Southeastern Community College Welcomes John McVey as New Athletic Director

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, May 28th, 2026 at 5:48 am CDT

West Burlington, Iowa – Southeastern Community College has named John McVey as its next Athletic Director, effective June 1. McVey succeeds Joe O’Brien, who will retire July 1 after nearly three years leading SCC athletics.

McVey, who joined SCC in 2014 as a volunteer baseball assistant, has served most recently as residence life coordinator and assistant baseball coach. His path to the AD role spans 13 years and reflects the kind of growth the college has seen across its athletics programs.

“I feel like I’ve grown up here,” McVey said. “I went from a bachelor living in a dorm to a married man with an acre of land in Iowa. This is where my heart is.”

SCC President Dr. Michael Ash praised the selection. “We are thrilled to welcome John into this role. His deep commitment to SCC athletics and his track record of building strong programs make him exactly the right person to lead our athletics department forward.”

Ash also expressed appreciation for O’Brien’s contribution to strengthening SCC athletics. “Joe set a strong foundation to allow us to continue to build and expand our programming.”

McVey takes the helm of a program that has experienced a decade of growth, going from a handful of sports to 19 men’s and women’s programs, ranging from the upstart men’s and women’s wrestling programs to a number of storied national championship-winning programs in men’s basketball, men’s baseball, men’s soccer, and women’s softball.

McVey said he plans to build on that momentum by strengthening the connection between athletics, the campus community, and the region.

“There’s no reason we can’t have the kind of success basketball and baseball and soccer have had in recent years across all our programs,” he said. “We have the right facilities and a great coaching staff. It takes someone willing to think about how we make things happen, not just what we can afford.”

He cited SCC’s history of community partnerships as a model, including agreements that have expanded facilities and created opportunities that would otherwise have taken decades to develop.

McVey also wants to close a gap he sees in how the college tells the stories of its student-athletes.

“We have 100 stories of student-athletes who not only went off to be successful in their athletic careers, but who have accomplished great things after their time at SCC,” McVey said. “People need to know them.”

McVey earned a bachelor’s degree in history and an MBA from Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida. He is originally from West Palm Beach. He and his wife, Mariah, live in the West Burlington area.

McVey is grateful for the opportunity to serve in his new role.

“I want to thank the interview committee for believing in me, Dr. Ash for the opportunity, Men’s Baseball Head Coach Justin Schulte for his leadership and mentorship over the years, and my wife Mariah for her ongoing support,” McVey said.

*Press Release from SCC*

Weekly Fuel Price Report, May 28th

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, May 28th, 2026 at 4:51 am CDT

Iowa drivers are seeing some relief at the pump this week, as gasoline and diesel prices both moved lower across the state according to the latest weekly fuel report from AAA.

Regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa dropped 16 cents over the past week and is now averaging $4.12 per gallon. Despite the weekly decline, prices remain $1.17 higher than this time last year. The national average for regular gasoline also fell, dropping 10 cents to $4.46 per gallon.

Diesel prices in Iowa saw an even larger decrease, falling 36 cents this week to an average of $4.97 per gallon. That’s still well above last year’s Iowa average of $3.33, but currently sits 61 cents below the national diesel average of $5.58.

Crude oil prices also moved sharply lower this week. West Texas Intermediate crude fell nearly $18 per barrel to $89.87, while Brent crude dropped nearly $10 to $95.64 per barrel. One year ago, WTI crude was priced at $61.61 and Brent crude at $64.32.

Meanwhile, natural gas prices rose slightly this week, climbing 11 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site to $3.13 per million British thermal units.

AAA also reminds consumers that tips for saving energy on the road and at home are available through the U.S. Department of Energy and FuelEconomy.gov.

Mount Pleasant Public Improvement Committee Meeting, May 27th

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 at 1:50 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Public Improvement Committee will meet Wednesday, May 27th, 2026, at 4:00PM in the City Administrators’ Conference Room.
AGENDA
1. Call to order
2. Discuss Building Plan & Estimate for Building Located at 401 E Monroe Street with Architect
3. Discuss Brent Schleisman’s Memorial Project
4. Open Forum
5. Adjourn

E. Richard Fullerton

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 at 1:40 pm CDT

E. Richard Fullerton, 81, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, May 24, 2026 at Soldiers and Sailors Care Center, Mt. Pleasant. He was born October 31, 1944 in Columbus Junction to Lavon W. and Corinne E. Peters Fullerton. On October 2, 1966, at the New London Presbyterian Church, he married Anna Marie Crockett. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant.

