Scenic Drive Festival

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 at 2:06 pm CDT

October 9-11, 2020

Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa will host the countywide Scenic Drive Festival which is always held the second full weekend in October. Visitors are encouraged to follow the marked “Scenic Drive” signs through Van Buren County in Southeast Iowa and along the Historic Hills Scenic Byway to experience each of the historic Villages. There will be Fine Arts, Crafts, Flea Markets, Antiques, Car & Tractor Show, Parade, Live Music and several other activities. While in the area be sure to visit historic sites like Pearson House Museum Complex, part of the Underground Railroad located in Keosauqua, the Pioneer Historical Museum in Farmington to learn more about the Honey War, and Richardson’s Point, an 1846 Mormon Encampment site near Milton.

The extremely popular home-cooked meals will be a buffet held Friday and Saturday nights at the Sunrise Bakery, North of Bonaparte.  And of course, all of the Specialty Shops & Antique Stores will be open! The festival is held rain or shine. There is no admission fee. Please practice physical distancing when possible. A face covering is strongly recommended when distancing cannot be met. For more details and a free brochure with map visit villagesofvanburen.com or call 319-293-7111 / 800-868-7822.

Bentonsport

  • 45th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Festival featuring high-end fine art & fine craft artist demonstrate, sell and compete for prize money. Hours: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm.
  • Bentonsport Riverfest with outdoor flea market, antiques, crafts, & food vendors in the Riverfront Park. Mums, Amish baked goods, leather goods, quilting and artisan demonstrations. Specialty shops will be open. Pottery, rug-weaving, woodworking and blacksmith demonstrations. Music by John Boyer both days. Free wagon rides. Hours: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm.
  • Indian Artifact Museum, 21929 Des Moines St. Thousands of artifacts impressively displayed. No admission fee. Hours: 10am-5pm

Keosauqua

  • Fall Festival Hours: Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm. Arts, craft, flea market & food vendors. Vendors set-up downtown along the river, Roberts Memorial Building and the Van Buren County Fairgrounds. Pedal Pull and Corn Hole Tournament near Hotel Manning on Saturday. Live music in Riverfront Park outdoor venue Saturday night beginning at 5pm.
  • Keosauqua Rotary Grand Parade on Saturday at 10am. “We’re All In This Together” is this year’s theme honoring health care workers. Line up begins at 8am at the Van Buren County High School, 503 Henry St. Please spread yourself out along the posted route to allow for physical distancing.
  • Pearson House Museum Complex, 718 Dodge St. was a “safe house” on the Underground Railroad for escaping slaves during the Civil War era. The secret hiding place under the floorboards can still be seen today. Also at the complex, is a one-room Schoolhouse and authentic Log Cabin that will be open for tours with guides in period dress depicting the pioneer lifestyle. Kids activities. Tours available Satruday 10am-3pm, Sunday 12p-3pm. No admission fee but donations for future preservation efforts are appreciated.
  • Fall Festival Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show will be on Sunday. Registration from 10am- 12pm. Show from 12pm-3pm. Registration $15. For more information call: 319-293-3752.
  • 14th Annual Fall 5K/10K Run or 2 mile Trail Walkat Lacey Keosauqua State Park, begins at the Lodge (22026 Iris Trail) at 9am on Sunday.  Registration begins at 8:15am, $25.
  • Camping with showers & electric is available at the Van Buren County Fairgrounds. $15/night with electric. Reservations: 641-919-0566.

Bonaparte

  • 3rd Annual BCIA Gun Show, held at Bonaparte School Community Center, 602 8th Buy – Sell – Trade Modern & antique guns. Unique items. Gun raffle. Fundraiser to support the Bonaparte Improvement Association. Admission: $5, under 10: Free. Hours: Friday 5-9pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-2pm.
  • Fall Festival Citywide yard sales and vendors in Riverside Park. All specialty & antique stores will be open. Hours: Friday-Sunday 9am-5pm
  • Sunrise Bakery Amish Dinner Buffet, 21913 White Ave. (North of Bonaparte, then East on J40.) 5pm-8pm on Friday & Saturday Adults: $11+ tax, Seniors: $10+tax, Children ages 5-12: $5.50+tax, Under age 4: Free. Bakery hours: 9am-6pm.

