High Visibility Safe Driving Campaign Through 9/1/25

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, August 16th, 2025 at 6:33 am CDT

The Iowa State Patrol reports that during the final four weeks of summer last year, 45 people died on roadways in Iowa; Nearly 30% of those fatalities were caused by impaired driving*. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement statewide to support enforcement efforts aimed at decreasing impaired driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement started yesterday (8/15/25) and continues through September 1st. During this time, the public will see an increased presence of officers working together to remove impaired drivers/motorcycle riders from the road. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, 168 fatalities have occurred so far in 2025 on roadways due to crashes.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce death and injury on Iowa roads using federally funded grants.

 

Sports, August 16th

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, August 16th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Girls’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will get another chance at a conference foe on Monday, August 18th, at home against Fairfield. The Panthers have only one returning Varsity starter from last year, but head coach Martha Peterson has been happy with the early season play of her team,

“I mean, they have surprised me. I had fairly low expectations with so many girls seeing their first ever varsity experience, but they have gone out and they have fought through those matches, sometimes the scores don’t reflect how close some of their games have been and how tight some of those points have been. So, I have been thrilled with just the effort that I’m seeing from this Varsity squad. I’ve got some JV girls that are just super excited, and they are wanting to show me that they will deserve those varsity spots. Whether it’s throughout the year, it may be next year, but I have a lot of girls really invested in the sport of tennis.”

High School Volleyball

WACO will hold an IGHSAU Officials Clinic scrimmage on Monday, August 18th, with Central Lee in attendance. 

West Burlington will host a scrimmage on Tuesday, August 19th, with New London, Burlington, Central Lee, Burlington Notre Dame, and Holy Trinity Catholic making the trip. 

Van Buren County and Wapello will head over to Danville on Tuesday 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 Tuesday, 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 Thursday, 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.

Danville will host their Meet the Players on Friday, August 22nd, with the volleyball and football teams scrimmaging against Mt. Pleasant. Panther head coach John Bowlin expects the underclassmen to make a big difference,

“You know, start with Isaiah Lang. He started a little bit at the end of the year last for us. He’s a d-end, tight end guy for us. He’s grown a ton. Strong kid. Great hands. He’s quick. I think he’s going to be a pretty special player on both sides of the football. We got Griffin Jones, a running back. Maybe a little receiver this year. He’s definitely our fastest kid on the team. He’s worked really hard. These sophomores have put a lot of work in since last year, and they’ve, they’ve grown a ton just in their strength and they work, they push each other all the time…”

College Football

#22 Iowa State will start the season in Ireland on August 23rd with a showdown against #17 Kansas State at 11 am. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call with the pregame show at 9 am.

This Day in Sports History

1743 – Champion of England titleholder Jack Broughton publishes “Rules of the Ring,” the earliest boxing code.

1954 – American brand management company Authentic Brands Group first publishes the magazine “Sports Illustrated.”

2022 – The Philadelphia Phillies pick up an 11-4 win over the visiting Cincinnati Reds. They became the 9th team with 10,000 franchise victories (and last of those founded in the 19th century); they were the first to lose 10,000, in 2007.

Henry County Surgeon Sues Jefferson County Health Center Over Pay Disparity

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, August 15th, 2025 at 4:16 pm CDT

A Henry County woman is suing Jefferson County Health Center (JCHC), alleging she was paid significantly less than a male colleague while working as a surgeon there.

Dr. Beth Zielinski, who served as a general surgeon for JCHC from 2013 to 2024, filed her lawsuit July 24 in Iowa District Court for Jefferson County. She claims she was paid $105,000 less per year than another surgeon, Dr. Scott Stoeger, despite performing the same work. The suit also alleges that Stoeger received additional bonuses and benefits she was not offered.

According to documents provided to the court, attorneys for JCHC, they admit the pay difference but argue that the surgeons did not perform identical duties, citing Stoeger’s “additional skillsets” and production levels as justification. The hospital also acknowledged paying Stoeger a signing bonus, retention bonuses, and student loan assistance that Zielinski did not receive.

