Budge Cuts Ahead for MPCSD – Finance Committee Report from 3/6/26

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, March 6th, 2026 at 5:07 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education will take a key step Monday night as it considers setting a public hearing for the district’s tax levy rate and a series of potential budget reductions for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, March 9 in the Mount Pleasant High School Media Center.

District officials say the proposed reductions come as the school system faces declining student enrollment, limited increases in state funding, and the end of federal COVID-19 relief dollars that helped support school budgets over the past several years. Those factors are expected to create growing budget gaps in the coming years if spending adjustments are not made now. School leaders are outlining a two-phase plan that could reduce spending by more than 1.7 million dollars over the next two fiscal years.

Under Phase One, the district is proposing approximately $936,000 in reductions, including about $713,000 in personnel cuts affecting both certified and non-certified staff in this coming FY2027.

Other proposed reductions include:

  • Eliminating the VIBE program, which is a contract with Burlington Community School District for online education courses for families opting for an online option.
  • Ending summer school at all grade levels (middle school and high school had been cut this previous year so this would cut the K-5 summer school program for this coming summer).
  • Reducing a contract with Four Oaks which provides specialized, trauma-informed support for at-risk students, focusing on reducing suspensions, improving behavior, and bridging home-school gaps.
  • Trimming services through the Great Prairie Area Education Agency, which provide literacy consultants and special education facilitators that help with Individualized Education Plans (IEP).
  • Reductions in support staff time and overtime.
  • Moving some non-instructional software costs to the district’s Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL).
  • Lowering utility expenses tied to building changes.

Phase Two would focus on larger structural reductions totaling about $813,000. That includes roughly $290,000 in system-wide cuts across the district and a proposal to close Salem Elementary School, which could lead to an additional $523,000 in school-wide reductions.

If both phases are implemented, the total proposed reductions would reach about $1.74 million.

School board members are expected to vote Monday on whether to move forward with the public hearing process on the district’s tax levy and the proposed budget plan.

Residents will have an opportunity to provide input during the public hearing before any final decisions.  The board will be voting on Phase One at Monday evening’s meeting.

Delbert H. Moeller

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Friday, March 6th, 2026 at 12:56 pm CDT
Delbert H. Moeller, 85, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 11:35 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Home Health and Hospice in West Burlington, Iowa.
He was born on November 20, 1940 in St. Paul, Iowa, the son of Rudolph and Marcella (Klesner) Moeller. On June 25, 1987 he married Barbara Peffer.
Survivors include his wife Barbara; six children: Diane (Jerry) Francy, Randy (Michelle) Moeller, Wade (Kelly) Sass, Carol (Larry) Keester, Randi (Devron) Sedy, Kelly (Jason) Anderson; seventeen grandchildren: Kristin, Brent, Brianne, Jordan, Justin, Tyler, Alexis, Dalton, Devin, Brandon, Ben, Emily, Michael, Jordan, Ryder, Jaxon, Cooper; thirteen great grandchildren; two sisters: Nancy (Mike) Cutler of Marion, Iowa, Sr. Joanne Moeller of LaCrosse, Wisconsin; and four brothers: Victor (Maureen) Moeller of Port Aransas, Texas, Ronnie (Sharon) Moeller of Fort Madison, Iowa, Gary (Sandy) Moeller of Altoona, Iowa, Roger (Joan) Moeller of West Point, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers: Richard and Paul Moeller.
Delbert graduated from Gem City Business College. He Served in the United States Army National Guard for six years and worked at Burlington Basket Company, where he retired as a controller. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he served on the Parish Council, as well as the West Point fire department, where he served as chief for six years. He also served on the West Point City Council, Utility Board, Zoning Board, West Point Sweet Corn Festival Committee, IARBGAR, and was Community Club President.
A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date with burial in Calvary Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in his memory for Southeast Iowa Regional Home Health and Hospice and West Point Fire and Rescue and can be mailed to the family at P.O. Box 22, West Point, Iowa 52656.

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

Prep Girls’ Basketball: Seven Local Athletes to Play in Larry Niemeyer All-Star Game

By Slaten Swords · Friday, March 6th, 2026 at 12:05 pm CDT

Prep Girls’ Basketball- With the Iowa girls’ high school basketball season coming to a close, it’s time to honor the best seniors in the state with the Larry Niemeyer All-Star game scheduled to be play at Cedar Fall High School on Saturday, March 14th, in an all-day event. Seven of our local athletes were picked to compete in the exhibition.

Class 2A

In Class 2A, Danville’s Alaina Gourley will be playing for the Gray Team with Rock Valley’s Jordan Te Grootenhuis acting as the coach. Gourley was a 1st Team All-Conference choice along with making the All-District team for southeast Iowa.

