Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum Closing For The Season

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, October 24th, 2025 at 5:06 am CDT

Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum in Carthage will end its season at 4 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 31. Until that closing, the museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. The museum will reopen for the next season on April 1, 2026.

The museum plans to be open as part of the Carthage Christmas Open House on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 8 p.m., featuring the model train displays of Galen Wollbrink.

For several years, Wollbrink has set up his model train displays at the museum for the public to enjoy, beginning with the Carthage Christmas Open House.

Additional model train viewing days in December and January will be announced by the Kibbe Museum closer to the holiday season.

There is no charge to enter the museum or see the displays. All the other exhibit rooms at the museum are open for viewing.

The museum is located at 306 Walnut, in Carthage, one block south of Rt. 136. For information, call 217-357-9552.

Public Notice to the WACO Community School District Voters

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, October 24th, 2025 at 4:56 am CDT

It has come to the attention of the Henry County Auditor’s Office that the voters in the WACO Community School District have recently received postcards regarding the public measure placed on the ballot for the upcoming City/School Election. Please be advised that the correct date for the 2025 City/School Election is Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

New postcards containing the corrected election date will be mailed on October 23, 2025, to the registered WACO Community School District voters.

We sincerely apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this may have caused.

If you have any questions, please contact the Henry County Auditor’s Office at 319-385-0756.

—

Robin Detrick Henry County Auditor & Commissioner of Elections

Prep Cross Country: One Team and Eight Runners Claim a Spot at the State Meet

By Slaten Swords · Friday, October 24th, 2025 at 12:03 am CDT

Prep Cross Country- Classes 1A and 2A held their boys’ and girls’ state qualifying cross country meets last night and a couple of runners from our local schools earned a trip to the state meet in Fort Dodge.

Class 1A Pekin

Most of the Southeast Iowa Super Conference made the trip to Jefferson County with Pekin acting as the hosts and the boys’ team snuck past WACO to finish in 2nd place to qualify as a team, while the girls’ team had Chloe Glosser win the state qualifier with a time of 18 minutes and 31 seconds.

The WACO boys’ team was hoping to find a spot as a team qualifier, but injuries hobbled the Warriors, resulting in the team finishing in 3rd place, needing eight more points to clinch 2nd place.

Still, Locken Henderson clocked a 4th place time of 17 minutes and 22 seconds to lock in his spot as a state qualifier. Gavin Slagel just missed out on a spot, taking 12th place with a time of 18 minutes and 22 seconds.

Also finding a spot on the boys’ side was Danville’s Isaac Shinn, as the senior grabbed 9th place with a time of 17 minutes and 55 seconds.

Bowen Thomson of Winfield-Mt. Union and New London’s Zayden Lawerence took 29th and 30th place, respectively, leading their teams. Tanner Williams of Holy Trintiy Catholic claimed 39th place, while Will Parsons finished in 44th place.

On the girls’ side, WACO had two Warriors punch their ticket to the state meet with Josie Dykstra taking 4th place with a time of 20 minutes and 6 seconds, while Macie Carter just snuck inside the top 10 with a 9th place time of 20 minutes and 23 seconds.

Also finding a spot in the top 10 was Alaina Gourley’s time of 20 minutes and 19 seconds, which was good enough for 8th place. The Bears placed in 4th as a team with 114 points.

For individual finishers, Kenna Small of Wapello took 30th place, New London’s Irelynn Kelly claimed 55th place, and Ashlyn Bender of Winfield-Mt. Union grabbed 58th place.

Class 2A Regina Catholic

For the boys’ race, Chariton ran away with the team win, scoring only 27 points behind all five of their runners finding a spot in the top 10. Mediapolis also qualified as a team with 106 points.

Leading the charge for the Bulldogs was Simon Wendel’s bronze medal time of 16 minutes and 31 seconds and Will Schmidgall’s time of 17 minutes and 8 seconds.

Notre Dame/West Burlington’s Cavin Denney accomplished something only one other freshman did in the heat and that was qualify for the state meet. The Nike rounded out the top 15 with a time of 17 minutes and 35 seconds. The team finished in 7th place with 159 points.

Central Lee’s Austin Fogarty anchored the Hawks with a 30th place time of 18 minutes and 34 seconds. Central Lee took 10th place as a team.

On the girls’ side, Central Lee’s Aubree Bunnell was the first of our local runners to cross the line, as the Hawk grabbed 10th place with a time of 20 minutes and 56 seconds.

