Parade of Lights Scheduled for November 28th in Downtown Fort Madison

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 5:36 am CDT

Fort Madison, IA — The Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that the 33rd annual Parade of Lights will take place on Friday, November 28th at 6:30 PM in downtown Fort Madison.

The community is invited to join us for this festive event, which promises to bring holiday cheer to all attendees. The parade will feature beautifully decorated floats that will illuminate Avenue G as they make their way west from 5th Street to 10th Street. The Parade of Lights will also be livestreamed on the Fort Madison Chamber Facebook page.

Important Parking Notice: To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, there will be no parking allowed on Avenue G from 10th Street to 5th Street starting that afternoon and from 5th Street to 3rd Street all day. Please plan accordingly and make use of alternative parking areas. Avenue G will be closed from 11th -5th Street as well as 9th-10th on Avenue F and 10th Street from Avenues E to G that evening.

After the parade, the floats will proceed up 10th Street and into Central Park, where they will remain on display until the end of December. This provides a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy the holiday decorations throughout the season. Please remember that these floats are for viewing only, do not touch, sit on, or climb on any of the displays.

We want to give a huge shoutout to David Fedler and Savanna Collier for working countless hours to ensure that these floats are parade ready! Thank you to everyone who has helped during the float work nights.

We are in need of drivers to help us pull floats that night. If you have a side by side, four-wheeler, golf cart or other ATV and are willing to help, please reach out to Savanna at 319-372-5471.

We look forward to seeing the community come together for this joyous event. Let’s kick off the holiday season with a night of lights and festive spirit!

Fairfield Chamber’s Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony Kicks Off Festive Season

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 5:35 am CDT

Join the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce for the beloved Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony, a festive event that has gathered generations of families to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Taking place on Friday, November 28, this cherished tradition brings the community together for a night of joy, music, and holiday magic.

This event continues to be at no cost all season thanks to our presenting sponsor, Everybody’s Whole Foods, and your Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce. This tradition is one of the many ways the Chamber gives back to the community for its support throughout the year.

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with caroling from Fairfield High School’s talented chorus students, who will fill the square with classic holiday tunes. At 6:00 p.m., our Citizens of the Year, Werner Elmker and Diane Goudy, will lead the countdown to illuminate the town square, bringing Fairfield’s holiday spirit to life.

Santa Claus will make his entrance in true holiday style, arriving by horse-drawn wagon to the delight of attendees of all ages. After his arrival, the horse-drawn wagon will be available for festive rides throughout the evening, adding to the charm of the night. Dexter Laundry have generously made these wagon rides available at no cost to all!

Santa’s House and Workshop will be open from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., where children can sit with Santa to share their holiday wishes and receive a keepsake photo capturing the moment. Our film sponsor is Dexter Laundry. Thanks to our wonderful sponsors, each child will also receive a candy cane and a holiday book to take home.

Candy canes are provided by Hy-Vee. Hot cocoa sponsors are TDT CPAs & Advisors, SERVPRO, Washington State Bank, and Morrissey Law Offices. Cookie sponsors are TDT CPAs & Advisors and McDonald’s. Books are provided thanks to AERON Lifestyle Technology and First MainStreet Insurance.

In Santa’s Workshop, volunteer elves will guide children in decorating their own ornaments, specially crafted by Fairfield High School’s SkillsUSA Club. Kids can even add their Santa photo to their ornament, creating a personalized holiday memory to cherish. Meanwhile, the cozy Santa’s Cocoa Hut will offer free hot cocoa and cookies for all.

Santa House Dates and Volunteers Provided By:

· Friday, November 28 and Saturday, November 29: Chamber Board, Staff, and Ambassadors

· Friday, December 5: AERON Lifestyle Technology

· Saturday, December 6: Hy-Vee

· Friday, December 12: Cambridge Investment Research

· Saturday, December 13: Washington State Bank and Maharishi School

· Friday, December 20: Community 1st Credit Union, Live Wire Electric and Straight Up Doors

· Saturday, December 21: ServPro

There is always room for more volunteers! Let us know if you want to be part of the magic!

Don’t forget the Chamber’s Trees of Lights Campaign, which accepts donations for the purchase of new decorations and the maintenance of existing ones on the square and throughout the community. 100% of all funds donated go directly into an account used exclusively for these decorations. Donations may be directed to the “Trees of Lights Campaign.”

Celebrate the magic of the season with family and friends—enjoy festive wagon rides, cookies, cocoa, and the joy of the Fairfield community. We can’t wait to ring in the holiday season with you!

