How Does Flooding Impact Iowa’s Wildlife?

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 at 7:46 am CDT

The Mississippi River in Burlington is in a major flood stage currently, and you may wonder how Iowa’s wildlife reacts to flooding. Thankfully, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shares the answer.

Just like us, most critters head for higher ground, when and where it’s available. Some climb trees for a temporary home.

For reptiles and amphibians, more water and more humid conditions help them thrive – less chance of drying out and more opportunity to colonize into areas new to them.

With fewer flooding events in the spring and more in the summer, animals that had adapted to spring flooding for nesting may now struggle to have a successful nest.

Birds – as you’d expect – will generally move to higher ground if they can, but heavy rain and flooding is usually a problem for birds that nest on or near the ground. Many species will attempt to re-nest and try again, though second nests often produce fewer young.

In any case, it will take wildlife time to recover from a devastating weather event like this year’s flooding, but having healthy populations will allow for that recovery to happen faster.

West Burlington Man Arrested for Two Counts of Sex Abuse

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 at 7:45 am CDT

A man has been arrested in West Burlington after an investigation revealed he had been in contact with a minor victim.

On June 24th, 2024, the WBPD began an investigation regarding allegations of sexual offenses against a minor by a local registered sex offender. Several search warrants were conducted and as a result, Kenneth Leon Hayburn of Burlington was arrested on July 9th for Two Counts of Sex Abuse in the 3rd degree, 2nd Offense.

Sports, July 10th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant’s late surge against Clarke led to a dominating 11-5 win last night to end the regular season with a 21-8 record. Ben Newton and Payton Walker each hit a home run in the win with Newton leading the team with three RBIs.

High School Postseason Baseball

In Class 1A Substate 6, New London and Burlington Notre Dame had a thrilling start to the game with the two teams trading a run in the first inning and a half; nevertheless, mother nature had other plans as a rainstorm drowned the infield. 

Landry Haberichter scored the Nikes’ only run off an errant throw, while Memphis Watson tied the game with an RBI single. The game will be resumed tonight at SCC with KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, on the call. The winner will face off against Moravia on Saturday, July 13th, at 7 pm. 

On the bottom half of the bracket, Hillcrest Academy fell short against BGM last night, 7-6. Mason Bender and Lawson Schrock each nabbed two RBIs in the loss. The Ravens finished with a 16-5 record.  

BGM and Sigourney will play on Saturday at 7 pm for the District 12 championship. 

In Class 2A Substate 5, Winfield-Mt. Union was handled by Anamosa last night 14-1. The Wolves finished the season with a 9-12 record. 

Mid-Prairie and Mediapolis engaged in a pitching duel that didn’t see a run score until the 6th inning as the Bulldogs stopped a 7th inning rally to win 2-1 last night. The Golden Hawks finished the season with a 19-10 record. 

Mediapolis will travel to Anamosa on Saturday at 7 pm. 

For Class 2A Substate 6, Central Lee’s season came to an end last night as the Hawks lost a tight contest, 5-3, against Pleasantville. The Hawks finished the season with a 16-7 record. 

In Class 3A Substate 5, Mt. Pleasant will host Fort Madison on Friday, July 12th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

Washington will travel to Central DeWitt on Friday at 7 pm. 

Fairfield will host Keokuk on Friday at 7 pm. 

High School Softball

Fairfield drubbed Knoxville last night 13-5. Olivia Hollander slugged a double and finished with three RBIs. 

High School Postseason Softball

For Class 1A Region 6, Holy Trinity Catholic clobbered WACO last night 13-2. The Crusaders will take on Winfield-Mt. Union tonight at 7 pm at home. 

Danville will travel to Twin Cedars tonight at 7 pm. Head coach Sydney Kramer discussed what she’s hoping to see from her team,

“Just taking it one at a time, that’s been the motto all season long. Just, you know, one pitch at a time, one inning at a time. Try to win the inning each inning just staying confident and seeing the ball.”

For Class 2A Region 5, Van Buren County will face off against Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont tonight at 7 pm at home. 

Class 3A Region 8, Central Lee will host Camanche tomorrow, July 11th, at 7 pm. 

West Burlington will compete against Mediapolis tomorrow at 7 pm at home. 

For Class 4A Region 8, Mt. Pleasant will travel to Central DeWitt tomorrow at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. The winner of the matchup will face off against Burlington in the semifinals.  

High School Cross Country

Mt. Pleasant’s optional summer runs, available for 7th through 12th graders, are scheduled Monday through Thursday. The runs will often be led by upperclassmen as coaches may not be present for every run.

On Mondays and Wednesdays the runs will start at 6:30 am at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre and on Tuesdays and Thursdays they will be at Saunders Park by the swimming pool at 7 pm. 

If you have any questions, contact Coach Murray at 319-850-0867. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees lost their home matchup last night to the Alton River Dragons 7-4. Cedric Dunnwald finished with a double and two RBIs in the loss. The Bees will stay at home to take on the Thrillville Thrillbillies tonight at 6:30 pm. 