Joining her at the state meet will be another freshman from Notre Dame/West Burlington was Hannah Ritter. The Nike clocked a 12th place time of 21 minutes and 4 seconds.

Evie Schmidgall of Mediapolis finished in 32nd place to help anchor the Bulldogs.

As teams, Central Lee took 6th place and Mediapolis finished in 10th place.

Up Next

The Class 2A girls’ and boys’ state meet is scheduled for Friday, October 31st, with the girls’ running first at 10:30 am. The Class 1A boys’ and girls’ state meet will run on Saturday, November 1st, with the girls’ set to run at 2 pm.

Jack W. Eddy

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 at 11:04 am CDT

Jack W. Eddy, 78, of Fairfield, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Jack’s home, 2550 New Glasgow Rd, Fairfield, Iowa. Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors or Noah’s Ark. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting his family.

Jack was born April 22, 1947 in Ottumwa, the son of Albert and Alice (Paxton) Eddy. He married Nancy Jackson. Together they had three children before they divorced. He later married the love of his life, Judy. She preceded him in death July 4, 2022.

Jack served his country in the United States Army from 1967-1970, during the Vietnam War. After his return from Vietnam, he began working for the United States Postal Service in 1971 as a mail carrier, later becoming postmaster, and retired with over 30 years of service.

Jack loved working, and he loved spending time outdoors mowing his lawn, driving his tractor, and gardening.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Joe (Chris) Eddy of Fairfield, Stephanie (Kevin) Finlay of Harrisburg, North Carolina, and Ronnie (April Mahoney) Eddy of Everett, Washington; grandchildren, Brittany (Dan Garloff) Eddy, Erin (Zache Tarr) Eddy, Ryan Finlay, Brooke Finlay, and Marla Eddy.

In addition to his wife, Judy, he was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kathrine Cooper; and brother, Bill Eddy.

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

Henry County Supervisors Review Road Projects, IT Department Restructuring, and County Updates

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 at 10:17 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning to review infrastructure progress, departmental changes, and regional updates across the county.

County Engineer’s Report

County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss presented his weekly update, beginning with the opening of a single bid for a new box culvert project on Fremont Avenue, south of the Conservation Center. Iowa Bridge and Culvert submitted a bid of $168,946, well below the county’s engineering estimate of $195,000. Hotchkiss said the lower price was encouraging and that final figures would be verified before a recommendation is brought to the board next week.

He noted that the project provides flexibility for winter construction and will replace a narrow bridge with a wider box culvert, eliminating width restrictions and improving traffic flow.

Hotchkiss also reviewed current road maintenance challenges, explaining that extremely dry conditions have made blading gravel roads difficult. Areas near Winfield, particularly those affected by Highway 78 detours, have seen increased wear and traffic. The engineer said crews are addressing problem spots as conditions allow but emphasized the need for moisture to improve grading work.

Repairs and ditch improvements continue along Franklin Avenue north of Oakland Mills, where crews are using riprap to prevent erosion and prepare for future resurfacing. Brush removal, hydroseeding, and routine mowing along paved roads are also ongoing.

IT Department Restructuring

The supervisors approved a resolution to restructure the county’s Information Technology Department, transitioning oversight from the Auditor’s Office to the Board of Supervisors. The change creates IT as its own county department with independent budgeting, administration, and staffing.

Supervisor Chad White noted that the move be made with the agreement and consent of County Auditor Robin Dietrich.

The county’s IT audit and assessment will begin October 29, with the contracted technology team spending two days in Mount Pleasant to evaluate infrastructure and gather department feedback. A report of initial findings will be presented on October 30. The posting for the new IT Director went live last week, with HR managing the application process.

Other Business

Supervisor Marc Lindeen reported on recent meetings with the Southeast Iowa Regional Waste Authority and Community Action of Southeast Iowa, which included updates on Head Start facilities a in Fort Madison and budget amendments for federal community service grants.

The next meeting of the Henry County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Henry County Courthouse.

Sports, October 23rd

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

Postseason Volleyball

In Class 1A Region 2, Winfield-Mt. Union gave #4 Holy Trinity Catholic all they had, even tying the Crusaders at eight in the first set, but Holy Trinity Catholic showed why they were the favorite entering the season, defeating the Wolves in straight sets 25-11, 25-15, and 25-6. The trio of Adalyn Kruse, Presley Myers, and Olivia Bendlage led the way with 26 combined kills and nine total aces.

