Mount Pleasant Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Agenda 05/07

By Yorke Prough · Monday, May 6th, 2024 at 8:42 am CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

May 7, 2024 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA

The Mount Pleasant Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on May 7th, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in Mount Pleasant City Hall, 307 E Monroe St., in the large conference room.

 

 

  1. Call to order

 

  1. Approve minutes from the December 12, 2023 meeting.

 

  1. Elect Chairman for 2024.

 

  1. Make recommendation to city council concerning an ordinance to allow flexible business spaces (limited office use) in the R-3 Multiple Family Dwelling District.

 

  1. Make recommendation to city council to waive the right to review the Leroy Cole Subdivision, a subdivision within 2 miles of city limits.

 

  1. Make recommendation to city council concerning site plan, Mount Pleasant Community School District bus barn/central receiving/buildings and grounds facility, 1515 E Monroe St.

 

  1. Make recommendation to City Council to approve Lot Combination Agreement with property owner at 1515 S Spruce Avenue.

 

  1. Open forum

 

  1. Adjourn

 

 

Iowa Graduation Rate for 2021, 2022, 2023, Announced Using New Code

By Yorke Prough · Monday, May 6th, 2024 at 7:55 am CDT

The Iowa Department of Education announced a graduation rate of 87.5% for Iowa’s class of 2023. Lower than graduation rates reported in previous years, the 2023 rate was calculated using a newly corrected code after the department identified an error in the legacy calculation code that had been used for at least ten years to determine the state’s four- and five-year graduation rates.

Using the corrected code, the Department of Education reports that Iowa’s four-year high school graduation rate for the graduating class of 2023 is 87.5%, up 0.1% from the corrected rate for the graduating class of 2022.

Iowa’s four-year graduation rate for the class of 2023 is consistent with the national standard and its neighboring states. Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota recently reported 2023 graduation rates below Iowa’s, at 83.3%, 87.2% and 84.1%, respectively. Illinois’ reported class of 2023 graduation rate was 87.6%. Among neighboring states, only Missouri and Wisconsin reported class of 2023 graduation rates meaningfully above Iowa’s, at 89.9% and 90.5% respectively.

Corrected four-year graduation rates for the graduating classes of 2021 and 2022 dropped slightly from what were originally reported. The corrected four-year graduation rate for the class of 2022 is 87.4%, down 2.5 percentage points from what was previously announced last year. For the graduating class of 2021, the corrected rate is 87.8%, down 2.4 percentage points from what was announced in 2022.

Iowa’s corrected five-year graduation rate — which reflects students who were part of a graduating class but took an extra year to finish high school — was 89.7% for the Class of 2022, and 90.1% for the Class of 2021. The five-year graduation rate for the class of 2023 will not be available until spring 2025.

Corrected rates for the graduating classes of 2021, 2022 and 2023, including rates by school district and student group, are available on the Department of Education’s Graduation Rates and Dropout Rates webpage.

Supervisor Candidates to Join KILJ For Generation Gap On Friday

By Yorke Prough · Monday, May 6th, 2024 at 7:05 am CDT

Make sure to tune in this Friday for a special episode of Generation Gap, where the potential Henry County Supervisors will be asked all sorts of questions. What type of questions will be asked? Well that’s up to you, the listener. Send any questions you’d like asked to news@kilj.com or call 319 385 8728, as Paul and Kadie will be joined by the four men who are on the ballot for the primaries in June.

Dan Cook, Steve Detrick, David Muhs, and incumbent Chad White are running the race to see who will become the next county supervisor. There are two positions on the board available, with longtime member and current board chair, Greg Moeller, officially retiring. Incumbent Chad White will see his term expire and is hoping to retain his position.

Once again, make sure to tune in this Friday to hear directly from the men who want to represent you.

If you are unable to catch this special episode live, it will be posted on our Spotify page directly following.

It’s Not You, It’s Me: Take a Break From Your Phone This Week

By Yorke Prough · Monday, May 6th, 2024 at 6:53 am CDT

In honor of Screen Free Week Monday, May 6 to Sunday, May 12, UScellular encourages everyone to take the Phones Down for 5 Challenge, a UScellular “Built for US” initiative meant to inspire people to take a break from technology for five days, five hours or even just five minutes.

Screen Free Week is organized by the nonprofit organization Fairplay. This is an annual event that encourages people to take a break from screen-based entertainment.

Smartphones are an essential part of everyday life that help us do so many things. But in a recent UScellular survey*, nearly 75% of respondents said they spend at least an hour on social media every day with 24% spending three to four hours per day. Nearly a third of respondents said they want to take an intentional break from their phone, which makes Screen Free Week an ideal time for people to spend time away from their screens and reset their relationship with technology.

