Entry Level Quilting Workshop for Grades 4–12

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 25th, 2025 at 5:45 am CDT

Students in grades 4 through 12 will have the opportunity to learn quilting skills this fall through an Entry Level Quilting Workshop, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Van Buren County.

The program will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Room at the Fair View Barn on the third Monday of each month, beginning September 15.

Participants will start by constructing a rag quilt. Members may purchase their own materials or select from supplies available through the Extension Office. Before the first session, instructor LaTisha will meet individually with members in August or early September to discuss quilt layouts and determine fabric needs.

Once the rag quilts are completed, the workshop will introduce additional beginner projects, such as a quilted tote bag, quilted table runner, and—if time allows—a pieced lap quilt.

Sewing machines are provided by the Van Buren Extension Council, and two machines are available for checkout with a $25 deposit.

While attendance at every session is not required, members are encouraged to participate as much as possible, as skills will build from one month to the next.

There are only eight spots available, and pre-registration is required. To register, email latishas@iastate.edu

Arlene A. Bonar

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 25th, 2025 at 5:22 am CDT

Arlene A. Bonar, 89, of Mount Pleasant, formerly of Burlington and Fort Madison passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, August 23, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living Center.

Arlene was born on August 28, 1935, in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence and Sophie (Beine) Henschen.  The family later moved to Fort Madison where she was a student at Sacred Heart Elementary School and Central Catholic High School.  She was involved in many clubs and organizations.  Arlene was a cheerleader and was the homecoming queen of 1953.

Arlene was united in marriage to Robert Dean “Bob” Bonar on August 19, 1953, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ft. Madison. He preceded her in death on April 10, 2014. She worked at Sheaffer Pen in the office.  In 1959, they moved to Burlington, there she was a stay at home mom.  She always said her greatest accomplishments and joy were her children.  She never missed a football or basketball game or school function.  

In 1976 they moved to Mount Pleasant, and she decided to go back to work.  Starting at Martha Browns, then moving to Spurgeons Department Store where she was one of the “Candy Ladies.”  Arlene loved watching the Iowa Hawkeye Basketball games with her sons and son-in-law, her sense of humor always kept us guessing.  Arlene was a member of the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church along with the Altar and Rosary Society.  

Arlene will be missed by her children, Pam (Tom) Tipton, Steve (Jackie) Bonar, and Scott (Leigh Weisshaupt) Bonar, her loving grandchildren, Jennifer, David, Morgan, Chase and Brande and her great-grandsons, Jackson, Nathan, Carter, Miles, Benton and Carter. She was the best mother ever and we all have a hole in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob Bonar, her son, Mike Bonar, her sister, Annette Lockwood, along with many aunts and uncles.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant with Father Ross Epping officiating.   Burial will be in the St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 until 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant. The family will not be present.  The family will receive friends on Friday at the church from 10 until service time.  Memorials may be directed in her memory to EveryStep Hospice of Mount Pleasant or to the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.

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

Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is caring for her arrangements.

Irene Boyer Stagers

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 25th, 2025 at 5:20 am CDT

Irene Boyer Stagers passed away at Savannah Heights, Mt. Pleasant, at the age of 95.

Memorial Services celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Fairfield with luncheon to follow. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Private burial will be at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Douds. Memorials made be made to First United Methodist Church, Mt. Moriah Cemetery, or Fairfield Community Center and mailed to Bev Nelson P.O. Box 87, Libertyville, Iowa 52567. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Irene was born November 30, 1929 near Pittsburg, Van Buren County, Iowa to Lawrence and Selma (Clemens) Boyer. She attended Van Buren Schools, playing basketball on several winning teams. On August 3, 1946 in Memphis, Missouri she married Warren Edward Stagers from Douds, Iowa.

Irene and Warren lived in Douds for many years then bought a farm northwest of Fairfield in 1959. Irene was a farm wife and worked various part-time jobs in Fairfield such as at the Tastee Freeze (where she memorized many of the regular’s orders), many years at Gimbel’s Jewelry, then retiring from Washington School.

Irene was actively involved in volunteer work over the years especially for the VFW Auxiliary, where she was past president, First United Methodist Church, and JCHC Auxiliary, working at the Bargain Box as needed. She was a lifetime member of the neighborhood Victory Club.

She enjoyed reading, puzzles, naps, bingo, playing cards, socializing, tractor rides with Warren, dancing and going to the casino. While living on the farm she raised vegetables in two gardens, canning and freezing most of the produce. She enjoyed her flower gardens with cut flowers on her table to enjoy.

