Sports, May 1st

By Slaten Swords · Friday, May 1st, 2026 at 6:47 am CDT

High School Track and Field

WACO hosted the Ekstrand Relays last night and the Warriors swept the Class B titles, while Washington took home both the girls’ and boys’ banners for Class A.

The WACO girls’ team picked up victories in the 4×400, the 4×800, the shuttle hurdle, and the distance medley relays. Additionally, Bren Graber glided to the win in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 17.1 seconds, Macie Carter outpaced the field in the 1500-meter run with a mark of 5 minutes and 24 seconds, and Abby Waterhouse took the discus with a toss of 89 feet and 2 inches.

Staying in Class B, Danville grabbed 3rd place as a team with Alaina Gourley sprinting to a win in the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes and 21 seconds and the sprint medley team earning the victory with a mark of 1 minute and 54 seconds. 

Allison Gillip of New London took the win in the 400-meter hurdles. Winfield-Mt. Union’s Quin Smith leapt to the win in the high jump with a mark of 5 feet and 2 inches.  

Switching over to the boys’ side for Class B, Hayden Shelman was unstoppable for WACO as he picked up a gold medal in the 100 and 200-meter dashes, won the long jump with a leap of 20 feet and 5.75 inches, and helped the Warriors take the distance medley relay. Owen Lord claimed the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 16.87 seconds. Jude Dykstra’s time of 2 minutes and 1 second was good enough for 1st place in the 800-meter run. Lastly, the Warriors won the 4×800 meter relay. 

Danville enjoyed a solid night as the Bears took 3rd place as a team. Brandon Franklin claimed a victory in the 400-meter dash with a time of 56.3 seconds. Ty Frazier grabbed the only sub-one minute time in the 400-meter hurdlers. Danville collected wins in the sprint medley and the 4×400 meter relays.

New London grabbed the gold medal in the 4×100 meter relay with a time of 42.94 seconds. Winfield-Mt. Union’s Colin Anderson swept the throwing events, winning the discus with a heave of 134 feet and 1 inch and the shot put with a toss of 42 feet and 11.5 inches. The Wolves also won the shuttle hurdle relay. 

For Class A on the girls’ side, Washington gathered gold medals in the sprint medley, the shuttle hurdle, the 4×100, the 4×200, and the 4×400 meter relays. Moreover, Jaedyn Moore led the field in the 200 and 400-meter dashes, while Leighton Messinger won the 100 and 400-meter hurdles and Iris Dahl collected the win in the 800-meter run.

Mediapolis claimed the distance medley relay with a time of 4 minutes and 29 seconds, while Bryn Wright paced her way to a win in the 1500-meter run.

On the boys’ side for Class A, Washington took the 4×800 and shuttle hurdle relays. Caden Greiner glided to the win in the 110-metet hurdles. Greyson Hartman breezed to a pair of victories in the throwing events, catapulting the discus 172 feet and 5.5 inches and the shot put 63 feet and 1 inch.

Simon Wendel of Mediapolis swept the long distance events (1600 and 3200-meter runs). Lathan Keller won the high jump with a leap of 6 feet and 2 inches. The Bulldogs won the distance medley, 4×200, and the 4×400 meter relays.

Fairfield’s Dayson Workman sprinted to the win in the 100-meter dash, while Ethan Bisgard edged out a win in the 400-meter dash by one-hundredth of a second and took the 200-meter dash. Eli Zillman claimed the long jump with a mark of 21 feet.

The Southeast Iowa Super Conference Meet is scheduled for Thursday, May 7th, at WACO High School. 

Mt. Pleasant and Van Buren County will compete in the Bob Gerard Relays tonight.

High School Soccer

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team fell to Fairfield last night, 5-0, while the boys’ team handled the Trojans by the same score–5-0. The Panthers will take on Washington on Monday, May 4th, with the boys’ team hitting the road at 6 pm, while the girls’ team will stay at home for a 4:30 pm start time.

Fairfield will face off against Keokuk on Monday with the girls’ hitting the road and boys’ team hosting with both games starting at 5 pm.

