Valentine’s Concert Aims to Become SEISO Tradition

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 11:38 am CDT

A new Valentine’s concert in Mount Pleasant could become a lasting tradition for the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra. “Valentango” will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Chapel Auditorium, 601 North Main Street.

“Valentango,” will feature award-winning St. Louis guitarist W. Mark Akin, along with a regional children’s chorus, a regional youth string ensemble, and pop singer Kelsey Madsen of Cedar Rapids.

Madsen was a Hollywood Golden Ticket winner on American Idol in 2010 and has previously performed with the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, as has Akin. Organizers say the program will carry a Spanish influence, featuring selections from Carmen, Bolero, and Danzon No. 2, among others.

Madsen, who now teaches at Vinton-Shellsburg Elementary and the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy in Cedar Rapids, will also perform the love ballad “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.

In a video preview posted by the orchestra, Madsen says she’s excited and humbled to make music with the symphony and is inviting the public to bring loved ones and enjoy the performance.

More information about this and related events can be found online at seiso.us.

Washington County Fair Announces 2026 Theme: “Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights”

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 11:32 am CDT

The Washington County Fair in conjunction with the 4-H County Council is proud to announce its 2026 theme, “Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights,” celebrating the timeless traditions, local pride, and memories defining summer in Washington County. It is the perfect summer to celebrate patriotism for America’s 250th birthday.

“It’s an honor to select the county fair theme,” said 4-H County Council member Averi Janecek. “This year it’s about patriotism, community spirit, and those perfect summer evenings spent with family, friends, and neighbors at the county fair.”

This year’s fair will bring together classic fair favorites with a full lineup of events, including the tractor pull, rodeo, demolition derby and fresh new experiences for all ages. The fair favorites of carnival, food stands who support local service groups, live entertainment offered all day long and over 3000 youth exhibits make this place where generations gather to celebrate what makes our community shine.

The fair continues its commitment to honoring the hardworking individuals and traditions that keep Washington County strong.

The fair association is excited to preview these new shows: Canines in the Clouds featuring rescue dogs trained to entertain, Engineering Encounters where participants can discover robotics and future technologies, and Fisherman Dan’s comedy stunt show, plus more!

The Washington County Fair will take place July 19-25, with the kick-off concert on Saturday, July 18. Additional details, schedules, and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Washington County Fair Association, follow them on Facebook or at www.washingtoncountyfairia.com .

AAA Weekly Fuel Report: Iowa Gas Prices Rise Slightly This Week

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 11:24 am CDT

Gas prices are moving higher across Iowa this week. According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded rose eight cents to $2.55 per gallon. That’s still 39 cents lower than this time last year. The national average sits at $2.88, up five cents from a week ago.

Diesel prices in Iowa also climbed eight cents, now averaging $3.40 per gallon. That’s two cents lower than a year ago and about 20 cents below the national diesel average.

Crude oil prices increased this week as well. West Texas Intermediate crude rose to about $63.00 per barrel, while Brent crude reached $68.00. Both remain well below prices from a year ago.

For home energy, natural gas prices declined to about 385 per million BTUs. Propane in Iowa is averaging $1.59 per gallon, and home heating oil averages $2.84 statewide.

Drivers and homeowners can find energy-saving tips at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Burlington Man Found Guilty of Meth Precursor Possession

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 11:18 am CDT

A Burlington man has been found guilty on a drug-related charge following a jury trial in Des Moines County.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, a Des Moines County jury found Anthony Drake Selters, 42, of Burlington guilty of possession of precursors, specifically lithium, an ingredient commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

The charge resulted from an investigation at a residence at 1611 Lincoln Street in Burlington on October 29, 2025. The case involved the Burlington Police Department, High-Risk Unit officers, and the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force. Selters was later arrested as part of that investigation.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 9, 2026 at 3 p.m. at the Des Moines County Courthouse. Selters faces a maximum possible sentence of up to five years in prison.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Des Moines County Attorney Terri Quartucci. Selters was represented by Burlington attorney James Carter, and Judge Shane Wiley presided over the trial.

Sheila C. Kiesey

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 11:11 am CDT

Sheila C. Kiesey, 76, of Loveland, CO and formerly of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, January 29, 2026 at her residence in Loveland.

A memorial funeral service will be held at a later date. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, will be caring for Sheila’s local service arrangements.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Marilyn E. Davison

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 9:50 am CDT

Marilyn E. Graber Davison, 95, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of New London, died Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Briarwood Healthcare Center in Iowa City.  She was born November 7, 1930, in Trenton, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph L. and Alice B. Brannon Graber.  She married Dean D. Davison on July 21, 1952, and was widowed on November 29, 2010.

