Sports, September 11th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 6:34 am CDT

High School Girls’ Tennis

The Southeast Conference held their conference tournament last night and the best finish for Mt. Pleasant was the team of Lila Cook and Bella Dodds, who went undefeated in the consolation bracket, including a victory over fellow Panthers Lianah Phangchanthong and Shaye Barbee for 5th place. Katana Phangchanthong and Mia Gray captured 6th and 7th place, respectively, in the singles bracket.

Fairfield was headlined by the 1st place pair of Ria Ross and Sriya Yammanur in the doubles bracket, while Natalie Steele finished with the silver in singles.

Mt. Pleasant will celebrate their senior night on Monday, September 15th, against Davis County.

Fairfield prepares to host the Class 1A Region 6 Individual tournament on Wednesday, September 17th.

High School Volleyball

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against West Burlington tonight at 7:30 pm on the road. 

Danville will host Mediapolis tonight at 7:30 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will travel to Van Buren County tonight at 7:30 pm. 

WACO will host Winfield-Mt. Union tonight at 7:30 pm.

New London will travel to Central Lee tonight at 7:30 pm.

Columbus will hit the road to take on Pekin tonight at 7:30 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will compete in the Wilton Tournament on Saturday, September 13th, with Mediapolis and Winfield-Mt. Union also making the trip. 

Fairfield will travel to Williamsburg to compete in a tournament on Saturday along with West Burlington.

High School Cross Country

Fairfield will host the “Ron Hunerdosse” Invite tonight 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 Mustang Invitational tonight.

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant gets back to work as they stay on the road to face off against Oskaloosa tomorrow, 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.

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

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

WACO will host HLV/TC tomorrow at 7 pm.

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

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

Mediapolis will head to Fairfield tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

Danville will host Columbus tomorrow at 7 pm.

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

Southeast Iowa Playbook

WACO was our school of focus for the latest episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook with special guests Morgan Meyer, Raefe Davison, and Tristian Luitjens. The seniors are in the midst of their Homecoming week having just celebrated Boom Night, now the volleyball team has to get ready for their match tonight. Meyer talked about what head coach Addison Fort has been preaching to the team,

“…One of the biggest things that she’s preached to us is just that we are family out on that court. And I think that another big thing that we’ve learned from them so far is that you can put in as much work as anyone else, but it’s the work that you put on, on and off the court by yourself, what you choose to put in is what’s going to be the big difference. And I suppose for the big Winfield game tomorrow, I mean, we’ve been watching film. We’ve been preparing for that game. Obviously, homecoming. When you get the big rivalry at home. I assume it’ll be a pretty big game, but we’ll just have to see how that goes.”

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

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will host North Iowa Area Community College tonight at 7 pm.

The women’s soccer team will stay at home to square off against State Fair Community College at 1 pm on Saturday, September 13th.

The men’s soccer team will take on State Fair Community College at 3 pm on Saturday.

College Football

#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

1951 – Florence Chadwick becomes the first woman to swim the English Channel from England to France. It takes 16 hours and 19 minutes.

1966 – Johnny Miller becomes the first New York Yankee to hit a home run on his first MLB at bat; his second home run came on his final MLB at bat in 1969.

1983 – Pittsburgh running back Franco Harris runs for 118 yards in a Steelers 25-21 win at Green Bay to become only the third player in NFL history at the time to rush for 11,000 yards.

Mount Pleasant City Council Tables Baptist Church Project, Council Supports Possible ContiTech USA LLC Expansion

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 5:28 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council met in regular session Wednesday evening, September 10, 2025, at City Hall. The meeting opened with roll call, approval of the agenda, and routine consent agenda items, including bills, minutes, and interfund transfers for August.

Second Baptist Church Project Tabled

The council held a scheduled public hearing regarding the proposed plans and specifications for the Second Baptist Church Project. After discussion, it was noted that only one bid was received — and it came in roughly $340,000 higher than anticipated.

On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, council members voted to table both the resolution to accept bids and a related asbestos removal contract. The committee advised that the city should step back, reevaluate options, and consider alternative planning before moving forward.

Ordinance Adoption

The council then completed the third and final reading of an ordinance amending Appendix D, Chapter 19.38 of the city code, which relates to M-1 Limited Industrial District Regulations. The ordinance was formally adopted.

ContiTech Expansion Proposal

In new business, the council approved a resolution supporting ContiTech USA, LLC’s application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority High Quality Jobs Program.

The project represents a potential $65 million expansion, significantly larger than the original $5 million estimate from a year ago. If approved, the expansion could bring more than 50 new jobs to the Mount Pleasant area. While city leaders emphasized that the proposal is not yet finalized, they voiced strong support for the opportunity.

City staff also provided updates on infrastructure projects:

  • Work continues on Adam Street, where grading and rock base preparation are underway.
  • Winfield Avenue plans will be submitted to the Iowa DOT next week, with hopes for a March 2026 letting.
  • Preparations are beginning at the airport for construction of a new eight-bay T-hangar, corporate hangar, and taxiways, a project expected to be one of the largest at the site in years.
  • Additional work is planned for Cherry Circle, where crews are assessing underground utilities before improvements.

