Arthur Daniel Pugh

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 5:43 pm CDT

Arthur Daniel Pugh, 98, passed peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Arthur was born December 14, 1926, to Lewis and Sclenia (Peters) Pugh, and he often spoke with pride of his Welsh heritage. Art was united in marriage to E. Ann (Zaruba) Pugh in Kahoka, Missouri, and together they welcomed three children: Terry (Janice) Pugh, Sheila (Craig) Helmick, and Patsy (Bobby) Taylor.

He was a devoted grandfather to Troy and Tara Pugh, Augusta and Nate Boulton, and Jesse and Samantha Taylor. His joy only grew with the arrival of his ten great-grandchildren: Mariah, Kendal, and Owen Pugh; Taylor, Victoria, Madeleine, and Cael Howell; Gwyneth and Alys Boulton; and Brendyn Taylor.

Arthur, better known as Art, was an 85-year member of the United Presbyterian Church, over 70-year member of the American Legion, and Columbus City Masonic Lodge #107.  Art proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves.  A lifelong resident of Columbus City, he worked at multiple General Motors car dealerships where he built many lasting friendships, and he also served his community for many years as a city council member.

Art was an avid traveler with Ann, and together they cherished adventures both near and far. On weekends, they could often be found enjoying block parties with neighbors or boating on the river. He loved watching nearly any sport, listening to what he fondly called “Country & Western” music, and most of all, supporting his children and grandchildren. He beamed with pride at every livestock show, musical performance, or athletic event they took part in. In later years, he continued to enjoy outings with assistance, and at home could often be found watching reruns of Gunsmoke and indulging in anything chocolate.

Art’s steady presence, kind spirit, and deep love for his family will be forever remembered.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Sclenia Pugh; his wife, Ann; daughter, Sheila Helmick; brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Sally Pugh; sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Clem Cecil; brother and sister-in-law, Lee, Mike, and Jeanie Zaruba; sister-in-law, Dottie Pugh; and brother-in-law, Rex Shafer.

He is survived by his children, Terry (Janice) Pugh and Patsy (Bobby) Taylor; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; his brother, Jack Pugh; his sister, Doris Shafer; sister-in-law, Roberta Zaruba; and many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

Visitation for Art will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the United Presbyterian Church in Columbus Junction.  A Masonic Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with funeral services to follow.  Following the services, committal with Military Rites will be held at the Columbus City Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at the American Legion in Columbus Junction.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left in Art’s honor for the following: Columbus Junction Fire Department, Columbus Junction Ambulance/First Responders, Louisa County 4-H or the United Presbyterian Church.   Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Columbus Junction is caring for Art’s arrangements.

Lorna Payne

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 4:06 pm CDT

Lorna Payne, 94, of Mount Pleasant died unexpectedly Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Henry County Health Center.

Memorial services are pending at the Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory.

Mount Pleasant Schools Launch Superintendent Search; Community Feedback Open Until September 30th

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 4:04 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community School District has officially begun the process of hiring a new superintendent to lead the district beginning with the 2026-27 school year. To guide the search, the district has partnered with Grundmeyer Leader Services, a firm experienced in educational leadership recruitment.

The process starts immediately and will conclude with the successful hiring of a new superintendent. Community members, parents, staff, and students are being asked to take part in a survey designed to identify the professional and personal qualities most valued in the district’s next leader.

Survey participants are encouraged to share both narrative insights and ranked priorities for the position. Feedback gathered will be compiled into a report by Grundmeyer Leader Services and presented to the school board. That report will help inform the board’s decision-making by highlighting the traits and qualifications that matter most to district stakeholders.

The survey is anonymous unless a participant chooses to share their name voluntarily. District leaders are emphasizing the importance of broad participation, noting that community input will play a vital role in ensuring the new hire is a strong fit for both the school system and the wider community.

The deadline to complete the survey is Tuesday, September 30.

Superintendent Hiring Timeline

  • Application Close Date: Sunday, Nov. 30

  • Candidate Review: Tuesday, Dec. 2

  • Semi-Finalist Screening: Wednesday, Dec. 10

  • Formal Interviews: Tuesday, Dec. 16

District officials encourage all stakeholders to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share their vision for the future of Mount Pleasant Community Schools.

