WAPELLO – Jim Carlin, candidate for the United States Senate, will be the featured speaker at the upcoming Louisa County Republican Fundraiser on Saturday, October 4. 

The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. and will be held at the Briggs Civic Center, located at 317 N. Water Street in Wapello. Carlin, who has been active in Iowa politics, is expected to share his campaign vision and discuss key issues facing voters ahead of the election season. 

The fundraiser is hosted by the Louisa County Republican Party and will bring together community members, supporters, and local leaders for an evening of conversation and political engagement. 

Those interested in attending are encouraged to come early, as seating is expected to be limited. 

Mt. Pleasant student-athletes and coaches will be hitting the streets this Sunday, October 5, beginning at 3:30 p.m., to promote and grow support for local athletics. 

As part of an annual tradition, teams will be going door-to-door throughout Mt. Pleasant and surrounding communities to offer memberships to the Mt. Pleasant Athletic Booster Club. Funds raised through memberships and contributions play a vital role in enhancing athletic programs, providing equipment, and supporting student-athlete success. 

Community members are encouraged to consider joining the Booster Club or making a contribution of any kind. Organizers note that every level of support helps ensure continued development and opportunities for Mount Pleasant’s athletic programs. 

The Booster Club has long been a backbone of Panther athletics, helping sustain programs that benefit hundreds of students each year. Sunday’s effort gives residents a chance to connect directly with athletes and coaches while making a meaningful impact on the future of local sports. 

For more information about the Mt. Pleasant Athletic Booster Club and how to get involved, community members can look for representatives during Sunday’s drive or reach out directly to the organization. 

As fall harvest begins across Iowa, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding farmers to stay alert to the risk of wildfires in crop fields. Dry conditions and low humidity can create dangerous fire hazards, and standing crops with low moisture levels are highly susceptible to ignition and rapid fire spread.

The DNR is encouraging farmers to review fire prevention practices and keep equipment “firewise” during harvest. Recommendations include:

• Preparing and maintaining machinery to reduce the chance of sparks or overheated bearings.

• Ensuring fire extinguishers are fully charged, the right size, and the correct type for field or electrical fires.

• Regularly cleaning combines and other equipment of combustible debris.

• Servicing grain storage and drying equipment to prevent dryer fires.

• Storing hay properly to prevent spontaneous combustion, keeping it away from combustibles and monitoring for signs of heat or odor.

• Creating fire breaks around fields, buildings, and storage sites to slow fire spread.

If a fire occurs, the DNR stresses calling 911 immediately and giving clear directions for responders. Farmers may assist by disking a fire break or spraying nearby vegetation, but safety should always come first.

For more details on harvest fire prevention, visit www.iowadnr.gov/fire

UPDATE:

A rollover crash on Wednesday afternoon in southeast Iowa resulted in the death of 38-year-old Marissa Elizabeth Tanner from Mt. Pleasant.

WAPELLO COUNTY – A tragic single-vehicle accident claimed one life Wednesday afternoon on Highway 34 near Exit 199, the Eldon interchange.

According to the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office, multiple 911 calls came in at approximately 4:19 p.m. on October 1, 2025, reporting a rollover crash.

First responders arrived on the scene and discovered one vehicle had overturned with a single occupant inside. Despite immediate lifesaving measures, the individual was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The name of the deceased is being withheld pending family notification.

The Wapello County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in the response by ORMICS, Batavia Fire and Rescue, and the Jefferson County Ambulance Service.

The crash remains under investigation, and authorities say additional information may be released as it becomes available.

The Wayland City Council will convene for its regular meeting this week, with a full agenda covering seasonal events, city operations, and grant opportunities. 

The evening will open with the Citizen Forum, where residents are invited to share comments on issues not listed on the agenda. The Mayor and Council reminded the public that remarks should remain brief to allow multiple voices to be heard, and no action will be taken during this portion of the meeting. 

Following that, the Council will consider the Consent Agenda, which includes routine items such as the approval of minutes from the September 17 meeting, bills for payment, and a renewal of certificates of deposit. Also listed are financial reports from the treasurer and clerk, along with departmental updates from the utility, police, and fire departments, as well as any recent building permits. 

Under unfinished business, the Council will take up two seasonal resolutions—one to set the official date and time for Trick-or-Treat Night in Wayland, and another to establish the schedule for the community’s

The 2025 Louisa County Fine Art Show proved to be a vibrant celebration of creativity, talent, and community spirit, drawing artists and art enthusiasts together for an unforgettable event. With 90 outstanding entries spanning multiple mediums, this year’s show highlighted the depth of artistic expression within the region. 

Organizers extended heartfelt gratitude to all participating artists, noting that each piece added its own unique voice to the event. The wide range of works displayed made the judges’ task especially challenging, but after thoughtful deliberation, category winners were announced. 

Category Award Winners: 

• Emerging Artist –
  Ella Kahn – Eyes of our Rainforest 

• Photography
  • 1st Place – : Shelly Servadio – Ruffles
  • 2nd Place – : Teran Buettell – spherical 

• 2D Artwork
  • 1st Place – : Brianna Faith Rivers – Our Choice to Cluster
  • 2nd Place –: John Carlson – Wail 

• 3D Artwork
  • 1st Place – : Justin Meier – Me, Myself, and Eye
  • 2nd Place –: Dani Henke – Speaks Volumes 

Show organizers also extended a special thank-you to judges Susan Reinier and Margaret Ertz, whose expertise and thoughtful evaluations helped guide the difficult process of selecting winners from such an impressive field. 

As the 2025 Louisa County Fine Art Show came to a close, the event left attendees with a renewed appreciation for the power of artistic expression and the importance of supporting local talent.