Mount Pleasant School Board Approves Howe Rooftop Contracts, 2025-26 School Calendar, and Technology Improvements

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 at 5:38 am CDT

In last night’s school board meeting, members approved key projects, including a contract with Winger Companies for a $312,275 facility upgrade to the Howe HVAC systems, set to begin March 3rd. The 2025-26 school calendar was also finalized, with classes starting August 25th.

The board gave the green light to move forward with a three-year iPad lease for students in grades K-12, aiming to enhance classroom technology. Meanwhile, the FY26 budget discussion confirmed a slight tax rate reduction, with public hearings set for March and April.

Finally, an update on district technology from Brandon Ridinger, on improvements, completed the meeting.

Facility Upgrade Contract Approved

The board reviewed and approved a contract with Winger Companies for the replacement of the Howe rooftop units. Following a competitive bid process, six contractors submitted proposals, with Winger Companies offering the lowest bid at $312,275, significantly below the engineer’s estimate. Winger has successfully completed past projects, including the high school chiller addition. The board approved the contract and a notice to proceed, with work set to begin March 3, 2025, and substantial completion expected by June 23, 2025.

2025-26 School Calendar Finalized

The board finalized the 2025-26 academic calendar, incorporating minor adjustments based on recommendations from the calendar committee. The school year will start on Monday, August 25, 2025, with professional development scheduled for the preceding days. The calendar ensures compliance with the state-mandated 1,098 instructional hours, providing 18 additional hours of flexibility. The last scheduled day for students will be May 29, 2026.

Approval to Move Forward with Apple iPad Lease

The board discussed plans for a three-year lease for student iPads, covering grades K-12. While the lease itself is not yet finalized, the board approved moving forward with the initiative. The discussion highlighted the iPads’ role in enhancing Canvas-based learning, assessment security, and classroom technology integration. Board members also considered the needs of special education students and staff training on the new devices.

Correction to January Board Minutes

A minor correction was made to the January 13th school board meeting minutes regarding a previously approved modified allowable growth request. The original amount was misstated, and the correction ensures accurate records for submission.

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Discussion

The board reviewed the proposed FY26 budget, which includes a projected total levy rate of $11.97 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, a slight reduction from the current $12.23 rate. Notably, no cash reserve levy was required, reflecting a stable financial position. Key funding allocations include:

  • Instructional support levy: Just over $1 million, with a mix of property tax and income surtax.
  • Management levy: $1 million, covering property, casualty, workers’ compensation, and early retirement costs.
  • Physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL): $1.34 per $1,000, generating approximately $924,000 for facility maintenance and upgrades.

Public hearings on the budget are scheduled for March 24 and April.

Technology Program Updates

The board received an update on the district’s technology program from Brandon Ridinger, covering infrastructure, device management, and software integration. Board members attending remotely received presentation materials via Google Meet.

MOUNT PLEASANT MUNICIPAL UTILITIES Meeting Feb 25th 4:15pm

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, February 24th, 2025 at 3:57 pm CDT

AGENDA
I.
CALL TO ORDER.
A.
Roll call.
B.
Approval of Agenda.
II.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS.
A.
Regular Board Meeting January 21st, 2025 – Approval.
III.
FINANCIAL.
A.
Approval of Warrants.
B.
Treasurer’s Report – Jody Fuller.
IV.
LEGAL COUNSEL.
A.
Attorney – Timothy J. Whipple (Ahlers & Cooney P.C.).
V.
OPERATIONS.
1.
Cedar Lane Well #7 and Water Distribution System Project – Update
a)
Board review of the associated Bid Package #1 (Well Drilling).
2.
AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) – Update
a) Board review of the replacement metering project.
3.
Hydraulic Model & Water Distribution Study – No Change
4.
Hoaglin Dr. Overhead to Underground Improvement Project – Update
a) Board review of the Hoaglin Dr. overhead to underground improvement project.
5.
Transmission System Power Supply Project – Update.
a)
Status update of the associated 69 kV transmission system power supply work.
6.
Monthly Activities.
A.
Customers.
1.
B.
Employees.
1.
Craig Schwarting
C. Other.
1.
Shane Nelson – IBEW Local 55
VI.
OTHER BUSINESS.
A. Other Business, Unscheduled for Consideration by Board of Trustees.
1.
Closed Session will convene w/ guests.
a)
Pursuant to sections of Iowa Code 388.9 to discuss marketing and pricing strategies or proprietary information.
VII.
ADJOURNMENT.
Next Regular Board Meeting: 1:00 p.m. March 18th, 2025
VIII.
Exempt Session under Iowa Code Section 20.17(3) – 2025-2026 Labor Negotiation Strategy

Devastating Fire At Feehan’s Flowers

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, February 24th, 2025 at 12:31 pm CDT

A devastating fire broke out at Feehan’s Flowers over the weekend, leaving a portion of the structure unusable and causing significant damage to the facility’s heating and electrical systems. While the cause remains undetermined, the owners suspect it may have originated from a heat source. Owner Christina Feehan spoke to KILJ about the fire.

