Burlington Man Sentenced to Over 25 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Charge

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 at 9:25 am CDT

A Burlington man was sentenced on April 21, 2026, to 310 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Jason Lee Ringold, also known as “Ringo,” 47, sold over 600 grams of methamphetamine in the Burlington area between April and June 2024. Ringold displayed a gun and threatened one of his customers during a drug transaction. In 1999, Ringold was convicted in federal court for a drug conspiracy involving the manufacture of methamphetamine.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Ringold will be required to serve a ten-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Burlington Police Department investigated the case.

Fair Housing Month Proclaimed in Southeast Iowa

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 at 6:45 am CDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 15, 2026

Fair Housing Month Proclaimed in Southeast Iowa

Burlington, Iowa — The Southeast Iowa Regional Board of Realtors (SEIRBOR) proudly recognizes April 2026 as Fair Housing Month, commemorating the 58th anniversary of the passage of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, commonly known as the Federal Fair Housing Act.

The Fair Housing Act established a national commitment to eliminating housing discrimination and promoting residential integration across the United States. Today, it continues to serve as a foundation for ensuring equal access to housing opportunities for all individuals.

Housing remains a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of the American Dream. Ensuring that every person has the opportunity to buy or rent a home—regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin—is essential to building strong, vibrant communities.

Diverse and inclusive neighborhoods contribute to a stronger social fabric, a healthier economy, and improved overall well-being. Fair Housing Month serves as a timely reminder of the importance of affirming civil rights, promoting equity, and actively opposing discrimination in all forms.

SEIRBOR reaffirms its commitment to the mission and intent of the Fair Housing Act by advocating for fair and equal housing opportunities throughout Southeast Iowa. This effort is strengthened through ongoing cooperation, education, and support from local communities.

The cities all over Southeast Iowa join in this commitment by supporting education for homebuyers, sellers, REALTORS®, landlords, property managers, and tenants regarding their rights and responsibilities under fair housing laws. Both communities continue to work diligently to identify and eliminate barriers to fair housing choice and to promote inclusive policies and practices.

“Fair housing is essential to the health and success of our communities,” said Lisa Nafziger, CEO of SEIRBOR. “We remain dedicated to advancing equal opportunity in housing and ensuring that everyone has a place to call home.”

In recognition of these efforts, Lisa Nafziger, CEO of SEIRBOR, hereby proclaims April 2026 as Fair Housing Month throughout Southeast Iowa.

Sports, April 23rd

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 at 6:40 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The Mt. Pleasant, Mediapolis, and Fairfield boys’ teams will compete in the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont meet tonight.

The Washington girls’ team will hold an invitational tonight with Fairfield, Mediapolis, and Mt. Pleasant participating.

Winfield-Mt. Union will host their relays tonight with Danville, New London, and WACO making the trip.

Central Lee, Columbus, Van Buren County, West Burlington/Notre Dame, and Wapello will be heading to Louisa-Muscatine for the Gardner-Wilson Co-Ed Relays tonight.

The Drake Relays are set to start today for our local high school athletes with Eli Zillman of Fairfield competing in the boys’ high jump and Washington’s Greyson Hartman throwing the discus. For a full look at the slate for our local athletes, follow this link: Start List for 116th Drake Relays

High School Soccer

Burlington Notre Dame will travel to Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union with the girls’ teams leading the night at 5 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will compete against Burlington tonight with the boys’ team at home at 4:30 pm and the girls’ team on the road at 5 pm.

Washington will take on Keokuk tonight with the girls at home and the boys on the road with the both games starting at 5 pm.

Fairfield will square off against Fort Madison tonight with the girls’ team at home and the boys’ team on the road with a 5 pm start time.

Central Lee will host Wapello tomorrow, April 24th, with the night starting at 5 pm.

The WACO boys’ team will travel to Hillcrest Academy tomorrow at 5 pm.

The Danville boys’ team will face off against Highland at home tomorrow at 5 pm.

The Mediapolis girls’ team will host Monmouth-Roseville, while the boys’ team will hit the road to compete against Keokuk tomorrow with both games starting at 5 pm.

High School Soccer Rankings

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) released their third edition of the girls’ season soccer rankings and Burlington made their first appearance at #14 in Class 2A. The Grayhounds are 4-0 against fellow Iowa teams and have outscored their opponents 17 to 0 in their victories. Brooklyn Sparrow is leading the scoring with five goals on the year.

High School Golf

The girls’ Lee County Invite ran yesterday and Fort Madison won handily, defeating Keokuk by 21 strokes. A limited Holy Trinity Catholic roster settled for 3rd place with a team score of 498 as Emma Mohrfeld and Callie Kruse each shot a 110. Central Lee’s Lyla Smith led the team with a round of 112. 

