Mount Pleasant, Iowa — The Mount Pleasant Community School District would like to remind families that online registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now OPEN.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the district’s website at www.mtpcsd.org to access the official registration letter, which outlines important steps and information needed to complete your child’s enrollment.

Early registration helps the district plan effectively for the upcoming school year, including classroom assignments, transportation, and meal services. Families should complete the online process as soon as possible to ensure a smooth start for students this fall.

If you have any questions or need assistance, contact your child’s school office or the district administrative office.

Don’t wait—head to www.mtpcsd.org today and get your student registered!

Danville, Iowa – The Danville City Council will convene for its regular session this afternoon at Danville City Hall, with the meeting starting at 5:15 p.m. The session will open with a public hearing on Resolution 2025-26, which proposes a sewer rate increase. The hearing will include time for public comment before being closed and transitioning into the council’s regular business agenda.

Key Items on the Agenda:

• Public Hearing – Resolution 2025-26: Sewer Rates Increase
  • Citizens will have the opportunity to provide input on the proposed increase to sewer rates.
• June 2025 Sheriff’s Report
  • Council will review and potentially act on law enforcement activities reported for the month of June.
• Grant and Financing Hearings Scheduled
  • Council will discuss setting two public hearings for August 4, 2025:
    • One regarding an AMI Grid grant application.
    • Another on a Loan and Disbursement Agreement with the Iowa Finance Authority, which would authorize up to $4.97 million in Sewer Revenue Capital Loan Notes to fund wastewater infrastructure improvements.
• Fire and Public Works Updates
  • The Fire Chief and Building Inspector will present a report, including a driveway permit approval.
  • The Public Works Department will submit a written report, with the council expected to take action. Additional discussion may follow concerning a DNR report, if action is warranted.
• Council Correspondence   
  • The council will also review and discuss a letter submitted by Bob and Janet Hesler.

The council encourages public attendance and participation. As allowed by Iowa Code 21.8, the meeting may be conducted electronically if necessary.

The next regular meeting of the Danville City Council is scheduled for Monday, August 4, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Van Buren County, Iowa – Discover the charm of rural Iowa at the 16th Annual J40 Farm Crawl, happening Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. along scenic Highway J40 in the Villages of Van Buren County.

This self-guided tour spans 40 miles of the Historic Hills Scenic Byway, connecting visitors with farms, artisan shops, and family-owned businesses. Enjoy hands-on experiences, fresh local food, and genuine small-town hospitality.

Event highlights include:

• Amish breakfast from 8:00 a.m.–Noon at Lebanon Amish School
• Farm tours, flowers, livestock, and greenhouses
• Horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, and artisan demos
• Homemade goods—baked treats, cheese, mead, syrup, and more
• Courtyard Market in Keosauqua featuring local vendors and handmade crafts

Popular stops include Bloom and Bark Farm, Milton Creamery, Miller’s Bakery, and Yoder’s Indian Creek Furniture.

“The J40 Farm Crawl is more than just an event—it’s an invitation to experience the slower, sweeter side of Iowa,” said Emily Starnes, co-coordinator and Executive Director of the Villages of Van Buren.

Admission is free. Visitors are encouraged to bring cash, wear comfortable shoes, and come ready for a day of food, fun, and fresh country air.

To view the full list of stops or download the event brochure, visit villagesofvanburen.com or follow J40 Farm Crawl on Facebook.

New London, Iowa – Local families and sweet corn lovers alike will have something to look forward to this summer as the New London 4-H club prepares for its annual Sweet Corn Sale. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, July 22 through Saturday July 26th beginning at 8:30 a.m. in New London Park.

Just 5$ a dozen

Each year, this fundraiser helps support 4-H youth development programs in the area. Funds raised go toward club projects, educational activities, and opportunities for young members to participate in regional and state fairs.

Shoppers are encouraged to arrive early, as the event is known to draw a crowd and sell out quickly. The locally grown sweet corn is harvested fresh and typically available by the dozen.

