Registration Open for 2025 Big Hollow Boat Battle

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 at 7:44 am CDT

Registration is now open for the 2025 Big Hollow Boat Battle, set for Saturday, June 8, 2025, at Big Hollow Beach in Sperry, IA. This fun-filled event challenges teams to build and race cardboard boats while raising funds to support community programs.

With a $25,000 fundraising goal, teams will compete for top honors, including the Captain’s Award for most dollars raised and the People’s Choice Award for most individual donors. Will your boat sail to victory or sink in style?

Registration closes on June 1st.

Sign up HERE and join the battle

Sports, February 25th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Boys’ Postseason Basketball

For Class 3A Substate 6, the top of the bracket paired two Panther squads against one another in the #1-seed #3 Knoxville hosting the #8-seed Mt. Pleasant and it was Knoxville who ran away with the victory in the second half, winning 61-39. Mt. Pleasant battled through the first half even taking a 16 to 14 lead into the second quarter after Ryan Helling knocked down a three at the buzzer; unfortunately, the offense just could keep pace for the rest of the contest. Helling led the way with 10 points followed by Isaiah Lange with nine points. Mt. Pleasant finished the season with a 2-20 record. 

Fort Madison jumped on Washington early, outscoring the Demons 21 to 5 in the first quarter to eventually go on to win 72-50. Darius Foy dominated the paint to the tune of 17 points for the Bloodhounds, while Logan McDole scored 23 points for the Demons. Knoxville will host Fort Madison on Thursday, February 27th, at 7 pm.

In the bottom half of the bracket, Fairfield held tough with Mt. Vernon, but proved unable to tame the Mustangs, falling 66-57. The Trojans ended the season with a 6-16 record. 

Keokuk kept Oskaloosa at arms-length, picking up a 49-43 win to advance to the substate semifinals. The Chiefs will travel to Mt. Vernon on Thursday at 7 pm.

For Class 1A Substate 4 District 8, Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against #10 Burlington Notre Dame for the district championship tonight at 7 pm at Central Lee. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

For Class 2A Substate 5: District 9, #10 West Burlington will compete against Mid-Prairie for the district championship tonight at 7 pm at Mt. Pleasant High School.

High School Girls’ Postseason Basketball

In Class 2A Region 2, Danville will compete against #2 Regina Catholic tomorrow, February 26th, at 7 pm at Muscatine High School for the regional championship. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. Bears head coach Matt Morris is eager to see how his team will compete against the Regals,

“You know, they got three kids that can really put the ball on the ground and rack it and shoot it. So, we’re gonna have to work hard on the perimeter and we’re going to work on team defense. Really, just, executing and working as a group. It’s going to take a total team effort. I mean that teams got a lot of experience. They’ve been to state. We haven’t, but super proud of our kids and it’s just a great opportunity for our kids, our team, and our school, and our community to, you know, rally together and do it one more time.”

High School Bowling

The state bowling tournament began yesterday with the Burlington boys’ team entering as the 7th seed and the Keokuk girls’ team looking to repeat as the Class 2A champions as the #2-seed.

On the boys’ side, Burlington defeated Denison-Schleswig in the consolation semifinals 3-1 to set up a matchup against the #8-seed Norwalk for the 5th place match. The Grayhounds fell behind early before forcing a fourth game; unfortunately, it was not enough to overcome Norwalk as Burlington claimed 6th place. 

For the girls’ Class 2A team bowling tournament, Keokuk overcame an early 1 to 0 deficit to defeat Decorah 3-1 and advance to the championship match to take on the #1-seed LeMars. The Chiefs were in trouble early after losing the first two games, but they are champs for a reason, winning the last three games 234-208, 212-164, and 206-193 to hoist back-to-back Class 2A team titles.  

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will have Madalyn Millard and Bethany Drury bowl individually today along with Jaelynn Ketterer, Sophie Rule, Natalie Alberts, and Addison Spicer for Keokuk. Pray Lawson of Keokuk will bowl individually for the boys’ Class 2A tournament.

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The men’s basketball team will travel to Sauk Valley Community College tomorrow, February 26th, at 7 pm.

College Basketball

The #9 Iowa State men’s team will play Oklahoma State tonight at 7 pm on the road.

The Iowa men’s team will travel to Illinois tonight at 8 pm.

The Iowa women’s team will square off against Michigan tomorrow, February 26th, at 6 pm on the road.

The Iowa State women’s team will take on UCF on the road tonight at 6 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1924 – Marie Boyd scored 156 points in a Maryland High School basketball game (163-3).

1941 – The Boston Bruins set a then-NHL record of 23-game unbeaten streak (15-0-8).

2019 – Caitlin Clark sets the Class 5A state tournament single-game scoring record with 42 points in a game for Dowling Catholic High School against Waukee High School, winning in triple overtime.

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.