Trees for Kids Grant Applications Due August 22

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 at 8:06 am CDT

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is inviting communities across the state to apply for funding through its popular Trees for Kids grant program. Applications will be accepted through August 22, giving cities, schools, and local organizations an opportunity to enhance their green spaces while engaging youth in hands-on environmental education.

The grant offers up to $2,500 per award to purchase trees and mulch. All trees funded by the program must be planted on public community grounds such as parks, community centers, or public school campuses. A key component of the program is youth involvement — kids are encouraged to take part in the planting process, giving them a chance to contribute directly to their community’s natural environment.

“Planting trees is a fun way to connect kids to nature, build on their sense of wonder and explore the benefits trees provide at their school and in their community,” said Chip Murrow, urban forestry program specialist with the Iowa DNR.

Research shows that trees planted near schools and in neighborhoods can provide significant benefits for young people, including improved concentration, reduced aggression, lower obesity rates, and fewer symptoms associated with ADHD.

Organizations interested in applying can find more information and submit applications online at www.iowadnr.gov/urbangrants.

WEDG Donates $25,000 to Support New ADA Accessible Restrooms at Washington County Fairgrounds

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 at 8:05 am CDT

The Washington Economic Development Group (WEDG) has stepped up in support of the Washington County Fair Association, donating $25,000 to help fund the Northside Restroom Project at the fairgrounds. The contribution will assist with construction costs for a new permanent, ADA accessible restroom facility — a much-anticipated improvement that is already generating excitement among fair supporters.

Work on the project began on May 23, with Leichty & Son Construction, Inc. leading the removal of old concrete and excavation for the building’s footings. The fair board hopes the new restrooms will be ready in time for the 2025 Washington County Fair, which runs July 13 through July 18.

The restroom facility will feature five stalls for women, two stalls and four urinals for men, and two family bathrooms. Each family bathroom will be equipped with a toilet, sink, hand dryer or paper towels, and an adult changing table. The design ensures easy, level access for strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers.

The 2025 Washington County Fair will kick off on Saturday, July 12, with a free concert. To learn more about the fair, visit www.washingtoncountyfairia.com or follow the Washington County Fair Association on Facebook.

June E. Pisone

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 at 8:02 am CDT

June E. Pisone passed away peacefully, May 14, 2025, in her home at the age of 99. She was two months shy of her 100th Birthday! June was born in Spirit Lake, Iowa. She was the daughter of Lara ‘Hedges’ Baird and Walter Baird. At the age of 16, June married Robert Cocherel just before he left for WW2. At the age of 17, June was on her own and started working at Shafer Pen Company. Three years later, her husband returned home from the war, and they started a family. June had three children, Mikey, MaryLou, and Vickie. June was preceded in death by her beloved little boy, Mikey, who died at the age of 5. Later, June and her husband Bob moved their two children to Southern California. June ultimately had four grandchildren: Wendy, Jeremy, Molly and Sally.

Later, June and her husband moved to Idaho, where she worked in airport security and ultimately for the Boise Police Department. June left the police department to care for her aging mother. She was later widowed, but June married the love of her life, Bob Waldron. The two loved to jump in their camper and travel. They would also go dancing together. Once again, she was widowed. She later met and married Americo “Jack” Pisone. The two of them were married for 17 years before she was, once again, widowed. June was preceded in death by her parents, three husbands, all three of her children, and one grandchild. June continued to live on her own and was actively involved at the senior center, dancing, as well as feeding all the neighborhood birds (and a few squirrels). She lived a full, active life and was a joy for all who got to know her. She was very independent and extremely smart. She remained as such all the way to the end of her life. She died exactly as she wished–peacefully, in her sleep, in her own home. She will be greatly missed by her last surviving family members: Wendy Puthuff, granddaughter; Jeremy Breese, grandson; Molly Almquist, granddaughter; and her dear nephew, Tony Baird.

 

“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

Matthew 25:23

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 20, 2025, at Greenglade Cemetery in Farmington, Iowa.

