Mount Pleasant City Council Discusses Street Project, Trail Grant, and Recognizes Safety Successes

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, June 12th, 2025 at 8:19 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council held its regular session Wednesday evening at City Hall, where members approved a series of motions related to infrastructure upgrades, trail grant applications, and heard updates from staff recognizing recent safety and maintenance successes across the city.

Washington Grand Connector Trail Grant Application

The Council approved a resolution authorizing the city to reapply to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s State Recreational Trails Program. This marks at least the fifth application attempt for funding the Washington Grand Connector Trail.

City officials remain persistent in their efforts. “We’ve already approved one route and have another application in the hopper,” said a representative during the discussion. “This one goes in a slightly different direction, and we’re just going to keep applying until we get one approved. It’s sorely needed for safety.”

South Street Reconstruction Project Moves Forward

Another resolution was approved to set a public hearing for the South Street reconstruction project. This project, though limited to one block, is expected to improve long-term infrastructure. A public hearing will soon be held to review the project’s specifications, contract terms, and estimated costs.

The meeting concluded with unanimous support for adjournment. The council will reconvene for its next regular meeting later this month.

For more information on council decisions and upcoming public hearings, visit www.cityofmountpleasant.com

Sports, June 12th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, June 12th, 2025 at 6:41 am CDT

High School Baseball

Winfield-Mt. Union piled in the runs last night, defeating Wapello 11-2. Riley Kaalberg sprinted his way around the basepath for a two-RBI triple as Lane Genkinger picked up the complete game win on the mound, accumulating seven strikeouts. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will face off against Hillcrest Academy tonight at 5:30 pm at home.

Wapello will tangle with Highland tomorrow, June 13th, at 7:30 pm on the road. 

Mt. Pleasant is back at home tonight to take on Burlington with first pitch at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

West Burlington will stay on the road to take on Lone Tree tonight at 5:30 pm.

Central Lee will square off against Van Buren County at 7:30 pm tonight at home. 

New London will take on #7 Mediapolis tonight on the road at 7:30 pm.

Danville will host Burlington Notre Dame tonight at 7:30 pm.

Fairfield will travel to Keokuk tonight at 7:30 pm.

High School Softball

Holy Trinity Catholic decided to walk the bases loaded in a tied ball game in the top of the 7th inning with two outs away against Central Lee last night and Jalyn Hawk made the Crusaders pay, knocking home the winning run in a 4-2 final. Central Lee remains undefeated in SEISC-South play.

Central Lee will take on Van Buren County at home tonight at 7 pm.

Danville will host Holy Trinity Catholic tonight at 7 pm.

#15 West Burlington/Notre Dame broke their four-game losing streak after scoring two runs in the top of the 7th inning to beat Keokuk last night 5-4. Madalyn Knapp crushed a home run and totaled two RBIs in the win. The Falcons will fly to Lone Tree tonight at 5:30 pm.

Mediapolis will square off against New London tonight at home at 7 pm.

Fairfield will attempt to get back in the win column tonight against Keokuk in a road showdown at 7:30 pm.

WACO will face off against Wapello on the road tonight at 7 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will host Burlington tonight at 7 pm.

Columbus will square off against Louisa-Muscatine on the road tonight at 7 pm.

High School Track

Mt. Pleasant held their track and field banquet last night and handed out some awards to celebrate another season of success, including a couple new school records. 

Starting on the girls’ side, the Panthers reclaimed the Southeast Conference crown with a strong performance from their relay teams and short distance sprinters. 

The 4×200 meter relay team broke four meet records, including the SEC meet record before setting a new school record of 1 minute and 43 seconds at the state qualifier. The team of Kynlee White, Ellie Freeman, Kiyah Sanders, and Alex Scott finished in 10th at state in the 4×200. 

Izzy Sloat received rookie of the year as she attended state for two events: the sprint medley relay and the long jump, taking 12th place in the latter with a leap of 16 feet and 3.25 inches. Linzy Striegel joined her at the long jump pit, claiming 21st place at state, earning Most Improved along with Alexis Wagner.

Scott could not ask for a better season, breaking the school record in the 4×200 meter relay and the 200-meter dash, rushing to a time of 25.56 seconds at the state prelim for 13th place. Additionally, she finished in 6th place in the 100-meter dash and the 4×100 meter relay at state. She was the leading scorer of the team.

