IHSAA Releases Football Schedules for the 2025 and 2026 Seasons

By Slaten Swords · Monday, April 7th, 2025 at 2:31 pm CDT

Prep Football- The Iowa High School Athletic Association released the football schedules for the 2025 and 2026 regular seasons with Classes 2A, 1A, A, and Eight-Player teams having the possibility to add a ninth game if they do not qualify for the postseason. Here’s a look at our local schools for 2025.

Class 4A

Burlington will start the year with a home matchup against rival Fort Madison then hit the road to take on Oskaloosa and Washington. The Grayhounds will face off against Keokuk in week four to end out non-district play.

For district play, Burlington will square off against Clinton then alternate road and home matchups against Davenport West, Davenport North, North Scott, and Western Dubuque.

Full List of Schedules: Class 4A Schedules

Class 3A

District four houses five of the six Southeast Conference squads with Solon filling in that last spot.

For Mt. Pleasant, the Panthers kick off the year at home against Mediapolis, who has made consecutive runs in the postseason, with back-to-back road games against Knoxville and Oskaloosa to make up weeks two and three. A home contest against Central DeWitt will end out non-district play.

Three of the Panthers’ five district games will be on the road with a home matchup against Washington getting it started. Mt. Pleasant will then head down to Lee County for the next two weeks with games against Fort Madison and Keokuk. Week 8 will see the Panthers take on Solon at home, then end the season on the road against Fairfield.

Fairfield will travel to Benton Community to kickoff the season. The Trojans will stay at home against Centerville and Mediapolis, then travel west to Knoxville. Fairfield will then face off against Solon to start district play at home. Washington and Fort Madison will greet Fairfield, then the Trojans will end the season at home against Keokuk and Mt. Pleasant.

Full List of Schedules: Class 3A Schedules

Class 2A

Mediapolis has a tough row to sow in non-district play with each game having the Bulldogs punch up to Class 3A. A road game against Mt. Pleasant, a home game against Keokuk, and a road showdown against Fairfield will populate the schedule for the first three weeks.

District play will pit Mediapolis against West Burlington/Notre Dame in Burlington, then a home contests against Wilton and West Liberty. A road game against Mid-Prairie and a final home game against Central Lee will end out the season.

West Burlington/Notre Dame will take on a familiar foe in Danville at home to kickoff the season. Then the Falcons fly away from home the following weeks with matchups against Fort Madison and Keokuk to round out non-district play.

After Mediapolis, WB/ND will alternate home and road games with a road showdown against Central Lee, a home game against Wilton, then a repeat of the pattern against West Liberty and Mid-Prairie to end out the season.

Lastly, Central Lee will host their first two opponents in Van Buren County and Albia before hitting the road to take on Fort Madison and West Liberty. Consecutive home games provide a reprieve in opponents of West Burlington/Notre Dame and Mid-Prairie. The Hawks will then stay on the road to tangle with Wilton and Mediapolis.

Full List of Schedules: Class 2A Schedules

Class A

District five will house a majority of our local teams including a newcomer in New London after nearly a decade of Eight-Player football. Starting with the Tigers, New London will host Cardinal to kickoff the season, then travel to Pekin and Highland before heading back home to take on Wapello.

The Tigers will then travel to Columbus, face off against Danville at home, take on BGM on the road, then tango with Van Buren County at home to end the season in mid-October.

Wapello will have to be road warriors to start the season with three of their first four contests away from home. Wapello will travel to Louisa-Muscatine before getting a home game against Highland.

Then its back on the road to square off against Pekin and New London. North Cedar and Columbus will make the trip to Wapello before the squad packs up to Van Buren County in week 7. Wapello’s final matchup will be a home game against Danville.

Columbus will host BGM and Van Buren County to start the season. Road trips to Danville and North Linn make up weeks three and four, respectively. The Wildcats will then take on New London at home before back-to-back road games against Wapello and Highland. Pekin will be their final contest in a home contest.

Van Buren County won’t see a home game until week three against Cardinal with matchups against Central Lee and Columbus getting the season going. The Warriors will stay at home against Danville in week 4 before traveling to Pekin.

Van Buren County will then square off against Highland and Wapello at home before taking on New London on the road.

Lastly, Danville will head east to compete against West Burlington/Notre Dame before facing off against Louisa-Muscatine and Columbus at home. The remaining schedule will trade off away and home games in that order with their opponents being Van Buren County, Highland, New London, Pekin, and Wapello.

