Although we are hopefully a couple months out from cold weather, it’s hard to prepare for winter in Iowa. Unfortunately, some don’t have access to coats that will keep them warm. Chapter DD of Tri-T is putting on a coat drive beginning tomorrow, with boxes placed at Hy-Vee, the Old Threshers gift shop, and the Fellowship Cup. These boxes will be around until October 25th, so if you have a coat to donate, this is a great way to do so. They don’t just need coats, as they are also accepting donations of children’s mittens, gloves, hats, snow boots, snow masks, snow pants, and of course new or gently used coats. Again, get your donations in now through October 25th.
Mt. Pleasant Arts IMPACT Offers Art Show at Public Library
“Fall is almost here, and if you’re one of those people looking forward to the gorgeous displays of color Mother Nature is going to put on, Mount Pleasant Arts IMPACT has an even more colorful idea.
Head on over to the Public Library for a stunning art show display of color by Mount Pleasant’s own Annie Guldberg.
Annie, a well-known local artist, is featured at the Arts IMPACT mini gallery for the months of September and October. The theme of the show is “Spreading Joy through COLOR”, and visitors to the gallery will not be disappointed.
Guldberg says that her main passion is “vibrant oil paintings that have been swirling in my mind and studio since I was in high school.” Flowers are an obvious choice for subjects, but visitors will be surprised at the dramatic use of color in landscapes and simple outdoor scenes portrayed in rich and dramatic hues.
Annie has shown her work locally and throughout the Midwest. In addition to her own professional work and commissions, she fulfills her commitment to passing on her love of art by teaching a full schedule of one-on-one art lessons in her studio.
When she’s not out and about working on several local murals, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons.
Annie’s “Spreading Joy Through Color” show is available for viewing free during regular hours at the Mount Pleasant Public Library: Monday thru Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 5pm, and Saturday 9am to 2pm.
When the fall colors fade, Annie’s amazing display at the library will continue to be on display until November. And you can purchase your own sample of Annie’s work to take home and enjoy by contacting her at OilPainterAnnie.com.”
Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing for Alternate Energy Ordinance
The Henry County Planning and Zoning Commission met for a packed public hearing on Tuesday evening. With residents from all over the county, as well as RWE Representatives, politicians, and of course the board, discussion lasted late into the night. 
Many concerns were raised about the potential wind turbine project. One citizen voiced their concern about the next generations and leaving a positive legacy, instead of (in her words) selling our farmland to the highest bidder. Another said that those against the potential project are not the “silent minority” but are in fact the majority of citizens in this county. He referenced a map that was continually updated until the moratorium was placed on this alternative energy discussion earlier this year. The map shows landowners who are against the project, which far outnumber those who are in support.
Multiple people spoke about how these proposed turbines would affect air travel for agriculture, medical, and personal reasons. One constituent, a crop duster, made the claim that the turbines may interfere with radars and would certainly cause unnecessary danger for pilots in this area. He also believes that the cost for insurance will skyrocket, referencing a friend in a different county who now pays 15% more for insurance, which means he must charge the customers more to spray pesticides.
Not everyone at the meeting was against the project, however. One citizen who owns land in the northern part of the county believes that citizens sometimes have to put up with things that they don’t want. He referenced a hog confinement placed close to his house a few years ago, which he now deals with the smell every day. His main concern is the right of the individual to do what they want with their land. An RWE representative spoke at the meeting, stating that they have over 6,000 turbines in Iowa alone that are between 350ft and 600ft tall. She then said that a setback length of 1/3rd of a mile for these proposed turbines sounds appropriate.
Another said that people should be able to build what they want with their land, and that is an American idea. He was thankful that we live in a country where we are able to discuss these issues. He also brought up the financial aspect of the project, naming WACO CSD as benefiting $250,000 if this project were to pass. He believes that this money could be used for new staff, buildings, or raises to existing staff. He also said that property tax in the county would decrease. Some citizens have proposed much longer setbacks than what the ordinance currently says. This citizen says that a setback any further than 1/3rd of a mile would “kill the project”.
