Severe Weather/MPCSD Superintendent Message

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, April 15th, 2024 at 5:11 pm CDT

April 15, 2024

MPCSD Superintendent John Henriksen:  The National Weather Service is predicting several rounds of strong thunderstorms over the next couple of days. The timing of these storms is as follows:

Round 1: Tuesday 2:00am – 8:00am

Round 2: Tuesday 2:00pm – 9:00pm

Round 3: Wednesday 4:00am – 10:00pm

Henriksen met with building principals this afternoon to review safety protocols for severe weather and the district is prepared to “shelter in place”, if necessary, until the several weather threat has passed.  If severe weather hits at school dismissal time, “we ask that you wait until the threat has passed before picking up your student/s.”  It is possible that school staff may have to shelter, and will be unable to allow access to the building or answer phone calls.

Based on the predicted timing of the storms, the school bus schedule could be affected.  If transportation delays are necessary, changes will be communicated through MPCSD Social Media accounts, Infinite Campus Messenger, and KILJ Radio.

Finalists for 2024 Small Business of the Year Announced!

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, April 15th, 2024 at 4:24 pm CDT

Chamber Announces

2024 Small Business of the Year Finalists

MOUNT PLEASANT – The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance is pleased to announce that Small Business Week will be celebrated April 29 – May 3, 2024. In conjunction, we are pleased to announce the five finalists for the 2024 Small Business of the Year Award. Congratulations to From the Heart Flowers & Gifts, Orthodontic Associates of Iowa, Sa3m Sao Market, Southeast Iowa Realty, Inc. and Triple Seven Trucking.

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.

In the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance, more than 250 businesses have less than 25 employees. Those businesses contribute over $60,000 to the Chamber annually and collectively, small business accounts for more than 1200 jobs in the community.

The 2024 Small Business of the Year will be announced at the Small Business Breakfast on May 3.

Small Business Week is made possible by these sponsors:  Platinum-Pilot Grove Savings Bank; Silver – Community 1st Credit Union

 

Prep Track and Field: IHSAA Releases State Qualifying Meet Sites

By Slaten Swords · Monday, April 15th, 2024 at 11:05 am CDT

Prep Track and Field- The 2024 High School State Track and Field competition at Drake Stadium is a month away from getting underway on May 16th and running through the 18th and the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) released the sites for the State Qualifying Meets today.

The State Qualifying Meets are currently scheduled to run on Thursday, May 9th, for all classes and for both the boys and girls.

There will be no more than 24 qualifiers in any event as Classes 4A, 3A, and 2A will have the top place winners advance, while Class 4A will have the next 12 best statewide performance advance and Classes 3A and 2A will have the next 8 best statewide performances advance.

Class 1A will just be the top place winner in each event plus the next 14 best performances statewide. If a tie happens, the highest qualifying meet place winner will be the qualifier. If there is still a tie the school’s name alphabetically will qualify. In 2025, it will change to the first school’s name alphabetically.

Class 4A State Qualifying Meet Sites

  • Cedar Rapids, Jefferson
  • Council Bluffs, Abraham Lincoln
  • Dubuque, Senior
  • Iowa City, City
  • Norwalk
  • Waukee Northwest

Class 3A State Qualifying Meet Sites

  • Atlantic
  • Clear Lake
  • Mount Pleasant
  • North Polk
  • Saydel
  • Sergeant Bluff-Luton
  • Solon
  • West Delaware

Class 2A State Qualifying Meet Sites

  • Dike-New Hartford
  • Denver
  • Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont
  • Manson Northwest Webster
  • Roland-Story
  • Spirit Lake
  • Tipton
  • Treynor

Class 1A State Qualifying Meet Sites

  • Belle Plaine
  • BGM
  • Earlham
  • Edgewood-Colesburg
  • Fremont-Mills
  • Mount Ayr
  • North Union
  • Saint Ansgar
  • Sigourney
  • Westwood

Dennis Dean Dodson

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, April 15th, 2024 at 11:05 am CDT

Dennis Dean Dodson 67, of St. Paul, Iowa, passed away at 9:48 a.m., Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.

