Vandalism Reported at Washington Co. Courthouse

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, June 5th, 2025 at 7:51 am CDT

Washington, Iowa – On June 4, 2025, at approximately 2:39 PM, the Washington Police Department responded to a report of criminal mischief at the Washington Courthouse.

According to the caller, an individual who had been inside the courthouse earlier in the day caused damage to both the men’s and women’s restrooms.

Officer 109 responded to the scene, and a report was filed regarding the incident.

The investigation is ongoing. No further details have been released at this time.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact local law enforcement.

Only 5 Days Left to Order Georgia Peaches from Heartland Youth For Christ

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, June 5th, 2025 at 7:46 am CDT

Time is running out to get your hands on delicious, farm-fresh Georgia peaches through the 2025 Heartland Youth For Christ (HYFC) Peach Sale Fundraiser! With only five days left to place your order, don’t miss your chance to support local youth programs while stocking up on one of summer’s sweetest treats.

Only Georgia peaches are available this year—Colorado peaches will not be offered.

All proceeds from the sale help fund HYFC’s outreach efforts for teens across Southeast Iowa. Your purchase directly supports mentorship, events, and faith-based programming for local youth.

Place your pre-order today at: https://heartland-yfc.square.site
Orders must be submitted by Tuesday, June 10th.

Sports, June 5th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, June 5th, 2025 at 6:37 am CDT

High School Baseball

West Burlington was unable to soar past Burlington Notre Dame last night in a 6-2 loss. Prior Bowen and Levi Fletcher-Bates each notched an RBI in the loss. 

Danville will host West Burlington tonight at 7:30 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant’s fourth inning four run rally lifted the Panthers over New London last night 8-4. Gavin Menke-Bailey had a two-RBI double for the Tigers in the loss with Memphis Watson going a perfect 4 for 4 at the plate with his own RBI and three stolen bases. Mt. Pleasant head coach Brent Broeker is hoping to continue their winning ways tonight when his squad travels to Washington for first pitch at 7:30 pm,

“You know, we gotta play like we did tonight. You know, we gotta put the bat on the ball. We made a few mistakes. But you know, you’re right. When you go up to Washington, they always for some reason, no matter how good we are or how bad we are, they always give us a game, so we gotta go up there and be ready to go and hopefully come out with what same results as tonight.”

KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

New London will stay on the road for a matchup against Burlington Notre Dame tonight with first pitch at 7 pm. 

Mediapolis handled Burlington last night 8-3. The Bulldogs will take on Central Lee tonight at 7:30 pm in a road showdown. 

Van Buren County will square off against Pekin at home tonight at 5:30 pm.

Wapello will host Louisa-Muscatine tonight at 5:30 pm.

Fairfield will travel to Fort Madison tonight at 7 pm. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will play Highland tomorrow, June 6th, at 5:30 pm at home.

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant appeared snake-bitten to start the year in close games, but last night was a big step in the right direction as Chaley Cook’s domination in the circle led to a 3-1 win over New London. Cook tossed a complete game, allowing only three hits, while striking out four. Keagyn Coleman and Izzy Sloat each collected an RBI in the win. Maison Nelson batted in the lone run for the Tigers. Mt. Pleasant head coach Derek Coleman was happy to see his squad having fun from start to finish,

“Pretty excited. Yep. It’s good to see the girls get the win more than me but for the girls… Hopefully it’s a big confidence booster for them. They played 7 innings tonight. We haven’t played a full 7 innings in a game, battled the whole way through and they did it tonight.”

Mt. Pleasant will compete against Washington tonight on the road at 7:30 pm.

New London will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic tonight at 7:30 pm.

Van Buren County will take on Pekin tonight at 5:30 pm at home.

Wapello will face off against Louisa-Muscatine tonight at 7 pm at home.

Danville will host West Burlington/Notre Dame tonight at 7 pm.

Columbus will face off against Mediapolis tonight at home at 7 pm.

Columbus will take on Hillcrest Academy tonight at 7 pm at home.

Fairfield will continue their road trip tonight to face off against Fort Madison at 7:30 pm. 

WACO will face off against Louisa-Muscatine tomorrow, June 6th, at 7 pm

High School Cross Country

The Mt. Pleasant Cross Country team will be starting up their optional summer runs on June 16th. The runs are available to any 7th through 12th grader with paces and plans dependent on the level of experience. Coaches may not be present at every run as upperclassmen often lead the runs.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, the runs will begin at 6:30 am at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the runs will begin at Saunders Park by the swimming pool at 7 pm. The runs will continue through mid-August until the cross country camp. If you have any questions, then contact Coach Murray at 319-850-0867. 

High School Soccer

The girls state tournament semifinals begin today with Class 1A leading off the day. #1 Denver will face off against #5 Hudson, while #2 Bishop Heelan will take on #3 Assumption.

In Class 2A, #1 Waverly-Shell Rock will tangle with #5 ADM and #2 Dallas Center-Grimes will compete against #3 Xavier. 

Lastly, #1 Waukee Northwest and #4 Waukee will square off, while #7 Linn-Mar will attempt to continue their Cinderella story against #3 Ankeny Centennial tonight for Class 3A. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees had their contest against the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp postponed last night due to poor field conditions. The game will be made up on June 22nd as a doubleheader at Community Field. 

The Bees will host the Quincy Doggy Paddlers tonight at 6:30 pm.

The Clinton LumberKings had their game against the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes postponed last night. The two teams will play a doubleheader tonight with game one at 6 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1974 – As’ Reggie Jackson and Bill North engage in clubhouse brawl in Detroit.