Burial will be at Greenglade Cemetery, Farmington.

A memorial has been established in her memory.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Sports, June 18th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 at 6:24 am CDT

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant evaded the rain last night and handled Davis County 11-3. Payton Walker and Cooper Coleman did not register a hit but combined for five RBIs. J.C. Sitar collected the win on the mound with three strikeouts, pitching four innings, while whacking an RBI double at the plate. The Panthers will travel to Fairfield tomorrow, June 19th, at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

New London’s offensive surge in the middle innings led to a 6-4 victory over Winfield-Mt. Union last night. Gavin Strawhacker tripled home three runs for the Tigers. Riley Kaalberg smashed a home run for three RBIs for the Wolves. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will make the trip to Louisa-Muscatine at 5:30 pm tomorrow. 

New London’s contest against Lisbon scheduled for tonight has been canceled. 

Central Lee and Danville had their matchup postponed last night with a makeup date to be announced at a later time. 

Central Lee will compete against Highland at 5:30 pm tomorrow to celebrate their senior night. 

Danville and #6 Mediapolis have canceled their contest for tonight. A makeup date will be announced at a later date. 

West Burlington and Van Buren County have postponed tonight’s matchup to Monday, June 23rd. 

Wapello versus Calamus-Wheatland has been canceled for tonight due to the weather. 

Burlington Notre Dame will travel to Regina Catholic tonight at 7 pm.

High School Softball

West Burlington/Notre Dame and Van Buren County have postponed tonight’s matchup to Monday, June 23rd. 

Mediapolis poured on the runs against Holy Trinity Catholic, winning 11-1. Avery Crear led the Bulldogs with two RBIs. The Crusaders will take on West Burlington/Notre Dame tomorrow at 5:30 pm for a make-up game. 

Mt. Pleasant and Mediapolis have canceled their contest for tonight.

Wapello’s Quinn Zweibohmer was impervious in the circle last night for the Arrows, tossing an 11 strikeout complete game shutout against Columbus for a 1-0 victory. 

Wapello will host Hillcrest Academy tomorrow at 7 pm.

Columbus will travel to WACO tomorrow at 7 pm.

WACO had their matchup against Highland last night postponed to June 25th. 

Danville and #15 Central Lee had their game postponed last night to July 1st.

Danville will compete in a doubleheader at home tomorrow against Mediapolis with game one at 5:30 pm. 

#15 Central Lee will celebrate senior night tomorrow against Highland at 7 pm.

Fairfield will face off against Mt. Pleasant tomorrow at 7:30 pm at home.

New London will travel to Van Buren County tomorrow at 7 pm.

High School Cross Country

The Mt. Pleasant Cross Country team’s summer runs are underway until their camp in mid-August. The runs are available to any 7th through 12th grader with paces and plans dependent on the level of experience. Coaches may not be present at every run as upperclassmen often lead the runs.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, the runs will begin at 6:30 am at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the runs will begin at Saunders Park by the swimming pool at 7 pm. If you have any questions, then contact Coach Murray at 319-850-0867. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees’ losing streak extended to four games after last night’s 6-2 loss to the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp. Corey Boyett clocked a solo home run in the losing effort. The Bees will get a rematch with the Pistol Shrimp tonight on the road at 7:05 pm. 

The Clinton LumberKings had their matchup against the Quincy Doggy Paddlers postponed last night. The two will participate in a doubleheader tonight with game one at 5 pm with the LumberKings on the road. 

This Day in Sports History

1911 – The Detroit Tigers trail the Chicago White Sox 13-1 at Bennett Park, Detroit; the Tigers recover to win 16-15 for the biggest comeback in Major League Baseball history at the time.

1972 – The US Supreme Court, 5-3, confirms the lower court rulings in the Curt Flood case, upholding baseball’s exemption from antitrust laws.

2000 – 100th US Open Men’s Golf, Pebble Beach GL: Tiger Woods wins his first US Open by a major championship record-setting 15 strokes over Ernie Els and Miguel Ángel Jiménez.

