Historic Preservation Commission Plans Time Capsule Opening for Fourth of July

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, March 20th, 2026 at 6:05 am CDT

The Henry County Historic Preservation Commission met Wednesday at the Henry County Heritage Center to address a full agenda of updates and ongoing projects.

Members in attendance included Johanna Crawford, Joel Garretson, Cathie McCoy, Jeff McPheron, Judy Rawson, and Pat White. The commission approved both the meeting agenda and January minutes, followed by the treasurer’s report.

Two new commissioners, Cathy McCoy and Nancy Amos, were nominated and approved by the group. Their appointments will now move to the Henry County Board of Supervisors for final approval.

Commission members also received copies of the 2025 Certified Government report and held a brief discussion on its contents. In addition, a first draft of a historic sites book was reviewed, with several suggestions and additions provided by members.

Officer elections for the commission have been postponed until the newly nominated members receive final approval from the Board of Supervisors.

During the meeting, Pat White led a discussion on plans by local organizations to open a time capsule that was placed on the courthouse lawn 50 years ago. The tentative plan is to open the capsule during Mount Pleasant’s Fourth of July celebration. Organizers are currently seeking assistance with opening the capsule.

The next meeting of the Henry County Historic Preservation Commission is scheduled for April 15 at the Henry County Heritage Center.

Floyd Loren “Pete” Turbett – CHANGE OF LOCATION

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, March 20th, 2026 at 5:57 am CDT

Floyd Loren “Pete” Turbett, 81, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026, surrounded by family after a valiant battle with cancer.

Friends may call to pay their respects and sign the guest register from 12 Noon to 7PM on Saturday, March 21 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The family will not be present at that time.

The family will be present to receive friends from 12 Noon to 2PM on Sunday, March 22 at the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1003, located at 108 North Saunders Avenue in Mt. Pleasant. Pete’s funeral will take place at 2PM at the Moose Lodge (*please note the change of venue for the family visitation and service) The Rev. Trey Hegar will officiate. Military Honors will be conducted as part of the service at the Moose Lodge by the Henry County Honor Guard. A Private family burial will immediately follow at Salem East Cemetery, Salem, IA.

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Mount Pleasant Personnel & Finance Committee Reviews Budget, Utilities, and Insurance

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Thursday, March 19th, 2026 at 2:00 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Personnel and Finance Committee met Thursday morning at City Hall to discuss several key financial items, including airport hangar utilities, insurance renewals, and the city’s draft budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

One of the main topics was utilities for new airport hangars. City staff and Air Advantage reached a compromise where the city will cover utility costs for the first six months. This will allow time to establish an average cost before Air Advantage assumes full responsibility and sub leases the hangars to aircraft owners.

The committee also reviewed health and dental insurance renewals, which came in under budget, offering some financial relief as the city works through early budget planning.

Mayor Steve Brimhall presented the first draft of the fiscal year 2027 budget. While the city had anticipated deficit spending in the general fund last year, officials reported ending slightly ahead, by about nine thousand dollars to end the FY2026 budget. However, projections show the city will likely need to rely on reserve funds moving forward, and future leadership may need to explore additional revenue sources.

Other anticipated expenses include upgrading police body cameras due to discontinued equipment, as well as potential equipment purchases for public works, including a dump truck, tractor, and mower.

The Committee also discussed future revenue options, such as franchise fees and potential adjustments to how local option sales tax dollars are allocated. Currently, sales tax brings in about one million dollars annually, most of which is dedicated to capital projects.

Officials also noted ongoing financial challenges with the city’s garbage program, citing unpaid resident bills as a contributing factor to losses

Additional topics included rising insurance costs on city buildings, updates to public works software, and the timeline for hiring a new city administrator, which is expected to move forward after early April.

The next budget discussion for the Personnel & Finance Committee  is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at 4:00 pm.

Iowa DNR Fishing Report for Southeast Iowa, March 19th

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, March 19th, 2026 at 1:41 pm CDT

Lake Darling Management District

  • Contact Person: Vance Polton – 319-694-2430

For more information on these lakes and ponds, call the Lake Darling Fisheries at 319-694-2430. Last updated on 03/04/2026

Jefferson Co. Park New Pond (Jefferson)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable

The spring trout release will be at 10 am on March 19. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

  • Rainbow Trout – Excellent: The spring trout release will be at 10 am on Thursday, March 19. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Lake Darling (Washington)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

There was some skim ice on the upper end of the lake and some of the bays with the fluctuating air temperatures and the return of snow on the ground. Weather forecast is for 80 degree air temperatures by Saturday (3/21); expect the water temperatures to make a quick return to the upper 40s, maybe even low 50s.

Lake of the Hills (Scott)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

The spring trout release will be at 10 am on March 19. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Minnows are not allowed to be used for bait at Lake of the Hills.