Stockport

  • Stockport Depot / Freedom Rock Open Saturday Only from 10am-4pm. No admission fee.

 

 

 

Farmington

  • Crafts & Food Vendors at the Senior Center. Crafts, food & bean bag tournament. Saturday 8am-5pm & Sunday 9am-4pm.
  • Pioneer Historical Museum, 205 S. 4th (next to Casey’s). Open Saturday 10am-4pm & Sunday 12pm-4pm. Learn the fascinating story of the Honey War, historical artifacts & souvenirs. You might even see ukulele players! No admission fee.

Lebanon Area

  • Yoder’s Indian Creek Furniture (22769 Rt. V-64, Milton; 3/4 miles S of Lebanon) 14th Anniversary Sale with FREE coffee & donuts all day.  10% off everything purchased or ordered.  10% off in-stock poly & wood lawn furniture and 15% off Wind Chimes. Door prizes with a Glider Rocker as the Grand Prize. Sat only 8am-5pm.
  • Richardson’s Point, an 1846 Mormon Encampment Site, 11251 County Rd J40, Milton. Saturday 10am-5pm. Memorialized marked grave sites of the first deaths of the Mormon Exodus. No admission fee.

Cantril

  • Dutchman’s Store is an Ol’Fashion General Store with bulk food, fresh produce, deli counter, fall flowers, pumpkins, gourds, hard-to-find goods, and a quilter’s paradise! Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-5pm.

Milton

  • Milton Creamery (202 E Hwy 2) Open 8am-5pm. Free samples of over 20 flavors of locally made cheeses and fresh curds.

The Scenic Drive Festival is made possible by generous contributions from Van Buren Telephone Co., Keosauqua Lions Club, City of Keosauqua, Hotel Manning, First Iowa State Bank, Dutchman’s Store in Cantril, Milton Creamery and several Van Buren County businesses and organizations.
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Sports, Tuesday, October 6th

By Nathan Bloechl · Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 at 11:49 am CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com

Carr, Julian Go 1-2 at Hillcrest Boys’ Invite:

Danville-New London stars Ty Carr and Alexander Julian finished first and second yesterday as the Bears held off second place Pella for a team championship at the Hillcrest Academy Invite.

Carr ran 17:06.21 for first while Julian ran 17:10:54 for second as Danville-New London, the top boys’ team in Class 2A, continued their dominance in southeast Iowa.

Sophomore A.J. Bonneson placed ninth for the Bears, while Oliver Sowell took 14th.

Mount Pleasant placed seventh out of nine teams at the invite, their top finisher was Ben Carthey, who ran 18:54.22.

Panther senior Luke Ryon placed 30th with a time of 19:16.12.

While Danville-New London and Pella finished first and second, Solon was third, Mid-Prairie fourth, Fairfield fifth, Washington took sixth, North Mahaska finished in eight, while Lone Tree took ninth.

Mid-Prairie Girls’ Roll at Hillcrest, Danville-NL 5th, MP 6th:

Mid-Prairie swept the top three as Danielle Hostetler, Jaden Yoder and Sydney Yoder went 1-2-3 as the Golden Hawks earned a team title at Hillcrest Academy yesterday.

Danville-New London senior Addison Parrott was the top area finisher, running 20:12:20.

Mount Pleasant junior Abby Blint was the best runner for the Panther girls’ yesterday.

Blint finished 10th running 21:13.60 to help the Panthers secure a sixth place team finish.

Iowa City High placed second, followed by Solon, Pella, Danville-New London, Mount Pleasant, Washington, Fairfield and Hillcrest Academy.

The Panthers will be off until next week Thursday, when they head to Washington for the Conference Meet.

Racing is set for 4:00 p.m.

Southeast Conference Volleyball Crown Tonight, Fun Super Conference Slate:

The Southeast Conference volleyball crown will be earned tonight when Mount Pleasant, Keokuk, Fort Madison, Washington Burlington and Fairfield converge in Fairfield for the 2020 Southeast Conference volleyball tournament.

