Mount Pleasant Chamber Announces 2026 Small Business of the Year Finalists

Small Business Week is coming up, and local leaders in Mount Pleasant are preparing to recognize the impact of small businesses on the community.

Since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation designating National Small Business Week, highlighting the vital role entrepreneurs play in the American economy. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and those businesses create roughly two out of every three new jobs each year.

Locally, the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance has announced that Small Business Week will be celebrated May 4th through the 8th in Mount Pleasant.

As part of the celebration, four businesses have been named finalists for the 2026 Small Business of the Year award. They include Jane Anne Boutique, Northeast Animal Hospital, Mount Pleasant Tire & Service, and The Shop – DeWitt Built.

The winner will be announced during the Small Business Breakfast on May 8th.

Chamber officials say the week is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of local businesses and the role they play in keeping the community strong. Congratulations to the 2026 nominees!

Prep Golf: Local Round Up of Thursday’s Meets

Southeast Iowa- It was a busy Thursday afternoon on the fairways for our local teams as the Southeast Conference (SEC) met up for their second conference meet of the season, while the Southeast Iowa Super Conference (SEISC) clashed for the first time this year after cold weather canceled the first round of showdowns.

Here’s a rundown of the local matches.

Wapello versus Hillcrest Academy

The Hillcrest Academy boys’ team is aiming at a return to the Class 1A state tournament after finishing in 4th place a year ago. After taking 2nd place at the Wapello Invite the day before, the Ravens got a rematch against Wapello and handled business, winning 161-199.

On the girls’ side, Wapello got their revenge on Hillcrest Academy with nearly 20-stroke victory against the Ravens, 196-210. Emmalin Marshall and Macey Kuntz hit the bullseye for the Arrows as they took 1st and 2nd place with rounds of 45 and 47, respectively. Kyndall Stigge’s 4th place score of 49 and Zoey Delzell’s 55 rounded out the scoring.

Wapello will get back to action on Monday, April 13th, at home.

Van Buren County Triangular

The Warrior boys’ and girls’ teams hosted their first meet of the season and the boys’ team defended their home turf with a gold medal finish of 166, nearly 20 strokes better than Holy Trinity Catholic’s 181 as Davis County rounded out the standings.

Leo Jirak led the field with a 9-hole score of 39, while Will Cocherell and Jerrod Griffin turned in rounds of 41 and 42, respectively. The Crusaders had Brock Scheetz claim a score of 43, while Nathan Box, Zane Houtz, and Max Kruse turned in a round of 46 each.

On the girls’ side, Davis County snuck past the Warriors for the victory with a team score of 204 followed by Van Buren County’ 208. Holy Trinity Catholic finished with a team score of 219. Despite finishing as the team runner-up, Van Buren County’s Sophia Jirak turned in the best score of the course with a 40. Teagan Sickels and Maddie Cocherell managed 55s for the Warriors.

Elizabeth Griffin of Holy Trinity Catholic claimed the bronze medal with a round of 47, while Emma Mohrfeld took 5th place with a score of 53. Eva Denning’s 53 and Calli Kruse’s 63 rounded out the Crusaders’ final score.

The Holy Trinity Catholic boys’ team will join Central Lee for the Lee County Invitational today.

Van Buren County will hit the road to face off against New London on Monday.

Columbus versus Lone Tree

The Wildcats split their road contest against Lone Tree yesterday with the girls’ team getting a win due to the Lions not fielding enough players for a team score, while the boys’ team fell 189-201. Columbus will look to bounce back on Monday at home against Winfield-Mt. Union.

Central Lee at Mediapolis

Mediapolis swept Central Lee last night with the girls’ team logging a score of 216-277, while the boys’ team snuck out with a narrow five-stroke victory, 161-166. On the girls’ side, Kate Wischmeier led Mediapolis with a score of 51–the best score of the course, while Lily Smith finished in 3rd place for Central Lee with a card of 54.

For the boys’ teams, Brock Spears and Ephram Hallgren each shot a 39 for Mediapolis to share the gold, while Caleb Larson and Carter Jones each carded a 40 to finish as the runners-up for the Hawks.

Central Lee will host Holy Trinity Catholic on Monday, while the Mediapolis boys’ team will compete in the Golden Hawk Invitational on Tuesday, April 14th at the Kalona Golf Course.

Southeast Conference

The SEC met up for the second time this season as the girls’ team made the trip to Fairfield while the boys’ teams traveled to Fort Madison. On the girls’ side Mt. Pleasant and Fort Madison tied for the best score at 194.