The senior averaged 17 points per game to go along with her 4.2 steals per game, which tied for first in the conference. Her 68.6% field goal percentage led the conference.

The Gray Team will play at 1 pm.

Class 3A

The Southeast Iowa Super Conference (SEISC) will be bringing a trio of players, including a pair of teammates, to Cedar Falls in Kenna Sandoval from Central Lee and Mediapolis’ Grace Holsteen and Ellah Wagenbach. Joining the trio will by Adalyn Long from Washington on the White Team, coach by Stephanie Dacey of Williamsburg.

Kenna Sandoval led the SEISC-South in points and rebounds per game, nearly averaging a double-double. The Hawk made the All-SEISC First Team.

Holsteen and Wagenbach were instrumental in the Bullettes’ first trip to the State Tournament since 2015, as they were both unanimous choices for the All-SEISC First Team along with Holsteen locking up Conference Player of the Year honors.

Washington’s Adalyn Long ranked 7th in the Southeast Conference (SEC) in points per game and 4th in assists per game. Along with All-SEC First Team honors, she also took home All-District for the southeast region.

The White Team will scrimmage at 10:30 am.

Class 3A/4A/5A

In a combination of the larger Class 3A schools and the two remaining classes, Burlington’s Mylee Stiefel and Keokuk’s Kendra Boatman will be playing for the same Gray Team under the direction of Chad Specht of Maquoketa and Nate Frese of Iowa City West.

The last two SEC Player of the Year award winners were once again jockeying to see who would claim their second nod this season with Boatman coming out on top as she led the conference in points, assists, and steals per game. Her 26.3 points per game ranked 4th in the state.

Stiefel was not that far behind, averaging 24.4 points per game, which ranked 8th in the state. The Grayhound also ranked 2nd in assists and 4th in steals per game. She did outpace Boatman in three pointers made per game with 3.6 on 33.5% shooting from beyond the arc.

The Gray Team will square off with the other select team at 9:15 am to tip-off the day.

Sonic Breaks Ground in Mount Pleasant

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Friday, March 6th, 2026 at 12:00 pm CDT

Construction has officially begun on a new Sonic Drive-In on the north side of Mount Pleasant.

Gary Shahan, Building and Zoning Administrator with the City of Mount Pleasant, confirmed crews have started breaking ground at 1206 North Grand Avenue. The project has been highly anticipated by local residents, with plans for the restaurant circulating in the community for nearly a year.

Shahan said building permits for the project were originally issued in April of last year. He added that construction is expected to take about three months to complete, weather permitting.

Once finished, the Sonic Drive-In will add another dining option along the North Grand corridor and mark a new commercial development for the area.

 

Steve Wilson

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, March 6th, 2026 at 11:12 am CDT

Steve Wilson, 77, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Steven David Wilson was born March 12, 1948 in Mt. Pleasant. He was the son of Robert O. and Janet Ruth (Miller) Wilson.

Steve graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School as a member of the Class of 1966. He furthered his education by graduating from Kirkwood Community College and receiving his BA degree from Iowa Wesleyan College.

On July 9, 1966 at the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant, Steve was united in marriage to Joy Bernice Jacobs.

Steve was the Environmental Safety and Health Manager for the former Motorola Corporation of Mt. Pleasant.

Those thankful for sharing in Steve’s life include his wife of 59 years, Joy of Mt. Pleasant; 4 children – Brent (Terri Quartucci) Wilson of Mt. Pleasant, Heather (Brian) Richenberger of St. Louis, MO, Tawny Wilson of New London, IA and Flint (Sarah) Wilson of Mt. Pleasant; a brother – Barry (Linda) Wilson of Cedar Rapids, IA; a sister – Karen Chapman of Noblesville, IN; 9 grandchildren – Riggs (Dr. Sarah VanDeWalle) Wilson, Casey (Skylar) Miller, Adam (Leslie) Richenberger, Sean Richenberger, Keira McBeth, Jarrett Wilson, Sydni Wilson, Victoria Wilson  and Gabrielle Wilson, and Steve’s father Bob’s  wife, Dr. Dolores “D.P.” Wilson of Mt. Pleasant.

Steve’s parents precede him in death.

Steve and Joy were very active members of their community. Steve helped start the Mt. Pleasant Farmer’s Market as a way to sell his honey he raised. Steve and Joy received the Motorola Volunteerism Award for their work of establishing Teen Court in Henry County in 1992. Steve was well known in the community for his enthusiastic presentations on the value of wetlands and wildlife, many of which he gave to local school children in the Southeast Iowa area. Steve and Joy were instrumental in assisting with the re-introduction of trumpeter swans to Iowa. Animals played a huge part in their lives, loving horses, dogs, cats, and always helping injured wildlife. Steve also was passionate about studying and monitoring trees. He volunteered for Trees Forever and received an award for planting hundreds of trees around Mt. Pleasant and cemeteries.  Steve was a deeply spiritual person, constantly writing about his faith and the mutualistic relationship to nature.

