Henry County Sheriff’s Office Adds Free Narcan Dispenser to Lobby

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 15th, 2026 at 9:49 am CDT

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office has installed a free naloxone medication dispenser in its lobby, making the life-saving overdose reversal drug more accessible to the public.

Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and has become a critical tool in combating the ongoing opioid crisis.

Sheriff’s officials say the new dispenser was made possible through a partnership with the Henry County Opioid Prevention Alliance and Community Health Centers of Southeastern Iowa.

The sheriff’s office says the goal is to provide easy access to naloxone for anyone who may need it, helping save lives and improve emergency response in the community. Residents can stop by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office lobby to pick up the medication free of charge.

Midwest Old Threshers Looking for More Local Hosts Ahead of 2026 Reunion

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 15th, 2026 at 9:46 am CDT

Midwest Old Threshers is putting out the call for more local homeowners to join its In-Home Stay Program ahead of this year’s annual Reunion.

The organization says the program helps connect visitors coming to Mount Pleasant for the 2026 Midwest Old Threshers Reunion with local residents willing to open their homes for lodging. Officials say the need is growing, especially for homes with few steps, accessible entrances, or single-level living arrangements.

Midwest Old Threshers Public Relations and Marketing Director Grant Davidson says current host homes are filling quickly, while more visitors continue asking for places to stay during the five-day event.

The 2026 Reunion is scheduled for September 3rd through the 7th and will be part of the nationwide America 250 celebration. This year’s theme is “Where America’s Story Still Runs on Steam.” Thousands are expected to visit Mount Pleasant for steam engines, antique tractors, historic exhibits, live entertainment, and family-friendly attractions.

Anyone interested in becoming a host family or learning more about the In-Home Stay Program can contact Lori Shoultz at 309-791-7689.

More Severe Weather on the Way Before the Close of Spring

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 15th, 2026 at 9:33 am CDT

After a stretch of hot and humid weather, southeast Iowa is enjoying a much cooler start to the week. Temperatures in Mount Pleasant dipped into the upper 40s overnight, with a calm and sunny start to Monday morning. Highs today are expected to top out in the upper 70s, making for a comfortable break from the recent heat.

That cooler weather sticks around into Tuesday, with highs again in the upper 70s and only a slight chance of showers.

But don’t get too comfortable — the National Weather Service says storm chances ramp up Wednesday, with several rounds of thunderstorms possible throughout the day. The strongest storms are expected during the afternoon, bringing the potential for damaging winds over 60 miles per hour, hail up to golf-ball size, isolated flash flooding, and even a few tornadoes.

The severe threat is expected to ease by mid-evening as a cold front moves through.

Forecasters say now is the time to review your severe weather plan and make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings.

Enjoy the break from the heat while it lasts — because Iowa weather may be gearing up for another wild Wednesday.

Join the Mount Pleasant Fourth of July Parade

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 15th, 2026 at 9:32 am CDT

Mount Pleasant’s annual Fourth of July Celebration Committee is inviting local businesses, organizations, clubs, and sports teams to take part in this year’s community parade.

The parade will line up at 4:30 p.m. near the Carousel Building at McMillan Park, with the parade officially stepping off at 5 p.m. The route will pass by the Wright Pavilion and behind the grandstand.

Event organizers say the more entries, the better, as the parade continues to be a highlight of the community’s Independence Day festivities.

Groups interested in participating are encouraged to get involved and help make this year’s celebration one of the biggest yet.

In addition, reserved parking spots are now available for the Fourth of July festivities. A $25 donation will reserve one front-row parking spot and a picnic table. Those interested can message the Mount Pleasant Community Fourth of July Celebration Facebook page to reserve before spots are gone.

ATV Rodeo is a GO at Henry County Fair

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 15th, 2026 at 9:31 am CDT

The Henry County Fair is gearing up for some fast-paced action with its annual ATV Rodeo, set for Sunday, July 19th.

Registration begins at noon, with racing scheduled to start at 1 p.m. The event is open to participants 18 and under, and there is no entry fee or payout. Organizers remind families that a waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian before racing.