He was a 1963 graduate of New London High School and attended the University of Illinois where he studied Horology and Micro Precision Technology, took some first year engineering courses, and math and drafting composition.  He took a nine month course and became a licensed watchmaker. He entered the National Guard in 1965, became full time in 1973 and retired as a 1st Sgt. in 2004.  Highlights in his military career were performing with the 34th Army Band out of Fairfield, setting up tours at Camp Dodge from 1986 – 2004, for eight years being an emergency trainer with GESAC, and the last four years before retiring, heading up the drug testing program.

As a young man, he apprenticed with Arnold DeJaynes, later buying DeJaynes Jewelers in New London and owned and operated Fullerton Jewelry for several years, also working at jewelry stores in Monticello and Anamosa.  He enjoyed wintering in Texas; traveling with his wife, Anna with highlights to Israel, Hawaii and Alaska; and volunteering at Dover Museum, New London Specialty Care and Sunnybrook.  He was an ING alumni and enjoyed working for Duke Crawford when he was the pastor at Calvary Baptist Church.  He was a member of the Ella Baker Neighborhood Club which was founded by Grandma Peters’ mother.  Gram Peters influenced his love of flowers and he won many blue ribbons and best of show in floral composition at the Louisa County Fair.

He is survived by his wife, Anna of Mt. Pleasant; two sons, Daniel Fullerton of Des Moines and James (Jenn) Fullerton of Chicago; two granddaughters, Miranda Bramble and Ashley Hellweg; three great-grandchildren, Brexton, Baylor and Wrenley; former daughter-in-law Alysia Fullerton; one sister Julia (Eddie) Johnson of New London; sister-in-law Diane Fullerton of Broomfield, Colorado; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son Jon who died April 14, 2026; brother Tom Fullerton; brother-in-law Mike Kelly; and his beloved Mother-in-law Lucille Crockett.

Visitation will begin at noon on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Elliott Chapel, New London, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.  A Celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, June 3rd at Calvary Baptist Church, Mt. Pleasant, with Dr. David Strope officiating.

A memorial has been established for Dover Museum, New London.  According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and inurnment will be held at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Adel, Iowa at a later date.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

All God’s Creatures is Making a Difference in Henry County

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 at 10:16 am CDT

All God’s Creatures Animal Shelter in Mount Pleasant is celebrating a strong start to 2026 while continuing efforts to support animals across Henry County and Southeast Iowa.

In the shelter’s May newsletter, organizers thanked the community for its continued support through trivia nights, rummage sales, donations, volunteer work, and other fundraising events held during the first quarter of the year.

Shelter leaders shared that the support helps provide food, medical care, shelter, and second chances for dogs and cats waiting for permanent homes.

The newsletter also spotlighted several long-term resident cats currently looking for adoption, including Lyra, Frankie, Jo, and Noir.

Jo
Jo
Frankie
Frankie
Noir
Noir
Lyra
Lyra

Another major focus highlighted in the newsletter is the shelter’s ongoing effort to support a Trap-Neuter-Return program, commonly known as TNR. The program is designed to humanely manage outdoor cat populations by trapping cats, having them spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and then safely returning them to their outdoor homes.

According to the shelter, expanding TNR efforts could help reduce unwanted litters, lower overpopulation, and improve the health and safety of community cat populations throughout the area.

All God’s Creatures is also preparing for its upcoming “Creature’s Classic” golf tournament fundraiser scheduled for June 6th. The event will help raise money for shelter operations and continued animal care programs.

The shelter emphasized that community involvement remains essential to continuing its mission and encouraged residents to volunteer, donate, attend events, or consider adopting a pet.

More information about adoptions, volunteering, donations, or upcoming events can be found at All God’s Creatures Animal Shelter.

Henry County Board of Supervisors, May 28th

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 at 9:20 am CDT

Henry County Supervisors

100 East Washington St. Ste. 202

Mt Pleasant, IA  52641

Email: supervisors@henrycountyiowa.us

Chad White, Chairman                 Marc Lindeen, Member              Steven Detrick, Vice-Chair

        319-981-4614                                   319-981-4615                                    319-981-4612________

REVISED AGENDA

Board of Supervisor

Thursday, May 28, 2026

9:00 a.m.

  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  2. Roll Call of Members and Secretary
  3. Approval of Consent Agenda
  4. Approval of Board Minutes.
  5. Approval of financial claims for payment.

 

  1. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  2. Discussion & Possible Action on Employee Retirement Program
  3. All Space follow up with Erin Brandt from 22 May
    1. Revision 3 coming
  1. No estimated costs yet.
    1. Hold 3 Board of Supervisor meetings held at Emergency Management prior to any decision to move, Schedule all 3.
  1. June 18, evening meeting held Emergency Management (3rd Thursday of month).
  2. Review P&Z Manager’s plans for retirement.
    1. Schneider update (Sarah Dickmeyer, 19 May).

