Jerry Alan Bissig

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, October 31st, 2025 at 11:16 am CDT

Jerry Alan Bissig, 58, formerly of Fairfield, passed away Wednesday,

October 29, 2025 at his brother’s home in Burlington, Iowa.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, November

7, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Visitation will be one hour prior to

services. Burial will be at Fell Cemetery in Libertyville. Memorials may be made to

First Resources Corp., Ottumwa, Iowa.

Jerry was born December 17, 1966 in Fairfield, the son of Lindley and

Charlotte (Miller) Bissig. He attended school in Fairfield and Ottumwa, graduating from Fairfield High School in 1988.

Jerry was a member of First United Methodist Church in Fairfield. He

worked at Tenco Industries.

Jerry loved listening to music, especially Elvis, John Travolta in Grease and Saturday Night Fever, The Oak Ridge Boys, Shania Twain, Lee Greenwood, and Sesame Street. He enjoyed watching TV Shows and videos, WWE wrestling and The Brady Bunch, and enjoyed his time spent at dayhab working and playing with his friends and caregivers. Jerry loved to attend dances and go bowling with his dayhab friends.

Those left to honor his memory include his brothers, Jim (Diane) Bissig of

Mason City, Iowa, and John (Mary Beth) Bissig of Burlington; nieces and nephews,

Amy (Adam) Pedersen, Brad Bissig, Kate (Zach) Dimmitt, and Evan (Taylor) Bissig,

uncle, Fred Miller, numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Susan Mae;

nephew, Gary Bissig; and aunts and uncles Bettye and Olen Bartholow and Maxine and K. Wayne Boley, and Nancy Miller.

Online condolences may be made to Jerry’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

First Mid Bancshares to Acquire Two Rivers Financial Group

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, October 31st, 2025 at 10:05 am CDT

First Mid Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FMBH) and Two Rivers Financial Group, Inc. (OTCQX: TRVR) have announced a merger agreement that will expand First Mid’s footprint into key Iowa markets.

Under the agreement, dated October 30, 2025, Two Rivers will merge with First Mid in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $94.1 million, based on First Mid’s October 29, closing price of $36.80 per share. The deal will give First Mid a strong presence across central and southeastern Iowa.

Two Rivers, headquartered in Burlington, is the parent company of Two Rivers Bank & Trust, which operates 14 branches and manages $1.1 billion in total assets. Established in 1904, the institution has deep roots in Iowa community banking.

Two Rivers shareholders will receive 1.225 shares of First Mid common stock for each TRVR share. The merger has been unanimously approved by both boards and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approval.

First Mid projects the transaction will be 12.3% accretive to earnings per share by 2027, with tangible book value dilution expected to be recovered in just over two years.

“We are excited to welcome Two Rivers’ employees, customers, and shareholders to First Mid,” said Joseph R. Dively, Chairman and CEO of First Mid. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to continued growth and geographic diversification.”

Frank Delaney, Chairman and Interim CEO of Two Rivers, said the merger aligns with the company’s community banking values. Shane Zimmerman, President and CEO of Two Rivers Bank & Trust, will join First Mid as Executive Vice President and Divisional President following the merger.

A presentation outlining the transaction is available at www.firstmid.com

Southeast Iowa Fishing Report – October 30, 2025

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, October 31st, 2025 at 9:57 am CDT

Southeast Iowa Fishing Report – October 30, 2025
Cooler fall weather continues to shift fishing patterns across Southeast Iowa lakes, with water temperatures dropping steadily into the low- to mid-50s. Anglers can expect fish activity to remain moderate as species feed up ahead of winter. 

Big Hollow Lake (Des Moines County) 

Water Temperature: 54°F
Ramp Condition: Useable
Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies have moved to the outer edges of flooded trees in 6–8 feet of water following recent temperature drops. Anglers should focus efforts around this structure for the best results. 

East Lake Park Pond (Henry County) 

Water Temperature: 54°F
Ramp Condition: Useable 

The fall community trout stocking and associated fishing event at East Lake Park Pond in Mount Pleasant has been rescheduled for November 14 at 10 a.m.
Rainbow Trout – Status Unsure: Trout stocking will coincide with the Nov. 14 event, offering an opportunity for families and anglers of all ages to enjoy early winter fishing. 

Lake Darling (Washington County) 

Water Temperature: 52°F
Ramp Condition: Useable 

Another notable temperature drop this week, though water clarity remains good. 

  • Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are active around tree falls and docks; 9–10 inch fish are common with a few 11–12 inch catches. Cast small jigs parallel to structure. 
  • Bluegill – Fair: Found around rock piles and brush on the north side; try worms or jigs tipped with worm. 
  • Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass activity continues in the shallows along the old willows on the north side. 

Lake Geode (Henry County) 

Water Temperature: 56°F
Ramp Condition: Useable 

Temperatures dropped again this week, affecting shallow water action. 

  • Black Crappie – Fair: Split between deep habitat and shallower willow bed edges. 
  • Bluegill – Fair: Active in shallow water near sunny willow edges; waxworms under a bobber work well. 