Burlington closed the season in a flurry, going 4-0 in conference action, while Fort Madison finished in second with a 4-1 conference record.

Mount Pleasant was third in the regular season, going 8-12 overall.

Volleyball tonight will be begin at 5:00 p.m. with round one at Fairfield High School.

The Southeast Iowa Super Conference will also be busy with several conference games this evening:

  • Cardinal at Danville
  • West Burlington at #3 Holy Trinity
  • Winfield-Mount Union at Lone Tree
  • Wapello at Louisa-Muscatine
  • Pekin at Mediapolis
  • #14 WACO at #8 New London
  • Van Buren County at Notre Dame

Iowa State’s Hall Named Big 12 Offensive POW:

Iowa State’s Breece Hall has been named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week.

The Wichita, Kansas native ran for 139 yards and two touchdowns in the Cyclones’ 37-30 win over Oklahoma this past Saturday.

Hall leads the Big 12 in rushing yards per game and touchdowns, ranking third nationally in both categories.

National Scoreboard:

And in the pro game yesterday in the NFL it was:

  • Kansas City 26, New England 10
  • Green Bay 30, Atlanta 16

And in Major League Baseball:

  • Houston 10, Oakland 5 (Astros lead series 1-0)
  • New York Yankees 9, Tampa Bay 3 (Yankees lead series 1-0)

Ronald William Henle

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 at 11:12 am CDT

Ronald William Henle, 70, of Mt. Pleasant, IA passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA.  As were Ron’s wishes, his body has been cremated.  A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at a later date.  Memorial contributions in Ron’s honor may be directed to the family and mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556.  Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Ronald William Henle was born on October 23, 1949 in Marshalltown, IA to Dale and Shirley Fraker Henle.  He grew up in Toledo, IA and attended South Tama High School where he graduated with the class of 1967.  Ron knew the value of hard work and began working at an early age.  He worked as a gas station attendant, grocery store clerk, cook, and helped his father-in-law with his dairy operation.  He eventually began working as a lineman for the electric company and then moved into management. During this time, he was united in marriage to Debra Black.  The two became proud parents to three children: Susan, Scott, and Jill.  Ron retired from the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Utilities in 2012 which made more time to hunt, fish, golf and most importantly, spend time with his children and grandchildren.  He always took time to attend his grandchildren’s events or help pass on his knowledge of hunting and fishing.  Ron served many years on the volunteer fire department and was a former member of the Fairfield City Council.  Ron was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Henle; an infant brother, Dennis Dale; maternal grandparents, Henrietta and Roy Fraker and paternal grandparents, Frank and Nettie Henle.

Left to share his story is his loving wife, Debby Henle of Mt. Pleasant, IA; three children, Susan May of Newnan, GA, Scott Henle of Iowa Falls, IA and Jill Smith of Batavia, IA; his father, Dale Henle of Mt. Pleasant, IA; one brother, Rodney (Patty) Henle of Toledo, IA as well as seven grandchildren and many extended family and friends.

Stolen Vehicle Leads to Multiple Charges

By Theresa Rose · Monday, October 5th, 2020 at 8:33 pm CDT

On October 4, 2020, at approximately 11:23PM, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report from the 500 Block of South Locust Street, Winfield; that a vehicle had been driven away without the owner’s consent.

During investigation, and while searching for the vehicle, deputies located said vehicle (Green, 2005, Dodge Grand Caravan) occupied and running at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Winfield Avenue, near the Pilot Truck Stop.  Deputies attempted a traffic stop on said vehicle, but the driver fled from the scene.  A short pursuit ensued southbound on Grand Avenue. The vehicle stopped, after nearly losing control, near the intersection of Mapleleaf Drive and Grand Avenue.

After the vehicle was stopped, the driver was placed into custody. The driver was identified as a 13 year old subject.  The subject was transported to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and was later released to a guardian.

As a result of this investigation, the juvenile was charged with Eluding – Speed Over 25 Limit (Aggravated Misdemeanor), Operating Vehicle Without Owner’s Consent (Aggravated Misdemeanor), Reckless Driving, Failing to Maintain Control of a Motor Vehicle, Operating a Non-Registered Vehicle, Speeding (21 or Over), Failing to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License, and Failing to Obey a Traffic Control Device.