For the boys’ team, Kaden Schadt took home Rookie of the Year as he led the team with a height of 6 feet in the high jump. Silas Hulett joined him in Rookie of the Year honors as he paced the long distance team. Mason Frueh earned Most Improved as the junior tossed the discus 140 feet and 10 inches for a team personal best.

Lastly, Avin Truong collected Leading Scorer for the season, despite suffering an injury in the later half of the season. Nevertheless, the senior broke the 23-foot mark in the long jump, setting a school record with a distance of 23 feet and 8 inches.

Payton Walker and Natalie Freeman received the Panther Award.

High School Cross Country

The Mt. Pleasant Cross Country team will be starting up their optional summer runs on Monday, June 16th. 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. The runs will continue through mid-August until the cross country camp. If you have any questions, then contact Coach Murray at 319-850-0867. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees defeated the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes last night 11-8 behind a strong offensive performance in the middle innings. Miles Risley led the Bees with four RBIs and a double at the plate. Burlington will travel to play the Quincy Doggy Paddlers tonight at 6:30 pm.

The Clinton LumberKings handled the Danville Dans last night 10-4. Jamie Rasmussen logged the only extra-base hit of the night for the LumberKings as he collected two RBIs. Clinton will host the rematch tonight at 6:30 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1939 – The Baseball Hall of Fame is dedicated in Cooperstown, New York.

1970 – Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dock Ellis no-hits the Padres, 2-0 at San Diego Stadium, while under the influence of LSD. 

1997 – After 126 years of major league play tradition, the first interleague game is played as the San Francisco Giants beat the host Texas Rangers, 4-3.

Burlington Man Arrested After Motorcycle Incident Leads to Discovery of Stolen Vehicle

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 at 8:21 pm CDT

A Burlington man is facing multiple charges after a motorcycle incident along U.S. Highway 61 on Wednesday led to the discovery of a stolen vehicle and false identification.

On June 11, 2025, at approximately 2:55 p.m., Des Moines County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the area of U.S. Highway 61 and 130th Street for a report of a possible motorcycle accident and a verbal altercation between a man and a woman.

Deputies located a male subject in the 13000 block of Highway 61. The individual initially gave deputies a false name but was later identified as 61-year-old William Gene Henson of Burlington, Iowa. Deputies were informed by the Burlington Police Department that Henson was a suspect in the theft of a motorcycle reported stolen earlier that day.

Further investigation revealed that Henson did not possess a valid driver’s license. He was placed under arrest for providing false identification information.

Deputies later found a 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle in the 11000 block of 130th Street. The motorcycle had minor damage and appeared to have been laid down. A registration check confirmed it was the same vehicle reported stolen out of Burlington.

The female involved was located near the original incident site. She told deputies that Henson had picked her up on the motorcycle earlier in the day and drove to the area where the vehicle eventually became inoperable.

Henson was taken into custody and transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center. He faces charges of Theft in the 2nd Degree, Providing False Identification Information, and Driving Without a Valid License.

Authorities remind the public that criminal charges are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

William “Bill” Tolander

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 at 2:26 pm CDT

William O. “Bill” Tolander, 91, of Mt. Pleasant, died Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Washington County Hospital in Washington, IA.

A funeral service for Bill will be 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 19, at the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church in Swedesburg. The Reverend Mark Youngquist will officiate. Burial will be in the Swedesburg Lutheran Cemetery with graveside military honors conducted by the Iowa Military Funeral Honors Detail. Friends may call from 12 Noon to 7PM on Wednesday, June 18, at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family is not planning to be present at any specific time.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

Weekly Fuel Report as of June 11, 2025

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 at 2:26 pm CDT

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 2 cents this week, averaging $2.92 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $3.76 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $66.62.
  • Brent crude oil rose by $3.44 and is currently priced at $68.32.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $78.88 and Brent crude was $80.15.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.92 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices fell 2 cents from last week’s price and are down 23 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.12, down 2 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 3 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.28.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.49 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 23 cents lower than the national average of $3.51.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $1.95 for U87-E10, $2.28 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.20 for ULSD#2, $2.46 for ULSD#1, and $1.88 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices were down $.21 at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.51  MMbtu.
  • We will continue reporting retail heating oil and propane prices in Iowa in October.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Genevieve M. “Gee Gee” Fetterman

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 at 11:39 am CDT

Genevieve M. “Gee Gee” Fetterman, 89, of Salem passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Henry County Health Center, in Mount Pleasant surrounded by her loving family.

