Air Quality Advisory in Effect

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 at 6:10 am CDT

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has issued an air quality advisory for the entire state with the worst air quality expected in the eastern third of Iowa. Eastern Iowa is currently recording fine particulates at concentrations the EPA considers unhealthy. At this level sensitive groups of people, as well as the general public, may experience health effects.

Fine particulate levels near or above EPA health standards are expected to increase throughout the day and persist in these areas through tomorrow. Elevated levels of fine particulates may be a concern over the next several days as the smoke continues to move through the state.

The DNR recommends people reduce long or intense outdoor activities, and take more breaks during outdoor activities until air quality conditions improve.

The national standard for fine particulate matter is 35 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) averaged over a 24-hour period, and this level is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Groups sensitive to particulate matter include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, and outdoor workers. Fine particulate levels could reach levels considered “unhealthy” where even healthy adults should consider limiting their activities.

Burlington Man Arrested – Threatened People with a Handgun

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, June 27th, 2023 at 4:15 pm CDT
Just before noon on June 26, 2023 Burlington Police Officers were dispatched to the 500-block of South Gunnison following a complaint of a man threatening people with a handgun. The complainant told officers the male suspect began cursing and yelling at the complainant’s grandmother and then pointed a handgun at a group of people while saying, “I’ll shoot everyone out here.” The complainant said the suspect then got into a vehicle and left the area.
While the officers were still in the 500-block of South Gunnison, the suspect vehicle returned to the area but turned around to leave when the driver saw the police in the area. A few minutes later, the complainant told officers the suspect was running in the alley behind her residence. Officers observed the suspect, dressed in dark clothing and wearing a facemask, stop and bend down as if he was placing something on the ground. The suspect began running again and was apprehended near the intersection of Gunnison and Spray. At that time the suspect was identified as Jaki Johnson. Officers returned to the area where Johnson was seen bending down and they located a black 9mm G27 with a laser sight attached to it.
Johnson was arrested and taken to the Des Moines County Correctional Facility where he was held on bond.
ARRESTED: JAKI ROYSHAUN JOHNSON, 18
BURLINGTON, IOWA
CHARGES: 1ST DEGREE HARASSMENT (AGGRAVATED MISDEMEANOR)
INTERFERENCE WITH OFFICIAL ACTS (SIMPLE MISDEMEANOR)
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT (AGGRAVATED MISDEMEANOR)
PERSONS INELIGIBLE TO CARRY FIREARMS (SERIOUS MISDEMEANOR)

MP City Council Meeting Agenda

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, June 27th, 2023 at 3:51 pm CDT

 

The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in Regular Session Wednesday,

June 28, 2023, at City Hall, 307 E. Monroe Street, second-floor meeting room at 5:30 p.m.

AGENDA

  1. Roll Call.
  2. Consent Agenda: To the Public — All items with an asterisk (*) are routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion and a roll call of the Councilmembers. There will be no separate discussion of items unless the Mayor, a Councilmember or citizen so request, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and will be considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.
  3. Receive & file communications — Victory Lane Zone Change Application.

Rachel Lindeen – update Economic Development Commission

  1. Approve agenda.

*5. Approve minutes of previous meetings.

*6. Approve payment of bills.

*7. Receive report of Officers.

  1. Old Business-
    1. Renewal application of a Class C Retail Alcohol License for El Burrito Loco Jaap LLC at 901 W Washington Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641.
    2. Renewal application of a Special Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service for Tap this Concessions at 405 East Thresher Road Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, 52641.
    3. Approve Outdoor Sound Permit for Thuy Nguyen (TTT Shelter) 2 p.m.9 p.m. July 2.
  2. New Business-
    1. Approve Wastewater Treatment Plant mixer for sludge storage basin.
    2. Resolution setting Public Hearing on zone change for 200 and 202 N Jefferson Street.
    3. Resolution setting Public Hearing on zone change for 200/300 block of South Scott Lane.

Page 2 of 2 10. Public Forum.

I l . Adjourn to meet in regular session on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 5:30 p.m.

All God’s Creatures

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, June 27th, 2023 at 11:07 am CDT

All Gods Creatures hosted a yard sale on Saturday, June 24th, as the prepare to open their doors to the public. The yard sale was a huge success, raising lots of money, which helps to bring the business much closer to renovating.  Due to the success, they plan to do a “few more” yard sales throughout the summer and taking donations for them.

When asked, owner Emily Davis was very appreciative of the community support, saying “We are so thankful for all of our volunteers, donors, and customers that made the event possible. I believe it gave us more hope that we are a wanted and needed organization in this community.”

There is no official opening date for the business yet, but KILJ will update the public when that news is available.

