Henry County 4-H Kicks Off New Season with Open House Event 

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, October 9th, 2025 at 6:39 am CDT

The excitement of a new 4-H year filled the air as families and students gathered for the Henry County 4-H Open House, marking the official start of another season of learning, leadership, and livestock. 

Among those attending was returning 4-H member Jeb Beard, the son of Katie and Philip Beard, who is preparing to enter his second year in the program.  

 

When asked what brought him back for another year, Jeb’s enthusiasm was clear. “I just thought the showing process was really fun.” he said. 

The open house served as an opportunity for new and returning members alike to learn about project options ranging from livestock and photography to woodworking, robotics, and community service. Volunteers and club leaders were on hand to answer questions and encourage youth to get involved. 

Henry County 4-H continues to build on its strong legacy of helping young people gain hands-on experience, develop responsibility, and build confidence — one project at a time. 

For more information on joining 4-H in Henry County, families can contact the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Office or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/henry 

Mount Pleasant Council Reviews Audit, Approves Projects and New Business Developments

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, October 9th, 2025 at 6:37 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council met Wednesday evening at City Hall, covering audit results, infrastructure updates, and new site plans. 

City Administrator Brent Schleisman reported the city’s 2025 audit has been received, noting strong financial management and compliance. The council also approved the annual financial report to be submitted to the State of Iowa and published locally. 

An amendment was approved to the Winfield Avenue Replacement Project’s engineering agreement after the Iowa DOT required the road and trail portions to be separated due to different grant requirements. The project includes $1.9 million in state and federal funding. The council also approved a $149,100 contract with Geeding Construction for manhole replacements to prepare for upcoming roadwork. 

Two new developments received approval: Bark Blvd. Kennels, a boarding & daycare facility and Coffee shop at 905 and 907 East Ash Street, and a six-building self-storage complex by County Ridge Builders at 915 South Iris Street. 

Council members also approved a $90,000 cost reduction change order for the airport taxi lane and hangar project. Mayor Steve Brimhall noted that the airport had a productive year, including spraying over 200,000 acres and training new pilots. 

A resident raised a concern about tree maintenance along Broadway Street; the city will review whether the trees are within the right-of-way. 

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for October 22 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. 

Sports, October 9th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, October 9th, 2025 at 6:36 am CDT

High School Volleyball

Winfield-Mt. Union will attempt to spoil Hillcrest Academy’s senior night at 7:30 pm tonight. 

Burlington Notre Dame will host New London tonight at 7:30 pm.

West Burlington will head back home to take on Danville tonight at 7:30 pm. 

Wapello will make the trip to Lone Tree tonight at 6:30 pm.

#2 Holy Trinity Catholic will travel to Central Lee tonight at 7:30 pm.

Van Buren County will look for their own senior night victory tonight against Mediapolis at 7:30 pm.

WACO will face off against Louisa-Muscatine tonight at 7:30 pm on the road. 

Columbus will travel to Highland tonight at 7:30 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield will travel to Oskaloosa for a tournament on Saturday, October 11th. 

High School Cross Country

Columbus will have their senior night tonight when they hold the Mike Jay Invitational with New London, WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip.

Mediapolis will host their Invitational tonight with Notre Dame/West Burlington, Central Lee, Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, Mt. Pleasant, and Wapello participating. 

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant will stay on the road to take on Keokuk tomorrow, October 10th, at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

Mediapolis will tangle with Mid-Prairie tomorrow at 7 pm on the road. 

Van Buren County will welcome Wapello to town tomorrow at 7 pm. 

WACO will host Springville tomorrow at 7 pm. 

Fairfield will travel to Fort Madison tomorrow at 7:30 pm. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame will look to regroup for their road showdown with West Liberty at 7 pm tomorrow. 

Central Lee will compete against Wilton at 7 pm tomorrow on the road. 

Danville will take on Pekin tomorrow at home to celebrate their senior night at 7 pm. 

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Danville was our school of focus for last night’s episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook with our special guests being senior captains Graci Huff and Byers Nealey. For Huff, the honor of captain goes beyond a title,

“Yeah, and I don’t really see it as I’m the captain. Like, overall, it’s like I get the pleasure to lift people up and lead the team by example and just be someone that they can come to if they need to talk to me about anything. They need to be lifted up during the game and stuff like that. My goal is also, as the captain, to be the loudest one on the court and the one that’s always communicating, so that if other people are maybe like, it wouldn’t be as noticeable because I’m loud enough.”