The Planning and Zoning Commission received a document from the Board of Supervisors with their recommended changes to the existing alternative energy ordinance. The commission discussed the document and ultimately voted 4-0 against adopting the proposed changes. Instead, a document provided by “Henry County Watchmen LLC” was discussed and the board will take a week to review it. The document proposes taking out title 6-2-11-2 section 2-6, and having separate standalone ordinances for those.
There will be a work session next week, which allows the public time to review the document and proposed changes. The next meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday, September 25th, at 6:00pm at the Henry County Courthouse Courtroom.
Continue reading “Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing for Alternate Energy Ordinance”
Manhunt Successful for Fort Madison Police Department
Yesterday afternoon, the Fort Madison Police Department apprehended a suspect after a manhunt. Dakota William Burgund (34) of Fort Madison was apprehended at a residence southwest of the city limits. Burgund was the subject of a Crime Stoppers posting concerning a previous apprehension attempt a week earlier. 
Burgund had been sought by the Lee County Narcotics Task Force on drug charges when spotted by Fort Madison Officers, leading them on a high-speed chase before abandoning his car in rural Lee County. A manhunt ensued, with the subject successfully evading deputies, a police K-9 unit, and a drone.
This arrest was successfully culminated with the assistance of the US Marshall’s Service, Fort Madison Police Detectives, and the Lee County Narcotics Task Force.
Dakota Burgund is charged with multiple felonies to include controlled substance violations; a drug tax stamp violation; felony eluding; reckless driving; possession of drug paraphernalia; and numerous traffic violations. He is currently held pending arraignment at the Lee County Jail.
The public is reminded that charges are an accusation of a criminal act, and that persons arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.
Sports, September 18th
High School Football
Mt. Pleasant will take on Burlington on the road on Friday, September 20th, at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.
West Burlington/Notre Dame will host Mid-Prairie at 7:30 pm on Friday.
WACO will hit the road to face off against HLV on Friday at 7 pm.
Winfield-Mt. Union will square off against Montezuma on Friday at home at 7 pm.
New London will travel to Central City on Friday at 7 pm.
Fairfield will play Keokuk on Friday at 7:30 pm on the road.
Danville will take on Louisa-Muscatine on Friday at 7 pm on the road.
Van Buren County will look for their first victory against Wapello on Friday at 7 pm on the road.
Central Lee will compete against Davis County on Friday at 7:30 pm on the road.
Mediapolis will travel to Albia on Friday at 7:30 pm.
Columbus will attempt to get back in the win column on Friday at 7 pm against Pekin.
High School Volleyball
Holy Trinity Catholic defeated Mediapolis in three sets last night in front of the home crowd: 25-22, 25-16, and 25-23. Presley Myers led the Crusaders with 17 kills, followed by Adalyn Kruse’s 10 kills. Bryn Wright notched 23 assists with Ellah Wagenbach leading the Bulldogs with nine kills. Mediapolis will have another tough matchup tomorrow, September 19th, as they host #9 West Burlington at 7:30 pm.
New London will square off against Holy Trinity Catholic tomorrow at 7:30 pm at home.
West Burlington breezed past Van Buren County last night in straight sets: 25-10, 25-10, and 25-15. Brenna Beggs clinched her 500th career kill in the win. The Warriors will face off against Central Lee tomorrow at home at 7:30 pm.
Burlington Notre Dame traveled to Central Lee last night and swept the Hawks 25-22, 25-15, and 25-19. Chloe Wenzel stuffed the stat sheet last night for the Nikes with a team leading 11 kills, four blocks, and six aces. Taylor Jones tabbed 10 kills for the Hawks. The Nikes will look to improve their win streak to three tomorrow night at home against Danville with first serve at 7:30 pm.
Mt. Pleasant attempted to spoil Burlington’s senior night but fell short, losing 25-17, 25-14, and 25-16 last night.
Fairfield fell at home to SEC foe Washington last night in straight sets 25-21, 25-14, and 25-21. The Trojans will travel to Ottumwa for a tournament on Saturday, September 21st, along with Mt. Pleasant.
Wapello handled business last night, sweeping Winfield-Mt. Union 25-17 in the first set, 26-24 in a tightly contested second set, and a 25-16 final in the third set. Mila Jordan led the Arrows with 12 kills and three aces. Kynlee Buffington had eight kills and three blocks for the Wolves.