The council adjourned with plans to reconvene in regular session on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

Henry County Board of Supervisors September 11, 2025 9:00 a.m.

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 5:15 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

September 11, 2025

9:00 a.m.

  1. Agenda

 

  1. Approve Claims

 

  1. County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss Weekly Updates

 

  1. Conservation Caleb Waters Monthly Updates

 

  1. PJ Greufe Associates Renewal of Contract

 

  1. Paul Greufe Compensation Plan

 

Supervisors Sub-Committees

Ellen S. Krieger

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 at 3:45 pm CDT

Ellen S. Krieger

Ellen S. Krieger, 77, of Mt. Pleasant, died Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Addington Place in Mt. Pleasant.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Charla Louise Warner

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 at 2:48 pm CDT

Charla Louise Warner, 81, of Bonaparte, passed away at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL on September 8, 2025. Charla was a remarkable woman whose life was a tapestry of love, dedication, and community service.

Born on May 26, 1944, in Argyle, Iowa, to Kenneth and Virginia Schroeder Carson, Charla’s early years were marked by frequent moves around Iowa, following her father’s work. She graduated from Denmark High School in 1962 and soon after began working at the Penitentiary in Fort Madison. Charla married Lyle Williams on May 30, 1964 and they later divorced.  Charla found love again with Kenneth C. Warner, whom she married on September 16, 1979, in Farmington. Together, they built a life in Bonaparte.

Charla’s career was diverse and fulfilling. After her time at the penitentiary, she took several years off to raise her children. Once they were old enough for school, Charla re-entered the workforce, holding positions at the Van Buren Leader Record, State Central Bank, and the doctor’s office in Bonaparte. Her professional life was just one facet of her dedication to her community.

Charla was a pillar of her community, serving on numerous boards and associations. She was the current president of the Bonaparte Cemetery Board, the Bonaparte Historical Association, the Tea Leaf Club, and the Township Store. She also contributed to the former Bonaparte Main Street Association and the Rathbun Rural Water Association Director. Volunteering was not just a pastime for Charla; it was a passion. She believed in the power of community and gave her time generously to make Bonaparte a better place.

Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Charla had a zest for life. She enjoyed traveling with friends and cherished the camaraderie of Thirsty Thursdays at the Hotel Manning. However, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Charla’s love for her family was evident in everything she did, and her legacy of love and dedication will live on through them.

Charla is survived by her son, Alan Williams (Cortney) of Somerset, WI; her daughters, Susan Hines and Lori Loyd (Steve) of Bonaparte; her brother, John Carson (Jessie) of West Point; her sisters, Barb Rockhold of Mercer, MO, and Margaret Moeller of Fort Madison; her grandchildren, Jordy, Colten (Taylor), Jacob (Madison), Andrew, and Brady (Ashley); her great-grandchildren, Camden, Kinzley, and Kaden; and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charlie, brothers Jim and Dick Carson, and sisters Pam Carson and Judy Huprich.

Charla’s life will be celebrated at a funeral service on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua, with Ellis Andrews officiating. Visitation with family present will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday September 14, 2025 at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua. Burial in Bonaparte Cemetery will follow the service. Memorials in Charla’s honor to the Bonaparte Cemetery may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family at P.O. Box 37, Bonaparte, Iowa 52620. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com

Charla’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her dedication to her family, her community, and her friends will be remembered and cherished forever.

“Ricky L. Graham

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 at 2:47 pm CDT

“Ricky L. Graham, 67, of Burlington, died Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

 

Born August 28, 1958, in Burlington, IA, he was the son of Thomas and Sandra Jackson Graham. On March 19, 1994 he married Nancy Heller.

 

Ricky worked construction throughout his life and later started his own business – Ricky’s Handyman Service.  He was a hard worker and developed a reputation of being dependable and someone you could count on to get the job done.  Ricky looked forward to being outside, whether that was hunting or fishing – he found peace in nature.  Family was important to him and he enjoyed spending as much time as he could with his grandkids.  Ricky’s dedication and steadfastness will be missed but his memory will continue in the hearts of his family and friends.

 

Survivors include wife of 31 years, Nancy; children, Randy (Rebecca) Graham, Dylan (Kimberly) Graham, Mike (Amber) Spiker, Christina Graham, Shanna (Dion) Graham, Kathie (Ron) Koresko; siblings, Scott Graham, Ronnie Graham, Charlotte Leasure, Sherry (Dave) Groenewald, Rhonda (J.D.) Gutierrez; fifteen grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; twelve nieces and nephews; and a close friend, Wayne Knopp.

 

Ricky is preceded in death by his parent’s, Thomas and Sandra.

 

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

 

No visitation or services are scheduled at this time.

 

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.prughfuneral.com.”