 

  1. 5. NEW BUSINESS
  2. Secondary Roads Weekly Update, Office Manager Tracy Sammons
  • Motion – 19-2026-20 Set date for receiving bids for petroleum products
  1. Hub International, Adam Kerns Henry County Work Comp Renewal.
  2. Approval Resolution #12–2026Resolution to Reallocate ARPA Funds to County Records Digitalization Costs.
  3. Departmental Budget are for FY2026 Amendment Hearing June 11, 2026,

9:00 a.m.

    1. Criteria
  1. Update on County Financial Status.

 

  1. COMMITTEE UPDATES

White –

Detrick –

Lindeen –

 

  1. OTHER BUSINESS
  2. Discussion on Picnic table on Courthouse grounds

 

 

  1. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Note: The Board welcomes public comments on items not listed on the agenda. You are asked to state your name and address for the record and limit your comment to 3 minutes per person to allow opportunity for others to speak.

 

  1. Adjourn

Sports, May 27th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 at 6:43 am CDT

High School Golf

Day one of the boys’ Class 1A state tournament is over from Newton and Winfield-Mt. Union is positioned in 10th place with a team score of +53. Cody Milks leads the Wolves as he shot 7-over par for the day to be tied for 14th place. Konner Kinneberg (+14) and Nick Sparrow (+15) both finished the day in the top 50, individually. Hillcrest Academy’s Rowan Miller carded an +11 for day one to be tied for 34th place. 

The boys’ Class 2A state tournament from Waterloo has Central Lee slotted at 7th place after day one with the team shooting 36-over for the course, while Mediapolis is sitting in 12th place after a round of 54-over par. The Hawks leaned on consistency with their top four golfers all finishing inside the top 35, as Caleb Larson led the way tied for 23rd place, shooting a round of 79. 

Mediapolis’ Kohen Stotlar is tied for 29th place with Central Lee’s Caleb Morrison after both carding an 81. Sam Yonker of Burlington Notre Dame claimed a 10-over par and is tied for 34th place. Both the Class 1A and Class 2A state tournaments will conclude today. 

The girls’ Class 1A state meet is scheduled to take place at Cedar Pointe Golf Course in Boone tomorrow, May 28th, with Highland and Wapello’s Emmalin Marshall competing. 

Burlington Notre Dame’s Alexandria Booten will be heading to the American Legion Golf Course in Marshalltown tomorrow for the girls’ Class 2A state meet. 

The girls’ Class 3A state meet will take place in Cedar Falls at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course tomorrow with Fort Madison’s Kylie Lumino participating.

High School Postseason Soccer

In Class 1A Substate 5, the Mediapolis boys’ team will take on Pella Christian tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

The Danville boys’ team will travel to Burlington Notre Dame tonight at 7 pm.

In Substate 6, the Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will hit the road to play Tipton tonight at 7 pm. 

Over in Class 2A Substate 4, the Washington boys’ team will square off against Mt. Vernon tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

The Fairfield boys’ team will look to knock off Solon in the substate semifinals tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

In Class 3A Substate 4, the Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will host Pella tonight at 5 pm.

In Class 1A Region 2, the Fairfield girls’ team rocked Central Lee last night, 11-1, as Lexi Mast netted six goals for the Trojans. Evelyn Adkins scored the lone goal for the Hawks. 

Fairfield will travel to Regina Catholic tomorrow, May 28th, with a 7 pm start time. 

The Wapello girls’ team shocked Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union with a 2-1 victory on the road last night to advance in the bracket. Kambrie Miller scored both goals and Reese Connolly saved 27 shots in the winning effort. The Arrows will face off against Assumption on the road tomorrow at 7 pm. 

The Burlington Notre Dame girls’ team will face off against Mediapolis and Washington will travel to Mid-Prairie with both games scheduled to start tomorrow at 7 pm.

For Class 2A Region 4, the Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will tangle with Davenport North tomorrow at 7 pm and Fort Madison will host Keokuk with the winner advancing to play Burlington on June 2nd. 

High School Boys’ Tennis

The Iowa High School State Singles and Doubles tournament is slated to start today from Waterloo and Mt. Pleasant’s pair of Sawyer Fulton and Max Heater will take on Trevin Sutton and Brayden VanHorn of Pella for their first round matchup, while Fort Madison’s Rowan Benda will tangle with Luke Daoust of Shenandoah in his first-round contest. 

High School Baseball

Van Buren County fell to Central Lee’s bats last night, 13-5. Blake Davis generated a team leading two RBIs on three walks and a sacrifice. The Warriors will face off against Mediapolis tomorrow, May 28th, at 7 pm at home.

Fairfield will travel to Central Lee tonight at 7 pm. 

Burlington Notre Dame clobbered Danville last night, 16-0. The Nikes will square off against Central Lee tomorrow at 7 pm at home. 