  • Rainbow Trout – Excellent: The spring trout release will be on March 19 at 10 am. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Wilson Lake (Lee)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

The spring trout release will be on March 19 at noon (12pm). You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Rainbow Trout – Excellent: The spring trout release will be at noon on March 19. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

 

Macbride Management District

  • Contact Person: D. J. Vogeler or Chris Mack – 319-624-3615

Many lakes and ponds refroze with recent cold weather and are re-opening; be aware of any remaining ice if venturing out in a boat. Last updated on 03/19/2026

Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow) (Cedar)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids) (Linn)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Coralville Reservoir (Johnson)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

The lake refroze earlier in the week, but is opening back up. Be aware of any remaining sheets of ice if going out in a boat.

  • Channel Catfish – Fair: Use gizzard shad near the bridges or wind-blown shorelines where the warmest water is.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.) (Iowa)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

No fishing activity reported this week; bluegill and crappie bite should pick up with the better weather coming in the next couple of days.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction) (Johnson)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Lake Macbride (Johnson)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Pleasant Creek Lake (Linn)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Docks are in.

  • Walleye – Fair: Try fishing in rock areas after sunset.

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction) (Jones)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

 

Rathbun Management District

  • Contact Person: Rathbun Fish Hatchery personnel – 641-647-2406

The lakes are ice-free. Water temperatures are in the upper 30s to low 40s. Last updated on 03/12/2026

Hawthorn Lake (Mahaska)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Target channel catfish first thing in the spring.

Lake Keomah (Mahaska)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Closed

Lake Keomah is drained for a lake restoration project. Please stay out of the lakebed.

Lake Miami (Monroe)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

The lake is ice-free. Target channel catfish on wind-blown shorelines.

Lake Sugema (Van Buren)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Channel catfish are usually the first fish to start biting in the spring.

Lake Wapello (Davis)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Channel catfish are usually the first fish to catch in the spring.

Ottumwa Park Pond South (Trout Pond) (Wapello)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable

2000 rainbow trout will be stocked on Saturday, March 21. Try small spinners or a small jig under a bobber. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Rathbun Reservoir (Appanoose)

  • Ice Condition: None
  • Water Temperature (°F): 41.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

The lake is ice-free. Lake level is 904.56 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. Boat ramps are open; campgrounds are still closed. No docks are installed. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels; clean, drain and dry your boat before going to another water body.

 

Ice-out channel catfish are biting across Iowa

Channel catfish move close to shore and are eager to bite in many lakes and large reservoirs across Iowa just after the ice is gone. The bite starts sooner in southern Iowa impoundments since they lose ice before northern Iowa lakes.

Get tips and tricks for catching ice-out catfish.

KILJ’s 2026 March Madness Bracket Challenge According to the Numbers

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, March 19th, 2026 at 1:33 pm CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- The KILJ Bracket Challenge, sponsored by the Press Box, is officially underway, and the madness has already overtaken March with a game-winning shot for Texas and 16 three pointers for Miami (Ohio) populating the first-four games. Despite the raucous play, the nearly 60 brackets turned in kept it safe.

It’s time to look at the numbers for this year’s bracket challenge!

The odds favor the overall #1-seed Duke Blue Devils, and the local community agrees with 26 of the 58 (44.5%) brackets turned in guessing that Cameron Boozer will lead the Blue Devils to their sixth National Championship. Following behind was Arizona with 12 picks as champion.

Appropriately, 20 brackets decided that it would the Wildcats meeting Duke in the championship game with the Blue Devils going 12-8 in those matchups. In terms of Final Four appearances, Duke appeared in an astonishing 46 of 58 (79.3%) brackets. The Big 12 did see their fair share of Final Four teams with Houston and Arizona getting put in 35 brackets each.

The state pride was strong with Iowa State getting picked the third-most times to win the championship, which was eight times. They were picked to make the championship game 12 times and the Final Four 25 (43%) times.

That state pride takes us to the most interesting part of March Madness: the upsets! The average amongst the Bracket Challenge masses sits at 5.6, well under the average of eight per year but right on the mark for last year’s historically “boring” opening round.

#9 Iowa proved to be the most common upset (is it really an upset?) with 46 brackets choosing the Hawkeyes over #8 Clemson. The University of Northern Iowa was the most common #12-seed picked to execute the upset with 10 brackets picking the Panthers. However, that state pride only extended to the first round as only five brackets picked Iowa to make it past the second round, but three said Iowa would make the Elite 8.

Talking more about upsets, one bracket selected 17 upsets as the clear outlier. That same bracket chose two #15-seeds to pull off the upset—the only bracket to pick at least one #15-seed upset—and had #14 Penn advance all the way to the championship game, which would be a tournament first. The next closest was #7 St. Mary’s also making the championship game for another bracket.

