Gayle Leslie Trede

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 at 4:42 am CDT

Gayle Leslie Trede, 75, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, passed away on Sunday, October 19th, 2025 following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Gayle was born in Davenport on October 23, 1949, the youngest of four sisters to Woodrow and Dorothy (Behm) Trede.

Following graduation from Davenport West High School and Marycrest College, Gayle began an extensive career in public service as a librarian. He first employment was for the City of Davenport, where she traveled through the neighborhoods in the “Book Mobile”. In 1984, Gayle moved to Mt. Pleasant, to assume the role of Library Director of the Mt. Pleasant Public Library in October of 1984. She served her community until her retirement on October 31, 2012.

Gayle was very proud of the fact that under her watch, the Mt. Pleasant Public Library expanded from its historic but outgrown building to its present location in the former Mt. Pleasant High School building (now the Mt. Pleasant Civic Center), where it remains today.

Gayle’s past times included reading, traveling and “shop-‘til-you-drop” weekends with her sisters. She was well known for her “mile-high” rolls.

Gayle was preceded in death by her beloved parents, sisters Sandy Jamison of Columbus Junction, Vicki (Phil) Ealy of Des Moines, and brother-in-law Jack Hendedrickson of Grinnell. Those left to honor her memory include her sister, Dona Hendrickson of Grinnell, brothers-in-law Frank Jamison of Columbus Junction and Phil Ealy of Des Moines and nephews and nieces Mike Jamison, Scot Hendrickson, Michele Christiansen, Megan Ealy and Amanda Ealy.

The family extends a heartfelt “thank-you” to the staff at Bickford Memory Care of Burlington and Southeast Iowa Regional Home Health and Hospice.

Friends may call from 12 Noon to 7 PM on Friday, October 24 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will not be present. Cremation rites have been accorded, and burial will be held at a later date beside her parents at Pine Hill Cemetery in Davenport.

Those considering an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers may direct memorials to the Mt. Pleasant Public Library. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Perry Fletcher

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, October 20th, 2025 at 11:09 am CDT

Perry Fletcher, 87, of Wapello passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Harrison Cemetery. Memorials have been established for Wapello Keck Memorial Library and Wapello Ambulance in Perry’s name. Online condolences may be left at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Perry Fletcher was born on April 28, 1938, in Muscatine, Iowa, the son of Knowlton and Ruth (Morrison) Fletcher. Perry attended Washington # 4 Rural Schools – often rode his pony to school. Later attended Wapello School and graduated in 1957. In 1958, Perry was united in marriage to Shirley Kerr in Wapello. Perry and Shirley resided south of Wapello where they raised three children – Brian, Kevin and Renee. Perry worked at Monsanto and retired in 2000. After retirement he became a Master Gardener and always had a bountiful garden and beautiful flowers. Perry enjoyed hunting, gardening, traveling, football and family. He was a member of the Iowa Buffalo Association; he always enjoyed an opportunity to share a picture or story of the buffalo he raised. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and Iowa Hawkeye fan. Brian

Perry will be deeply missed by his son, Brian (Gabriella) Fletcher of Wapello and daughter, Renee (Elmer) Arnold of Mediapolis; five grandchildren, Heather (Mark) Kemper, Heidi (Ryan) Stoll, Josh Fletcher, Justin (Miranda) Fletcher and Erykah (Ryan) Phillips; 8 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild on the way; sisters, Shirley Samuels and Llewann Bryant, both of Wapello; daughter-in-law, Eva Fletcher; step-grandchild, Amber Murphy; brothers-in-law, Art Sanders; Dr. Melvin (Judy) Kerr, Keith “Butch” (Deanne) Kerr and Ronnie (Shirley ) Kerr and several nieces and nephews. Knowlt

Perry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley on May 23, 1998; his in-laws, Lawrence and Ruth Kerr; son, Kevin Fletcher; brothers-in-law, Merwin (Donna) Kerr, Jack Samuels, Richard Soukop and Rich Bryant; and sisters, Iris Soukop and Karolyn Sanders.

