Thomas Michael Driscoll

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 at 10:15 am CDT

Thomas Michael Driscoll, 88, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 8:25 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison.

He was born on November 14, 1935, in Belfast, Iowa, the son of Timothy Francis and Margaret Rita (Burke) Driscoll. On February 13, 1965, he married Alice J. Brune. She preceded him in death on January 3, 2022.

He is survived by one son: Mike (Rachelle) Driscoll of McGregor, Iowa; one daughter: Kim (Doug) Ensminger of Argyle, Iowa; four grandchildren: Zach, Emma, Olivia and Weston; one brother: Tim (Mary) Driscoll. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Alice; eight siblings: Mary Knox, Margaret Hayes, Theresa Bentzinger, John Driscoll, Colleen Lowenberg, Patricia Hirschler, Jim Driscoll and Agnes Roan.

Tom was a graduate of Donnellson High School. He served in the United States Army for two years. He operated heavy equipment and owned his own business for a time. Tom was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point and the American Legion.

His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 26, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Father Dan Dorau officiating.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in West Point with a flag presentation by the Donnellson American Legion Gillaspey – Moodie Post #474.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his memory for Donnellson Fire and Rescue.

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

Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 at 9:37 am CDT
Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

April 15-21, 2024

DES MOINES, Iowa (April 22, 2024) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Planters temporarily stopped rolling last week as thunderstorms produced severe weather across portions of Iowa along with above-average rainfall,” Secretary Naig. “Warmer temperatures are forecasted this week with a more active weather pattern persisting as farmers look for windows of opportunity to get back into the field.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report
Although the week began with above normal temperatures, multiple storm systems brought cooler temperatures and much-needed rain, which only allowed Iowa farmers 3.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 21, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Corn, soybean and oat planting continued this week when field conditions allowed. Topsoil moisture condition rated 10 percent very short, 27 percent short, 60 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 19 percent very short, 36 percent short, 43 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 13 percent complete, 3 days ahead of last year and the 5-year average. Eight percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted, 4 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of the average. Seventy-eight percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, 1 week ahead of last year and 8 days ahead of the 5-year average. Thirty-four percent of the oat crop has emerged, 10 days ahead of last year.

Pastures and hay ground continue to green up due to much-needed rain. No reports of cattle turned out onto pasture yet.

Weather Summary
Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

The first widespread severe weather event occurred early in the reporting period with all modes of hazards occurring through multiple waves of thunderstorms. At least 15 tornadoes were observed across Iowa along with large hail and straight-line winds. These thunderstorms brought widespread, above-average rainfall as well. Conditions were slightly warmer than average, especially over southern Iowa; the statewide average temperature was 51.6 degrees, 2.2 degrees above normal.

Sunday (14th) afternoon was sunny and unseasonably warm as daytime temperatures rose into the mid to upper 80s across southern Iowa; stations farther north reported upper 70s and low 80s while the statewide average high was 82 degrees, 22 degrees above normal. Monday (15th) morning started with lows ranging from the mid 40s northeast to mid 50s southeast under clear skies and winds in a generally easterly direction. Afternoon highs returned to the upper 70s and low 80s with wind speeds rising as a strong low-pressure center approached Iowa. Thundershowers pushed into southwestern Iowa towards midnight, expanding into northern Iowa before daybreak on Tuesday (16th). A second, stronger line formed during the later morning hours with embedded strong to severe thunderstorms. The first tornado of the day formed near Minburn (Dallas County) and traveled nearly seven miles, producing some structural damage. As the initial line strengthened and moved northeast, a more narrow but equally strong line formed behind, producing several severe and tornado-warned storms in eastern Iowa. Enough wind shear and instability over northwestern Iowa fired off shallow-topped supercells that spun up a few weak tornadoes; Rockwell City (Calhoun County) experienced an EF-1-rated tornado with wind speeds estimated at 100 mph. A longer track EF-2 was observed near Salem (Henry County), producing winds near 130 mph and lasting for 42 miles; there were numerous hail and high wind events across the state as well. Beneficial rain totals were observed across broad south-to-north swaths, particularly in northern and southeastern Iowa, with more than 110 stations collecting at least an inch; a station in Burlington (Des Moines County) reported 1.92 inches while Postville (Allamakee County) observed 2.62 inches with a statewide average of 0.74 inch.