There is still room for more sponsors to help support this holiday magic and keep it at no cost all season long. For more information, contact the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce at 641-472-2111 or visit FairfieldIowa.com.

About the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce: The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community in Fairfield by supporting local businesses and providing engaging events for all

Great River Health Shares Guidance for Antibiotic Awareness Week

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 5:24 am CDT

As cold and flu season arrives, Great River Health is reminding the community about the importance of knowing the difference between viral and bacterial infections—especially during Antibiotic Awareness Week.

Since penicillin was discovered more than 90 years ago, bacteria have continued to evolve, developing resistance to even the strongest antibiotics. While antibiotic development has slowed, resistance continues to grow, fueled in part by years of over-prescribing. Today, research makes it clear: antibiotics treat bacterial infections only, not viral illnesses.

This year’s theme, “Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance Takes All of Us,” highlights the shared responsibility in using antibiotics correctly.

When Antibiotics Help—and When They Don’t

  • Viral infections—such as the common cold, flu, RSV, COVID-19, and most sore throats—do not benefit from antibiotics. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications remain the best treatment. Antivirals may be prescribed in certain cases. Severe symptoms like high fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain should prompt a call to your healthcare provider.

  • Bronchitis, ear infections, and sinus infections can be either viral or bacterial; antibiotics may or may not be effective depending on the cause.

  • Strep throat and whooping cough are bacterial, and antibiotics are the correct treatment.

Unnecessary antibiotic use can cause harmful side effects and contributes to the rise of antibiotic-resistant “superbugs.” According to the CDC, at least 2.8 million Americans get antibiotic-resistant infections each year, and 35,000 die from them.

When truly needed, antibiotics save lives—the key is using them properly.

Great River Health also encourages simple steps to prevent illness:

  • Stay home when sick

  • Avoid touching your face

  • Avoid close contact with people who are ill

  • Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed

  • Wash hands often or use hand sanitizer

  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

  • Stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccines

Great River Health says that being antibiotic aware not only protects your own health, but strengthens the health of the entire community.

Native American Heritage Month Celebration

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 5:17 am CDT

The Welcome Home Center and IowaWINs will be hosting a Native American Heritage Month Celebration at the Belle Center, 107 W Broad Street, on Saturday, November 22nd from 5 to 7 PM. 

Enjoy cultural displays, Native American art and history, First Thanksgiving foods, and discussions with our neighbors about the first people here.  The event is free.  All are welcome. 

 

Kristina Kay Bessine Seals

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 5:13 am CDT

Kristina Kay Bessine Seals, 58, of Burlington, died Saturday, November 15 at the University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City. She was born January 26,1967, in Burlington to Richard Charles and Betty Jean Sly Bessine. In 1988 she married Marcus Martin and they later divorced.

Kristina was a 1985 graduate of Notre Dame High School and of the Catholic faith. She worked as a Human Resources Manager at Alfagomma America, Inc. She enjoyed shopping, her dogs Bruiser, Baby, Reba and Gigi and absolutely adored time spent with her grandchildren.

Kristina is survived by her daughter Ashley (Matt) Grinnell of West Burlington; her sons Aric (Ashlee) Martin of Burlington and Anthony (Bethany) Martin of Fort Madison; six grandchildren; Cayden, Carsen, and Corben Grinnell; Mattelyn, Jaric, and Wrigley Martin; sisters Mary Bessine of Austin, Tx. and Cindy Bessine of Burlington; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Gene Bessine, and one nephew, Rayme Moore.

According to her wishes her body has been cremated and a celebration of her life will be held at the Crystal Lake Club, 657 Crystal Lake Road, Carman Illinois on Saturday, November 22 at 6pm.

Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com

Carl E. Hughes Jr

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 5:11 am CDT

Carl E. Hughes Jr, 75, of Mount Pleasant, died Friday, November 14, 2025, at Celebrate of Moline in Moline, Illinois.

Carl was born August 18, 1950, in Albia, Iowa, the son of Carl and Reva Mae (Brooke) Hughes Sr. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1969. In 1972, Carl enlisted in the United States Air Force. Carl honorably served his country for 20 years as a Tech Sergeant Air Cargo Specialist during the Vietnam War. Carl was united in marriage to Mary Kuykendall. He returned to Mount Pleasant in 2000, where he began working for Republic Services of Iowa. Retiring after 24 years, Carl enjoyed spending time fishing and camping. Carl was a member of the V.F.W. Post 2561.

