Supervisors Review Sheriff and County Attorney Budgets in Work Session

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 at 11:48 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met in work session Tuesday, following their regularly scheduled meeting, to continue budget reviews for county departments.

During the session, Sheriff Rich McNamee presented an in-depth overview of the Sheriff’s Office proposed budget. One of the key discussion points was the office’s electronic key-fob access system. Sheriff McNamee was informed that the current system is seven years old and already considered obsolete. Replacing the system is estimated to cost approximately sixty thousand dollars. Sheriff McNamee told the board he would like to explore new vendors before moving forward with a replacement through the current provider.

Additional highlights from the sheriff’s presentation included plans to equip jail staff with stab-resistant vests. McNamee noted that grant funding may be available to help offset a portion of the cost. The sheriff also addressed the need to replace body cameras currently used by jail staff. Many of the cameras, which were previously used by deputies, are no longer functioning reliably.

The board also reviewed the proposed budget for the Henry County Attorney’s Office. No representative from the County Attorney’s Office was present at the review. As a result, supervisors raised questions regarding several budget line items. With assistance from the County Auditor’s Office, most of those questions were addressed during the meeting.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors plans to hold another budget work session next Friday. KILJ will have the official agenda once it is released.

 

Mount Pleasant City Council Meeting Agenda 1/28/26

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 at 9:44 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet tonight in regular session. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 at City Hall, located at 307 East Monroe Street, in the second-floor meeting room.

On the agenda, council members will consider final approval of ordinance changes related to animals, nuisances, and miscellaneous offenses. A topic that has gained the attention of many residents as it relates to the feral cat population in Mount Pleasant.

Several requests from Midwest Old Threshers are also up for consideration, including use of McMillan Park, street and gate closures, alcohol sales, and outdoor amplified sound permits for events later this year.

New business includes approving a new legal services contract, exterior improvement grants through Main Street Mount Pleasant, and appointing a representative to a regional planning loan committee, among other items.

The meeting will include a public forum, and residents are encouraged to attend. The next Mount Pleasant Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

Ottumwa Schools Awarded $200,000 Legacy Grant and $20,000 from Cargill Cares Council for Ag Center Project

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 at 9:41 am CDT

The Ottumwa Community School District is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation and a $20,000 grant from the Cargill Cares Council to support the expansion of the Ottumwa Schools Agricultural Education Center. These investments will significantly enhance hands-on learning, agricultural career pathways, and real-world student experiences across the district.

The grant monies contribute to an expansion of the Ottumwa Community School District Agricultural Center/FFA, located at 14880 IA-149, adding modern animal housing, instructional space, animal stalls, wash bays, storage areas, and expanded breezeways. These improvements allow students to move from classroom simulations to lab-based instruction in animal science, veterinary technology, agricultural biotechnology, and livestock management.

“This project gives students real responsibility and real experience,” said Kelly Genners, President of the Legacy Foundation. “Caring for animals builds skills students carry into any career and into their own lives.”

The expansion is expected to begin in early 2026. The project will be completed in phases, with the barn and barnyard becoming fully operational by the 2026–2027 school year and crop farming, animal care expansion, and showing areas coming online through 2028.

The expansion supports growing student interest in agriculture and FFA programming. Current enrollment includes 65 students in agriculture courses and 98 students participating in FFA, with plans to increase both as new courses and hands-on opportunities are added. By 2027–2028, more than 90 students are expected to enroll in advanced classes, including agribusiness, advanced horticulture, agronomy, advanced animal sciences, and additional specialty coursework, while maintaining a goal of over 100 FFA members. The program ensures that all students, including those who do not live on farms, can participate in supervised, experiential learning.

“We are extremely grateful for our community partnerships and continued investments in Ottumwa students,” said Superintendent Mike McGrory. “This expansion strengthens our agricultural program, opens new pathways for student success, and provides meaningful, real-world experiences.”

The Ottumwa Community School District extends sincere appreciation to the Legacy Foundation, Cargill Cares Council, and the community for their ongoing support of our students and student programs.

