The Keokuk Chiefs baseball and softball teams have a new way to celebrate their victories — with the ringing of a freshly restored victory bell at Joyce Park. The project was a true community collaboration, led by Keokuk School Board President Clint Wray and brought to life with the skills and creativity of Keokuk High School welding students.

The new bell joins the original victory bell in front of Keokuk High School and will now sound after Chiefs’ baseball and softball wins, symbolizing both school pride and student craftsmanship.

Wray discovered the abandoned bell, which had fallen into disrepair and was destined for the scrap pile. Seeing its potential, he shared his vision to restore and repurpose it with Superintendent Dr. Kathy Dinger, Principal Nathan Harrison, and Activities Director Zach Summers — all of whom supported the idea as a fitting addition to the ball field.

KHS welding instructor Katie Geltz and her students took on the project, using the school’s CNC plasma cutter to design and fabricate custom baseball and softball artwork for the frame. Once the frame was completed and the bell polished, members of the KCSD Transportation and Grounds Department — Dave Grogan, Bryan Kies, Kevin Andrew, and Jade Haskins — prepared the site for installation.

Keokuk Ideal Ready Mix Manager Bill Cleesen donated the concrete for the pad, while Manic Illusions Customz finished the frame with a Keokuk Chiefs purple powder coat. Funding for the coating came courtesy of the Keokuk Athletic Boosters.

With official approval from the Joyce Commission and the City of Keokuk, the new bell now stands proudly at Joyce Park, ready to ring out future victories.

“The students and everyone involved knocked the project out of the park,” Wray said.

Mount Pleasant is welcoming exciting growth with the construction of BARK BLVD, an 8,200-square-foot premier dog boarding and daycare facility located within the Ash Street Development commercial corridor on the north side of Mount Pleasant. Led by Jim Barton Construction (JBC) as general contractor, the project is scheduled for completion in Summer 2026.

Co-Owners Matt, Mackenzie, and Ryan Barton, all born and raised in Southeast Iowa, come from a long line of family entrepreneurs dedicated to building opportunities within the community. Their vision for BARK BLVD was inspired by both their own dog care needs and ongoing conversations with community member.

Positioned on the north side of Mount Pleasant, BARK BLVD will provide easy access for Mount Pleasant residents and the surrounding communities. The facility will feature 65+ individual, resort-style dog suites designed for comfort and privacy, along with dedicated indoor and outdoor play zones and high-ratio staff supervision focused on safety and enrichment. When fully operational, BARK BLVD is expected to create more than 20 local employment opportunities and offer accessible, high-quality dog care 365 days a year.

Matt Barton also commended the City of Mount Pleasant leaders for their continued investment in thoughtful, sustainable growth.

Mount Pleasant’s strong sense of community remains at the heart of the project. “This community has always rallied behind local business,” Barton added. “BARK BLVD is just one more way we’re giving back to the place that’s given so much to us.”

Learn more or follow project updates at BARK BLVD’s project page.

The annual Mount Pleasant Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant.

Open to everyone, the meal will feature a traditional Thanksgiving spread — turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, dressing, corn, rolls with butter, cranberry relish, and an assortment of pies.

While reservations are not required, organizers encourage guests to call ahead so the proper amount of food can be prepared without waste. Please contact the First United Methodist Church at (319) 385-1740 and ask for Karen by November 15th to:

1. Reserve a seat to attend in person,

2. Request a delivered meal (deliveries begin at 11:00 AM), or

3. Arrange to pick up meals between 10:00 and 10:45 AM.

Many local churches, faith-based groups, and area businesses contribute to this community tradition. Pilot Grove Savings Bank and KILJ are again sponsoring the pies — baked and donated by generous individuals from Mount Pleasant and surrounding communities.

Meals will be delivered to those without transportation, and prearranged pickups are available at the church.

This Thanksgiving, come together to share good food, warm fellowship, and the spirit of community at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant.

For more information or to reserve your meal, call (319) 385-1740.

The Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to announce Kidsymphony: A John Williams Halloween, a celebration of music, imagination, and family fun happening November 1-2, 2025. This special weekend features five concerts across Southeast Iowa showcasing the beloved film scores of Star Wars, Superman, E.T., and Jurassic Park in an engaging 45-minute performance perfect for music lovers of all ages.

Celebrating Film Magic Through Live Orchestra

Join us for an unforgettable experience as the orchestra brings iconic John Williams compositions to life. Attendees are invited to come dressed in their favorite costume and enjoy this annual celebration of music and imagination. The concert combines the wonder of blockbuster films with the excitement of seeing musicians perform live, creating an experience that resonates with children and adults alike.

Interactive Meet & Greet

Following each concert, families are invited to Meet and Greet Our Instruments, where children can step on stage, talk with musicians, and discover how each instrument brings the orchestra to life. This hands-on experience deepens appreciation for orchestral music and inspires the next generation of music lovers.

Concert Schedule

The Southeast Iowa Symphony is traveling to five locations across the region, making it convenient for families to attend:

Saturday, November 1, 2025:

11:00 AM – Bridge View Center, Ottumwa

2:00 PM – Chapel Auditorium, Mt. Pleasant

4:30 PM – Capitol Theater, Burlington

Sunday, November 2, 2025:

2:00 PM – Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, Fairfield

4:30 PM – Washington High School, Washington

Free Admission for All Children

All children attend free. This event exemplifies the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra’s commitment to making inspiring performances accessible to families across our region and supporting local school music programs.

Washington, Iowa — A Washington man has been arrested following the execution of a search warrant tied to an ongoing narcotics investigation. 

On October 22, 2025, authorities executed a search warrant at 2649 Wayland Road, Lot 27, in Washington. During the search, law enforcement officers seized controlled substances, packaging materials, a digital scale, and multiple cell phones. 

As a result of the investigation, 34-year-old Deon Turrell Johnson Jr., of Washington, was taken into custody and booked into the Washington County Jail. Johnson faces the following charges: 

• Two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent to Distribute — both Class D felonies 

• Drug Tax Stamp Violation — Class D felony 

• Possession of Prescription Medication — serious misdemeanor 

• Obstructing Prosecution — aggravated misdemeanor 

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson was currently on parole with the Iowa Department of Corrections stemming from previous convictions in Washington County — a 2019 conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and a 2020 conviction for intent to deliver methamphetamine. He was released from prison on parole in 2022. Following this recent incident, the Iowa Department of Corrections has filed a parole revocation. 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in the case by the Johnson County Multi-Agency Drug Task Force, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, the latter of which became involved due to young children living in the residence. 

Authorities remind the public that a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Burlington High School art teacher Tony Onesto has been named the Great Prairie Regional Teacher of the Year, recognizing his nearly three decades of dedication to inspiring creativity and confidence in his students. 

With 29 years of teaching experience, Onesto has helped countless emerging artists discover their talents and refine their craft. He holds a bachelor’s degree in art education from Morningside University and master’s degrees in education and educational leadership from Viterbo University. 

Throughout his career, Onesto has earned distinction for his innovative approach to art education. A former Iowa Middle School Art Educator of the Year, he continues to expand opportunities for students through his leadership of the Allied Creators Studio, which supports and showcases young artists. 

In his AP art courses, Onesto’s students have consistently exceeded both state and national average scores over the past three years. Beyond the classroom, he frequently presents at state and national art education conferences, fostering professional collaboration and sharing his passion for the arts. 

Onesto’s recognition as the Great Prairie Regional Teacher of the Year celebrates his ongoing commitment to nurturing artistic growth and creating an inclusive, inspiring environment for all learners.