Blustery, westerly winds built in as the system exited with overcast skies lingering into Wednesday (17th). Daytime temperatures rose into the upper 60s over southwest Iowa where skies were clearing. Another weather disturbance brought additional rainfall to Iowa just before midnight and through much of Thursday (18th) with most stations observing at least 0.30 inch. The wettest conditions were found in the northwest and along the Iowa-Missouri border with numerous one-inch or greater totals; Le Mars (Plymouth County) measured an inch on the dot while two stations in Bloomfield (Davis County) recorded 1.93 to 1.97 inches. Skies began to clear late in the evening as morning lows on Friday (19th) dropped below freezing in northwest Iowa. Westerly winds increased through the day as spotty clouds drifted across the state with upper 40s north to upper 50s south. Starry skies into Saturday (20th) allowed temperatures to settle in the low 30s statewide with persisting westerly winds. Overcast conditions developed through the day with chilly temperatures in the mid 40s to low 50s; the statewide average high was 48 degrees, 15 degrees below normal. Skies cleared overnight with low to mid 20s registering in eastern Iowa on Sunday (21st) morning.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.51 inch in Sac City (Sac County) to 4.00 inches in Remsen (Plymouth County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 1.58 inches, while the normal is 0.91 inch. Winterset (Madison County) reported the week’s high temperature of 89 degrees on the 14th, 29 degrees above average. Elkader (Clayton County) reported the week’s low temperature of 23 degrees on the 21st, 13 degrees below normal. Four-inch soil temperatures were in the mid to upper 40s statewide with low 50s reported in far western Iowa as of Sunday.
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About the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Led by Secretary Mike Naig, the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship serves the rural and urban residents that call Iowa home. Through its 14 diverse bureaus, the Department ensures animal health, food safety and consumer protection. It also promotes conservation efforts to preserve our land and enhance water quality for the next generation. Learn more at iowaagriculture.gov.

 

 
 

 
 

Sports, April 23th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 at 6:55 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The Mt. Pleasant and Central Lee boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to Fort Madison High School for a meet today for the Keokuk Invitational.

The Winfield-Mt. Union, WACO, and Van Buren County boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to Sigourney for a meet today.

The New London boys’ and girls’ teams will host a meet tonight with Danville, Mediapolis, and West Burlington attending. 

Drake Relays

High school competition for the 114th running of the Drake Relays begins on Thursday, April 25th, and runs through Saturday, April 27th. Here’s a look at our local athletes making the trip to Des Moines.  

Mt. Pleasant will have three entries with the girls’ running the 4×100 and the 4×200 meter relays and Avin Truong competing in the long jump. Winfield-Mt. Union’s Cam Buffington will provide a bit of a southeast Iowa rivalry as he will also be participating in the long jump along with Keshawn Wyldon of Burlington.

Keeping with Burlington: Mylee Stiefel will run the 100-meter dash, Kylee Hill will throw the shot put, and the girls’ and boy’s teams will have a 4×100 meter relay. West Burlington’s Landry Haberichter will sprint in the 100-meter dash.

Mediapolis will be touting five entries with Logan Rosas running in the 800-meter. Solomon Zaugg pacing himself in the 3200-meter run, and teams in the distance medley, the 4×800, and 4×100 meter relays. 

Lastly, Danville will have a girls’ 4×100 meter relay team, a boys’ 4×100 meter relay team, and Kenna Furnald compete in the girls long jump. 

High School Soccer

The WACO boys’ team thumped Sigourney-Keota last night 7-0. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team fell to Burlington Notre Dame last night 8-1. Lecet Quiroz scored the lone goal for the Wildcats, while Aviana West tallied a hat trick and then some, finishing with five goals on the night. Julianna Hill totaled four assists. 

The Nikes appeared poised to sweep the night after taking a 2 to 0 lead into halftime, but the Wildcats, led by Fernando Erazo and Sachiel Vilagrana each scoring two goals, stumped Notre Dame 4-2 for their first win of the season. Seena Nowroozi and Bobby Wildrick each scored a goal for the Nikes. The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will travel to Hillcrest Academy on Friday, April 26th, while the girls’ team will face off against Pella Christian on Saturday, April 27th, at 10 am on the road. 

The Mediapolis boys’ team will take on WACO at 5 pm, while the girls’ team will take on Burlington at 5 pm tonight.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team rode the momentum of a five-goal first half to beat Fairfield at home handily 7-0. The boys’ team lost to the Trojans 2-0. The boys’ team will host Keokuk tonight, while the girls’ team will travel to Washington for their next matchup on Thursday, April 25th. 

The Central Lee boys’ team shut down Highland last night 3-0 for their second win of the season. Dante Merschman, Landon Crank, and Ayden Kent each netted a goal for the Hawks. The Central Lee girls’ team will host Albia tonight, while the boys’ team will take on Mediapolis on Thursday at 7 pm at home. 