Meeting Report: Henry County Board of Supervisors Met Tuesday, 1/28/26

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 at 9:39 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday morning at the courthouse in Mount Pleasant, approving routine business and discussing cost savings, department needs, and upcoming infrastructure projects.

Under the consent agenda, supervisors approved meeting minutes and financial claims for payment, with a correction made to the previous meeting’s minutes clarifying that Preserve Oakland Mills had been incorrectly listed as Friends of Oakland Mills.

During unfinished business, the board heard from Adam Kerns with HUB Insurance regarding possible changes to insurance deductibles under the county’s Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP) coverage. Supervisors accepted several recommendations that are expected to reduce insurance costs by approximately $13,000 this year.

Supervisors also reported progress on department budget reviews, noting that several have been received, with a handful of departments still pending review.

Discussion also continued regarding the county compensation board. Vice Chair Steven Detrick reiterated his concerns with the board’s repeated 10 percent wage recommendations, calling them unrealistic and noting that several other Iowa counties have abolished their compensation boards altogether.

IT Director Gunner Sloan updated the board on county owned cellular phones, saying he is gathering quotes and working with department heads to determine how many phones are needed. Sloan plans to present a full report to supervisors by mid-February.

Supervisors continue to wait for the county attorney to review a contract related to a self-funded engineering study of the Oakland Mills historic walking bridge proposed by the stand-alone non-profit organization Preserve Oakland Mills.

Committee updates included a safety committee report, where Jake Hotchkiss said he and Emergency Management Coordinator Walt Jackson have begun reviewing budgets and emphasized the need for clear job classifications to better define responsibilities.

Additional updates were provided from Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, IT, and Planning and Zoning. Planning and Zoning Administrator Joe Buffington reported that polling places have been added to Beacon and that the county is addressing a floodplain violation, stressing that compliance is required to maintain FEMA insurance eligibility.

In new business, County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss gave his secondary roads update, noting that crews are blading routes, cutting brush, and preparing equipment. He also announced that Fremont Avenue east of Franklin Avenue is closed for a bridge removal and culvert placement project, and demolition work continues on the 235th Street bridge.

Supervisors approved a resolution setting a speed limit on South Walnut Street in partnership with the City of Mount Pleasant.

Supervisors also heard funding requests and reports, including a $23,000 funding request from the Henry County Fair. Fair officials reported an increase in swine entries last year and strong beef participation despite market conditions.

Area Economic Development Director Rachel Lindeen highlighted recent marketing efforts for Mount Pleasant, including features on KCRG’s Our Town and newly produced promotional commercials.

The board noted there would be no supervisors’ meeting on Thursday, January 29, as members will be attending the Iowa State Association of Counties Conference (ISAC). The meeting concluded with budget work sessions for the Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office. Learn more about the budget work session here.

 

Catfish Bend Casino Renamed Great River Casino; New Name and New Owners

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 at 9:06 am CDT

Elite Casino Resorts has officially expanded its footprint in Southeast Iowa. Elite Casino Resorts has finalized the acquisition of Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort in Burlington. The purchase became effective January 27, 2026.

As part of the transition, the property will be renamed Great River Casino Resort and FunCity, a name meant to reflect Burlington’s long-standing connection to the Mississippi River and Iowa’s early gaming history.

Elite Casino Resorts CEO Dan Kehl says the Mississippi River played a major role in shaping the region and the state’s gaming industry, and the new name honors both that history and the people of Southeast Iowa.

Kehl also credited longtime Catfish Bend leaders Randy Winegard and Gary Hoyer for their role in keeping riverboat gaming alive in the early 1990s, saying Elite plans to build on their legacy while continuing to work closely with local leaders and community partners.

With the acquisition, Elite Casino Resorts now owns and operates seven Midwest casino resorts and adds approximately 500 new team members, bringing the company’s total workforce to more than 3,000 employees. The Burlington location now joins Elite’s portfolio of casino resorts across Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska.

The transition to the new Great River Casino Resort and FunCity name is expected to begin soon.

