Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks is offering local listeners a closer look at what’s happening in Washington D.C. and here at home.

Miller-Meeks recently connected with KILJ in an interview focused on current issues in Washington, D.C., and how decisions at the federal level are affecting Iowans in the First Congressional District. Topics discussed included federal priorities, budget and policy debates, and what they could mean for communities and families across southeast Iowa.

The congresswoman highlighted infrastructure projects around District 1 where she has helped facilitate federal funding, aimed at improving transportation, community facilities or services, and local development.

In addition, Miller-Meeks is talked about her recent opportunity introducing President Donald Trump during his latest visit to Iowa, calling it a chance to showcase their new tax laws and discuss issues important to the state.

Hear the full interview below:

The Mount Pleasant City Council met in regular session Wednesday evening, beginning the meeting by approving the consent agenda. Items included alcohol license renewals and annual requests from Midwest Old Threshers and the Midwest Central Railroad for amplified sound, permission to sell alcohol on the grounds, and use of McMillan Park during Old Threshers events. The council also approved the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.

Before discussion began on Old Business, Police Chief Lyle Murray addressed a crowd of roughly 25 people regarding a proposed amendment to the city’s ordinance on feeding animals, which has drawn public attention in recent weeks. Chief Murray explained the ordinance has been in place since the 1980s and that feeding feral cats has long been prohibited. The amendment, he said, would allow the city to assess a fee only after multiple warnings within a two-year period. Murray noted the situation typically arises once or twice a year and is complaint-driven, adding that enforcement would remain limited. He also highlighted the city’s partnership with All God’s Creatures, which provides care for stray animals at a cost of approximately $1,200 per month.

Several residents spoke during public comments. Ann Klingensmith encouraged residents who feed feral cat colonies to educate themselves and pointed to AlleyCat.org as a resource for responsible feeding practices. Sam Riepe also addressed the council, stating that the chief’s explanation should help ease concerns among residents. Following discussion, the council approved the ordinance amendment.

The meeting concluded with approval of a request from the Main Street Mount Pleasant Exterior Improvement Grant Program, an alcohol permit for The Grange, and a resolution appointing Mayor Steve Brimhall to the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission Loan Review Committee.

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet again on February 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

Henry County Health Center’s Senior Life Solutions, has been named the 2025 Two Track Program of the Year, by Psychiatric Medical Care, which manages the program.

Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC) partners with more than 250 hospitals and health systems across the country to provide behavioral healthcare services. Top-performing employees and Senior Life Solutions programs are recognized annually based on their excellence in demonstrating PMC’s values of care, compliance, and community. Award recipients were chosen for providing outstanding patient care, excellent comprehension and execution of compliance regulations, and strong community engagement.

“Receiving this award is truly an honor,” said Program Director Chasity Lange, RN. “It reflects the dedication of an incredible team and our shared commitment to providing the highest quality care to our patients.”

Henry County Health Center’s Senior Life Solutions program supports the unique needs of individuals, typically 65 and older, experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief, and other mental health challenges that are often associated with aging. Senior Life Solutions program staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, a nurse practitioner, a licensed therapist, a registered nurse, and other trained professionals to ensure each patient receives the best possible care.

Families, friends, community members, physicians, self-referrals, or other health professionals can refer people to the program. For more information, education, or if you would like to discuss support, please call 319-385-6552.

Mount Pleasant school board members are looking at ways to strengthen communication with the community and are inviting more public input.

During their January 26th work session, board members reviewed the ad hoc facilities committee results and demographic data on enrollment in the district but also spent time discussing how to better connect with district residents.

The district has been working on a more user-friendly district website which should be rolling out soon. All members agreed a new website that is easier to navigate will make a big difference on the accessibility to information for parents and community members with Board President Angie Blint calling the new website “a welcome change”. The board also mentioned they want to continue with and even expand the “student spotlight” feature during their board meetings.

Much of the discussion on communication centered around ideas discussed at the recent Iowa School Board Convention. Board Member Aaron Williamson brought up the idea of holding monthly open-forum style sessions that are less formal than regular board meetings for community members to ask more questions and have more of a discussion with the public, as meeting laws don’t really allow it during official board meetings. The open forum meeting style would include the superintendent and rotate between board members so that two board members were also present.

