Barb Riley

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, September 5th, 2023 at 5:55 am CDT

Barb Riley, 70, of Mt. Pleasant, died Friday, September 1, 2023 in the Hospice Unit of Unity Point Health/St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

A funeral service for Barb will be held at 3 PM on Friday, September 8 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. Pastor Aaron Helterbran of the Salem Congregational Church will officiate. Visitation with the family present will be from 1-3 PM Friday afternoon. Cremation rites will be accorded following the funeral service.

Memorials may be directed to the family and left at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Barb was born August 4, 1953 in Mt. Pleasant, the daughter of Dorothy Elain Huston. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant Community High School and attended cosmetology college in Burlington. On March 3, 1973 at the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Pleasant, Barb was united in marriage to Lynn Riley.

Barb worked as a hairdresser at Larry Housh’s Shop in Mt. Pleasant. She then worked at the former Pamida store in Mt. Pleasant. For over 30 years, Barb was a resident Treatment Worker at the former Mt. Pleasant Mental Health Institute. For the last 4 years of her time at MHI, Barb worked as a Pharmacy Tech.

Barb was a member of the former Congregational Church in Mt. Pleasant and a member of the AFSCME Union at MHI. She loved going to garage sales and auctions, often with a gift for one of her grandchildren, with whom she loved to spend much of her time.

Those thankful for sharing in Barb’s life include her husband of 50 years, Lynn of Mt. Pleasant; 2 sons – Bill (Jennifer) Riley  and Mike (Tiffany) Riley, all of Mt. Pleasant’ a daughter-in-law, Sami Riley of Traer, IA 16 grandchildren and 2 brothers.

Her mother Dorothy Keith and son Nick Riley precede Barb in death.

Kelly Walgren

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, September 5th, 2023 at 5:54 am CDT

Kelly Edward Walgren, 65, of Wapello, died peacefully at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics surrounded by his family on September 2, 2023, after a battle with cancer. He fought the disease to the very end with an amazing attitude, positive outlook, and incredible strength and stamina after dozens of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He never complained and made the best out of his situation, even taking a trip to visit his cousin Ron in Hawaii in September of 2022.

Kelly was born in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on October 16, 1957, to Mary Ellen and Stanley Walgren. He lived his early life in New London and

moved to Wapello when he was in high school. As a kid, he was a daredevil. He could do a 1 ½ dive with a full twist from the high dive; he liked to ride motorcycles; and he still holds the Wapello school record in the pole vault. As a man, Kelly was an outdoorsman. He loved fishing in his grandfather’s boat or hunting for rocks or mushrooms. He was hardworking, a jack-of-all-trades, and there was nothing he couldn’t fix. He had a big heart who liked to help people. With all that energy, it’s no wonder he could take a nap anytime and anywhere! He worked at Monsanto for over 20 years and later for Ecklund and Pforts Construction and Allworth Contracting.

Kelly was a dedicated family man who loved his daughters, Abbey and Lacey, his grandchildren, and all his family. Taken from us too soon and already missing him are his daughters, Abigail Walgren of Morning Sun and Lacey (Anthony) Newsom of Oakville; mother, Mary Ellen of Wapello; brothers Tom (Shawn) of Muscatine and Tim (Michelle) of Quincy, IL; grandchildren AJ, Jaxon, Grace, and Tailinn Newsom; and nieces and nephews Jordan (Mark) Meyer, Alexandra (Luke) Rauenbuehler, Ryan (Lauren) Walgren, and Mitchell Walgren. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and his father, Stanley.

A Celebration of Life in Kelly’s honor will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Wapello United Methodist Church at 319 North Main Street, Wapello, Iowa. A short ceremony will be held and food and refreshments will be served.  A memorial has been established for the Wapello Community Ambulance.   Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.   Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello are caring for Kelly arrangements and his family.

 

High School Football: Winfield-Mt. Union and WACO Rank in the Top 5 After Week Two’s Matchups

By Slaten Swords · Monday, September 4th, 2023 at 6:34 pm CDT

High School Football Rankings- In a cross-classification matchup between two top teams, we saw #2 Williamsburg of Class 3A squeak by #1 Xavier of Class 4A, 21-20. The result was a mix-up of both classifications’ top teams in The Gazette’s rankings.

Nevertheless, Class 5A remained relatively unchanged with Southeast Polk and Dowling Catholic staying on top of the rankings at #1 and #2, respectively. Prairie may have been unranked to start the season, but the Hawks are now ranked 3rd and staring down a matchup with #1 Southeast Polk this Friday. Cedar Falls reenter the rankings at #6 after a week one loss. Waukee Northwest is ranked 7th after being unranked last week. Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Waukee both fell out of the rankings.