About Elite Casino Resorts

Elite Casino Resorts is a leading regional gaming operator in the Midwest and a privately-owned U.S. company known for premier casino resort destinations, first-class guest service and amenities, great entertainment, and exceptional food. With a strong commitment to community service, Elite was recognized as the Iowa Character Counts 2024 Partner of the Year. Elite Casino Resorts will now operate seven casino resorts: Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, located just south of Iowa City, IA; Rhythm City Casino Resort, located in Davenport, IA; Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort, located in Larchwood, IA, just minutes from Sioux Falls, SD; Grand Island Casino Resort located in Grand Island, Nebraska and Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, in Carterville, Illinois IL Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack in Ogallala, NE and Catfish Bend Casino & FunCity Resort in Burlington, Iowa.

Sports, January 28th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 at 6:38 am CDT

High School Basketball

Mediapolis swept Central Lee last night with the #9 girls’ team clobbering the Hawks, 71-26, and the boys’ team sneaking out a 54-48 victory. Grace Holsteen buried six threes for a game high 26 points. Max Griffin cashed in 16 points in the winning effort for the Bulldogs, as Carson Morrison also scored 16 for the Hawks. 

Central Lee will close out their long road stretch with a matchup against West Burlington tomorrow, January 29th, with the girls tipping off at 6 pm.

Mediapolis will tangle with Holy Trinity Catholic at home on Friday, January 30th, with the girls’ teams playing at 6 pm.

Holy Trinity Catholic got to celebrate a 63-50 win over New London and a career milestone last night, as senior Layne Rung dropped 33 points to pass the 1,000-point plateau for his career. The girls’ game was postponed to February 3rd.

Holy Trinity Catholic will host Wapello tomorrow with game one at 6 pm.

New London will clash with Columbus tomorrow with night starting at 6 pm.

Columbus split their night against Wapello last night with the girls’ team deflecting the Arrows, 50-42, and the boys’ team losing 61-41. Ellie Sanders and Emmalin Marshall dueled for 13 points apiece. 

Win streaks continued at Danville, as the girls’ team collected their seventh straight win in dominating fashion, 58-22, over Burlington Notre Dame to celebrate their senior night in style. Alaina Gourley finished the night with 21 points. The #3 Nike boys’ team smacked the Bears 72-38, improving to 18-0 on the season. 

Danville will prepare for a road matchup against New London on Friday with the girls’ game at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm. 

Burlington Notre Dame will celebrate their Homecoming on Friday with a showdown against West Burlington with the girls’ game tipping-off at 6 pm.

WACO split their matchup against Highland last night with the girls’ team losing 56-45 and the boys’ team leashing the Huskies, 59-42. Brenna Graber put up 11 points for the girls’ team, while Kellen Shelman’s 13 points led the boys’ team. The Warriors will host Columbus on Friday with game one at 6 pm.

Fairfield will clash with Washington tomorrow with the girls’ playing at 6 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will celebrate their Senior Night on Friday against Washington at home with game one tipping-off at 6 pm.

High School Wrestling

Mt. Pleasant will duel Burlington tomorrow, January 29th, on the road.

The Burlington Notre Dame, Van Buren County, and New London boys’ teams will travel to Louisa-Muscatine for a quad tomorrow.

Wapello will host WACO in a quad tomorrow.

The Fairfield, Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Mediapolis, Van Buren County, and WACO girls’ teams will make the trip to Wapello for the Class 1A Region 6 state qualifying meet on Friday, January 30th. 

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will wait for their Class 2A Region 5 state qualifying meet on Friday in Ottumwa.

The IHSAA released the boys’ Regional Duals assignments yesterday and #15 Burlington Notre Dame will take on #21 Woodward-Granger with the winner advancing to take on #3 Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont in the regional finals. Regional duals are scheduled for Tuesday, February 3rd, at 6 pm.