Both the Winfield Police Department and the Mount Pleasant Police Department assisted with this incident.

Joanne Hartman

By Theresa Rose · Monday, October 5th, 2020 at 8:29 pm CDT

Joanne Wilkerson Hartman, 85 of Wapello, formally of Morning Sun, died Saturday, October, 3, 2020 at Wapello Specialty Care.

Graveside services have been set for 11:00AM, Friday, October, 9, 2020 at the Elmwood Cemetery in Morning Sun, IA with Pastor Jason Collier officiating. A facebook livestream will be available on the funeral homes facebook page. Her body has been cremated. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials to the United Church of Crawfordsville. Beatty-Peterseim Funeral Home in Washington is assisting with arrangements.

Joanne was born December 31, 1934 in Wapello, IA the daughter of William and Lena (Beard) Maddux. She was married to Maynard Wilkerson September 1, 1951 and later Billy Hartman on November 20, 1992.

She was a member of the United Church of Crawfordsville, an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan. She was employed with the City of Morning Sun and Wal Mart in Washington.

Survivors include children Linda Renken of Olatha, KS, Jeffrey Wilkerson (Teri) of Morning Sun, Rhonda Meyer of Coralville, Jim Wilkerson (Debra) of Winfield, Ed Wilkerson (Kerry) of Morning Sun and Rita Wilkerson of Mt. Pleasant; three step children; siblings Beverly Stephens of Wapello, Barb Keltner of Wapello, Bill Maddux (Donna) of Wapello, Judy Egghart of Montana and Dennis Maddux of Overland Park, KS; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, two son in laws and two grandsons.

Jamie Coberley

By Theresa Rose · Monday, October 5th, 2020 at 8:26 pm CDT

Jamie Lee Coberley, 48, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, October 5, 2020 in Des Moines.  He was born December 29, 1971 in Mt. Pleasant to Randall W. and Jeannine Marie Dotson Coberley.

He was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School.  He was a lifelong employee of Pizza Hut, attaining the position of manager.  Jamie was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan, and enjoyed going to Dallas over Thanksgiving to watch them play. Working for the Pizza Hut franchise was important to him; he loved traveling and went to California with his bowling team which he enjoyed.

Survivors include his father and stepmother Randy and Connie Coberley, his mother Jeannine Coberley, and brother Jody Coberley all of Mt. Pleasant; and nieces and nephews, Joey and Camren Coberley, and Brodey, Tessa, and Gavin Cloke.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his sister Jana.

Open visitation will be from noon – 4:00 Thursday, October 8 at Elliott Chapel, New London.  There will be a private family time from 4:00 – 5:00 and the family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM.

According to his wishes, his body will be cremated following the visitation and inurnment will be held at a later date at Trinity Cemetery.  A memorial has been established for funeral expenses.  Please follow social distancing guidelines and masks are recommended.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Sports, Monday, October 5th

By Nathan Bloechl · Monday, October 5th, 2020 at 11:30 am CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Mount Pleasant Stumbles Big in District Matchup: 

The Mount Pleasant Panther football team fell behind 14-7 and Fort Madison never looked back as the Bloodhounds rolled to a 44-7 win last Friday night at Fort Madison High School.

Landes Williams accounted for all five touchdowns for Fort Madison as they improved to 5-1 this year.

Williams opened the scoring in the first half connecting with Brock Califf on a 52-yard touchdown.

He then followed that up with his first of three rushing touchdowns and the rout was on for the Bloodhounds.

Mount Pleasant got on the board late in the first quarter on a three-yard touchdown rush by Avery Scanridge, his second on the season.

Xander Wellman was 3-for-3 on field goals for the Bloodhounds as well, encapsulating a near-perfect night for Fort Madison.

The win for Fort Madison was the first over Mount Pleasant since 2013.

Fort Madison will close their season at home next Friday against Fairfield.

Mount Pleasant slipped to 2-3 and will attempt to close their season on high note playing host to Burlington at Mapleleaf Athletic Complex next Friday night.