Adel ADM is now the new king in Class 4A after Xavier’s loss to Williamsburg forced the Saints down to #5 in the rankings. North Scott is ranked 2nd followed by Western Dubuque. Indianola’s 21-14 loss to Norwalk knocked them out of the top 10 with Gilbert taking over the final position.

Williamsburg’s triumphant victory caused Mount Vernon to be leapfrogged in the rankings with Williamsburg taking the top spot. With Assumption being ranked 7th that puts two teams in Mt. Pleasant’s district in the top 10 for Class 3A. Fort Madison is 2-0 on the season, winning in typical Bloodhound fashion: low-scoring defensive battles. However, the Bloodhounds remain unranked but receiving votes.

In Class 2A, Van Meter is the top team followed by Central Lyon-GLR and Western Christian. Cherokee and Clarinda hopped into the rankings, both sporting a 2-0 record. Mediapolis was dropped after their shutout loss to Sigourney Keota. Carroll Kuemper was also knocked out of the rankings. West Burlington-Notre Dame is receiving attention after going 2-0 for the first time since the 2016-17 season. Their dynamic offense led by Caden Schwenker has the Nikes receiving votes.

Grundy Center, MFL MarMac, and Underwood are ranked at the top of list, respectively, for Class 1A. Underwood is the only team with a loss in the rankings for Class 1A. Aplington-Parkersburg and Ida Grove OABCIG were knocked out of the top 10 with Sumner-Fredericksburg and Denver being ranked at the bottom of the list.

In Class A, West Hancock and Lynnville-Sully are the favorites and rank #1 and #2, respectively. South Central Calhoun took over Southwest Valley’s spot in the rankings at #6. Columbus Community jumped back into the rankings after dismantling Wapello last Friday 49-6. The Wildcats now rank 10th.

Lastly, 8-Man football with have an intriguing matchup in Southeast Iowa this Friday. Gladbrook-Reinbeck still holds the top spot. However, there will be serious implications when #2 Winfield-Mt. Union, right off the heels of a lopsided victory over New London last Friday, hosts #5 WACO, who knocked #10 Iowa Valley out of the rankings with a 46-22 victory in front of the Warriors home crowd. Montezuma was also knocked out of the top 10 after the Braves 57-55 loss to Moravia. Don Bosco and Lansing Kee take over the empty spots at the end of the rankings.

2023 Old Threshers Sweet 16 Court

By Yorke Prough · Monday, September 4th, 2023 at 11:50 am CDT

Congratulations to our 2023 Midwest Old Threshers Sweet 16 , Charissa Wissman. She came all the way from Milford, Nebraska to volunteer her week at the reunion. The 1st runner up is Megan Lee and the 2nd runner up is Kaylee Knerr. Alexa Fuller won Miss Volunteer for her “bubbly personality” and for having the highest score from the 6 secret judges.

Morgan Bolkema (not pictured) was awarded with a 100 hour volunteer pin for her continuing dedication to Midwest Old Threshers. From left to right: Alexa Fuller, Charissa Wissman, Megan Lee, Kaylee Knerr.

Melvin Tweedy

By Yorke Prough · Monday, September 4th, 2023 at 11:41 am CDT

Melvin F. Tweedy, 70 of Olds, Iowa, formerly of Fremont, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at his home.

He was born on June 24, 1953, at Lynch, Nebraska, the son of Harold William and Arbutus June (Pritchett) Tweedy.  He graduated from high school in Nebraska and went on to join the United States Marine Corps on December 16, 1971 and was honorably discharged on April 8, 1974.  Melvin was proud of his service to his country. He later graduated from Southeastern Community College in Burlington with a degree in engineering. Melvin was united in marriage to Tamara Cozad on December 29, 2001, in Muscatine, Iowa.  He was a hardworking man and enjoyed fishing, camping and playing pinochle.  Melvin was employed with West Liberty Foods of Mt. Pleasant as a maintenance engineer.

He is survived by his loving wife, Tamara of Olds, his children, Colleen Wilshusen, Melanie (Shane) Weimann, Jamie Tweedy and Daryl Rickheim, seventeen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, his sisters, Susan Pfannebecker and Joan Griff, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Christofer Michael Rickheim and Alex James Rickheim, one grandson, Brett Michael Rickheim, his twin brother, Calvin Tweedy, his brother, Fred L. Tweedy, a son-in-law, Jason Wilsshusen  and a nephew, Charles “J.R.” Relfe.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pleasant View Cemetery at Leshara, Nebraska with full military honors.  A time of food and fellowship will follow at 2 p.m. at the Leshara Community Center.  According to his wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.  

