Seeking nominations for the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce 2025 Small Business of the Year

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 at 4:01 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the prestigious 2025 Small Business of the Year award. Each year, Chamber members have the opportunity to recognize an outstanding local business that has made a significant impact in the community.

To qualify for the Small Business of the Year award, nominees must be a current member of the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, have a primary business location in Henry County, employ fewer than 50 individuals, and have been in operation for at least two years.

The award will be presented during the MPACC’s Small Business Breakfast on May 9th, 2025. This annual event celebrates the contributions of small businesses and highlights the achievements of entrepreneurs who help drive the local economy.

If you know a deserving business that meets the qualifications, we encourage you to submit a nomination. Nominations must be received by March 21, 2025. To submit a nomination or for more details, please contact the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance office.

MOUNT PLEASANT MUNICIPAL UTILITIES SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA MARCH 5TH

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 at 3:49 pm CDT

Special Meeting:

Dan McCabe, Chairman                                                                                                   12:00 P.M. Wednesday

Harvey Ungerman                                                                                                              March 5, 2025

David George                                                                                                                      (MPMU Conference Room

Michelle Rosell                                                                                                                       located at 509 N Adams.)

Lori White

AGENDA 

  1. CALL TO ORDER.
  2. Roll call.
  3. Approval of Agenda.                            

 

  1. Transmission System Power Supply Project – Update.
  2. Review of MISO correspondence.
  • OTHER BUSINESS.
  1. Other Business, Unscheduled for Consideration by Board of Trustees.
    1. Closed Session will convene w/ guests.
      1. Pursuant to sections of Iowa Code 9 to discuss marketing and pricing strategies or proprietary information.
      2. Approve the filing of proceedings against RPGI for breach of contract and fiduciary duties.

 

                                                                                         Next Regular Board Meeting: 1:00 p.m. March 18th, 2025

Joanne B. Wilson

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 at 11:21 am CDT

Joanne B. Wilson, 98, of Fairfield, Iowa, passed away on Monday, March 3 at Parkview Care Center in Fairfield. As were her wishes, cremation has taken place and a family service will be at a later date. Cards and condolences may be sent to the family at 1707-A Linden Drive, Fairfield, IA 52556. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Joanne was born March 28, 1926 in Evanston, Illinois to Edwin Burt (Ned) and Edith (Blaeser) Brown of Winnetka.

She spent her childhood along the north shore of Chicago living blocks away from Elder Lane Beach on Lake Michigan in a small house with her parents, two siblings and maternal grandparents. Her youth though during the Great Depression was idyllic—summers at the beach, learning gardening, sewing and how to make everything from scratch from her grandma. She always said if she was one thing, she was a Girl Scout. She kept her first Girl Scout guide until she was 97 when she passed it down to her great granddaughter.

Coming of age for Joanne during World War II meant not as many stories about the sacrifices made for the war, but the tales about boyfriends and dates. She kept a calendar with all those events. The calendar goes mysteriously blank after a date with war veteran and Marine Robert L. (Bob) Wilson in fall, 1945. They married in June, 1946. She had graduated from New Trier High School in 1943 and attended National College of Education in Evanston for three years before marrying Bob.

Joanne told her granddaughters that she was the luckiest because all she ever wanted to be was a wife and mother. And that is exactly what she did her whole life. She was the master of making cozy homes and good friends through nine moves including 13 years in Galena, Illinois and a final move to Fairfield in late 1996.

She was the kind of wife, mother, grandma that if you needed to be at work or just early morning volleyball practice, she would wake up with you and make a full breakfast before leaving.

She took her mothering job seriously and was told many times she didn’t have to be the “den mother of the world” by her husband of 53 years. But that is exactly how many remember her—caring for, worrying about and protecting as many children as she could.

Her hobbies included doll making, pressed flowers, weaving baskets, reading, gardening, bird watching, keeping her home clean and tidy, making quality meals for herself and her family, and keeping photo books for each of her grandchildren.

Her happy place has always been outside in her garden or along the shores of the Great Lakes, especially Door County, Wisconsin, where she honeymooned and instilled a love for the peninsula to multiple generations of her family.

She is survived by three sons; Brad (Sue) Wilson of Western Springs, IL, Jeff Wilson of Fairfield, and John (Beth) Wilson of Bloomingdale, IL; seven grandchildren, Lucy, Anna, Maggie, Brandon, Laura, Kevin and Hanah; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; husband Bob in 2000; daughter Linda Dyer MacDonald; brother Bucky Brown, sister Mary Jean Ellis and granddaughter Kirby Wilson.

Online condolences may be made to Joanne’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Wayland City Hall Regular Meeting Agenda Wayland City Hall Meeting March 5th @ 7:30 P.M

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 at 10:59 am CDT
  1. Public Hearing – 7:30 PM – Budget Amendment FYE25
  1. Consent Agenda

Note:  These are routine items and will be enacted by one motion without separate discussion unless a Council member requests an item be removed for separate consideration.