Prep Volleyball: Mt. Pleasant Spikes Keokuk in Home Opener

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 at 11:30 am CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- For the past couple of seasons, Mt. Pleasant has usually fielded a younger team with their two top attackers being Alex Scott and Addison Clark, while Abby Carthey has been the main setter since her sophomore season.

That talented group, hoping to make a move in the Southeast Conference (SEC), is now enjoying their senior season. With 10 seniors on the roster, first year head coach Alicia Schrader is certainly enjoying the wealth of experience boasting from the roster,

“I mean, we’re very lucky. We have great leaders. We have two captains, but I mean we could have 5 captains. So, they all have been at this for a long time. They work hard, they’re competitive, they give it everything they got every game, so it’s fun to watch.”

That show was on full display in their home opener last night, as the Panthers entered with a 6-3 overall record but an 0-1 conference record, falling to Washington in straight sets a week ago. A 2-9 Keokuk team waltzed in unprepared for the barrage they would face.

Immediately, the Panthers jumped out to a 3 to 0 lead, which extended to 14 to 7 and eventually maxed out at 19 to 9. Keokuk would go on a 6 to 0 run, but nine combined blocks from Scott and Clark and four team aces allowed Mt. Pleasant to pull away with set one, 25-14.

The final point scored on a Jenna Schwartz block solo, her third block of the set. One of the few seniors who get action was a wall at the net, blocking five attacks by the end of the match. Coach Schrader talked about her development as a middle hitter,

“It’s awesome. She just it’s fun. I want her to have that confidence. She’s pretty, like, timid and she should just know that. And she’s doing great. And we’ve been working hard in those blocks, and you can tell that you know it’s she’s doing a wonderful job…”

The two teams traded points to start the second set, but errors ruled on the Chiefs attacks allowing for Scott to tally five more kills on the night and for Kynlee White—another senior—to solidify the win with two late kills. A 25-15 final in set two.

That momentum led to a 6 to 0 run for the Panthers to begin the third set. Coach Schrader was pleased with how the offense was performing last night,

“Our offense and our setters are key, always like they run the show, so we need them to be on and make good decisions and be smart. And I think they’re making really great decisions. They’ve been playing well, they work hard. We’ve been doing a lot of different talk on how we can get to the net quicker and we’re trying to run some more plays and switch things up a little bit. So, push them a little more even though they’re comfortable in what we’re doing. We’re trying to make it a little bit more. So, they’re doing a great job.”

After a Keokuk timeout, the Chiefs marched back into the game, scoring five points in a row. This would continue for most of the third set, including a 10 to 10 tie after 20 points. Mt. Pleasant would manage to stay a point ahead until an ace by Clark signaled a late run and eventual 25-18 final and sweep for Mt. Pleasant.

However, the third set signaled an emphasis that coach Schrader is hoping to limit in future matchups,

“We talk about limiting our mental errors, our unforced errors. I think that’s really our key. We have a lot of talent. I mean, we really do, but we sometimes lose focus, we might miss a serve that is crucial, or we might make a bad serve-receive pass. So just staying focused the whole time and limiting those hitting errors, serving errors, unforced errors…”

Scott led the offensive effort with 13 kills and an ace, while Clark tallied 11 kills with three aces and a block assist. Schwartz turned in six kills and the aforementioned five blocks. Overall, the Panthers finished with seven aces and six blocks.

Mt. Pleasant improved to 7-3 (1-1 in the SEC) and they will compete in a tournament at Wilton on Saturday, September 13th, before heading to Fort Madison next Tuesday, September 16th.

Keokuk will travel to Centerville on Saturday for the Redette Tournament before hosting Washington on Tuesday.

Patricia Lynn Whitten

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 at 8:35 am CDT

Patricia Lynn Whitten, 86, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Van Buren County Hospital in Keosauqua.

Graveside services celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield. Memorials may be made to the family and sent to 505 E. Pierce Ave. Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Pat was born February 14, 1939 in Ottumwa, the daughter of Leonard and Anna (Carlson) McGuire. Pat graduated from Ottumwa High School with the class of 1957. She married Jack Whitten, April 4, 1959 at Sacred Heart Church in Ottumwa. He preceded her in death April 9, 2025.

Pat worked at Iowa State Bank, Jefferson County Hospital and retired from the Department of Human Services as a volunteer. Pat and Jack were foster parents for 33 years.

Pat was a member of the Iowa Foster and Adoption Association and Arc of Jefferson and Nearby Counties.

Those left to honor her memory include her daughter, Lynn (Dan) Kane of Fairfield; grandchildren, Travis (Reesa) Starr of Fairfield, Taylor (Amber) Starr of Riverside, Iowa, and Dalton (Jess) Kane of Coralville; great-grandchildren, Axl and Corbin Starr, Bentley and Winston Starr, and Jocelyn Kane; step-grandchildren, Kadie (Mike) Archer of Griffin, Georgia, and David (Alex) Kane of Libertyville; and step-great-grandchildren, Alizabeth and Jaycie Archer.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Laura Starr; son, Timothy Whitten; sister, Helen McGuire; and an older brother in infancy.

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