Charley Edward Starnes

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, January 10th, 2023 at 9:09 am CDT

Charley Edward Starnes, 74 of Keosauqua passed away on Sunday January 8, 2023 at Van Buren County Hospital in Keosauqua.  In accordance with his wishes his body has been cremated.  Visitation will open at 2:00PM with the family present form 5:00 to 7:00PM on Thursday January 12, 2023 at Pedrick Funeral Home, Keosauqua.  A memorial service will be at 11:00AM on Friday January 13, 2023 at Pedrick Funeral Home with Larry Shipley officiating.  Military honors by Beer-Barker Post No. 113 American Legion will be at the funeral home following the service.  Memorials in Charley’s honor may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family at P.O. Box 412, Keosauqua, IA 52565 with the memorial to be determined at a later date.  Online condolences may be left at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Charley was born August 2, 1948 in his childhood home in Keosauqua to Winford and Lois Scotton Starnes. He lived in Keosauqua all his life and graduated from Van Buren High School in 1966.  After graduation Charley started working at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown, IA.  He joined the Army in 1968 and served during the Vietnam War as a member of the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division.  While taking part in Operation Apache Snow, known as the Battle of Hamburger Hill, he was injured on the fifth day (the hill was captured on the 10th day) and then was moved to Japan to recover.  He then returned to Keosauqua and married the love of his life, Gloria Muntz on July 17, 1971 in Bonaparte and shortly after they began establishing their family.  Charley continued to work at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant until he had to take medical retirement due to shrapnel in his shoulder after 37 years.  Charley could often be found down by the river at his camp site fishing with his brother Winn, passing down his love of fishing and the Des Moines River to his grandkids, and enjoying family cookouts. He was a devoted fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, New York Yankees and Green Bay Packers, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.  Charley was an avid wrestler in his early years in high school and this continued into his Army career where he competed in a service wrestling tournament in Vietnam. He was one of 55 young men entered in the 159 lb. competition where he took 7th place. During this time, Charley was also voted “Soldier of the Month” by his company. 

Left to cherish his memory and share his story are his wife, Gloria Starnes of Keosauqua, a son Scotton Starnes (Michelle) of Pleasantville, a daughter, Emily Starnes of Keosauqua, two brothers, Winford Starnes (Diane Carr) and Wilson Starnes (Pat),  two sisters-in-law, Teresa Graham (John Wallerich) and Stacey Muntz, four brothers-in law, Robert Muntz, Raymond Muntz (Blanche), Carl Muntz (Michael Bruce) and Kenny Muntz (Veronica), Grandchildren Spencer and Sofia Hobbs, Lauren and Lindsey Starnes, Madison Jenkins and Charley Scotton Starnes, his “first grandchild” Miles Arnold, and several nieces and nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Barbara Huddleston and in laws Bennie and Bernie Muntz.   

 

If you have some favorite memories or stories to share about Charley the family asks that you email them to memoriesofcharley@gmail.com for a family keepsake.

 

Sports, January 10th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, January 10th, 2023 at 6:31 am CDT

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team traveled to Holy Trinity Catholic and clawed their way past the Crusaders to come out with the win 34-26. Mary Kate Bendlage was an offensive wrecking machine finishing with 18 points and keeping the Crusaders in it for the first three quarters, but it was Hailey Parrott’s last second four-point play to end the third quarter to make the score 31-19 that sealed the game for the Panthers. Andrea Lopreato collected a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team dominated the first half of play outscoring Albia 31-10 on their way to a home victory 56-32. Mt. Pleasant will be facing off against conference rival Fairfield, this Friday, January 13th, with the girls on the road and the boys at home.

The Winfield-Mt. Union girls faced off in a top 15 matchup with Mediapolis last night and came out on top 54-38. Bradie Buffington was leader of the Wolf pack tallying a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Keetyn Townsley aided the effort with 10 points. Haley Steffener led the Bulldogs with 19 points. The Wolves remain undefeated at 13-0. Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to play Louisa-Muscatine tonight with the girls starting at 6 pm and the boys to follow.