Wapello will take on Columbus tomorrow at 7:30 pm on the road.
Winfield-Mt. Union will get a break until the SEISC tournament next Thursday, September 26th.
After Columbus won the first two sets with ease 25-12 and 25-11 last night, WACO battled back to take the third set 25-22 and had the Wildcats on the ropes in the fourth set. Ultimately, Columbus won the set 25-23 and the match 3-1. Jessica Del Rio and Aracely Garza each ripped seven aces in the win. The Warriors will compete against Highland on the road tomorrow at 7:30 pm.
High School Cross Country
Danville made the trip to Oskaloosa last night and their run at first place came to an end for both the boys’ and girls’ teams, but the Bears still had two top 10 finishers. On the girls’ side, Danville grabbed 5th place as a team with 143 points. Alaina Gourley led the team with a time of 21 minutes and 33 seconds, which was good enough for 6th place. The next Bear to finish was Delaney Newberry as she finished in 18th place.
For the boys’ team, Danville tabbed 197 points as a team, giving the Bears 8th place. Jackson Shacklett paced the team with a time of 17 minutes and 28 seconds, which earned him 3rd place. Noah Horn took 18th place, tabbing a time of 18 minutes and 45 seconds.
WACO and Wapello competed in the English Valleys Invite last night and the WACO boys’ team nabbed 3rd place with 94 points. Jude Dykstra led the effort with a 2nd place time of 18 minutes and 18 seconds, while Gavin Slagel also finished within the top 10 at 9th with a time of 19 minutes and 59 seconds. Wapello’s Will Parsons and Joseph Anderson finished in 36th and 37th place, respectively, separated by a tenth-of-a-second (23:52.6 vs 23:52.7).
On the girls’ side, Elyssa Graber took 12th place with a time of 23 minutes and 46 seconds, followed by Josie Dykstra in 14th place with a time of 24 minutes and 20 seconds. Kenna Small was the top finisher for the Arrows, with a 19th place time of 24 minutes and 59 seconds.
WACO will compete at the Mt. Pleasant Invitational on Tuesday, September 24th.
Wapello will travel to Burlington to compete next Thursday, September 26th.
Mt. Pleasant, Mediapolis, Winfield-Mt. Union, Fairfield, New London, Van Buren County, Danville, Central Lee, Columbus, and Holy Trinity Catholic will run at Rodeo Park Trail tomorrow, September 19th.
Southeast Iowa Playbook
The season premier of the Southeast Iowa Playbook is scheduled to take place tonight at 6 pm on KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, with Mt. Pleasant set to be the school of focus.
Southeastern Community College
The volleyball team will host Northeast Community College tonight at 7 pm.
College Football
Iowa will start Big Ten play on Saturday, September 21st, at 6:30 pm against Minnesota. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the broadcast.
#20 Iowa State will host Arkansas State on Saturday at 1 pm. The call will be on KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130.
This Day in Sports History
1938 – The Chicago Bears beat the Green Bay Packers 2-0. The fifth and most recent game to have such a score.
1984 – Tim Raines is the first player with four consecutive 70-stolen-base seasons.
1987 – Detroit first baseman Darrell Evans hits home run #30 off Bill Wegman in the 5th inning of a Tigers’ 7-6 win over the Milwaukee Brewers; became the first 40-year-old to hit 30 MLB home runs in a season.
Prep Cross Country: Class 1A Gains Another Local School in This Week’s Team Rankings
Prep Cross Country- The Iowa Track Coaches Association (IATC) released their newest team rankings for the week and seven local teams find themselves ranked within the top 20, including a top 10 squad in Class 1A.
Class 3A
Fort Madison has been the team to look out for in Southeast Iowa with both the boys’ and girls’ squads as they both enter this week ranked with the boys’ team at 16th and the girls’ team gaining a spot to be placed at 12th.
These ratings come in spite of the Bloodhounds losing both of their ranked individual runners from a week prior. The boys’ team claimed 2nd at the Fairfield invite, while the girls’ team had runners finish 6th through 11th to claim the gold at the invite.