You can listen, as always, on KILJ-FM 105.5.

Other area scores last night:

  • Keokuk 52, Fairfield 22
  • Lisbon 52, Highland 6
  • Iowa City Regina 47, Columbus 22
  • Pekin 38, Louisa-Muscatine 12
  • Sigourney-Keota 31, Mediapolis 14
  • Belle Plaine 28, Mid-Prairie 21
  • Montezuma 55, WACO 20
  • English Valleys 32, Winfield-Mount Union 12

Mount Pleasant, Other Area Teams at Hillcrest XC Invite Today:

Several area schools, including Mount Pleasant will descend upon Hillcrest Academy tonight for the Ravens’ cross country invite.

Teams participating tonight include Solon, Pella, English Valleys, Fairfield, HLV, Holy Trinity, Iowa City Regina, Keota, Lone Tree, Mid-Prairie, Montezuma, Mount Pleasant, North Mahaska, Danville-New London, Sigourney, Washington and Williamsburg.

Varsity racing will begin at 5:40 p.m. with girls’ varsity, boys’ varsity is scheduled to begin at 6:10 p.m.

Racing will take place at the Hillcrest Academy campus located at 540th Street SW in Kalona.

Iowa State Hands Oklahoma Second Straight Loss:

Breece Hall had 139 yards and two touchdowns while Xavier Hutchinson’s 65-yard touchdown reception from Brock Purdy lifted the Cyclones to a 37-30 win over Oklahoma.

The loss for Oklahoma was their second in as many games.

It was Iowa State’s first win over Oklahoma in Ames since 1960.

Purdy had 254 yards passing and a touchdown in the victory, as Iowa State improved to 2-1.

Winners of two straight, the Clones will aim to keep the good times rolling when they host Texas Tech this upcoming Saturday.

Kickoff from Jack Trice Stadium is set for 2:30 p.m.

Coverage on KILJ-AM will start at 12:30 p.m.

Other state college football finals from Saturday:

  • Midland 56, Briar Cliff 3
  • Northwestern 48, Dordt 40
  • Grandview 41, Benedictine 7
  • William Penn 23, Missouri Valley 9

Cyclones Ranked in Latest AP Top-25 Poll:

Iowa State checks in at No. 24 in this weeks AP and Coaches’ Top-25 poll, that was released Sunday.

AP Top 25 

1. Clemson (52)

2. Alabama (8)

3. Georgia

4. Florida

5. Notre Dame

6. Ohio State (2)

7. Miami

8. North Carolina

9. Penn State

10. Oklahoma State

11. Cincinnati

12. Oregon

13. Auburn

14. Tennessee

15. BYU

16. Wisconsin

17. LSU

18. SMU

19. Virginia Tech

20. Michigan 

21. Texas A&M

22. Texas

23. Louisiana

24. Iowa State 

25. Minnesota 

The Iowa Hawkeye football team is currently receiving votes.

They’ll open their season October 24th in West Lafeyette, Indiana against Jeff Brohm’s Purdue Boilermakers.

Guilty Verdict in Bank Robbery Case

By Theresa Rose · Sunday, October 4th, 2020 at 7:29 pm CDT

Friday a Jefferson County jury returned a guilty verdict against Ross Edward Thornton for the part he played in the robbery of the Pilot Grove Savings Bank in Packwood on June 1, 2018. According to the Jefferson County Attorney, evidence showed Thornton acted as the getaway driver during the robbery. Thornton also had stolen money in his possession and may face additional criminal charges in Jefferson County and elsewhere. Thornton is convicted of aiding and abetting first degree robbery. He is awaiting sentencing. Thornton also has already served a 10 year sentence for robbing the same bank in 2007. Jordan Crawford was convicted in 2019 for his part in the 2018 robbery. He is already serving time and his conviction is under appeal.  He was also convicted in the 2007 robbery.  A third person, Ethan Spray, has entered a guilty plea to robbery in the second degree instead of first degree in exchange for testimony against Thornton and Crawford.  The three allegedly used the proceeds from the robbery as seed money to bankroll an interstate drug trafficking conspiracy.