Mt. Pleasant Nabs 8 All-Conference Honors for Girls’ Wrestling

By Slaten Swords · Monday, February 27th, 2023 at 9:30 pm CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- The Southeast Conference released the All-Conference results for Girls’ wrestling with Mt. Pleasant earning 7 honors.

Ella McNamee, a senior for the Panthers, took home All-Conference 1st Team honors for the 105-pound weight class as she was the lone Panther to qualify for the first sanctioned Girls’ Wrestling State Tournament. She finished the year with a phenomenal 29-8 record. McNamee was also named to the Academic All-Conference roster.

Alexis Wagner, a sophomore for the Panthers, was recognized as All-Conference 1st Team for the 115-pound weight class after a 13-13 season.

Natalie Parrott, a freshman, earned All-Conference 1st Team in the 120-pound weight class. Parrott finished the season with a 9-15 record.

Another freshman for the Panthers, Zenlynn Lee, took home All-Conference 1st Team in the 190-pound weight class. Lee collected a 23-13 record on the year and finished in 5th place at the Regional Qualifier, one spot away from qualifying for the state tournament.

Natalie Albright, a sophomore, was the last Panther to earn All-Conference 1st Team honors for the 235-pound weight class. She finished with a 4-3 record on the season.

Jayden Housh, a senior for the Panthers, finished the year with an 18-16 record and took home All-Conference 2nd Team honors. Housh was also named to the Academic All-Conference roster.

Teegan Sulentich, a senior for Washington, was named Wrestler of the Year after her 38-9 record and for qualifying for the first sanctioned Girls’ Wrestling State Tournament. Sulentich also garnered Academic All-Conference honors.

March at the Main Street Art Center

By Theresa Rose · Monday, February 27th, 2023 at 10:48 am CDT

March is the second annual All Member Show at the Mt. Pleasant Main Street Art Center. Artwork from the Center’s local artists will be on display in the gallery for the entire month of March. There will be a reception for all of the artists from 5-7 pm on March 9th with live music provided pianist Jerry Lalaga.

This event is free and open to the public.

Phyllis Klopfenstein

By Theresa Rose · Monday, February 27th, 2023 at 10:42 am CDT

A celebration of life for Phyllis Iva Lane Klopfenstein will be held from 1-3 PM on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the Mt. Pleasant Masonic Lodge, 206 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. A private family interment will take place at the Forest Home Cemetery, On line condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church or, because of her love and compassion for all animals, to All God’s Creatures in Mt. Pleasant.

Carolyn Sue (Rentfro) Lind

By Theresa Rose · Monday, February 27th, 2023 at 10:37 am CDT

Carolyn Sue (Rentfro) Lind, 83, of Houghton, Iowa, passed away at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, February 25, 2023, at her home.

She was born on December 2, 1939, in Carbondale, Illinois, the daughter of Lowell Everett and Clara M. (Spiller Cannon) Rentfro. On June 27, 1959, she married Charles William Lind, Jr. in Maspeth, New York.

Survivors include her husband: Bill; children: Michael Rowdy Lind of Donnellson, Iowa, Katrina B. (Mike) Altenhofen of Washington, Iowa, Jason Cody (Kathy) Lind of Dayton, Ohio; special family friend: Betty Jo Kennedy of Farmington, Iowa; five grandchildren: Dustin Michael, Shamus Cody, Benjamin Altenhofen all of Washington, Iowa, Amber Grace and Dakoda James (Cody) Lind of Dayton, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother: Kenneth Cannon; first cousin: Judith Metten Killian and many Spiller cousins.

Sue was raised a Southern Baptist and was baptized in Crab Orchard Lake in Carbondale, Illinois. She was a country girl at heart, as most of her youth and adult life, she lived in the country. She started her occupational history at age fourteen in Carbondale at the Dog N Suds as a carhop. After graduation from Personnel Airline training, she worked for Pan American Airlines in Queens, New York. Following her work in Queens, she became a travel agent in Belleville, Illinois and then went on to Donnellson Elementary School, in Donnellson, Iowa, as an aide and helped out at the Donnellson Library. Sue was a member of Sharon Presbyterian Church in Farmington, the Lee County Extension Youth Council, Lee County Fair Board and the Mt. Hamill Sunshine Coffee Club. She also was a 4-H leader for the Harrison Huskies Club. She loved her family reunion gatherings in southern Illinois, where she had forty-seven first cousins. Sue enjoyed being a part of Lind Suffolk Sheep, going to fairs, livestock shows and sales, wiener roasts with family and friends. Most of all, she cherished dancing the waltz with her partner in life – Billy.

A visitation begin at 12:00 noon, Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson where the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Pastor Katrina Bergman and Pastor Larry Shipley officiating.

Burial will be at Sharon Cemetery, rural Farmington, Iowa.

Memorials has been established in her memory for Lee County Hospice or Sharon Presbyterian Church.