Quin Smith and Madisen Kellogg each tabbed two aces in the losing effort. In a season that saw two of their best hitters fall to injury, Wolves head coach Ashlei Venghaus was overcome with emotion when talking about how far her team has come this season,

“Yeah, I’m super proud of them. They have battled through a lot of just a lot of injuries, not only with Kynlee [Buffington], and then we had Kelley [Milks] go down with a knee injury two weeks ago, but they were battling injuries themself and just battling every week. I’m really proud of them.”

The Wolves finished the season with a 17-11 record. 

In the rubber match, Burlington Notre Dame and Wapello needed all five sets to decide a winner and it was the Arrows, who escaped with the victory in the tiebreaker set 15-13 to advance to the Regional Semifinals for the second year in a row (22-25, 25-13, 18-25, 25-19, 15-13). Mila Jordan tabbed 17 kills in the winning effort. 

#4 Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Wapello in a rematch of last year’s semifinals on Monday, October 27th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

In Class 2A Region 1, Columbus was swept by Bellevue last night. Jessica Del Rio collected nine kills in the loss. The Wildcats finished the season with an 11-16 record. 

In Class 2A Region 8, Danville lost in straight sets against Regina Catholic to finish the season with a 7-23 record. 

Van Buren County might have had the home court advantage, but it was West Burlington that flew away with the win, sweeping the Warriors 25-15, 25-17, and 25-13. Van Buren County was led by Ashlynn Huff’s 13 kills as they collected a 19-15 record for the season. 

West Burlington will make the trip to Regina Catholic on Monday at 7 pm.

In Class 3A Region 2, Central Lee will face off against Assumption tonight at 7 pm on the road.

In Class 4A Region 1, Mt. Pleasant will make the trip to #1 Clear Creek Amana tonight at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

In Class 4A Region 6, Burlington will take on North Scott tonight at 7 pm.

High School Cross Country

Five of the six Southeast Conference (SEC) teams made the trip to Williamsburg for the Class 3A boys’ and girls’ state qualifying meet last night, while Fairfield traveled to Pella.

In the girls’ race, Mt. Pleasant’s Avery Fedler won the qualifier with a time of 18 minutes and 59 seconds. Clinching her second consecutive trip to the state meet was Quintrie Lee for Mt. Pleasant with a 9th place time of 20 minutes and 8 seconds. Also qualifying for state was Fort Madison’s Avery Rump and Washington’s Iris Dahl and Emma Horak.

For the boys’ race, Silas Hulett of Mt. Pleasant led the SEC pack with a 9th place time of 16 minutes and 44 seconds, punching his ticket to the state meet. Andrew Rees of Washington and Fort Madison’s Riley Tripp and Hunter Wiegand also qualified for the state meet. 

In Pella, Alex Jo Steward led Fairfield on the girls’ side with a 40th place time of 22 minutes and 23 seconds, while the boys’ team was anchored by Brice Boatright’s 47th place finish. 

The state meet for Class 3A is scheduled for October 31st at Fort Dodge. 

The Classes 1A and 2A boys’ and girls’ state qualifying meets will run today. Pekin will be hosting Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, New London, WACO, Wapello, and Winfield-Mt. Union, while Van Buren County will travel to Central Decatur for Class 1A. Additionally, Columbus will journey to North Linn.

Mediapolis, Central Lee, and West Burlington/Notre Dame will make the trip to Regina Catholic for Class 2A.

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant travels to Fairfield tomorrow, October 24th, at 7:30 pm with a playoff spot on the line. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

Washington will travel to Keokuk tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

Postseason Football

Mediapolis will venture to #9 Centerville tomorrow, October 24th, to start their postseason journey.

#3 Mid-Prairie will take on North Fayette Valley tomorrow at 7 pm at home.

WACO will travel to #6 Edgewood-Colesburg tomorrow for their first round matchup at 7 pm.

#4 Iowa Valley will host Moravia, who got in as a wildcard team, at 7 pm tomorrow. 

In Danville’s third consecutive trip to the postseason, the Bears will get a chance to host a playoff game with Maquoketa Valley making the trip tomorrow at 7 pm. 

Wapello will hit the road to face off against #8 Lynnville-Sully at 7 pm tomorrow. 

Columbus will attempt to avenge their mid-season loss against #9 North Linn tomorrow at 7 pm in their first-round road postseason matchup. 

Pekin will host Earlham at 7 pm tomorrow. 

