Henry County 2025 City/School Election Results Certified

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 3:47 pm CDT

The Henry County Auditor’s Office has completed the canvass of votes for the 2025 City and School Election.

Results from communities across the county that have now been officially certified and sent to the Iowa Secretary of State include:

Mount Pleasant, New London, Olds, Rome, Salem, Wayland, Westwood, Winfield, and local school districts.

The canvass includes outcomes for city council, mayoral, and school board races, as well as local public measures.

Click through the slides below to view certified results:

Auditor Copier_20251113_093425

Meet the Panthers Night Set for November 20 at Mount Pleasant High School

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 3:17 pm CDT

Mount Pleasant — Fans are invited to come out and celebrate the start of winter sports season during Meet the Panthers Night on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Mount Pleasant High School Gym. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with a full evening of introductions, performances, and scrimmages scheduled to showcase Panther pride.

The Mount Pleasant Athletic Booster Club will be serving concessions throughout the evening, and announcements from the Booster Club will kick off the program.

Beginning at 6:45 p.m., the spotlight turns to the student-athletes, cheerleaders, managers, and coaches representing Mount Pleasant’s 9th through 12th grade bowling, wrestling, cheerleading, dance, and basketball teams—both girls and boys.

Following introductions, the MPHS Dance Team will perform their State Pom Routine, a highlight of the night that always brings energy and excitement to the crowd.

The evening will then feature a series of scrimmage games:

  • 9th/JV Boys Basketball (10-minute normal clock)

  • JV Girls Basketball (10-minute normal clock)

  • Varsity Girls Basketball (two 6-minute quarters)

  • Varsity Boys Basketball (two 6-minute quarters)

The event wraps up around 8:15 p.m., giving fans a great preview of the winter sports season ahead.

Community members, families, and Panther fans of all ages are encouraged to attend and support the student-athletes as they gear up for competition.

Update on IA 78 Culvert Replacement Project Near Winfield

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 2:51 pm CDT

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s District 5 Office has provided an update on the culvert replacement project on Iowa Highway 78 near Winfield, east of Henry County Road G66.

According to Transportation Planner Chris Kukla, the culvert replacement portion of the project has been completed. The contractor is now focused on finishing shoulder work, with corrective pavement grinding and pavement markings scheduled to take place later this month.

The DOT understands public concerns regarding the reopening of IA 78 ahead of the busy holiday travel season. Kukla noted that, weather permitting, IA 78 is expected to reopen by the beginning of December.

Motorists are encouraged to continue following posted detours and use caution around work zones as crews complete the remaining tasks.

Keokuk Area and North Lee Community Foundations Award $170,239 in Grants to 37 Local Organizations

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 11:14 am CDT

The Keokuk Area Community Foundation (KACF) and its affiliate, the North Lee Community Foundation (NLCF), have awarded a combined total of $170,239 in grants to 37 nonprofit organizations through their 2025 community grant cycle. These grants support a wide range of community projects, from youth programs and food security initiatives to arts, recreation, and essential human services. Each improving quality of life across Lee County and surrounding areas.

“It is an honor for the Keokuk Area Community Foundation to be able to fulfill our donor’s wishes to support local non-profits” said KACF Chairman of the Board, Kerry Klepfer. “We are committed to doing this for many, many years to come”.

This year, both the Keokuk Area Community Foundation and the North Lee Community Foundation made intentional efforts to look beyond traditional boundaries, funding projects that reach across the county and beyond, reinforcing the idea that community prosperity knows no geographic lines.

The annual Grant Reception was held Thursday evening at the Turnwater Banquet Room in Fort Madison, bringing together board members from both the Keokuk Area Community Foundation and the North Lee Community Foundation, foundation staff, and representatives from each of the grant recipient organizations. More than 120 guests attended the beautiful evening celebrating local nonprofits and their impact across Lee County. Moving forward, the Foundations plan to rotate the event each year, hosting it in different communities across Lee County to further highlight the broad reach of their shared mission.

2025 Grant Recipients

Keokuk Area Community Foundation Grant Recipients

(Eichacker / Lofton Fund)