High School Bowling

The Southeast Conference tournament was held last night and the Keokuk boys’ team rolled away with the title by almost 300 total pins over the runner-up Washington, 2,933-2,697. Fairfield claimed 4th place with Mt. Pleasant taking 5th. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will travel to Keokuk on Tuesday, February 3rd, for a triangular. 

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will compete at the Class 2A Region 4 state qualifier on Monday, February 2nd, at Clinton, while the Fairfield girls’ team will make their way to Burlington for the Class 1A Region 8 state qualifier with Central Lee.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will compete against North Iowa Area Community College tonight at 5:30 pm.

The men’s basketball team will host Kennedy-King College tomorrow, January 29th, at 7 pm. 

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will host Iowa Lakes Community College tonight. 

College Basketball

The Iowa State women’s team will hit the road to face off against Texas Tech tonight at 6 pm.

The #8 Iowa women’s team will travel to USC tomorrow, January 29th, at 8 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team will take on USC tonight at 6 pm at home. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call.

The #8 Iowa State men’s team will host Colorado tomorrow at 6 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1940 – Chicago’s Les Cunningham scores five points in one period to tie an NHL record that stands until 1978; records 2 goals & 3 assists in a 10:04 span during the 3d period of an 8-1 win over Montreal.

1984 – Edmonton center Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record point scoring streak ends at 51 games when the Oilers are beaten 4-2 by the LA Kings; Gretzky totals 61-92-153 during the period.

1992 – St. Louis right winger Brett Hull becomes the 2nd player (after Wayne Gretzky) in NHL history to record back-to-back seasons of 50 goals in 50 games; #50 comes in a 3-3 Blues’ tie in Los Angeles.

Prep Boys’ Wrestling: Regional Dual Assignments

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 1:40 pm CDT

Prep Boys’ Wrestling- The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) release the Regional Dual assignments scheduled for Tuesday, February 3rd, with the eight highest seeds getting the opportunity to host and earn a bye to the regional finals.

Class 2A

Burlington Notre Dame was ranked #15 in the class and will face off against #21 Woodward-Granger in the regional semifinals with the winner tasked to compete against #3 Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont.

The other teams set to host include: #1 Decorah, #2 Clarion-Goldfield-Dows, #4 West Delaware, #5 Independence, #6 Alburnett, #7 Sergeant Bluff-Luton, and #8 Algona.

The eight regional champions will advance to the State Dual Team Tournament on Saturday, February 7th, at Xtreme Arena in Coralville.

More Information

For a full list of matchups, follow this link: Regional Dual Assignments

Prep Girls’ Wrestling: Van Buren County Rolls to SEISC Title

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 11:52 am CDT

Wapello, IA- Wapello had the privilege of hosting the second Southeast Iowa Super Conference Girls’ Wrestling tournament last night and Van Buren County, behind five individual conference champions, usurped Pekin’s spot atop the mountain.

The Warriors dominated the night, compiling 203 team points with the Panthers coming in second place with 130 points. It was quite the turnaround from last year to this tournament as Van Buren County added four more conference champions.

Overall, there were four repeat conference champions with two of them wrestling in different weight classes.

100-Pound Weight Class

In a three-person race between Brystol Wiley of Van Buren County, Carlee Sexton of Lone Tree, and Grace Keltner of Louisa-Muscatine, Wiley, who entered the meet with a 24-4 record earned the first-round bye.

Sexton clipped Keltner to earn a spot in the finals, but Wiley handled business and pinned the senior within the first round to claim the Warriors’ first individual conference championship and 20 team points.

105-Pound Weight Class

Wapello’s Kenadee Helscher was getting ready to start an undefeated regular season that would take her to the doorstep of a state championship after winning the conference championship in the 100-pound weight class last year.

This season, the senior is in the 105-pound weight class and still undefeated after taking down Armony Adams of Van Buren County in 1:46. Helscher will enter the state qualifier as a two-time conference champion and 36-0 on the season.

110-Pound Weight Class

Pekin’s Lexa Nelson earned a first-round bye and defeated Michaela Rader of Louisa-Muscatine in the semifinals to clinch her spot in the championship match, attempting to make it back-to-back years of conference supremacy.