1981 – Astros Nolan Ryan passes Early Wynn as all-time walk leader (1,777).

2018 – Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. was named 2017 top earning sports person by Forbes with $285 million.

Midwest Old Threshers Seeking More Local Homes with Guest-Friendly Accessibility for In-Home Stay Program

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 at 3:38 pm CDT

Mount Pleasant, IA — As excitement builds for the 2025 Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, organizers are reaching out to local residents for help in welcoming the thousands of guests expected during this milestone year. The In-Home Stay Program, which pairs Reunion visitors with homeowners in the Mt. Pleasant area, is in need of additional guest-friendly homes, particularly those with minimal steps or single-level layouts.

“With the current list of homes filling up, we’re seeing more and more visitors reaching out in search of places to stay,” said Grant Davidson, Public Relations & Marketing Coordinator for Midwest Old Threshers. “This program not only offers guests a welcoming place to stay—it also builds meaningful connections between our visitors and the Mt. Pleasant community.”

The 2025 Reunion will take place August 28 through September 1, as Midwest Old Threshers is Celebrating 75 Years of tradition, history, and family fun. A record attendance is anticipated for the five-day event.

Residents with homes that are easy to navigate, such as those without stairs or with accessible entrances, are especially encouraged to consider participating.

To learn more or to join the program, please contact Lori Shoultz at (309) 791-7689.

By opening their homes, community members play a vital role in making this historic celebration a warm and memorable experience for all.

Victoria Pearson

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 at 3:01 pm CDT

Victoria Pearson, 54, of Mt. Pleasant, died Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

Ms. Pearson, the former Victoria Rose Lamm, was born July 9, 1970 in Mount Pleasant. She was the daughter of Richard Wayne and Karen Ann (Sanderson) Lamm. She attended school in Fairfield. In the early 2000’s, Victoria married Vernon Pearson. The couple later divorced.

Victoria was a longtime homemaker who enjoyed diamond painting and computers. Most especially, she cherished the time she spend with her granddaughters.

Survivors include 2 children – Nicolas Shepard and Kristen Morse and her husband Chris, all of Mt. Pleasant; a sister – Patty DuFour and a brother Jerry Lamb and his wife Renee, all of New London, and 2 granddaughters – Krysta and Dyana Morse.

Her parents, a sister – Brenda Hand and a brother, Jerry Lamb precede in death.

Private family services will be held with burial in the Salem East Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Thoughts and memories may be shared with her family and friends at www.kimzeyfh.com.

Philip Humbert White

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 at 2:10 pm CDT

Philip Humbert White, 83, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Monday, May 26, 2025 at Prestige Care Center in Fairfield.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Faculty and Staff Retirement Fund at Maharishi International University and mailed to the Development Office 1000 N. 4th St. Fairfield, Iowa 52557.

Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Philip was born May 28, 1941 in San Diego, California, the son of Francis “Marshall” and Elizabeth “Betty” (Brown) White. Phil earned a Master’s in Political Science. He graduated from UC Berkeley School of Law in 1966. He married Caroline “Fauna” Edwards in November 1966 at Balboa Park in San Diego.

Phil taught political science at Laney College in Oakland, California and later taught in the Government Department at Maharishi International University. He spent many years in Europe as part of the international staff for the Transcendental Meditation Program.

Phil loved teaching and was an excellent storyteller. He enjoyed surfing, playing tennis, and going for walks along the beach, in the mountains and around lakes with his beloved Fauna.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Fauna of Fairfield; sister, Barbara White of Hemet, California; brother, Marshall “Spike” (Mary Ellen) White of Knoxville, Tennessee; nephews, Christopher and Mario Villalobos, and Gregory White; and a niece, Susan Daffron.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be made to Phil’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

The Mount Pleasant Street Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, at 9:00 AM

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 at 1:16 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Street Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, at 9:00 AM at City Hall in the City Administrators’ Conference Room.
AGENDA

1. Call to order.
2. Review Letter From Residents & Neighbors Regarding Walnut Street Extension.
3. Discuss No Parking Request on W. Orange Street
4. Review Memorandum of Understanding Between Henry County & the City of Mount Pleasant regarding Winfield Ave. Reconstruction
5. Review Request from Resident at 904 W. Washington
6. Discuss Concrete Road Patches from Public Works
7. Review Timeline for Adams Street Construction Project
8. Open Forum
9. Adjourn

Wayne N. Hansen

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 at 11:58 am CDT

Wayne N. Hansen, 97, of Mount Pleasant, died Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at New London Specialty Care.

Wayne was born on March 6, 1928, in Aurora, Nebraska, the son of Charlie and Emma (Johnson) Hansen. Along with his sister Arlis, Wayne helped tend the family farm, until the Great Depression caused them to move to Yarmouth, Iowa. Upon the family’s arrival, they began to farm again in the Yarmouth and Mediapolis area. Wayne graduated from Mediapolis High School. He was drafted in the United States Army during the Korean War. On August 21, 1954, Wayne was united in marriage to Dorothy “Dottie” Congdon in Moline, Illinois. Wayne was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness in 1957. He attended Augustana College and the University of Iowa, studying electrical engineering. Wayne’s skill with electronics took him to work for NASA for a short period, spending time in Puerto Rico launching rockets. Wayne also worked 18 years for KILJ Radio as a broadcast engineer. Wayne was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, in Burlington, and had a deep love of the Bible.

Wayne is survived by his daughter Marcie Hansen of Mount Pleasant. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dottie, son Joe Hansen, and sister Arlis.

Memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Burlington. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Oakland Mills Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for World Wide Work of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Wayne and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com