“We encourage everyone to take a break from their devices during Screen Free Week to connect with what matters most,” said Joshua Olbricht, UScellular’s director of sales and operations for east Iowa. “By taking the Phones Down for 5 Challenge or taking a break in a way that works for you, our hope is that everyone can make the most of their screen-free time and foster a healthier relationship with technology.”

In addition to Phones Down for 5, UScellular has created the following tips to help your Screen Free Week be a success:

Reconnect with Family and Friends. Talk about your favorite memories with your partner. Take a friend you have not seen in a long time out to dinner. Invite your neighbors to a game night with board games. Try making a brand-new recipe or dish for your family. Make experiences that are unique and impossible to duplicate if you were glued to your phone.

Have More Parental Control. UScellular recently partnered with Bark to help parents and families navigate life with their digital devices. With Bark, parents can monitor their child’s social media activity, manage screen time and help prevent digital dangers including cyberbullying, unsafe websites and more with real-time alerts. Upon checkout, use code USCCARES to receive one month free.

Be a Creative Genius. Painting and drawing are activities that not only allow you to express your creativity, but they also provide a sense of accomplishment and relaxation during your unplugging session. If you are feeling crafty, you could also make your own jewelry, furniture or decor for your home.

Unplug with Your Kids. Establish healthier digital boundaries with your children with UScellular and Screen Sanity’s Smarter Start Toolkit. It includes educational and actionable tools, tips and an agreement for both parents and kids, so everyone can use technology in a more thoughtful way.

Get out. Work out. Chill out. Take a break from being on your device by spending time outdoors and getting some fresh air on a walk or bike ride. The Great Outdoors offers plenty of exercise options, as well. Try to go for a run or shoot some hoops. If technology plays a significant role in your self-care regimen, be sure to substitute it for peaceful activities during your screen-free time.

Sports, May 6th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, May 6th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track and Field

Mt. Pleasant will host the state qualifying meet on Thursday, May 9th, with Washington, Keokuk, Fort Madison, and Fairfield making the trip.

Danville, New London, WACO, Columbus, and Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Sigourney for their state qualifying meet, while Mediapolis, West Burlington, Van Buren County, and Central Lee will head west to Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont for their meet on Thursday.

High School Soccer

Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Wapello tonight with the girls playing first at 5 pm.

The WACO boys’ team shutout Highland over the weekend 2-0. Tristan and Keiran Lutijens each scored a goal as Colton Leichty saved all 11 shots against him. 

The Central Lee girls’ team will take on Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union tomorrow, May 7th, at home.

The Mediapolis girls’ team will take on Canton tonight. 

The boys’ Southeast Iowa Super Conference tournament will begin tomorrow.

Mt. Pleasant will face off against Fort Madison tonight with the boys’ team celebrating senior night at home and the girls’ team hitting the road. 

The Burlington Notre Dame girls’ team will face off against Wapello tomorrow.

High School Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will compete in Fairfield with the girls’ team participating in the regionals today and the boys’ playing in their district matches on Wednesday, May 8th.

High School Golf. 

The New London boys’ team will host Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, Winfield-Mt. Union, and WACO for their district meet on Wednesday, May 8th. The boys’ teams of Central Lee, Van Buren County, and Mediapolis will take a trip to Mid-Prairie for districts tomorrow, May 7th. 

The SEISC girls’ teams will participate in their conference meet today. 

The SEC boys’ teams will meet up on Wednesday at Mt. Pleasant for sectionals with Albia, West Burlington/Notre Dame, and Mt. Vernon also competing.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will compete in their SEC meet on Wednesday. 

The Central Lee boys’ team hoisted a tournament over the weekend and took the crown with a team score of 320. Mylan Lowenberg led the Hawks with an 18-hole score of 73 followed by Caleb Larson, who carded an 80. Fort Madison took third place with a team score of 348. Van Buren County shot a 354 for fourth place and Keokuk and Holy Trinity Catholic rounded out the card with scores of 394 and 405, respectively.

Southeastern Community College

SCC baseball needed extra innings yesterday, but their 7-5 victory after 11 innings resulted in a series sweep of conference foe Indian Hills Community College. In a game that needed a committee to finish it out on the mound, it was Sam Skarich that slammed the door for the final 2.1 innings, striking out four batters in the win. Michael Farina slapped a double and totaled three RBIs as Caleb Wolf also knocked in three RBIs. 

The Blackhawks will face off against Carl Sandburg College today in a doubleheader with their first game being a continuation from their game back on April 11th that had play suspended in the bottom of the fifth inning due to rain with the Chargers leading 8-7. 

This Day in Sports History

1953 – MLB St. Louis Browns Alva “Bobo” Holloman throws a no-hitter against the visiting Philadelphia A’s in his first career start, winning 6-0. He is one of just two pitchers in the modern era to complete this feat.

