Shelia Dianna Pate

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 3:58 pm CDT

Shelia Dianna Pate, 70, of Mount Pleasant, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at her home.

Shelia was born on January 14, 1956, in Birmingham, Alabama, the daughter of Verne Clark. She spent her early childhood years in Lakeland, Florida. Shelia worked at various places, including cooking at different truck stops and was a mail carrier. Shelia was united in marriage to James A. Bryant. From this union her two sons were born, James and Sean. She was married for twenty-three years before his death in October of 2015. She worked for Drs. King and Hart in Fairfield and Mount Pleasant. Shelia later moved back to Lakeland, Florida, where she married Julius Pate. Following his death she returned to Mount Pleasant.

Shelia enjoyed going on airplane rides, making jewelry, but most of all spending time with her family.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her sons, Sean Bryant and James Bryant, both of Mount Pleasant, her three grandchildren, Corey, Trinity and Jayden, and one great grandchild, Cora.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands and one brother, Eddie.

According to Shelia’s wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant and no services are planned.

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 Shelia Pate.

Connie Sue Peterman

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 3:54 pm CDT

Connie Sue Peterman, 83, of New Boston, Iowa, passed away at 2:41 a.m. Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.

She was born on May 21, 1942, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Edwin and Mary (Walker) Bonham.

Survivors include her children: Kelly (Jeff) Fett of Donnellson, Iowa, Tony Peterman of Ewing, New Jersey, Penny (Todd) Vandenberg of Ankeny, Iowa; grandchildren: Zachary, Justin and Connor (Makaylee) Fett; Hunter (Anna), Lexi (Greg), Chance (Giana), Preston (Erica) and Quentin Vandenberg; ten great grandchildren; two sisters: Kim Bonham and Tammy Yaley. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter: Polly Peterman; sister: Sharon Mosbarger and brother: Steve Bonham.

Connie was a graduate of Fort Madison High School. She retired from Sheller Globe. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Donnellson. Connie enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers and her dog “Pooder Bear”. She also enjoyed trips to Branson with her family to visit her sister.

Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Homes for cremation.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Donnellson with Pastor Tony Keefe officiating.

A memorial has been established in her memory for St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Annie’s Project Farm Business Management Course Begins January 31, 2026

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 10:53 am CDT

Women involved in agriculture in Louisa and Washington Counties are invited to participate in “Annie’s Project,” a six session farm business management course designed to help women make informed, confident decisions for their farm operations.
The course will run from January 31 – February 12, 2026, with the first session held Saturday, January 31 at 9:00 a.m.

Annie’s Project focuses on the whole farm business, offering practical education in financial management, human resources, legal considerations, marketing strategies, production decision tools, crop insurance, USDA programs, and farmland leasing.

Sessions will be held at two locations. Classes on January 31 and February 3 will take place at the Conservation Education Center at Marr Park, located at 2943 Highway 92 in Ainsworth. Sessions on February 6, 10, and 12 will be held at the Youth Center at the Louisa County Fairgrounds, located at 101 Fairground Road in Columbus Junction.

Each session includes a meal, and participants can receive a discounted registration rate by using the code louisawashington when registering.

For more information or questions about the program, contact Adair Lents at 319-523-2371.

Legislative Forum Dates Set for Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce in February and March

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 7:47 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce will host two upcoming legislative forums giving local residents and business leaders a chance to hear directly from state lawmakers and ask questions about issues affecting the community.

The forums will feature State Representatives Taylor Collins and Jeff Shipley, along with State Senators Adrian Dickey and Mark Lofgren. The events are hosted by the Chamber’s Government Relations Committee.

Both forums will be held at the Union Block building, 111 West Monroe Street, on the 3rd floor:

  • Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
  • Friday, March 20, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

All Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce members are invited to attend. The forums are a benefit of Chamber membership and are designed to encourage open dialogue between elected officials and the local business community.

