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, covering the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Residents of New London are encouraged to attend and provide input.

For more information, residents can contact the New London School District offices. The meeting is this afternoon at 5:30 PM and will take place at the Central Office Board Room.

Danville Community School District to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Property Tax Levy

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, March 24th, 2025 at 6:44 am CDT

The Danville Community School District has announced a public hearing regarding the proposed property tax levy for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 24th, at 4:30 PM and will take place at the Elementary 21st Century Room.

The hearing will address the proposed property tax levy for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, covering the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Residents of Danville and stakeholders in the school district are encouraged to attend and provide input.

For more information, residents can contact the Danville Community School District offices. The meeting is this afternoon at 4:30 PM and will take place at the Elementary 21st Century Room.

Sports, March 24th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, March 24th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track

The Columbus Co-ed Invitational is scheduled for tonight with Central Lee, New London, Van Buren County, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip to start the outdoor season.

The Washington boys’ team will host the Steve Roth Relays on Thursday, March 27th, with Fairfield, Mediapolis, Wapello, Mt. Pleasant, Danville, West Burlington/Notre Dame, WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union all competing. For Panther head coach Shawn Striegel, the goal is getting better one day at a time,

“We talk about it every day in the locker room, and that’s get better today, get 1% better today. Focus on the details. You know, be coachable and those are things that, you know, I don’t really have to say a lot to them because they’re the kids are saying it 1st and so I’m excited for that, you know, as the season is. It’s gonna come pretty quick and if we can keep focusing every day by one or two percent, I like to see what this team can do by the end of the year.”

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. 

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The softball team had a grueling four-game stretch, collecting a 1-3 record in the process. The weekend started with a dominant 7-1 showing against Southwestern Community College but dropped the rematch 12-10. Yesterday, the Blackhawks were swept by Iowa Western Community College 3-2 in game one and 17-9 in game two. Tayler Braun had an RBI double in game one, while Ella Florey crushed a home run and collected five RBIs in game two. The Blackhawks will host a doubleheader against Marshalltown Community College on Wednesday, March 26th. 

The baseball team handled business at home, defeating North Iowa Area Community College in a sweep. Game one saw Michael Farina lace a triple for two RBIs in a 5-1 victory. Game two featured a walk-off as Farina collected two more RBIs and a double in the 10-9 finish. The final game of the series was an offensive flurry with the Blackhawks winning 17-5 with Carter Thompson and Jackson Petsche tabbing three RBIs apiece. The baseball team will hit the road on Wednesday to take on Ellsworth Community College in a doubleheader. 

College Basketball

The #3-seed Iowa State men’s team’s defense was no match for the #6-seed Ole Miss, falling 91-78. Curtis Jones put up 26 points in the effort. The Cyclones finished the year with a 25-10 record. 

The #11-seed Drake men’s team’s Cinderella story came to an end in the second round against the #3-seed Texas Tech, 77-64. Bennett Stirtz scored 21 points in the loss. The Bulldogs gathered a 31-4 record for the season, a program record. 

The #6-seed Iowa woman’s team squashed the #11-seed Murray State 92-57 over the weekend to advance to the round of 32. Five players finished the night in double figures as Ava Heiden led the way with 15 points. The Hawkeyes will square off against the #3-seed Oklahoma today at 3 pm.

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 Sweet 16 is set and despite a couple of close calls, seven of the top eight teams are still in the running for the National Championship with #10 Arkansas remaining as the highest-seed after knocking off #2 St. John’s.

Standings will be updated before the Sweet 16 and after the Elite 8, Final Four, and the championship game.

This Day in Sports History

1936 – The Detroit Red Wings beat the Montreal Maroons, 1-0, in 16:30 of the 6th period of OT; the record Stanley Cup playoff game lasts 9 periods (176 minutes).

1974 – 36th NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship: North Carolina State beats Marquette, 76-64; Wolfpack first title; first tournament officially designated as a Division I championship.

2019 – Two-time American League MVP Mike Trout signs the biggest contract in North American sports history, a $426.5 million, 12-year extension with the Los Angeles Angels.

House Happenings with Heather Hora

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, March 24th, 2025 at 5:51 am CDT
House Happenings with Heather
Highlights From This Past Week’s Legislative Session:

