Author: Theresa Rose

The 73rd Annual Tri-State Rodeo will continue to proceed as planned for September 9th-12th.

The Tri-State Rodeo committee is working closely with local officials on implementing a comprehensive safety plan for the protection of all the individuals attending the Tri-State Rodeo against the spread of COVID-19. More details will be available soon.

Tony Johnson, Chairman of the rodeo, stated “We are intending to conduct all of our planned traditional events beginning Wednesday September 9th starting with the Cinch Chute-Out and allow all of our supporters and fans to participate at the level they feel comfortable.”

The Tri-State Rodeo Board of Directors and Operating Committee have faced several challenging decisions over the past several months. To put on the most successful event possible the rodeo board has decided to postpone all pre-rodeo events (scheduled Sept 5-8) until 2021. This includes the Fareway pancake breakfast, Fareway chili supper and The HyVee Pork Dinner. This will also include the special kids rodeo, lil spurs rodeo, lil miss rodeo & all-around cowboy contest and the school’s out roundup.

Johnson stated, “The goal by doing this is to not put a strain and burden on the committee members and volunteers during these difficult times. We have decided to put all of our focus on making the rodeo as safe and successful as we can and by postponing the pre-rodeo events until 2021, this allows us to be better prepared to make the 2020 event as safe as possible. We will continue to have 4 great nights of rodeo and entertainment along with the Grand Rodeo Parade on Saturday morning.”

The Tri-State Rodeo is looking forward to September with the focus of the protection of everyone’s health, continuing to provide economic impact for our community and to preserve the 73-year history of the rodeo in Fort Madison, Iowa.

Our entertainment lineup this year includes country music up and comer HARDY on Thursday September 10. We are throwing it back to the 90’s on Friday with country legends Mark Chesnutt and David Lee Murphy both performing. On Saturday night country music star Trace Adkins will be on the main stage! Each night we will have entertainment in the Bud Light Stockyard as well. Wednesday and Thursday Joe Stamm Band performs and Stumptown will be here on Friday and Saturday nights. Music on the main stage starts immediately after the rodeo ends each night.

Tickets for the Tri-State Rodeo are on sale now and available at www.tristarerodeo.org, tickets can also be purchased by visiting or calling the rodeo box office.

Iowa Wesleyan University (IW) and Southeastern Community College (SCC) have announced a memorandum of understanding to explore the development of a strategic partnership between institutions.

Leadership from both institutions will explore opportunities where each would benefit, including shared administrative structure and resources, cooperative academic arrangements, and economies of scale. The two institutions will remain separate entities, maintaining distinct accreditation, boards, and governance structures. While IW and SCC have partnered in academic programming in the past, this formal affiliation will allow for seamless transfer pathways between Iowa Wesleyan and SCC, significantly broadening students’ educational opportunities and strengthening workforce development for the region.

“Since our founding in 1842, Iowa Wesleyan University has pioneered innovative educational practices and led the way in providing educational opportunities to diverse populations,” said Chris Plunkett, President of Iowa Wesleyan University. “We are thrilled to be moving toward a partnership with Southeastern Community College, and I look forward to the tremendous opportunity it will provide to our students and our community.”

Uncertainties relating to the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the challenges already faced by colleges and universities due to economic pressures and demographic shifts. New unique and creative models of higher education will become important in securing the future of economically vital regional educational institutions, particularly in rural regions of the country.

“This is the first step toward a potentially innovative and unique partnership between a four-year private liberal arts university and a public community college,” says SCC President Dr. Michael Ash. “It could serve as a model for other institutions across the country.”

IW and SCC intend to establish a joint “Affiliation Council,” which will collaborate on opportunities that promote both institutions’ greater good. The council will also make recommendations and help set priorities for the partnership’s short and long-term goals. The institutions plan to submit a strategic affiliation agreement to their mutual accrediting body, The Higher Learning Commission, subject to approval later this year, anticipating full implementation with the Fall 2021 semester.

The Mount Pleasant School Board began the July meeting honoring the following retirees with plaques…Principal Don La Blanc (blonc), teacher Sandy Breazeale (Brazil), music teacher Sherry Moeller and bus driver Herb Quayle (quail) who recently passed away.

Superintendent John Henriksen shared results from a survey sent out to district families regarding their experience with students staying home due to the pandemic and utilization of learning opportunities provided by the district. Questions involved access to high speed internet, cell phone data plans that allow high speed internet, and challenges in supporting students online learning. With just short of 500 responses 86% did have high speed internet access and 79% said their students had access to the cell data plan. Some of the parents’ challenges included lack of time to work with their students at home ad discomfort with using technology. Some parents also said it was hard to motivate students to engage but it was noted that previously it was not required to engage.  That may be different if online work is graded. The survey also indicated that a majority of parents would be comfortable with sending their student back to school if the proper mitigation strategies were in place.

A public hearing was supposed to be held regarding a change to the school calendar.  Since the 2020 Old Threshers Reunion has been cancelled the administration would like to add back into the calendar the two days the students would have been off for Old Threshers. A second change would move a teacher development day from the end of the school year to the week of August 17. However, the board’s agenda did not include the public hearing. So the superintendent asked for the board’s tentative approval with final approval voted on at the next board meeting when the public hearing can be held.

Today, Iowa Wesleyan University (IW) and Southeastern Community College (SCC) have announced a memorandum of understanding to explore the development of a strategic partnership between institutions.

Leadership from both institutions will explore opportunities where each would benefit, including shared administrative structure and resources, cooperative academic arrangements, and economies of scale. The two institutions will remain separate entities, maintaining distinct accreditation, boards, and governance structures. While IW and SCC have partnered in academic programming in the past, this formal affiliation will allow for seamless transfer pathways between Iowa Wesleyan and SCC, significantly broadening students’ educational opportunities and strengthening workforce development for the region.

“Since our founding in 1842, Iowa Wesleyan University has pioneered innovative educational practices and led the way in providing educational opportunities to diverse populations,” said Chris Plunkett, President of Iowa Wesleyan University. “We are thrilled to be moving toward a partnership with Southeastern Community College, and I look forward to the tremendous opportunity it will provide to our students and our community.”

Uncertainties relating to the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the challenges already faced by colleges and universities due to economic pressures and demographic shifts. New unique and creative models of higher education will become important in securing the future of economically vital regional educational institutions, particularly in rural regions of the country.

“This is the first step toward a potentially innovative and unique partnership between a four-year private liberal arts university and a public community college,” says SCC President Dr. Michael Ash. “It could serve as a model for other institutions across the country.”

IW and SCC intend to establish a joint “Affiliation Council,” which will collaborate on opportunities that promote both institutions’ greater good. The council will also make recommendations and help set priorities for the partnership’s short and long-term goals. The institutions plan to submit a strategic affiliation agreement to their mutual accrediting body, The Higher Learning Commission, subject to approval later this year, anticipating full implementation with the Fall 2021 semester.