Sports, June 27th

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, June 27th, 2023 at 6:32 am CDT

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant will face off against Fort Madison Thursday, June 29th.

New London and Central Lee needed extra innings to decide the outcome and it was the Hawks who scraped by with the victory 6-5. The Tigers will take on Highland in the first round of the Class 1A Substate 5 postseason.

Central Lee will face off against Keokuk tomorrow, June 28th.

Van Buren County takes on Cardinal tonight to end their regular season.

Mediapolis will face off against Clear Lake on June 29th at the Mt. Mercy Alumni Coaches Classic.

Winfield-Mt. Union will compete against Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow.

Danville will face off against Sigourney in the first round of the postseason on July 1st.

In Southeast conference (SEC) play, Fairfield took down Keokuk 14-7 and 10-0 last night. The conference matchups will continue on June 29th.

Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association

Burlington Notre Dame held on to their #8 spot in the final rankings for Class 1A. The Nikes touted a 23-6 record and as conference champions of the SEISC South with an 11-1 record. The Nikes grabbed the #1 seed in the Class 1A Substate 5 District 9 brackets.

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant was swept by Fort Madison last night after losing game one 11-1 and game two 10-2. The lone RBI in game one went to Addison Clark on a sacrifice. Gabrielle Ruble and Erika Kruse each knocked a home run in game one for the Bloodhounds.

In game two, Kruse added 3 RBIs to her two game total to finish with 6 RBIs as Elizabeth Tanner smacked a two-run home run in the winning effort. Jolynn Martin finished 2 for 3 with two singles and an RBI with Ella McNamee collecting the other RBI. The Panthers will host Davis County tomorrow, June 28th.

Danville will face off against New London tonight.

Van Buren County will compete against Cardinal today.

In SEC games, Burlington split their matchups with Washington losing game one 8-7 and winning game two 9-6. Fairfield won game one 10-8 but lost game two 13-8 to Keokuk. The conference matchups will continue June 29th.

High School Postseason Softball

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released the postseason brackets for all the classifications and here’s the matchups for our local teams.

In Class 1A Region 8, New London will travel to face off against Holy Trinity Catholic and Wapello will host Winfield-Mt. Union with both games taking place on June 30th at 7 pm.

In Class 2A Region 7, Van Buren County earned a first-round bye. The Warriors will take on the winner between Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont and Pella Christian on July 5th at 7 pm at home.

In Class 2A Region 8, Danville will travel to take on Durant at 7 pm on June 30th. Mediapolis will face off against Louisa-Muscatine on the road on July 5th at 7 pm.

Central Lee and Washington will square off on July 6th at Washington and West Burlington will host Fairfield on July 6th with both games taking place at 7 pm for Class 3A Region 8.

In Class 4A Region 6, Mt. Pleasant and Keokuk will compete in a conference matchup at Joyce Park on July 6th at 7 pm. Knoxville will host Fort Madison with the winner taking on Burlington at Burlington.

Mt. Pleasant Cross Country

On Mondays and Wednesdays, runs will begin at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre at 6:30 am.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, runs will start at 7 pm at Saunders Park by the swimming pool.

The runs will continue throughout the summer until the middle of August. If you have any questions, reach out to Coach Murray at 319-850-0867.

University of Iowa Women’s Basketball

Caitlin Clark captured the 2023 Honda Cup Award and was named the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year. Clark tore through the season becoming the first player in Division I women’s basketball history to record 1,000 points and 300 assists in the same season and tallied the first 40-point triple-double in NCAA Tournament history.

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees lost to the O’Fallon Hoots last night 15-5 after 8 innings. Mason Schwalbach crushed a 2-run home run in the first inning of the contest for the Bees. Kooper Shulte finished with an RBI and a double in the losing effort. The Bees will host the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes tonight.

The Clinton LumberKings defeated the Quincy Gems 4-2. Graysen Drezek picked up his third win of the season after 5 innings of work allowing only 1 run on 4 hits and striking out 6. Casey Neumann notched a team leading 2 RBIs in the contest. The LumberKings will host the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp tonight.

This Day in Sports History

1954 – Hungary beats Brazil, 4-2 in the “Battle of Berne” as the FIFA World Cup quarter-final descends into an all-out brawl with 3 players sent-off; fighting continues in dressing rooms after the final whistle.

1984 – Supreme Court ends NCAA monopoly on college football telecasts.

2014 – NHL Coyotes franchise changes its geographic name from “Phoenix” to “Arizona” after change of ownership.