Carl is survived by his daughter Sabrina Oswalt of Texas; three grandchildren Zackary Daniels, Landon Oswalt, Brenyn Oswalt; brother Kelly Hughes of Mount Pleasant; five nephews David (46), Josiah (42), Matthew (39), Jonathan (38), and Benjamin (30); two nieces Becky (41) and Sara (36).

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary, sisters Vicki and Leanne.

A graveside service will be held in the Oakview Cemetery in Albia at a later date. Memorial contributions in Carl’s name may be directed to the V.F.W. Post 2561. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for Carl and his family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com.

A Retrospective of Mt. Pleasant’s 2025 Football Season with Panther Head Coach John Bowlin

By Slaten Swords · Monday, November 17th, 2025 at 6:48 pm CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- What a special season for Mt. Pleasant. A top 10 rankings, a district runner-up finish, a 7-3 record, and their first trip to the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s football postseason since 2010.

Hard to believe that a year ago the Panthers had finally slashed a 23-game losing streak.

Mt. Pleasant started the season with a thrilling 17-14 victory over Mediapolis that saw Tate Dorothy secure the game sealing strip sack. The Panther offense woke up in weeks two and three, clobbering Knoxville and Oskaloosa by a combined score of 76 to 28. The defense even got involved when William Birdsell blocked a Knoxville punt that Max Sloat took to the house.

After a week four loss, Mt. Pleasant defeated Washington for the first time since 2008 at Bob Evans field in a 44-20 final. Griffin Jones returned a kick for a score and Brody Clark housed a interception for their first district victory of the year.

A 61-0 drubbing of Fort Madison saw Ryan Helling and Ramzy Davis stamped their way past the Bloodhound defense for over 100 yards rushing each. A furious second half comeback that was emphatically put away by two Lathan Novak-Watson interceptions, including a 95-yard pick six to sneak past Keokuk 35-34.

Mt. Pleasant was forced in week nine to win or possibly miss the playoffs and for a half of play, Fairfield wanted to make sure Mt. Pleasant would not break a 15-year streak as the Trojans led 22 to 6. The Panthers again worked their way on the ground to overcome the 16-point halftime deficit to beat Fairfield 25-22 as Isaiah Lange and Sloat broke their way through to sack the quarterback in the final plays.

For their play, Mt. Pleasant put 10 Panthers on the First Team, six on the Second Team, and five on the Honorable Mentions. Carter Myers was named District Offensive Line MVP. Isaiah Lange earned District Defensive Line MVP, and Dylan White was Co-Specialist of the Year for the District.

First Team: Ramzy Davis (RB), Carter Myers (OL), Kellen Kohorst (OL), Merrick Lamm (TE), Dylan White (K), Isaiah Lange (DL), Max Sloat (LB), Brody Clark (DEF UTL), Jack Newman (DB), Griffin Jones (RET)

Second Team: Ryan Helling (RB), Jaymisen Rich (OL), Tate Dorothy (OL), Kaden Schadt (WR), Colton Syfert (DL), Lathan Novak-Watson (DB)

Honorable Mention: Grayson Walker (QB), Keegan Heaton (OL), Kale Housh (DL), Gavin Kerr (LB), Asa Rose (DB)

MP Scholar: Ramzy Davis, Kellen Kohorst, Carter Myers, Jaymisen Rich, Colton Syfert, Dylan White, Brody Clark, Jonathan Kellogg, Merrick Lamm, Charlie Syfert, Carter Gehling, Tayte George, Ryan Helling, Isaiah Lange, Gable Myers

Academic All-District: Kellen Kohorst, Carter Myers, Jaymisen Rich, Brody Clark, Tate Dorothy, Kayden Jackson, Merrick Lamm, Charlie Syfert, Grayson Walker

Academic All-State and All-District: Ramzy Davis, Colton Syfert, Dylan White

We got the opportunity to talk to Class 3A District 4 Co-Coach of the Year John Bowlin as he talked about the highlights of the 2025 season and the opportunity to get to celebrate what his team accomplished this year.

Interview with Panthers Head Coach John Bowlin

Slaten: Finished the season with 10 First Teamers, six Second Teamers, plenty of Academic All-District guys. Everyone got their awards; it was a special season. How special was it for you?

Coach Bowlin: Yeah, you know, we had our banquet last night and we obviously were able to celebrate those guys. And I think it was fitting that everybody really got recognized and noticed by the other coaches in the district and you know, like I said we had a really special senior class that I think, you know, kind of paved the way for everybody this year and what they’ve done the last few years, so seeing their hard work pay off, you know, obviously there’s still some awards that could come out as the, you know, state finals finish up this week and everything. So, seeing if there could be more. But like I said, a lot of All-District academic guys, All-District players and what they do in the classroom and on the field, you know, really proud of them. And we got a lot of those guys coming back as well, so a good foundation to build off of going to going to next year.