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com The Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Sports, September 4th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, September 4th, 2023 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant will hit the road to face off against Tipton this Friday, September 8th, at 7:30 pm. KILJ will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm. Head Coach John Bowlin knows the Panthers just have to focus on one game at a time. 

In other Class 3A District 4 matchups, Burlington will host Keokuk, Washington will travel to Fairfield for a matchup against the Trojans, and Fort Madison and Williamsburg will combine in a matchup of the undefeated teams. 

Mediapolis will host Regina Catholic this Friday. 

Central Lee will hit the road to compete against Durant this Friday as the Hawks look to move to 3-0 on the season. 

Van Buren County will travel to take on Highland at 7 pm.  

New London will face off against Iowa Valley in a road matchup this Friday at 7 pm. 

#2 Winfield-Mt. Union is set to host #5 WACO this Friday in a top five 8-man matchup at 7 pm.

High School Volleyball

Mt. Pleasant’s next match is on the road against Fort Madison tomorrow, September 5th. 

New London participated in a tournament hosted by Burlington Notre Dame over the weekend. #14 in Class 2A West Burlington took down the Tigers in straight sets: 21-11 and 21-6. Wapello followed suit, taking down the Tigers by scores of 21-10 and 21-18. The Tigers lost set one to Burlington Notre Dame 21-13, but the Tigers answered back by forcing a third set where the Nikes led by Avianna West’s 7 kills took it 15-10. The Tigers will get an opportunity for a rematch on September 7th. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow. 

Winfield-Mt. Union cruised through pool play at the English Valleys Tournament over the weekend as the Wolves beat East Marshall, Cardinal, and English Valleys in straight sets. This set up a championship match against WACO where the Warriors defeated the Wolves 25-20 and 25-19. Audrie Gipple led the Wolves with 16 kills with Aurey Meeker tallying 30 assists. Lily Freeman led the front line with 10 blocks. Winfield-Mt. Union will look to get back in the win column tomorrow against Columbus. 

WACO will take on Lone Tree tomorrow in a road matchup. 

Central Lee will face off against Mediapolis tomorrow.

Van Buren County competed at the Anamosa tournament over the weekend and finished 0-4 after falling in straight sets to Anamosa, Clear Creek Amana, Northeast, and Edgewood-Colesburg. The Warriors next match will be September 12th at New London. 

Cross Country

The Mt. Pleasant girls team competed at Central College over the weekend and finished in 7th place with an average time of 27 minutes 29 seconds. Nelle Peterson led the way for the Panthers with a time of 24 minutes 59 seconds, which placed her in 35th. Mt. Pleasant will participate in the Fairfield Cross Country Invitational Thursday, September 7th. 

Danville, Van Buren County, Central Lee, Winfield-Mt. Union, Holy Trinity Catholic, and Mediapolis will all be competing in a meet hosted by the Warriors tomorrow, September 5th. 

College Football

The University of Iowa moved to 1-0 on the season after defeating Utah State 24-14 over the weekend. 

Iowa State University handled the University of Northern Iowa for a week one 30-9 victory. The Hawkeyes and Cyclones combine this Saturday, September 9th, at 2:30 pm. 

For the Hawkeye broadcast, tune into KILJ 105.5 FM and the Cyclone broadcast will be on 98.5 FM and 1130 AM. 

This Day in Sports History

1950 – NASCAR’s first paved super speedway, Darlington Raceway hosts Southern 500, first 500-mile event in NASCAR history; winner Johnny Mantz in a Plymouth.

1991 – MLB Statistical Accuracy Committee votes to drop asterisk next to Roger Maris’ 1961 home run record of 61 (passing Babe Ruth’s 60) and determine an official no hitter must go at least 9 innings.

1994 – Tom Tupa scores the first 2-point conversion in NFL history, running in a fake extra point attempt for the Cleveland Browns in a 28-20 win at Cincinnati.