 

 

 

 

 

Preliminary Discussion over Central Elementary School in Mount Pleasant

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, June 27th, 2023 at 6:15 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community School Board hosted a special session on June 26th to discuss the possibility of acquiring buildings from the former Iowa Wesleyan University campus. The ongoing talks are over the matter of the “central campus” which includes the Howe Student Activity Center and Ruble Arena, the Student Union, Old Main, Pioneer Hall, University Chapel, and the P.E.O Memorial Building.

A central elementary school is in preliminary planning, with many obstacles to jump through. The estimated renovation cost would be 26 million on the low end and 31 million on the high end. This would allow all elementary students in the Mount Pleasant area to attend one combined school, making transportation and food service easier to navigate. The Ruble Arena boasts a large gymnasium, with a media center also on campus, and the district offices could even be on site.

9 months of design and 18 months of construction would mean this project could be completed by summer of 2026.

 

Becker Law Office Office Photos | BCGSearch.com

Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report + Weather Summary

By Yorke Prough · Monday, June 26th, 2023 at 4:38 pm CDT

Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

June 19 – June 25, 2023

DES MOINES, Iowa (June 26, 2023) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented today on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Hot and dry conditions persisted much of last week until a shift in the weather pattern over the weekend brought beneficial and widespread rainfall across much of Iowa, including parts of the state impacted by continuing drought,” said Secretary Naig. “Weather outlooks into early July continue to show better chances of rainfall after several weeks of unseasonably dry conditions.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report
Above average temperatures and below normal precipitation for the week led to 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 25, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included cutting hay and spraying crops. The persistent dryness has led to many reports of visible crop stress; however, north central and northeast Iowa received some much-needed rain.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 22 percent very short, 45 percent short, 32 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 24 percent very short, 44 percent short, 31 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Some reports of corn starting to silk were received this week. Corn condition continued to decline, rating 56 percent good to excellent. Ten percent of soybeans were blooming, 6 days ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of the 5-year average. Soybean condition dropped to 48 percent good to excellent. Ninety-five percent of the oat crop has headed, roughly 2 weeks ahead of last year and the average. Twenty-five percent of oats were turning color, roughly 1 week ahead of last year and normal. Oat condition declined to 47 percent good to excellent.

The State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay is virtually complete, and the second cutting reached 18 percent complete, 6 days ahead of both last year and the average. Hay condition declined to 32 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated just 23 percent good to excellent. Livestock producers continued to supplement with hay as pasture conditions deteriorated and reports were received about water supply concerns as some ponds and creeks continued to dry out.

Weather Summary
Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Showers and strong to severe thunderstorms brought much-needed rainfall at the end of an unseasonably warm and dry reporting period. Many northern Iowa stations observed above-average totals while southern Iowa remained below average. Temperatures were up to six degrees above normal northwest with a statewide average temperature of 74.1 degrees, 2.1 degrees above normal.

Showers and thunderstorms spun across eastern Iowa through Sunday (18th) afternoon with mostly sunny conditions over the rest of the state. Daytime highs remained in the upper 70s and low 80s, though conditions were five to 10 degrees cooler under clouds. Locally heavier totals were reported in northeast Iowa, ranging from 2.23 inches in Independence (Buchanan County) to 2.43 inches near Decorah (Winneshiek County). General totals in eastern Iowa were in the 0.20- to 0.50-inch range. Foggy conditions were observed Monday (19th) morning with temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s. Skies cleared through the day with southerly winds boosting highs into the upper 80s and low 90s. The large-scale flow shifted back to easterly as a dome of stable high pressure began to dominate the pattern on Tuesday (20th). Pockets of upper-level haze were pulled in by the clockwise flow with temperatures mirroring the previous day. Starry skies persisted into Wednesday (21st) with light easterly winds and morning lows in the mid to upper 60s. Partly cloudy conditions developed over southern Iowa with generally clear skies north as daytime highs rose into the 80s with pockets of low 90s. Overnight conditions were clear though Canadian wildfire smoke was visible at sunrise on Thursday (22nd). Temperatures, in the mid to upper 60s, were unseasonably warm, averaging two to seven degrees above normal. Variable winds and cloud cover developed through the day with upper 80s and low 90s persisting across the state.