The Fairfield girls’ team will travel to play Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union tonight at 5 pm.

The Washington girls’ team nearly knocked off #14 Burlington last night, but lost 3-2. The boys’ team suffered the same fate, losing 4-0. The Demon girls’ team will compete in a tournament at Denver tomorrow, May 2nd. 

The WACO boys’ team demolished Sigourney-Keota last night, 6-1, as Niles Reichenbach and Tristan Luitjens each netted a hat trick. The Warriors will host Wapello tonight at 5 pm.

The Mediapolis girls’ team lost to Canton last night, 2-0. Mediapolis will travel to Wapello on Tuesday, May 5th, with the girls’ teams leading off at 5 pm.

The Wapello girls’ team lost to Northeast last night, 6-1, while the boys’ team was flattened by Prince of Peace, 7-0. The Arrows will take on Benton at 5 pm on Monday at home.

The Danville boys’ team will host Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union tonight at 4:30 pm. 

Burlington Notre Dame will attempt to spoil Central Lee’s senior night tonight with the boys’ teams leading off the night at 5 pm.

High School Golf

Holy Trinity Catholic hosted WACO and the Wapello girls’ team yesterday and the Arrows grabbed victory with a score of 202, while the WACO boys’ team defeated the Crusaders, 172-185. Emmalin Marshall led the field with a card of 44, while Elizabeth Griffin shot a 52 for the Crusaders. Max Kruse led the Holy Trinity Catholic boys’ team with a round of 42.

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Burlington Notre Dame on Monday, May 4th, at home. 

WACO will host Lone Tree on Monday.

The SEC girls’ teams made the trip to Burlington yesterday and Fort Madison claimed the meet with a score of 180, while Washington and Mt. Pleasant took 3rd and 4th place, respectively.

Washington’s Adalyn Long anchored the team with a 4th place score of 44. Mt. Pleasant was led by Sophia Walderbach’s card of 49, which was good enough for 11th place. Fairfield’s Ellanor Bentler took 6th place with a round of 44, but the Trojans did not have enough golfers to constitute a team score. 

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will host a tournament today with Columbus and Danville making the trip. 

The Washington girls’ team will hold an invitational on Monday with Mediapolis joining the fray.

Winfield-Mt. Union was swept by Hillcrest Academy yesterday with the girls’ team losing 207-234 and the boys’ team falling 171-175. Ashlyn Bender led the Wolves with a round of 51, while the boys’ team was anchored by Nicholas Sparrow’s 42. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to New London today.

The Southeast Conference boys’ teams will meet up in Keokuk today.

The Central Lee and Van Buren County girls’ teams will travel to Keokuk for an Invite on Monday.

High School Boys’ Tennis

Fairfield handed Mt. Pleasant their first loss of the season last night, 5-4. Max Heater and Charlie Syfert collected wins in their singles matches, while the team of Sawyer Fulton and Heater and Syfert and Matthew Del Valle grabbed the wins in the doubles competition. 

Mt. Pleasant will look to win the regular season conference title on Monday, May 4th, against Burlington on the road. 

Fairfield will travel to Keokuk on Monday.

The Iowa High School Athletic Association released their District Meet Assignments yesterday and Fairfield will host Keokuk, Fort Madison, and Mt. Pleasant for District 4.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team will end the regular season with a road three-game series against North Iowa Area Community College starting today with a doubleheader.

College Baseball and Softball

The Iowa baseball team will play Illinois at home tonight at 6 pm.

The Iowa softball team will host Purdue tonight at 6 pm.

The Iowa State softball team will take on #22 UCF at home at 4 pm tonight.

This Day in Sports History

1884 – Catcher Moses Walker is acknowledged as the first African-American to play major league baseball joining the Toledo Blue Stockings.

1991 – A’s outfielder Rickey Henderson steals all-time MLB record 939th base in 7-4 win vs New York Yankees in Oakland. Finished his career with 1,406 steals.