Full List of Schedules: Class A Schedules

Eight-Player

WACO and Winfield-Mt. Union rest in district 5 along with Iowa Valley as these three squads have traded off being District Champion for the past three seasons.

WACO will square off against Central City, a team they went 2-0 against last year, on the road to start the season. The Warriors will stay on the road to square off against Winfield-Mt. Union with WACO winning last season’s contest. The WACO squad will then host HLV and Lone Tree.

The Warriors will face off against Belle Plaine on the road, then consecutive home games against English Valleys and Springville before ending the season in a road contest against Iowa Valley.

Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Easton Valley before hosting their rival in WACO. The Wolves will hit the road to compete against English Valleys before staying at home for two weeks against Wayne and Iowa Valley.

Winfield-Mt. Union will battle HLV and Lone Tree on the road before wrapping up the season against Belle Plaine at home.

Full List of Schedules: Eight-Player Schedules

More

The 2026 schedules flip who will host the game. Week one is scheduled to kickoff on August 29th with dates subject to change.

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 7th, 2025 at 1:41 pm CDT

On April 6th, 2025, around 3:32PM, Henry County Sheriff Deputies responded to a single vehicle accident on Highway 34 near mile marker 229.  After investigation it was determined the driver of the vehicle was traveling westbound on Hwy 34 when he went off the road to the right. The vehicle collided head on with a rock wall on the side of the road.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Vinny M. Mawete from Galesburg Illinois. He sustained minor injuries. Vinny was transported by Henry County Emergency Medical Services to Henry County Health Center where he was evaluated for his injuries.

Vinny was cleared by Henry County Health Center and taken into custody for Providing False identification information and given citations for Failure to Maintain Control, Operating Non-Registered Vehicle, Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability- Accident, No Valid Driver’s License, and Open Container- Driver 21 Years Old and Older. Vinny is also under investigation for Operating While Intoxicated awaiting results from lab.

Cleo L. McKim – REVISED

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 7th, 2025 at 1:40 pm CDT

Cleo Lucille McKim, 99, of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, April 3, 2025 at the Sunrise Terrace Care Center in Winfield.

Cleo was born November 30, 1925 in Fertile, Iowa. She was the daughter of Paul James and Verna Lucille (Brown) Humphrey. She attended school in Fertile and graduated as the Valedictorian of the Fertile High School Class of 1943. She then attended the former Midland Radio School in Kansas City, MO.

Cleo worked as a radio operator for American Airlines at LaGuardia Field in New York City. A longtime gifted pianist, Cleo played the piano for young female singer named Jean McKim, who happened to be the sister of a US Navy Sailor from Iowa. A courtship between Cleo and the young sailor ensued. On March 15, 1947 in Cedar Rapids, IA, Cleo was united in marriage to Robert William “Bob”  McKim.

The couple settled in Mt. Pleasant where Cleo worked for a time at the Shafer Pen Company. Cleo continued with her piano and music skills. At age 50, Cleo began instruction in playing the pipe organ. She studied organ under Carl Moehlman, Associate Professor of Music and College Organist of Iowa Wesleyan College. She first became the Assistant Organist at First United Methodist Church, playing for the 8 AM worship service. Cleo then became the Organist for the church. She also accompanied the Chancel Choir, and played for many weddings and funerals. For a time, Cleo also played in the church’s Bell Choir. At age 85, Cleo retired as organist of the church.

Cleo was a member of First United Methodist Church and P.E.O. Chapter Original A. Cleo loved to play Bridge. She had belonged to several bridge clubs and was often called to fill in for other bridge players.  Cleo was also a published poet & author for Our Iowa magazine & Lyrical Iowa.  She was also a champion speller, winning every spelling bee at Old Threshers that she entered.

Those thankful for sharing in Cleo’s life include her 3 children – Ted W. McKim and his wife Ginger of Clermont, Fl, Dennis R. McKim of Blue Ridge, VA and Sue Lowe and her husband Joe of Mt. Ida, AR; 3 sisters in law – Karen Humphrey of Clear Lake, Gladys Humphrey of Lake Mills, Sally McKim of Ames and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her father (Nov 1977), her mother (May 1972), her beloved husband of 57 years, Bob (Dec. 4, 2004), and 4 brothers – Robert, Leighton, Earl and Wayne Humphrey.

