Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley (R-New Hartford) has announced that Representative Jeff Shipley (R-Birmingham) will serve as Chair of the Iowa House International Relations Committee for the upcoming 2026 Legislative Session. 

“I am honored for this opportunity provided by Speaker Pat Grassley to serve as Chair of the International Relations Committee,” said Shipley. “I am excited for the chance to present the great state of Iowa to the world. I look forward to continuing the work to build the Iowa House’s relationships with other countries.” 

Shipley is currently serving his fourth term in the Iowa House. The 2026 Legislative Session is scheduled to convene on January 12, 2026. 

The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Candidate Forum on Wednesday, October 15, at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, sponsored by Freeman Kevenides Law Firm. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the program starting at 5:00 p.m. 

The schedule includes a social hour (5:00–5:30 p.m.), followed by the mayoral forum with Connie Boyer and Doug Flournoy (5:45–6:45 p.m.), a Fairfield Schools bond session with Superintendent Zach Wigle (6:45–7:15 p.m.), and the Ward 2 council forum with Paul Gandy and Matthew W. Johnson (7:15–8:15 p.m.). 

Mendy McAdams, Chamber Executive Director, will moderate. The event is free and open to the public, with civility expected throughout. 

For details, contact the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce at 641-472-2111 or visit FairfieldIowa.com 

Next Saturday, young hunters have a chance to experience the thrill of the hunt at the Youth Pheasant Hunt, hosted in partnership with the Aldo Leopold Pheasants Forever Chapter. 

This event is open to children ages 15 and under, offering a safe and fun environment to learn about pheasant hunting and wildlife conservation. 

Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP by calling 319-753-5808. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect with nature and sharpen your hunting skills! 

The New London City Council will hold its regular meeting on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the City Office, 112 West Main Street, with Mayor Kirk Miller presiding. 

The meeting will include a public hearing on Ordinance #86, which updates stop and yield requirements, and Resolution #475, regarding the potential sale of city property in the South Pine Street Urban Renewal Area to H & A Contracting, LLC. 

Other business includes amendments to agreements with Q3 Contracting and Joshua and Kelsey Bradley, discussion of repairs at 507 South Walnut Street, and consideration of playground equipment funding from Oktoberfest. New business items feature street closures, fire department job descriptions, approval for residents to keep chickens, and the Annual Urban Renewal and Financial Reports for fiscal year 2024–2025. 

The next regular meeting is Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. 

The Mount Pleasant School Board Election Candidate Forum will take place on Wednesday, October 15th at 6:00 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Community High School, 2104 South Grand Avenue. Hosted by the Government Relations Committee and KILJ Radio, the event will allow voters to learn more about the candidates seeking to serve on the Mount Pleasant Community School District Board. The public is encouraged to attend and hear candidates discuss their priorities and plans for the district’s future. 

The following evening, on Thursday, October 16th at 5:30 p.m., the focus will shift to city leadership with the City of Mount Pleasant Mayoral Candidate Forum. That event will be held in the Civic Center Meeting Room, located at 307 East Monroe Street, and is hosted by the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance Government Relations Committee.
This forum offers Chamber of Commerce members a chance to hear directly from mayoral candidates about their goals and vision for Mount Pleasant. 

Both events aim to promote civic engagement and provide the community with valuable insight before Election Day November 4th. 

The Mt. Pleasant High School Panther Marching Band earned a strong third-place finish Saturday night at the Muskie Marching Band Invitational, held at Muscatine High School. 

In the 3A division, top honors went to Mount Vernon, followed by Center Point Urbana in second, and Mt. Pleasant in third. Other 3A finishers included Fort Madison and Washington. 

Davenport Central captured first place in the 4A division. 

The Panther Marching Band will perform next at the Iowa State Marching Band competition this Saturday, continuing their season with a chance to showcase their skills on the state stage.