Residents who want to hear the full discussion can watch the recorded livestream of the meeting, where the communication conversation begins approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes in.

Community members are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas directly with the board. Click here to view the list of current school board members and their emails.

• Angie Blint, Board President, angie.blint@mtpcsd.org, Representing: At Large
• Aaron Williamson, Board Vice President, aaron.williamson@mtpcsd.org, Representing: District 1
• Josh Maher, Board Member, josh.maher@mtpcsd.org, Representing: District At-Large
• Mike Hampton, Board Member, mike.hampton@mtpcsd.org, Representing: At-Large
• Mark Overberg, Board Member, mark.overberg@mtpcsd.org, Representing: District 2
• Craig Hurd, Board Member, craig.hurd@mtpcsd.org
• Kevin Schrader, Board Member, kevin.schrader@mtpcsd.org

According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, in 2025, Iowa residents purchased:

Fishing

• 198,202 annual licenses
• 8,794 lifetime fishing licenses
• 17,405 three-year licenses
• 1,098 seven-day license
• 3,586 one-day license
• 41,850 trout fees
• 166 paddlefish licenses
• 19,513 third line licenses (resident and nonresident combined)
• 30,344 fishing, hunting and habitat combination licenses

Hunting

• 42,868 annual licenses
• 47,185 hunting and habitat annual combination licenses
• 3,466 lifetime hunting licenses
• 6,477 hunting and habitat three-year licenses
• 803 apprentice (hunting and habitat) licenses
• 25,004 migratory game bird licenses
• 42,789 habitat fees
• 13,929 furharvester annual licenses age 16 and older
• 315 furharvester annual licenses age 15 and younger
• 410 furharvester and habitat annual combination licenses
• 423 lifetime furharvester licenses

Deer

• 14,507 youth general deer, 1,510 antlerless deer licenses
• 245 disabled hunter general deer, 31 antlerless deer licenses
• 52,232 archery general deer, 20,369 antlerless deer licenses
• 5,088 early muzzleloader general deer, 1,096 antlerless deer licenses
• 40,253 first shotgun general deer, 16,369 antlerless deer licenses
• 42,010 second shotgun general deer, 17,084 antlerless deer licenses
• 16,723 late muzzleloader general deer, 8,023 antlerless deer licenses

Turkey

• 5,161 spring bow licenses
• 18,917 spring gun/bow licenses seasons 1-3
• 17,890 spring gun/bow licenses season 4
• 6,837 spring youth gun/bow licenses
• 2,022 fall gun/bow
• 1,527 fall bow

Landowner-Tenant

Deer

• 48 antlerless deer licenses
• 30,406 free general deer, 20,261 free antlerless
• 1,895 antlerless deer licenses
• 421 antlerless deer licenses
• 5,603 antlerless deer licenses
• 1,439 antlerless deer licenses

Turkey

• 2,458 spring gun/bow season 1-3
• 2,233 spring gun/bow season 4
• 900 bow licenses
• 30 youth licenses
• 3,317 free general fall turkey

In 2025, nonresidents purchased…

Fishing

• 28,076 annual licenses
• 2,816 seven-day licenses
• 13,411 three-day licenses
• 17,261 one-day licenses
• 7,595 trout fees
• 37 paddlefish licenses

Hunting

• 6,348 annual licenses age 18 and older
• 15,203 hunting and habitat annual combination licenses age 18 and older
• 4,984 five-day licenses
• 2,163 five-day hunting and habitat combination
• 13,290 habitat fees
• 3,840 migratory game bird fees
• 380 apprentice (hunting and habitat) licenses
• 142 furharvester annual licenses
• 47 furharvester and habitat annual combination licenses

Former Fort Madison Mayor Matt Mohrfeld is being recognized for his years of public service.

The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission has selected Mohrfeld as the recipient of the 2025 Leland McCosh Award for Outstanding Public Service. The award honors elected officials, past or present, who have demonstrated a strong commitment to serving their communities.

The Leland McCosh Award was established in 1985 to commemorate exceptional public service and leadership throughout Southeast Iowa.
Mohrfeld was presented with the award by Mike Norris, Executive Director of the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, in recognition of his dedication, leadership, and lasting impact on the region during his time in public office and his continued commitment to public service.