Together they raised five children: Linda Stagers Simpson, Charlotte, North Carolina; Shirley Stagers (Ron Shy), Cape Fair, Missouri; Bev Stagers Nelson (Rod Nelson), Libertyville; Lori Stagers Boyer (Jay Martinez), Thorton, Colorado; and daughter-in-law, Becky (Fry) Stagers, Bettendorf, Iowa.

Her cherished grandchildren: Alissa Simpson (Forrest) King of Charlotte, North Carolina, Amanda Stagers (Adam) Creighton of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Trenton Nelson of Libertyville.

Her dear great grandchildren: Ahriyana Creighton (Tyler) Timmerman of Galesburg, Illinois, Alex Creighton of Bettendorf, Iowa, Ronin King and Irie King of Charlotte, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Stagers; son, Jim Stagers; granddaughter, Lindsay Stagers; son-in-law, Jim Simpson, and her parents.

Irene was the last of her eight brothers and sisters: Dorothy Wood, John Boyer, Wilma McVey, Wayne Boyer, Harold Boyer, Marilyn Nelson, and Esther Lancaster preceded her in death.

 

 

Mount Pleasant CSD Board Work Session Set for August 25

By Hayden Douglas · Sunday, August 24th, 2025 at 4:29 pm CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa – The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Directors will hold a Board Work Session on Monday, August 25, at 6:00 p.m. in the High School Media Center.

The session will include updates and discussions on several key district matters. Agenda items include:

  • Superintendent Search Process – presented by Grundmeyer Leader Services

  • Transfer Student Athletic Eligibility Process – presented by Activities Director Scot Lamm

  • Buildings and Grounds Projects Update

  • Facilities Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee Update

Community members may view the full agenda by visiting the district website at www.mtpcsd.org

August 25, 2025 – August 31, 2025

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, August 24th, 2025 at 11:58 am CDT
08/25/25
Joyce Dennison
08/25/25
Janet Roth
08/25/25
Debi and Steve Sammons
08/26/25
Sue Gray
08/26/25
Joy Lap
08/27/25
Larry & Patty Ford *Anniversary
08/28/25
Marcia Millspaugh
08/28/25
Aiden Lee
08/28/25
Jason Hill
08/29/25
Jill Kirby
08/29/25
Dennis Ebersole
08/29/25
Mark Overberg
08/31/25
Pat Coe
08/31/25
Doris Apalara
08/31/25
Katie Westphal

MPCSD Board Work Session on Monday

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 at 6:35 am CDT

The Mt. Pleasant Community School District School Board will meet for a board work session at 6pm on Monday, August 25th in the High School Media Center, 2104 S. Grand Avenue.  Items on the agenda include a report from Grundmeyer Leader Services on the superintendent search progress, transfer student athletic eligibility, and a facilities master plan update.  This meeting is open to the public.

Sports, August 23rd

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Girls’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will stay on the road to face off against Fort Madison on Monday, August 25th.

Fairfield will travel to Pella today for an invitational. 

High School Volleyball

The season will officially get underway on Monday, August 25th, around the state of Iowa and WACO will ring in the new season by hosting a tournament with Columbus, Van Buren County, and Burlington Notre Dame making the trip.

High School Cross Country

Van Buren County will compete on Thursday, August 28th, at Albia. 

The Danville girls’ team will travel to compete in the Iowa City West Early Bird meet on Thursday.  

Meet the Players Night

Danville hosted their “Meet the Players” last night, which involved their volleyball and football teams scrimmaging against Mt. Pleasant. It was a battle of defense on the gridiron with brief interludes of chunk plays. The Panthers saw the speed of Griffen Jones put on display when he sprinted down the sideline 80 yards on a halfback screen for a touchdown, but it was called back due to a hold. Adam Denning would eventually score for Mt. Pleasant when he scampered his way into the endzone on a wide receiver screen. Panther head coach John Bowlin talked about the importance of having a scrimmage against a real opponent,

“That’s, you know, getting the cobwebs out. Like I said, it’s huge for everybody. You know, kids can see mistakes, we can correct mistakes. You’ve kind of got the nerves of that first time under the lights Friday night of the season. You get those nerves out of the way and obviously nerves are a great thing. But we’re one step closer to being prepped for Friday night against Mepo and I know that’s going to be a tough challenge for us. Traditionally a really good team. So, we’re going to have to limit the penalties and get the chains moving on Friday.”