  1. Minutes of February 19, 2025
  2. Bills for Payment
  3. Report
  4. Clerks Budgetary Report
  5. Utility Dept. Report
  6. Police Dept. Report
  7. Firefighter Dept. Report
  8. Building Permits
  1. Citizen Forum

The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public for items not listed on the agenda.  You are asked to state your name and address for the record and to limit your remarks in order that others may be given the opportunity to speak.  The Order of Business is at the discretion of the Chair.  No action will be taken. 

  1. Unfinished Business
  1. Annual Review of Water System Rates/Consider Rate Increase
  1. New Business
    1. 2025-06 City Budget Amendment & Certification Resolution FY2024/2025
    2. Renewal Permit Application – Dollar General Class B Retail Alcohol License
    3. Change of Ownership Application – Dollar General Class B Retail Alcohol License
    4. Set Offer Amount for Purchase of Used Rescue Van
    5. 2025-07 Resolution Accepting Work North Plains Estates Subdivision – Phase 2024
    6. Change Order/Final Draw – North Plains Subdivision Project – DeLong Construction
    7. Request for WACO After-Prom Donation
    8. Discuss Request – Apply for RISE Grant for Industrial Park East

Free Family Concert & Activities with Jim Gill in West Burlington

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 at 8:09 am CDT

Families, get ready for a fun-filled day with traveling children’s musician, Jim Gill at Westland Mall on Saturday, March 22nd! This free event includes an interactive concert at 10 AM, followed by Day of the Child activities from 11 AM – 2 PM.

📍 Location: Westland Mall, 550 S Gear Ave, West Burlington, IA

Jim Gill is a musician, author, and child development specialist known for his unique approach to music that encourages movement and interaction. His concerts are designed to be fun for the whole family, bringing joy to children and parents alike through playful songs, games, and engaging performances

This event is sponsored by local early childhood organizations and is open to the public at no cost.

FMCSD Releases 2025-2026 District Calendar: Stay Informed!

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 at 7:47 am CDT

The Fort Madison Community School District (FMCSD) has officially released its 2025-2026 academic calendar, allowing students, parents, and staff to plan ahead for the upcoming school year.

This calendar includes all the key dates for the year, including school holidays, breaks, teacher professional development days, and other important events. Families can now stay informed about scheduled closures and plan accordingly.

To view the full calendar and ensure you’re up to date with all school-related dates, visit the link to the calendar HERE.

Lee County 4-H Endowment Scholarships Open Until April 1st

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 at 7:43 am CDT

The Lee County 4-H Endowment supports senior 4-H members by offering financial assistance for further education. Scholarships are awarded based on 4-H involvement, future aspirations, and personal growth.

Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from their 4-H club volunteer leader and consult their 4-H records when completing the application. A point-based system determines eligibility, with a minimum score required for consideration. Funds can be used for college, vocational training, or other accredited educational programs.

The application deadline is April 1st. Senior 4-H members are encouraged to apply early to secure this valuable opportunity and continue their educational journey with support from the 4-H community.

Scholarship Link

Sports, March 4th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Girls’ Postseason Basketball

Class 5A tipped off the 2025 state tournament yesterday and #1 Johnston showed why they are the defending champions by running #8 Iowa City Liberty out of the gym in a 73-45 final. Amani Jenkins led the scoring with 16 points.

#4 Ankeny Centennial nearly followed the same formula, outscoring #5 Pleasant Valley 20 to 5 in the 1st quarter, but a three-point fourth quarter allowed the Spartans to close the gap but it was not enough as the Jaguars exited with the 51-47 final. Ava Martin knocked down six threes for a team high 20 points in the win. Ankeny Centennial and Johnston will collide in the semifinals on Thursday, March 6th, at 10 am.

On the bottom half of the bracket, #2 Dowling Catholic smacked #7 Davenport North 64-38 and #3 Waukee Northwest outpaced #6 Prairie 63-56 to pin the Maroons and Wolves against one another on Thursday in the semifinals.

Over in Class 3A, #1 Mt. Vernon lapped #8 West Marshall to the tune of a 75-19 final. Savanna Wright knocked in 23 points as the Mustang defense held West Marshall to just 18.2% shooting for the game. 

In their own dominant showing, #5 Estherville Lincoln Central defeated #4 Cherokee Washington 57-33. Haylee Stokes delivered 23 points in the win. #1 Mt. Vernon will face off against #5 Estherville Lincoln Central on Thursday at 1:30 pm.

On the bottom half of the bracket, #2 Wahlert Catholic outlasted #7 Spirit Lake 51-46. They will take on the winner between #3 Williamsburg and #6 Des Moines Christian set to start off today’s action. 

Classes 2A and 4A will begin their tournament runs today. The Class 2A matchups include #1 Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, looking to cap out a perfect season, facing off against #8 Treynor. #4 North Mahaska will verse #5 Central Lyon. #2 Regina Catholic returns to the state tournament to compete against #7 Maquoketa Valley, while #3 Hinton will take on #6 Rock Valley.