DNR Investigating Hog Manure Spill in Louisa County Tributary

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, October 20th, 2025 at 10:26 am CDT

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources continues to investigate a hog manure spill that reached a tributary of Roff Creek in Louisa County. 

On October 16, Catnip Ridge, a certified manure applicator, reported the spill near Q Avenue and 65th Street after an iron fencepost punctured an umbilical line during application, releasing manure into a roadside ditch. 

The company stopped pumping, clamped the line, and built dams to contain the spill. Cleanup crews flushed the area and plugged a nearby culvert to prevent further spread. 

Initial testing showed ammonia levels of 2.0 ppm, with no fish kill at first. However, by Friday morning, DNR staff found manure still moving through the tributary and noted a small number of dead fish. 

Cleanup and monitoring continue as the DNR determines whether enforcement action is warranted. Spills can be reported to the DNR’s 24-hour line at (515) 725-8694. 

Iowa HHS Warns SNAP Recipients of Possible Federal Shutdown Impact on November Benefits

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, October 20th, 2025 at 10:25 am CDT

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is alerting Iowans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that the ongoing federal government shutdown could delay or prevent the issuance of November benefits. 

Late last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service notified states, including Iowa, to pause the release of November SNAP benefits until further notice. 

Iowa HHS officials say they are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as new information becomes available. The SNAP program in Iowa serves roughly 131,000 households each month, distributing about $45 million in federally funded benefits. 

To help prepare for potential disruptions, Iowa HHS has coordinated with food banks, pantries, and community-based organizations to ensure additional support is available for affected Iowans. 

Once the shutdown ends, HHS will work quickly to process and distribute any delayed benefits. Officials also encourage SNAP recipients to keep their current cards during the shutdown, as they will remain active once benefits resume.  

For ongoing updates and information, visit hhs.iowa.gov/snap 

Richard Louis “Rick” Grossenkemper

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, October 20th, 2025 at 10:10 am CDT
Richard Louis “Rick” Grossenkemper, 70, of Fort Madison, Iowa, passed away at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the New London Specialty Care in New London.
Born on December 2, 1954 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Robert L. and Marcella Edna (Mehl) Grossenkemper. He married Karen Hutchison in Florida, they later divorced.
Survivors include three brothers: Jeff Grossenkemper of Fort Madison, Iowa, James Grossenkemper of Topeka, Kansas, and Bob Grossenkemper of Fort Madison, Iowa. Also surviving is two nephews and one niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Steven; and two sisters: Mary Jo and Nancy.
Rick was a 1973 graduate of Fort Madison High School. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fort Madison. Rick enjoyed his family vacations to Minnesota, golfing, stained glass, antiques, flea markets, and music.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, Iowa.
A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Fort Madison, Iowa with Father Gary Beckman officiating.
Memorials have been established in his memory.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

ContiTech plans to expand Manufacturing Operations in Mount Pleasant, Iowa Facility

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, October 20th, 2025 at 8:17 am CDT

ContiTech plans to expand Manufacturing Operations in Mount Pleasant, Iowa Facility  
  • More than $85 million USD investment planned to expand ContiTech’s Mount Pleasant facility, strengthening production capabilities across its hose and belt businesses
  • New compounding center will enhance ContiTech’s manufacturing competitiveness and support its ability to meet growing market demand
  • New investment anticipates creating approximately 50 new high-quality jobs

Mount Pleasant, Iowa, October 20, 2025. Continental’s group sector ContiTech announced that it plans to invest more than $85 million USD to expand its manufacturing operations in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

The plant expansion includes construction of a state-of-the-art compounding center that will integrate production, warehouse and office operations. It underscores ContiTech’s commitment to delivering high-performance, material-based technologies, with a focus on hoses and belts. This advanced facility will further strengthen ContiTech’s competitiveness and reinforce its position as customer’s first choice for material-driven solutions.

The expansion is expected to create approximately 50 new, high-quality jobs. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board has approved a package of loan and tax incentives through the IEDA’s High-Quality Jobs program to support the initiative.

