Gary L. Reynolds

By Lisa Grilliot · Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at 4:49 am CDT

 It is with both sadness and gratitude for a life well-lived devoted to service and ministry that we announce the passing of Gary L. Reynolds.  Born on Friday, October 6, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Gary passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the age of 81 in Chicago.  A resident of Schaumburg since 1991, Gary touched countless lives with his unwavering faith and passion for service.

Gary’s life was characterized by a steadfast commitment to his beliefs and community.  He earned a MBA from North Park University and a Master of Divinity from Bethel Seminary.  His education laid the foundation for his enduring dedication to his work with Converge, formally known as the Baptist General Conference, where he was a beacon of faith and support.

As an educator and church planter, Gary spent time in Brazil and in Mexico spreading the message of hope and love.  His devotion to God’s creation was evident in his love for people, the outdoors, and especially being near to or on the water — a pastime that brought him great joy and peace.

Gary’s legacy is carried on by beloved wife of 58 years, Doris (nee Dumse), his cherished daughters, Cristiana (Brian) McDowell and Diana Michelle Reynolds, his dear brother, Wayne (Nancy) Reynolds, and nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Gunnard and Velma (nee Whal) and his sister, Carol.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we are grateful for the profound impact Gary had on everyone who knew him.  His life of service and dedication will be celebrated at Village Point Church in Elk Grove Village on Saturday, April 18.  Inurnment of his cremains will be held at Burge Cemetery, rural New London, Iowa, at a later date. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with local arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Summer Brazil Ministry Opportunity through Village Point Church, continuing Gary’s lifelong mission of spreading love and faith to all corners of the globe.

As we remember Gary, let us find comfort in his enduring teaching and beautiful memories he leaves behind.  May he rest in peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Roland Leslie Hatton

By Lisa Grilliot · Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at 4:44 am CDT

Roland Leslie Hatton, 93, passed away on March 27, 2026. Born October 8, 1932, in Janesville, Wisconsin but grew up in Winfield, Iowa. Roland was a cherished presence whose life was marked by steady devotion, quiet strength, and the enduring love of family and friends. He lived in Chandler, Arizona.

Roland’s story began in Winfield, Iowa and carried him onward through learning and service. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Iowa Wesleyan University, a foundation that would support a life defined by responsibility and care for others.

From 1952 to 1956, Roland served in the US Navy, answering the call of duty during his younger years. In his working life, he was an Insurance Claim Adjuster in Cedar Rapids, Iowa—work that required patience, fairness, and a measured hand, qualities that reflected the way he moved through the world. He uplifted everyone he associated with by always telling jokes and singing songs.

Roland is survived by Janet Fye Hatton, his loving wife of 68 years; Teresa Holmes (Tim), his daughter; Tracy Hatton (Karen), his son; and his grandchildren, Zachary Holmes, Chelsea Holmes, Trevor Hatton, Logan Hatton, and Jenna Hatton.

Roland was preceded in death by his twin daughters; his Parents, Walter and Ethel Hatton; and his Brother Walt Jr. and his sister-in-law, Shirley Hatton.

In the rhythms of everyday life, Roland found joy in golf, traveling in the motor home, fishing, college sports, basketball and football—simple pleasures that became lasting memories for those who shared the time with him.

He was a member of the Methodist Church, a Life member VFW, and part of the Iowa Mutual 20-year club, connections that spoke to a life rooted in faith, loyalty, and community.

Special thanks to Hospice of the Valley in Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Roland’s honor.

A graveside service will be held for Roland at Trinity Cemetery, rural Mt. Union, Iowa at a later date.

Elliott Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com

 

HC Attorney Special Election: Canvass of Votes Scheduled

By Lisa Grilliot · Friday, April 3rd, 2026 at 4:58 pm CDT

The Canvass of Votes for the Henry County Attorney Vacancy Special Election will be held on Tuesday, April 7th at 8:30am.  The special election was held on March 31, 2026.  The Henry County Board of Supervisors will meet at the courthouse in Mt. Pleasant for the canvassing of votes.

Kenneth Lloyd Fischer

By Lisa Grilliot · Friday, April 3rd, 2026 at 4:04 pm CDT

Kenneth Lloyd Fischer, 93, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, died Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life Open House on April 11, 2026, from 1:00–3:30 p.m. at the Ashford Park Clubhouse, 1810 E Ashford Ave., Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641. In keeping with Kenny’s wishes, there will be no formal service. Please join us for a casual time of fellowship. Stop by and share memories, stories and enjoy Kenny’s favorite desserts, snacks, and drinks with friends and family.