1991 – Texas Rangers starter Nolan Ryan pitches an MLB record 7th no hitter; beats Toronto, 3-0. At 44, Ryan is the oldest to throw a no-hitter.

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrests in Van Buren County

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at 4:59 pm CDT

Two people are in custody following a traffic stop that led to multiple drug charges in Van Buren County. According to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around midnight on April 29 when a deputy stopped a vehicle traveling north on Highway 81 for speeding. During a probable cause search of the vehicle, authorities say they located 6.1 grams of marijuana and 31 grams of methamphetamine, along with items consistent with the use and sale of narcotics.

A passenger, Brian Curtis Ayers, 54, of Wayland, Missouri, was arrested and charged with drug tax stamp violation, possession of a controlled substance—methamphetamine (second or subsequent offense), possession of marijuana, possession with intent to deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The driver, Amber Marie Swindler, 41, was also taken into custody and faces charges including possession of methamphetamine (second or subsequent offense), possession of marijuana (second or subsequent offense), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both individuals remain in custody.

Authorities remind the public that all charges are accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Harlan Elementary STEM Teacher Seeks Donations for End-of-Year Student Projects

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at 4:42 pm CDT

A STEM teacher at Harlan Elementary School in Mount Pleasant is asking for donations of everyday household items to support hands-on learning activities planned for the final week of classes, beginning May 18.

Students will be participating in creative building projects, using materials such as cardboard tubes, tissue boxes, plastic containers, ice cream buckets, pipe cleaners, straws, and craft supplies like glitter. Community members who would like to contribute can drop off items directly at Harlan Elementary before the week of May 18, 1001 North Main Street in Mount Pleasant.

The effort aims to give students an engaging and interactive end to the school year while encouraging creativity and problem-solving through STEM learning.

JoEllen Jepson

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at 11:28 am CDT
JoEllen Jepson, 61, of Mount Pleasant, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family, following an unexpected medical event.

JoEllen Marie Jepson was born July 7, 1964, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Alan and Linda (Boese) Coop. She grew up in Wayland, graduating from WACO High School in 1982, and continued her education at Northeast Missouri State University.

On August 3, 1985, JoEllen was united in marriage to Jeff Jepson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Together they made their home in Wayland, where they raised six children and built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. During those busy years, JoEllen was deeply involved in her children’s activities, including serving on the WACO School Board. In 2018, after becoming empty nesters, JoEllen and Jeff moved to an acreage outside of Mount Pleasant.

JoEllen served as president of Sticks on Stilts from 1996 to the present and worked as a secretary at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry for nearly 42 years—a testament to her dedication and strong work ethic.

JoEllen had a gift for making friends wherever she went. She was generous with her time, her advice, her love, and her thoughtful gifts. A natural storyteller, she spared no detail —sometimes taking the scenic route to the end—and her stories were even better when Jeff joined in. Her joyful laugh and playful squeals were contagious, often leaving everyone around her laughing even harder.

Summers were often spent on the water, where JoEllen found great joy in boating with her family. Whether it was packing up six kids for a full weekend on the boat or later sharing those moments with her grandchildren and their dog George, those days were treasured. Jeff would often say, “I’m the richest man on the lake,” a reflection of the beautiful family they created together—a sentiment that remained true throughout their lives. In quieter moments, JoEllen and Jeff enjoyed more peaceful cruises together, her curly hair blowing in the wind, lips perfectly covered in her favorite shade, and smile perfectly complementing the sunset. As Jeff would say, “My girl always looks good.”  JoEllen had a natural sense of style, often pairing her outfits with coordinating accessories and manicures, enhancing her already radiant beauty.

She was both a homebody and an adventurer. She loved hosting gatherings, carefully maintaining a journal of menus and guest lists for special occasions dating back to 2005, often saying, “You’re going to be happy I kept all these notes someday!”—and she was right, as she so often was.  Her love of travel took her on many adventures—with Jeff, with the extended Jepson family, with lifelong friends, with coworkers, and on solo trips to visit loved ones. Among her favorite destinations was Puerto Rico where she and Jeff had no agenda except to have fun.