1954 – English athlete Roger Bannister becomes the first to run a sub-4 minute mile, recording a time of 3:59:4 at Iffley Road Track, Oxford.

1998 – Kerry Wood strikes out 20 Houston Astros to tie the major league record held by Roger Clemens. Wood threw a one-hitter and did not walk a batter in his 5th career start.

May 6, 2024 – May 12, 2024

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at 6:40 pm CDT
05/06/24
Jerry Lalaga
05/07/24
Kelly Mabeus
05/07/24
Adalyn Anderson (8)
05/08/24
Alissa Alexander
05/08/24
Becky Calhoun
05/08/24
Flint Wilson
05/09/24
Karen Carter
05/09/24
Peter Kilbourn
05/09/24
Codi Sammons
05/10/24
Thelma Scarff
05/10/24
Philip Geiser
05/11/24
Mike Hampton
05/11/24
Haley Fitzhugh
05/11/24
Mose Caulk
05/11/24
Jill Kilbour
05/12/24
Louie Rosell

National Military Appreciation Month

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at 8:04 am CDT

National Military Appreciation Month falls in May each year.  Congress made this designation in 1999, to raise awareness and encourage appreciation for those who serve or who have served in the United States Armed Forces.  It serves as a reminder of the contributions made by service members and their families and takes us into Memorial Day.  You can find more information and news at www.military.com.

Sports, May 4th

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track and Field

Mt. Pleasant will host the state qualifying meet on Thursday, May 9th, with Washington, Keokuk, Fort Madison, and Fairfield making the trip.

Danville, New London, WACO, Columbus, and Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Sigourney for their state qualifying meet, while Mediapolis, West Burlington, Van Buren County, and Central Lee will head west to Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont for their meet on Thursday.

High School Soccer

Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Wapello on Monday, May 6th, with the girls playing first at 5 pm.

The WACO and Danville boys’ teams were locked at two after a half of play last night, but the Bears offense generated 17 shots on goal and pushed across three goals to win 5-2. Kadu Garcia tallied a hat trick in the win with Talan Whaley assisting on four of the goals. 

The WACO boys’ team will look to get back in the win column today against Highland at home.

The Central Lee boys’ team’s offense could not be stopped last night, thumping Keokuk 7-3. Landan Lowenberg and Landon Crank each netted two goals as Nathan Newberry, Zach Estrada, and Ayden Kent each scored a goal.

The Central Lee girls’ team will take on Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union on Tuesday, May 7th, at home.

The Mediapolis girls’ team will take on Canton on Monday. 

The boys’ Southeast Iowa Super Conference tournament will begin on Tuesday.

Mt. Pleasant will face off against Fort Madison on Monday with the boys’ team celebrating senior night at home and the girls’ team hitting the road. 

High School Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will compete on Monday, May 6th, in Fairfield with the girls’ team participating in the regionals and the boys’ playing in their district matches.

High School Golf. 

The New London boys’ team will host Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, Winfield-Mt. Union, and WACO for their district meet. The boys’ teams of Central Lee, Van Buren County, and Mediapolis will take a trip to Mid-Prairie for districts on Tuesday, May 7th. 

The SEISC girls’ teams will participate in their conference meet on Monday, May 6th. 

The SEC boys’ teams will meet up on Wednesday, May 8th, at Mt. Pleasant for sectionals with Albia, West Burlington/Notre Dame, and Mt. Vernon also competing.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will compete in their SEC meet on Wednesday. 

The Central Lee boys’ team will host a meet today with Van Buren County, Holy Trinity Catholic, and Burlington Notre Dame also making the trip. 

Southeastern Community College

SCC baseball have now rattled off four consecutive victories after winning both games of their doubleheader against Indian Hills Community College yesterday. Game one saw the bats on full display with a 14-3 win. Luke Wallace went 3 for 4 with a home run and four RBIs. Michael Farina and Caleb Klein also smacked a home run in the win.

Game two was a nail biter as the Warriors were on the verge of tying the game in the bottom of the ninth until Cole Smith struck out the last batter to tally the save in a 6-5 win. Wallace collected two more RBIs to bring his two game total to six. The Blackhawks will stay on the road today to finish their three-game series against the Warriors.

SCC softball appeared poised to advance to the Region 11 championship after scoring 13 runs in the first two innings against Indian Hills Community College yesterday; however, the Warriors would put up 11 unanswered runs in the final four innings to win 16-13. The Blackhawks will wait to see if they are selected for the NJCAA DI softball world series.

This Day in Sports History

1869 – Cincinnati Red Stockings play their 1st official baseball game, a win against the Great Western Base Ball Club, 45-9.

1893 – Cowboy Bill Pickett invented bulldogging, the skill of grabbing cattle by the horns and wrestling them to the ground.

1984 – Dave Kingman’s fly ball never comes down as it gets stuck in the Metrodome ceiling.