Henry County Public Health Reminds You of the “3 Cs” of Flu Prevention

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 7:30 am CDT

Henry County Public Health is reminding residents to take simple steps to stay healthy as flu season continues,  sharing guidance from Iowa Health and Human Services focused on the “3 Cs” of flu prevention:

  • Cover your cough
  • Clean your hands
  • Contain germs by staying home when sick

Officials encourage using a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing, washing hands often with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, and limiting the spread of illness by avoiding contact with others when symptoms are present.

In addition to prevention reminders, Henry County Public Health hosts immunization clinics Tuesdays 9–11 am, Wednesdays & Thursdays 1–4 pm, and 1st & 3rd Thursdays 1–6 pm at 106 North Jackson Street in Mount Pleasant. No appointment necessary. Residents are asked to bring their insurance card if they have one, but vaccines are also available for uninsured or underinsured individuals.

Anyone with questions about the clinic or available vaccines can call Henry County Public Health at 319-385-0779.

Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities Board Meeting Scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 7:15 am CDT

Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities board of trustees will meet this afternoon to consider several major financial and infrastructure items.

The Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet at 1 p.m. this afternoon, Tuesday, January 20th, in the Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities Conference Room at 509 North Adams Street. The meeting is also accessible by phone.

Trustees are expected to act on multiple financial items, including approval of warrants, the treasurer’s report, capital budget amendments, and several major contracts. One proposal would reallocate $250,000 within the water capital budget for upgrades to electronic deionization treatment equipment. Another item includes review of a Veolia contract totaling more than $800,000 to replace water treatment equipment.

The board will also receive legal and operational updates, including the status of the Cedar Lane Well Number Seven project, advanced metering infrastructure, water treatment maintenance, and multiple power and transmission system projects.

Trustees may enter closed session at multiple points during the meeting, as allowed under Iowa law, to discuss matters currently in litigation.

The meeting is open to the public. Please view the full agenda here. The next MPMU regular board meeting will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Henry County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Board Meeting Scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 7:30 a.m.

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 7:06 am CDT

The Henry County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Board of Trustees will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, January 21st, beginning at 7:30 a.m. The meeting will take place in the HCHC Board Room.

The agenda includes approval of minutes and administrative reports, financial and capital updates, a Great River Health update, and the election of officers and committee assignments. Trustees will also conduct a hospital inspection.

New business includes an audit presentation, consideration of facility project funding for fiscal year twenty-seven, setting a county tax public hearing date, review of capital budget policies, the budget calendar, and conflict of interest disclosures.

The Board will also enter a closed session, as permitted under Iowa Code Chapter twenty-one point five, to discuss strategic objectives, quality matters, and legal issues.

The meeting is open to the public. To view the full agenda, please click here.

Sports, January 20th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 6:31 am CDT

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team’s lack of offense in the second and fourth quarters buried them in their loss to Danville last night, 58-42. Abigail Shelangoski led the way for the Panthers, scoring 13 points in the effort. The story of the night was the Bears’ defense as the press led to multiple steals and huge games for Alivia Bauer (20 points) and Alaina Gourley (19 points) as they combined for 39 points. Despite the gaudy numbers, Danville head coach Matt Morris needed everyone to have their moment last night,

“I was really proud of the kids and our coaching staff made some good adjustments defensively and I thought our energy, that led to good defense and good energy and that got the tempo kind of where we wanted it. And, you know, if we can get up and down the court, you know, with Alaina and Alivia and, you know, Brynley [Wenig], Claire [Montgomery], these girls, and then start making plays. I thought it was a really good team win, really. I thought our younger kids came off the bench, made some huge shots for us defensively, they got at it, so overall, we’re very proud of our team.”

West Burlington will fly to Danville tonight with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm. Coach Morris and his team will take on two of the three teams sitting above them in the Conference standings, he knows this will be an arduous week,

“The other thing I complimented them on tonight, and we’ll continue to find it as a value, is I know we don’t have a big bench, but I really thought it took all of our girls tonight showing up and participating. Even Violet [Sowell], who was injured, you know, she was vocal on the bench and encouraging her teammates and stuff. So yeah, to me, it’s all about the team for the week and using everybody we have at the right spot, right time.”

