Mount Pleasant City Council Holds Public Hearing on Zoning Change, Prepares for Major Project Bids

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, August 14th, 2025 at 7:07 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council covered a range of topics during its recent regular meeting, from a zoning code update prompted by a letter from the ACLU to preparations for bidding on significant infrastructure projects.

The meeting opened with routine consent agenda approvals before moving into a 5:30 p.m. public hearing on proposed changes to Appendix D, Chapter 38 of the city’s zoning code, which regulates the M-1 Limited Industrial District. City staff explained that the amendment is in response to a letter from the ACLU, which objected to part of the city’s definition or phrasing of “adult cabaret.”

In other business, the council authorized the mayor to sign an amended engineering services agreement Klinger & Associates for the Second Baptist Church property project. The agreement adjusts costs as the project moves toward the construction phase, including an increase of roughly $7,000 for additional design work and updated construction estimates.

The council also approved a resolution ordering bids for the Second Baptist Church project, with bids due September 9 at 11 a.m. The bid results will be reviewed at the September 10 council meeting before deciding whether to proceed.

Additional actions included:

  • Airport land lease: Approving a resolution to terminate the current farm lease on airport property and open bidding for a new lease, following increased interest from potential renters.
  • Platting review waiver: Waiving the city’s right to review a preliminary and final plat for property east of the Mount Pleasant Country Club. The land lies within two miles of city limits, giving the city review authority, but the council chose to defer to Henry County unless future subdivision occurs.

Public Works reported progress on upcoming airport improvements, with grant funding secured and pre-construction activity expected after the Old Threshers Reunion.

2025 Henry County Health Center Foundation Grants Available

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, August 14th, 2025 at 7:05 am CDT

Henry County Health Center Foundation welcomes applicants for the 2025 Foundation Grant Program. The HCHC Foundation seeks to deploy financial resources to groups and organizations focused on a healthier future for Henry County Communities. The grant opportunities have doubled this year to $20,000, an intentional strategy to bring an increased impact to awardees.

The Foundation will fund projects in six health related priority areas: STEM, Health Education, Health Programming, Workforce Development, Workforce Recruitment, and Capacity Building. Those seeking funds should submit applications to HCHC Foundation by Friday, September 15, 2025.

Application information is available on the HCHC Foundation web page listed here: www.henrycountysoldiersandsailors.com/hchc-foundation in the “Grant Application Process” section.

After uploading your application, click submit to send electronically or print the application and mail to Henry County Health Center Foundation, 407 S. White Street, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641.

The HCHC Foundation remains a leading steward of financial resources focused on the future of healthcare and quality of life in our Henry County communities.

“Investing in Henry County is what we are here to do,” HCHC Foundation Director Savannah Collins said. “Building relationships, hearing the success stories of previous awardees, and supporting future local initiatives will continue to be a focus of our investment back into the community.”

Consideration for funding will be given to proposals which closely align with the Foundation’s mission, have the potential to achieve both the objectives of the applicant organization and program goals of the Foundation, and have the potential for long-term impact and sustainability in the community.

For additional details please contact Savannah Collins at the HCHC Foundation at 319-385-6541 or scollins@greatriverhealth.org.

Sports, August 14th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, August 14th, 2025 at 6:26 am CDT

High School Girls’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Burlington tonight.

Burlington Notre Dame will make the trip to Davis County tonight.

Fairfield will face off against Fort Madison at home tonight.

High School Volleyball

New London and Danville will head over to Burlington Notre Dame today for a scrimmage. 

Holy Trinity Catholic is aiming to make their fifth consecutive trip to the state tournament, despite losing two four-year starters in Anna Bendlage and Teagan Snaadt. For head coach Melissa Freesmeier, the next class is just as hungry to make their mark for this prolific program,

“You know it’s been great. It’s just awesome to see the younger kids looking up to the older kids and you know, every year they want to be as good as a team before them. So, they come into the gym. It’s a culture that is hard work and winning. And you know, it just never changes and it’s just, you know, that’s a compliment to the players who have done all the great things through the years and the parents who have supported them and our community.”

High School Cross Country

Columbus will be holding a Run-A-Thon fundraiser at the Columbus Community High School Track on Thursday, August 21st, from 4 to 6 pm to raise money for new uniforms and warmups. If you would like to donate, then find a member of the Columbus cross country team. 

Meet the Players Night

Mt. Pleasant will host their “Meet the Panthers” Night on August 19th at the Mapleleaf Athletic Complex. The concession stand will be open for the night, starting at 6 pm. The booster club announcement will kick off the festivities at 6:30 pm followed by the introductions of the fall sport teams: cross country, girls’ tennis, football, volleyball, and the fall cheerleaders. The cheerleaders will perform at 6:50 pm, afterward the football team will stage a practice to finish the night. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will hold their Meet the Players night on August 21st at 6:30 pm located at the Winfield-Mt. Union track. There will be a free will donation dinner starting at 5:50 pm.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Last night was the season premier of the Southeast Iowa Playbook. Head football coaches Chad Edeker of WACO and Scott McCarty of Winfield-Mt. Union gave their thoughts about their teams and District 5, which will field four playoff teams from last year. 