Prep Baseball and Softball: A Look at the Southeast Conference at the Halfway Point

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 at 5:54 pm CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- Over half of the regular season is in the books for baseball and softball and exactly half of the Southeast Conference (SEC) slate of contests in the rearview mirror. Two teams have cemented themselves as the favorites to grab the crown, but there’s still plenty of ball left to play.

Baseball SEC Standings

  1. Burlington (8-0)
  2. Fairfield (6-2)
  3. Pleasant (5-3)
  4. Fort Madison (3-5)
  5. Washington (2-6)
  6. Keokuk (0-8)

Last night’s doubleheader was a true test of where every team lies on the spectrum of the SEC. Burlington had the helpful advantage of home field advantage and took that opportunity to outperform Iowa’s #15 offense in terms of batting average to win game one 9-8, then displayed their top #10 offense in a 10-3 victory.

When it comes down to conference games for Burlington, their offense has been unstoppable, averaging over 10 runs per game, while keeping their opponents to less than three runs per game.

Fairfield has on the defensive end with three of their games being decided by three runs or less, two of which against teams with a losing record in conference. Surprisingly, their team ERA sits at a fair 3.49, which is first in the conference.

Mt. Pleasant just cannot get out of their own way early in the season with a team ERA of 10.40 in their seven losses this season. It gets even worse against the best in the conference, allowing 20, 14, and 12, respectively, as they were swept by Fairfield and lost to Burlington.

Moreover, the Panthers have the unfortunate distinction of either being tied with or leading after the fourth inning in two of the three games. An appealing sight for Mt. Pleasant’s conference hopes was a sweep of Fort Madison and getting complete game finishes from Zach Newton and Grayson Lowery. Panther head coach Brent Broeker said they were chasing Fairfield and Burlington for the crown in a preseason interview; the race officially heats up on Thursday, June 19th, in Fairfield at 7:30 pm with KILJ on the call.

There’s no answers for Fort Madison, just pain. The Bloodhounds swept Keokuk to start the year without much resistance and held a Fairfield offense to just two runs, though falling 2-1 in the contest. That loss has been a microcosm for the season, as their 6-4 loss to Mt. Pleasant last night marked their fifth loss in conference and their fifth loss of the season by two runs or less. Moreover, the Bloodhounds are still winless in non-conference games.

Washington might have a losing record but look out for the Demons for the rest of the season. This squad has led in four of their losses and even forced extras against Fort Madison. The clobbered Keokuk last night, scoring 12 runs in both contests. A confident Washington squad could create some noise in Burlington on Thursday to start the second half of SEC play.

The Chiefs have not scored more than three runs in one game this season and have only one win. They currently have a negative run differential of 72 runs against the Southeast Conference. They will get an opportunity to flip the script on Thursday at home versus Fort Madison.

Softball Rankings

  1. #9 Washington (8-0)
  2. Fairfield (5-3)
  3. Fort Madison (4-4)
  4. Burlington (4-4)
  5. Pleasant (2-6)
  6. Keokuk (1-7)

Washington has been tested a handful of times this year with three conference wins coming by three runs or less. Still, the Demons have also beaten four of their five conference foes by at least nine runs. The Salazars have the Demons cooking with Leighton hitting above 0.500 from the plate and nabbing 28 bags on the basepath, while Isabella is dealing a 3.12 ERA, all conference leaders.

Fairfield is smoking the ball through half of the season with a conference leading batting average of 0.344, which is helping the Trojans produce 7.6 runs per game. However, in their three conference losses Fairfield has been outscored 39 to 13. Leah Helmick has cemented herself as a star for the Trojans with a conference leading 23 RBIs and a team leading 4.63 ERA as a sophomore.

Fort Madison has hit a cold spell in the conference, inversing their 3-1 start in SEC play, including dropping their first game to Mt. Pleasant since 2020 in last night’s mayfly infested doubleheader. Without Brylie Lorence, this team would be in trouble as she poses a slash line of 0.452/0.511/0.905, while slugging five home runs and knocking in 17 RBIs.