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will take on #10 Oskaloosa tonight with tip-off at 7:30 pm on the road. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame split their senior night showdown with Wapello last night, as the Arrows scored 29 fourth quarter points to pull away with a 57-38 victory over the Nikes in the girls’ game, while the #3 Notre Dame boys’ team crushed Wapello 83-47. Macey Kuntz led the Wapello girls’ team with 20 points. 

Mediapolis will tangle with Burlington Notre Dame tonight at home with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

Wapello will host Hillcrest Academy tonight with game one at 6 pm.

The WACO girls’ team dominated Iowa Valley last night, 62-35, allowing only 13 points in the second half. The Warriors will take on Lone Tree tonight with the doubleheader starting at 6 pm.

Van Buren County swept Columbus last night with the girls’ team winning 47-41 and the boys’ team coming up with a 58-48 final. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Van Buren County at home tonight with game one at 6 pm.

Columbus will tangle with Winfield-Mt. Union on Friday, January 23rd, at home with the girls’ teams playing at 6 pm.

The Fairfield boys’ team will face off against Pella Christian at home tonight at 7:30 pm.

New London will compete against Central Lee tonight at home with game one at 6 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will welcome Highland tonight with the night beginning at 6 pm.

High School Boys’ Basketball Rankings

The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) released their fourth edition of the boys’ basketball rankings and only three new teams entered the rankings, while Class 1A had no movement.

Burlington Notre Dame kept their spot at #3 in the Class 1A standings after winning both of their games last week by double digits. The Nikes are winning their games by nearly 29 points, yet their points allowed per game currently ranks 32nd in the state. Nevertheless, the Notre Dame offense hits 51% of their field goals, including an insane 67% shooter from Shay Stephens, who is averaging 26 points to go along with nine rebounds and seven assists per game.

Cedar Falls for Class 4A, Ballard in Class 3A, Class 2A’s Unity Christian, and St. Edmond of Class 1A kept their top spots in their respective classes. 

High School Wrestling

The Wapello girls’ team held a quad last night and finished the night 2-1, defeating Cardinal, 35-12, and Washington, 30-24, but fell to Muscatine 66-12. Kenadee Helscher and Clara Ball finished the night undefeated. 

The WACO, Fairfield, Wapello, and Mediapolis girls’ teams will compete at the Louisa-Muscatine Invite on Saturday, January 24th.

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Fairfield on Thursday, January 22nd.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will head to Louisa-Muscatine on Thursday for a triangular.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will duel Wapello on the road on Thursday.

Van Buren County will host a triangular on Thursday with WACO making the trip.

New London will welcome Mediapolis on Thursday for a triangular.

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant will host Fairfield on Thursday, January 22nd.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will square off against Iowa Central Community College at 5:30 pm tomorrow, January 21st. 

The men’s basketball team will head back home on Saturday, January 24th, to take on Marshalltown Community College at 7 pm.

The women’s wrestling team will compete at the Warrior Open on Friday, January 23rd.

The men’s wrestling team will participate in the Stormin’ Norman Tournament on Saturday.

College Basketball

The Iowa State women’s team will search for answers tomorrow, January 21st, at home at 6:30 pm against Cincinnati. 

The #10 Iowa women’s team will travel to Maryland on Thursday, January 22nd, at 5 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will host Rutgers tonight at 7:30 pm.

The #9 Iowa State men’s team will compete against UCF tonight at home at 6 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1968 – The Houston Cougars defeat the UCLA Bruins 71-69 to win basketball’s Game of the Century and end UCLA’s 47-game winning streak. 

1989 – Pittsburgh center Mario Lemieux becomes just the 2nd player in NHL history to score 50 goals in less than 50 games; #50 in the 44th game as the Penguins lose 7-3 to the Jets in Winnipeg. 

2007 – Utah coach Jerry Sloan passes Larry Brown for 4th on the NBA’s all-time win list (1,010) after the Jazz beat the Chicago Bulls 95-85 at the United Center.