The #9-seed taking down the #8-seed was the most popular upset (again, upset?) with it being picked 129 times out of a possible 232, which puts the percentage at 55.6% or no longer an upset.

Of the higher-seeded teams that people had little confidence in, #6 North Carolina and #4 Nebraska, both of the south region, were picked to falter in their first-round matchup 20 times and five times, respectively. #6 Louisville is expected to fall to #11 South Florida with 13 brackets picking the upset.

The highest seeded champion picked was #3 Gonzaga. The Hoyas were selected to make the Final Four in just three of the brackets and make the championship game twice according to the local public.

Houston proved to be the most popular loser with only three national championship choices out of the 35 brackets that picked them to be in the Final Four. Still, a Big 12 national championship game was picked nine times.

The most interesting matchup though would be the one bracket that puts the sibling rivalry on full display with Michigan taking on Michigan State for the national championship. It would be just the third time in the history of the tournament that two teams from the same state faced off for the title.

As the first games come to a close through the early afternoon, brackets are already losing their perfect luster; yet the chase towards a championship persists! Stay tuned for score updates throughout the tournament.

Prep Girls’ Soccer: Part One of an Preseason Preview of Southeast Conference Soccer

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, March 19th, 2026 at 11:23 am CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- The spring sport season is upon us, ushering everyone back outside and for the girls’ and boys’ soccer teams back on the pitch. The Southeast Conference (SEC) is ready to clash again with the Burlington girls’ team and Mt. Pleasant boys’ team looking to defend their conference crowns. Here’s part one of an early preview of the SEC, as we look at the girls’ teams.

Burlington

Burlington will be aiming to make it four straight years without a loss to an SEC foe after going 9-0-1 and 13-3-2 overall last year, tying Fort Madison 0-0 before shutting the Bloodhounds out 3-0 on senior night. In fact, Burlington picked up an extra win over Fort Madison when the two dueled in the postseason with the Grayhounds sneaking out with a 1-0 victory.

In their 10 SEC duels, Burlington allowed only two goals, while scoring 65 goals. Moreover, Burlington returns six of their top seven goal scorers from last season. The toughest part will be replacing the Pender sisters as Hunter led the team in assists and goals, while Traeh was the main time goalie with an 82.6% save percentage.

Still, the Grayhounds will return four All-SEC First Teamers from last season, including their second leading goal scorer in Kiara Winski, who netted 19, and Kimberly Nelson claimed a save percentage of 89.5% in the 19 shots she saw last year. It will be tough to rock the crown off Burlington this season.

Fort Madison

The Bloodhounds were knocking on the door of upsetting Burlington—even finishing with the same overall record as them—but just could not find the back of the net against the Grayhounds. They had no problem accomplishing that against anyone else, averaging nearly five goals per game.

Nevertheless, their greatest strength was their defense. That defensive unit allowed only 63 shots on goal for an average of only 3.5 shots against per game. While the team only graduated four players from last season’s squad, one of those seniors was SEC Player of the Year in Teagan Snaadt, who led the conference with 36 goals.

Hadley Wolfe will look to step into Snaadt’s role but look for Reilynn Turnbull or Halle Menke to step up or maybe Chloe Butler, who scored three goals as a freshman last season. Ellie Hellman returns between the pipes to help keep stability in the back half of the field.

Mt. Pleasant

Injuries greatly limited the Panthers’ potential last season, as the veteran group was knocked out of the first round of postseason play in upset fashion, totaling a record of 8-6-1 and 5-5 in conference play, getting swept by Fort Madison and Burlington.

The start of the season saw plenty of highs for Mt. Pleasant as they roared out to a 4-0-1 start, scoring 25 goals to just two let up and watching Charice Auwerda break the program’s points record. However, the Panthers fell into a rut, notching only 14 goals in the final 10 games of the year.

Auwerda missed three games, Tori Wilson missed a handful of games, as did a few other Panthers. Now, Mt. Pleasant will have to bounce back after graduating all five of their All-SEC honorees, including First Team goalie Eli Heaton, who stopped over 100 shots on the season.

It is going to be open season for who will step up and fill in the empty roles left behind by the senior class.

Washington

The Demons finished the year with an above 0.500 record for the season but a 4-6 record in SEC play with a sweep of Keokuk and wins over Fairfield and Mt. Pleasant. Aptly, their goal differential for the season sat at -0.4 with an offense that struggled to score goals.

The important part for the Demons is their consistency from last season as they will return three of their top four goal scorers, including Angeline Anderson who netted nine, their leading passer in Luna Cuevas, and their starting goaltender in Aleigha Medley.

Still, the offense is going to have to learn how to score as they were shutout in six of their 14 games last season.