JoEllen’s accomplishments were many. She was proud to be a 51% business owner and president of Sticks on Stilts, a company that began in the toy room of their home and continues today from a now dedicated home office organized in a way only JoEllen truly understood. Though she had much to be proud of, she remained humble. Her greatest achievement was the life and family she built with Jeff.

JoEllen is survived by her husband of 41 years, Jeff; her six children, Amanda (Kyle Davy) Jepson of Des Moines, Zach (Lindi) Jepson of Wayland, Sabrina (Cale) Garrett of Mount Pleasant, Chelsea (Travis) Hoyer of rural Houghton, Mariah (Mark Nelson) Jepson of Overland Park, Kansas, and Jalyssa Jepson of Mount Pleasant; 15 grandchildren, Josie, Abigail, Carti, Bristol, Jett, Kip, Vaida, Maxine, Keira, Jaxtin, Graham, Sylvie, Ruby, LouElla, and Jack; her mother, Linda Coop of Unionville; her siblings, Duane Coop, Heather Risberg, Lafe (Hannah) Coop, Ashly (Jerred) Hurley, Annie (Ray) Dorsey, and Carrie (Chris) Hines; and her sister-in-law, Jennifer Coop; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Alan Coop; Uncle, Bob Boese; and her grandmother in law who she shared the same sparkle, Maxine Schmeig; and multiple extended relatives.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at Olson-Yoder Funeral Home, where the family will be present to receive friends and family. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2026, at New London Christian Church, with Parnell Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant.  A luncheon will be held following the burial at Airport Road Vineyard.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the JoEllen Jepson Memorial Fund. Messages and tributes may be shared at www.olsonyoderfh.com.

Prep Boys’ Golf: Sectional and District Assignments for Postseason Golf

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at 10:45 am CDT

Prep Boys’ Golf- The Iowa High School Athletic Association released the sectional and district meet assignments yesterday for the upcoming 2026 spring golf postseason with sectionals scheduled to start on Wednesday, May 13th, and districts residing on Monday, May 18th. Here’s a look at where our local schools will be heading.

Class 1A

The Southeast Iowa Super Conference (SEISC) will be meeting at Twin Lakes Golf Course for their sectionals match with Winfield-Mt. Union set to host Danville, Highland, Holy Trinity Catholic, New London, WACO, and Wapello.

Teams and individuals advancing from this sectional will play at Oskaloosa Golf for districts with Sigourney acting as the host team.

Class 2A

Mediapolis will look to advance through sectionals to give themselves an advantage at districts since the Bulldogs will be hosting at Heritage Oaks. First, they will have to travel to Tipton for sectionals along with Central Lee, who is attempting to make it back to state, Columbus, Durant, Louisa-Muscatine, Lisbon, and Wilton.

Burlington Notre Dame will be our lone local team making the journey to Davis County at the Bloomfield Country Club to battle with Albia, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, PCM, Pella Christian, Pleasantville, and Regina Catholic. The Nikes will hope to advance to Mediapolis’ district.

Class 3A

It will be a heated sectional meet in Fairfield as Fort Madison, Keokuk, Mt. Pleasant, and Washington will also be making the trip for almost a full slate of Southeast Conference foes. Centerville, Pella, and West Liberty will also be a part of the field.

Pella, at Bos Landen, will be the host for the district meet.

Qualifications

The sectional/district team champion, runner-up, and third place team will advance to the district/state competition. Additionally, the top two overall individual players from each site from among the non-qualifying teams will advance to each sectional to district tournament and from each district to the state tournament.

The state tournament is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26th, and Wednesday, May 27th, with Westwood Golf Course in Newton hosting Class 1A’s tournament, South Hills Golf Course in Waterloo holding Class 2A’s tournament, and Gates Park Golf Course in Waterloo acting as the Class 3A host.

Sports, April 30th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at 6:38 am CDT

High School Track and Field

WACO will host the Ekstrand Relays tonight with Danville, Fairfield, Mediapolis, New London, Washington, and Winfield-Mt. Union participating. 