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will compete in the Madison College Tournament starting tomorrow, October 24th. 

The women’s soccer team lost a tight one to North Iowa Area Community College yesterday 3-2. Servane Veyrac netted both goals. The Blackhawks ended the regular season with a 3-13 record.

The men’s soccer team was shutout by North Iowa Area Community College 2-0. The Blackhawks finished the regular season with an 11-3-3 record. 

College Football

Iowa will compete at home against Minnesota for the Floyd of Rosedale on Saturday, October 25th, at 2:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call.

Iowa State is back in action on Saturday as they look to upset #11 BYU at home at 2:30 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

This Day in Sports History

1984 – Chicago Cub Rick Sutcliffe is the fourth National Leaguer (NL) to be selected as a unanimous choice for NL Cy Young.

2000 – “Monday Night Miracle,” down 30-7 at the end of the third quarter, the New York Jets pull together an improbable comeback with four touchdowns and a field goal in the fourth quarter, eventually defeating the Miami Dolphins 40-37 in overtime.

2019 – Kyrie Irving pours in 50 points, setting a new NBA record for points in a debut with a new team as his Brooklyn Nets go down 127-126 at home to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Avenue of Flags Announces 2025 Henry County Veterans Day Observance

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 at 5:21 am CDT

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — The Avenue of Flags has announced plans for the 2025 Henry County Veterans Day Observance, set for Tuesday, November 11th. The ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the community room of the Veterans Hall, located at 300 W. Monroe Street in Mount Pleasant. Parking will be available on all four sides of the building.

Dean King, Avenue of Flags Chairman and Honor Guard Commander, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Pastor Richard Wilson of the Open Bible Church in Winfield will offer both the invocation and benediction.

Musical selections will be provided by the Mount Pleasant Community High School Chamber Choir, under the direction of Makenzie Kauffman-Ho, who will perform the National Anthem and an additional patriotic song.

Commanders or representatives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts throughout Henry County are invited to share brief two-minute remarks. Those wishing to speak are asked to check in at the podium prior to 10:30 a.m. Roger Pitzenbarger, Henry County Veterans Affairs Officer, will also deliver remarks during the program.

At approximately 11:00 a.m., the Henry County Honor Guard will perform a traditional three-volley salute in honor of all veterans, followed by the sounding of Taps.

This annual observance is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and pay tribute to those who have served.

This year, four names have been added to the Henry County Memorial stones. The families of those honored will be acknowledged during the ceremony. With these additions, the total number of names etched into the memorial now stands at 1,540.

The Avenue of Flags invites all residents to join in honoring the service and sacrifice of Henry County’s veterans on this special day of remembrance.

Mount Pleasant City Council Approves Urban Renewal Report, Infrastructure Projects, and New Language Access Contract

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 at 5:03 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council met in regular session this week, approving several resolutions and updates related to the city’s ongoing development, infrastructure work, and public accessibility services. 

After routine approvals of the consent agenda and meeting agenda, the council moved through a series of items with minimal discussion, beginning with the annual Urban Renewal Report. The council unanimously approved the report and a subsequent resolution authorizing its submission to the Iowa Department of Management. 

Next, members approved a resolution authorizing internal advance tax increment revenue funds for the Henry County Street Reconstruction Project on Broadway and Adams Streets. The internal borrowing structure allows the city to fund projects upfront from existing accounts and later reimburse those funds through TIF revenue collections. 

Council also approved Change Order #2 for the airport taxi lane and T-hangar project, which added $8,750 in costs after contractors discovered a fiber optic line near the stormwater basin area. Rather than delay the project by several months, the city modified drainage plans to route around the line, keeping the overall project within budget expectations. 

A resolution authorizing the sale of city-owned property was also approved. The parcel, approximately 70 acres with some adjustments pending final USDA review, was sold at a price city officials described as very favorable compared to past land transactions. 

The South Adams Street repaving project, running from South Street to Langdon Street, was formally accepted as complete. Council members and staff praised the finished work, describing it as “a beautiful drive.” 

Also discussed was the site plan for the Hershey Hall renovation project. The plan, recently approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission, includes a new parking lot and expanded stormwater detention features. The development will create 22 family apartment units, with city staff continuing to coordinate with engineers on drainage and utility improvements. 

In closing remarks, Mayor Brimhall noted that Mount Pleasant continues to attract major economic development interest. He referenced a recently finalized $85 million contract expected to create 50 new jobs, along with another commercial project representing $50 million in new construction.