September 4th, 2023 – September 10th, 2023

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, September 3rd, 2023 at 8:26 am CDT
09/04/23
Tracy Hays-Owens
09/04/23
Emily Haffarnan
09/04/23
Wayne King
09/04/23
Ray Stigge
09/04/23
Harriett Waters
09/04/23
Sydney Doak
09/04/23
Renee Gillis
09/04/23
Tony & Carol Glopin *Anniversary
09/04/23
Bob & Kathy Byczek *Anniversary (58)
09/05/23
Timothy Carson
09/05/23
Betty Fuller
09/05/23
Becky Dyer
09/05/23
Jenny Anderson
09/05/23
Doug & Jeanna Barcas *Anniversary
09/06/23
Zachary Parker
09/06/23
Dan Kennedy
09/06/23
Jeffrey Ruschill
09/07/23
Terry & Deb Mabeus *Anniversary
09/08/23
Sharon & Jerry Davis *60th Anniversary
09/08/23
Chuck & Linda Albright *55th Anniversary
09/08/23
Emerson Syfert
09/08/23
Peyton Syfert
09/08/23
Gordon Hackett
09/09/23
Travis Brown
09/09/23
Harrison Enearl
09/09/23
Justin Gesling
09/09/23
Roger Ernst
09/10/23
Bev Ray
09/10/23
Bo Brothersen-8

Sports, September 2nd

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, September 2nd, 2023 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Football

If Mt. Pleasant and West Burlington-Notre Dame’s game could be described in one word: it would be turnovers, in the Panthers 47-28 loss last night. The Panthers had Jurha Turner rush for 127 yards and Payton Walker rush in for a touchdown in the first half, but five turnovers put the Falcons in front 27-7. Caden Schwenker led the offense for the Falcons with three total touchdowns. Quincy Collins has now made it back-to-back weeks with a pick-six. 

Payton Walker found the endzone again in the second half and in the fourth quarter special teams scored twice for the Panthers. Jackson Newman had an 83-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and Turner returned a fumbled punt by the Falcons back 45 yards for a touchdown of his own. For Head Coach John Bowlin, the Panthers defense needs to even up the turnover battle. Mt. Pleasant will hit the road to face off against Tipton. West Burlington-Notre Dame will take on West Liberty. 

In other Class 3A District 4 matchups, Washington’s Logan McDole tossed two touchdowns in the Demons’ 32-7 victory over Burlington. Pella took down Keokuk 31-17. Lastly, Fort Madison snuck past Fairfield 21-14 last night. 

Mediapolis was shutout by Sigourney Keota last night 21-0. The Bulldogs will host Regina Catholic next Friday. 

Central Lee handled Cardinal last night to the tune of a 55-0 victory. The Hawks will hit the road to compete against Durant next Friday. 

Van Buren County lost to Pekin last night 52-12. The Warriors hit the road to take on Highland. 

New London played spoiler last season against Winfield-Mt. Union, but the Wolves dominated from the beginning as they took down the Tigers 76-16. Jake Edwards tossed for 210 yards and four touchdowns. Three of those touchdowns went to the hands of Cam Buffington who totaled 140 yards. Cole Milks rushed for 171 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. New London travels to take on Iowa Valley next Friday at 7 pm. 

WACO moves to 2-0 on the year after taking down Iowa Valley last night 46-22. Clayton Miller and Louden Huisenga each finished with four total touchdowns in the contest, while Hunter Hughes and Chase Waterhouse each had an interception. This sets up a top five matchup at Winfield as the Warriors will face off against the #2 ranked Wolves. 

High School Volleyball

Mt. Pleasant’s next match is on the road against Fort Madison on September 5th. 

New London will face off against West Burlington this morning.

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Burlington Notre Dame on September 5th. Head Coach Melissa Freesmeier talked about some improvements her team will look to make before the matchup. 

Winfield-Mt. Union and WACO will compete in the English Valleys Tournament today.

Central Lee will face off against Mediapolis on September 5th. 

Van Buren County will take on Edgewood-Colesburg today.

Cross Country

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Pella today to compete in a meet at Central College.

Danville, Van Buren County, Central Lee, Winfield-Mt. Union, Holy Trinity Catholic, and Mediapolis will all be competing in a meet hosted by the Warriors on September 5th. 

College Football

The University of Iowa will be hosting Utah State today at 11 am. Cade McNamara is questionable heading into the matchup this weekend. Deacon Hill will get the start if McNamara is unable to play.

Iowa State University will be taking on the University of Northern Iowa this afternoon at 1 pm in Ames. 

Both games will be on KILJ with the Hawkeyes on 105.5 FM and the Cyclones on 98.5 FM and 1130 AM at their respective times. 

This Day in Sports History

1965 – Cubs slugger Ernie Banks hits his MLB 400th career HR off Curt Simmons in Chicago’s 5-3 win versus St. Louis at Wrigley Field; Simmons also gave up Willie Mays’ 400th HR in 1963.

1987 – Houston outfielder Kevin Bass becomes 1st NL player to switch hit HRs in a game twice in one season in Astros 10-1 win versus the Cubs.

1990 – Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dave Stieb throws MLB record 9th no-hitter of the season; beats Cleveland, 3-0.