Seasonal morning lows in the 60s greeted Iowans on Friday (23rd) with generally calm winds and clear skies. Winds began shifting to a southerly direction as a low-pressure center approached Iowa. Daytime highs ranged from the low 90s in southeastern and central Iowa to the upper 80s north as relative humidity increased from southerly moisture transport. Cloud cover increased in western Iowa after midnight as a line of strong thunderstorms entered Iowa’s northwest corner just before sunrise on Saturday (24th). The initial complex had moderate to localized heavy rainfall across northern Iowa through midday before dissipating in eastern Iowa. Additional thunderstorms fired in central Iowa with multiple cells becoming severe-warned; the second wave of storms consolidated into a line as it moved east with more reports of severe straight-line winds. A third complex of thunderstorms formed in northwestern Iowa, persisting into the early hours on Sunday (25th). A few of these thunderstorms breached the severe threshold with reports of hail and strong winds; an observer in Cylinder (Palo Alto County) reported 3.00-inch hail. Another powerful storm near Maysville (Scott County) dropped a brief tornado that caused sporadic tree damage. Event totals were widespread with beneficial rainfall occurring at most stations, especially over Iowa’s northern half; 55 stations measured at least an inch with more than half of the stations hitting the 0.50-inch mark. Observers in north-central and northeastern Iowa reported totals ranging from 2.00 inches in Ionia (Chickasaw County) to 2.75 inches in Zearing (Story County).

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from no accumulation at several stations to 3.60 inches in Mason City (Cerro Gordo County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.82 inch, while the normal is 1.07 inches. Washington (Washington County) reported the week’s high temperature of 95 degrees on the 24th, 12 degrees above normal. Forest City (Winnebago County) reported the week’s low temperature of 50 degrees on the 19th, nine degrees below normal.

Enid E. Mortland

By Yorke Prough · Monday, June 26th, 2023 at 8:11 am CDT

Enid E. Mortland, 97, of Mt. Pleasant, peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Sunrise Terrace Nursing Home in Winfield, Iowa. The middle child of Howard and Christena Marion Boughton, she was born on November 18, 1925. Enid grew up in the depression, always ambitious, she learned the valuable trait of being resourceful with little means at a young age…..planting a garden, raising and dressing chickens and sewing her own clothes, on the family farm in New Sharon, Iowa. Fresh food was always plentiful. In 1943 she graduated high school and married her high school sweetheart, Bill Mortland on September 12, 1943. They farmed until Bill was called to serve in WWII in 1945 – He came home in 1947 to meet their two year old son, William Lee. Two more children followed; Carma Sue and Shirley Lou. Life was happy for them. She and Bill enjoyed square dancing and ballroom dancing. In 1961 Bill took a job and the family moved to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Missing her farming roots Enid embarked on a hobby of baking and decorating cakes … that hobby turned into a successful in home business…..and she became, affectionately, known in the area as the “Cake Lady”. From Baby, Birthday, Graduation, Wedding and some she always told “don’t tell them where you got this” ……she would tackle every imaginable theme the customer wanted. She also babysat in her home for precious children; Jerry Kerr, Angie Ross, Brenda & Duane Brown.

In 1982 she took a job at the New London Schools managing their Hot Lunch Program and the team soon became known for tasty nutritious meals under her direction for the student body and teachers too. At age 70 she tried to retire but soon found she still wanted to “stir her spoon” and began cooking at the Van Vorhies Haus. She again became known for her delicious meals and the pretty presentation she made for each plate. At the age of 91 she finally “really” retired.

She was a 39 year Breast Cancer survivor. A fierce advocate for mammography, she would frequently say “get your boobies checked, girls”!!!

Enid was widowed in 1984 and after maneuvering her way through grief she found another “dance partner” in Ole Olson. They spent most Friday and Saturday nights dancing at The Moose in Burlington. Life got more challenging as they aged and Ole passed away in 2022 … Enid’s heart hurt losing her faithful dance partner. The past few months she spent a lot of time reflecting and “looking out the window” of her life.

Enid is predeceased by her husband, Bill; her parents; a brother Merle; a son William Lee (Billy); grandchildren, Elizabeth, Brandt, & Brian Reiss; son-in-law, George Reiss, and dance partner Ole Olson.

She is survived by daughters, Carma Reiss of Van Horne and Shirley (Ben) Flam of New London; grandchildren, Robin (Jill) Daniel, Sarah (Corey) Finn, Heather (Shane) Mell; great-grandchildren, Allison, Quinn, Braden and Parker; great-great grandchildren, Natalie, Declan, Landry & Peyton; one sister, Lois (Leroy) Hurst, Oskaloosa, Iowa; nieces, Chris, Cindy and Becky; and her best friend from high school, Loretta Caves.

A memorial has been established for the Culinary Arts Department at Mt. Pleasant School. Donations may be made (for tax deduction) to The Mt. Pleasant Community School Foundation – Culinary Arts.

Visitation for Mrs. Mortland will begin at 10:00 am, Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Elliott Chapel, New London with a brief service at 11:00 provided by Pastor Deb Savage with  “Enid Cake” and refreshments immediately following. Private family Inurnment at Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant will be held following the reception.