Prep Cross Country: Van Buren County Puts their Boys’ and Girls’ Teams in the Top 10

By Slaten Swords · Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 1:37 pm CDT

Prep Cross Country- The Iowa Association of Track Coaches released the team rankings for all four classes and eight of our local teams made the top 20 in their respective class.

Class 3A

Despite not having any runners ranked in the top 30 individually, the Fort Madison boys have a strong team as the Bloodhounds rank 17th. The team grabbed an easy victory at the Keokuk Invite after five of their runners finished in the top 13, including a 2nd place finish by Riley Tripp.

This was on the heels on a 2nd place finish at the Prairie Invite.

Rounding out the top 20 is Washington with the help of #16 Andrew Rees. The Demons have finished in 5th place at both the Anamosa Meet and the Bob Brown Invitational to start the season.

On the girls’ side, Fort Madison had all seven of their runners finish in the top 13 at the Keokuk Invite, including a sweep of their pole positions with Avery Rump turning in a sub-19-minute time. The Bloodhounds are ranked #9 after that impressive performance.

Class 2A

The Mediapolis boys’ team snuck into the top 20 at #19 after claiming 5th place at the Williamsburg Invitational to start the season. The Bulldogs return three state qualifiers, yet only Simon Wendel was the lone runner ranked individually this week.

Class 1A

The Columbus boys’ team enter this week’s rankings a step higher than Van Buren County after winning the Early Bird Meet at Hillcrest Academy, while the Warriors finished 2nd at the Wildwood Meet.

Aptly, the Wildcats are ranked 8th, and the Warriors are at #9.

WACO is not too far behind after taking 2nd place as a team in the Early Bird Meet. Aided by the #10 runner in the class Jude Dykstra, the Warriors are ranked 14th.

All three teams will have to wait until September 18th at the Timm Lamb Invitational to run against one another.

On the girls’ side, Van Buren County is off to a great start this season, snatching 2nd place at the Albia Meet and 1st place at the Wildwood Meet. Accordingly, the Warriors enter the third week of rankings at #8.

In both meets, the Warriors have had at least two runners finish in the top 10 with Kayley Snowgren clinching 5th place at Albia and 4th place at Wildwood to lead the team. Freshman Adalyn Snowgren consistently gives the Warriors three runners competing for the top 10 with Rylee Philips in the mix.

Prep Cross Country: Third Week of Individual Rankings Places Mt. Pleasant’s Avery Fedler Inside the Top 5

By Slaten Swords · Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 11:55 am CDT

Prep Cross Country- The Iowa Association of Track Coaches released their third edition of the individual rankings. This is the first rankings of the season that every team has at least one race under their belt, leading to some new names being added to the list, including a freshman phenom.

Class 3A

Starting on the girls’ side, Mt. Pleasant’s Avery Fedler was not ranked entering the season but there was plenty of hype surrounding the freshman and so far, she has delivered in her first high school meets.

Fedler was tasked with running against three top 10 runners in Mid-Prairie’s #5 Brooklyn Sutuzman, #7 Rachel Hostetler, and #9 Kendal Landstrum in her first meet of the season at Williamsburg. She responded by grabbing the gold medal time of 19 minutes and 7 seconds.

Her second meet of the season put her up against some of the best from Class 3A at the Dutch Invite from Central College. The freshman managed to shave off 18 seconds from her time to take 3rd place.

She only finished behind #1 Marissa Ferebee and #2 Elise Brennenman, both from Pella. For Fedler’s effort, she was ranked #4 in this week’s rankings, leapfrogging two other Southeast Conference runners.

In a bit of shock, Washington’s #16 Iris Dahl ranks two spots above Fort Madison’s Avery Rump. The reason for the surprise is Rump just won the Keokuk Invite with a time of 18 minutes and 59 seconds, while Dahl’s season-best time sits just two seconds under the 20-mintue mark.

The three will meet on Thursday, September 11th, at the Ron Hunerdosse Invite in Fairfield.

On the boys’ side, Washington’s Andrew Rees landed at #16 for this week’s ranking after claiming a time of 16 minutes and 33 seconds at the Bob Brown Invitational.