Fairfield’s Ellanor Bentler had the best round, posting a 38 on nine holes but the Trojans struggled as a team—minus Vanessa Kessel’s 10th place standing, finishing in 4th place with a team score of 210. Kylie Lumino finished as the individual runner-up for the Bloodhounds; yet, the Panthers had three finish in the top ten in Ashlynn Beauchamp’s 6th place score of 45, Izzy Zihlman’s 48, and Sophia Walderbach’s card of 49, which placed them in 8th and 9th, respectively.

Washington’s Elizabeth Hora and Adalyn Long headlined the Demons as they both shot a 44 for the T-4th best score on the course.

Over on the boys’ side, Rajan Roth again led Washington to another team victory with his round of 32, which was aided by Kaleb Orr ‘s and Ethan Peebler’s top five finish, paved the way for the Demons to score a 149, which was 13 strokes better than Fairfield.

Fairfield put together a solid round with all four of their golfers claiming a spot within the top 15, as Andrew Myers produced a silver medal performance with a card of 37, while Archer Kreuter nabbed 5th place. Mt. Pleasant was paced by Alek Barton and Owen Dolf, who each finished with a round of 40, which tied Kreuter’s score. Merrick Lamm’s 42 was good enough for 12th place.

The SEC will reconvene on Monday with the girls’ teams heading to Fort Madison and the boys’ teams playing in Washington.

Mount Pleasant CSD Finance Committee Meeting, April 10th

Finance Committee Meeting
04/10/2026- 02:00 PM
Mt. Pleasant CSD- District Office
1010 East Washington Street, Suite 102

AGENDA

  • March 2026 Financial Reports/Expenditures
  • Review Apr. 13 Certified Budget Public Hearing Information
  • Proposed Phase 2 General Fund Budget Reduction
    • Overview
  • March 2026 Revenue Estimating Conference Summary
  • SAVE Estimates Based on Proposed Legislation

The meeting is open to the public and patrons are welcome

Henry County Supervisors Canvass of Votes for Salem Special Election, April 10th

Henry County Supervisors

100 East Washington St. Ste. 202

Mt Pleasant, IA  52641

Email: supervisors@henrycountyiowa.us

Chad White, Chairman                 Marc Lindeen, Member              Steven Detrick, Vice-Chair

   319-385-0759                                 319-385-0760                                    319-385-0761________

 

CANVASS of VOTES

Special Election, City of Salem

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Board of Supervisors

1 :00 p.m.

  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  2. Roll Call of Members and Secretary
  3. Canvassing Votes for Official Results 2026 Special Election City of Salem to Fill Board Member Vacancy.

New London City Council Proposed Property Tax Levy Hearing, April 13th

The New London City Council will hold a public hearing next week on its proposed property tax levy for the upcoming fiscal year.

The hearing is scheduled for April 13th at 6:00 p.m. at the City Office on West Main Street. Residents will have the opportunity to voice support or concerns before the levy is finalized.

According to the proposal, the city’s regular property tax rate would decrease slightly, dropping from about 13.11 to 12.56 per $1,000 of taxable value.

For homeowners, that translates to a small reduction. A home valued at around $100,000 would see city property taxes drop from approximately $622 to $615 per year — a decrease of about seven dollars.

However, the picture looks different for commercial property owners. Taxes on a $300,000 commercial property are projected to increase by more than six percent, rising from about $2,703 to $2,874 annually.

Despite the lower tax rate, the city’s overall taxable valuation has increased, meaning total property tax revenue is expected to remain relatively stable.

City officials cite rising wage costs and higher liability insurance expenses as the primary reasons behind the levy adjustments.

The proposed levy does not include debt service taxes, and most categories remain unchanged, though shifts in employee-related expenses and insurance costs are reflected in the proposal.

Residents who wish to comment on the proposed levy are encouraged to attend the public hearing before the city moves forward with its final budget process.