Cleo donated her body to the Deeded Body Program of the University of Iowa Medical School. A memorial funeral service for Cleo will be held at 2PM on Wednesday, April 9, at the First United Methodist Church, 309 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. The Reverend Court M. Fischer, Senior Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in the Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.

Friends and family are invited to join in a luncheon beginning at 12 Noon on Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall of the church. The family will then receive friends from 1-2 PM at the church.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, is caring for Cleo and her family.

HENRY COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH Meeting 4.9.25 at 12:30pm

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 7th, 2025 at 12:00 pm CDT

HENRY COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH

April 9th, 2025 12:30 p.m.

Henry County Public Health- Conference room

Mount Pleasant, Iowa

 

Agenda

  1. CALL TO ORDER
  2. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES 03/12/2025*
  • ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
    1. Statistics
  1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
  2. PUBLIC HEALTH REPORT
    1. Budget
    2. Monthly program updates—Mandi Morin
    3. Policies reviewed (Post-Exposure, Blood and Body Fluids, Individuals with Special Immunization Needs, Overtime policy)*
    4. Public Health Conference of Iowa
  3. OLD BUSINESS
  • NEW BUSINESS
    1. Interviews for public health nurse
  • ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ADJOURNMENT
    1. NEXT MEETING

Mount Pleasant School District Seeks Community Input on Future Planning

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 7th, 2025 at 10:05 am CDT

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — The Mount Pleasant Board of Education is inviting residents to share their input on the future of local schools by completing a community survey, available now through Sunday, April 20, 2025.

The survey is part of the district’s ongoing work with a Master Planning Committee to evaluate facilities and explore long-term solutions. The initiative aims to provide modern learning environments while addressing enrollment shifts and improving efficiency.

According to the Board, the main goals of the planning effort include:

  • Delivering state-of-the-art facilities that support 21st-century education and meet the needs of today’s learners.
  • Adjusting attendance center sizes based on enrollment trends and future projections.
  • Reducing operational, financial, and scheduling inefficiencies caused by maintaining four elementary schools within the Mount Pleasant Community School District (MPCSD).

The survey is anonymous and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Community members can access it online by visiting dgsurveys.com/r/mtpcsdsurvey or by scanning the provided QR code. Those without internet access can obtain a paper copy at the district’s administration office at 1010 E. Washington St., Suite 102, in Mount Pleasant.

District officials emphasize that public feedback will play a key role in shaping future decisions regarding school modernization and resource allocation.

For questions or assistance with the survey, residents are encouraged to contact the district at (319) 385-7750.

MPCSD Reviewing Student Fees, Meal Prices, and Substitute Pay Ahead of April Meeting

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 7th, 2025 at 7:45 am CDT

The school district is considering updates to various student fees and rates for the 2025–26 school year, with several recommendations likely to be discussed at the April 14th board meeting.

Registration Fees: The district did not raise registration fees for the 2024–25 school year, even as most regional districts implemented $5–$10 increases. A possible $5 increase per level is under consideration, though there’s no strong push for a change unless necessary. The current fee structure remains aligned with regional averages.

Instrument Rental and Parking: Instrument rental fees remain consistent with regional standards at $130, primarily covering less-common instruments. The high school parking permit is optional and only covers the cost of a sticker. There is no planned increase for yearbook pricing next year.

Lunch Pricing: The district currently charges $2.55 for elementary and $2.75 for secondary lunches—on the lower end regionally. While USDA guidance may suggest a $0.10 increase, a smaller $0.05 raise is being considered to balance rising costs and the district’s healthy nutrition fund balance. Breakfast remains at $1.45 for all students. Afternoon milk, currently offered to grades K–2 at a cost of $0.40 per carton, may be phased out in favor of offering water, due to collection difficulties and donor fatigue.

Free Meal Programs: The district is evaluating whether it could sustainably offer free breakfast or lunch through federal reimbursement programs, as some neighboring districts do. However, sustainability remains a key concern.

Substitute Teacher Pay: A $5 increase to the daily substitute teacher rate is being considered, bringing the rate to $145, keeping it competitive with nearby districts. Long-term substitute pay may also see a proportional increase from $175 to approximately $181.75.

Tax Rate and Budget: The certified budget hearing is set for April 14. The proposed property tax rate remains steady at $11.97 per $1,000 taxable valuation. While rollback rates have increased statewide, the district is not requesting a higher tax rate—meaning any increase in individual taxes would be due to state-calculated valuations, not local decisions.