Of Mt. Pleasant’s 21 All-District players, the Panthers are set to return 10 for next season, including four sophomores.

Slaten: You had six guys with 100% weight room attendance, when building a program how important is it that you highlight those guys?

Coach Bowlin: Yeah, absolutely. I know what they did and showing up every day it is a big deal, and you know it shows up in their numbers, you know, in the weight room it shows up on the field for them as well. So, they turn themselves into pretty great competitors and you know, just great leaders for us. So, you know those six guys, we had a lot of guys that were close too. We’ve had a lot of guys buy-in to doing the right thing, so you know that’s obviously exciting to see as a coach and you know, keep getting better and you know, we know they’ll be the ones there leading us this year going into next year as well.

Ramzy Davis, Jaymisen Rich, Max Sloat, Brody Clark, Tate Dorothy, and Jeryn Rich all made every single workout.

Slaten: Dylan White took home Co-District Specialist MVP, and he had a real special season. Not only as a field goal kicker but on kickoffs, as well. Had to be nice to have a weapon like that?

Coach Bowlin: Oh yeah. What he did for us, you know, for us. He was able to put the ball where we needed it, you know, all the time and you know had a great leg he was a weapon for us on offense and you know we really felt good kicking it from the 25[yard line] in with him and, you know, just his ability that we kind of tell him, hey, we want to go at this number or you know pre snap where we’re going and he’s able to execute that and we had quite a few onside kicks to go along with that as well. So, you know he will definitely be missed. He’s been a big part of our team in the last two years and been a guy that’s you know helped us get those wins in the win column, so we’ll be working hard to find somebody that can hopefully step up and fill that role for the years to come.

Dylan White went 7 for 11 in field goals with a career long 43-yarder in a win over Keokuk. He hit game-winners against Fairfield and Fort Madison last year, and go-ahead kicks against Mediapolis and Keokuk this season.

Slaten: Running the ball was your bread and butter all season and you put your entire offensive line on the All-District Team to go along with Ramzy Davis being a First Team running back. It’s nice to see that type of hard work get recognized at the end of the season.

Coach Bowlin: Yeah, absolutely. You know, like you said, we had, you know, all of our seniors recognize as well. Obviously, they’ve been a big part for these last couple of years and you know, going through and just watching, you know, all the film here even after the season, I try to try to break down each play a little bit and just seeing what those guys did. They were in the right spots all the time and, you know, being great leaders. So, they deserve all the accolades they get and they’re going to be extremely hard [to replace], you know, between Rich, Kohorst, and Myers, you know, those three guys on the o-line and then obviously Ramsey in the backfield. It’s going to be a pretty big loss for us. So, let’s have some guys step up. But we got quite a few athletes as well coming back. So, you know kind of retain 2/3 of our backfield, which is nice to be able to build off of and we have we can build off of Dorothy and Heaton there at the left side and you know, go from there. And I know kids will grow and they’ll get better, and we’ll have guys step up and you know, hopefully step right in and be able to, you know establish the line of scrimmage next year.

Carter Myers was named All-District Offensive Line MVP to go along with First Team honors. Kellen Kohorst and Merrick Lamm also earned First Team honors. Tate Dorothy and Jaymisen Rich were placed on the Second Team, while Keegan Heaton, in his first season playing offensive line, was named Honorable Mention.

Slaten: Isaiah Lange, just a sophomore, and he was named Defensive Line MVP for the District after a stellar year on the defensive line. You mentioned he was a name to look for before the year started, did you foresee him being this good?

Coach Bowlin: He is a pretty special athlete. He’s got the drive to keep getting better and better and he’s going to, so you know obviously the numbers, he had some big games there to load up the sack total, but I’m pretty impressive to see those numbers come through at the end of the year. Like you said, what he did on the D-line to open things up for, you know, other guys as well at linebacker and, you know, I think he’s going to demand a lot of attention, which is going to help guys step up and you know, make a lot more plays next year. So, I think I think he is a big focus on the D-line, and I think we expected to be pretty good coming in this year, and I think for the next two years he’s going to be a load to handle and you know, we’re really glad he’s on our side.

Lange finished the season with 13 sacks. Those 13 sacks outpaced 11 of the past 14 Panther defenses as a whole.

