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.

Iowa Weekly Fuel Report As of March 26

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 at 3:59 pm CDT

Iowa Weekly Fuel Report

DES MOINES, Iowa (March 26, 2025) – The price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 5 cents, averaging $3.03 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $2.94 per barrel and is currently priced at $69.83.
  • Brent crude oil rose by $3.27 and is currently priced at $73.84.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $82.41 and Brent crude was priced at $85.91.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.03 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices rose 5 cents from last week’s price and are down 29 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.15, up 5 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa held steady this week with a statewide average of $3.33.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.78 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 28 cents lower than the national average of $3.61.
  • Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.20 for U87-E10, $2.43 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.38 for ULSD#2, $2.63 for ULSD#1, and $1.96 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices were down $.26 at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.89 MMbtu.
  • Propane prices averaged $1.64 per gallon in Iowa.
  • Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $2.86 per gallon.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission to Hold Full Board Meeting on March 27

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 at 3:56 pm CDT

West Burlington, IA – The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission (SEIRPC) will convene for a Full Board meeting on March 27, 2025, at 12:00 PM. The meeting will take place at 211 N. Gear Ave., Suite 100, West Burlington, IA, with a virtual attendance option available via Zoom.

The agenda includes a presentation of the Leland McCosh and LeRoy Meyer Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to regional development. In addition, board members will review the Director’s Report, meeting minutes, financial reports, and claims as part of the consent agenda.

Key business items include:

  • Approval of the Teamster 238 Agreement for FY2025-FY2026

  • An update on the FY2026 Consolidated Transit Application

  • Discussion of the Draft FY2026 Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP)

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for public input during the Matters from the Floor segment.

The meeting will be chaired by Schleisman, with contributions from Norris and James on various agenda points.

For those unable to attend in person, the meeting can be accessed via Zoom at this link or by calling (312) 626-6799 (Meeting ID: 878 0097 9973).

The SEIRPC plays a vital role in regional development, transportation planning, and public infrastructure projects across Southeast Iowa.

Sports, March 26th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track

The Washington boys’ team will host the Steve Roth Relays tomorrow, March 27th, 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 April 1st. 

College Signings

A pair of Panthers will be heading off to Davenport to continue their athletic careers at St. Ambrose University in the fall. Payton Walker was the first to sign his National Letter of Intent yesterday to play football for the Bees. 

Walker was a star on the gridiron for Mt. Pleasant, compiling 180.5 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions on defense, while rambling for 1,100 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in his three years at the varsity level. He took home 1st Team All-District linebacker this past season, the position he plans to play at St. Ambrose. He plans on studying Sports Management as he eyes a career as an Athletic Director. Walker gives the credit to the Panther program for wanting to continue his football career,

“Oh, it’s just been amazing. Probably the best four years of my life right here playing football here. My best memories are with the guys out there on that field. So, I kind of realized that as soon as I was having fun out there, I just wanted to keep doing it for as long as I can.”

After practice, Ava English held her announcement that she would be joining the Bees track and field team as a thrower. English has added on to the Panther throwing legacy after attending the state championship for shot put in her sophomore season, finishing in 16th place with a toss of 34 feet and 11.75 inches, despite having shoulder surgery during the offseason. It was through that adversity that she was pushed towards St. Ambrose,

“I kind of just had my heart set on St. Ambrose,” said Ava English. “I had shoulder surgery in 2022 and so I went to my physical therapist. I was like, ‘this is what I want to do.’ Where do you recommend? She’s like St. Ambrose. So, I decided. ‘OK. St. Ambrose or nothing.’ St. Ambrose or SCC. So, I went, and toured and I was like, this is it. This is. This is going to be my home.”

English has an early season mark of 34 feet and 6.75 inches through the indoor season, as her goal for her senior campaign is a return trip to Des Moines for the state championships.

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 will host a doubleheader against Marshalltown Community College today.

The baseball team will hit the road today to take on Ellsworth Community College in a doubleheader. 

College Basketball

Iowa State’s Audi Crooks was named one of the 50 finalists for the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-America team yesterday. For the season, Crooks averaged 23.4 points per game, which led the Big 12. Crooks was named Third Team All-America by the Associated Press and the USBWA as she was the first Cyclone sophomore to be named to an All-America team by either outlet. 

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 tomorrow, March 27th.

This Day in Sports History

1917 – Stanley Cup Final, Seattle Ice Arena, Seattle, WA: the Seattle Metropolitans (PCHA) beat the Montreal Canadiens (NHL), 9-1 for a 3-1 series victory; becoming the first US team to win the Stanley Cup.

1952 – 14th NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship: Kansas beats St. John’s, 80-63; first tournament to have a true “Final Four” format.

1979 – 41st NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship: Michigan State beats Indiana State, 75-64 for their first National Championship; marks the start of the rivalry between future Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Additionally, it was the highest-rated game in the history of televised college basketball.