The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in regular session on Today (Wednesday, June 11, 2025), at 5:30 p.m. in the second-floor meeting room of City Hall, 307 E. Monroe Street. The agenda includes routine business, permit renewals for summer events, and several new developments involving trail funding, infrastructure improvements, and historical preservation.

Routine approvals include the minutes of previous meetings, payment of bills, and officer reports. Among the reports is Resolution No. 2025-50, which authorizes May fund transfers within city accounts for routine budget management.

New Business: Trails, Streets, and Asbestos Removal

The Council will then shift to several new items, beginning with Change Order #1 for the H Street Construction Project, which may reflect adjustments in scope or materials based on progress so far.

A notable development on the agenda is a resolution authorizing an application to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s State Recreational Trails (SRT) Program. If approved, the city will seek state support for the construction of the Washington-Grand Connector Trail, a proposed addition to Mount Pleasant’s trail network designed to improve non-motorized travel options and community connectivity.

Council members will also consider a resolution setting a public hearing on the proposed South Adams Street Reconstruction Project, which will cover the drawings, contract forms, specifications, and cost estimates. The public hearing date will provide an opportunity for residents to offer input on the plan before it proceeds further.

In a step toward historical preservation, the Council will review a proposal to authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with McKee Construction for asbestos removal in the basement of the Second Baptist Church. The measure would help clear the way for future restoration efforts involving the historic structure.

Public Forum and Next Meeting

As is customary, a Public Forum will be held to allow citizens to speak directly to the Council about issues or concerns not listed on the agenda. The session will conclude with adjournment, and the Council will next meet in regular session on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to attend or follow the proceedings to stay informed on local governance and upcoming community developments.

This weekend, Burlington will be buzzing with energy as two major events transform the city into a hub of creativity, community, and celebration. Whether you’re drawn to fine art or live music, there’s something for everyone between the Snake Alley Art Fair and Burlington River Days.

Snake Alley Art Fair – Sunday, June 15

A beloved Burlington tradition, the Snake Alley Art Fair returns to 301 Jefferson Street this Sunday, hosted by the Art Center of Burlington. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors will stroll the famously crooked street while exploring handmade and original creations by artists from across the Midwest.

More than just an art sale, the fair is a full-day celebration of creativity. Guests can meet the artists, hear the stories behind their work, and take home one-of-a-kind pieces. The event also features:

• Live music performances
• Kids’ art activities
• Local food vendors

Now in its 50+ year history, the Snake Alley Art Fair continues to bring the community together through the power of art.

Burlington River Days – June 12–14

Starting Thursday and rocking through Saturday night, Burlington River Days takes over the riverfront with an explosive lineup of music, carnival rides, contests, and even a boat giveaway.

This three-day celebration of Burlington’s river heritage includes:

• Live music every night, headlined by Saliva on Saturday
• A full carnival with family-friendly fun
• Boat parade and boat show
• Outdoor River Days Olympics with activities like archery and casting contests
• “Boatload of Prizes” giveaway – including a brand-new boat

Proceeds from the event support the Partners for Conservation Foundation, helping fund local riverfront projects, outdoor recreation improvements, and conservation efforts.

The Olds Fire Department was dispatched Tuesday afternoon to a fire in the median of Highway 218 near the intersection with 140th Street, just outside of Swedesburg.

When KILJ News arrived at the scene around 2:20 p.m., firefighters from Olds were actively working to extinguish flames in the grassy median dividing the highway. Iowa State Patrol and the Henry County Sheriff’s Department were also present, assisting with traffic control and monitoring the flow of vehicles through the area.

The fire was brought under control and extinguished quickly, with the scene cleared shortly after KILJ’s arrival. No injuries were reported, and traffic continued to move safely around the scene during the response.

At this time, the cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities have not released any further information regarding the incident.

KILJ News will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more details become available.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa – This summer, let your star shine! Mount Pleasant Community Theatre and KILJ are teaming up to offer a one-of-a-kind Youth Theater Camp for aspiring young performers.

From Monday, June 23 through Friday, June 27, kids ages 7 to 18 will have the opportunity to step into the spotlight and explore the exciting world of live theater. Campers will learn the ins and outs of acting, costumes, lighting, and stagecraft in a fun and supportive environment.

The camp runs daily from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the cost is $50 per camper. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Sign up today through the link available at

Don’t miss this chance to help your child discover their passion for performance and create unforgettable summer memories!

The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Directors held their June meeting Monday evening, approving several items ranging from a new student support option through a virtual learning agreement to policy updates and facility changes.

Online Learning Partnership with Burlington

In a significant step to support students with unique needs, the Board approved a 28E agreement with the Burlington Community School District to allow Mount Pleasant students to access Burlington’s virtual education program. The option, available for students in grades 6-12, is intended for short-term use in cases where in-person attendance is not viable due to medical, emotional, or family-related challenges.

“We’ve been clear from the beginning: this is not about Mount Pleasant offering a general online school,” said Superintendent John Henriksen. “This is a targeted tool in our toolbox for students who, for reasons beyond their control, need an alternative temporarily. We want to bring these students back into our classrooms when the time is right.”

Board members acknowledged the flexibility this program offers, particularly for students facing medical emergencies, anxiety, or other hardships. They emphasized the importance of regular evaluation and intentional reintegration planning.

Updated Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

The Board also approved the first reading of a revised policy concerning student use of personal electronic devices. The policy, required by new state legislation, defines “instructional time” as the full school day, excluding lunch and recess, and prohibits student use of phones, smartwatches, and other devices during that time unless permitted under an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 plan, or for medical necessity.

Superintendent Henriksen noted that this change would mostly affect high school students. Communication to families will be emphasized in the weeks leading up to the 2025-2026 school year.

2025-2026 Student Handbook Updates

Handbook revisions were also reviewed and approved. These updates included minor language corrections, additions for preschool, and clarifications across all grade levels. Principals collaborated on the changes, which reflect current practices and board policy.

Central Campus Facility Update

The Board approved a $47,000 change order to add air conditioning to the warehouse portion of the Central Campus receiving and transportation facility. The space stores sensitive materials such as paper, which require temperature and humidity control. The initial bid package failed to include HVAC for this area.

Instead of installing multiple wall units, the district chose a more efficient solution involving a rooftop air handler and outdoor condenser. The new system is expected to reduce long-term maintenance and improve reliability.

Additional Items Approved

• 12-Month Employee Vacation Schedule: No changes were proposed, and the Board unanimously approved the continuation of the current schedule.
• 2025-2026 Bread Bid: The district renewed its bread supply contract with Bimbo Bakeries (Holsum) after receiving no other bids. Slight price increases were noted for sandwich buns and other items.
• Great Prairie AEA Contract: The Board approved the annual agreement for training and services related to the Special Education Plan, part of statewide changes under House File 612, shifting funding allocations between districts and Area Education Agencies (AEAs).

The meeting concluded with all items passing with unanimous support. Board members voiced continued commitment to ensuring the district remains flexible, student-focused, and well-equipped for the coming school year.