Nelson would do just that, winning by fall over Mallory Brauns of Van Buren County in the first round to secure her second conference title.

115-Pound Weight Class

Last year, Clara Ball of Wapello took 3rd place in the 110-pound weight class and this season the sophomore jumped up to the 115-pound weight class. After receiving a first-round bye, Ball had her toughest match of the night but managed to overcome Lena Prall of Mediapolis by fall.

She would make quick work of Emorry Davis of WACO to snatch the conference title and a 40-3 record of the year.

120-Pound Weight Class

In a crowded 120-pound weight class, Adley Sweeting of Highland, who has only lost one matchup this season, pinned WACO’s Makayla Morrison in 25 seconds to claim the conference crown in her freshman season.

Arianna Harvey of Van Buren County took 3rd place over Autumn Coleman of Pekin with a win by fall.

125-Pound Weight Class

It turned into a pattern as the night progressed, but Van Buren County’s Rylee Caviness was looking to turn last year’s 3rd place finish into gold this year. The senior would have a marathon match against Annabelle Hedges of Mediapolis but pick up the win by fall to advance to the to the championship match.

She would meet Lila Miller of Pekin in the gold-medal match and just how the team score would dictate, the Warrior would finish the match on top, pinning the Panther in two-minutes. Another 24 points towards the team’s total.

130-Pound Weight Class

Keeping the theme of redemption running, Oliva Magruder of Lone Tree turned bronze into gold after taking down Kaiya Swafford of Mediapolis in the championship match. Rylee Carter of Louisa-Muscatine claimed 3rd place and Rylee Phillips of Van Buren County took 5th place.

135-Pound Weight Class

The next Warrior to earn a title was Hadley Noe as she went 2-0 on the night and needed all three rounds to execute a pin of Maiya Singbeil of Highland for the conference championship.

140-Pound Weight Class

Lexie Wiley of Van Buren County got the bye and pinned both of her opponents on the night to claim the championship. Wiley enters the state qualifier with a 26-13 record. Wiley and Noe added 22 points apiece to the team’s effort.

145-Pound Weight Class

Pekin’s Hailey Pedrick is hoping to put it all together in her senior year campaign. The two-time state qualifier collected her 100th career victory back in December and was looking to make it back-to-back SEISC titles, although this year in the 145-pound weight class, compared the 140-pound weight class last season.

Pedrick made quick work of her semifinal opponent but needed another round to defeat Willow Worley of Van Buren County by fall to make it consecutive SEISC championships. The senior will hope to improve upon her 1-4 record at the state tournament if she can qualify for her third consecutive season.

155-Pound Weight Class

Kiersyn Duncombe of Louisa-Muscatine took down Lizbet Herrea of Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union by fall in the first round to take her first SEISC championship. Addison McLain of Van Buren County claimed 3rd place.

170-Pound Weight Class

In the final individual effort of the night for Van Buren County, Teagan Sickels battled Hailey McFarland of Highland and escaped the second round victorious with a win by fall. Another 22 points added to the Warriors’ total and just off champions alone, Van Buren County was able to rack up 110 points.

190-Pound Weight Class

Chloe Sexton of Highland kept her pace atop the weight class by defeating Jada Moats of Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union by fall in the championship match, making it back-to-back SEISC crowns for the Huskie.

235-Pound Weight Class

Lone Tree’s Fay Eyler was the lone wrestler to enter the tournament with a winning record for the 235-pound weight class and aptly dominated with a win by fall over Reese Connolly of Wapello early in the second round.

WACO’s Macy Bonebrake took 3rd place over Baylie Laymon of Louisa-Muscatine.

Up Next

Wapello will again play hosts on Friday, January 30th, for the Class 1A Region 6 state qualifying meet with Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Louisa-Muscatine, Van Buren County, Mediapolis, and WACO making the trip.

Lone Tree and Highland will make the trip to Midland for the Region 5 state qualifier and Pekin will compete at Williamsburg for the Region 8 qualifier.