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

Patricia A. “Pat” Hendricks

By Theresa Rose · Monday, February 27th, 2023 at 10:35 am CDT

Patricia A. “Pat” Hendricks, 72, of Salem, IA, died Friday, February 24, 2023 at the Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant.

A funeral service for Pat will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, March 3 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. Pastor Brian Swafford of the New Song Christian Life Church of Lowell will officiate. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery, Mount Pleasant. The family will greet friends from 10AM to 11:30 AM on Friday. Friends may call to pay their respects and sign the register from 12-8 PM on Thursday at the funeral home.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the family for a charity to be determined at a later date. On-line condolences may be directed to kimzeyfh.com

Pat Hendricks, the former Patricia Ann Rich, was born September 12, 1950 in Washington, IA. She was the daughter of Darrell and Isabel (Kessel) Rich. She grew up in Lockridge and attended Lockridge Elementary and later Fairfield High School. Pat married Stephen Smyth on November 30, 1968. The couple later divorced. Pat then married Richard Hendricks in 1991. Richard preceded Pat in death in 2009.

For nearly 40 years, Pat was a Group Leader at the Metromail Corporation (now Innovaire). She enjoyed being with her friends, especially at Rumors on the Mt. Pleasant square. With Richard, Pat enjoyed camping at Ketchum along the banks of the Skunk River. Pat also enjoyed traveling with Richard to various destinations.

Those thankful for sharing in Pat’s life include her children – Susie (Dennis) Carter of New London, John (Wende) Smyth of Mt. Union, Michael (Beth) Smyth of Mt. Pleasant, David Smyth of New London, Michelle (Gary) White of Georgia and Chad (Erika Smithburg) Hendricks of Mt. Pleasant; her siblings – Leland (Barb) Rich of Burlington, Linda (Louie) Wallace of Burlington, Rebecca (Dean) Dobson of Winfield and Karen (Mike) Adkins of Florida; 14 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; Pat’s companion, Billy Hird and a special nephew – Jesse Howard of New London.

Her parents, husband Richard, a son – Shawn Hendricks and a brother – Larry Rich, precede Pat in death.

Sports, February 27th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, February 27th, 2023 at 6:38 am CDT

High School Basketball

New London earned their spot in the state tournament after taking down Marquette Catholic in the Class 1A Substate 4 championship game. In a packed gym at Solon High School, the crowd was entertained with a  fast-paced back-and-forth game that needed overtime to decide the 70-69 final. Blaise Porter would finish with a double-double scoring 27 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Kade Benjamin would also cash in 27 points for the Tigers. New London will take the 8th seed and go against the #1 seed Grand View Christian on March 6th at 10:30 am. Head Coach Bryant Porter says his team has embraced the underdog mentality.

The Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will take on North Linn on March 1st at 6:45 pm. KILJ will be on the call with pregame at 6:30 pm.

Iowa Wesleyan Athletics

The women’s basketball team repeated as Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) Champions after taking down Haskell Indian Nations 64-59. Isabell West played a phenomenal game finishing with a double-double as she scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. In the game before, the Tigers would qualify for the NAIA National Tournament after defeating Arkansas Baptist College 75-49. Kyla Moore knocked down 5 three-pointers on her way to 23 points in the winning effort. Moore and West were both recognized as 1st Team All-Conference before the tournament. West would also take home Newcomer of the Year and Player of the Year. Breanna Wendland was named 2nd Team All-Conference and Brielle Baker was recognized as the Champion of Character for the Tigers. Head Coach Steve Williamson went back-to-back as he was named CAC Coach of the Year after leading the Tigers to an undefeated conference record and 20 wins in one season for the first time in 7 years. The NAIA National Tournament begins play on March 7th.

The 23rd-ranked men’s team accomplished two feats over the weekend. In a 53-49 win over Washington Adventist University, the Tigers qualified for the NAIA National tournament for the first time since 2011 as they were led by Henry Shannon’s and Gacoby Jones’ 17 points apiece. The win also guaranteed them a rematch with Florida College for the CAC championship. The rematch was just what the Tigers needed as they became Conference Champions for the first time since 2011 in a 70-66 win over the 14th ranked Falcons. Joey Brown IV drained 5 three-pointers in the win totaling 19 points with Hakeem Odunsi supplying 17 points off the bench. The team also earned 5 CAC honors as Henry Shannon earned 1st Team All-Conference. Gacoby Jones and Joey Brown IV each nabbed honorable mention All-Conference. First year head coach, Jordan Ashton, took home CAC Coach of the Year after leading them to #23 ranking on the year and a 24-2 regular season record. The National Tournament will begin on March 7th.

