Melinda Huisinga has begun collecting signatures to run for the Mt. Pleasant Community School District Director District 1 position for a four-year term; she is currently serving on the MPCSD board.  Prior to moving back to her hometown of Mt. Pleasant, Melinda served 12 years on the school board in Carlisle, Iowa, where both of her children attended.

She decided to re-run for election in order to continue the unfinished business currently being addressed by the board, such as the search for a new district superintendent, development and use of Central Campus, location of the district offices, formation of a new facilities Master Plan ad hoc committee, and right-sizing of the district’s facilities based on enrollment and the findings of that committee along with input from the community.  “First and foremost of importance is providing a productive and innovative learning environment for our students along with a supportive work environment for our teachers and staff.”

As a graduate of Upper Iowa University with a BS in Business Administration, Melinda served as Vice President of Human Resources for an insurance company in Des Moines.  Upon retirement, she and her husband, the late Alan Huisinga, relocated to Mt. Pleasant where both have served as Executive Director of the Old Threshers Foundation and have been very involved in the Mt. Pleasant Festival of Lights.  Melinda also currently serves on the Midwest Old Threshers board and as an officer of P.E.O. Chapter OX and Chapter DD of the National T.T.T. Society.

Director District 1 encompasses the area of the school district inside the city limits of Mt. Pleasant; however, all residents of the district vote for the entire slate of candidates.  School board elections will be held on Tuesday, November 4^th.

The Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, 2025. During this time, participants can join, switch, or drop plans for 2026. Since Medicare plans and prices change each year, it’s important to review your coverage to ensure your prescriptions and health needs remain covered.

To help, Great River Health offers free, confidential counseling through the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). SHIIP is a statewide service that provides unbiased information to help Medicare participants understand their benefits and compare plans. Trained volunteers can answer questions, explain changes, and guide you through the enrollment process.

Appointments can be scheduled starting September 2 at Fort Madison, Keokuk, or West Burlington by calling 319-768-3342, or online at bit.ly/4mwlXVy

Washington County 4-H’er Lason Montz was recognized at the Iowa State Fair for his tractor restoration project, earning an award from the International Harvester Collector’s Club (IH) Chapter 5.

Montz accepted his honor for restoring a 1953 Farmall Super M, presented by IH Chapter 5 board members Paul Schaefer and Brian Holdeman. The IH award program, now in its eighth year, celebrates 4-H members across Iowa who take on projects connected to the International Harvester brand.

This year’s winners represented counties across the state, with projects ranging from tractor restorations to creative repurposing of antique equipment and even quilting. Along with recognition, winners received a one-year membership to IH Collector’s Club Chapter 5 and a monetary award.

“We greatly appreciate their support of young people who restore and keep the tradition of International Harvester alive,” said Gail Castillo, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H exhibits building superintendent.

Montz was one of ten 4-H members honored in 2025, showcasing both the skill and creativity of Iowa’s youth in preserving agricultural heritage.

Burlington police have arrested a Lomax, Illinois, man in connection with two separate sexual assault cases in the city.

Hosea Antonio Winters III, 32, has been charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, a Class C felony. The charges stem from incidents that occurred more than two years apart.

The first case dates back to May 30, 2023, when an adult woman was assaulted at around 2:14 a.m. in the 1700 block of Dill Street.

The second case took place on August 8, 2025, when police say Winters forced his way into a home in the 700 block of Arch Street and sexually assaulted an elderly woman around 11 p.m. Winters faces additional charges of First-Degree Burglary, a Class B felony, and Obstruction of Emergency Communication, a misdemeanor, related to the incident.

Authorities say DNA evidence linked the two assaults. The investigation was carried out by the Burlington Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the state’s Criminalistics Laboratory.

Police emphasized that the case remains under investigation and are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Burlington Police Department at (319) 753-8366.

West Burlington, Iowa, Great River Health awarded a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® to Shelly Peterson, RN. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care nurses provide patients and families every day.

Shelly Peterson works in the Women & Family Center in West Burlington.  A Labor and Delivery Nurse, Shelly was recognized for her quick thinking and action in response to a newborn in distress.  She realized something was off with the baby and delayed discharge to monitor further. While the new mom was feeding the baby, she realized he wasn’t responding and hit the call light.  Shelly answered, took one look at the baby, who was not breathing, scooped him up, and took him to the nursery. To alert additional staff to the need for help, she activated the security alarm.  Thanks to her quick thinking and action, the team of nurses resuscitated the baby. After a complete workup by the pediatric hospitalist, Dr. Patrick Williams, the baby was transferred to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital.  The NICU team there was very complimentary of the quick response and care that was provided. When the parents arrived at the NICU in Iowa City, the mom, through her tears, said, “Shelly saved my baby’s life.” Shelly’s expertise and compassion make her an extraordinary nurse.

The award recipient is chosen by a committee at Great River Health to receive The DAISY Award. Shelly was honored at a special Daisy Award ceremony in her department attended by her colleagues, patients, and visitors.  She received a certificate commending her as an “Extraordinary Nurse.”  The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” Emma also received a DAISY Award pin, and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. The Great River Health Daisy Award recipients will be featured on the Daisy Foundation website along with recipients from around the world. A video of the presentation of the award can be viewed on the Great River Health Facebook page.

Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues on an ongoing basis.

Great River Health employs over 815 nurses, providing patient care at their Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center – Fort Madison and West Burlington – campuses; along with Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant.

More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.