  • Debate on HF 869 & HF 704
    • This week I ran two pieces of legislation that will support Iowa’s rural communities and our great veterinarians. Here is what they are:
      • HF 704: This bill makes needed changes to the Iowa Propane Education and Research Council and updates definitions for the council to eliminate outdated energy efficiency terms and to include propane wholesalers.
      • HF 869: This bill is a liability immunity bill for our veterinarians. Currently, veterinarians can be sued and held liable for trespass if they accompany an officer on a property where a report of animal neglect or abuse is happening. This bill simply provides an administrative, civil, and criminal liability immunity when veterinarians act in good faith and follow professional standards. It also provides provisions for holding veterinarians accountable if they were to make knowingly false reports or provide false information to law enforcement, and can face disciplinary action. This bill aims to encourage veterinarians to assist in addressing animal mistreatment while ensuring accountability for false claims.
  • Talking Utilities and Energy with Iowa’s Utilities Providers
    • It was REC Day on the Hill, where various utility companies and Eastern Iowa Light & Power where there talking about they great work they are doing back at home. We talked about the energy package that is making its way through the legislature and what that would mean for prices and energy providers.
  • Senate Passes Revisions of Regulation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Over Farm Properties
    • On Monday, March 17, 2025, the Iowa Senate passed Senate File 491 which amends existing laws to prohibit the operation of remotely piloted aircraft over farm properties, specifically within a secured area of 400 feet surrounding farm animals, equipment, or structures.  The bill redefines terms such as ‘farmstead’ and ‘farm commodity’ to clarify the scope of the legislation. It also outlines the conditions under which a person may petition for injunctive relief against unauthorized RPA use.  The penalties for violations are categorized as misdemeanors, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders. The bill aims to protect the privacy and security of farming operations from intrusive surveillance.
      Key aspects of the bill are as follows:

      • Prohibits the use of remotely piloted aircraft over farm properties, specifically within a secured area of 400 feet surrounding farm animals, equipment, or structures.
      • Redefines ‘farmstead’ to include at least 40 contiguous acres used for farming, owned or leased by a farmer, generating a minimum of $15,000 from farm commodity sales in the previous year.
      • Establishes penalties for violations categorized as misdemeanors, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.
      • Allows owners or lessees of farm properties to petition for injunctive relief against unauthorized RPA use.
      • Clarifies definitions of ‘farm animal’, ‘farm commodity’, ‘farm equipment’, and ‘farm structure’ to ensure comprehensive coverage under the law.

 

  • Restrictions on Classroom Cell Phone Use Pass the House Floor
    • House Republicans approved the Governor’s bill to restrict the student use of cell phones during instructional hours in school.  Before the 2025-26 school year, school districts must adopt policies that restrict the use of these devices during classroom time, while also providing methods for parental communication during emergencies. The policies must include:
      • Information on educational devices available for student use.
      • Communication methods for parents to reach students during school hours and emergencies.
      • Protocols for securely storing devices.
      • Disciplinary measures for policy violations.
      • A process for parents to petition for device access based on health needs.
      • Provisions for students with individualized educational programs (IEPs) or 504 plans to maintain access to devices.
  • House Republicans Prioritize Math Improvements
    • Math is a key life skill and it’s important to each student’s future. Whether that future includes a four-year degree, community college, or skills training, mathematics will always be a critical component of Iowan’s everyday lives. Recent data has indicated that our students are falling behind, and Iowa Republicans are invested in reversing that trend. On Tuesday, the House Republicans passed a bill to enhance mathematics education in Iowa.
    • HF 784, modeled after the Governor’s early literacy bill passed last year and already showing promising results among students, creates a comprehensive state mathematics plan by prescribing several steps to identify and support students in need of support. First, the proposal develops new resources for families to support mathematics learning at home. Second, the proposal requires school districts to assess K-6 mathematics proficiency more frequently to sooner identify students falling behind in the critical developing stages of mathematics. If a student is identified as persistently at risk, teachers and guardians will work together to create a personalized mathematics plan, which could include small group or individual instruction. Lastly, the bill calls for the Department of Education to allocate resources, including professional development, to school districts most in need of mathematics support.
    • House Democrats pushed to delay the implementation of this bill and argued that students falling behind in mathematics is not an urgent issue worth addressing. House Republicans strongly dismiss the notion that allowing our students to fall behind in important subjects, like mathematics or literacy, for any amount of time is acceptable. The Governor has indicated that improving early childhood mathematics is a top priority for her, and the Department of Education is ready to deploy resources to improve students’ mathematics instruction as early as this fall. Ultimately, the bill received bipartisan support in the House and now moves into the Senate where it’s ready to be brought to the floor for a final vote to be sent to the Governor’s desk.
  • House Republicans Crack Down on Student Abuse by School Employees
    • House Republicans approved House File 389 this week which creates faster investigations, better protections for students and harsher outcomes for abusers.
    • The bill creates a new cooperative system between the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate potential cases of student abuse by a school employee. Under the bill, DHHS has 20 days to complete their investigation. Student abuse is defined as any nonaccidental physical injury or the commission of a sexual offense on school grounds during school time, or on or at school-related activities by a school employee.  A school employee can be a school district employee, vendor or volunteer.
    • A district shall terminate an employee if an investigation finds the employee committed student abuse

 