The women’s wrestling team had a strong conference championship showcase finishing in 2nd place behind Grand View University. Alaina Sunlin finished in 2nd place for the 101-pound weight class. Faith Cole and Mia Palumbo would square off against one another in the championship match for the 109-pound weight class where Palumbo would defeat Cole by an 8-1 decision. Destiny Campbell and JoAnna Vanderwood would face off against one another in the 3rd place match for the 130-pound weight class with Vanderwood coming up with the win by a 3-1 decision. Adaugo Nwachukwu would repeat as the 136-pound weight class conference champion as she took down Jade Martin by fall. Isabelle Hawley fell in the championship match for the 143-pound weight class to claim 2nd place. America Lopez would take home 3rd place in the 170-pound weight class. The 2023 NAIA Women’s Wrestling National Championship will take place on March 10th.

The men’s wrestling team will have Lane Scorpil represent the Tigers at the NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championship meet on March 3rd.

The Tigers Indoor Track and Field teams will be competing in the NAIA Indoor Track and Field national championship meet on March 2nd.

The Tiger baseball team dropped both games of their doubleheader against Kansas Wesleyan University over the weekend. In game one, the Tigers would lose 11-1 with their one run coming off a Holvin Catala solo home run. Game two had a similar result with Kansas Wesleyan taking it 11-2. Julian Figueroa and Sage Bonner each had an RBI in the contest. Yesterday, Iowa Wesleyan would give up 9 runs in the final two innings to lose 13-5 against Kansas Wesleyan. Riley Rankin would tally 2 RBIs in the game. The Tigers will have a doubleheader against Southeastern University on March 3rd with game one at 3 pm.

The Tiger softball team lost both games to Lyon College Saturday with game one’s final being 10-1. J Morthland hit a triple to tally the lone RBI in the game. Game two was much closer but Lyon College would walk it off in the bottom of the 7th to win 7-6. Kara Krieger and Karoline Stratton would notch 2 RBIs in the effort. The Tigers will face off against Stephens College tomorrow in a doubleheader with game one at 1 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1959 – Boston Celtic Bob Cousy sets a then-NBA record with 28 assists as the Boston Celtics score 173 points against Minneapolis Lakers.

1987 – NCAA cancels SMU’s entire 1987 football schedule for gross violations of NCAA rules regarding athletic corruption.

2007 – Mark Messier’s #11 jersey is retired by the Edmonton Oilers.

Marianna Hackbarth

By Theresa Rose · Monday, February 27th, 2023 at 5:51 am CDT

Marianna E. Hackbarth, age 85, of Mount Pleasant, died Monday, October 31, 2022, at Savannah Heights.

Marianna was born June 5, 1937, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Everett and Edna (Walters) Wright. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1955. Marianna was united in marriage to Ronald F. Hackbarth on December 27, 1956, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant. The couple made their home in numerous cities in Iowa, while Ronald explored his teaching and coaching endeavors. Marianna worked as an AV Aide at the Washington Junior High School. They moved to Fort Worth, Texas, for a time before moving to Houston. While in Houston, Marianna worked as a sales associate at Dillard’s for 18 years. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Marianna has resided in Mount Pleasant for the past nine years.

Marianna is survived by her daughter Teresa (Gene) Charles of Parker, Colorado; daughter-in-law Linda Hackbarth of Woodland Park, Colorado; two granddaughters, Portia (Jason) Hermann of Monument, Colorado, Amanda (Jared) Hall of Guam; two grandsons, Steven (Amanda) Hackbarth of Woodland Park, Colorado, Keiffer (Kateri) Garton of Parker, Colorado; five great granddaughters, a great grandson, a great great grandson; five brothers William (Janice), Walter (Carole), Jim (Deniece), Michael, John (Anne); sister Martha (Tom) Allen; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ron, son Ronald Steven Hackbarth and sister-in-law Lynn Wright.

Memorial service will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel, where the family will greet friends from noon until time of service. Interment was held in the Morgan Methodist Cemetery in Dows, Iowa. Memorial contributions in Marianna’s name may be directed to the Upper Midwest National MS Society, 2829 University Avenue SE, Ste 900, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel is caring for Marianna and her family.

JazzFest Results Updated

By Theresa Rose · Monday, February 27th, 2023 at 5:44 am CDT

Mount Pleasant High School’s Jazz 1 placed third and Fort Madison fourth in Class 3A at the 2-day Indian Hills JazzFest in Ottumwa this past weekend. Oskaloosa and Centerville took the top two spots.  In the Second Bands category Mount Pleasant’s Jazz 2 came in second to Oskaloosa.

Jazz 2: Addison Bentler, trumpet

Jazz 1: Drake Landau, guitar; Brandon Burtlow, flugelhorn; Ethan Sexauer, vibraphone, Bryce Wilson, drums; Danny Myhs, trombone

Both of the Mount Pleasant jazz bands will be participating in the Southeast Iowa Bandmasters Association Jazz Festival hosted by Clear Creek-Amana High School Saturday, March 4.