Memorials may be directed to Van Vorhies Haus or Spring Grove United Methodist Church. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, is caring for Kenneth and his family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

 

Grief Support Group Meets Monthly

By Lisa Grilliot · Friday, April 3rd, 2026 at 4:01 pm CDT

EveryStep Grief & Loss Services offer The Touching our Grief support group.  It is free and open to anyone who needs support following the loss of a loved one.  Sessions are led by expert bereavement counselors and offer a safe place to give and receive support from others.  The group meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 4-5:30pm in the EveryStep conference room, 118 N. Main street in Mt. Pleasant.  For more information, contact Amanda Day, bereavement counselor at 319-330-1086, or everystep.org.  this month, the group will meet on Thursday, April 16th.

Kathryn “Kate” (Katy) Gerst

By Lisa Grilliot · Friday, April 3rd, 2026 at 2:31 pm CDT

Kathryn “Kate” (Katy) Gerst, 76, passed away on March 28, 2026.

She was born on October 26, 1949, in Burlington, Iowa, to Edwin “Ed” and Carolyn “Cotty” Hicklin and was raised in Wapello, Iowa. She grew up surrounded by family, lifelong friends, and a strong sense of community that stayed with her throughout her life. Wapello was always home to her, and it remained the center of her life and the place where she built lasting relationships and memories. On March 1, 1969, she married the love of her life, Roger “Rod” Gerst Jr. Together they built a life grounded in family, community, and a deep care for the people around them.

She was a devoted wife and mother, and her daughter was at the center of her world. Being a mom was the role she cherished most, and it showed in the way she supported, encouraged, and stood by her daughter through every stage of life.

Kate was known by many as the heart of the Wapello junior and senior high school. She served as secretary for nearly 20 years and knew every student who walked through those doors. She remembered their names, their stories, and what they needed, and she treated each one with kindness and care. To many students, she was more than a secretary. She was someone they could count on, someone who listened, and someone who made them feel seen. She also served as the school’s drama director, where she encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones and be part of something bigger. Her impact on those students stayed with them long after they left school.

Her love of music was a constant throughout her life. She was a talented bassoon player and performed with the Southeast Iowa Symphony for many years. Music was not just something she did, it was something she truly loved. Later, she took on the role of manager for the symphony, continuing to support the organization and the arts community in a different way. She believed in the importance of music and the role it played in bringing people together.

She was always supportive of Rod’s photography and took great pride in her daughter’s career. She encouraged the people she loved without hesitation and stood behind them in everything they did. Her support was steady and unwavering, and it meant more than words can fully express.

Travel was something she loved throughout her life and something she shared with her family. She and Rod spent years exploring together, and those experiences became an important part of their life. They traveled across the country and beyond, including trips to Canada and Alaska. Whether it was a long-planned trip or time spent simply getting away, she valued those moments. Being together, seeing new places, and making memories along the way brought her a great deal of joy. After retiring, she was able to spend even more time traveling and being with Rod and Cary, something she truly cherished.

Above all else, she was the best mom. She was steady, loving, and always there when it mattered most. She showed up in every way that counted, and that is what will be remembered most.

She is survived by her husband, Rod; her daughter, Carolyn “Cary” Gerst; her sisters, Martha (Greg) Remley, Betsy Barber, Nancy (Mike) Roach, and Jane Weaver; her brother, Bill (Erin) Weaver; her brother-in-law, Marty (Brenda) Gerst; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law, Roger and Dot (Dorothy) Gerst; her infant daughter, Hannah; her sister, Joan (Ronald) Cross; and her sister-in-law, Becky Gerst.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services or memorial at this time.  A memorial has been established for the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra,  https://www.seiso.us/support, in Kate’s name.  Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services is caring for Kate’s arrangements.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

 

Sports, April 3rd

By Slaten Swords · Friday, April 3rd, 2026 at 6:26 am CDT

High School Track and Field

All meets scheduled for last night were canceled due to the weather. 

Columbus will travel to the Liberty Co-Ed invitational tomorrow, April 4th.

Mt. Pleasant and Washington will venture north to the Williamsburg Co-Ed Invitational on Tuesday, April 7th.

Mediapolis will host the Dave Aamodt Relays on Tuesday with Danville, West Burlington/Notre Dame, Wapello, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip. 

The WACO Relays are scheduled for Tuesday with Van Buren County, New London, and Columbus competing. 

The Fairfield girls’ team will hold their own meet on Tuesday with Central Lee flying over, while the Fairfield boys’ team will participate in the Dennis Anderson Relays.

High School Soccer

All games scheduled for last night were canceled. 

Mt. Pleasant will face off against Columbus on the road on Monday, April 6th, with the girls playing first at 5 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will head down the road to compete against Burlington on Monday with game one at 5:30 pm.

The WACO boys’ team will square off against Fairfield on Monday on the road at 5 pm.

Central Lee will contend with Keokuk for their home opener on Monday with game one at 5 pm.

