A tragedy has struck Southeastern Community college as a student at the West Burlington campus was found deceased on Monday afternoon.

At this time, there is no suspicion of foul play. SCC officials are working with the West Burlington Police Department. An investigation is underway to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

The student’s name is being withheld pending contact of the student’s family.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the student’s family and friends,” said SCC President Dr. Michael Ash. “Losing a member of our community is a profound loss for us all, and our thoughts are with those who knew and loved the student during this difficult time.”

We understand that this news may be distressing for our current students and staff. Counseling and support services are available for anyone who may need assistance in processing their emotions or seeking guidance during this period of grief.

Counseling services will be available on Tuesday, April 9 in the Student Affairs Office on the West Burlington campus. Students may also utilize free services provided by The Virtual Care Group at thevirtualcaregroup.com/scciowa at any time.

On 04/09/24, at 2:00AM, the Mount Pleasant Police Department ran a plate on a gray Dodge Journey that was discovered to be reported stolen out of Fort Madison, Iowa.

Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop to which the vehicle fled from pursuing officers through the city of Mount Pleasant, North and South bound on highway 218, and into oncoming traffic on highway 218.

The vehicle then fled East on Highway 34 at high rates of speed. Officers pursued the vehicle into Burlington and stop sticks were successfully deployed. The vehicle then turned off onto the train tracks at Market & Main Street, causing disabling damage to the vehicle.

The driver, a juvenile aged male, was taken into custody at this time. The vehicle sustained over $5,000 worth of damage.

The juvenile male was charged with Felony Eluding, Theft/Possession of Stolen Property 1^st-degree, Driving Under Suspension, Reckless Driving, and several traffic infractions.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, Burlington Police Department, West Burlington Police Department, the Iowa State Patrol, Jim’s Body Shop & Towing Inc.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Mt Pleasant PD

Anyone who sees suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the Mt Pleasant PD at 319 385-1450.

*UPDATE 11:19 AM* The missing child has been found!

The parents of 11 year old Cescily Lampe are asking for the community’s help in locating their daughter. She left home Monday evening and her whereabouts are unknown. If anyone has information regarding Cescily, please contact the Fort Madison Police Department at 319-372-2525, or LeeCom at 319-372-1310.

Last night many people filled the Heatilator Performing Arts Center, not for a concert but for a RAGBRAI townhall. Rachel Lindeen with the Mt. Pleasant Chamber was joined by Lisa Oetken with Main Street Mount Pleasant as they facilitated the evening meeting which was full of important information.

If you haven’t heard by now, RAGBRAI will be passing through Mt. Pleasant as an overnight stop on Friday, July 26^th, which will see 20,000 plus riders looking for a place to lay their head. This also means they will be looking for a place to shower, entertainment, and food. The theme for the overnight stop is “Make Yourself at Home in Mount Pleasant” which is designed to showcase the charm and warmth of our quaint town. As said last night, picture a hallmark movie scene, that’s the setting they are looking for in July.

So where do all of these people sleep? Well, there’s a few answers to that question. Midwest Old Threshers campground will be the main area, with the old Iowa Wesleyan Campus and Mapleleaf also being converted into a campground for a night. If you’ve been wanting an excuse to camp on your lawn, why not allow some tired cyclists the same opportunity? Please contact Lois Roth if you’d be able to host some riders, either on your lawn or inside. Her email is ljrteach@gmail.com The cyclists will arrive sometime in the mid-afternoon and depart by 9:00am the next day.

The Downtown festival will see two bands take the stage. Blake Jack and South 35, a group from Des Moines, mainly plays country music such as Brooks and Dunn to Jason Aldean. The Spazmatics are the main act, and they bring all of the good from the 80s and leave the bad in that decade.

Shelbi Remick spoke about the need for volunteers, from greeting riders to helping in the beverage garden and giving out information, they need you. Please email info@mpiowa.org if you are interested in volunteering. Remember, it will be 80 with a light tail wind on Friday, July 26^th, atleast one can hope!

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Soil temperatures are slowly warming up, the crop insurance coverage window will soon be opening, and a more active weather pattern is helping to replenish some soil moisture,” said Secretary Naig. “This time of year, nothing can eclipse farmers’ focus on getting ready for planting once conditions are favorable.”

Another week of colder than normal temperatures with rain and snow left Iowa farmers with 2.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 7, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Minimal fieldwork was done during the week, but some producers were able to apply anhydrous, manure, and dry fertilizer. High winds prevented producers from spraying fertilizer towards the end of the week.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 14 percent very short, 35 percent short, 47 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 26 percent very short, 38 percent short, 34 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.

Oats seeding reached 32 percent complete, 6 days ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of the 5-year average. Oats emerged reached 4 percent complete.

There were no reports of cattle turned out onto pasture yet as pastures continue to green up. Calving was in full swing with reports of mud in some areas.

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.