Fairfield and Keokuk

Since the two teams each picked up one win in conference and tied one another in their second meeting for identical 1-8-1 SEC records, we’ll put them together. The Trojans faired better outside of SEC play, putting together a record of 4-3, while Keokuk did not win another game for the year.

Each team had one senior earn a spot on the All-SEC First Team with traces of young talent ready to take over their respective programs. For Fairfield, Emma Metcalf, who led the team with nine goals, and Lexi Mast, who notched 19 points as a freshman, will be names to look out for with a returning goal stopper in Johana Mora.

Defense will have to greatly improve for Keokuk if they want a shot at coming away with a couple more victories as Relina Wong made 199 saves for the season on a 74.8% save percentage. She’s an excellent goalie but needs some help.

Darby Tackes will be the lone senior returning to the roster as she led the team with three goals for the season to go along with an assist. Part of improving the defense will be getting the offense to attempt more than just 47 shots on goal for the season.

March 19th Update on the Temporary Closure of IA Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, March 19th, 2026 at 11:21 am CDT

The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant (IAAAP) remains under a temporary, precautionary pause initiated on March 12 as experts continue a comprehensive safety review involving the removal of lead azide currently stored at the facility.

Lead azide, a chemical compound used in munitions production, is presently housed in earth-covered, explosion-proof magazines on site. The material requires specialized handling and disposal procedures to ensure safety.

“The Army will implement a multi-step plan to neutralize and dispose of the lead azide. There is no immediate danger to the public. The safety of our people and our neighbors is non-negotiable,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Nosse, commander of the plant.

IAAAP, along with its higher headquarters, the Joint Munitions Command, is coordinating with federal and state partners to address the situation. A team of leading national experts in munitions, engineering, and environmental safety has been assembled to determine the safest method for removing the material.

Officials say the Army is currently evaluating multiple options aimed at minimizing handling and reducing risk.

“We are taking proactive and responsible steps to ensure this material is safely and permanently addressed,” Nosse said. “We will communicate with our workforce, community leaders, and the public as the plan develops.”

During this process, IAAAP will maintain close coordination with local emergency management agencies, first responders, environmental regulators, and elected officials. Community members will be notified in advance of any potential impacts, including noise or temporary road closures.

At this time, there is no estimated timeline for when plant operations will resume.

Barbara J. Lampe

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, March 19th, 2026 at 11:18 am CDT

Barbara J. Lampe, 90, of Waukee, Iowa, formerly of Houghton, Iowa, entered eternal rest at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2026, with St. Croix Hospice at Deerfield Care Center in Urbandale, Iowa. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

She married the love of her life Adrian G. Lampe on June 26, 1954, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Madison, Iowa. They shared sixty-seven years of marriage together and six children. She was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton. Her faith was a constant source of comfort to her.

Barbara was born in Fort Madison, Iowa to Joseph Auge and Naomi Martin, both of Fort Madison, Iowa. She graduated from Fort Madison Public School and began her working career for Midwest Biscuit Co. in Burlington, Iowa. She later worked at Seifert’s Clothing in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa before opening her own bridal shop, The Bridal Image, which she operated from her home.

Barbara found great joy in her family, her love of fresh flowers, and their many years as snowbirds in Mesa, Arizona, and dear friends and neighbors accumulated over the years. She was an excellent cook and especially loved having her grandchildren gather in her kitchen during holidays and family celebrations. Decorating for the holidays was one of her favorite traditions. She enjoyed shopping and having her hair and nails done.

Her most cherished calling were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by her children: Kevin (Wendy) Lampe of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Brian (Anna) Lampe of Clive, Iowa, Melanie (Mark) Broadway of Adrian, Michigan, Lisa (John) Hansen of, Iowa, Lori (Michael) of Fairlie Waukee, Iowa, Ivan Gonzales of Santiago, Chile and Dallas, Texas.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ashley (Seth) Cupp, Courtney (Mike) Davidson, Misty (Nate) Kozer, Justin (Anee) Lampe, Jennifer (Justin) Domenech, Cody Lampe, Erik (Holly) Lampe, Jason (Emma) Lampe, Jordan (Kelsey) Lampe, Alaina Lampe, Meggan Broadway, Shea Hansen (Chris Hesler), Blake Hansen, Paige (Logan) Reilly, Kayla (Trevor) Smith, Alex Fairlie. Daughter-in-law: Vada Lampe Houghton, Iowa, 29 great grandchildren and one more on the way.

Barbara was further survived by her brothers: Larry (Sharon) Auge of California, Dick (Phyllis) Auge of Ohio, and sister: Kathy (Jim) Webb of Texas.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband: Adrian; son: Randy Lampe; grandsons: Kyle Hansen and Brent Broadway.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Houghton.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Houghton with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery in Houghton.

 

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