  • Advocacy Network for Children – CASA of Hancock County
  • Argyle Community Boosters – Rebuilding our Ballpark Phase 2
  • City Hope Foundation – Food Pantry Office
  • Community Action of Southeast Iowa – Emergency Services Set Up
  • Community Services Council, Inc. of Ft. Madison (Fort Madison Food Pantry) – Feeding the Food Insecure of Lee County
  • Denmark Iowa Renaissance Faire – Guardians of the Black Forest Cabins
  • Domestic Violence Intervention Program – Serenity House Shelter Support Project
  • Farmington Food Pantry – Farmington Food Pantry Grant Match
  • First Christian Church – Keokuk – Loads of Love
  • Fort Madison Family YMCA – YMCA 2025 Grant Request
  • Friends of Shimek State Forest Equestrian Trails – Wet Weather Trails and Campground Upgrades in the Lick Creek Unit of Shimek Forest
  • God’s Way Christian Center – Feeding the Less Fortunate
  • Hoerner YMCA – Fitness Equipment Purchase
  • Houghton Community Events – Pickleball
  • Iowa Community Care Foundation – Game On: Access To Special Olympics in Keokuk
  • Junior Achievement of the Heartland – Financial Literacy and Career Readiness Programming for Lee County Youth
  • KARE: Keokuk Association for Rights and Equality – Juneteenth Celebration
  • Keokuk Cares – Adopt-a-Walk/Yard Program
  • Keokuk Catholic Schools – HVAC System
  • Keokuk Saddle Club – Bring The Arena Home
  • Keokuk Union Depot Foundation – Arched Waiting Room Windows Restoration
  • KPLAY Playgrounds for All – Phase 4 – Shades for Splash Pad
  • Legacy Theater Foundation, Inc – Inspiring Imaginations
  • Montrose Fire Rescue – Hazmat & Safety
  • Rand Park Pavilion Commission – Pavilion Band Loading/Unloading Drive
  • River Bend Food Bank – Fighting Child Food Insecurity in Hancock County
  • St. Paul’s Food Pantry – Feeding Our Family
  • Standing Bear Council, Inc. – Standing Bear Council 2026 Winter Gathering
  • Three Rivers Conservation Foundation – Accessible Outdoor Classroom & Conservation Center Entrance
  • Toys for Tots Foundation – Toys for Tots of Lee Co IA and Clark Co MO 2025 Distribution
  • United Presbyterian Church – Strawberry Patch Daycare Proposal
  • United Way of the Great River Region – RSVP Hygiene Kit Program

North Lee Community Foundation Grant Recipients

(Kowzan / Sandrock Fund)

  • Adventist Community Service Center – Adventist Community Service Center
  • Community Action of Southeast Iowa (Burlington) – Supplemental Education Supplies for Early Childhood Classrooms
  • Community Services Council, Inc. of Ft. Madison (Fort Madison Food Pantry) – Feeding the Food Insecure of Lee County
  • Domestic Violence Intervention Program – Supporting Victim-Survivors of North Lee County
  •  Fort Madison Community School District – After School Program Community Partnership Expansion
  • Fort Madison Family YMCA – YMCA 2025 Grant Request
  • Friends of Shimek State Forest Equestrian Trails – Wet Weather Trails and Campground Upgrades in the Lick Creek Unit of Shimek Forest
  • Iowa Community Care Foundation – Game On: Sustaining Access to Special Olympics in North Lee County
  • Keokuk Garden Club – Rand Park Revamp
  • Keokuk Saddle Club – Bring the Arena Home
  • Old Fort Madison Preservation Inc. – Self-Guided Tour Signs for 1812 Battlefield and Old Fort Madison
  • The Salvation Army Community Meals Program

Together, these grants highlight the Foundations’ shared mission of strengthening local nonprofits through sustainable, long-term support.

Looking ahead, both Foundations are preparing for a remarkable expansion in funding opportunities beginning with the 2026 Grant Cycle, made possible by a significant estate gift from the Sandrock Trust, established by longtime community supporters Dr. Austin Sandrock and Carole Wallis-Sandrock. This extraordinary act of generosity will allow the Foundations to substantially increase their annual grantmaking and scholarship awards.

“Beginning in 2026, the gift will directly increase funding for The North Lee Community Foundation Grant Fund and the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, providing an additional $400,000 annually to nonprofit organizations and schools throughout the greater Tri-State area,” said Philip Ricketts, Chief Operations Officer of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation. “This increase will bring the total annual grant funding from both Foundations to approximately $630,000.”

The Keokuk Area Community Foundation and the North Lee Community Foundation are proud to partner with donors who believe in investing in the future of Lee County. Their collective efforts continue to build stronger, more connected communities throughout Southeast Iowa.

Intersection Change Coming to Mediapolis December 3

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 9:09 am CDT

Mediapolis, IA — Motorists traveling through Mediapolis will soon notice a change at a key intersection. The Iowa Department of Transportation’s District 5 Office has announced that beginning Wednesday, December 3, the intersection of old U.S. 61/Wapello Street and Main Street will be converted from a two-way stop to a four-way stop.

The DOT says the change is being made to improve both safety and traffic operations at the busy junction. Drivers are encouraged to stay alert and be prepared to stop in all directions once the new signs are in place.

The department reminds motorists to use extra caution during the first few days of the transition as drivers adjust to the new traffic pattern.

Sports, November 12th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

Postseason High School Football

The UNI-Dome will house the semifinals of the State Playoffs starting today with Eight-Player leading off the path to the championships. Here’s the matchups.

For the Eight-Player semifinals, #4 Audubon will take on #1 Bishop Garrigan at 10 am, while #2 Woodbine will take on #3 Gladbrook-Reinbeck at the conclusion of game one.