Slaten: We’ve talked all season about how these talented sophomores have been able to step in and play at a high level. Was there anyone that still surprised you that went on to have a bigger role than you were expecting?

Coach Bowlin: I think we had 22 guys letter this year, so to be able to have that many guys be on the field make plays. I think if you look at our team, we’re probably not the fastest team but we are a pretty physical team, and I think the more we played the more our guys understood that and I think that’s kind of something that maybe they didn’t believe it when they when we first started, but as the weeks went on, I think that they knew they could be matched up with anybody physically. And you know, there’s just they just had a drive. I don’t know if I would point out a one person, I think just completely you know, stood out, I think as a team though they played so well together and were really good teammates and able to kind of pick each other up in spots and that’s kind of how it how it flowed for us this year. We had a lot of guys putting it in to where we ended up having you know fairly dynamic offense this year and like I said defensively, I think our D-line, the depth we had, we had a lot of guys on the D line, but I really think their play helped us defensively, able to shut a lot of run game down and you know, put us in good spots to then win.

Slaten: Third season at the helm and were able to take home Co-Coach of the Year award for the district. How much does it mean to you to see how the program has grown through the past couple of years?

Coach Bowlin: Yeah, I think just the, you know it’s obviously, you know, humbling to get that and get our team there. You know, hopefully our guys expect, you know I know the first year we started we didn’t have any wins, but I think the work we put in and kind of the expectations of what it takes. They’ve bought into that and I think they’ll continue to do that, so, you know, I’m obviously excited about the kids we have and what’s coming back and you know, I think it’s just I always tell the kids, it’s amazing how much you can grow from one year to the next to as long as you buy into the process and you know they have and they see it. So, anything if you’re willing to put the work in and good things are happening. We just got a lot of good kids that are that are doing that right now. So, we’re pretty fortunate to have some really good kids here that put the work in and now it’s paying off for them.

Slaten: Might be hard to pick just one, but what was your favorite moment from the season?

Coach Bowlin: Oh boy, you know, the last regular season game to really not play our best football and you know, really, just grit out there till the end and get that win against Fairfield and seal the, you know, playoff spot was a pretty great moment there. There are some other ones going in my head, but obviously that one was pretty great. Lathan Novak-Watson’s pick six against Keokuk was a was a pretty awesome moment as well. Number one [beating Fairfield], but yeah, yeah, there’s really nothing better than that.

Mt. Pleasant trailed by double digits in the second half of two of their final three regular-season games and still managed to come out with victories. In fact, half of Mt. Pleasant’s wins since 2020 have been by one possession.

It took 15 years for Mt. Pleasant to find their way back to the postseason, but the culture helped set by the seniors and coach Bowlin is gearing up for the Panthers to make the postseason a regular occurrence.

Prep Football: Mt. Pleasant’s John Bowlin Named Co-Coach of the Year for Class 3A District 4 as Panthers Headline MVP Honors

By Slaten Swords · Monday, November 17th, 2025 at 2:08 pm CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- After Solon’s loss in the Class 3A semifinals over the weekend, District 4’s run is now over for the 2025 football season, meaning it is time to highlight the All-District Teams, starting with the Special Awards, then moving into teams based on District standings.

Head Coach of the Year

This honor will be shared this season with Solon’s Lucas Stanton and Mt. Pleasant’s John Bowlin each earning the distinction. In Stanton’s six years with the Spartans, he has finished as the District Champion in five of the six seasons. Solon finished 11-1 this season.

In Bowlin’s third year at the helm, the Panthers have made quite the turnaround, going from 0-9 to 4-5 and now 7-3 this season and a runner-up finish in the district yielding the program their first trip to the postseason since 2010. The defense was voracious, collecting 32 sacks, 65 tackles for loss, 20 takeaways, and four defensive touchdowns.

District MVP

Maddox Kelley of Solon was named District MVP as the junior finished with 29 all-purpose touchdowns for the season. He led the receivers in catches with 45, yards with 674, and touchdowns with 14. He added 365 yards on the ground with 12 rushing scores.

Offensive MVP

Eli Kampman ran away with the District Offensive MVP. Kampman tossed for over 2,000 yards and 28 touchdowns in his senior season, while leading the team in rushing with 491 yards and finding the endzone five more times.

Mt. Pleasant’s Carter Myers was voted the District’s C0-Offensive Line MVP as the senior dished out 15 pancakes. The offensive stats are discussed more in the Mt. Pleasant section.