Class 2A
Mediapolis had an opportunity last week to set themselves apart from the other great teams in the area; however, the Bulldogs finished behind Danville twice and Van Buren County once, resulting in the dogs hanging on to the top 20 at #20.
Their one ranked runner, Will Schmidgall, also experienced a dip in the rankings, falling from 7th to 13th after grabbing 3rd in both of his races from the week prior.
Class 1A
On the boys’ side, the rivalry and Van Buren County continues to intensify as the Bears’ Jackson Shacklett and the Warriors’ Lincoln Bainbridge continue to trade top spot finishes but the team results are titled in Danville’s favor.
Isaac Shinn, Noah Horn, Nick Powell, and Trevor Yaley have helped the Bears finish in 1st place at each of their three meets to start off the season. Despite the 1st place finishes last week, the boys’ team tumbled back two spots to be ranked #6 this week.
Landry Loeffler, Lo Jirak, Elijah Westercamp, and Gavin Noll helped Van Buren County vault up the rankings from #14 to #12 this week.
Columbus has also made their appearance into the top 20 at #18 after being unranked last week. Ty Muniz is ranked as the 29th best runner in Class 1A.
On the girls’ side, the Danville girls’ team, led by the #30-runner Alaina Gourley, are ranked #13 for the week, which is one spot back from their rankings a week ago. Delaney Newberry, Abby Arnett, and Addison Henkelvig aided the Bears run at two 1st place finishes last week.
Next Rankings
Team rankings will be release tomorrow, September 17th, and individual rankings will be updated next Monday, September 23rd.
*UPDATE* No Danger at this time for Tuesday Afternoon Fire
*Update as of 9/18 morning*
Firefighters with the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department had a stressful and busy day on Tuesday, fighting multiple fires and responding to calls. A house in the 600 block of North Carol Avenue caught fire and upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy fire coming from the front and rear of the house. The fire was quickly contained in 15 minutes, as a two-man crew entered through the front while a deck gun was used to knock the fire down. In total, four trucks and 13 firefighters were on scene, as well as Mt. Pleasant Police and Henry County Health Center. There were no human injuries, but family pets were lost.
Before the call was wrapped up, two brush trucks and a tanker were sent to a brush fire. At the end of the evening, the department was called to Arby’s for a fire alarm around 11:00pm.
Continue reading “*UPDATE* No Danger at this time for Tuesday Afternoon Fire”
Susan Mitchell
Susan Rae Mitchell, 76, of Westwood, died Monday, September 16, 2024 at Park Place Elder Living in Mt. Pleasant. 
Mrs. Mitchell, the former Susan Rae Keller, was born March 31, 1948 in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was the daughter of Donald Vernen and Bobetta Louise (Betz) Keller. The family moved to Ames, IA when Susan was young. Susan graduated from Ames High School in 1966. She entered the United States Navy on June 17, 1966. She served as a Hospital Corps wave (the female Navy version of a Hospital Corpsman). Susan was honorably discharged as a HM3 at the Naval Hospital in Bremerton, WA on June 16, 1969.
On July 22, 1967 in Ames, IA, Susan was united in marriage to Vernon Glen Mitchell.
The couple settled in South Dakota where Susan graduated with honors from Dakota State College (now Dakota State University) in Madison, SD with her degree in Business and Education. She taught school in Hudson, SD and in Minnesota. The couple moved to Redfield, SD where Susan became an educator at the South Dakota State Mental Health Institution in Redfield, working with disabled children.
In 1992, Susan and Vernon moved to Mt. Pleasant. Susan worked for the Job Training Partnership Act, which was administered by Southeastern Community College.
Susan belonged to two book clubs in Mt. Pleasant. She loved to volunteer. She assisted as a volunteer with the Red Cross, and with was a Girl Scout Camp Director. Susan volunteered to organize archives at the Repertoire Theater Museum on the Midwest Old Threshers Grounds in Mt. Pleasant.
Those thankful for sharing in Susan’s life include her husband of 57 years, Vernon of Mt. Pleasant, and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Her parents, a sister – Marcia Widows and a brother, Don Keller, precede Susan in death.
Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. A committal service will take place at a later date at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the family for decisions to be made later. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.