She was a student at Eagle Country School until eighth grade and a 1948 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School.  She then received her teaching certificate and began her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse where she taught children through eighth grade at Maple Grove (Prospect) Country School.  She went on to teach at Crawfordsville Elementary School and finished her many years of teaching at New London Elementary School, retiring in 1992.  She received her B.A. Degree in Education from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1973.

Marilyn was a lifelong member of the Trenton Missionary Church and served as Children’s Sunday School Superintendent as well as Sunday School teacher and Children’s Church director for over fifty years.  She also assisted her husband as church treasurer for many years and continued that position for several years after his death.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter Deana (Tim) Gholson of Iowa City and their sons Greg (Kelly) of Urbandale, Iowa and Grant (Kylie) of Windsor Heights, Iowa; her son Brian (Amy) Davison of Dublin, Ohio and their sons Joe (Gabby) of Monroe, North Carolina and Jeff (Kate) of Hilliard, Ohio; five great-grandchildren, Adelynn, Henry, Rosalina, Theodore and Kaleb; sister-in-law Sherry Graber of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents; siblings, Kenneth (Cecile) Graber, Ruth (Max) Wyse, Esther (Elwyn) Hirschy, Josephine (Charles) Conner, and John Graber; in-laws, Dale (Margie) Davison, Arthur (Grace) Davison, Kenneth (Virginia) Davison, Allie (Glen) Guengerich, Dorothy (John) Hinkle, Leo Wagner, Phyllis (Max) Graber, Erma (Duane) Alliman, and Jim (Pat) Davison.

Visitation will begin at noon on Friday at Elliott Chapel, New London, with the family greeting friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.  Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Trenton Missionary Church with Rev. David Forrester officiating.  Burial will follow at Burge Cemetery, New London with a luncheon immediately following at the Pizza Ranch in Mt. Pleasant.  Please check in with the hostess for Davison Funeral.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Trenton Missionary Church or Burge Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Henry County Caucuses Monday, February 2, 2026 – Locations Announced

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 7:57 am CDT

Henry County Republicans and Democrats have announced their caucus locations and times for Monday, February 2, 2026.

For Republicans, caucus sites vary by precinct:

  • Precinct 1: Waco High School Library at 706 N Pearl St, Wayland, IA 52654
  • Precinct 2: Winfield Veterans Building at 116 N Locust St, Winfield, IA 52659
  • Precinct 3: Salem Elementary School at 412 E Jackson St, Salem, IA 52649
  • Precincts 4-7: First United Methodist Church of Mount Pleasant at 309 N Main St, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
  • Precinct 8: Salem Elementary School at 412 E Jackson St, Salem, IA 52649
  • Precinct 9: New London Community Center at 103 W Washington St, New London, IA 52645

Henry County Democrats will hold all of their precinct caucuses at the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Pleasant located at 902 South Walnut Street.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and caucus activities begin at 7 p.m. Participants can register when they arrive if needed.

Party leaders say caucuses play an important role in the political process, giving local residents a voice in shaping party priorities, selecting delegates, and participating directly in grassroots democracy.

If you are unsure which precinct you live in, visit Iowa’s Secretary of State website and put in your address. It will list your precinct along with your polling place.

Henry County Republicans Contact Information:

Henry County Democrats Contact Information:

Sports, January 30th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, January 30th, 2026 at 6:40 am CDT

High School Basketball

Central Lee split their matchup with West Burlington last night, as the girls’ team picked up a 62-55 victory, while the boys’ team lost a 49-46 heartbreaker. 

Central Lee will take on Van Buren County tonight with the first game at 6 pm at home.

The Holy Trinity Catholic girls’ team lost a defensive slugfest to Wapello last night, 35-23, while the boys’ team kept rolling behind Layne Rung’s 26 points to dismantle Wapello, 65-42. Annaka Greiner’s 12 points led the Arrows. 

Mediapolis will tangle with Holy Trinity Catholic at home tonight with the girls’ teams playing at 6 pm.

Wapello will compete on the road against Winfield-Mt. Union tonight with gametime at 6 pm.

The Fairfield boys’ team lost to Washington last night, 81-55. The Trojans will face off against Keokuk at 6 pm tonight on the road. 

