Mount Pleasant, IA — Access Energy Cooperative has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarship program, awarding $1,500 scholarships to twelve outstanding high school seniors from across its service area. These scholarships aim to support students as they pursue higher education and future careers while recognizing academic excellence, community involvement, and leadership.

Congratulations go to: Avery Morris of Birmingham; Cason Miller of Fairfield; Grace Lyon of Keosauqua; Madison Yarnell-Shaw of Fairfield; Alexa Fuller, Ethan Graber, Halaina Crane, and Owen Baker of Mount Pleasant; Brylie Lorence of West Point; Chase Johnson and Jalyn Hawk of Donnellson; and Nicholas Powell of New London.

District 1 recipients:

• Avery Morris, daughter of Geoff and Libby Morris, will attend Indian Hills Community College to pursue a career in nursing.

• Cason Miller, son of Stephen and Heather Miller, plans to major in Finance/Business and Turf Management at Iowa State University.

• Grace Lyon, daughter of Troy and Melinda Lyon, will attend Iowa State University, majoring in Animal Science.

• Madison Yarnell-Shaw, daughter of Derek Shaw, will study Criminology and Law and Justice at the University of Iowa.

District 2 recipients:

• Alexa Fuller, daughter of Andrea and Bruce Hudson, will major in Psychology at the University of Northern Iowa.

• Ethan Graber, son of Kendall and Shelley Graber, will study Agricultural Business-Agricultural Education at DMACC before transferring to Iowa State University.

• Halaina Crane, daughter of Andrew Crane and Dixie Crane, will major in Ecosystem Restoration and Management at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point.

• Owen Baker, son of Jeff and Jill Baker, plans to attend Kirkwood Community College.

District 3 recipients:

• Brylie Lorence, daughter of Andrew and Tonya Lorence, will pursue a career in Healthcare Administration at Indian Hills Community College.

• Chase Johnson, son of Ryan and Karen Johnson, will study Kinesiology/Strength and Conditioning at Loras College/William Penn University.

• Jalyn Hawk, daughter of Joe and Joanie Hawk, plans to attend St. Ambrose University, majoring in Exercise Science with a goal of becoming a physical therapist.

• Nicholas Powell, son of Marcus and Annie Powell, plans to pursue a career in Health Science.

Access Energy Cooperative awards six $1,500 scholarships annually—two in each of its three districts. Applicants must have parents or guardians who are members of the cooperative. Selections are based on academic achievement, community service, extracurricular involvement, and responses to application questions about the electric industry.

Access Energy Cooperative provides electricity to over 9,000 homes, farms, and businesses across 10 counties in southeast Iowa, staying committed to supporting local youth and strengthening communities.

MOUNT PLEASANT — Access Energy Cooperative has proudly announced the recipients of its 2025 Lineworker Scholarship program, awarding a total of $9,000 to three outstanding students who are preparing for careers in the electric utility industry.

Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners:

• Kayden Calfee, a graduate of Central Lee High School, who plans to attend the Powerline program at Northwest Community College.

• Blake Waste, a graduate of Danville High School, who will be pursuing the Electric Utility Technology program at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC).

• Corbin Jacobs-Jewell, a graduate of New London High School, who will be attending the Powerline program at Marshalltown Community College. (Photo not available)

Each recipient has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship to support their lineworker education. The Access Energy Cooperative Lineworker Scholarship is available to students whose parents or guardians are members of Access Energy Cooperative, as well as to those who are planning to pursue a career as a lineworker. Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic performance, achievements, community involvement, and a personal interview. All awardees must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a qualifying lineworker educational program.

Access Energy Cooperative serves as a rural distribution electric cooperative, providing reliable power to homes, farms, businesses, and industries across 10 counties in southeast Iowa. The cooperative’s scholarship program is part of its ongoing commitment to support workforce development and strengthen local communities.

Access Energy Cooperative congratulates Kayden, Blake, and Corbin on their achievements and wishes them the best as they take the next steps toward becoming essential members of Iowa’s energy workforce.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department is investigating reports of vandalism at the Maple Leaf Athletic Complex over the weekend. The incident involved the field house at the complex, where offensive words and graphic images were drawn on the field house doors.

Authorities say the investigation remains open as they work to identify individuals who may have been involved.

Mount Pleasant Community School District Superintendent John Henriksen addressed the situation, noting that, at this time, no individuals involved appear to be active students within the Mount Pleasant Community School District.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department continues to handle the investigation. Updates regarding any arrests or additional information will be shared with the public as they become available.

KILJ will keep the community informed as more details emerge about the vandalism at the Maple Leaf Athletic Complex. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Mount Pleasant Police Department.

On May 10^th, 2025, Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting a possible sexual assault. This started an investigation.

After investigation it was found the defendant, Kyle L. Wyatt, of Palo Iowa, did sexually assault a juvenile minor and did expose himself to the juvenile minor victim.

June 17^th, 2025, Kyle was arrested on one count of indecent exposure Iowa code section 709.9(1) and one count of sex abuse 3^rd-child victim related by blood Iowa code section 709.4(1)(B)(2)(B).

The curtain is rising on a new chapter for young performers in Southeast Iowa. Fairfield Youth Performing Arts (FYPA), a newly established nonprofit children’s theatre organization, is preparing to make its debut with a production of Mary Poppins Jr., promising an uplifting showcase of talent, creativity, and collaboration.

FYPA’s mission is to empower youth by providing a welcoming and inclusive space where children can explore and develop their artistic abilities. Through theatre, the organization aims to nurture confidence, imagination, and teamwork while enriching the broader Fairfield arts community.

“We want to create an environment where every child feels valued and inspired,” said FYPA organizers. “Our hope is to make Fairfield a destination for children’s theatre and a hub for cultivating the next generation of theatrical talent.”

FYPA’s inaugural production of Mary Poppins Jr. will be staged at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center with evening performances on July 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. and a matinee on July 27 at 3 p.m. Featuring young actors from Fairfield and surrounding Southeast Iowa communities, the beloved musical promises to delight audiences of all ages with its timeless story and memorable songs.

Tickets for Mary Poppins Jr. are now on sale through the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center Box Office and online at fairfieldacc.com. Community members are encouraged to come out and support the region’s rising stars as they bring this magical production to life.

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.

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.