A private Celebration of Life will be held by Steve’s family at a later date. Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be directed to  www.kimzeyfh.com.

(“Trumpeter Swan” photo by John Gaines/The Hawk Eye, photo scan courtesy of the Burlington Public Library.)

Marvin Robert Timmerman

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, March 6th, 2026 at 10:07 am CDT

Marvin Robert Timmerman, 78, of Mt. Union, died Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Marvin was born August 1, 1947 in Kirksville, MO. (Although Marvin’s parents lived on a farm near Mt. Union, Marvin boldly chose to enter the world while the family was on vacation in Missouri). He was the son of Guey Clarence and Helen Louise (Watson) Timmerman. Marvin graduated from Winfield-Mt. Union High School as a member of the Class of 1965. On December 26, 1974 at the Open Bible Church in Winfield, Marvin was united in marriage to Kay Frances (Schwartz) Sheeley.

Growing up on a farm, Marvin continued the practice on a rural Mt. Union farm. At the same time, Marvin pursued another career in welding. He began his trade with Bill Davis Welding in Winfield. This led Marvin to extend his career for Schmidt Construction, a company specializing in building bridges. Marvin eventually opened up Timmerman Welding where he continued his trade.

Marvin also practiced his trade for Shop Services, which was located in the Midwest Central Railroad building, where he was part of metal fabrication and development. Shop Services crafted steam locomotive replacement parts as well restored steam engines. Marvin and shop Services crew were especially noted for building the “Neverland Express” train for Michael Jackson, which operated on Jackson’s property. Marvin additionally helped design a special diesel hydraulic system for the train.

When Marvin was not farming or welding, he loved to be outdoors. He thoroughly enjoyed hunting duck, pheasant and deer, as well as fishing as much as he could. His interest in wildlife led him to raising baby quail with Orin “Bub” Kepper. Marvin’s love of the outdoors developed into memberships in organizations which promoted the outdoors, namely Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, White Tails Unlimited and the NRA.

Those thankful for sharing in Marvin’s life include his wife of 51 years, Kay of Mt. Union; a sister – LaVanda Rothenberger of Mt. Pleasant; 3 children – Jeff (Heather) Timmerman of Mt. Pleasant, Larry (Sunshine) Sheeley of Monticello, KY and Belinda Baumert of Winfield; his grandchildren – Tristin Timmerman, Christina Miller, Katlen (David) Hughes, Mendy McCreight, Misty (Jason Nichols) Kellogg, Mark (Josh) Atcher and Melanie (Danny) Missey and his great grandchildren – Sarah and Beau Hughes, Koltin & Addi Little, Madisen, Kaylynn, Treyton, Brylee, Hannah, Kellogg, Jayda and Alex Nichols, Grayson Atcher and Tatum Missey.

Marvin’s parents, and son-in-law, Roger Baumert, precede him in death.

Friends may call to sign the register book from 1-5 PM on Sunday, March 8 at Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. Marvin’s family will receive friends from 10AM to 12 Noon on Monday, March 9, with a memorial funeral service for Marvin at 12 Noon, both at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Trinity Cemetery, rural Mt. Union.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Winfield Fire and Rescue Department.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Sports, March 6th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, March 6th, 2026 at 6:42 am CDT

Girls’ State Basketball

The championship matchups are now set for Classes 3A, 4A, and 5A with multiple teams battling for a chance to repeat as Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s state champions.

In Class 5A, #5 Ankeny nearly pulled off the ultimate upset after outscoring #1 Johnston 17 to 5 in the second quarter, but the Dragons shored up their play in the second half to exit with the victory, 49-39. Arianna Phillips collected a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

#3 Waukee Northwest needed overtime but punched their ticket to the program’s first trip to the Class 5A championship game after defeating #2 Dowling Catholic, 56-50. The Wolves finished 15 of 16 from the free throw line in the winning effort. 

#1 Johnston will be looking for the three-peat tonight at 6 pm when they face off against #3 Waukee Northwest. 

In Class 3A, #1 Mt. Vernon nearly squandered a 14-point lead at halftime but the Mustangs hung on to earn a chance to repeat as Class 3A champions, beating #4 Wahlert Catholic, 53-49. Savanna Wright notched 24 points in the win. 

A year after making the state tournament for the first time in their program’s history, #2 Maquoketa will now be playing in the championship game after taking down #3 Des Moines Christian, 61-54. The Cardinals outscored the Lions 21 to 9 in the fourth quarter, as Cora Widel netted 18 points. 