Mt. Pleasant and Van Buren County will compete in the Bob Gerard Relays tomorrow, May 1st. 

High School Soccer

Mt. Pleasant will take on Fairfield tonight with the boys’ team on the road kicking off at 5 pm, while the girls’ team will host the Trojans at 4:30 pm.

Washington will compete against Burlington tonight with the boys’ team at home and the girls’ team hitting the road with both games starting at 5 pm.

The WACO boys’ team will take on Sigourney-Keota tonight at 5 pm on the road. 

The Mediapolis girls’ team will compete against Canton tonight at 5 pm on the road. 

The Wapello girls’ team will travel to Northeast tonight at 5 pm, while the boys’ team will hit the road to play Prince of Peace at 7 pm.

The Danville boys’ team will host Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union tomorrow, May 1st, at 4:30 pm. 

Burlington Notre Dame will attempt to spoil Central Lee’s senior night tomorrow with the boys’ teams leading off the night at 5 pm.

High School Soccer Rankings

In the fourth edition of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s top 15 for girls’ soccer, Burlington remained at #14 in the Class 2A rankings. The Grayhounds are 7-0 against Iowa opponents and are outscoring their opponents 40 to 3 in their wins. Daphne Brown is leading the scoring with 11 goals. 

High School Golf

The Keokuk boys’ team held an invite yesterday and Central Lee flew away with the victory, posting a team score of 288, which was 23 strokes better than second place Burlington Notre Dame.

The Hawks occupied six of the top seven spots in the individual standings as Carter Jones and Caleb Larson each carded a 71 to lead the course. The Nikes had Hudson Neally and Kale Eggar take 8th and 9th place, respectively, with congruent scores of 77. Holy Trinity Catholic’s Max Kruse snatched 20th place with a round of 84, as the Crusaders finished in 6th place as a team with a score of 356.

The Wapello girls’ team and the WACO girls’ and boys’ teams will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic for a meet today. 

Mediapolis will take on Burlington Notre Dame today at home.

The SEC girls’ teams will make up their conference meet in Burlington today.

Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Hillcrest Academy today. 

The Southeast Conference boys’ teams will meet up in Keokuk tomorrow, May 1st. 

The Central Lee and Van Buren County girls’ teams will travel to Keokuk for an Invite on Monday, May 4th.

High School Boys’ Tennis

Fairfield will host Mt. Pleasant tonight.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

New London’s Katelyn Allen was our special guest for last night’s episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook. The senior had never picked up a club before her freshman year, now she has been an integral part of a couple of top team finishes at state, including a runner-up finish in 2023. For Allen, her coaches have been instrumental in her love for the game,

“My role model is my coach Dennis. He kind of just took me under the wing my freshman year. And he has taught me so much. And he’s always by my side, like always there for me when I need it.”  

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

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team fell to Kirkwood Community College yesterday, 11-6. The Blackhawks will end the regular season with a road three-game series against North Iowa Area Community College starting tomorrow, May 1st, with a doubleheader.

The softball team split their doubleheader with Indian Hills Community College yesterday, winning game one 11-3 and faltering in game two 7-6. The Blackhawks finished the regular season with a 31-15 record. 

College Baseball and Softball

The Iowa baseball team will play Illinois at home tomorrow, May 1st, at 6 pm.

The Iowa softball team snapped their three-game losing streak last night in a 10-2 drubbing of Northern Illinois. Phoenyx Silva led the way with four RBIs. The Hawkeyes will host Purdue tomorrow at 6 pm.

The Iowa State softball team will take on #22 UCF at home at 4 pm tomorrow.

Iowa State Men’s Basketball

The Cyclones are in the middle of a renaissance with head coach T.J. Otzelberger and they want to make sure that continues after signing the coach to a 10-year extension worth $6 million annually.

Since inheriting a 2-22 team back in 2021, Otzelberger has led the program to five consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament, three Sweet 16 appearances, and a Big 12 tournament title in 2024. He is the only coach in school history with multiple trips to Sweet 16 and his 30 victories over AP Top 25 teams is also the most by any coach in school history.