He finished 2nd at the meet behind only Quentin Nauman of Western Dubuque—the Oregon commit and last year’s champions with the Class 3A state record time of 14 minutes and 59 seconds.

Class 2A

#15 Simon Wendel is the only runner left from not only Mediapolis but of all our local teams. In the Bulldogs’ only meet of the season, Wendel claimed the bronze with a time of 16 minutes and 49 seconds as the team finished in 5th place.

The Bulldogs will run tomorrow, September 9th, at the Van Buren County Invite in a meet that won’t help their team rankings, per se, but it could cement Wendel’s individual ranking.

Class 1A

Van Buren County has competed in two meets so far and Lincoln Bainbridge has finished 2nd place twice with a season best time of 16 minutes and 25 seconds. That places the senior at #17 in this week’s rankings, one spot behind Hayden Riggan of Louisa-Muscatine, who he just recently lost to.

Surprisingly, WACO’s Jude Dykstra, who won his only race of the season at Hillcrest Academy, is ranked 10th this week. His season-best time rests at 17 minutes and 18 seconds.

Ryan Villa of Columbus, who finished in 2nd place at the meet, entered the rankings at #24.

On the girls’ side, Alaina Gourley of Danville was knocked out of the top 30.

Joint Investigation Leads to Mount Pleasant Drug Arrest

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 9:39 am CDT

Mount Pleasant police, working alongside the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Iowa State Patrol’s Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, have made a significant drug seizure following a multi-agency investigation.

The investigation began on August 27, 2025, after authorities received information regarding a package suspected of containing narcotics that was being shipped to Mount Pleasant. On September 2, officers intercepted the shipment and deployed a K9 unit, which alerted to the presence of drugs. A search warrant was obtained, and officers discovered a large number of THC vape devices, which are illegal in Iowa.

That same day, investigators executed a search warrant at the package’s intended destination, a residence located at 605 North Adams Street in Mount Pleasant. Inside, law enforcement seized additional THC vape devices, individually packaged marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, drug paraphernalia, packaging materials, firearms, and scales.

Authorities also confirmed that a 12-year-old juvenile was present inside the home at the time of the search.

As a result, 19-year-old Gavin King of Mount Pleasant was arrested and transported to the Henry County Jail. He faces the following charges:

  • One count of Controlled Substance Violation (Iowa Code 124.401(1)(D)), a Class D felony

  • One count of Controlled Substance Violation (Iowa Code 124.401(1)(C)(9)), a Class C felony

  • Two counts of Failure to Affix Drug Tax Stamp (Iowa Code 453B.12), both Class D felonies

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say additional charges may be filed.

Law enforcement reminds the public that a criminal charge is only an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

William Ray “Bill” Nichols – pending

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 7:51 am CDT

William Ray “Bill” Nichols, 85, of rural Lockridge passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

 

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.

Sports, September 8th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 6:36 am CDT

High School Volleyball

Burlington Notre Dame enjoyed hosting their Nike Invitational over the weekend, claiming 2nd place after falling to West Liberty in straight sets in the championship match. The Nikes had to fight their way through pool play, defeating West Burlington (15-9) and Keokuk (15-10) in a third set tiebreaker before sweeping New London then Danville in the semifinals. Chloe Wenzel was nearly unstoppable at the net, tabbing 43 kills, while Emma Elmore collected seven aces. 

West Burlington swept New London and Keokuk to earn a spot in the semifinals, where they fell to West Liberty in straight sets. Kaylee Webb had a phenomenal weekend, slamming 43 kills and blocking six attacks. 

Danville finished 2-1 in pool play with victories over Van Buren County and a tough third-set tiebreaker over Wapello 16-14. Shockingly, the Arrows concluded the weekend without a win, getting swept by West Liberty and falling to Van Buren County in three sets (22-20, 16-21, and 13-15). Mila Jordan led the effort for Wapello with 15 kills and four aces. 

Danville will contend with Keokuk tonight at 7:15 pm on the road. 

New London will face off against Fort Madison tonight at home at 7 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will stay at home to face off against West Burlington tomorrow, September 9th, at 7:30 pm. 

Van Buren County will take on New London tomorrow at 7:30 pm on the road. 

Winfield-Mt. Union and WACO participated in the English Valleys tournament and the Wolves finished the weekend 2-1, while the Warriors collected a 1-2 record. 