Burlington Notre Dame will host a triangular today with Danville and Central Lee competing. 

The Wapello girls’ team held their invite yesterday and finished as the runner-up to Highland, as the Arrows finished the day with a team score of 409. 

Winfield-Mt. Union took 4th place as a team but Ashlyn Bender led the course with a round of 87, while Wapello’s Emmalin Marshall claimed 3rd place with a card of 89. Rounding out the top ten for our local teams, Winfield-Mt. Union’s Ella Kann, Hailey Wellington of Columbus, and Danville’s Aubrey Nahorny finished 6th through 8th place, respectively.

Mediapolis took 5th place as a team with Bri Spears’ 105 leading her pack, which was good enough for 11th place. 

Wapello will travel to Columbus today.

Winfield-Mt. Union will compete in Lone Tree today.

The Mt. Pleasant and Washington girls’ teams will make the trip to the Oskaloosa Invitational today.

The Fairfield girls’ team will contend in the Golden Hawk Invitational today at Mid-Prairie. 

WACO will host Louisa-Muscatine today.

The Fairfield boys’ will hold an invitational tomorrow, April 24th, with Mt. Pleasant participating.  

High School Boys’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will face off against Keokuk tonight on the road. 

Fairfield will travel to Burlington on Monday, April 27th.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Winfield-Mt. Union was our school of focus for last night’s episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook with senior Nicholas Sparrow being our special guest. The multi-sport athlete is in the midst of the boys’ golf season, as the Wolves are on a hot streak, winning their last five contests. For a team that has experienced a plethora of success throughout their careers, there is plenty of trust out on the course,

“I mean it’s a lot of fun. We’ve been together since my freshman year, maybe even before that. I mean freshman year it was still early on in our careers so I mean it was just definitely learning moments. Just getting used to high school golf but at this point in our career now it’s just how well can we shoot. I mean even if we have bad rounds we know we’re going to have each other and back each other up. I mean last night me and Cody were our two and three and our number six, Grant Anderson, he stepped up and he was our number two guy last night so I mean it’s just little things like that where we know we can trust each other.”

If you missed last night’s episode, then follow this link: Winfield-Mt. Union Episode

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team suffered their first multi-game losing streak since March 13th and 14th, after dropping both contests to Kirkwood Community College yesterday, 12-3 in game one and 12-11 in game two. The Blackhawks will look to get back in the win column at home on Saturday, April 25th, against Northeast Community College in a doubleheader at 1 pm.

The softball team will look to bounce back at home on Saturday in a doubleheader against Marshalltown Community College at 1 pm.

College Baseball and Softball

The Iowa baseball team had to overcome an early deficit but managed to beat UIC last night, 6-4. Kooper Schulte scored a run. The Hawkeyes will travel to Indiana tomorrow, April 24th, at 5 pm. 

The Iowa softball team took down UNI in a final that looked more akin to a football score, 21-17. McKenzie Leitgen swatted two home runs and collected five RBIs in the win. The Hawkeyes will take on Nebraska tomorrow at 5:30 pm on the road. 

The Iowa State softball team will start their series against Kansas tomorrow at 5 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1869 – First professional baseball exhibition game: Cincinnati Red Stockings 24, Cincinnati Amateurs 15.

1954 – Hammerin’ Hank Aaron hits first of his 755 homers.

1964 – Houston Colt .45s Ken Johnson becomes the first and only major league pitcher to lose a 9 inning no-hitter, Reds win 1-0.

Presidential Visit Scheduled for May 16th During Bentonsport Heritage Day

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 1:52 pm CDT

Bentonsport is getting ready to step back in time as Heritage Day returns on Saturday, May 16, bringing living history, entertainment, and family activities to the historic river town.

A highlight of the day will be a special presentation at 1 p.m. in Riverside Park, where Peter Grady will appear as U.S. President and Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant. The program, titled “Unconditional Surrender,” will explore Grant’s leadership during the Civil War and his role in rebuilding the nation afterward. The presentation is supported by Humanities Iowa and the State Historical Society of Iowa.

Festivities begin early, with Dr. Quacksham returning to Bentonsport at 11 a.m., offering his “Amazing Elixir” and demonstrations in hypnosis.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can also take part in Victorian dance instruction led by costumed instructors from Historical Merriments of Nauvoo, Illinois.

History enthusiasts will have the chance to tour the State of Iowa’s official Odd Fellows Museum, located on the second floor of the Odd Fellows Hall, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

At the Stone House, a display of historical quilts and fabric items will be featured from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with quilter Paula Logan on hand to discuss the pieces and answer questions.

Throughout downtown Bentonsport, visitors will find musicians performing period music, artisans demonstrating traditional crafts, and horse-drawn wagon rides offering tours of the village.

