Heather Diana Farmer

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at 3:06 pm CDT

Heather Diana Farmer, 47, a resident of Douds, passed away Sunday, August 10, 2025 at her home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family and sent to 14212 Rte. V64, Douds, Iowa 52551. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Heather was born June 17, 1978 in Washington, Iowa, the daughter of William and Diana (Jacobs) Farmer. Heather graduated from Washington High School in 1996. She served her country in the Iowa National Guard from 1996 – 2001 as a Specialist First Class in the 134th Medical Company – Ground Ambulance.

Heather worked as an assistant manager for Casey’s at the west location in Fairfield. She loved Mountain Dew, and enjoyed reading, singing, and watching WWE with her family.

Those left to honor her memory include her fiancé, Chuck Engle of Douds; children, Kodi Farmer-Riley and Savana Farmer-Riley, both of Douds; granddaughter, Emily McElderry; and her parents, Bill and Diana farmer of Brighton.

She was preceded in death by her son, Lucas McElderry; and brother, Jim Jenkins.

Online condolences may be made to Heather’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

The Burlington Bees Net Four on the Western Conference All-Star Team

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at 9:00 am CDT

Burlington, IA- The Burlington Bees had their best season since joining the Prospect League in 2021, collecting 33 wins and a playoff berth. The Bees went on a tear in the second half of the season, going 18-3 after a 1-4 start to July including an 8-game winning streak to end the regular season.

A big reason for that turnaround was the success of four players, who were named to the end of season Western Conference All-Star Team.

Cole Yearsley found a spot after leading the league in batting average at 0.416 and on-base percentage at a high clip of 0.558. 

Kooper Schulte was an RBI machine in his rookie season with the Bees as he finished third in the league with 48 RBIs, while finishing first in triples and second in extra-base hits with 20 for the season. His season began with an Opening Day cycle as he led the league in hits and ranked third in defensive assists. 

Mason Schwalbach batted 0.392 in his 22 games where he accrued 20 RBIs in that span. He ended the season on a 14-game hitting streak.

Lastly, Kaelen Clarkson finished the year with a 2.75 ERA across eight starts for the Bees, striking out 29 batters. Clarkson was on a three-game win streak to end the regular season. 

Parasite Patrol Program Coming to Mt. Pleasant – Learn to Master Fecal Egg Counts for Healthier Herds

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at 8:08 am CDT

Mt. Pleasant, Iowa — Goat and sheep producers across Southeast Iowa will have the opportunity to sharpen their herd health management skills at Parasite Patrol: Mastering Fecal Egg Counts for Healthier Goat Herds and Sheep Flocks, a hands-on educational workshop aimed at improving livestock well-being through practical parasite control.

The program, offered through a collaboration between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension, will take place Tuesday, September 24, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Henry County Extension Office. A light snack will be provided.

Internal parasites are among the most persistent and damaging health challenges facing small ruminants, and this training will give producers the tools to address them effectively. Participants will gain first-hand experience in fecal egg count (FEC) techniques — a valuable method for monitoring parasite levels and guiding targeted treatments.

Workshop topics include:

  • How to conduct fecal egg counts on the farm
  • Understanding parasite lifecycles and drug resistance
  • Identifying common parasite eggs using microscopes
  • Implementing integrated parasite control strategies

By learning and applying FEC methods, producers can reduce unnecessary deworming, measure treatment effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions that protect animal health and improve productivity.

Because space is limited to allow for in-depth, hands-on participation, early registration is encouraged.

For more information or to register, contact the Henry County Extension Office at 319-385-8126.

Henry County Conservation Seeking Vendors for “Wine Walk in the Woods” Fundraiser

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at 8:06 am CDT

Henry County Conservation is inviting crafters, vendors, and businesses to take part in their upcoming Wine Walk in the Woods fundraiser, set for Tuesday, September 16th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Oakland Mills Park.

Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their products, services, or crafts while guests enjoy a scenic evening stroll through the park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their favorite wine to sip along the walk. A $5 donation will be collected, with all proceeds going toward the care of Henry County Conservation’s live animals.

This unique event offers a relaxed, nature-filled setting for businesses and artisans to connect with the community while supporting local conservation efforts.

Those interested in reserving a spot can contact Kendall with the conservation department at 319-931-5228.