The Danville boys’ team will stay at home to face off against Cedar Rapids Washington on Monday at 6 pm.

The Washington girls’ team will travel to Oskaloosa on Monday at 5 pm, while the boys’ team will host Hillcrest Academy on Tuesday, April 7th, at 5 pm.

Wapello will take on Cedar Valley Christian on Tuesday at home with the girls leading off the night at 5 pm.

The Mediapolis girls’ team will hit the road to play Tipton on Tuesday at 5 pm, while the boys’ team will host Danville on Thursday, April 9th, at 7 pm.

High School Golf

Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield will start their conference play on Monday, April 6th, with the girls’ teams heading to Washington and the boys’ teams playing in Fairfield. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Burlington Notre Dame on Tuesday, April 7th, at home.

Wapello will host Louisa-Muscatine on Tuesday.

Mediapolis will travel to Danville on Tuesday.

Columbus will take on Hillcrest Academy at home on Tuesday.

Van Buren County will travel to Central Lee on Tuesday.

WACO will compete against Lone Tree on Tuesday at home.

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will attend the Wapello Invite on Wednesday, April 8th. Konner Kinneberg talked about what his goals are for the rest of the season,

“I’m really hoping to shoot under 70 this year. I’ve gotten pretty close over the summer and shot a few rounds under par. We had our first meet, which I didn’t really play the best. I shot 80. We actually got third as a team and I got fifth individually. It was a really good milestone to hit for our first meet. It was a really good starting score that I’m hoping to take down a few times.”

While Max Edwards is hoping to use the momentum from his great start to propel his way through the year,

“My goal going into the season was to consistently break 90. As Konner said, we had our first meet and I shot an 81. I’d say that’s a pretty good tone setter. Now I’m thinking to consistently be low 80s. With that tone setter, low 80s is something that’s in range for me to get. Then break 40 for the first time on nine holes.”

High School Boys’ Tennis

Fairfield will look to start the season tomorrow, April 4th, at the Ottumwa Invitational.

Mt. Pleasant will take on Keokuk for their home opener on Tuesday, April 7th.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team will host Iowa Lakes Community College today in a doubleheader. 

The softball team will hit the road for a doubleheader today against St. Louis Community College. 

March Madness

The KILJ bracket challenge, sponsored by The Press Box, is officially underway with 60 brackets submitted with the top three set to receive prizes. 

Here’s an updated look at the top 10 brackets and a recap of the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight: KILJ’s Bracket Challenge Standings. The Final Four is slated to start tomorrow, April 4th, with game one at 5:09 pm between #2 UConn and #3 Illinois. 

Standings will be updated before the championship game.

College Baseball and Softball

The Iowa baseball team will host Minnesota today.

The Iowa softball team will travel to Oregon for a three-game series starting tonight at 8 pm.

The Iowa State softball team will take on #14 Arizona on Sunday, April 5th, in a home doubleheader. 

College Basketball

Audi Crooks, the Iowa State women’s basketball star, plans to finish her collegiate career elsewhere after announcing on her social media yesterday that she had entered the transfer portal. The three-year starter finished second in scoring this past season and averaged nearly 23 points and eight rebounds per game as a Cyclone. She became the ninth Cyclone to enter the portal, which includes Addy Brown and Jada Williams.

This Day in Sports History

1988 – Mario Lemieux wins the NHL scoring title, stopping Gretzky’s 7 year streak.

1994 – The first roster of Silver Bullets (all-female pro baseball team) was announced.

2019 – San Antonio coach Greg Popovich is ejected after an NBA record low 63 seconds in the Spurs 113-85 loss in Denver; received two technical fouls in a verbal confrontation with a referee.

Southeast Iowa Fishing Report, April 3rd

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, April 3rd, 2026 at 6:03 am CDT

The 2026 Iowa Walleye Challenge features exciting new ways for anglers to compete, connect, and contribute to fisheries science and management across the Midwest.

This event uses the mobile app MyCatch, where anglers report catches and trips to qualify for prizes. The $25 entry fee includes a $20 Discount Tackle gift certificate for every angler who reports a valid trip. Prize categories include Weekly Challenges, Random Draw Prizes, Most Fish Caught, Most Waterbodies Fished, Captain Prizes, Early Bird Prizes, and Longest Walleye.

The weekly fishing report is broken down by fisheries regions and management districts – Mississippi River, northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest.

Use the new search and filter options to check the activity of your favorite lake, pond, river and stream within each region, including which species are being caught, a rating of the bite (slow, fair, good or excellent), and simple tips and tricks for targeting those fish.

Lake Darling Management District

  • Contact Person: Vance Polton – 319-694-2430

For more information on these lakes and ponds, call the Lake Darling Fisheries at 319-694-2430. Last updated on 03/04/2026

Big Hollow Lake (Des Moines)

  • Water Temperature (°F): 50.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Water temperature is about 50 degree, is starting to fall with the cold rain (April 1-2).