Grayson Hartman of Washington shared the honor as he made sure the path was clear for Kale Williams and company as the Demons rushed for nearly 1,700 yards this season on a 6.3 yard per play clip.

Defensive MVP

Another talented junior for Solon, Lucas Feuerbach, dominated the defensive line. Feuerbach’s 47 tackles and 12 tackles for loss were second-best on the team. He added four sacks and two fumble recoveries to his season’s stats.

The Co-Defensive Line MVP went to Mt. Pleasant’s Isaiah Lange. The sophomore defensive end was constantly wreaking havoc in opposing backfields, totaling 13 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. His 13 sacks alone outrank the Mt. Pleasant defense in 11 of the past 14 seasons.

He shared the honor with Solon’s James Thomsen. The junior, registered 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks to go along with a forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, and a scoop and score.

Specialist MVP

Solon’s Ryan Locke shared Specialist MVP for the District with Mt. Pleasant’s Dylan White. The Spartan nailed 47 of his 48 extra points and went 5 for 10 in field goals with a long of 42. Locke also handled the kickoff responsibilities with over half of his kicks ending in touchbacks.

Dylan White fantastic all season. White converted a career long 43-yard field goal and went 7 for 11 on the season. He also finished 33 of 34 on extra points. His best tactical skill was in the kickoff game as his experience in soccer allowed him to put a spin on the ball that stunned opponents, either pinning them in poor field position or resulting in Mt. Pleasant football on onside kicks. He also earned All-District and All-State Academic.

Golden Spikes Award

The Golden Spikes Award is given to a player who was injured and did not participate in enough games to earn All-District honors. Fairfield’s Spencer McCready grabbed the distinction after rushing for 170 yards and three touchdowns on offense and nabbing 18 tackles on defense in his limited time of the field as a senior.

Solon

The Spartans put 12 players on the First Team with six on each side of the ball. Eli Kampman led off the list as the First Team quarterback.

Kelley and Kade Hoeper were named First Team wide receivers. Hoeper was heavily utilized, snatching 39 receptions for 657 yards and nine touchdowns. The Spartans will return both of these pass catchers next season.

Helping protect Kampan were two First Team offensive linemen in senior Dylan Branscomb and junior Bradyn Schnoor. The offensive line allowed only seven sacks all season, including just two total sacks against Mt. Pleasant and Mt. Vernon, the two best defenses at generating sacks in Class 3A.

Locke shared First Team kicker honors.

On the defensive side, the Spartans allowed a paltry 9.8 points per game and just eight total points through the district schedule. Helping them stymie opponents were their two First Team defensive linemen in James Thomsen and Feuerbach.

At the linebacker position, the Spartans put two seniors on the First Team in Kyler Jensen and Ethan Ulch. Jensen led the team in tackles with 65, adding 10 tackles for loss and a force fumble, while Ulch notched 27.5 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and three interceptions.

Cody Milliman’s 21 tackles and three interceptions granted him First Team utility status, while Collin McKie took home First Team punter honors as the junior averaged 42.4 yards per punt on just 14 attempts.

Making the Second Team offense was Hunter Sonntag (RB) and Owen Bock (WR), while Simon Einwalter and Colby Myers made the Second Team defensive line and Tripp Johnson earned Second Team linebacker.

Nick Gerdin, Luis Buck, Sawyer Hansel, and Grant Gordon were All-District Honorable Mentions.

Mt. Pleasant

The Panthers had their best regular season since 2008, collecting seven wins, in their first trip to the playoffs since 2010. The offense was productive, averaging 30 points per game and the defense was suffocating, keeping five opponents at 20 points or less.

(Picture taken by MPTV-CloseUp)

The real key to the Panthers though was the clutch gene. Three of their wins this season was by three points or less, including two double-digit second half comebacks in the final three weeks of the season to give them the final push into the runner-up position in the district.

For one of the best seasons in Mt. Pleasant history, 10 total Panthers made the First Team offense and defense. One of the captains and Second Team running back last season, Ramzy Davis cashed in for First Team running back this season.

Davis was a touchdown machine as running back of the Panthers, passing the goal line 13 times this season to go along with 789 rushing yards on 4.8 yards per carry. His 13 rushing touchdowns are the most for a Panther since Logan Bass scored 16 in 2019. Daivs also took home Academic All-District and All-State Honors.

The senior has started in 15 games over the last two seasons and has produced multiple rushing touchdowns in six of them. He also scored his first career defensive touchdown in their playoff showdown with West Delaware.