While Nealey is looking to leave behind a legacy of doing everything to the best of your ability,

“I mean, I just want to try and teach them all that, you know, no one’s too big to do the little things and that nothing is guaranteed. You got to work for it… I mean, in practice like do the warmups right. I mean it doesn’t seem like a big deal. But I mean if you can’t even just finish the extra few feet to go through the line, how are you going to, I mean do your job in the game, if you can’t do little things, you can’t do the big things.”

If you missed last night’s episode, then follow this link: Danville Episode

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team was swept by Kirkwood Community College last night in a contentious match by scores of 25-22, 25-20, and 25-19. The Blackhawks will host a triangular on Sunday, October 12th. 

The men’s soccer snuck out with a 2-1 victory over St. Louis Community College yesterday, while the women’s soccer team fell to St. Louis Community College, 7-2. 

The men’s and women’s soccer teams will travel to Central Community College on Saturday, October 11th. 

College Football

#22 Iowa State will stay on the road as they look to regroup against Colorado on Saturday, October 11th, at 2:30 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call. 

Iowa will travel to Wisconsin on Saturday for kickoff at 6:05 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call. 

This Day in Sports History

1938 – The Cleveland Rams and the Chicago Bears play one of only four penalty free games in NFL history; Rams win 14-7 at Cleveland Stadium.

1989 – Art Shell becomes the first Black NFL head coach in the modern era; his Los Angeles Raiders beat the New York Jets 14-7 on Monday Night Football.

1997 – North Carolina’s men’s basketball coach Dean Smith retires as the winningest coach in college basketball.

Henry County Board of Supervisors October 9, 2025 9:00 a.m.

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, October 9th, 2025 at 5:06 am CDT

Henry County Supervisors

100 E Washington St Ste 202

Mt Pleasant, IA 52641

Fax: 319-385-3601

Chad White, Vice-Chair Marc Lindeen, Chairman Steven Detrick, Member

319-385-0759 319-385-0760 319-385-0761________

AGENDA

Board of Supervisors

October 9, 2025

9:00 a.m.

1. Approval of Agenda

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Approval of Claims

4. County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss Weekly Updates

Resolution – Speed limit on Quincy Avenue, South of New London

5. Acceptance of the Resignation of IT and Safety Director Derek Wellington

6. Responsibility for ITs Budget

7. Henry County Sanitation Bids, All American Sanitation & WEMIGA Waste

8. Iowa Primary Care Association Sarah Berndt & Unity Stevens

9. Liquor License Renewal Romes Hot Spot Bar & Grill

10. Motion to approve of Suspend Taxes

11. Approval of Resolution # 29-2025

12. Approval of Resolution #29-2025 Morey Subdivision, in Section 3 Tippecanoe Township

Supervisors’ Sub-Committees’

Prep Volleyball: Holy Trinity Catholic Stays Put at #2 in Class 1A

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 3:43 pm CDT

Prep Volleyball- The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) released their seventh edition of the volleyball rankings and with 12 days remaining before the start of regional volleyball Holy Trinity Catholic remains a favorite in Class 1A.

Class 1A

Saint Ansgar remains on top of the standings with a 23-4 record having won their last 14 games and dropping only two sets in the process. Holy Trinity Catholic with a 29-2 record sits at #2.

The Crusaders have been a powerhouse at the net for the last two decades, but this might rank as one of their most efficient squads. The team ranks 2nd in assists per set and 4th in kills per set in Class 1A with the 4th best kill efficiency at 0.260.

The Southeast Iowa Super Conference champions two losses have come against West Branch, who is a tough 2A team, and #13 in Class 3A Wilton. Impressively, the Crusaders are on a 17-game winning streak.

The duo of Adalyn Kruse, a junior, and Calli Kruse, a sophomore, had led the team with Adalyn nailing 270 kills on a kill efficiency of 0.305, while Calli has tabbed 383 assists so far this season.

This is without mentioning the senior two-time All-State middle-hitter Presley Myers (plus an honorable mention her freshman season). Myers has taken nearly 200 less swings but boasts a kill efficiency of 0.396. Add in 53 total blocks and 39 aces and the senior has been nearly unstoppable.