Classes will include kids 8 and under with a 300cc limit, kids ages 9 to 12 with no cc limit, 2-stroke ATV, 400cc ATV, 401cc and up, utility ATV classes, and dirt bikes.

Fair officials say it’s a great opportunity for young riders to show off their skills and be part of one of the fair’s popular motorsports events. Spectators are encouraged to come out and cheer on the racers during fair week.

David Lloyd Schenk

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 15th, 2026 at 8:54 am CDT

David Lloyd Schenk, 79, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant. 

Terry E. Wasson

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 15th, 2026 at 8:52 am CDT

Terry E. Wasson, 80, of Mount Pleasant went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Park Place Senior Living Center in Mount Pleasant.

Terry was born on December 16, 1945, at Burlington, the son of Albert P. and Philsyleen (Babe) Wasson.  He attended New London School graduating in the class of 1964.  Terry was united in marriage to Elizabeth Eland on August 2,1968, at the First Presbyterian Church in Winfield.

Terry served his community as a Winfield Patrol Officer, becoming Police Chief in 1976.  After 3 years he joined the Henry County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy for 6 years.  He left the Sheriff’s Department to become a correctional officer at the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, a position he held for 21 years until his retirement in 2006. Terry was dedicated to serving the Winfield Fire and Rescue for 34 years, 25 years as fire chief.  He was honored to be selected as Firefighter of the Year in 2010.

Terry will be deeply missed by his wife of 57 years, Liz, his two daughters, Christine (Ron) Griffith and Jodi Wasson (Tim VanAmerongen), his grandchildren, Ali (Zach) Wolf, Reid (Emily) Griffith, Evan (Savannah) Griffith, Jenna (Eli) Roeth, Taran VanAmerongen (Harley Clark), Mica (Blare) Bohler, Dalon (DeeAnn Stark) VanAmerongen, his great grandchildren, Daphne Griffith, Bentley VanAmerongen, Jamison Clark, JR Clark, Israe Bohler, Autum Bohler and Jennings Beaty.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant with Pastor Nancy Sutherland officiating.  Burial will follow in the Winfield Scott Township Cemetery.  Terry’s family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home on Thursday.  Memorials may be directed to the Winfield Fire and Rescue in his memory.  Following the services there will be a time of fellowship with a light meal at the Winfield First Presbyterian Church.

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

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Terry.

Sports, June 15th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, June 15th, 2026 at 6:38 am CDT

High School Softball

The West Branch Tournament was held this past weekend and New London and Columbus both made the trip. The Tigers lost to Iowa Valley, 12-2, and the Wildcats fell to the hosts, 12-2. 

New London will travel to Hillcrest Academy tonight at 7 pm. 

Columbus will face off against Wapello on the road tomorrow, June 16th, at 5 pm. 

Day two of the Fairfield tournament did not go the host’s way, as the Trojans lost to both Cardinal, 3-2, and Van Buren County, 12-7. The Warriors were shutout by Albia to split their weekend. 

Central Lee split their Saturday slate, falling to Chariton 11-4 and outlasting Fort Madison 7-5, as did Mediapolis with the Bullettes defeating Fort Madison, 5-4, and losing to Chariton, 8-3. Payton Harris clubbed two doubles, a home run, and collected five RBIs between the two games for Mediapolis. 

Fairfield will compete against Burlington at home tonight with game one of their doubleheader at 5:30 pm. 

Central Lee will host Pekin tonight at 7 pm. 

Mediapolis will welcome Bettendorf for a doubleheader tonight with game one at 5:30 pm. 

Wapello will face off against Van Buren County tonight at 5 pm at home.

Washington claimed 7th place at the Jesup Tournament over the weekend after narrowly dropping a contest to Dike-New Hartford, 5-3, and then defeating South Winneshiek, 7-1. Colbie Greiner crushed a triple for two RBIs in the winning effort. The Demons will make the trip to Keokuk tonight for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will tangle with Highland on the road at 7 pm tonight. 

Danville will take on Lone Tree tonight at 5 pm on the road. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame will compete on the road tonight against Lousia-Muscatine at 7 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant will host Fort Madison for a doubleheader tonight with game one at 5:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:15 pm.