The WACO girls team led by Ellah Kissell’s amazing 39 point performance defeated New London 70-39. Grace Coble aided the winning effort by scoring 11 points. Mylee Miller was the leading scorer for the Tigers with 10 points. The New London boys’ team kept it close with the game tied at 45 heading into the final quarter, but the Warriors remained undefeated on the season, outdoing the Tigers 68-64. Blaise Porter was the leading scorer of the night with 25 points, with Cade Benjamin scoring 16 points of his own for the Tigers. Simeon Reichenbach was the leading scorer for the Warriors with 19 points followed by Odee Shetefanchuk with 16 points. WACO will be traveling to play Hillcrest Academy Thursday, January 12th, with the girls playing first at 6 pm.

New London will host Van Buren County tonight with the girls playing first at 6 pm followed by the boys.

The Danville Bears will travel to play Holy Trinity Catholic tonight with the girls’ scheduled to play at 6 pm and the boys to follow.

The Central Lee Hawks will travel to play Mediapolis tonight with the girls’ scheduled to start at 6 pm.

High School Wrestling

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will compete against Washington Thursday, January 12th, on the road.

The girls team will be wrestling tonight at the Pella Tournament at 5:30 pm.

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant will host Fairfield next Thursday, January 19th.

Iowa Wesleyan Athletics

The men’s and women’s basketball teams will travel to play Baptist Bible College January 13th with the women playing at 5:30 pm and the men at 7 pm.

Both wrestling teams will wrestle at Central Methodist University tonight.

The Tiger’s next indoor meet will be the Dutch Athletics Classic on January 14th.

This Day in Sports History

1982 – NFC Championship, Candlestick Park, SF: San Francisco 49ers beat the Dallas Cowboys, 28-27; “The Catch” – iconic moment in NFL history – Dwight Clark makes a fingertip catch for a TD from Joe Montana with 58 seconds remaining; San Francisco goes on to win the Super Bowl.

1983 – New York Supreme Court issues a preliminary injunction barring the New York Yankees from playing a season-opening series against the Detroit Tigers in Denver.

1986 – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of the Los Angeles Lakers scores his 34,000th career point during 124-102 win over Indiana Pacers; only NBA player to reach the milestone at that time; remains all-time leader (38,387).

Carole Frances Christner

By Theresa Rose · Monday, January 9th, 2023 at 3:48 pm CDT

Carole Frances Christner, 79, of Brighton, Iowa passed away from heart complications, Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the University of Iowa.

Per her request, cremation was performed. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A general memorial has been established. The Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Carole was born July 16, 1943, in Cedar Falls, IA, the daughter of Howard William and Frances Margaret (Bragonier) Southall. She was united in marriage to Edward Lee Christner on November 26, 1960, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, having four children, and later divorcing.

She was the owner of Crooked Creek Trade Company for over 40 years. She was instrumental in starting the Log Village at Old Threshers and the Rendezvous Mountain Men Encampment at the Iowa State Fair. She researched and authored the Christner Family History Book.

Survivors include her children Richard “Bilbo” Christner of Brighton, Crystle Christner of Washington, and Rodney (Courtney) Christner of Washington, IA, two siblings: Cynthia (Michael) Meyers of Edgewood, IA, and John (Holly) Southall of Cedar Falls, IA, nine grandchildren, one step-grandson, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son Randall (Randy) in 1989, husband Edward, and siblings Catherine, Robert, and Tom.

Henry County Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda

By Theresa Rose · Monday, January 9th, 2023 at 3:39 pm CDT

AGENDA

January 10, 2023

Approve Agenda

Approve Minutes

9:00 Jake Hotchkiss, Engineer Weekly Update

Motion to approve ROW contracts for Iowa Avenue box culvert

Motion to approve final plans for Iowa Avenue box culvert

Motion to update IDOT Title VI Non-Discrimination Agreement

9:30 IT Budget Presentation

Other County Business as time allows

Supervisors Sub-Committee Updates

 

Iowa Wesleyan Hires Dr. Sophia Adams to Take Over Women’s Soccer Program

By Slaten Swords · Monday, January 9th, 2023 at 2:47 pm CDT

Iowa Wesleyan- Dr. Sofia Adams will be the 9th head coach of the women’s soccer program. Dr. Adams comes from Mid-Prairie High School, where she was the assistant coach for the boy’s team for the past nine seasons, helping the team earn three substate appearances and a runner-up finish. Adams earned her doctorate in naturopathic medicine and represented Iowa’s Olympic Development Program for eight years. Additionally, she also has experience playing Division I soccer at Western Illinois University. Coach Adams is looking to compete and be in national contention,

“I have always had such respect for Iowa Wesleyan, as I have multiple family members who attended the university over the years.  I am very much looking forward to the upcoming soccer season and continuing the momentum we had last year.”