He was born on February 27, 1957 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Lloyd Dennis and Barbara Ann (Carpenter) Dodson. On April 23, 1993, he married Sharon Jean Blind in Independence, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife: Sharon; children: Frank, Tim, LeAnn, Darrel, Jody and Denny, Jr.; thirteen grandchildren; many, many great grandchildren; mother: Barbara Sharp; father: Lloyd Dennis Dodson; brothers: Phillip Dodson, J.R. Alllison; sisters: Tammy  Young, Sonya Dodson; BEST FRIENDS EVER: Larry and Robin Bennett. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and son: Phillip Dodson.

Dennis served in the United States Navy. He was a member of the America Legion and worked as an electrician.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

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

Sara Ann Stanley

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, April 15th, 2024 at 9:49 am CDT

Sara Ann Stanley, a pioneering figure in the world of theatre and academia, passed away on April 1, 2024, at the age of 80. She leaves behind a legacy of innovation, creativity, and dedication that will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was born in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, on July 31, 1943. Music and drama were always special interests of hers.  In junior and senior high she enjoyed many music and drama activities.  A favorite was a girls quartet called the Teen Tones.  The group sang for many clubs and organizations. As an adult, Sara embarked on a journey that took her from the heartland of America to the rugged landscape of Alaska and ultimately to the newly blossoming lands of Southern Alberta. After spending several years teaching in Alaska, Sara joined the University of Lethbridge, making her mark as the first female instructor in the Drama program.

Sara made history once again as the first female director in the mainstage series, breaking barriers and inspiring generations of aspiring artists. Her passion for theatre, coupled with her expertise in acting and movement, enriched the lives of countless students and colleagues during her decade and a half of tenure.

Among her notable achievements, Sara directed a wide range of productions, from her directing premier of John Murrel’s “Waiting for the Parade” in 1982, to her final play, Clive Endersby’s “Alice” in 1996. Her contributions to the performing arts community were not only groundbreaking but also deeply impactful, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of her newly adopted home.

Despite facing challenges of multiple sclerosis, Sara approached life with resilience and a relentless spirit. Though she retired earlier than expected due to her illness, Sara remained a beloved figure among her colleagues, who continued to honor her with regular visits and bouquets of flowers – – a fitting tribute to her enduring love for the theatre.

Sara now joins her parents George Myron and Zaida Zardatha (Ferree) Stanley, but leaves a void in the hearts of her loved ones, including her sister Mary Beth (Dick) Young of Mount Pleasant, two nephews and a closer circle of friends, students, and admirers. Yet, her spirit will live on through the countless lives she touched and the lasting impact of her contributions to the world of dramatic arts.

In true theatre fashion, Sara’s life was a masterpiece of passion, courage, and creativity. We know her memory will continue to inspire and uplift those who follow in her footsteps. May she rest in eternal peace, knowing that her legacy will endure for generations to come.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church, in Mount Pleasant, Pastor Trey Hegar will officiate. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery at a later date. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in Sara’s name to the Faculty of Fine Arts at Ulethbridge.ca/giving or the Mount Pleasant Music Boosters. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Sara and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

SCC to Host Celebration of Life for Hwangki Cho on Tuesday, April 16

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, April 15th, 2024 at 6:45 am CDT

Southeastern Community College will host a celebration of life for deceased student Hwangki Cho at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, April 16 in the Loren Walker Arena on the West Burlington campus.

Cho, who passed away unexpectedly on Monday, was from Amagasaki, Japan and was a first-year student and member of the men’s soccer team.

Known as Koki to friends and team mates, Cho was known for his pleasant nature and for being quick with a smile. Notes of remembrance and sympathy penned by fellow students cited his willingness to provide support to friends in need, to be a close confidant, and an ally.

“Koki made deep connections and friendships during his short time here at SCC,” said SCC President Dr. Michael Ash. “This event will provide an opportunity for our campus community to share stories and honor his memory.”

The event is free and open to the public.

For more SCC news, visit scciowa.edu

Sports, April 15th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, April 15th, 2024 at 6:32 am CDT

High School Track and Field

Central Lee participated in a meet at Burlington over the weekend and the boys’ team finished with 59 points and the girls’ team collected 52 points. On the girls’ side, the Hawks finished in second place in a couple events with the 800 medley relay team finishing with a time of 2 minutes and 10 seconds. Kylie Fortune tied for first in the long jump with a leap of 15 feet and 1 inch and silver in the high jump with a height of 4 feet and 8 inches, while Allison Gruntmeir tied for first with Burlington’s Lilian Mennen with a similar jump of 4 feet and 8 inches. 