The Danville boys’ team will host Wapello on Thursday.

High School Tennis

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team hosted Fort Madison last night and swept the Bloodhounds 9-0. Sawyer Fulton dominated in his singles match, winning 8-1. Phoenix Watson took down Aiden Benda 8-2, while Gavin Ross and Lou Schimmelpfennig each won their match 8-3. Doubles provided a bit more competition as Watson and Schimmelpfennig won their match 8-5 and Fulton and Dane Cook took their matchup 8-6. Ross and Zach Johnson cruised to a 8-0 sweep.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team traveled down to Fort Madison and experienced the same success, blanking the Bloodhounds 9-0. Jana Isanta and Bethany Drury each won their singles match 8-0, while the team of Isanta and Ellie Situmeang blanked their doubles competition 8-0. Mary Kate Peterson and Victoria Smith battled back twice in their doubles match. The duo forced a tiebreaker after trailing 4 to 7 and eventually came up with the win after scoring six straight points in the tiebreaker after falling behind 1 to 5 to win 9-8. Audrey Richmond had her own adversity, winning her singles match 9-7. 

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel to Maharishi today, while the boys’ team will host Davis County. 

High School Golf

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team lost to Hillcrest Academy yesterday 180 to 197. Carter Loyd finished with a 9-hole score of 44 (+8), which tied for the second lowest score of the course. On the girls’ side, the Wolves picked up the victory in a close matchup, 252 to 257. Brynn Pogmore had the second best score on the course with a 55. The Wolves will host Lone Tree on Thursday, April 25th. 

The WACO girls’ team could not keep up with Louisa-Muscatine last night, losing 195 to 306. Morgan Meyer shot a 66 for the Warriors. The WACO boys’ team won via forfeit as the Warriors finished with a team score of 250. John McLaughlin led the team with a 9-hole score of 59. The Warriors will travel to Sheaffer Memorial Golf Park today to face off against Holy Trinity Catholic. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team hosted the other SEC teams yesterday and finished in second place with a team score of 350, trailing Washington with a team score of 296. For the Demons, Roman Roth had a phenomenal 18 holes, shooting 5-under par (67). 

Mt. Pleasant was led by Nate Dismang’s 18-hole score of 84 and Reece Coffman’s 14-over par. The Panthers will travel to Edmundson Golf Course today for a tournament. 

The Central Lee boys’ team defeated Danville 167 to 202 yesterday behind Caleb Larson’s 9-hole score of 39 and Mylan Lowenberg following close behind with a score of 40. The girls’ team for the Hawks was led by Marie Young as she shot a 61. The Central Lee girls’ team will compete today in a triangular at Fort Madison. 

Mediapolis swept Burlington Notre Dame yesterday with the boys’ winning 171 to 201 and the girls taking the meet 271-296. The Bulldogs will travel to Van Buren County today. 

Southeastern Community College

SCC baseball will travel to face off against Kirkwood Community College tomorrow, April 24th, in a doubleheader.

The SCC softball team won a thriller against Indian Hills Community College yesterday 7-6. The Blackhawks will travel to Carl Sandburg College tomorrow for a doubleheader. 

This Day in Sports History

1869 – First professional baseball exhibition game: Cincinnati Red Stockings 24, Cincinnati Amateurs 15.

1954 – Hammerin’ Hank Aaron hits first of his 755 homers.

1964 – Houston Colt .45s Ken Johnson becomes the first and only major league pitcher to lose a 9 inning no-hitter, Reds win 1-0.

Two-Vehicle Collision in Winfield, IA

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 at 6:06 am CDT

On April 19th just before noon the Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of West Central Avenue and Huntsberry Street in Winfield. Upon investigation, it was determined that a Nissan Rogue operated by Linda Clemmer of Winfield struck a Chrysler 200 operated by Margaret Mehler of Winfield. No injuries were reported. Damage was estimated over $1500 and a State Accident Report was completed. Clemmer was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device and issued written warnings for failure to maintain a seatbelt and operation without registration.

Mount Pleasant Road Closure and Water Shut Off 04.25.2024

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 at 6:03 am CDT

Thursday April 25th from 7:30 – 4 pm the Water Department in Mount Pleasant will need to close the street and turn off water on South Walnut from East Bell Drive to East Harvest Drive. The Utilities regrets any inconvenience this may cause. For questions call 319-385-2121.