The fire destroyed approximately 30 to 40 percent of the main greenhouse. Despite the setback, the owners are determined to move forward. Fortunately, another large greenhouse nearby remained intact, thanks to the swift actions of neighbors who used hoses to contain the flames while awaiting the fire department’s arrival.

Christina says they are already trying to rebuild “We were able to move a lot of stuff into the other greenhouse, We do have a lot of dead plants and damage, but we’re already replanting. We will be open as scheduled this year by the third week in April. We may not have as much inventory as usual, but we will rebuild.”

The local community quickly stepped up to support the family, with an especially impressive effort from a group of high school students. The owner’s son, a senior at the local high school, called on his peers for assistance. “About eight to ten students showed up, and they ran as fast as they could, grabbing plants and moving them out of harm’s way,” Christina recalled. “They went back and forth, doing everything they could to save what was left.”

While the full extent of financial loss remains uncertain, the family is awaiting further information from their insurance provider before considering next steps. In the meantime, they remain grateful for the outpouring of community support.

“People showed up that we didn’t even know—kids we don’t even know—offering to help. Every time I walked in or out, there was someone standing there with their hands open, ready to carry something. It was incredible.”

For now, the family is focused on recovery and opening on time, the third week in April.

 

Bonnie Sue Smith

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, February 24th, 2025 at 11:27 am CDT

Bonnie Sue Smith, 73, of Trenton passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at her home after a short battle with cancer.

Sue was born on December 9, 1951, in Mt. Pleasant the daughter of Ralph Theodore and Donna Faye (Woodard) Bruggemeyer.  Sue was united in marriage to Jerry L. Smith on November 24, 1990.  He preceded her in death on November 5, 2024. Sue retired from HyVee after 30+ years of service in the Customer Service Department. She enjoyed spending time with her husband Jerry working on crafts, volunteering with the Master Gardeners, and enjoyed attending her children’s, and grandchildren’s sporting events. She had many hobbies which included quilting and baking. She and Jerry enjoyed spending their winter months at their Arizona home going on walks, biking, visiting with friends, and attempting to learn pickleball.

Those thankful for sharing in Sue’s life include her children, Jason (Rebecca) Miller of Brookeland, Texas and Jesse (Tara) Miller of Ankeny, her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jacob Miller, Nathan Miller and Paige Miller, Zachary (Tori) Root, Jacob (Cecilia) Root and Joshua Root and great grandchildren, Lexi and Lawrence Root, her sisters, Cindy (Keith) Dorothy and Barb (Dean) Hamilton both of Mt. Pleasant, her step children, Doug (Diana) Smith and Jason (Debbie) Smith both of Mt. Pleasant, her step grandchildren, Kelsey (Eli) DeWitt, Kirsten (Tucker) Johnson, Kenna (Aaron) Bodenham, Emma Smith and Abby Smith, her step great grandchildren, Trice and Blakely DeWitt.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, William “Ted” Bruggemeyer, two sisters, Becky Benz, an infant sister, Radonna Lynn Bruggemeyer and one stepson, Scott Smith.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Green Mound Cemetery, rural Trenton with Pastor Jeffrey A. McPheron officiating.  Friends may call after noon on Friday, February 28, 2025 where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening.  Memorials may be directed to the Henry County Master Gardeners or to the Mt. Pleasant Little League Association in her memory.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for her arrangements.

Iowa State University Extension Office Offering Commercial Pesticide Applicator Courses in Spring 2025

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, February 24th, 2025 at 11:04 am CDT

Henry County, IA – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is set to offer continuing instruction courses for commercial pesticide applicators this spring. The courses will be held at the Henry County Extension Office and are designed to provide essential training for professionals in agricultural pest control, seed treatment, ornamental and turf pest control, and certified handling.