Paving the way for a rushing attack that averaged over 200 yards and nearly six yards per carry during district play were Merrick Lamm (TE), Carter Myers (OL), and Kellen Kohorst (OL). Overall, the Panthers rushed for 1,603 yards and kept Grayson Walker clean with just 18 sacks allowed during the regular season.

Lamm added 69 receiving yards and a touchdown and led the team in pancakes with 29. Lastly, Kellen Kohorst, a Second Team offensive lineman last year, moved up the ranks, while handing out 14 pancakes.

Dylan White shared First Team kicker honors.

The defense was where Mt. Pleasant truly made their money, especially in their front seven headlined by sophomore Isaiah Lange as a First Team defensive lineman.

Max Sloat is a football guy through-and-through. In an episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook, Sloat described it as a “killing feeling” whenever he stepped out onto the field. That feeling resulted in 60 tackles, 6.5 sacks, a scoop and score, and most importantly First Team linebacker honors.

Through the first three weeks of the season, Jack Newman was averaging nearly a 1 to 1 ratio of tackles to interceptions. The First Team defensive back ended up finishing the season with 35.5 tackles and three interceptions as teams opted not to test him after the first three games of the season.

Brody Clark was a spark plug for the Panthers this season at outside linebacker. Not only great at setting the edge, accumulating 32.5 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss, the junior dropped back in coverage and picked off two passes. The biggest play of the season saw Clark return an interception 32 yards for a house call against Washington to secure their first win over the Demons since 2008. He was named First Team defensive utility.

Lastly, for the First Team, Griffin Jones was a problem if given open field. The sophomore was one of 45 players in the state to return multiple kick returns for touchdowns. The First Team returner averaged 27.4 yards per return as he returned touchdowns against Washington and Keokuk.

On the Second Team was running back Ryan Helling, wide receiver Kaden Schadt, and offensive linemen Jaymisen Rich and Tate Dorothy. Helling missed the final four games of the season due to injury but still managed to rush for 308 yards and three touchdowns on 5.9 yards per carry.

Schadt was one of the most productive sophomore wide receivers in program history, as he nabbed 19 catches for 339 yards and a touchdown. Rich was not only the starting center but long snapper, as well, with the greatest display of grit coming in the final game of the season. Rich trotted out each time the long snapper was needed, despite agitating a nagging leg injury. As one of the few juniors on the offensive line, Dorothy managed 15 pancakes as he looks to lead the o-line next season.

Making the Second Team for defense was Colton Syfert at defensive line and Lathan Novak-Watson at defensive back. Syfert finished the season with 21 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss, including a couple of swats on the defensive line. Syfert also earned Academic All-State honors.

Novak-Watson saved the season with his 95-yard pick-six against Keokuk, as the senior finished the season with 19.5 tackles and three interceptions.

Grayson Walker, Keegan Heaton, Gavin Kerr, Kale Housh, and Asa Rose were named All-District Honorable Mentions.

Coach Bowlin has preached that to get better it starts in the weight room, and Sloat was an easy buy-in to the system and knew everyone else started to buy-in when there was consistent flow of people coming to lift in the offseason. This year, there were six Panthers who attended 100% of the workouts: Ramzy Davis, Jaymisen Rich, Max Sloat, Brody Clark, Tate Dorothy, and Jeryn Rich. Success is the result of hard work,

“Just the expectation to be there every year, the expectation to win you know and it doesn’t come easy” said Coach Bowlin after the West Delaware game. “So, I tell them all the time, ‘There’s nothing in life that’s worth doing that is easy.’ You know, it takes a lot of work, and it takes a lot of grinding. And you know when it’s over, you get to really feel what you’ve put in and I think that’s what these guys have done and they know how hard they work to put us there and man, just the support of everybody and seeing everybody excited about football and what these guys are doing is a lot of fun to watch. It just makes the fall go and just makes it a lot of fun.”

Coach Bowlin talked about how important this senior class has been for Mt. Pleasant,

“Yeah, I think that’s been kind of our goal all year is to just come out and be a physical team with relentless effort and that’s what these guys have done, how we’ve got great leadership. Obviously, we got 12 seniors that are that you know played their last game tonight and I’m just so thankful for what they’ve done for the program, and you know it shows out there on the field. I think you know they’re the ones that have got us on this track and we got to get kids that keep stepping up and buying in. And I think we will. But man, I’m really proud of those 12 seniors we have this year.”

Washington

The Demons have put together back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since producing 12 straight winning seasons through 2020. Washington finished 3-2 in the district, yielding five First Team All-District nominees.