On the boys’ side, Grant Myhre raced to a first place finish in the 400-meter dash with a time of 53.12 seconds. Myhre also took second in the long jump with a leap of 20 feet and 1 inch. Kegan Damico had a nice meet with second place finishes in the high jump with a height of 6 feet and 2 inches and a 400-meter hurdle time of 1 minute. 

The Fort Madison boys’ and girls’ teams dominated with 132 points and 136 points, respectively. The boys’ won eight events, including sweeping the throwing events and Adam Sobczak taking the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 59.76 seconds. The girls’ won 10 events with Avery Rump leading the charge in the 1500 and 3000 meter runs. 

The Van Buren County girls’ and boys’ teams and the New London boys’ teams will hit the road to participate in a meet today at Central Lee. 

Danville and Mediapolis competed at the Eastern Iowa Track and Field Festival over the weekend and here’s the highlights. For the Danville girls’ team, Kenna Furnald grabbed the gold in the long jump with a leap of 17 feet and 5 inches. Alaina Gourley took third place in the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes and 20 seconds and fourth place in the 400-meter dash with a time of 59.12 seconds. On the boys’ side, the distance medley team of Jaden Bauer, Landon Seibert, Ayden Doyle, and Noah Horn captured third place with a time of 3 minutes and 45 seconds. 

For the Mediapolis boys’ team, Owen Schmidgall, Will Schmidgall, Solomon Zaugg, and Logan Rosas grabbed second place in the 4×800 meter relay with a time of 7 minutes and 59 seconds. 

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ and boys’ teams will host an Invitational today with Mediapolis and Danville bringing both teams and the WACO, Winfield-Mt. Union, West Burlington, and New London girls’ teams making the trip. 

The WACO boys’ team will host a meet tomorrow, April 16th, with Winfield-Mt. Union, New London, Central Lee, and Van Buren County all attending. 

High School Soccer

The WACO boys’ team will hit the road to take on Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union tonight at 5 pm.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will host Washington tomorrow, April 16th.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will travel to Highland tonight at 5 pm, while the girls’ team will take on Keokuk tomorrow at 5 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will face off against Burlington today with the girls’ at home and the boys on the road. 

The Danville boys’ team will host Burlington Notre Dame today at 5 pm.

Central Lee will celebrate their senior night tonight against Wapello with the girls’ playing first at 5 pm. 

High School Tennis

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will host Burlington Notre Dame today and the boys’ team will travel to Keokuk on Thursday, April 18th.  

High School Golf

Winfield-Mt. Union will face off against WACO today at Twin Lakes Golf Course.  

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will host their SEC meet today, while the boys’ travel to Washington.  

New London will take on Danville at home today

Central Lee will travel to Mediapolis today.  

Southeastern Community College

SCC baseball ended the weekend with a three-game sweep of North Iowa Area Community College with game one being a pitching duel and the rest of the weekend slate showing off the bats. Game one saw Maddux Frese go 6.1 innings, picking up four strikeouts in the 1-0 shutout for his fourth win of the season. Carter Gallagher picked up the lone RBI.

Game two saw the Blackhawks soar to a 13-6 win over the Trojans. Michael Farina belted two home runs as he and Kooper Schulte collected three RBIs apiece. Lastly, a five-run 9th inning lifted SCC past the Trojans in game three for an 11-6 win. The Blackhawks had six players swat a home run in game three: Caleb Wulf, Schulte, Sam Skarich, Bandon Vlcko, Abrahan Rios, and Marcus Beatty. The Blackhawks will look to continue their road winning ways today against Ellsworth Community College. 

The SCC softball team split their Saturday doubleheader against Iowa Western Community College, winning game one 2-0 but losing game two 6-5. Araceli Rivas pitched the complete game one-hitter in game one, which included eight strikeouts. Gracie Wilt led the RBI total in game two with two. The Blackhawks will face off against Indian Hills Community College on Wednesday, April 17th, at home in a doubleheader. 

This Day in Sports History

1910 – William Howard Taft is the first US President to throw out the first ball at a baseball game.

1947 – Jackie Robinson becomes the first African-American to play in major league baseball.

1997 – Baseball honors Jackie Robinson by retiring #42 for all teams.