The training schedule is as follows:

  • February 12th – Ag Pest Control (1A, 1B, & 1C) – 9:00 AM | $45
  • February 19th – Ag Pest Control & Seed Treatment (1A, 1B, 1C & 4) – 9:00 AM | $45
  • March 5th – Ornamental and Turf Pest Control (3O, 3T, & 3OT) – 9:00 AM | $45
  • March 12th – Certified Handlers (Category H) – 9:00 AM | $45

Pre-registration is required, and interested participants can register by calling 319-385-8126. More details on the courses can be found at extension.iastate.edu/psep.

These courses provide valuable instruction for commercial pesticide applicators, ensuring they remain up to date with industry regulations and best practices.

Shana Leeann McKuen

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, February 24th, 2025 at 10:56 am CDT

Shana Leeann McKuen, 55, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Aspire of Washington in Washington, Iowa.  She was born December 2, 1969 in Columbus, Indiana to Robert and Dorothy Marie Skaggs McAnelly.

Shana was a graduate of New London High School.  She worked at HyVee in Mt. Pleasant for many years and loved doing word search puzzles and reading.

Survivors include her sons Daniel and Jacob McKuen, both of Superior, Wisconsin; her father of Columbus, Indiana; her mother of Bedford, Virginia; one sister Amber McAnelly of Virginia; and aunts, uncles and cousins.

According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfueralchapel.com.

Mount Pleasant Community High School Special Session Board Meeting

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, February 24th, 2025 at 10:42 am CDT
2/24/2025, 6:00 PM
Special Session Board Meeting
Mount Pleasant Community High School Media Center | 2104 South Grand Avenue
Add to your calendar: Google | Outlook (.ics) | Yahoo
 
Please be advised that a Special Session Board Meeting for the Mt. Pleasant CSD Board of Directors is scheduled for Monday, February 24, at 6:00 PM, in the High School Media Center.  The Agenda is attached to this email.   You may also view the Agenda and supporting documents by going to the district website:  www.mtpcsd.org,  to the “Board” tab, then to “Agenda and Minutes”.    You can then click on Meetings (on the right side), then to Meetings Listing.

Meeting Title:  2/24/2025, 6:00 PM-Special Session Board Meeting
 
Sincerely,

Cindy Smith
Administrative Assistant
Meeting Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. New Business
a. Consideration to Approve Winger Companies as Responsible Low Bid for Howe Roof Top Unit Replacement Project (Motion)
b. Consideration to Approve Contract and Notice of Award with Winger Companies for Howe Roof Top Unit Replacement Project (Motion)
c. Consideration to Approve Notice to Proceed with Winger Companies for Howe Roof Top Unit Replacement Project (Motion)
d. Consideration to Approve 2025-2026 School Year Calendar (Motion)
e. Consideration to Move Forward with Apple, Inc. 3-year Lease – Student iPad Solution (Motion)
f. Consideration to Approve Correction to January 13, 2025 School Board Meeting Minutes (Motion)
5. Work Session Items
a. FY26 Certified Budget Discussion
b. Update on District Technology Program – Brandon Ridinger, Director of Technology
c. Review 25-26 PPEL Spending Considerations
6. Adjournment

Wendell Dean Linder

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, February 24th, 2025 at 10:41 am CDT

Wendell Dean Linder, 84, of West Burlington, Iowa, died Friday, February 21, 2025 at Arbor Court, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He was born August 2, 1940 in Mt. Pleasant to Donald LeRoy and Marjorie Louise Woline Linder.

He graduated from New London high school and shortly after spent 2 years in the Army reserves. He was a member of the West Burlington Christian Church and a proud, longtime member of the Lion’s Club.

Wendell married Dorothy Ann Hoel on August 15, 1963. He was a Vice President for 34 years at the West Burlington Bank. He loved all animals especially his dogs; loved to travel and was an avid fan of Iowa Hawkeyes basketball.

Survivors include his son Ryan (Wendy) Linder of Tempe, Arizona; granddaughter Annika Linder of North Liberty; step grandchildren Taylor Smith and Troy Finney; sister-in-law Brigitte Linder; brother-in-law Bill (Linda) Hoel; nieces Julie Yoder Messer, Kathy Yoder Ringer, and Bonnie Linder; nephews Chris and Mitch Hoel, and Scott and Charles Price; as well as a host of very good friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; sons Matthew and Ross; sister Donna (Bob) Yoder; brother Jerry Linder; sister-in-law Doris Hoel Price; niece Kristina Price; and nephew Brett Hoel.

Visitation will begin at noon Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Elliott Chapel, New London, with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Graveside services will be at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 27 at Burge Cemetery, rural New London, with Pastor David Behlman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, a Go Fund Me account has been established for Animal Lifeline of Iowa or Animal Rescue League of Iowa; both no kill shelters.

Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.