Final decisions on fees and pricing will be made during the board’s April meeting.

Local Art Center Offers Exciting Summer Classes for Teens

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 7th, 2025 at 7:44 am CDT

Burlington teens looking to unleash their creativity this summer will have plenty of opportunities thanks to a lineup of engaging classes at the ACB Art Center. The center has announced a variety of hands-on workshops tailored for students in grades 6-12, covering everything from pottery and mosaics to airbrushing and digital photography.

Kicking off in June, classes include “Power of Paper,” “Teen Glass Mosaics,” and “Teen Wheel,” which focuses on the fundamentals of pottery wheel throwing. July offers courses in slab building, digital photography, and airbrushing, while August wraps up the summer with tiny sculpture-making.

Each class is led by experienced artists and provides students with the chance to develop new skills, explore creative expression, and take home their own masterpieces. Prices range from $40 to $100, with discounts available for ACB members.

Registration is now open at btownart.com, and spaces are limited.

Sports, April 7th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, April 7th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track

Mt. Pleasant will compete in the Williamsburg Co-Ed invitational tomorrow, April 8th. 

The Fairfield girls’ team will host their relays tomorrow with Central Lee making the trip, while the Trojan boys’ team will participate in the Dennis Anderson relays.  

Mediapolis will host the Dave Aamodt Relays tomorrow with Danville, Wapello, West Burlington/Notre Dame, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the journey.

The WACO relays are scheduled for tomorrow with New London, Van Buren County, and Columbus competing.

High School Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will square off against Keokuk tonight with the girls’ team hosting the Chiefs and the boys’ team hitting the road. 

Fairfield will face off against Burlington on Thursday, April 10th, with the boys on the road and the girls at home.

High School Golf

Central Lee will host Mediapolis today.

Van Buren County will venture to Holy Trinity Catholic for a showdown today. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to WACO today for a duel.

Danville will square off against New London today at home. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will compete in an SEC meet at Fairfield today, while the girls’ team will travel to Washington for their SEC showdown. 

Burlington Notre Dame will host the Nike Invitational with Danville, Central Lee, and Winfield-Mt. Union competing tomorrow, April 8th. 

Columbus will take on Lone Tree tomorrow at home. 

High School Soccer

Central Lee will travel to Keokuk tonight with the girls’ team playing at 5 pm with the boys’ team to follow at 7 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will take on Burlington tonight in a road matchup with the girls playing first at 5 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will host Columbus tonight with the girls’ team playing first at 4:15 pm and the boys’ team to follow.

The WACO boys’ team will tangle with Fairfield tonight at home at 5 pm.

The Mediapolis girls’ team will square off against Fairfield tomorrow, April 8th, on the road. 

Wapello will travel to compete against Cedar Valley Christian tomorrow at 7 pm.

The Danville boys’ team will take on Mediapolis on Thursday, April 10th, at home with gametime at 5:30 pm.

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The softball team had their series against St. Louis Community College canceled over the weekend. The Blackhawks will face off against Indian Hills Community College on Wednesday, April 9th, in a doubleheader.

The baseball team continued their winning ways over the weekend with a three-game series sweep of Iowa Lakes Community College. Game one saw the Blackhawks take down the Lakers 18-8 as Caleb Klein destroyed the ball at the plate with a double, a home run, and two RBIs, but it was Connor Gaitens who walloped two home runs and tabbed four RBIs. Andrew Hamlett picked up the win on the mound for game two in a 9-2 final and the squad handled business in game three, winning 18-1. The Blackhawks will host Ellsworth Community College tomorrow, April 8th, at 4 pm.

March Madness

The KILJ bracket challenge, sponsored by The Press Box and Wiley’s Interior Furnishings and Design, is gearing up for a fantastic finish with the championship game slated to start at 7:50 pm tonight. Florida is eyeing their first National Championship since they repeated in 2006 and 2007, while Houston aims to win their program’s first title.

You can find the updated standings here: KILJ Bracket Challenge Standings

This Day in Sports History

1943 – The NFL adopted the free substitution rule; helmets are made mandatory and a 10-game schedule for all teams was approved.

1958 – The Dodgers erect a 42-foot screen in left field at the LA Coliseum to cut down on home runs, since it is only 250 feet down the left field line.

1969 – Dodgers’ Bill Singer was credited with the first official save against the Cincinnati Reds.