Armed Keokuk Man Safely Taken Into Custody After Police De-Escalate Standoff

On April 9th, 2026 at approximately 5:02pm, Keokuk Police Officers were dispatched to the 2300 block of Plank Road for a man with a gun that had entered a residence and was threatening to harm himself.
Keokuk Police Officers and Lee County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrived on scene a short time later. They observed a male subject, later identified as Charles Joseph Schultz Jr, walking along the side of the residence. As Officers approached, they observed a pistol tucked in the waistband of Schultz and immediately gave commands that led to the de-escalation of the event and safe removal of the firearm. Schultz was taken into custody without further incident.
Charles Joseph Schultz Jr, 49 of Keokuk, was charged with Trespassing, a Simple Misdemeanor. He was then transported to a medical facility.
The shared screen capture is from one of our Officer’s body cameras and shows the types of dangers that our Officer put themselves in for the betterment of the community we serve. The professionalism and dedication of our law enforcement community in Lee County is commendable. In the photo, you can see the subject was mere inches away from accessing the firearm.
Our department is empathetic to those experiencing crisis. If anyone is struggling with a crisis, please contact our department and we will connect you to resources that can assist you.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the LeeComm Dispatch Center provided valuable assistance to our department during this event.
We encourage the public to contact our police department with any additional information regarding this event. The community plays a large role in helping our department keep our community safe. You can reach our department through our social media (Facebook Messenger), the LeeComm Dispatch Center (319-372-1310), Lee County Crime Stoppers, calling our department directly (319-524-2741), or coming to the police department in person (1222 Johnson Street, Keokuk).

Sports, April 10th

High School Track and Field

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team established two meet and school records at the Demon Relays in Washington last night, as the team of Taylor Williamson, Delaney Anderson, Kynlee White, and Avery Fedler took the sprint medley with a time of 1 minute and 49 seconds, while Fedler then claimed the 1500-meter run with a mark of 4 minutes and 46 seconds. The Panthers also won the 4×100 meter relay. 

The Washington girls’ team claimed the team victory with 114 points, while Mt. Pleasant finished in 2nd place. Emma Horak won the 800-meter run for the Demons.

WACO’s victories came in the 4×800 meter relay with a time of 10 minutes and 15 seconds, which was nearly 30 seconds faster than second place, and the distance medley relay.  

The Panther boys’ team finished in 3rd place as a team with Fairfield claiming 5th place, while the hosts took 2nd place with 88 points. Silas Hulett of Mt. Pleasant won the 3200-meter with a mark of 9 minutes and 59 seconds. Fairfield’s Eli Zillman took the high jump with a leap of 6 feet and 7.5 inches. Lastly, Washington’s Greyson Hartman swept the throwing events with launches of 64 feet and 11.5 inches in the shot put and 177 feet and 4 inches in the discus. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame hosted their Co-Ed relays last night and Mediapolis swept the team titles with the boys’ team beating the hosts by 11 points and the girls’ team claiming 55 more points than second place. 

Henry Luttenegger was a highlight for the boys’ team as he claimed the 200-meter and 400-meter dashes, while the girls’ team won the distance medley, shuttle hurdle, 4×400, and 4×800 meter relays. 

The Danville girls’ team had Delaney Newberry win the 200-meter dash and Alaina Gourley claim the 800-meter run. The boys’ team saw victories in the sprint medley and 4×400 meter relays. 

The New London girls’ team had their lone victory in the 400-meter hurdles with Allison Gillip turning in a time of 1 minute and 16 seconds. The New London boys’ team claimed the 4×100 and 4×200 meter relays with the team of Brigham Porter, London Franklin, Cale Westerbeck, and Gavin Strawhacker. 

Winfield-Mt. Union’s Quin Smith swept the girls’ high jump and long jump, while the boys’ team had Colin Anderson win the shot put with a toss of 42 feet and 8.75 inches and Cruz Hagmeier glided to the win in the 110-meter hurdles. 

Lastly, the Falcons showed off their speed in the 100-meter dashes as Landry Haberichter won the boys’ heat with a mark of 10.7 seconds and Kaylee Webb nabbed the girls’ heat with a time of 13.4 seconds.

The Eastern Iowa Track Festival will run tomorrow, April 11th, at Iowa City West High School with Columbus, Danville, Mediapolis, Van Buren County, Washington along with the WACO, Wapello, and New London boys’ teams and Mt. Pleasant girls’ team. 

The Fairfield boys’ team will hold a track meet on Tuesday, April 14th, with Mt. Pleasant, Central Lee, and Van Buren County making the trip. 

High School Soccer

The Mediapolis girls’ team clobbered Wapello last night, 10-0. Camryn Bailey netted four goals in the victory. 

The Mediapolis girls’ team will take on West Branch on Monday, April 13th, at 6:30 pm at home, while the boys’ team will host Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union on Tuesday, April 14th, at 7 pm.

Wapello will hit the road to compete against Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union tonight with the girls’ teams playing first at 5 pm.