  • Largemouth Bass – Fair: On sunny warm (70+) days, anglers were picking up bass along the north side along the more open shoreline where the sun could get in to warm the water.

Jefferson Co. Park New Pond (Jefferson)

  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable

There are still plenty of trout left in the lake to catch. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

  • Rainbow Trout – Good: They have had time to settle down. Using bobber and bait is working better; try corn, powerbait, or worms. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Lake Belva Deer (Keokuk)

  • Water Temperature (°F): 50.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Water temperature is around 50 degrees.

  • Black Crappie – Good: Anglers were catching 10-inch crappies in 10 to 12 feet of water earlier this week. They are using sonar to find scattered schools of fish and then jigging just over the top of them to catch them before moving on to the next school.
  • Largemouth Bass – Fair: A few more boats are chasing bass on sunny warm days. Anglers are catching some decent bass up to the 4 pounds. Try working the lures slow and shallow along sun heated rocks.

Lake Darling (Washington)

  • Water Temperature (°F): 51.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Water temperature is 51 degrees. The lake is coming up and is a little more turbid with the heavy rain (April1-2). Water clarity is 2-3 feet.

  • Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up crappies in the shallow water around the brush piles and the steeper rock shorelines. Concentrate your efforts on where the sun hits the structure to warm the water.
  • Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass continue to come into the shallows on the few sunnier days, but quickly return to deeper water on cooler days. Soft plastics and jigs worked slowly work best this time of year. Target the areas of the lake where the sun and wind hit the same stretches of shoreline.

Lake of the Hills (Scott)

  • Water Temperature (°F): 45.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

There are still plenty of trout left in the lake to catch. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Minnows are not allowed as bait in this lake.

  • Rainbow Trout – Good: Even though good numbers of trout were caught the first day, there are many more still waiting to be caught. Work the fish habitat not to far off shore with a worm and bobber or small jigs tipped with red worms. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Lost Grove Lake (Scott)

  • Water Temperature (°F): 45.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

The middle (Red Barn) boat dock is in. The other docks are getting repaired and should be in the water shortly.

  • Largemouth Bass – Fair: 10- to 12-inch bass are moving into shallower water and feeding. Target the shorelines where the wind is blowing in. Larger bass are hanging out around the habitat in a little deeper water yet.
  • Walleye – Slow: Walleyes are cruising along the rock shorelines down along the lower end of the lake in the evening. Troll a live bait rig about 15 to 20 feet from shore at a fairly slow speed along the rocks where the wind blows into shore.

Wilson Lake (Lee)

  • Ramp Condition: Useable

There are still plenty of trout left in the lake to catch. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Rainbow Trout – Excellent: Now that the trout have found homes in the lake, look for them around the cedar trees not too far out from shore or in the “corners” of the lake. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Macbride Management District

  • Contact Person: D. J. Vogeler or Chris Mack – 319-624-3615

Coralville Reservoir (Johnson)

  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Ely Pond (Linn)

  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Rainbow Trout – Fair; You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Hannen Lake (Benton)

  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.) (Iowa)

  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction) (Johnson)

    • Water Temperature (°F): 52.0
    • Ramp Condition: Useable

Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake) (Iowa)

  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Lake Macbride (Johnson)

  • Water Temperature (°F): 50.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Liberty Centre Pond (Johnson)

  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Rainbow Trout – Fair; You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Noelridge Park Pond (Linn)

  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Rainbow Trout – Fair: You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

North Ridge Park Pond (Johnson)

  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Rainbow Trout – Fair: You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Union Grove Lake (Tama)

  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Beach, shelter and cabin docks are reported in.

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction) (Jones)

  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Rathbun Management District

  • Contact Person: Rathbun Fish Hatchery personnel – 641-647-2406

Water temperature is in the mid-40s. Last updated on 04/02/2026

Hawthorn Lake (Mahaska)

  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Target channel catfish early spring.

Lake Miami (Monroe)

  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Target channel catfish along wind-blown shorelines.

Lake Sugema (Van Buren)

  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Channel Catfish – Slow: Try cut bait or dead minnows.
  • Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers report catching largemouth bass. Target the rip-rapped shorelines using plastics or spinnerbaits.

Lake Wapello (Davis)

  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Channel catfish are usually the first fish to catch in the spring.

Ottumwa Park Pond South (Trout Pond) (Wapello)

  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable

Anglers report that mornings and evenings are the best bite. Use gold rooster tails or other in-line spinners. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Rathbun Reservoir (Appanoose)

  • Water Temperature (°F): 46.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable

Lake level is 904.65 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. Boat ramps are open; campgrounds are still closed. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels; clean, drain and dry your boat before going to another water body.