Zielinski further contends that her replacement, Dr. Edward Ortell, was hired at a higher base rate than she earned. She accuses JCHC of violating Iowa and federal laws prohibiting wage and sex discrimination. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, damages, and legal costs.

The case is ongoing.

Marshalltown Woman Sentenced to Six Months in Federal Prison for Drug Diversion and False Statements in Medical Records

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, August 15th, 2025 at 1:20 pm CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Marshalltown woman was sentenced to six months in prison on August 14, 2025, for diverting controlled substances for her own use and falsely noting the administration of controlled substances in patient records.

According to public court documents, Amanda Nicole Manatt, 37, was employed as a registered nurse in the emergency room at Unity Point Marshalltown Hospital, Marshalltown, Iowa, where in 2023 she diverted controlled substances (fentanyl, hydromorphone, and morphine). She obtained controlled substances in patients’ names, documented them as administered to the patients, and then took them for her own use. In December 2023, Manatt’s employment ended at Unity Point Marshalltown Hospital. In January 2024, Manatt obtained employment as a nurse at the emergency room at Mary Greely Medical Center, where she again obtained controlled substances (hydromorphone) in patients’ names, recorded them as administered to the patients, and then took them for her own use until her employment ended in April 2024.

Court records reflect that in some cases patients experienced pain due to Manatt’s taking the controlled substances prescribed for them. In other cases, Manatt took controlled substances from patients in excess of what they needed. Manatt’s false statements in the medical records resulted in billing health care benefit programs for controlled substances not actually administered.

After completing her term of imprisonment, Manatt will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Manatt was also ordered to pay $5,258.20 in restitution, a $5,500 fine, and a $300 special assessment.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), the Tama County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Insurance Fraud Bureau investigated this case.

IEDA Board Approves Major Projects in Mount Pleasant, Keosauqua, and Boone

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, August 15th, 2025 at 11:11 am CDT

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board has approved significant funding for projects aimed at boosting manufacturing, recreation, and innovation across the state — including a $65 million expansion in Mount Pleasant, a new sports complex in Keosauqua, and a large-scale bio-manufacturing facility in Boone.

$65 Million Expansion at ContiTech in Mount Pleasant
ContiTech USA, LLC — part of the global Continental AG family — will construct a state-of-the-art compounding center in Mount Pleasant. The new facility will include production, warehouse, and office space, supporting the company’s production of air spring and anti-vibration systems, coated fabrics, conveyor and drive belts, hoses, and more.

The expansion represents a $65 million capital investment and is expected to create 50 new jobs, each with a qualifying wage of $21.50 per hour. To support the project, the IEDA Board awarded ContiTech a $1 million forgivable loan and tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs program.

Recreation Boost for Keosauqua
The City of Keosauqua, in partnership with Engage Keosauqua, Inc., will receive $144,000 from the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) program to create a new sports area. The $481,761 project will feature courts for tennis, pickleball, basketball, and bocce ball — revitalizing local recreation and offering new amenities for both residents and visitors.

The CAT program provides funding for projects that enhance the quality of life in Iowa by supporting the construction of recreational, cultural, educational, and entertainment facilities.

This Strategic Infrastructure Program supports large-scale projects that provide competitive advantages for Iowa’s private sector or fill infrastructure gaps that the public and private sectors have not addressed. More information can be found at opportunityiowa.gov.

Community Comes Together for “Building Toward Change” in Mt. Pleasant

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, August 15th, 2025 at 10:05 am CDT

On Wednesday evening, nearly 60 community members from across Southeast Iowa gathered at the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Pleasant for Building Toward Change—an evening of strategy, collaboration, and action aimed at shaping a stronger, more connected future.

The event, organized by the Henry County Democrats, brought together four speakers whose expertise spans education, public health, environmental advocacy, and sustainable agriculture.