The Mediapolis and Danville boys’ teams could not find the back of the net in a 0-0 tie last night. The Bears will travel to WACO on Tuesday at 5 pm.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team lost to Mid-Prairie last night, 3-0, while the boys’ team finished with a 0-0 tie against the Golden Hawks. 

Mt. Pleasant traded victories with Keokuk last night with the girls’ team falling 7-1 and the boys’ team pulverizing the Chiefs, 13-0. Dylan White was unstoppable, scoring six goals and adding an assist to his stat line. The Panthers will face off against Fairfield on Monday with the boys’ playing at home at 4:30 pm and the girls’ team competing on the road at 5 pm.

Fairfield split their night against Burlington with the girls’ team losing 4-0 and the boys’ team shutting out the Grayhounds, 3-0. Cormac Van Pelt scored twice in the boys’ game. 

Washington was swept by Fort Madison last night with the girls’ falling, 6-1, and the boys’ team losing a tight one, 2-1.

The Central Lee boys’ team will face off against Sigourney-Keota tonight at 5 pm at home, while the girls’ team will travel to Washington at the same time.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will close out their road stand tonight against WACO at 5 pm, while the girls’ team will host Monmouth-Roseville tonight at the same time.

High School Golf

The Southeast Conference met up last night and the Washington boys’ team claimed another team victory in Fort Madison with a score of 149, while the Fort Madison girls’ team tied with Mt. Pleasant with both teams posting a 194. 

In the boys’ standings, Rajan Roth of Washington led the field with a round of 32 with Fairfield’s Andrew Myers finishing as the runner-up with a score of 37. Alek Barton and Owen Dolf of Mt. Pleasant, who claimed 3rd place as a team behind Fairfield, each turned in a card of 40, which was tied for the 5th best score of the round.

On the girls’ side, Fairfield’s Ellanor Bentler took the individual crown, shooting 2-over for the day, but the Trojans finished in 4th as a team. Washington’s third place finish was led by Adalyn Long and Elizabeth Hora, who each shot 8-over par for 4th place. Mt. Pleasant’s finish atop the standings was aided by three Panthers claiming a spot in the top 10, as Ashlynn Beauchamp took 6th place with a round of 9-over par. 

The Southeast Conference will compete against one another on Monday, April 13th, with the girls’ teams going to Fort Madison and the boys’ teams traveling to Washington. 

Mediapolis swept Central Lee last night with the girls’ team logging a score of 216-277, while the boys’ team snuck out with a narrow five-stroke victory, 161-166. On the girls’ side, Kate Wischmeier led Mediapolis with a score of 51–the best score of the course, while Lily Smith finished in 3rd place for Central Lee with a card of 54. Brock Spears and Ephram Hallgren each shot a 39 for Mediapolis to share the gold, while Caleb Larson and Carter Jones each carded a 40 to finish as the runners-up for the Hawks.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will compete in the Golden Hawk Invitational on Tuesday, April 14th. 

The Central Lee boys’ team will participate in the Lee County Invitational today.

High School Boys’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant shutout Fort Madison, 9-0, last night. Max Heater and Carter Gehling did not allow their opponent to win a set in their singles matches. 

Fairfield defeated Burlington last night, 6-3. The Trojans will travel to Mt. Pleasant on Monday, April 13th. 

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team clobbered Carl Sandburg College yesterday, 16-0. The Blackhawks will stay at home to face off against Indian Hills Community College in a doubleheader, tomorrow, April 11th.

The softball team will stay on the road for a doubleheader with Illinois Central College on Monday, April 13th.

College Baseball and Softball

The Iowa baseball team will travel to USC tonight with first pitch at 9 pm.

The Iowa State softball team will host #19 Oklahoma State today with first pitch at 4 pm.

The Iowa softball team will look to get back in the win column tonight against Georgia Tech at 5 pm at home.

This Day in Sports History

1947 – Jackie Robinson becomes the first Black player of the 20th century to sign an MLB contract; Brooklyn GM, Branch Rickey announces Dodgers had bought Robinson’s contract from Montreal Royals.

1964 – Demolition begins in Upper Manhattan, New York City on the Polo Grounds sports stadium (home to MLB Giants, 1891-1957, Mets, 1962-63, and NFL Jets, 1960-63) to clear the way for a housing project.

1979 – J. R. Richard of the Houston Astros pitches a complete game but sets an MLB record by throwing six wild pitches in a 2-1 win over the LA Dodgers at the Astrodome.