A personified Swiss army knife, Kael Williams was named First Team offensive utility, as starting quarterback for the Demons. Williams threw for 796 yards and four touchdowns but did most of his damage on the ground with 1,137 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also caught a touchdown.

Grayson Hartman was also a First Team Offensive Lineman.

The Demons had one player make the First Team at each level with Brady Krantz at defensive line, Blaine Rees at linebacker, and Nic Stone at defensive back. Krantz led the team in tackles for loss with 17.5 and sacks at six. Rees led the team in tackles with 84.5, while Stone grabbed three interceptions.

Rudy Wolfe and Gatlin Nash made the Second Team at offensive line, while Clayton Evans, who finished second on the team in tackles, made it on the Second Team as a linebacker. Caden Greiner was named Second Team defensive back and Liam Roberts earned Second Team defensive utility.

Nerick Raymundo, Grant Whisler, Aidan Schmitz, Carson Brown, and Carson Ryan were named All-District Honorable Mentions.

Fairfield

Fairfield nearly rode a three-game win streak into the playoffs as the #1 rushing offense in Class 3A scored 30 or more points in six of their nine games. Unfortunately, the Trojans finished just 3-3 in those games to collect a 3-6 (2-3) record for the season.

Ethan Bisgard and Zandrik Allison were nearly unstoppable as a tandem running the football as the pair rushed for a total of 1,829 yards and 26 touchdowns. Bisgard’s 11.5 yards per carry was tops in Class 3A as he added 203 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Allison had three receiving touchdowns as they were both named First Team running back.

Nolan Smith, a senior, helped pave the way for the option offense that averaged 7.4 yards per carry and found the endzone 32 times. Voss Richardson earned First Team offensive utility as the man who operated the offense. Richardson threw for seven touchdowns and rushed for two more as the starting quarterback.

On the Second Team offense was senior offensive lineman Christian Rasmussen and utility man Axl Starr. Blake Burnett, who absorbed 22.5 tackles, made the Second Team as a linebacker. Calvin McLain, who led the team with 6.5 tackles for loss, was named Second Team defensive lineman.

Hank Konczal, Chase Countryman, Brady Wigle, Jackson Hollander, and Tucker Robertson were put on the All-District Honorable Mention team.

Keokuk

So close, yet so far. The Chiefs finished 3-6 for the season and just 1-4 in the district but lost their final three district games by a combined 10 points, which included a pair of double-digit second half leads. The young offense still managed to put up 25 points per game.

Kurt Joy, a wide receiver, was the lone First Team member for the Chiefs. The sophomore caught 47 passes for 718 yards, which both led the district, and eight touchdowns. Earning a spot as a First Team linebacker was Mason Claus. The senior, who entered the year as the #27 recruit in Iowa has led the team in tackles the past three seasons, accumulating 270.5 tackles in his career. Claus added 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, and a forced fumble to his season stats.

The future is bright under center for Keokuk as sophomore quarterback Jadyn Burton was placed on the Second Team. Burton threw for 2,191 yards and 25 touchdowns in his first season at the helm and added four rushing touchdowns to help the squad. Chayce Smith led the team with nine receiving touchdowns to earn Second Team wide receiver honors.

Jarrod Anderson (LB), Antonio Crockett (DB), and Ryan Bair (RET) were also put on the Second Team. Anderson rounded up 61.5 tackles, while Crockett had an interception. Bair’s blazing speed allowed for the senior to return a 95-yard kick return touchdown.

Braxton Hayner, Kyler Beelman, Jalen Clark, Jaxton McNally, and Kendrick Smith were named All-District Honorable Mention.

Fort Madison

The Bloodhounds have now lost 19 straight games, dating back to October 27th, 2023. Fort Madison struggled on both sides of the ball, as the inexperience on both sides of the ball resulted in the team averaging just 10 points per game but giving up 47 points per contest.

The lone First Teamer was Aurelio Jacinude, as he earned a spot at defensive back. The sophomore had to do it all on both sides of the ball, but as a defensive back he made 33 tackles and grabbed two of the team’s five interceptions.

Mason Thacher was named Second Team running back, while Marshall Heitmann (LB) and Jayden Cratton (DB) also made the Second Team. Thacher led the offense with 468 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Heitmann led the team in tackles and Cratton snared an interception.

Connor Horn, who booted it away 41 times this season for an average of 25.5 yards, was named Second Team punter.

Ahkeil Wilkerson, Markus Holbert, Eric Cornelis, Cal Hennings, and Owen Huffman were named All-District Honorable Mentions.