Winfield-Mt. Union picked up wins against East Marshall (22-20, 21-12) and Sigourney (21-12, 18-21, 15-9) before losing to English Valleys in a tough third-set tiebreaker 15-12. WACO defeated Collins-Maxwell in the third set 15-6 but was swept by English Valleys and East Marshall.

WACO will travel to Wapello tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will host Pekin tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will have their conference home opener tomorrow when they face off against Keokuk at 7:15 pm.

Columbus will host Louisa-Muscatine tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

Central Lee will travel to Mediapolis tomorrow at 7:30 pm. 

Fairfield will compete against Washington tomorrow at 7:15 pm on the road. 

High School Cross Country

Mt. Pleasant traveled to Pella to run at the Dutch Invite and the boys’ team finished in 12th place, while the girls’ team had two runners finish in the top 15. For the boys’ team, Silas Hulett led the charge with a 23rd place time of 17 minutes and 27 seconds. On the girls’ side, the Panthers did not have enough runners to constitute a team score; however, Avery Fedler displayed her prowess with a bronze medal finish, turning in a time of 18 minutes and 49 seconds. Quintrie Lee finished with a time of 21 minutes and 2 seconds, which was good enough for 15th place. 

Fairfield will host the “Ron Hunerdosse” Invite on Thursday, September 11th with Mt. Pleasant, Notre Dame/West Burlington, Van Buren County, New London, Wapello, and Winfield-Mt. Union joining the meet. 

Central Lee will run at the Davis County Invite on Thursday.

High School Girls’ Tennis

Fairfield competed in the Grayhound Invite over the weekend and finished second as a team. Natalie Steele led the effort, collecting a 3-0 record in the #1-singles slot to finish in 1st place individually. Ria Ross followed suit, losing only four total games on her way to a 1st place finish in the #2-singles bracket. The Trojans will look to finish the regular season undefeated in conference play when they host Burlington tonight.

Mt. Pleasant is back at home tonight against Keokuk.

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant gets back to work as they stay on the road to face off against Oskaloosa on Friday, September 12th, at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

New London will attempt to bounce back against Highland on Friday at 7 pm on the road. 

Wapello will square off against Pekin at 7 pm on the road on Friday. 

Van Buren County will face off against Cardinal on Friday at 7 pm at home.

WACO will host HLV/TC on Friday at 7 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will hit the road to square off against English Valleys on Friday at 7 pm. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame will compete on the road against Keokuk on Friday at 7:30 pm.

Mediapolis will head to Fairfield on Friday at 7:30 pm.

Danville will host Columbus on Friday at 7 pm.

Central Lee will make the trip to Fort Madison on Friday at 7:30 pm.

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team struggled over the weekend at the Kirkwood Community College Invitational, getting swept by Johnson County Community College and Heartland Community College. The Blackhawks will travel to Western Iowa Tech Community College tomorrow, September 9th, at 6 pm.

The men’s soccer team fell to Illinois Central College 2-0. The Blackhawks take on State Fair Community College at 3 pm on Saturday, September 13th.

The women’s soccer team will host John Wood Community College tomorrow, September 9th, for their first home contest of the season.

College Football

Kyle Konrardy will get his cleat bronzed at this rate. Konrardy, for the second year in a row, knocked in a 54-yard game winning field goal to cement Iowa State’s first home victory of the Cy-Hawk game since 2011. Rocco Becht tossed a touchdown in the win. Mark Gronowski scored a touchdown on the ground for the Hawkeyes. 

#14 Iowa State will travel to Arkansas State on Saturday, September 13th, at 3 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will have the call.

Iowa is hoping for a get-right game against UMass on Saturday at home with kickoff at 6:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call.

This Day in Sports History

1939 – Cleveland’s Bob Feller, 20, is the youngest pitcher to win 20 games.

1965 – Bert Campaneris becomes the first player to play every position in a major league game in a thirteen-inning 5–3 loss to the California Angels at Municipal Stadium.

2002 – Rookie quarterback David Carr throws for 2 TDs as the Houston Texans beat the Dallas Cowboys 19-10 to become only the second expansion team (1961 Minnesota Vikings) to win their inaugural game.