Burlington’s lack of pitching has reared its ugly head for the first time since the mid-2010s with a team ERA of 4.94. Their star player, Kylee Hill, has appeared in only six games this season and has done wonders in the circle, twirling a 1.91 ERA with 41 strikeouts, but is hitting just 0.143 for the season. Burlington will try to avoid losing their third straight game against Washington on Thursday, June 19th, in front of their home crowd.

Mt. Pleasant has now won multiple conference games in a season since 2020, matching their two wins in the COVID-shortened year. The Panthers are a young team and certainly play one with bursts of offensive production at times overrun by defensive miscues as they have held only three of their 19 opponents under seven runs this season. Still, plenty reason to celebrate a team batting near 0.300 for the year as Paityn Ensminger is swinging at a 0.396 average for four doubles, a home run, and 11 RBIs. Mt. Pleasant will travel to Fairfield on Thursday.

It has been a season to forget for Keokuk, nabbing just two wins in 18 tries this season after returning three of their main producing seniors from a squad that won double digit games a year ago for the first time since 2018. The issue? Those three seniors are producing their best seasons at the plate and while Ada Wood has taken a step back in the circle, the Chiefs are furiously searching for young talent to step up. A home game against Fort Madison on Thursday will see how gauge how motivated this squad is for the rest of the season.

Henry County Supervisors June 19, 2025

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 at 12:12 pm CDT

Henry County Supervisors

100 E Washington St Ste 202

Mt Pleasant IA  52641

Fax: 319-385-3601 

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

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

 

AGENDA

Board of Supervisors

June 19, 2025

9:00 a.m.

  • Agenda
  • Approval of Minutes
  • Approval of Claims
  • County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss Weekly Updates

Motion – Approve and Execute MOU with City of Mt. Pleasant

Motion – Promote Employee to Equipment Operator II

  • Oakland Mills Historic Flag Stop Update, Lynn Conrad
  • Discussion on the Land Surrounding Christamore House, Trey Hegar
  • States Approval of Liquor License.
  • 2nd Reading of Alternative Energy Overly District
  • Public Hearing for Standard Penalties Ordinance
  • First Reading, Open Burning Ordinance

Supervisors’ Sub-Committee Updates

House Fire at 505 N Iowa Ave in Washington Draws Multi‑Department Response

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 at 8:23 am CDT

A significant fire broke out Monday afternoon at a multi‑unit residence located at 505 North Iowa Avenue, Washington, IA, prompting a large-scale response from local fire departments.

At approximately 2:15 p.m. on June 16, 2025, the first 911 call reported flames engulfing the top apartment of the home. Units from the Washington Fire Department were dispatched immediately, followed swiftly by mutual aid from Ainsworth Fire, Keota Fire, Kalona Fire, Riverside Fire, and Wayland Fire Departments.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find the top-floor unit actively burning. Coordinated efforts from multiple crews quickly brought the blaze under control and eventually extinguished the fire. No injuries have been reported.

As of now, the cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have not released further details.

Residents in the area are urged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity around the property to local law enforcement, as the investigation continues.

Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report June 9 – 15, 2025

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 at 8:14 am CDT
Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

June 9 – 15, 2025

DES MOINES, Iowa (June 16, 2025) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented 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.

“Strong storms swept through parts of northern Iowa last week, bringing hail that damaged some corn and soybean fields. Despite that unwelcomed severe weather, most of the state experienced a good mix of rain and seasonal temperatures that helped the crops progress,” said Secretary Naig. “As summer officially arrives this week, forecasts are showing warmer-than-normal temperatures and continued chances of storms and widespread showers.”