For more details or updates, contact the Lake Darling Management District at 319-694-2430.
(Report last updated October 30, 2025.) 

North Pole Express Tickets Go On Sale Saturday Morning 

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, October 31st, 2025 at 9:55 am CDT

The wait is almost over! Tickets for the beloved North Pole Express train ride and magical visit to the North Pole will go on sale Saturday, November 1st, at 9:00 a.m. 

This popular holiday experience, hosted by the Midwest Central Railroad, is a cherished family tradition that sells out quickly each year.

Riders will embark on a festive journey filled with holiday cheer, twinkling lights, and a special visit to see Santa and his helpers at the North Pole. Tickets will be available online only. To purchase, visit mcrr.org 

St. Michael’s Annual Spaghetti Supper Set for November 3

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, October 31st, 2025 at 9:55 am CDT

St. Michael’s Church in Mount Pleasant is once again hosting its beloved Annual Spaghetti Supper on Monday, November 3rd, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 202 E. Washington Street. 

Guests can dine in or carry out, enjoying a hearty meal that includes spaghetti with a choice of two delicious sauces — Dr. Jackson’s infamous recipe or a more traditional sauce — along with salad, garlic bread, pie, and a beverage. 

For added convenience, a drive-thru option is available. Guests can park outside and call 319-385-2633, and volunteers will bring to-go orders directly to their car. The event is a free will donation, and everyone is welcome to attend. Come out and enjoy a warm meal, great company, and a cherished community tradition at St. Michael’s Annual Spaghetti Supper! 

Sports, October 31st

By Slaten Swords · Friday, October 31st, 2025 at 6:24 am CDT

High School Cross Country

The state meets for Classes 2A and 3A are scheduled to start today, while Class 1A will run tomorrow, November 1st, at Fort Dodge. 

Running for Class 3A on the girls’ side will be Mt. Pleasant’s Avery Fedler and Quintrie Lee, Fort Madison’s Avery Rump, and Washington’s Iris Dahl and Emma Horak. On the boys’ side, Fort Madison will have Riley Tripp and Hunter Wiegand, Washington’s Andrew Rees was the only Demon to qualify, while Silas Hulett of Mt. Pleasant led the pack.

Avery Fedler talked about the connection she has with Quintrie Lee, a two-time state qualifier,

“Yeah, it’s awesome having Quintrie and getting to work alongside her and have conversations with her that I don’t get to have with everybody is really special and getting to just encourage one another to do our best every single time and push each other to do better.”

For the Class 2A boys’ race, Mediapolis will be competing as a team, while Cavin Denney of Notre Dame/West Burlington will run as an individual. On the girls’ side, Central Lee’s Aubree Bunnell will be joined by Hannah Ritter of Notre Dame/West Burlington.

Running tomorrow for Class 1A will be the Columbus boys’ team and the Van Buren County boys’ and girls’ teams. Participating as individuals on the boys’ side, will be Locken Henderson of WACO and Isaac Shinn of Danville. On the girls’ side, WACO will have the duo of Josie Dykstra and Macie Carter participating. Additionally, Alaina Gourley was able to qualify for Danville. 

Postseason High School Football

In Class 3A, Mt. Pleasant was placed in Pod C where they will travel to West Delaware for their first playoff game in 15 years tonight at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. Senior linebacker Max Sloat talked about about the importance of this showdown for the program,

“It’s great. I wouldn’t want to do it with any other group of guys. It’s amazing for all of us. Not just us seniors, but it’s going to help the future. So, they know what it feels like, what it tastes like to be in the playoffs and what it takes to get there, so it’s going to help the future. It’s also awesome now.”

Solon will get to host Benton tonight at 7 pm.

For Class 2A, Mediapolis will get a rematch against district-foe Mid-Prairie in a road showdown tonight with kickoff at 7 pm.

In Class A, Pekin will take on North Linn at home tonight at 7 pm in a rematch of last year’s first-round postseason matchup.

For Eight-Player, Iowa Valley will be looking to continue their undefeated season when the Tigers face off against Janesville tonight at 7 pm at home.

Southeast Iowa Super Conference Volleyball

The SEISC released the All-Conference teams for the North and South Divisions with Wapello and Holy Trinity Catholic running the table. The North Player of the Year went to Wapello’s libero Mya Wagner as she led Class 1A with 639 digs for the season. Kenna Greiner was named Conference Coach of the Year. 

Joining Wagner on the 1st team from the Arrows was Mila Jordan, Annaka Greiner, and Taeya Wagner.

Winfield-Mt. Union put Quin Smith, Kaelyn Townsley, and Madisen Kellogg on the 2nd Team, while WACO’s Carlee Lunsford was named 2nd Team hitter. 

Columbus had Kennedy Woepking, Daniela Diaz, and Zai Par earn a spot on the 1st team. 