  • House Advances Bill to Cut Through Workforce Barriers
    • This week the Iowa House advanced a bill to provide more options for Iowans to enter the cosmetology and barbering field. House File 711 was passed with bipartisan support and empowers licensed cosmetology and barber establishments to establish a training program with the licensing board to hire unlicensed individuals to perform services under the direct supervision of licensed professionals.
    • Any owners of a licensed establishment interested in creating a training program must register with the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences and undergo inspections of the establishment as the board deems necessary before beginning the program. Once registered with the board, an establishment with a training program may employee a person following the completion of 2 hours of education on barbering and cosmetology sanitation and health standards. Participants in the training program may provide the services of shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair under the supervision of a licensed individual. Consumers in the establishment must receive written notice that the employee is not licensed and is participating in the training program before they may receive any service. The licensed establishment is liable for any violations of law or potential damages that would occur by the unlicensed individual. If the board believes that an establishment with a training program is endangering human health they shall order the establishment to immediately cease participation and conduct formal proceedings to determine the issues and issue corrective measures.
    • Currently, if an Iowan wants to become licensed via a cosmetology school, they are required to complete 1,500 hours and spend, on average, nearly $20,000. HF 711 provides a pathway to licensure for these participants. Individuals who record a documented 2,000 supervised hours in a training program will be eligible to apply and take the examination for licensure. HF 711 is a powerful tool for Iowans who want to enter the field of cosmetology and barbering by allowing flexible hours to achieve training. Additionally, being hired by establishments allows individuals to receive compensation while learning the craft. Eliminating both the time and financial barriers for Iowans who want to enter this field is a crucial step in providing economic freedom.

 

  • Department of Natural Resources Annual State Auction to be Held Live Online on April 19, 2025
    • On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued a press release concerning the annual spring auction that will be held online at 10 a.m., April 19, 2025.  The Iowa DNR has been tasked for decades to represent the State of Iowa to manage the annual sale of confiscated long guns (rifles, shotguns, bows) to the public who have the state or federally required permits to acquire.  Handguns, AR platform rifles and select miscellaneous guns are not included in this sale.  The majority of the firearms in this sale were confiscated by law enforcement agencies from around the state, with only five percent coming from cases involving the Iowa DNR.  Money collected from this sale is deposited into the Fish and Wildlife trust fund for use in managing and improving Iowa’s natural resources.  Auction Solutions Inc., the auction host, will preview the sale from 4-6 p.m., on April 16, with a live stream at 5 p.m.
    • For more information and to register to bid, go to https://auctionsolutionsinc.com/auctions.
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!

James L. Barnett

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, March 24th, 2025 at 5:48 am CDT

James L. Barnett, 72, of Rome passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025 at his home.

Jim was born on September 21, 1952, in Henry County, the son of Carl and Imogene Martha (Bailey) Barnett. Jim worked for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, sold insurance, worked for Hawkeye Steel for a number of years and retired from Wal-Mart in the frozen food department. Throughout his life he was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing alongside of his dog “Bo”.  Jim had a caring heart and was willing to help others when asked.

Those thankful in sharing in his life include his longtime companion, Melody Sanderson and her daughter Heather Griffis ( Steven Jones) and their children, Alyssa, Dakota and Bella, Jim’s children, Phil (Judy) Barnett and their children, Katelyn, Brandon, Tisha and Lexi, Nick Barnett and his daughter, Kali, Tiffany Barnett (Cody Rogers) and their children, Ella and Liam, Crystal Hopper and her children, Emma, Maison and Kaleb, his brother, Robert (Eileen) Barnett and his sister, Judy Epperheimer and his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Grant Cemetery with Pastor Guy Sammons officiating.  Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

MPCHS Annual Dessert Theatre Set for April 12-13

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, March 24th, 2025 at 5:44 am CDT

Mount Pleasant Community High School is once again hosting its beloved Annual Dessert Theatre, set for Friday, April 12, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m. This cherished event combines live music, engaging performances, and, of course, delicious desserts for an unforgettable experience.

Ticket sales kick off on Wednesday, March 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the high school band room. Guests can purchase a reserved table seat for $15, which includes both dessert and a fantastic show.

For those unable to attend the initial ticket sale, additional tickets will be available starting March 27 at Brown’s Shoe Fit or at the door before a performance—if seats remain.

A special treat awaits attendees on Sunday, as the middle school show choir and jazz band will be performing exclusively that day.

This annual event is a highlight for the MPCHS music program, showcasing the talents of students while offering a fun, community-centered evening. Be sure to grab your tickets early to secure a spot!

March 24, 2025 – March 30, 2025

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, March 23rd, 2025 at 12:37 pm CDT
03/24/25
Ainsley Hudson
03/24/25
Barbara Messer
03/25/25
Christina Goettsche
03/25/25
James Kinney
03/25/25
Madelynn Millard
03/26/25
Abby Burden
03/26/25
Carol Carpenter
03/26/25
Kim Anderson - MPHS math teacher
03/26/25
Ellen Krieger
03/26/25
Kim Anderson
03/27/25
Grant Davidson
03/27/25
Joyce Hollingsworth
03/27/25
Cody Neal
03/28/25
Wade Carpenter
03/28/25
Duane Thomas
03/28/25
Wayne Pendell
03/28/25
Tom Pounds
03/28/25
Delia Schoenewe
03/28/25
Isiah Denning
03/29/25
Grace Coble
03/29/25
Richard Sheckler
03/30/25
Chad Doak
03/30/25
Isis Sanderson (15)
03/30/25
Christina Lease
03/30/31
Kristeena Oliver