Danville will host Highland tomorrow at 7 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant fell to Clear Creek Amana last night, 5-2. Grayson Lowery smacked a double, while Cadin Beavers tabbed the lone RBI. The Panthers will travel to Muscatine on Friday, May 29th, at 5 pm. 

Washington dropped their contest to Highland last night, 10-6. 

West Burlington outlasted the scoring marathon last night against Winfield-Mt. Union, scoring five runs in the 6th inning in a 15-9 final. Cale Burgus and Gavin Prior each collected two RBIs in the loss. 

West Burlington will take on Burlington tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will hit the road to play Louisa-Muscatine at 7 pm tomorrow. 

In a close contest, Mediapolis defeated New London last night, 4-2. Kyler Crow fanned 15 on the mound in 5.2 innings of work. The Tigers will look to bounce back tonight against Keokuk with first pitch at 5:30 pm on the road. 

Mediapolis will welcome Wilton tonight at 7 pm. 

Wapello will square off against Hillcrest Academy tomorrow at 7 pm at home.

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant and Oskaloosa scored a combined 12 runs in the sixth inning, but the Panthers’ comeback bid was cut short in a 12-8 loss last night. Paityn Ensminger led the offense with a pair of RBIs. 

Mt. Pleasant will host Central Lee tonight at 7 pm. 

New London dropped their contest to Mediapolis last night, 5-1. Kenna Jankowski clobbered a double for two RBIs in the winning effort. The Tigers will square off against West Burlington/Notre Dame at home at 7 pm tomorrow, May 28th. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame was shutout by West Liberty last night, 12-0. 

Mediapolis will travel to Van Buren County tomorrow at 7 pm. 

Wapello demolished Columbus last night, 17-4. The Wildcats will head to WACO tomorrow for a 7 pm start time. 

Wapello will take on Hillcrest Academy tomorrow at 7 pm at home. 

Holy Trinity Catholic fell to Danville last night, 2-1. The Bears will play Highland tomorrow at 7 pm at home. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will look for their first win tonight in a home doubleheader against Keokuk with game one at 5:30 pm. 

Washington was clobbered by Clear Creek Amana last night, 13-0. The Demons will compete against Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont tonight at 7 pm at home. 

Fairfield will host Van Buren County tonight at 7:30 pm. 

Local Summer Athletic Camps

Mt. Pleasant girls’ basketball is offering up a camp for any girls’ basketball players entering 3rd through 12th grades from June 23rd through the 25th located at the Mt. Pleasant High School Gym. The camp will focus on the fundamentals and introduce team concepts employed by the high school’s system.

If you would like to sign-up, then follow this link and fill out the form: https://kilj.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mp-girls-bball-camp.pdf  

New London is holding a girls’ basketball camp for girls entering grades 4th through 8th grade starting on June 1st and running through the 3rd from 1 to 3 pm with lunch provided at noon. If you have any questions, then contact Austin Burns at austin.burns@nlcsd.org.

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees handled the Normal CornBelters last night, 9-3. Kila Teixeira tabbed two hits and three RBIs in the win. The Bees will start a five-game road trip tonight against the Champion City HalfTrax at 5:05 pm. 

The Clinton LumberKings fell to the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp last night, 3-0. The LumberKings will hit the road to play the CornBelters at 6:30 pm tonight. 

This Day in Sports History

1960 – Baltimore manager Paul Richards devises an oversized catcher’s mitt used by Baltimore Oriole Clint Courtney.

1968 – George Halas retires from coaching, finishing with 318 regular-season wins and 6 NFL titles.

1981 – Lenny Randle tries to blow a ground ball foul but the umpire says no.

Fort Madison Man Facing Charges Following Knife Incident at Burlington Bar

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 at 6:24 am CDT

A Fort Madison man is facing multiple charges following an alleged disturbance involving a knife at a Burlington bar last month.

According to court records, 21-year-old Seth Ryan Fletcher was arrested by the Burlington Police Department on April 29th following an incident at The Outpost on Mount Pleasant Street.

Police were dispatched to the bar shortly after midnight for reports of a fight involving a knife. Officers say Fletcher told them he pulled the knife after two individuals approached him with a beer bottle following an argument on the bar’s back patio.

However, according to the criminal complaint, two victims told officers Fletcher became aggressive during the confrontation, removed his shirt, and pulled a knife from his pocket while threatening to kill one of them.

The complaint states one of the individuals distracted Fletcher while the other tackled him to the ground, allowing other bar patrons to remove the knife from his possession.

Police also reviewed surveillance video from the incident. According to court records, the footage showed Fletcher attempting to slam one of the victims to the ground before later pulling the knife and making threats.

Fletcher was charged with assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, first-degree harassment, and disorderly conduct.

He was later released from custody on his own recognizance. As of Monday, no next court date had been listed in court records.