The Clinton LumberKings had their matchup against the Normal CornBelters last night postponed to July 25th. The LumberKings will continue their July 7th matchup against the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp tonight with a 9-5 lead. The two will play a full game at the conclusion of game one. 

This Day in Sports History

1968 – Major League baseball announces it will split into two divisions for 1969.

1992 – The US Major Soccer League folded after 14 seasons.

2002 – 10th ESPY Awards: Tiger Woods and Venus Williams win. The win made Woods the all-time ESPY award winner.

One Found Dead in Vehicle in Burlington, Identified as Fort Madison Man

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 at 2:57 pm CDT

A Fort Madison man was found dead in a vehicle at the Southeast Iowa Regional Airport on Friday morning.

Just before 10:30am that morning, officers with the Burlington Police Department were called for a report of an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, they found Kevin Bower, 64, of Fort Madison, deceased in a vehicle.

According to the Burlington Police Department, an investigation is underway, but no foul play is currently suspected.

 

MPCSD and Childcare Center Discuss Before and After School Programs at Board Meeting

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 at 2:55 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community school board met in regular session Monday evening for a variety of business.

Matt Barton, a representative for the Childcare center in town, spoke with the board about leasing space for a before and after school program. Currently, they think Harlan would be the best location as it will cause the least disruption. In this discussion, the school district would provide space and transportation, while the childcare center would provide the staffing. According to superintendent, John Henriksen, a lease agreement is all that would be needed to make this happen. This seems to be an ongoing conversation, as details are still be ironed out.

The chapel repairs were discussed, which are finishing up, and the estimated cost at the beginning was $190,000, which looks to be right on the mark.

Dr. Butler and Mr. Henriksen gave a shoutout to Nikki Ensminger for her help with summer school, which was a success. At the high school level, 92 credits were made up and nearly 100 students attended. The middle school saw 46 students on average each day, with many students engaged in STEM activities, and some even going on a field trip.

 

 

Budweiser Clydesdales to Make Appearance at Tri State Rodeo

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 at 2:53 pm CDT

The Tri-State Rodeo is not far away now, and additional entertainment has been announced. The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will march into Fort Madison on Tuesday, September 3rd, and stay at the Tri-State Rodeo ground until the 10th.  

The Clydesdales’ appearance in Fort Madison, is one of hundreds made annually by three teams of traveling hitches based out of operation headquarters located at the St. Louis Brewery in Missouri.   The Clydesdales have been the mascot of Anheuser-Busch since 1933.

Mount Pleasant City Council Meeting Agenda 07/10

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 at 2:51 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in Regular Session on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at City Hall, 307 E. Monroe Street, second-floor meeting room at 5:30 p.m.

AGENDA

  1. Roll Call.
  2. Consent Agenda: To the Public — All items with an asterisk (*) are routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion and a roll call of the Councilmembers. There will be no separate discussion of items unless the Mayor, a Councilmember or citizen so request, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and will be considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.
  3. Receive & file communications — Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Committee
  4. Approve agenda.

*5. Approve minutes of previous meetings.

*6. Approve payment of bills.

*7. Receive report of Officers including Resolution No. 2024-68 approving June Transfers.

  1. Old Business-
    1. 5:30 p.m. Public Hearing on the proposed drawings, specifications, form of contract and estimated costs for the “H” reconstruction project.
    2. Resolution awarding construction contract for the “H” reconstruction project.
    3. Outdoor Amplified Sound Permit for PFLAG Mount Pleasant on July 13 in Central Park.
  2. New Business-
    1. Resolution waiving the right to review the preliminary and final plats of the Marvin Meadows Subdivision.
    2. Resolution waiving the right to review the preliminary and final plats of the Isenhower Subdivision.
  1. Resolution authorizing Branden Harp as a fire fighter with the Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department.
  2. Resolution authorizing Deann Scott-Harp as a fire fighter with the Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department.
  1. Public Forum.

Adjourn to meet in regular session on Wednesday, July 24, 2024,

Henry County Supervisors Meeting Agenda 07/11

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 at 8:49 am CDT

Henry County Supervisors
100 E Washington St Ste 202
Mt Pleasant IA 52641
Fax: 319-385-3601

Chad White, Member Marc Lindeen, Vice-Chairman Greg Moeller, Chairman
319-385-0759 319-385-0760 319-385-0761________

AGENDA

July 11, 2024

1.Approve Agenda

2.Approve Minutes

3.Public Comments

4.Approve Claims

5.Motion – 28E Agreement with Jefferson County
for Old Hwy 34 Sealcoat project

6.Caleb Waters, Conservation Monthly Update

7. Joe Buffington, P & Z Monthly Update

8. Approve Early Retiree Applications

9. Motion to approve the transfer all right, title, interest and ownership in and to the four horses (the “Horses”) that are the subject of the Petition For Disposition Of Neglected Livestock filed in Case No. CVEQ006899 to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa

Other County Business as time allows

Supervisors Sub-Committee Updates