A Fairfield man was sentenced to four years of probation on July 28, 2025, for stealing thousands of prescription pills from the pharmacy he owned and operated.

Bryan Paul Vander Linden, 43, admitted to diverting controlled substances from Summit Pharmacy of Iowa, beginning in June 2022 through at least November 2023. According to public court records, Vander Linden obtained the drugs for personal use through several illegal methods, including ordering and concealing inventory, removing pills from pharmacy stock, and taking medications from a controlled substance collection bin.

In total, Vander Linden acquired more than 3,500 pills of oxycodone and hydrocodone—both classified as Schedule II controlled substances—as well as more than 400 pills of carisoprodol, a Schedule IV muscle relaxant.

In addition to probation, Vander Linden was ordered to pay a $9,500 fine.

The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was investigated by the DEA.

Another round of wet and humid weather hampered Iowa farmers last week, leaving only 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 27, 2025, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Despite the limited time in the field, growers continued harvesting oats, cutting hay, and applying fungicide as crop development advanced steadily across the state.

Soil moisture conditions remained strong, with topsoil rated 65 percent adequate and 30 percent surplus. Only 1 percent of topsoil was rated very short, and 4 percent short. Subsoil moisture showed similar trends, with 67 percent adequate and 24 percent surplus, while just 2 percent was rated very short and 7 percent short.

Corn and Soybean Progress Surges Ahead

Corn silking reached 84 percent statewide, putting the crop one day ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Thirty-four percent of corn has entered the dough stage, which is also slightly ahead of typical progress. Corn condition remained strong, with 59 percent rated good and 28 percent excellent. Only 3 percent of the crop was considered poor or very poor.

Soybeans also made progress, though blooming remained slightly behind average. At 81 percent, the crop was on pace with last year but two days behind the norm. Pod setting stood at 52 percent, five days ahead of last year and two days ahead of average. Overall, soybean condition was rated 61 percent good and 21 percent excellent.

Small Grains and Hay

Ninety-five percent of Iowa’s oat crop has turned color, and nearly half—49 percent—has already been harvested. Oats continued to show solid health, with 67 percent in good condition and 16 percent rated excellent.

Alfalfa hay producers were busy between rain events, with 87 percent of the second cutting complete and 28 percent of the third cutting now finished. Hay conditions were favorable overall, with 86 percent of the crop rated good to excellent.

Livestock Facing Heat Stress

While pastures remained in excellent shape—82 percent rated good to excellent—livestock faced increasing stress due to the persistent humidity and high temperatures. Producers continue to monitor animal health closely as summer heat intensifies.

Farmers across the state remain hopeful for drier conditions in the coming weeks to keep the harvest and crop development on track.

Washington County youth with a love for the outdoors now have an exciting new opportunity to explore nature and learn valuable outdoor skills through the newly launched Wilderness Wanderers Specialty 4-H Club. The club, led by dedicated 4-H volunteers Megan Jorgensen and Addie Pacha, is designed for students in grades 4 through 12 and focuses on outdoor adventure, education, and stewardship.

Perfect for young people interested in activities such as kayaking, fishing, hunting, stargazing, and campfire cooking, the Wilderness Wanderers club aims to instill a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Members will also learn about local plants and animals while spending quality time outside with their peers.

The club will meet monthly on the third Sunday of each month at 5 p.m. at Marr Park. Enrollment opens September 15 through the website v2.4hOnline.com, and the annual club fee is $40 for the 12-month program.

Questions about the club or the registration process can be directed to Washington County Extension and Outreach at 319-653-4811 or via email at washington4h@iastate.edu.

This initiative is supported by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, which promotes inclusive and educational programming for Iowa youth.

The Mount Pleasant Board of Adjustment met on Monday, July 28, 2025, and voted unanimously to deny a variance request for a new billboard near 900 North Grand Avenue.

Tom Wicks of Summit Locations requested a reduced front setback for a 45-foot-tall static billboard near the Pizza Hut lot. While the proposal met state regulations, it did not comply with Mount Pleasant’s 150-foot front setback ordinance. Wicks emphasized the company’s standards—no advertising for alcohol, gambling, or adult content—and noted the billboard would serve local businesses only.

City Zoning Administrator Gary S, recommended denial, noting the ordinance is clear and the requested variance lacked a qualifying hardship. The board agreed, citing precedent and concerns about setting a zoning exception.

During public comment, Tim King, owner of King’s PC at 602 North Lincoln, requested the city consider allowing a 4-by-4-foot sign for home-based businesses, instead of the current 2-by-2 limit. The board directed him to bring his proposal to the Ordinance Committee, which handles potential code changes.

The meeting adjourned with no further business.

The Mount Pleasant Community Development Committee will convene for its next regular meeting on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. The meeting will take place at Central Park Coffee Company, located at 111 W. Monroe Street in downtown Mount Pleasant.

The agenda includes the approval of minutes from the committee’s previous meeting, held on February 4, 2025, as well as the review of several new sign permit requests.

Committee members will consider signage proposals from the following local businesses:

• Pretty Nails, located at 110 N. Main Street
• Root Whole Health, located at 120 S. Main Street
• Mount Pleasant Chiropractic, located at 204 N. Jefferson Street

Following the sign permit reviews, the meeting will conclude with an open forum session, allowing time for community members or business representatives to bring forward other topics of interest or concern.

The Community Development Committee plays a vital role in overseeing the visual and functional development of the downtown district, ensuring that business signage aligns with city standards and enhances the overall streetscape.

The public is welcome to attend.