#1 Mt. Vernon will take on #2 Maquoketa tonight at 8 pm for the Class 3A state championship. 

For Class 4A, #2 Dallas Center-Grimes rallied past #3 Norwalk, 47-42, to advance to the championship contest. Ava Smid claimed 16 points in the victory.

#5 Carlisle’s Macy Comito not only took #1 Bishop Heelan’s Melina Snoozy’s state tournament scoring record but also led the Wildcats to the upset victory, 73-60, handing the Crusaders their first loss of the season. Comito finished the night with 42 points, including five three pointers. 

The Class 4A championship against #2 Dallas Center-Grimes and #5 Carlisle is scheduled for tomorrow, March 7th, at 2:30 pm.

In today’s action, #1 Hinton, who is looking to defend their Class 2A state title, will take on #5 Denver in the semifinals at 10 am. #2 Rock Valley will look to avoid the upset against #6 Treynor at 11:45 am.

In Class 1A, #1 Bishop Garrigan will face off against #5 Dunkerton at 1:30 pm for their semifinal showdown. #2 Newell-Fonda will take on #3 St. Albert at 3:15 pm.

Girls’ High School Basketball

A handful of local athletes will be participating in the Larry Niemeyer Senior Girls All-Star basketball tournament scheduled for Saturday, March 14th.

In Class 2A, Danville’s Alaina Gourley will play on the Gray Team with their game at 1 pm.

Over in Class 3A, Adalyn Long of Washington will join a trio from the Southeast Iowa Super Conference in Kenna Sandoval of Central Lee and Grace Holsteen and Ellah Wagenbach of Mediapolis on the White Team. They will play at 10:30 am. 

Lastly, Kendra Boatman of Keokuk and Burlington’s Mylee Stiefel will join sides for the Gray Team in a combination of Class 3A/4A/5A talent. They will square off at 9:15 am.

Boys’ Postseason Basketball

For the Class 1A State Tournament, #4 Burlington Notre Dame will face off against #5 Bellevue on Tuesday, March 10th, with tip-off at 3:45 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 3:30 pm. 

Other Class 1A matchups include: #1 St. Edmond facing off against #8 Woodbine, #2 MMCRU taking on #7 Boyden-Hull, and #6 Marquette Catholic looking to upset #3 Bishop Garrigan.

Southeastern Community College

The men’s basketball team will travel to Indian Hills Community College tomorrow, March 7th, at 7 pm for the Region 11 championship.

The baseball team will compete today with another matchup against Southwest Mississippi Community College. 

The softball team will take on Black Hawk College today in a doubleheader. 

College Basketball

The Iowa State women’s team fell in the second round of the Big 12 tournament last night, 77-68, at the hands of Arizona State. Addy Brown tabbed a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. The Cyclones will now have to wait until Selection Sunday, March 15th, at 7 pm to see what their postseason fate will be. 

The #9 Iowa women’s team will face off against Illinois in the Big Ten tournament tonight at 5:30 pm.

The Iowa men’s team had upset on the mind but #3 Michigan pulled away late to spoil the Hawkeyes senior night, 71-68. Bennett Stirtz led the way with 21 points. The Hawkeyes will close out the regular season with another top ten foe, as they face off against #9 Nebraska on the road on Sunday, March 8th, at 4 pm.

The #6 Iowa State men’s team will look to bounce back tomorrow, March 7th, at 1 pm at home against Arizona State.

This Day in Sports History

1945 – George Nissen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, receives a patent for the first modern trampoline.

1954 – First ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament: NC State beats Wake Forest, 82-80 (OT).

1982 – NBA’s highest scoring game: San Antonio beats Milwaukee 171-166 (3 OT).

Maharishi International University Plans Phased Closure of Utopia Park

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, March 6th, 2026 at 6:30 am CDT

Maharishi International University in Fairfield has announced plans to close Utopia Park, a long-standing trailer park on the north edge of town.

University officials say the trailers—built in 1983 for visitors attending the “Taste of Utopia” assembly—have deteriorated to the point where repairs are no longer economically feasible.

MIU Vice President of Operations Jeremy Brenin says the park will be shut down gradually over the next two and a half years. Of the park’s 176 trailers, 146 are currently occupied.

To avoid overwhelming Fairfield’s housing market, the university plans to close the park in six phases, with between 15 and 21 trailers shutting down every six months. The first eviction notices went out February first, giving those residents six months to move out. The final phase is scheduled for August 2028.

The university will also provide $800 toward moving expenses for each trailer through an agreement with a moving company.

Officials say the phased approach is intended to give Fairfield’s rental market time to absorb the displaced residents. About half of the current tenants have ties to the university, while the rest do not.

MIU says the land is expected to be redeveloped in the future for new housing, potentially including townhomes, multi-plex units, or an apartment complex.