Ronald L. DeWitt, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of Mt. Pleasant, died Wednesday, September23, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids.
Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kimzey Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant. On line condolences may be left at www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com.
The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Henry County has spiked again. About 30 new cases are being reported since Wednesday’s numbers were posted. Henry County Public Health Director Shelley Van Dorin said Thursday morning that cases at the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility are still affecting county numbers after testing was done there again yesterday. But she said there is now widespread community positivity. The 14 day average positivity percentage also went up from 17.7 percent Wednesday to 19.9 percent today. The prison numbers from September 14 are still affecting that. Van Dorin hopes that percentage will look better September 28 when those numbers no longer count. Van Dorin continues to emphasize wearing masks, avoiding large gatherings and practicing good personal hygiene.
Three people were injured in a single vehicle accident Tuesday night. The three were not from Henry County but the crash occurred on Hwy 34 just east of Henry Jefferson Avenue in Henry County. At about 10:30 pm the Iowa State Patrol, Henry County Sheriff’s office, ambulance and MP fire all responded to the scene. Connor Sheehan, of Ottumwa, was driving west on 34 when the vehicle went off the roadway. Sheehan over corrected and lost control. The car went off the roadway and rolled. Three passengers were injured. Madison Beltran, of Ottumwa, was transported to HCHC and airlifted to Iowa City from there. Michael Cole, also of Ottumwa, was taken by ambulance to HCHC and Emily Orman, of Oskaloosa was transported by private vehicle. The driver is charged with failure to maintain control.
Dr. Grant McPheron has joined his father, Dr. Robert McPheron at McPheron Optometry in New London. A recent graduate of Southern California College of Optometry, McPheron is now licensed to provide comprehensive eye exams, emergency eye care, glaucoma treatment, contact lens services and more. He is the third generation optometrist in the McPheron family, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who founded McPheron Optometry in 1951. He is also a graduate of New London High School and the University of Northern Iowa.
McPheron Optometry has also recently completed a new building project, relocating just next door to their former office at 107 West Main St. in New London. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday and Saturdays.
Congratulations to this year’s New London Homecoming Court, announced Wednesday night during Boom Night activities. The Queen candidates are:
Marah Hartrick, Clara Jones, Kyra Lincoln, Sophie Riegard and Ivonna Lajznerova.
The King Candidates are:
Brody Butterbaugh, Currey Jacobs, Clayton Phillips, Caydin Wahls and Mac White.
The King and Queen will be crowned Friday night.
A change in dates allowing fireworks in Mount Pleasant is one step closer to happening. At the regular meeting of the City Council Wednesday, the members passed the second reading of an amendment to the ordinance. The amendment shortens the time period to June 21 thru July 6. Council member Terry McWilliams was the one nay vote. The Council has been split in their opinions on this topic since first hearing from residents this year. There were more complaints called into the police than previous years and there were residents who asked the council to at least shorten the time frame for the legal use of fireworks.
By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com
Super Conference Volleyball Tournament Begins Tonight:
The Southeast Iowa Super Conference Volleyball Tournament is set to begin around the region this weekend.
The six hosts include #1 (1A) Holy Trinity, #3 (1A) New London, WACO, Winfield-Mount Union, Louisa-Muscatine and Central Lee.
There will be three teams in each pool and the top-seed will play the first and third matches at the site.
The finals will be played at SCC this Saturday, September 26th.
Holy Trinity Pool:
New London Pool:
WACO Pool:
Winfield Pool:
Louisa-Muscatine Pool:
Central Lee Pool:
Latest Individual, Team XC Rankings Announced by IATC:
The latest installment of the IATC Individual and Team Cross Country Rankings have been announced and there is several names and teams from the KILJ-area on this week’s list.
Beginning in 2A Boys’ Danville-New London’s Ty Carr is ranked #8 in this week’s poll.
Carr is followed up by classmate Alexander Julian, who checks in this week at #14.
Those are only two on Danville-New London who ranked in this week’s poll.
Tipton senior Caleb Schumacher is this week’s top ranked runner in 2A Boys’.
In 2A Girls’ Addison Parrot of Danville-New London checks in at #9.
She is coming an individual championship at the 40th Annual Mount Pleasant Cross Country Invite on Tuesday.
Mid-Prairie looks like the unstoppable force in Class 2A Girls’ with the top three ranked runners all hailing from their program in Danielle Hostetler, Sydney Yoder and Jaden Yoder.
The team rankings still have Danville-New London’s boys’ as the top-ranked 2A program.
They’re on top of Denver, Mid-Prairie, Williamsburg and Tipton.
The Tigers are coming off an easy team championship this Tuesday at Mount Pleasant.
In 2A Girls’ Danville-New London remains a “Team to Watch” — joining them in that grouping is Chariton, Dike-New Hartford and Okoboji.
Columbus Community remains a program to watch in Class 1A Boys’ per the IATC, as well.
Cross Country Postseason Schedule Announced:
The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and Iowa High School Athletic Association have released information in regards to postseason cross country.
Officials have decided to move the Class 3A and 4A State Meets to Friday, October 30th while Class 1A and 2A will still take place on October 31st.
State qualifying meets from Class 3A and 4A will take place on Wednesday, October 21st.
Class 1A and 2A will take place on October 22nd.
Additionally, sites for state qualifying meets have been announced:
CLASS 1A
CLASS 2A
CLASS 3A
CLASS 4A
Beyond the Game Continues Tonight:
The only live, local sports talk show continues on on KILJ-FM tonight.
This evening we will touch on:
Join on KILJ-FM beginning at 6:00 p.m.