Sports, August 13th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Girls’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Burlington tomorrow, August 14th.

Burlington Notre Dame will make the trip to Davis County tomorrow.

Fairfield will face off against Fort Madison at home tomorrow.

High School Volleyball

New London and Danville will head over to Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow, August 14th, for a scrimmage. 

High School Cross Country

Columbus will be holding a Run-A-Thon fundraiser at the Columbus Community High School Track on Thursday, August 21st, from 4 to 6 pm to raise money for new uniforms and warmups. If you would like to donate, then find a member of the Columbus cross country team. 

Meet the Players Night

Mt. Pleasant will host their “Meet the Panthers” Night on August 19th at the Mapleleaf Athletic Complex. The concession stand will be open for the night, starting at 6 pm. The booster club announcement will kick off the festivities at 6:30 pm followed by the introductions of the fall sport teams: cross country, girls’ tennis, football, volleyball, and the fall cheerleaders. The cheerleaders will perform at 6:50 pm, afterward the football team will stage a practice to finish the night. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will hold their Meet the Players night on August 21st at 6:30 pm located at the Winfield-Mt. Union track. There will be a free will donation dinner starting at 5:50 pm.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

WACO and Winfield-Mt. Union have each sent a team to the UNI-Dome over the past three years, claiming district titles in those respective years. For the Warriors, they are attempting to make it five straight winning seasons, having advanced past the first round of the playoffs in their last four trips. While the Wolves have made it to the playoffs the last three years.

With the season set to start in two weeks, tune in to KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, tonight at 6 pm for a new episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook as WACO head coach Chad Edeker and Winfield-Mt. Union head coach Scott McCarty talk about their preseason work and expectations for the upcoming season.

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees clinched a playoff berth for the first time since entering the Prospect League in 2021 this past season and the team was awarded with four players named to the end of season Western Conference All-Star Team.

Cole Yearsley found a spot after leading the league in batting average at 0.416 and on-base percentage at a high clip of 0.558. 

Kooper Schulte was an RBI machine in his rookie season with the Bees as he finished third in the league with 48 RBIs, while finishing first in triples and second in extra-base hits with 20 for the season. 

Mason Schwalbach batted 0.392 in his 22 games where he accrued 20 RBIs in that span. He ended the season on a 14-game hitting streak.

Lastly, Kaelen Clarkson finished the year with a 2.75 ERA across eight starts for the Bees, striking out 29 batters. Clarkson was on a three-game win streak to end the regular season. 

College Football

Iowa had seniors Gennings Dunker, Aaron Graves, and Logan Jones named to the Lombardi Award watch list. The award is given to the college player who best embodies the spirit of legendary head coach Vince Lombardi. 

Dunker and Jones will be looking to pave the way for a Hawkeye rushing attack that gained 2,564 yards last year and allowed only 17 sacks for the season. Jones was named to the All-Big Ten First Team last year, while Dunker made the Second Team.

Graves will look to continue burying quarterbacks in the backfield after notching six sacks last season to go along with eight tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. He was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention last season.

This Day in Sports History

1910 – The Brooklyn Superbas and the Pittsburgh Pirates play “the game of perfect symmetry” in baseball to tie 8-8 as both have 13 hits, 2 errors, 12 assists, 5 strikeouts, 3 walks, 1 hit baseman, and 1 passed ball.

1932 – Yankees hurler Red Ruffing became the first MLB pitcher since 1906 to hit an extra-inning, game-winning home run in New York’s 1-0 win over the Senators in Washington.

1993 – Blue Jay Rickey Henderson pays Turner Ward $25,000 to wear his #24.

Henry County Board of Supervisors August 14, 2025 9:00 a.m. Agenda

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 at 4:37 pm 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

August 14, 2025

9:00 a.m.

  1. Agenda

 

  1. Approval of Minutes

 

  1. Approval of Claims

 

  1. County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss Weekly Updates

 

  1. P&Z Director, Joe Buffington, Discussion of False Allocation of $10,000 Bonus.

 

  1. Approval of Resolution #24-2025 Washington County Riverboat Grant Funds.

 

  1. Public Hearing & 1st Reading of an Ordinance to Re-zone, Part of the

NW of the NW of Section 27 Center Township, in the 2600 Block of Hwy 218.

