Mount Pleasant High School is proud to recognize Felicity Metcalf and Wyatt Nicholson as the October Portrait of a Panther students.
In addition to these two honorees, seven other outstanding students were nominated for their positive contributions and character: Hayden Duffie, Alexander Vazquez Gonzalez, Lane Beckler, Urijah Sayabath, Estrella Aranda, Lakota Gatlin, and Ruby Syfert.
Each month, students are nominated by staff members who see them demonstrate the core Panther values — resilience, integrity, compassion, responsibility, communication, and problem-solving.
Mount Pleasant High School encourages the community to congratulate these students for their leadership and dedication. Their actions reflect the best of what it means to be a Panther.
The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board met Monday night to review financial updates, facilities planning, and progress on the superintendent search, while approving several contracts and policy actions.
Board President Angie Blint said the district has received about ten applications so far for the open superintendent position, with more expected following upcoming school board conventions. “We’ve had a strong candidate express interest and plan to visit the area,” Blint shared.
The district’s Facilities Ad Hoc Committee will meet Wednesday, November 12, at 4 p.m. to tour the four elementary buildings before visiting Fort Madison Elementary to view a recently completed project and grade reconfiguration.
Henriksen also noted the Henry County Board of Supervisors will canvass and certify the November 4 school board election on Wednesday. Newly elected members will then take the oath of office and complete the required 90-minute open meetings and records training.
Board Actions and Approvals
The board unanimously approved personnel contracts and open enrollment requests before moving through a series of new business items, including:
IASB Delegate Assembly Appointment: The board approved Board member Aaron Wiliamson as Mount Pleasant’s voting representative at the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) Delegate Assembly later this month.
DeCarlo Demolition PEO Contract: The board approved a contract with DeCarlo Demolition Corp, with completion expected by December 15.
Conflict of Interest Waiver: Approved a legal waiver allowing the district’s attorney to represent both the district and the City of Mount Pleasant regarding the proposed property sale.
Public Hearing on Property Sale: After extensive discussion, the board approved a resolution to set a public hearing on the sale of district property at 307 East Monroe Street—to the City of Mount Pleasant for $116,000. The hearing will be held December 8. Some members expressed concern that the appraisal value of the property was higher, but others emphasized the importance of collaborating with the city to help facilitate the relocation of a local daycare.
Roof Repairs: Approved repairs at Van Allen Elementary ($22,000) and Lincoln Elementary ($24,000) for older roof sections in need of seal and membrane restoration.
Snow Removal Contract: Approved a two-year snow removal agreement with Jim Barton Construction, covering the 2025–26 and 2026–27 seasons.
Policy Review – Series 400: Approved the first reading of the district’s 400 series policies related to personnel. Updates include revised language requiring board president approval for any overnight travel by the superintendent outside the district.
Fundraisers: Approved several student fundraisers, including the 8th Grade Pizza Ranch Night, National Honor Society Fun Run (Nov. 15), High School FFA Bags and Suits Tournament (Nov. 13), and Middle School coin drives to support hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica.
Legislative and Academic Updates
Henriksen also shared that state budget projections indicate a lean year ahead, with limited State Supplemental Aid (SSA) growth expected. He noted ongoing discussions among school leaders about property tax reform and teacher merit pay proposals.
Middle School Principal Mr. Adams reported that the building achieved its highest-ever score—65.43—on the Iowa School Performance Profile, exceeding state averages in nearly every subject area.
Next Meeting
The next Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education meeting—and the organizational session—will be held Monday, December 8, at 6:00 p.m. in the High School Media Center.
Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks faced a full and vocal audience Monday afternoon at the Roberts Memorial Center in Keosauqua, where a tense but engaging town hall highlighted sharp divisions and passionate debate on issues ranging from government funding to healthcare and agriculture.
The town hall meeting, moderated by Kadie Johannson, General Manager of KILJ Radio, quickly turned lively as Miller-Meeks fielded pointed questions from constituents. Some audience members applauded her responses, while others voiced frustration and challenged her directly, leading to several moments of back-and-forth between the congresswoman and attendees.
Miller-Meeks began the session by thanking the Van Buren County community for attending and recognizing local veterans ahead of Veterans Day.
The first wave of questions centered on federal spending and social support programs. When asked about funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Miller-Meeks defended current levels while explaining new verification measures. “We want to make sure benefits go to those who truly qualify,” she said. “Children, pregnant women, seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans will always be protected.”
That response drew immediate push-back from a member of the audience who questioned whether the reforms would make access harder for low-income families. The congresswoman paused before responding, “I understand the concern. The goal is not to take away support—it’s to make sure the system is sustainable.”