The Co-South Player of the Year went to Adalyn Kruse and Presley Myers for the Crusaders as the pair combined for over 700 kills, 100 blocks, and nearly 90 aces for the season. Melisa Freesmeier was named Conference Coach of the Year. 

Addi Brockway and Emma Elmore earned a spot on the 1st Team along with Van Buren County’s Sophia Jirak and Ashlynn Huff. Central Lee placed Taylor Jones, Kenna Sandoval, and Jayden Mueller on the 1st Team. West Burlington put Baylee Woodsmall, while Mediapolis had Maycie Thornburg get on the 1st Team.

Danville had Alivia Bauer and Graci Huff named to the 2nd Team.

For a full list of the All-Conference nominations, follow this link: All-SEISC 2025

Postseason High School Volleyball

In Class 5A, #1 Waukee Northwest will start off the day on Monday, November 3rd, with a noon game against #8 Indianola. #2 Ankeny Centennial will face off against #7 Iowa City West and #4 Dowling Catholic will battle with #5 Ankeny. Rounding out the quarterfinals will be #3 Pleasant Valley attempting to avoid the upset against #6 Valley.

For Class 4A, #1 Clear Creek Amana enters as the favorite as they are tasked with playing #8 Sergeant Bluff-Luton. #7 Marion will look to knock off #2 Sioux Center. #4 Dallas Center-Grimes will square off against #5 North Scott and #3 Pella will take on #6 Norwalk to round out the quarterfinals.

Class 3A will begin at 10 am on Tuesday, November 4th, with #1 Western Christian taking on #8 Mt. Vernon. #2 Davenport Assumption will compete against #7 Mid-Prairie. #4 Cherokee and #5 Humboldt will tangle, while #3 Red Oak will face off against #6 Kuemper Catholic.

The Class 1A bracket is now set with #1 Saint Ansgar taking on #8 East Mills at 6 pm on Tuesday. #4 Dunkerton, in their first ever state tournament appearance, will square off against #5 BCLUW. #2 Janesville will clash with #7 Gladbrook-Reinbeck and #3 North Tama will face off against #6 Sidney to end the night.

Over in Class 2A, #1 Denver enters as the favorite with their first match on Tuesday being against #8 Wapsie Valley. #4 Grundy Center will tangle with #5 Beckman Catholic. #7 Aplington-Parkersburg will look to upset perennial powerhouse #2 Dike-New Hartford, while #3 Hinton will contend against #6 Regina Catholic. 

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team earned the #5-seed for the Region 11 tournament as they travel to play Northeast Community College tomorrow, November 1st, at 1 pm. 

The men’s soccer team will head to Spencer on Sunday, November 2nd, at 2 pm to face off against Iowa Lakes. 

College Football

Iowa State will host Arizona State tomorrow, November 1st, at noon. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

Iowa is on a bye week. 

This Day in Sports History

1950 – The Big Cat, Earl Lloyd, becomes the first African-American to play a game in the NBA, scoring 6 points in his debut for the Washington Capitols.

1994 – Tennis star Venus Williams makes her professional debut as a 14-year-old with a 6-3, 6-4 win over former NCAA champion and world No. 58 Shaun Stafford in the Bank of the West Classic in Oakland, California.

2003 – Bethany Hamilton, aged 13, has her arm bitten off by a shark while surfing in Hawaii. She would return to surfing less than a month later.

Six New London Students Selected for Monmouth College Honor Band

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, October 31st, 2025 at 5:03 am CDT

The New London High School Performing Arts Department is celebrating the achievements of six talented musicians who have been selected to perform with the Monmouth College Honor Band.

Representing a range of instruments and musical skill, the honored students include:

  • Zoe Long – Flute

  • Sophia May – Clarinet

  • Abigail Denney – Bass Clarinet

  • Matthew Rogers – Alto Saxophone

  • Riley Merschman – Tenor Saxophone

  • Jessica Chambers – Trombone

Selection for the Monmouth College Honor Band is a notable accomplishment, recognizing students for their dedication, musicianship, and excellence in performance. Participants will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform under the direction of experienced conductors alongside other top student musicians from across the region.

Congratulations to these six New London High School students for their hard work and well-deserved recognition in this prestigious musical event.

Don’t Forget to “Fall Back” This Weekend

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, October 31st, 2025 at 5:02 am CDT

Daylight Saving Time comes to an end this weekend, which means it’s time to “fall back.” Before you head to bed on Saturday night, November 1st, remember to set your clocks back one hour. 

The time change officially takes place at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 2nd, marking the return to Standard Time. While many electronic devices update automatically, it’s still a good idea to double-check clocks in your vehicles, appliances, and wall clocks to make sure everything’s on schedule. 

The extra hour of sleep may be welcome, but the earlier sunset can also mean darker evenings. Local safety officials encourage drivers and pedestrians alike to stay alert as visibility decreases during the evening commute. 

It’s also a great time to test smoke alarms, replace batteries if needed, and review your home emergency plans—a simple seasonal reminder that can make a big difference. 

So enjoy that extra hour, stay safe, and remember: we fall back one hour this weekend!