 

  1. Public Hearing to Amend Several Articles of

Title VI Chapter 2 to align the Henry County Zoning Ordinance with Senate File 592.

 

  1. Discussion & Decision of Moving County Supervisors Office.

 

Supervisors Sub-Committee’s

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in Regular Session on Wednesday, August 13, 2025

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 at 1:34 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in Regular Session on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at City Hall, 307 E. Monroe Street, second-floor meeting room at 5:30 p.m.

 

A G E N D A

  1. Roll Call.         

 

  1. Consent Agenda: To the Public – All items with an asterisk (*) are routine

by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion and a roll call of the Council-

members. There will be no separate discussion of items unless the Mayor, a Councilmember

or citizen so request, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and

will be considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.

  1. Receive & file communications.

 

  1. Approve agenda.                   

 

*5.  Approve minutes of previous meetings.

 

*6.  Approve payment of bills.

 

*7.  Receive report of Officers, including Resolution No. 2025- 65 approving July interfund

transfers.

 

  1. Old Business-

 

  1. 5:30 p.m. Public Hearing for comment on changes to appendix D-Zoning, Chapter 19.38 (M-1 Limited Industrial District Regulations) of the Mount Pleasant, Iowa Code of Ordinances.

 

  1. 1st reading of an ordinance amending appendix D, Chapter 19.38 (M-1 Limited Industrial District Regulations) of the City Code of Ordinances.

 

  1. Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the amended Engineering Services Agreement with Klingner & Associates, P.C. for the 2nd Baptist Church project.

 

*                d)   Renewal of a Class C Retail Alcohol License for Rumors located at 117 South Jefferson Street.

  1. New Business –

 

  1. Resolution ordering bids, approve preliminary drawings, specs, plans, contract and notice to bidder and ordering clerk to publish notice of hearing of estimated costs for the 2nd Baptist Church project.

 

  1. Resolution directing termination of farm lease on airport ground and notice to bidders related.

 

  1. Resolution waiving right to review the preliminary and final plats of the Huene Subdivision.

 

  1. Public Forum.

 

  1. Adjourn to meet in regular session on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

Mount Pleasant School Board Prepares for Busy Start to School Year, Discusses Facilities, Policy Updates, and Superintendent Search

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 at 7:54 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Directors met Monday night to finalize preparations for the start of the 2025–26 school year, review facility concerns, update district policies, and continue progress toward hiring the next superintendent.

Staff Opening Day and Professional Development Plans

The district will host its All Staff Opening Day this Wednesday (Aug 13th) in the high school commons. Breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m., with time for connection and lighthearted activities before teachers head to their buildings.

This year, all teachers will receive iPads, with an Apple representative visiting for training on new instructional tools.

Facilities Updates and Safety Concerns

The board received a detailed report on the condition of the P.E.O. Memorial Building on the former Iowa Wesleyan campus, now part of the district’s central campus. Significant structural deterioration, moisture damage, and safety hazards have been identified. Yellow safety fencing will be placed around the building.

Due to high estimated demolition costs—around $350,000—any decision will require a sealed bid process, engineering specifications, and a public hearing. The board emphasized the building has no educational use for the district despite its historical significance.

Board Actions

The board unanimously approved:

  • Accepting a $13,000 classroom furniture donation from Hendrickson Company.
  • Forming a 30-member ad hoc facilities committee to study the number and location of district attendance centers, with recommendations due by January 2026.
  • First reading of an updated employee retirement policy with a February application deadline.
  • Approval for the FFA to assist with Old Threshers events as a fundraiser.

Superintendent Search

The board heard presentations from two firms—Ray and Associates and Grundmeyer Leader Services—and discussed each group’s experience, community engagement approach, and ongoing communication plans. Several board members noted strong impressions from both, but ultimately selected Grundmeyer Leader Services to lead the search process.

School Board Election Information

Candidate filing for the November 4 school board election opens August 25 and closes September 18. Three seats will be on the ballot: Director District 1 (currently Melinda Huisinga), Director District 2 (currently Derek Mullin), and an at-large seat (currently Josh Maher.). All will be four-year terms.

Looking Ahead

The board’s next work session is set for August 25 at 6 p.m. The district will also host a “Live After 5” networking event October 1 at the Receiving, Transportation, and Maintenance site on East Monroe.