The Crusaders will truly be tested at a tournament in Pella on Saturday, October 11th, with the likes of Class 5A’s #7 Valley and the hosts, Class 4A’s Pella.

Other Classes

Denver, with only one loss in 42 matches this season, reigns atop of Class 2A. Western Christian is ranked #1 in Class 3A. Clear Creek-Aman remained atop of Class 4A, while 32-1 Waukee Northwest is the team to beat in Class 5A.

David Marlette

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 1:54 pm CDT

David Marlette, 73, of Wapello passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at Wapello Specialty Care. Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello. Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Wapello Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the Wapello Fire Department and Wapello Athletics. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservices.com.

David R. Marlette was born on December 18, 1951, in Burlington, the son of Donald Marlette and Gladys (Waterhouse) Marlette. David was a 1970 graduate of Wapello High School and went on to attend Southeastern Community College. On July 21, 1974, David was united in marriage to Marcia Matthews at the Wapello Methodist Church. David worked for 35 years as a mechanical designer for General Electric following his retirement for General Electric, David went on to work as a parts consultant for Parts Supercenter for 12 years. He was a past member of Indian Hills Country Club, the Wapello Library Board, and president of Wapello Youth League. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and boating. Above everything David was most proud of his family and never missed an opportunity to follow his children and grandchildren in their many activities.

David will be deeply missed by his wife, Marcia of Wapello; daughter, Krista Marlette of Wapello; son Kenny (Jodie) Marlette of Wapello; grandchildren, Katelyn Yeakey, Kiley Yeakey, Wyatt Marlette, Kody Marlette, Noah Vogel and Cooper Marlette; his mother, Gladys Robertson of Wapello and siblings, Dennis (Norma) Marlette of Missouri and Teresa (Ernie) Taylor of Burlington

David was preceded in death by his father; brother, Duane Marlette and in-laws, Burt and Margery Matthews.

Fall Trout Stocking Returns to Southeast Iowa Starting October 23

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 7:53 am CDT

Southeast Iowa anglers can look forward to one of the season’s favorite traditions as the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) begins its fall community trout stockings on October 23. Several local lakes will soon be stocked with 1,000 to 2,000 rainbow trout each, giving families and fishing enthusiasts the chance to enjoy trout fishing close to home. 

The DNR’s cool-weather trout program brings the popular fish to lakes that can’t support them during the summer, creating unique fishing opportunities throughout the region. The fall stockings are also a great way to introduce kids to fishing—just a small hook with a nightcrawler or corn under a bobber, or a simple spinner such as a Panther Martin or Mepps, is all that’s needed to catch trout. 

Community events are often held alongside the stockings, helping new anglers learn and enjoy the experience together. 

Southeast Iowa trout stocking schedule: 

  • Oct. 23: Ottumwa Park Pond, Ottumwa – 11 a.m. 
  • Oct. 25: East Lake Park Pond, Mount Pleasant – 10 a.m. 
  • Oct. 25: Wilson Lake, Donnellson – Noon 

The trout program is supported by the sale of trout fees, which are required along with a valid Iowa fishing license. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler, with a possession limit of 10. Children 15 and under can fish with a licensed adult and share the limit, or purchase their own trout fee to keep a full daily catch. 

For more information and tips on trout fishing in community lakes, visit the Iowa DNR’s Community Trout Stocking Schedule and trout fishing webpage at iowadnr.gov 

Burlington Man Arrested After Alleged Meth Incident at Casino 

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 7:52 am CDT

Des Moines County, Iowa — The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office reports that a Burlington man was arrested late Friday night following an incident at Catfish Bend Casino. 

According to Sheriff Kevin Glendening, deputies were called to 3001 Winegard Drive around 11:57 p.m. on October 3 after receiving a report of a man walking around the casino attempting to sell methamphetamine. 

Deputies located the individual, identified as 48-year-old Mark Antonio Carter of Burlington. During the encounter, Carter reportedly consented to a search, and deputies say they found a bag of methamphetamine in his possession. 

Authorities say Carter then attempted to flee on foot but was quickly detained after a short pursuit. He was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense, and interference with official acts. 

Carter was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center. The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.