The Wolves have watched four Division I talents graduate from their program over the last two years and while that might be tough to replace, Coach McCarty also believes it gives future Wolves something to strive for,

 “I’d like to think that it’s been a positive impact, you know and I’m not going to blow any smoke, those kids, they absolutely earned it. You know, they did what they were asked to do and then they went above and beyond and everybody that’s played sports knows that you know everybody practices. It’s what you do outside of practice that’s going to make you a better or an elite player and… I’m hoping that that is the kind of work ethic that they’ve passed down to some of our kids. And we’re seeing it in some of our young kids, you know, by going to camps and doing extra workouts and things like that. So, I’m hoping that’s the legacy that those guys have passed on. Is, you know, everybody does what they’re supposed to do, you know, during practice time, that’s every team across the state, right? It’s what you do outside of it that’s going to separate you, and I think that’s starting to pay off for us.”

To listen to the full episode, follow the provided link: 8 Player District 5 Preview

Prospect League

The Manager of the Year award was issued yesterday to the Clinton LumberKings’ skipper Jack Dahm. Under his leadership, the LumberKings won 34 games and finished the year as the Northwest Division Champions and one game short of the championship game. The LumberKings led the league in batting average and top five in doubles, hits, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage. 

The team announced on Tuesday that Dahm will be stepping down from his position and accepting the manager position with the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod Baseball League. 

This Day in Sports History

1936 – The United States beats Canada, 19-8, in poor conditions outdoors to win the gold medal in the inaugural men’s basketball competition at the Olympic Games in Berlin.

1959 – The first American Football League meeting is held in Chicago; charter memberships handed to Dallas, New York, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles and Minneapolis-Saint Paul; ‘AFL’ named following week.

2016 – Usain Bolt wins the Olympic 100-meter gold medal in 9.81 seconds at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics – first man to win the event three times.

Heather Diana Farmer

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at 3:06 pm CDT

Heather Diana Farmer, 47, a resident of Douds, passed away Sunday, August 10, 2025 at her home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family and sent to 14212 Rte. V64, Douds, Iowa 52551. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Heather was born June 17, 1978 in Washington, Iowa, the daughter of William and Diana (Jacobs) Farmer. Heather graduated from Washington High School in 1996. She served her country in the Iowa National Guard from 1996 – 2001 as a Specialist First Class in the 134th Medical Company – Ground Ambulance.

Heather worked as an assistant manager for Casey’s at the west location in Fairfield. She loved Mountain Dew, and enjoyed reading, singing, and watching WWE with her family.

Those left to honor her memory include her fiancé, Chuck Engle of Douds; children, Kodi Farmer-Riley and Savana Farmer-Riley, both of Douds; granddaughter, Emily McElderry; and her parents, Bill and Diana farmer of Brighton.

She was preceded in death by her son, Lucas McElderry; and brother, Jim Jenkins.

Online condolences may be made to Heather’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

The Burlington Bees Net Four on the Western Conference All-Star Team

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at 9:00 am CDT

Burlington, IA- The Burlington Bees had their best season since joining the Prospect League in 2021, collecting 33 wins and a playoff berth. The Bees went on a tear in the second half of the season, going 18-3 after a 1-4 start to July including an 8-game winning streak to end the regular season.

A big reason for that turnaround was the success of four players, who were named to the end of season Western Conference All-Star Team.

Cole Yearsley found a spot after leading the league in batting average at 0.416 and on-base percentage at a high clip of 0.558. 

Kooper Schulte was an RBI machine in his rookie season with the Bees as he finished third in the league with 48 RBIs, while finishing first in triples and second in extra-base hits with 20 for the season. His season began with an Opening Day cycle as he led the league in hits and ranked third in defensive assists. 

Mason Schwalbach batted 0.392 in his 22 games where he accrued 20 RBIs in that span. He ended the season on a 14-game hitting streak.

Lastly, Kaelen Clarkson finished the year with a 2.75 ERA across eight starts for the Bees, striking out 29 batters. Clarkson was on a three-game win streak to end the regular season. 

Parasite Patrol Program Coming to Mt. Pleasant – Learn to Master Fecal Egg Counts for Healthier Herds

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at 8:08 am CDT

Mt. Pleasant, Iowa — Goat and sheep producers across Southeast Iowa will have the opportunity to sharpen their herd health management skills at Parasite Patrol: Mastering Fecal Egg Counts for Healthier Goat Herds and Sheep Flocks, a hands-on educational workshop aimed at improving livestock well-being through practical parasite control.

The program, offered through a collaboration between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension, will take place Tuesday, September 24, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Henry County Extension Office. A light snack will be provided.