Food vendors will be available, along with homemade pie sold by the slice or whole pies from the Bentonsport Improvement Association. Local shops will also be open throughout the day.

Parking will be managed to allow space for wagon tours, with limited accessible parking available on Sanford Street near the village center.

Heritage Day is a free, family-friendly event presented by the Bentonsport Improvement Association, with support from First Iowa State Bank, Libertyville Savings Bank, and State Central Bank.

Bentonsport’s National Historic District is located on Van Buren County Road J-40 between Bonaparte and Keosauqua. More information is available at bentonsportheritage.org or on the Bentonsport Historic District Facebook page.

Prep Track and Field State Qualifying Sites and Assignments

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 1:38 pm CDT

Prep Track and Field- The spring season has been a mixed bag of beautiful nights allowing for school records to be set and an onslaught of storms that end the meet before it has even had a chance to start.

Nevertheless, the 2026 State Track and Field meet is now only a month away with the three-day event running Thursday, May 21st, through Saturday, May 23rd. But, to earn a spot you have to compete at the state qualifier on Thursday, May 14th, with no more than 24 qualifiers for any event.

Here’s a look at where our local teams will be competing.

Class 1A

Heading off to Region 10 in Sigourney will be Danville, New London, Van Buren County, WACO, Wapello, and Winfield-Mt. Union. For Class 1A, the top place winner in each event plus the next 14 best statewide performances will advance.

Class 2A

Tipton will host Columbus, Mediapolis, and West Burlington/Notre Dame for Region 7.

Class 3A

Mt. Pleasant will have a familiar playing field with Fairfield, Fort Madison, Keokuk, Washington, and Burlington plus Solon and Clear Creek Amana will join the other members of the Southeast Conference.

Classes 2A and 3A will have the top two place winners in each event plus the next eight performances statewide advance to state.

Diane Rae (Meister) Mehler

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 1:38 pm CDT

Diane Rae (Meister) Mehler, 67, of Mt. Pleasant, died Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Arbor Court in Mt. Pleasant.

Diane was born April 17, 1958 in Harvard, Illinois. She was the daughter of John Alvin and Carol Josephine (Caputo) Meister. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant Community High School and Iowa Wesleyan College as a Summa Cum Laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dietetics. In her spare time, Diane liked to crochet.

Those thankful for sharing in Diane’s life include a brother, Steven (Linda) Meister of Victoria, TX and a sister, Sandy Pounds of Cedar Rapids, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

An open visitation to pay respects will be held on Monday, April 27 from 12 to 6PM at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. The family will not be present on Monday, but they will receive friends at a further visitation from 12 to 1PM on Tuesday, April 28 in the Chapel of Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery, 3430 West Fourth Street in Waterloo. Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

 

MPCSD Middle School iJAG Students Travel to Iowa State Fairgrounds

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 1:23 pm CDT

Students from Mount Pleasant Middle School are getting a hands-on look at their future careers.

Some middle school iJAG students recently traveled to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines to take part in the Build My Future experience.

The event is designed to give students an up-close introduction to a wide range of career pathways. Through interactive exhibits and demonstrations, students had the chance to learn by doing—exploring everything from skilled trades to technical and professional careers.

Participants also connected with college representatives and industry professionals, helping them better understand the education and training needed for various fields.

The trip provided a valuable opportunity for students to start thinking about their futures while gaining real-world insight into potential career paths through the Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates program.

Henry County Senior Receives Iowa Farm Bureau Scholarship

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 1:20 pm CDT

The Henry County Farm Bureau is recognizing a standout local student for her achievements and future in agriculture.

Beatrice Anderson, a graduating senior at WACO High School, has been named a recipient of a $1,000 Henry County Farm Bureau Scholarship.

Anderson plans to attend Iowa State University, where she will major in Agriculture and Life Sciences Education. Her long-term goal is to return to Iowa as an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, helping guide the next generation of agricultural leaders.

A dedicated advocate for agriculture, Anderson has been heavily involved in both FFA and 4-H. She has served as an FFA officer, 4-H Club President, and Henry County Teen Council President. She also made history as the first member of the Crooked Creek FFA Chapter to earn the Iowa FFA Degree.

Beyond her leadership roles, Anderson has contributed more than 700 hours of volunteer service in her community. Her efforts include helping with Vacation Bible School, Midwest Old Threshers events, youth programs, and serving as a Clover Kid co-leader.

Her accomplishments also include being crowned the 2024 Henry County Junior Fair Queen and earning recognition as the 2025 Midwest Old Threshers Sweet 16 Miss Volunteer. She maintains a strong academic record with a 3.91 grade point average.

The Henry County Farm Bureau says it is proud to support Anderson as she continues her education and prepares for a future in agriculture, education, and community leadership.