WACO will tangle with Highland tomorrow at 7 pm at home.

High School Baseball

Burlington Notre Dame was swept at the Lancer Invitational over the weekend, losing to Cascade 9-3 and Don Bosco 6-5. Curtis Randall notched three RBIs against the Dons, while Eli Oleson logged four hits, including a triple between the two games. The Nikes will travel to Highland tonight at 7 pm.

New London collected an 0-2 record at a triangular in Burlington over the weekend, falling to Cedar Rapids Washington 10-4 and the Grayhounds 14-1. The Tigers will make the trip to Hillcrest Academy tonight at 7 pm.

Danville will attempt to pick up their first win on the road tonight at 5 pm against Lone Tree. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will host Mediapolis tonight at 7 pm. 

Fairfield will take on Burlington at home in a doubleheader tonight with game one at 5:30 pm. 

Washington will travel to Keokuk tonight for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant will host Fort Madison tonight with game one of the doubleheader at 5:30 pm.

Central Lee will play Pekin tonight at 7 pm at home.

Van Buren County will face off against Wapello tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

West Burlington will take on Van Buren County on the road tomorrow, June 16th, at 7 pm.

High School Postseason Soccer

The 2026 girls’ state tournament is in the books and two new state champions were crowned. Class 1A saw #3 Hudson upset #1 Denver, 1-0, after a shootout saw Charlee Austin record 15 saves for the game.

#7 North Polk completed the Cinderella run in the Class 2A bracket by defeating #4 North Scott, 1-0, off of a Jordin Halverson first-half goal. 

Lastly, #1 Waukee Northwest made it back-to-back years of hoisting the Class 3A trophy after taking down #2 Valley, 2-1, as Cora Sundet netted both goals for the Wolves. 

Mt. Pleasant Cross Country

Summer runs will be starting up again today for the Mt. Pleasant Cross Country team. These runs are optional but a great way to run with others and get in shape for the fall season. The runs are available to anyone entering 7th through 12th grades. Coaches may not be present at every run, as they are often led by upperclassmen.

On Mondays, the runs will take place at 6:30 am at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre. Wednesdays will be high school speed day at 7 am at Mapleleaf and Tuesdays and Thursdays will take place at Saunders Park by the swimming pool at 7 pm. 

The runs will continue through the middle of August until the Mt. Pleasant Cross County camp. If you have any questions, you can contact Coach Lyle Murray at 319-850-0867. 

Local Summer Athletic Camps

Mt. Pleasant girls’ basketball is offering up a camp for any girls’ basketball players entering 3rd through 12th grades from June 23rd through the 25th located at the Mt. Pleasant High School Gym. The camp will focus on the fundamentals and introduce team concepts employed by the high school’s system.

If you would like to sign-up, then follow this link and fill out the form: https://kilj.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mp-girls-bball-camp.pdf  

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees finished the weekend 2-1 after splitting their doubleheader with the Danville Dans on Saturday, losing game one 7-2 and coming back to claim game two 9-4, before taking down the Decatur Bean Ballers, 6-1 yesterday. Lucas Krebs had a double in the win against the Dans, while Troy Peltz hammered a solo home run to collect three RBIs in the victory yesterday. The Bees will head over to play the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp tomorrow, June 16th, at 6:35 pm. 

The Clinton LumberKings extended their winning streak to four games, after pulverizing the O’Fallon Hoots 11-8 and 17-5 over the weekend. The LumberKings tabbed nine extra base hits between the pair of games. Clinton will be back at home with a matchup against the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes slated to start at 6:30 pm tomorrow. 

This Day in Sports History

1928 – Philadelphia Athletics baseball player Ty Cobb, steals home for a record 54th time.

1976 – Rain out! The Astrodome cancels the game as heavy rains make it difficult for the visiting team and the umpires to get through flooded streets to the stadium.

2019 – Baseball jersey belonging to Babe Ruth becomes the most expensive sports memorabilia when it sells for $5.64 million at an auction in New York.