In Brief

Jan. 18: Mount Pleasant Artifact Show

7 a.m. – 2 p.m. This annual gathering promotes appreciation of Native American culture through its artifacts. Take this opportunity to visit with collectors and enjoy artifacts not commonly seen. Southeast Iowa is rich in artifacts left behind. Visit the Mount Pleasant High School Gym, 2104 South Grand Avenue. For information or to reserve tables: Brent Japsen 319-931-9615.

Jan. 19: Bald Eagle Days

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The 41st Annual Bald Eagle Appreciation Days will be held at the First Christian Church Building, 3476 Main Street in Keokuk, Iowa. Free admission. Live Raptor Programs will be presented by the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis, Iowa State University Insect Zoo will have live bug displays and interaction with the public, Lee County Conservation will feature Eagles Nest and Nature Displays, Native American Displays and Artifacts by the Iliniwek Village will be on display. Live Eagle Viewing along the Mississippi River at Victory Park with trained spotters from Lee County Conservation. Bald Eagle Appreciation Days is presented by the Keokuk Area Convention & Tourism Bureau Foundation and the Lee County Conservation Board.

Jan. 20: National Park Service Free Admission Day.

The National Park Service (NPS) has six free days in 2025 when entrance fees are waived for all visitors: The first of these occurs on Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The others are April 19: First day of National Park Week, June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day, Aug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, Sept. 27: National Public Lands Day. Jan. 20 may be the last time one can visit the Herbert Hoover Library and Museum until summer of 2026. It is scheduled for its first renovation since 1992 starting in the first quarter of 2025. It will reopen to the public in summer 2026. Iowa’s other National Park is Effigy Mounds National Monument in Harpers Ferry Iowa. Effigy Mounds preserves more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by pre-Columbian Mound Builder cultures, mostly in the first millennium CE.

Jan. 22: Landowner’s Prescribed Fire Workshop

Preregister for the Landowner’s Prescribed Fire Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lee County Conservation Center at Heron Bend Park in Montrose hosted by The Great Rivers Conservation Alliance of Southeast Iowa. Preregistration is required, and space is limited. Participants can register and pay online at https://www.tri-rivers.org/new-events. Contact Muscatine County Conservation at 563-264-5922 or conservation@muscatinecountyiowa.gov with questions. The $25 fee includes class materials, coffee, rolls, and a catered lunch.

Jan. 25: New London VFW Post 7641 Catfish and Chicken Dinner

5-7 p.m. Catfish $13 and Chicken $9 per person dinners are available. Dinner Includes: Roll & Choice of 2 Sides. Sides: French Fries, Baked Beans & Coleslaw. All white meat chicken is available for $9 as well. These dinners are served every second and fourth Saturday evenings. Take out is available as well. Enjoy an evening meal at home or at the VFW.

Feb. 1: Tiger Shooting Sports Fundraiser

5:30 p.m. The Tiger Shooting Sports Team will hold its annual Banquet and Fundraiser. The event is being held at the VFW in Mount Pleasant. Social time begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7. Banquet tickets are $25. The dinner includes 2 meats, 2 sides, rolls and dessert. Many activities and raffles are part of the evening. The Banquet is just 2 weeks away. Get your tickets soon. Students age 11 and under are free. This is a great family event. Auction items are needed and there are early gun raffle tickets available. Plan to attend and learn about this fast-growing national sport.

SAVE THE DATES

Keep an eye on the calendar. Support our young people and their activities.

Mar. 7-8 Shrek NLHS Spring Musical

Tiger Pantry

Tiger Pantry hours: Thursdays – 3:30-6 p.m. Saturdays — 9-11 a.m.