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

Crop Report
Farmers had 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 15, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Damaging hail and wind was reported in parts of northern Iowa, which also received the most significant rainfall during the week. Field activities included cutting hay, side dressing and spraying crops.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 22 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 7 percent very short, 29 percent short, 60 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

At 97 percent, nearly all of Iowa’s corn crop has emerged, ahead of last year’s pace but matching the 5-year average. Corn condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 63 percent good and 21 percent excellent. Ninety-three percent of soybeans have emerged, 1 week ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of normal. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 62 percent good and 18 percent excellent. Iowa’s oat crop reached 69 percent headed and 19 percent turning color. Oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 65 percent good and 19 percent excellent.

Eighty-eight percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed. The second cutting reached 16 percent complete. Hay condition rated 82 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 69 to percent good to excellent. No major livestock concerns were reported.

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

An unsettled weather pattern persisted across Iowa over the reporting period with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms. Even though rainfall was widespread, weekly totals were still below normal for much of Iowa. Temperatures were generally near-normal to a degree above normal for most of Iowa with a statewide average temperature of 70.2 degrees, 0.4 degree above normal.

Showers pushed across southern Iowa on Sunday (8th) afternoon as a cold front dropped through the state. Clear skies over northern Iowa helped push temperatures into the mid 70s. Rainfall totals were generally under 0.20 inch with most stations reporting less than 0.10 inch; a 0.21-inch-total was found in Murray (Clarke County). Winds shifted to the northwest on Monday (9th) morning with partly cloudy conditions developing through the daytime hours and highs in the 60s. Tuesday (10th) dawned with clear skies and patchy fog over portions of Iowa where winds were light; morning lows held in the 50s for most Iowa stations. Westerly winds persisted as highs warmed into the upper 80s and low 90s in northwestern Iowa with upper 70s southeast under sunny skies. A southerly shifting wind and temperatures in the 60s greeted Iowans on Wednesday (11th) morning with conditions quickly warming into the 80s by noon. A stationary front draped over northern Iowa was a forcing mechanism for strong to severe thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours. Several storms produced large hail and severe straight-line winds along a line from Rock Rapids (Lyon County) to Urbana (Benton County). There were numerous reports of crop and tree damage from larger hail and wind-driven hail. Moderate to heavy rain and training thunderstorms also brought significant totals to north-central Iowa; Nashua (Floyd County) observed 2.10 inches while Mason City (Cerro Gordo County) collected 3.22 inches. Many stations along the eastern and western periphery reported amounts in the 0.50 to 1.00-inch with lesser totals farther south.

Winds turned easterly into Thursday (12th) with some lingering showers in northern Iowa with otherwise clear conditions and temperatures in the 60s. Scattered thundershowers popped up from south-central to northeastern Iowa during the late afternoon into the nighttime hours. Several stations reported heavier amounts, varying from 1.02 inches in Davis City (Decatur County) to 2.20 inches in Osage (Mitchell County). Conditions stabilized on Friday (13th) with southeasterly winds and unseasonably warm temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s. Cloud cover increased into the afternoon with daytime highs in the 80s statewide. A few isolated thunderstorms developed in north-central Iowa around sunset with showers moving over extreme southeastern Iowa; rain totals were under a few tenths of an inch. Overnight lows on Saturday (14th) were up to 10 degrees above normal, in the upper 60s and low 70s for several locations. With higher dewpoints and light winds, dense fog formed over much of the state through early morning. As temperatures warmed, showers and thunderstorms developed along a surface boundary from central to northwestern Iowa, where some cells became severe warned. The complex expanded over most of northern Iowa with the highest amounts in Hamilton County where two Webster City gauges collected 2.61 and 2.84 inches. Twenty-five stations reported at least an inch with widespread 0.25- to 0.50-inch totals reported at 7:00 am on Sunday (15th); the statewide average was 0.38 inch.

Weekly rainfall ranged from no accumulation in eastern and western Iowa to 3.83 inches in Mason City. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.68 inch; the normal is 1.19 inches. Manchester (Delaware County) reported the week’s high temperature of 97 degrees on the 11th, 18 degrees above normal. Mount Ayr (Ringgold County) and Stanley (Buchanan County) reported the week’s low temperature of 43 degrees on the 10th, on average 15 degrees below normal.