Gee Gee was born on August 30, 1935, in Iowa City, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Cooper) Wesely.  She was united in marriage to Nathan J. “Shorty” Fetterman on August 31, 1953, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Mount Pleasant.  They were married 68 years before he passed away on May 16, 2022.  She worked at Metromail, FBG and the VanVorhies Haus, retiring at the age of 84.  Throughout her life she had many different hobbies, she helped on the family farm, gardening, was an excellent cook and made wedding cakes and mints for several weddings.  She was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church of Mount Pleasant.

Those thankful in sharing in her life include her children, Becky Thornton, of Salem and Randy Fetterman of Oquauka, Illinois, her grandchildren, Brandon Fetterman, Megan (Jarod) Conrad, Matthew Fetterman and Tasha (Tommy) Thornton, her great grandchildren, Chayse, Lakota, Julian, Val and Rhaenyra, along with several nieces and nephews.

Gee Gee was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Shorty, her son-in-law, Jack Thornton, her brothers, Mike, Charlie, George, Paul, Frank Jr., “Joe”, and John along with five sisters, Priscilla, Irma Jean, Bertha, Dorothy and Jane.

Friends may call on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 2 until 7 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.  The family will not be present. Memorials may be directed to the Salem Fire and Rescue Association or to the Faith Lutheran Church in her memory.  According to her wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Martha L. Coil

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 at 11:37 am CDT

Martha L. Coil, 82, a resident of Ankeny, passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield. Memorials may be made to The Friends of the Ankeny Library. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Martha was born February 26, 1943 in Fairfield, the daughter of Ward and Lenelle (Lisco) Hunt. She was a 1961 graduate of Fairfield High School. Martha married Marsalan “Bill” Coil, June 14, 1969. He preceded her in death January 23, 2022.

Martha was an elementary school teacher and later a librarian in Ankeny. She enjoyed quilting, traveling with her daughter Sally, visiting friends and family, and attending her class reunions.

Those left to honor her memory include her brother, Chuck (Angela Hughell) Hunt of Pella, and her sister, Marilyn Dotter of Ulladulla, New South Wales, Australia; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Sally Coil; and brother, Leonard Hunt.

Online condolences may be made to Martha’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Marian Louise Luedtke

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 at 11:35 am CDT

Marian Louise Luedtke, 77, a resident of Grimes, Iowa, formerly of Fairfield,

passed away Saturday, January 4, 2025 at her sister’s home in Iowa City, surrounded by family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Fairfield. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at This Old Barn, 1868 Kelp Avenue, Fairfield. Memorials may be made to the Carnegie Museum, McElhinny House Foundation, or First Lutheran Church and mailed to the family at 809 SW Timberview Dr., Grimes, Iowa 50111. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Louise was born February 23, 1947 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the daughter of

John and Marian (Powers) Kellogg. The family moved to Matteson, Illinois where

Louise was raised. While attending Iowa State University, she met Gene Luedtke.

They were married July 26, 1969 in Park Forest, Illinois. They celebrated 50 years

of marriage prior to his death August 18, 2019.

Louise worked for many years as the secretary for First Lutheran Church and then at First Christian Church. Louise was a member of PEO, Fairfield Women’s Club, Wit and Wisdom Club in Fairfield, Iowa State Alumni Association, and the Grimes Golden Group.

Louise enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and

performances, sewing, quilting, gardening, and watching Iowa State athletics.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Nathan (Julia)

Luedtke of Waynesboro, Virginia and Meghan (Brandon) Jones of Grimes, Iowa;

five grandchildren, Nicholas Luedtke, Avery Luedtke, Holly Luedtke, Molli Jones

and Maddyn Jones; sisters, Martha (Eddy) Waldschmidt of Iowa City and Mary

(Eivind) Nilsen of Lake Stevens, Washington; brothers, John (Diane) Kellogg of

Essex Junction, Vermont, Craig (Ginia) Kellogg of Wenatchee, Washington, and Bob (Laura) Kellogg of Flower Mound, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Online condolences may be made to Louise’s family by viewing her obituary

at www.behnerfh.com.