Class A will feature three undefeated teams as Saint Ansgar will compete against Wapsie Valley at 10 am. MMCRU will tangle with West Sioux at 1 pm tomorrow, November 13th.

Class 1A will play on Friday, November 14th, with Grundy Center taking on Regina Catholic at 10 am and West Lyon facing off against South Hardin at 1 pm. 

The Class 2A semifinals will lead off Saturday, November, 15th, with Osage and Van Meter playing at 10 am and Kuemper Catholic squaring off against Wilton at 1 pm. The Class 3A semifinals will follow with Bishop Heelan kicking off against Wahlert Catholic at 4 pm and Solon taking on Nevada at 7 pm.

The Class 4A semifinals will round out the slate tomorrow with Sergeant Bluff-Luton competing with Pella at 4 pm and Xavier squaring off against Newton at 7 pm.

Lastly, the Class 5A semifinals are set for Friday with Dowling Catholic facing off against Valley at 4 pm and Waukee Northwest dueling with Iowa City Liberty at 7 pm.

High School Girls’ Basketball

Mediapolis will travel to Burlington on Friday, November 14th, for a scrimmage. 

Mt. Pleasant will host their jamboree on Monday, November 17th, with Columbus, Mediapolis, and Winfield-Mt. Union also participating.

New London will scrimmage against Fairfield and Van Buren County will take on Sigourney at a jamboree held by Cardinal on Tuesday, November 18th.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will host Black Hawk College at 5 pm tonight.

The men’s basketball team will tangle with Highland Community College tonight at home at 7 pm.

The Iowa Community College Athletic Conference released their Athletes of the Week for November 3rd through the 9th yesterday and SCC had two wrestlers earn the honor in Will Muniz and Evelyn Phillips. 

Muniz went 5-1 over the last week in the 174-pound weight class, which included a 3rd place finish at the Maverick Open after defeating Cameron Braswell by a 5-3 decision. 

Phillips made her name known to the rest of the state in a home meet against Indian Hills, when she pinned the #2-ranked wrestler Olivia Stean. Both teams will be wrestling tonight with the men’s team hosting and the women’s team traveling to dual North Iowa Area Community College. 

College Football

#21 Iowa returns to action on Saturday, November 15th, in a road showdown against #17 USC at 2:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call.

Iowa State is now on a bye week. 

College Basketball

The #21 Iowa women’s team will take on Drake tomorrow, November 13th, at 7:30 pm at home.

The Iowa men’s team will host Xavier on Friday, November 14th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call.

The #16 Iowa State women’s team will face off against Valparaiso tonight at 6:30 pm at home.

The #16 Iowa State men’s team will compete at home against Stonehill College on Monday, November 17th, at 7 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and Am 1130 will be on the call.

This Day in Sports History

1892 – Pudge Heffelfinger receives $500 to become the first professional football player in the Allegheny Athletic Association’s 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Athletic Club.

1990 – “The Body Bag Game.” After Eagles coach Buddy Ryan threatened to beat Washington so badly “they’ll have to be carted off in body bags” the Eagles defense scored two touchdowns winning 28–14, knocking six players out of the game.

2019 – Former Houston Astros MLB pitcher Mike Fiers reveals the team secretly “stole signs” via camera from visiting teams during the 2015-17 seasons; communication between opposing pitchers and catchers were intercepted and relayed to Astros batters.

Christina Hixson Award Available to Class of 2026

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 5:03 am CDT

The Christina Hixson Opportunity Award provides awards to high school seniors from each of Iowa’s counties.  These awards are designed to demonstrate Iowa State University’s commitment to the student potential that exists in various ways beyond the measures of class rank or standardized test scores.  The Christina Hixson program provides each recipient with a half-tuition grants (estimated value of more than $20,000 over eight semesters) to be used at Iowa State University.

Applications can be found and submitted online at  https://hixson.dso.iastate.edu/ Applications must be submitted online for the Christina Hixson Opportunity Award by January 6, 2026.

Rep. Collins Releases Statement on the Selection of Iowa State University’s Next President

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 4:55 am CDT

MEDIAPOLIS — Today, Rep. Taylor Collins, Chair of the House Committee on Higher Education, released the following statement following the selection of David Cook to be the next President of Iowa State University.

“As an Iowa State Alumni, I’m excited to see a fellow Cyclone has been selected as Iowa State’s next President,” said Rep. Collins. “This coming session I look forward to working with President Cook to continue to reform Iowa’s higher education system.”

“While I believe the right candidate was ultimately selected, glaring issues in the presidential selection process have once again emerged. Not only did two of the four finalists drop out before even coming to campus, but the other finalist was a self proclaimed climate advocate, and a proponent of lab grown meat. As a result, this coming session the Higher Education Committee will seek to make additional reforms to the university president selection process.”