As discussion shifted to agriculture, attendees voiced concern about high input costs and market instability. Miller-Meeks spoke about “fair trade” policies aimed at countering unfair practices by the Chinese Communist Party.
“We need policies that keep farmers competitive,” she said, prompting cheers from several attendees while others pressed for more aggressive action to reduce inflation’s impact on local agriculture.
Healthcare affordability brought some of the most emotional exchanges of the afternoon. One attendee spoke about rural hospital closures, saying smaller communities feel “left behind.” Miller-Meeks cited her work on pharmacy benefit manager reform and support for direct primary care models, as well as $845,000 in federal funding secured for Keokuk’s rural healthcare redevelopment. “We have to lower costs while keeping hospitals open,” she said, “and that takes bipartisan work.”
Tension in the room flared again when the congresswoman was asked whether members of Congress should receive pay during a government shutdown. Miller-Meeks held up a pay stub, explaining that she had formally requested to have her salary withheld. “Congress should not get paid when the government is shut down,” she said, which drew scattered applause.
Despite moments of interruption and raised voices, Miller-Meeks maintained an even tone, often thanking audience members for their questions.
“I’ll always show up and take your questions. You may not agree with me, but I will listen.” – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks
The Henry County Recorder’s office will close early at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, to allow staff to participate in training. The office will reopen on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.
Residents are encouraged to plan their visits accordingly.
Anna Marie Baxter, 78, of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, November 6, 2025 at her residence.
Anna Marie (Woodsmall) Baxter was born December 6, 1946 in Mt. Pleasant. She was the daughter of Paul “Jake” and Alverta (Hill) Woodsmall.
Anna Marie was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, a member of the Class of 1965. For 20 years, Anna Marie was a Certified Nurse’s Assistant at Park Place Elder Living in Mt. Pleasant. She retired from her career as a CNA from Pleasant Manor Care Center in Mt. Pleasant.
She attended Harvest Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant. Anna Marie had a deep love of music and enjoyed singing. She was also known for her great fondness of reading. She dearly loved to spend time with her great grandchildren and their families.
Those thankful for sharing in Anna Marie’s life include 2 children – William Alex Baxter and Gayle Ann Baxter, both of Mt. Pleasant; her care giver, Jessica Sandifer of Mt. Pleasant; her siblings – Jerry Woodsmall and his wife Karla of Lockridge, IA, Tim Woodsmall of Illinois and Ron Woodsmall of Texas; her grandchildren – Lili Baxter, Keisha Gardner and her husband Dalton, Llovani Baxter-Martin. Meliah Gillespie, Dillion Gillespie, Amaya Gillespie and Kimberly Mikita; her great grandchildren – Wendel & Kolton Gardner, Blesslyn Ewoldt, Malaysia Cowick, Atreus Cowick, Ryker Doss and Rowyn Doss.
Her parents, siblings Larry Woodsmall, Paul Woodsmall, Tom Woodsmall and Kevin Woodsmall and a grandson, Christopher Baxter, precede Anna Marie in death.
A funeral service for Anna Marie will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, November 14 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The Rev. Court Fischer, Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Mt. Pleasant, will officiate. Burial will be in the Burge Cemetery, New London. Friends may call from 1-7 PM on Thursday, November 13 at the Kimzey Funeral Home. The family will not be present.
Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.
The New London Community School District invites all veterans and community members to join students and staff for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Charles Lorber Gymnasium.
The program will include participation from K-12 students and staff as they honor the service and sacrifices of local veterans.
Prior to the ceremony, veterans and their spouses are invited to enjoy refreshments at 9:00 a.m. in the New London High School Commons. Guests may enter through the gym lobby.
The district welcomes the public to attend this meaningful event recognizing those who have served and continue to serve our nation.
Keokuk High School will host its 38th Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the First Christian Church, 3476 Main Street in Keokuk.
The event welcomes all area residents age 60 and older for an afternoon of good food, fellowship, and holiday entertainment. Doors open at 11 a.m., with serving beginning at noon.
The annual tradition is made possible through the cooperation of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Food Service Department, Transportation, and numerous special volunteers. Guests will also enjoy performances by the Keokuk High School Band and Vocal Music Department.
Bus transportation will be provided, with several pickup times beginning at 11:20 a.m., and return trips will be available following the meal.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling (319) 524-2542, option 3.
In the event of inclement weather, the postponement date will be Thursday, December 11.
This long-standing holiday tradition continues to bring together students and community members to celebrate the season and show appreciation for local seniors.