He currently holds a 0.701 winning percentage with 124 wins in his five seasons at the helm for the Cyclones.

This Day in Sports History

1922 – Chicago pitcher Charlie Robertson throws at the time the fifth perfect game in MLB history as the White Sox beat the Detroit Tigers, 2-0 at Navin Field.

1939 – Lou Gehrig sets a then-MLB record, playing his 2,130th consecutive and final game for the New York Yankees.

2022 – Brock Purdy is selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, becoming Mr. Irrelevant.

Tickets On Sale Now for 71st Annual Mount Pleasant Rotary BBQ Tickets on June 4

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at 5:37 am CDT

The Rotary clubs of Mount Pleasant announce tickets are now on sale for the 71st Annual Mount Pleasant Rotary BBQ, continuing a long-standing community tradition.

Held annually on the first Thursday in June, this year’s BBQ will take place on Thursday, June 4, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Wright Family Pavilion in McMillan Park on the Midwest Old Threshers grounds.

Guests will enjoy a meal featuring a choice of pork chop or turkey tenderloin, served with baked potato, coleslaw, roll, and cookie. Meals are available for $15 for adults and $7 for children.

Attendees may take advantage of both drive-thru and dine-in options. Drive-thru traffic should enter from Walnut Street, while walk-up and dine-in service will be available on the north side of the pavilion.

Tickets are available in advance at:
• 5 Star Community Credit Union
• Pilot Grove Savings Bank (downtown location)
• Mount Pleasant City Hall
• or from any Mount Pleasant Rotarian

Proceeds from the annual BBQ support Rotary’s mission locally and globally through service, leadership, and financial assistance to community organizations and scholarships for local students. Rotary initiatives have included promoting literacy by partnering with the Mount Pleasant Public Library and Henry County Conservation for a new storybook walk by the Oakland Mills Nature Center, supporting health and wellness by hosting blood drives at local elementary schools quarterly, donating to Polio Plus – Rotary’s foundation to support immunization efforts worldwide and eradicate Polio off the face of the planet, and environmental stewardship projects such as picking up trash and maintaining portions of local highways. And that’s just to name a few!

More About Rotary
The Rotary clubs of Mount Pleasant have served the community and beyond since 1921, guided by the Rotary motto “Service Above Self.” Those interested in becoming a member can join the Mount Pleasant Noon Rotary Club, which meets Wednesdays at noon, or the Mount Pleasant Evening Rotary Club, which meets the first and third Mondays at 6:00 p.m.

For more information about Rotary, membership opportunities, or BBQ tickets, contact Kadie Johannson at 319-721-2729 or any Mount Pleasant Rotarian.

Bomb Threat at Mount Pleasant Walmart Distribution Center Determined to Be Hoax

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 5:28 pm CDT

Authorities say a reported bomb threat at the Mount Pleasant Walmart Distribution Center Wednesday afternoon appears to be a hoax.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the facility at approximately 3:41 p.m. Wednesday, April 29 following a report of a bomb threat made to the distribution center. The Mount Pleasant Police Department, along with the Mount Pleasant Fire Department, responded to the scene and secured the area.

When asked if the incident was related to the bomb threats at Walmarts across the country, Mount Pleasant Police Chief Lyle Murray indicated it may be part of a broader pattern.

“Yes, it appears to be related to the other ones across the country. The Distribution Center did a great job getting their staff to a safe location. Mount Pleasant Police Department was assisted by Iowa State Patrol, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, and management on a sweep of the facility. Nothing suspicious was located and it appears to be a swatting incident.”

Officials confirmed that employees were safely moved during the response while law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the building. No suspicious items were found.

Chief Murray added that the investigation is ongoing, “We are still investigating to see if we can determine where the call came from, but that will take time.”

Agencies assisting in the response included the Iowa State Patrol and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say there is no ongoing threat to the public, but the incident remains under investigation. KILJ will bring you more details as they become available.