In addition to raising money for a good cause, the sale highlights the dedication and hard work of local 4-H members who help plant, tend, and harvest the corn themselves.

Des Moines, Iowa – Dennis Flaherty, 74, of Moline, Illinois, and owner of Continental Fire Adjusters based in Bettendorf, has been charged with multiple felonies following an investigation conducted by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau.

According to officials, Flaherty faces one count of Forgery, a Class D felony, and three counts of Identity Theft, classified as Class C felonies. The charges stem from an investigation that began in August 2024.

Criminal complaints allege that Flaherty forged the signatures of both his clients and their financial institutions on insurance proceeds checks. Authorities say he then deposited those checks into his business’s bank account without the knowledge or consent of the victims involved.

Flaherty was booked into the Scott County Jail on July 2, 2024, and later released after posting a $35,000 bond.

No further information has been released at this time. The Iowa Insurance Division encourages anyone with knowledge of insurance fraud to contact their Fraud Bureau at 515-654-6556.

Louisa County, Iowa – The 2025 Louisa County Fair began on Saturday with excitement and adjustments, as flooding at the fairgrounds forced several changes to the traditional schedule and venues.

The fair opened with Clover Kids exhibit talks and interviews, giving young participants the opportunity to showcase their projects and practice public speaking. However, heavy rainfall over the weekend left the Louisa County Fairgrounds flooded, resulting in cancellations and venue changes for Sunday’s activities.

Sunday’s church service and breakfast were canceled, and Family Night—along with the much-anticipated Fair Queen Coronation—was moved indoors to the Columbus Community High School gymnasium.

Plans for the rest of the week remain fluid, depending on how quickly conditions at the fairgrounds improve. As of now, the dog show is expected to begin this morning at 9:00 a.m., with livestock check-in scheduled for 5:30 p.m. that afternoon.

Tuesday promises a busy day at the fair, featuring the Poultry Show at 10:00 a.m. and the beloved Louisa County Cattlemen Dinner starting at noon.

Wednesday is packed with livestock events, beginning with the Sheep Show at 8:00 a.m., followed by the Goat Show starting approximately 30 minutes after the sheep judging concludes. Bucket bottle calf interviews will take place later in the evening.

Thursday highlights include the Beef Show at 9:00 a.m., the Rabbit Show at 2:00 p.m., and the thrilling Stock Car Races at 7:00 p.m.

On Friday, the Swine Show kicks off at 8:00 a.m., followed by the always popular Truck and Tractor Pull at 6:30 p.m.

Thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers making the 2025 Louisa County Fair possible, especially amid weather challenges. Be sure to follow KILJ for updates throughout the week.

Des Moines County, Iowa – The 2025 Des Moines County Fair is set to run from Monday, July 22 through Sunday, July 28, bringing with it a full week of livestock competitions, youth activities, and classic fair fun at the fairgrounds. Campers are already arriving, and livestock check-ins are underway as the grounds come to life for this highly anticipated summer tradition.

Livestock shows begin Wednesday, July 23, with a busy lineup:

• 8:00 a.m. – Rabbit Show
• 9:00 a.m. – Bucket Bottle Interviews
• 11:00 a.m. – Dog Show
• 2:00 p.m. – Poultry Show

Thursday continues with even more fair favorites, including the swine show, dog agility demonstrations, and the always fun rabbit costume contest.

Friday’s spotlight event is the 4-H Beef Show, while Saturday kicks off with the sheep and lamb shows starting at 8:00 a.m.

Throughout the week, fair-goers can enjoy:

• Kids’ games
• Pedal pull contests
• Local talent shows
• And, of course, plenty of delicious fair food

A big thank-you goes out to the Des Moines County Fair sponsors for supporting this year’s live coverage. Be sure to tune in to KILJ Radio throughout the week for live updates and full 4-H and FFA show results from the 2025 Des Moines County Fair.