Internal parasites are among the most persistent and damaging health challenges facing small ruminants, and this training will give producers the tools to address them effectively. Participants will gain first-hand experience in fecal egg count (FEC) techniques — a valuable method for monitoring parasite levels and guiding targeted treatments.

Workshop topics include:

  • How to conduct fecal egg counts on the farm
  • Understanding parasite lifecycles and drug resistance
  • Identifying common parasite eggs using microscopes
  • Implementing integrated parasite control strategies

By learning and applying FEC methods, producers can reduce unnecessary deworming, measure treatment effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions that protect animal health and improve productivity.

Because space is limited to allow for in-depth, hands-on participation, early registration is encouraged.

For more information or to register, contact the Henry County Extension Office at 319-385-8126.

Henry County Conservation Seeking Vendors for “Wine Walk in the Woods” Fundraiser

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at 8:06 am CDT

Henry County Conservation is inviting crafters, vendors, and businesses to take part in their upcoming Wine Walk in the Woods fundraiser, set for Tuesday, September 16th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Oakland Mills Park.

Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their products, services, or crafts while guests enjoy a scenic evening stroll through the park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their favorite wine to sip along the walk. A $5 donation will be collected, with all proceeds going toward the care of Henry County Conservation’s live animals.

This unique event offers a relaxed, nature-filled setting for businesses and artisans to connect with the community while supporting local conservation efforts.

Those interested in reserving a spot can contact Kendall with the conservation department at 319-931-5228.

Sports, August 13th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Girls’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Burlington tomorrow, August 14th.

Burlington Notre Dame will make the trip to Davis County tomorrow.

Fairfield will face off against Fort Madison at home tomorrow.

High School Volleyball

New London and Danville will head over to Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow, August 14th, for a scrimmage. 

High School Cross Country

Columbus will be holding a Run-A-Thon fundraiser at the Columbus Community High School Track on Thursday, August 21st, from 4 to 6 pm to raise money for new uniforms and warmups. If you would like to donate, then find a member of the Columbus cross country team. 

Meet the Players Night

Mt. Pleasant will host their “Meet the Panthers” Night on August 19th at the Mapleleaf Athletic Complex. The concession stand will be open for the night, starting at 6 pm. The booster club announcement will kick off the festivities at 6:30 pm followed by the introductions of the fall sport teams: cross country, girls’ tennis, football, volleyball, and the fall cheerleaders. The cheerleaders will perform at 6:50 pm, afterward the football team will stage a practice to finish the night. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will hold their Meet the Players night on August 21st at 6:30 pm located at the Winfield-Mt. Union track. There will be a free will donation dinner starting at 5:50 pm.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

WACO and Winfield-Mt. Union have each sent a team to the UNI-Dome over the past three years, claiming district titles in those respective years. For the Warriors, they are attempting to make it five straight winning seasons, having advanced past the first round of the playoffs in their last four trips. While the Wolves have made it to the playoffs the last three years.

With the season set to start in two weeks, tune in to KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, tonight at 6 pm for a new episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook as WACO head coach Chad Edeker and Winfield-Mt. Union head coach Scott McCarty talk about their preseason work and expectations for the upcoming season.

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees clinched a playoff berth for the first time since entering the Prospect League in 2021 this past season and the team was awarded with four players named to the end of season Western Conference All-Star Team.

Cole Yearsley found a spot after leading the league in batting average at 0.416 and on-base percentage at a high clip of 0.558. 

Kooper Schulte was an RBI machine in his rookie season with the Bees as he finished third in the league with 48 RBIs, while finishing first in triples and second in extra-base hits with 20 for the season. 

Mason Schwalbach batted 0.392 in his 22 games where he accrued 20 RBIs in that span. He ended the season on a 14-game hitting streak.

Lastly, Kaelen Clarkson finished the year with a 2.75 ERA across eight starts for the Bees, striking out 29 batters. Clarkson was on a three-game win streak to end the regular season. 

College Football

Iowa had seniors Gennings Dunker, Aaron Graves, and Logan Jones named to the Lombardi Award watch list. The award is given to the college player who best embodies the spirit of legendary head coach Vince Lombardi. 

Dunker and Jones will be looking to pave the way for a Hawkeye rushing attack that gained 2,564 yards last year and allowed only 17 sacks for the season. Jones was named to the All-Big Ten First Team last year, while Dunker made the Second Team.

Graves will look to continue burying quarterbacks in the backfield after notching six sacks last season to go along with eight tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. He was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention last season.

This Day in Sports History

1910 – The Brooklyn Superbas and the Pittsburgh Pirates play “the game of perfect symmetry” in baseball to tie 8-8 as both have 13 hits, 2 errors, 12 assists, 5 strikeouts, 3 walks, 1 hit baseman, and 1 passed ball.

1932 – Yankees hurler Red Ruffing became the first MLB pitcher since 1906 to hit an extra-inning, game-winning home run in New York’s 1-0 win over the Senators in Washington.

1993 – Blue Jay Rickey Henderson pays Turner Ward $25,000 to wear his #24.