Alfred (Al) Marcel Delay

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, April 22nd, 2024 at 7:39 pm CDT

Alfred (Al) Marcel Delay, 98 of Olathe, Kansas passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

Al was born November 23, 1925, in Terryville, Connecticut, where he graduated from Terryville High School. Soon after graduation, Al entered the military, where he fought in World War II, serving as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. Al dutifully engaged in various battles, including the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne, France, and was selected for General Eisenhower’s Honor Guard at the end of WWII.

After returning to the States, Al earned his Undergraduate degree at Parsons College and Master’s degree at Northeast Missouri State University. Al and Charlotte married November 23, 1952, where they set up residence in Brooklyn, Iowa. Al taught at various schools with most of his career spent in Stratford, Iowa, where he held several positions, last of which was high school principal.

After retiring, Al and Charlotte moved to Boone, Iowa, where they lived for many years. Al enjoyed staying active, regularly partook in past-times such as golf, bridge, hunting, reading, gardening, and socializing with friends.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Charlotte Delay, of Olathe, Kansas, his sister, Barbara (Bobbi) Fiorillo of Bristol, Connecticut, his sons, Marcel (Marty) Delay, of Dana, Iowa, Bradly (Brad) and Debra Delay of Olathe, Kansas and his daughter Christie and Brian Jarchow of Merritt Island, Florida.  Al also leaves behind five grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many close family members and friends.

Al was proceeded in death by his parents Marcel and Louella Delay, his brother, Henry Delay and his sister, Carol Scoville.

Graveside Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Lockridge Cemetery.  Military Honors will be conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard.  In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to VFW Post 817, 815 Keeler Street, Boone, Iowa 50036 or Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation, 10810 East 45th Street, Suite 300, Tulsa, Oklahoma. 74146. Please designate Lenexa, Kansas, as the receiving location.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Iowa’s Clarissa Chun Nabbed USA Wrestling Women’s Coach of the Year

By Slaten Swords · Monday, April 22nd, 2024 at 1:31 pm CDT

Iowa City, IA- The Iowa women’s wrestling team experienced immense success, leading to Clarissa Chun being named USA Wrestling Women’s Coach of the Year over the weekend.

The Hawkeyes went a perfect 16-0 in dual competition and captured the NCWC National Duals title along with the NCWWC National Team Title. Additionally, Chun led a squad of 12 All-Americans and six individual national champions.

Chun is now a two-time Coach of the Year honoree as she received the NCWWC Women’s Wrestling Coach of the Year honor.

Along with season success, the Hawkeyes had nine wrestlers compete for the 2024 Olympic Team Trials with three podium finishes.

Several Iowa wrestlers will be competing at the U20 and U23 World Championships later this year with the U20 championship taking place in September and the U23 championship in June.

Dianna Lee Loretta Adam Coppage

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, April 22nd, 2024 at 11:12 am CDT

Dianna Lee Loretta Adam Coppage, 80, of Claremore, Oklahoma passed away Friday, January 23, 2024 of Parkinson’s disease.

She was born on March 10,1943 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Joe and Lucille (Specht) Adam. Dianna grew up in rural Bonaparte, IA with her 11 siblings.

Dianna married Forrest Gregory Coppage on December 11, 1965 at Sacred Heart Church in Ft. Madison, IA. Dianna enjoyed working as a school secretary in Ft. Madison and later as an administrative assistant at American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Dianna’s hobbies included cooking, gardening, walking and being creative in making a comfortable home for her family. She loved baking cakes for family birthdays and weddings. Dianna shared fun activities with the kids in her life, from taffy pulling, to scavenger hunts through the woods. As a skilled homemaker, she always had amazing food cooking and a guest book for visitors to sign so she could look back and treasure the time spent with friends and family.

Her biggest pride and joy in life was her family. Dianna thrived on visiting and supporting her kids and grandkids. She showered them with love and lots of sweets from her candy dish and purse.

Dianna is survived by her daughters, Deb Coppage and Laura (Wes Rettig) Coppage; 8 grandchildren (Luke, Zoe, Evan and Fiona Mahler, Kennedy and Adam Coppage, Colin and Logan Rettig); 10 beloved siblings and 5 sibling in-laws; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Dianna is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Greg Coppage; her son, Craig Coppage; her parents and her brother, Larry Adam.

Dianna’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her special friend, Bunny Patterson, to Ellen and Mark Meek, and to the staff at Grand Haven Retirement Community and Heartland Hospice for the love and care they have given her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m.  Saturday, April 27, 2024 at St. Boniface Church in Farmington, IA with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in West Point, Iowa

After the burial, a luncheon will be served at St. Boniface Church. All are welcome to attend.

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