Danville would find the endzone on the last play of the night when Dillan Mason connected with Drake Biesler for a long pitch and catch that saw Biesler cross the goal line on a desperation lunge. Bears head coach Cody Thompson discussed some of the positives from last night’s action,

“Yeah, so defensively, I thought we did a really good job flowing. You know, a lot of the seven-on-seven stuff we did, first time we were really seeing the RPO action and some of the false-pull stuff. So, our linebackers were able to pick up on that as we went because we were on them and on them all week about reading their guards and you know they showed a good ability to adjust on the fly. Full grasp of our defense as far as everything we wanted to do tonight. Offensively, we started slow, right? You know, they were sending some stunts and some blitzes at us that we were struggling with, but our o-line was able to figure it out there at the end, we were able to punch it in.”

High School Football

Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Easton Valley on Thursday, August 28th, at 6 pm.

WACO will kick off the season with a road showdown against Central City on Friday, August 29th, at 7 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will square off against Mediapolis on Friday at 7:30 pm for their home opener. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

Danville will compete against West Burlington on Friday at 7 pm on the road. 

Columbus will host BGM to start the season on Friday at 7 pm.

Wapello will clash with Louisa-Muscatine on Friday at 7 pm on the road. 

New London will ring in the new season with a home contest against Cardinal on Friday at 7 pm.

Van Buren County will tangle with Central Lee on Friday at 7 pm on the road. 

Southeastern Community College

The women’s soccer team will look to bounce back on Wednesday, August 27th, against Mineral Area College on the road. 

The volleyball team collected a pair of victories on day one of the Opening Weekend Tournament, sweeping Bryant & Stratton College and winning a contentious five-set match against Schoolcraft College 15-11 in the final set. The Blackhawks will continue the tournament today with games against Monroe University and Macomb Community College. 

The men’s soccer team was led by Angel Frias’ two goals in a 3-1 victory over Oakton Community College yesterday. The Blackhawks will compete on the road against Mineral Area College on Wednesday at 5 pm.

College Football

#22 Iowa State will start the season in Ireland today with a showdown against #17 Kansas State at 11 am. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call with the pregame show at 9 am.

This Day in Sports History

1936 – 17-year-old future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller’s first MLB game as a starter; strikes out 15 St. Louis Browns in 4-1 win at League Park, Cleveland.

1947 – First Baseball Little League World Series, Williamsport, Pennsylvania: Maynard beats Lock Haven All Stars, 16-7.

1992 – Dennis Eckersley, who previously set record for most consecutive saves (40), is the first pitcher to record 40 saves in four different seasons.

HCHC Diabetes Education Announces September Programs

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 at 6:29 am CDT

The Henry County Health Center Diabetes Education has several events planned during September. HCHC Diabetes Education has earned Iowa State Certification and has been awarded recognition from the American Diabetes Association.  The program has met national standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs.

Henry County Health Center’s Diabetes Education is hosting the following classes in the month of September.

Tuesday, September 2- Diabetes Support Group– Suite 25- 2-3 PM

Join us on September 2 for DiaBingo! Win prizes and increase your knowledge of diabetes self-management terms and goals of care, while getting to know others going through the same experiences and trials in their diabetes journey! Please RSVP by Monday, September 1 for this event!

Thursday, September 11- Annual Review Course– Suite 25- 1-3 PM

Call HCHC Diabetes Education at 319-385-6518 by Thursday, September 4, to RSVP. The day of class, register at the HCHC Registration Desk before proceeding to the class. The program is open to anyone who has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and has completed the 10-hour diabetes class.

Monday, September 15- FREE Prediabetes Class– Suite 25- 12-1 PM

A free educational session to help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. *RSVP by Thursday September 11.

Thursday, September 18– Diabetes Support Group– Suite 25- 2-3 PM.

Find Support and learn the latest regarding your continuous glucose monitor. No RSVP needed.

Tuesday, September 23- Diabetes Group Class– Suite 25- 8:30 AM- 2:30 PM

This diabetes education class is open to anyone who has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. There is a fee; however, many insurance plans cover the program. Directions will be given when you call HCHC’s Diabetes Education Center at 319-385-6518 to register by Friday, September 19.

Topics include meal planning; exercise; personal goals; eye disease; glucose monitoring; foot, skin and dental care; complications of diabetes; explanation of diabetes; medications; and behavior modifications. There will be time for questions.