Coach Adams will be taking over a program that won 8 games last year and finished 5th in conference, their most since the 2011-2012 season. Key returners will be Jacqueline Campos and Baylee Alvarado. Campos finished the year with 3 goals and 1 assist, while Alvarado scored 5 goals and added an assist.

Iowa High School Boy’s Baketball Rankings (2nd Edition)

By Slaten Swords · Monday, January 9th, 2023 at 2:16 pm CDT

Boys’ Basketball- The Iowa High School Athletic Association is continuing with their inaugural basketball rankings with their second iteration for the 2022-2023 season. Southeastern Iowa has a couple teams representing in this week’s rankings.

Class 1A has Grand View Christian sitting on top with last year’s state champion, North Linn, ranked 2nd. WACO is continuing their athletic dominance by being ranked 4th with an undefeated record ten games into the season. Marquette Catholic of Bellevue rounds out the top 10.

Class 2A is highlighted by Central Lyon, Aplington-Parkersburg, and Roland-Story ranked in the top three, respectively. West Burlington is inching up the rankings touting an 8-0 record and being ranked 5th. Last year’s state champion Rock Valley is not in the top 10.

Class 3A is also missing last year’s state champion, Dallas Center-Grimes, from the top 10 rankings. Instead, Cedar Rapids Xavier dominates both boys’ and girls’ basketball, being ranked in the top spot here. Bondurant-Farrar and MOC-Floyd Valley round out the top three, respectively. North Polk is ranked 10th.

Lastly, Class 4A is led by Waukee Northwest with a 10-0 record followed by Cedar Rapids Kennedy, also undefeated with an 8-0 record. Waterloo West rounds out the top 10 with Pleasant Valley ranked 9th as one of two teams ranked with 3 losses–the other is Valley in West Des Moines ranked 6th.

Head Coach Steve Williamson is Iowa Wesleyan’s Winningest Coach

By Slaten Swords · Monday, January 9th, 2023 at 1:59 pm CDT

Iowa Wesleyan– In Coach Steve Williams’s second run at the helm of Iowa Wesleyan’s Women’s Basketball program, he captured his 275th career victory as head coach of the Tigers. Last Friday, the Tigers handled Crowley’s Ridge College 68-37 thanks to Isabell West’s 18 points and 5 rebounds and Megan Teal’s 14 points from off the bench.

Coach Williamson is an Iowa Wesleyan graduate that stepped right into coaching after graduating in 2000. It took only four years for Williamson to get the head coaching position for the women’s basketball team where he stayed until the 2017-2018 season when he took over at William Penn. During his first run with the Tigers, he went 246-147, won six conference titles, and made the NAIA Tournament five times. Additionally, his teams made the USCAA National Tournament three years, and he was named USCAA National Coach of the Year in 2016. Williamson was also named Conference Coach of the Year three times. He holds the school record for most wins in a season with 27.

After his three-year stint at William Penn where he finished 78-19, brought the Statesmen their first conference regular season crown in 31 years, and won Heart Coach of the year twice, Williamson returned to Iowa Wesleyan and immediately brought the team back to prominence. Under his leadership, the Tigers won the Continental Athletic Conference Championship after going 16-5 during the regular season. They would reach the NAIA tournament and finish the season 19-6. Currently, the Tigers are 11-5 on the season and 2-0 in conference play. Their next game is Friday, January 13th, against Baptist Bible College. Their next home game is January 20th against Haskell Indian Nations University.

Henry County Health Center announces pharmacy transition

By Theresa Rose · Monday, January 9th, 2023 at 10:40 am CDT

Henry County Health Center is pleased to announce the addition of Heritage Pharmacy-Mount Pleasant to its campus. The pharmacy will be located in the health center at 501 S. White Street.

Currently, Hy-Vee Clinic Pharmacy occupies the pharmacy space. With that lease agreement expiring on Friday, March 31, Heritage Pharmacy-Mount Pleasant will open its doors on Monday, April 3, and will offer customers a seamless transition to meet their pharmacy needs. More information will be released at a later date about the transition and additional services that will be offered at the Heritage Pharmacy-Mount Pleasant location.