For Class 4A, #1 Bishop Heelan will face off against #8 Xavier with the winner competing against either #4 Norwalk or #5 Central DeWitt. On the bottom half of the bracket, #2 North Polk will tangle with #7 Sioux Center and #3 Maquoketa will take on #6 Dallas Center-Grimes.

Class 1A will begin tomorrow, March 5th, with #1 Saint Albert leading off the day against #8 Dunkerton, followed by #4 Bishop Garrigan versus #5 Montezuma, #2 North Linn taking on #7 Gladbrook-Reinbeck, and #3 Newell-Fonda attempting to avoid the upset against #6 Springville.

High School Boys’ Postseason Basketball

In the Class 3A Substate 6 championship match, Keokuk rumbled with #3 Knoxville, but the undefeated Panthers were too much, winning 63-55. The Chiefs ended the season with a 17-8 record.

Knoxville is making their first trip to the state tournament since 2000 and joining them will be MOC-Floyd Valley, Storm Lake, Clear Lake, Xavier, Central DeWitt, ADM, and Ballard.

Joining North Linn in the Class 1A state tournament set to start on March 10th will be Boyden-Hull, St. Edmond, Marquette Catholic, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Madrid, Woodbine, and Remsen St. Mary’s.

Also punching their ticket to the Class 2A state tournament with Grand View Christian were Unity Christian, West Lyon, Jesup, Grundy Center, Union Community, Treynor, and Western Christian.

All-SEC Wrestling Honors

The Southeast Conference (SEC) released the All-Conference 1st and 2nd Teams yesterday for the boys’ and girls’ wrestling teams with the Fairfield boys’ team yielding the most 1st Team selections and the Burlington girls’ team tabbing the most 1st Teamers.

Starting with the boys, Mt. Pleasant grabbed the conference title with an undefeated record against SEC competition. Helping the Panthers were three 1st Team selections in Lane Beckler, for the 126-pound weight class, Ramzy Davis, for the 150-pound weight class, and Payton Walker, for the 190-pound weight class, as they each nabbed at least 20 wins for the season.

Fairfield had five wrestlers earn All-SEC 1st Team in Cael McCabe, Aiden Westercamp, Cason Miler, Dain Burkhart, and Dre Smithburg. McCabe led the field with a bronze medal at the 2025 state tournament, while Miller finished his senior season with a 7th place performance and Co-SEC Wrestler of the Year honors. 

Sharing the award with Miller as Co-SEC Wrestler of the Year was Washington’s Aaron Boone as he collected an impressive 50-4 record for the season as he also took home a bronze medal at the state tournament. Jude Carter and Blain Reese joined him on the 1st Team along with Burlington’s Braxton Hutchinson.

On the girls’ side, Keokuk’s Jalyiah Gardner took SEC Wrestler of the Year honors after collecting a 44-5 record and a runner-up position in the Class 1A 140-pound weight class. 

Burlington garnered seven members of the 1st Team in Grace Navarre, Sarina Cline, Brooklyn Sparrow, Mia Oddo, Amaziah Twillie, Kiara Rodriguez, and Alannah Peterson with six total wrestlers making the state tournament. 

Mt. Pleasant had two wrestlers earn 1st Team honors in Paris Phosy and Zenlynn Lee. Phosy collected a 5-3 record against SEC foes, while Lee punched her ticket to the state tournament and collected a 23-7 record for the year. 

Lastly, Samantha Lyons was the lone Trojan to nab 1st Team honors as the sophomore grabbed 4th place at the state tournament and finished the season with a 35-6 record. 

If you would like to look at the full list of All-SEC honorees, then follow the links provided.

Link: All-SEC Boys List

Link: All-SEC Girls List

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Tune in to KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, tomorrow night at 6 pm for a new episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook featuring the trio of state wrestlers from WACO in Ian Maize, Gage Samo, and Louden Huisnega as they discuss what led up to the tournament and the emotions that came with competing in Des Moines.

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The men’s basketball team will host Marshalltown Community College tomorrow, March 5th, at 7 pm.

College Basketball

The #10 Iowa State men’s team will compete against BYU at home tonight at 8 pm.

The Iowa men’s team sits in 15th place in the Big Ten with two conference games left on the schedule as they look to upset #8 Michigan State on Thursday, March 6th, at 7 pm at home for their senior night.

The Iowa women’s team will get a rematch with Wisconsin tomorrow, March 5th, at 7:30 pm for their opening matchup of the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis.

The Iowa State women’s team will be gearing up for the Big 12 tournament as they received a bye into the second round, scheduled for Thursday.  

This Day in Sports History

1927 – Babe Ruth becomes the highest-paid player in MLB history when he signs a 3-year, $70,000 per season contract with the New York Yankees.

1970 – Jacksonville is the first college basketball team to average 100-plus points per game.

1993 – First ESPY Awards: Michael Jordan and Monica Seles win.