“In today’s dynamic economic environment, we are investing in advanced capabilities not only to drive innovation and competitiveness across our industrial product lines, but also to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Philip Nelles, Member of the Continental Executive Board and CEO of ContiTech. “This expansion reflects our long-term commitment to the U.S. and the North American markets in general and our confidence in the strength of our team in Iowa. This project also contributes to local economic development, reinforcing our role as a reliable partner to the community we work in and live.”

ContiTech’s Mount Pleasant production facility in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The site was founded in 1977 and has more than 220 employees. The plant specializes in manufacturing hoses for various applications.

The new facility will significantly enhance ContiTech’s ability to manufacture essential components, particularly hoses and belts, which play a critical role in supporting reliable flow and total conveyance across a wide range of industrial applications.

 

“At ContiTech, our commitment to customer centricity is foundational, and this expansion enables us to respond more quickly and effectively to our customers’ needs,” said Andreas Gerstenberger, CEO of ContiTech USA and Head of Business Area Industrial Solutions Americas. “By investing in this facility, we’re not only enhancing our operational capabilities, competitiveness, and supply chain resilience, we are also reinforcing our ability to deliver material-driven solutions. This expansion is a critical part of that process and a key enabler in our vision to become the first choice for our customers.”

ContiTech’s investment in a new compounding center in Mount Pleasant will strengthen its internal compounding capabilities, optimize its North American mixing footprint and support future growth. The facility will feature two state-of-the-art mixing lines integrated with an automated warehouse. The new compounding center will play a central role in ensuring consistent quality and efficiency in the production of rubber-based products. Engineered to withstand high-shear forces and temperatures, the mixers enable thorough integration of ingredients. The result is a compound with uniform physical and chemical properties, ready for downstream processes such as extrusion, molding or calendaring.

Construction is anticipated to begin Q2 2026. The Mount Pleasant site plays a key role in ContiTech’s global supply chain, serving a wide range of industrial customers.

Mount Pleasant production facility. The plant is located on a 37-acre property in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist that develops and produces sustainable, safe and convenient solutions for automotive manufacturers as well as industrial and end customers worldwide. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €39.7 billion in 2024 and currently employs around 95,000 people in 54 countries and markets.

ContiTech is one of the world’s leading industry specialists. The Continental group sector offers its customers connected, environment-friendly, safe and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 39,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some 6.4 billion euros (2024), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.

Sports, October 20th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, October 20th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

Postseason Volleyball

Regional Volleyball for Classes 1A and 2A starts tonight at 7 pm, while Classes 3A, 4A, and 5A will begin tomorrow, October 21st. 

In Class 1A Region 2, #2 Holy Trinity Catholic has the top seed and a bye into the second round. The Crusaders will play the winner between Winfield-Mt. Union and Pekin with the Wolves acting as the host.

Burlington Notre Dame will take on WACO at home tonight. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. The winner will play the winner between Wapello and New London on Wednesday, October 22nd. 

In Class 2A Region 8, Danville will host Cardinal tonight at 7 pm. The winner will advance to play Regina Catholic on Wednesday. Van Buren County will take on West Burlington at home on Wednesday to draw out the top half of the bracket. 

Class 3A Region 2 will feature a Southeast Iowa Super Conference showdown between Mediapolis and Central Lee with the Bulldogs acting as the hosts. 

Fairfield will travel to West Liberty in Class 3A’s Region 7 bracket. 

Lastly, in Class 4A Region 1, Mt. Pleasant will host Keokuk tomorrow at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant travels to Fairfield on Friday, October 24th, at 7:30 pm with a playoff spot on the line. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

Washington will travel to Keokuk on Friday at 7:30 pm.

Postseason Football

Mediapolis will venture to Centerville on Friday, October 24th, to start their postseason journey.

#6 Mid-Prairie will take on North Fayette Valley on Friday at 7 pm at home.

WACO will travel to #6 Edgewood-Colesburg on Friday for their first round matchup at 7 pm.

#4 Iowa Valley will host Moravia, who got in as a wildcard team, at 7 pm on Friday. 

In Danville’s third consecutive trip to the postseason, the Bears will get a chance to host a playoff game with Maquoketa Valley making the trip on Friday at 7 pm. Bears head coach Cody Thompson talked about what makes this team special,

“I think our team is very physical, very determined. You know that every team puts in work over the summer, but you know, the drive these guys have and the effort they’ve been giving, and they are a very talented bunch. You know as a team we have guys that mesh really well together. You know, I feel like we have some good leaders on our team, and I think we’re going to be a tough out for anybody.”