The Columbus girls’ team defeated New London last night, 59-6. Megan Lee scored all six points for the Tigers, while Iris Garza cashed in 12 points for the Wildcats.

WACO will host Columbus tonight with game one at 6 pm.

Danville will prepare for a road matchup against New London tonight 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 tonight with a showdown against West Burlington with the girls’ game tipping-off at 6 pm.

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

High School Wrestling

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team handled Burlington last night, 48-24. Aven Beauchamp, Levi Evans, Landon Yocum, Ramzy Davis, Jackson Newman, and Juan Lopez all picked up victories by fall. The Panthers will travel to Fairfield tomorrow, January 31st, for the Southern Iowa Classic. 

The Burlington Notre Dame and Van Buren County boys’ teams competed at a triangular last night as the Nikes defeated Louisa-Muscatine, 56-21, and Van Buren County 63-18. Jared Glendening finished the night 2-0. 

Van Buren County fell to the Falcons, 60-18. Jackson Meek and Alex Scott escaped the night unscathed. 

Wapello hosted a quad last night, but it was WACO that walked away 3-0, defeating Pekin, 60-12, Highland, 48-33, and the hosts, 42-29. Ian Maize, Rydge Sterna, Harley Larrimore, and Tyler Rogers each went undefeated for the night for the Warriors.

Wapello collected a 1-2 record for the meet, defeating Pekin, 47-6, but losing 49-24 against Highland. Cohen Wolford and Grayson Nagle led the charge for the squad, as they each went 3-0. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team hosted a quad last night and swept the competition, shutting out Lone Tree, 78-0, and stomping Mediapolis, 51-21, and Montezuma, 56-18. Angel Ineichen was the lone Wildcat to go undefeated in all three of his matches. 

Mediapolis picked up a victory over Lone Tree, 42-12, but fell to Montezuma, 47-24. James Garrison, Kyler Crow, and Brody Minster finished the night undefeated. 

The Southeast Iowa Super Conference boys’ teams will meet up tomorrow for their conference tournament. 

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 tonight.

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

High School Bowling

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

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

College Signing

Mt. Pleasant’s Addison Clark signed her letter of intent yesterday to continue playing volleyball at Simpson College in Indianola. For Clark, it might not have been the first choice, but a visit was all it took to change her mind,

“Actually, a funny story, Simpson was almost like a backup college. Like, I originally almost was gonna cancel it. I’d been to a couple different ones [colleges] and then I knew Savannah Walls went there and I was like, she’s always said good things. So I was like, you know, like, let’s go. And then I met the coach and absolutely fell in love with her. You know, she wanted me as a player and as a person, which I thought was really important. And then I loved their facilities. I thought the drive was a good drive. Two hours isn’t bad at all. And I don’t know, I just think everything fit into place. And then all of a sudden, I was like, wow, like this is where I want to go. And it just kind of had that like, this is it feeling.”

Clark was a two-time All-SEC 2nd Team nominee for the Panthers as she collected 640 career kills, leading the team in kills for the past two seasons. She will be studying Pediatric Oncology. 

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will take on Iowa Western Community College tomorrow, January 31st, at 1 pm on the road. 

The men’s basketball team clobbered Kennedy-King College last night, 87-66. Brady Martin cashed in for 14 points in the winning effort. The Blackhawks will host Malcolm X College tomorrow at 3 pm.

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will make the trip to Eureka College tonight at 6 pm.

College Basketball

The Iowa State women’s team will host UCF tomorrow, January 31st, at 2 pm.

The #8 Iowa women’s team had their eight-game win streak snapped by USC last night, 81-69. Journey Houston led the scoring with 16 points off the bench. The Hawkeyes will have to bounce back quickly with a showdown against #2 UCLA on the road on Sunday, February 1st, at 3 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team will spend some time on the west coast with a matchup against Oregon on Sunday at 7 pm. 

The #8 Iowa State men’s team demolished Colorado last night, 97-67. Jamarion Bateman produced 17 points from off the bench in the winning effort. The Cyclones will travel to Kansas State on Sunday at 1 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1936 – New owners of baseball’s Boston Braves survey newspaper journalists to pick a new team nickname, known as the ‘Bees’ in 1940 but return to the ‘Braves’ in 1941.

1971 – UCLA men’s basketball starts their NCAA record 88 game winning streak.

1990 – LA Kings center Wayne Gretzky sets an NHL record by scoring his 100th point of the season for the 11th straight season; milestone comes with an assist in a 5-2 Kings’ win over the visiting New Jersey Devils.