  • Aaron Williamson, Mt. Pleasant Community School Board member, answered questions in a personal capacity about the challenges facing Iowa’s schools, underscoring the need for transparency, community engagement, and adequate funding to ensure strong public education.
  • Katie Reuter, Director of Henry County Public Health, outlined the importance of addressing mental, physical, spiritual, and environmental needs as part of a whole-community approach to wellness.
  • Wally Taylor, representing the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter. Wally shared stories from Iowa’s ongoing battles to protect air, water, and land. His message urged climate-smart leadership and sustainable policy-making.
  • Jonathan Lawrence, Education Program Director at the Iowa Farmers Union, highlighted the vital role of local farmers and regenerative agriculture in improving public health, protecting the environment, and securing the state’s food future.

Audience members engaged actively throughout the evening, posing thoughtful and challenging questions. The evening served not only as a platform for sharing ideas but also as a reminder that lasting change is built through community involvement, collaboration, and a willingness to tackle difficult conversations head-on.

Work Session Board of Supervisors August 15, 2025 9:30 a.m.: CANCELLED

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, August 15th, 2025 at 9:12 am CDT

Henry County Supervisors

100 E Washington St Ste 202

Mt Pleasant, IA  52641

Fax: 319-385-3601

 

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

           319-385-0759                                 319-385-0760                                     319-385-0761________                       

 

 

 

Work Session

Board of Supervisors

August 15, 2025

9:30 a.m.

 

CANCELED

 

Solar & Battery

Sports, August 15th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, August 15th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Girls’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant fell to Burlington last night 9-0. The Panthers will get another chance at a conference foe on Monday, August 18th, at home against Fairfield. 

Fairfield has yet to drop a match through the first three games of the season after defeating Fort Madison last night 9-0. The Trojans dropped only two sets for the night.

High School Volleyball

WACO will hold an IGHSAU Officials Clinic scrimmage on Monday, August 18th, with Central Lee in attendance. 

West Burlington will host a scrimmage on Tuesday, August 19th, with New London, Burlington, Central Lee, Burlington Notre Dame, and Holy Trinity Catholic making the trip. Crusader head coach Melissa Freesmeier discussed what she’s hoping to see from her team in the year’s first action,

“You know, I think a lot is just consistency, getting to know their roles or maybe their new roles. Just see what we can do with our hitter combinations. Defense is going to be big, Teagan’s going to be tough to fill but we’re working at it. The kids are excited and we’re just going to go out and play Holy Trinity volleyball.”

Van Buren County and Wapello will head over to Danville on Tuesday 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 Tuesday, 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 Thursday, 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.

Danville will host their Meet the Players on Friday, August 22nd, with the volleyball and football teams scrimmaging against Mt. Pleasant. For head football coach Cody Thompson, it will be a chance to see what the Bears’ new signal caller can do,

“So, you know, one kid in particular that sticks out to me would be Dillan Mason. For the last two years, he’s been our backup quarterback behind Bauer. In order to get on the field, you know, he played a little bit of receiver. He played a little bit of defense, you know, he was a kid that just wanted to be on the field, so he did whatever it took, you know. So, we were able to plug and place him. This is his senior year. It’s his year to kind of take over the helm at quarterback and you know, he’s done a great job this summer showing up working, wanting to learn.”

College Football

Iowa State will be leaning on Rocco Becht in his third season under center after the redshirt junior was added to the Manning Award watch list, an award given to the best quarterback in college football. Becht was a calming force for a program that found itself in limbo two years ago, as he is just one of two Cyclone quarterbacks with multiple 3,000-yard passing seasons to go along with his 33 total touchdowns last year. He will enter the season having thrown a touchdown pass in a school-record 18 consecutive games, the nation’s longest active streak.

This Day in Sports History

1958 – 25th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: All-Stars 35, Detroit 19. Of the 42 games played, the College All-Stars won just nine contests.

1964 – Mayor Richard J. Daley declares “Ernie Banks Day” in Chicago, honoring the Cubs baseball player.

1975 – Baltimore Orioles manager Earl Weaver is ejected from both games of a home doubleheader against the Texas Rangers. He is the only manager to get thrown out of both games of a doubleheader twice.