Wapello will hit the road to face off against Lynnville-Sully at 7 pm on Friday. 

Columbus will attempt to avenge their mid-season loss against North Linn on Friday at 7 pm in their first-round road postseason matchup. 

Pekin will host Earlham at 7 pm on Friday. 

High School Cross Country

The Class 3A boys’ and girls’ state qualifying meets are set to run on Wednesday, October 22nd. Mt. Pleasant, Burlington, Fort Madison, Keokuk, and Washington will travel to Williamsburg, while Fairfield will head to Pella.

The Classes 1A and 2A boys’ and girls’ state qualifying meets are scheduled for Thursday, October 23rd. Pekin will be hosting Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, New London, WACO, Wapello, and Winfield-Mt. Union, while Van Buren County will travel to Central Decatur for Class 1A. Additionally, Columbus will journey to North Linn.

Mediapolis, Central Lee, and West Burlington/Notre Dame will make the trip to Regina Catholic for Class 2A.

Southeastern Community College

The men’s soccer team scored three second-half goals to knock off Western Iowa Teach 4-3 over the weekend. Louey Franks netted two of the four goals. 

The women’s soccer team lost a tough one to Western Iowa Tech, 1-0. Both teams will travel to North Iowa Area Community College on Wednesday, October 22nd, with the women playing first at 1 pm.

The volleyball team dropped both games of their triangular over the weekend, getting swept by Indian Hills Community College and losing a five-set thriller to Sauk Valley Community College (25-20, 19-25, 25-22, 21-25, 4-15). Aviana West finished the weekend with 21 kills. The Blackhawks will make the trip to Ellsworth Community College tomorrow, October 21st, at 6:30 pm.

College Football

Iowa added salt to Penn State’s wounds over the weekend, handing the Nittany Lions their third straight loss in a tense 25-24 victory. Mark Gronowski led the Hawkeyes on the ground with 130 rushing yards and two scores. The Hawkeyes will compete at home against Minnesota for the Floyd of Rosedale on Saturday, October 25th, at 2:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call.

Iowa State is back in action on Saturday as they look to upset #11 BYU at home at 3:30 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

This Day in Sports History

1963 – Jim Brown sets a then-NFL single-season rushing record: 1,863 yds. 

1996 – MLB Atlanta Braves Andruw Jones is the youngest player to homer in the World Series.

2004 – MLB American League Championship: Boston Red Sox come back from 0-3 deficit to beat the New York Yankees, 4 games to 3. The first team in MLB history to do so.

Several Southeast Iowa High School Bands Shine at State Marching Festival

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, October 20th, 2025 at 5:34 am CDT

Area high school bands celebrated strong performances at the IHSMA State Marching Band Festival, hosted by Davenport Central at Brady Street Stadium.

The Mt. Pleasant High School Panther Marching Band earned its 38th consecutive Division 1 rating, with judges awarding a score of 86.6. The Panther Band has now received a top “1” rating in 58 of the past 59 years the state contest has been held, continuing a remarkable tradition of musical excellence. Pictured here is the Mt. Pleasant Color Guard, an essential part of the band’s performance.

Keokuk CSD Bands also posted an outstanding showing. “The Pride traveled to Davenport Central High School, where they performed at the festival. The band received a Division 1 ‘Superior’ rating for their performance, wrapping up the competitive portion of our season. Congratulations!” the district shared.

Meanwhile, the Central Lee High School Marching Hawks wrapped up their season on Saturday, October 18th, despite rainy conditions. Their performance earned them a Division 1 Superior Rating, marking a successful conclusion to their competition season.

Other area bands that received “1” Ratings: Fort Madison, Wapello, Mediapolis, Muscatine

Tonight, the celebration continues with All Bands Night at the Mount Pleasant Maple Leaf Sports Complex, featuring marching bands from 6th grade through high school. This event gives the community a chance to see students of all ages showcase their talents in one big performance.