For nearly 30 years, the Mt. Pleasant Music Boosters have hosted a competition that brings schools from all over the Midwest. This event raises money for the music department and gives students the opportunity to compete against other students their age.

The Mt. Pleasant Marching Band Invitational is this Saturday night, the 16^th, at Mapleleaf Athletic Complex. Eleven high school marching bands will be in town to compete and show off their skills. The Mt. Pleasant Middle School Marching Band will march things off at 6:15pm with an exhibition performance. Followed by competitive performances from bands all over Iowa, and as far as Quincy, Illinois, and Western Dubuque.

As always, the music of the night will finish at 10:00pm with a special performance from the Mt. Pleasant High School Panther Marching Band.

Around 1,143 students will be involved among all bands.

Of course, you can’t have an event without great food. The concessions stand will be open throughout the entire evening, providing a large variety of food and drink options. This entire event serves as a significant fundraiser to support the K-12 music program.

Admission is $5 for school age on up.

For a full schedule of events for Saturday, September 16^th, head to KILJ.com and click on the article that says “2023 MP Marching Band Invitational Schedule of Events”

There has been a change to the schedule for a very popular night of music hosted by the Mt. Pleasant Community School’s Bands. All Band’s Night was scheduled for October 17^th, but is now set for Thursday, October 26^th.

The reason for this change comes after discussion with the activity director. There is a regional volleyball game on the original date, and the band directors work hard to ensure that parents and students don’t need to choose between events.

All Band’s Night is one of the most important performances of the season, as it features every band in the school district. That night is also band senior recognition and parent night. The band directors do not usually make big changes like this, so they appreciate your understanding.

Once again, the date for All Band’s Night is now Thursday, October 26^th where you will have the opportunity to enjoy 5^th-12^th grade band.

Front row Prince Cohen Nelling and Princess Addysin Little. 2nd row Queen Candidates: Audie Gipple, Tessa Huston, Afton Wilkerson, Mariana Hagmeier, and Maggie Hutton. Back row King Candidates: Cole Milks, Gabe Hemsworth, Cam Buffington, and Abram Edwards. (Not Picture: Eli Miller)

The Winfield Mt. Union homecoming court has been announced. The King Candidates this year are Cole Milks, Cam Buffington, Abram Edwards, Gabe Hemsworth, and Eli Miller. This years Queen Candidates are Mariana Hagmeier, Audie Gipple, Tessa Huston, Afton Wilkerson, and Maggie Hutton.

The King and Queen coronation is on Sunday, September 17th during the Winfield Mt. Union boom night at 5:00pm. There will also be powder puff football, volleyball, and a performance from the dance team.

The Ft. Madison Police Department recently dealt with an issue at a drive-thru regarding a counterfeit bill. This fake $50 bill was used at a drive-thru, and the FMPD were able to arrest the assailant as a vehicle and driver description were provided.

Typically, these bills are simply photocopies of a single bill. These all have the same serial number as the original. They are also well worn in order to disguise the quality of paper used.

The Burlington Police Department has taken several reports of counterfeit $50 bills being passed at area businesses. According to officers, the ink on these bills looks off and the paper feels different than legal bills. We encourage you to inspect your currency closely.

The FMPD is asking you to contact them if you have any duplicates of a bill. If you’re in possession of a suspicious note of any large denomination, see your banker for assistance.