Evidence of DMT Lab in Burlington, Man Charged

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 26th, 2024 at 8:20 am CDT

A Burlington man has been charged after a search warrant was executed at 1113 S 3rd Street on the 23rd.

The Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force has been investigating a report of Jordan Blint manufacturing Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in the Burlington area.  During a search of the residence, evidence of a DMT lab was located, as well as large quantities of Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Pharmaceuticals.

Jordan Blint was placed under arrest and charged with outstanding warrants for No Insurance, Driving Under Suspension, Operation of a Non-Registered Vehicle and Fail to Appear for Theft 4th, and Two counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance – DMT.

Blint was additionally charged with:

Possession with Intent to Deliver – Methamphetamine, Over 5 grams (Class B Felony)

Possession with Intent to Deliver – Marijuana (Class D Felony)

Possession with Intent to Deliver – Schedule II Pharmaceuticals (Class C Felony)

Possession with Intent to Deliver – Schedule IV Pharmaceuticals (Aggravated Misdemeanor)

Three Counts of Iowa Drug Tax Stamp Violations (Class D Felonies)

Manufacturing a Controlled Substance – DMT. (Class C Felony)

The Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force was assisted by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol Tactical Team, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office and the Burlington Police Department.

This investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sports, February 26th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, February 26th, 2024 at 6:49 am CDT

Girls’ State Basketball

The matchups are set for the state tournament with Class 5A and 3A set to tip-off the event today at 10 am. Here are today’s matchups.

In Class 5A, #1 Johnston defeated #8 Valley 60-31. #4 Waukee narrowly defeated #5 Ankeny Centennial 46-44. #2 Davenport North will take on #7 Cedar Falls, who has just one loss on the season. Lastly, #6 Pleasant Valley’s attempt to repeat will be a tough one as they compete against #3 Dowling Catholic at 3:15 pm to start off their tournament.

Class 3A will aptly have three games tonight with their final game starting off the day tomorrow, February 27th. At 5 pm, #1 Estherville Lincoln Central faces off against #8 Forest City. #4 Mount Vernon takes on #5 Harlan Community. #2 Des Moines Christian takes on #7 Benton Community to round the night in a rematch of last year’s four-seed versus five-seed contest that saw the Bobcats come out on top. #3 Solon will compete against #6 Dubuque Wahlert tomorrow morning at 10 am to finish up the Class 3A first round as there will be a new champion crowned.

Boys’ Substate Basketball

In Class 1A Substate 5, the defenses dominated but a 12 to 2 run for Winfield-Mt. Union gave the Wolves the momentum needed to win 46-41 over Holy Trinity Catholic. The Crusaders had cut the deficit to two in the fourth quarter, but Winfield-Mt. Union again counted on clutch free throws to seal the win. Luke Hellige led the scoring for Holy Trinity Catholic with 16 points as Conner Gehling finished his career with 1,001 points after cashing in for 10 points. Head coach John Hellige talked about his seniors Gehling and Maddox Rung.

Cam Buffington led the way with 18 points as Abram Edwards was enthusiastic about his team advancing to state after the game. The Wolves took the #4 seed and will take on #5 Lynnville-Sully on Monday, March 4th, at 12:15 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at noon.

Class 2A Substate 4, West Burlington rushed past West Branch 61-44 over the weekend to advance to the state tournament with a perfect 21-0 record. The Falcons grabbed the 4th seed and will take on Treynor on March 4th at 7:15 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7 pm.

For Class 3A Substate 5, Keokuk will face off against Williamsburg in the substate final tonight at 6:30 pm at Alliant Energy PowerHouse.

All-Southeast Conference Teams

The Southeast Conference released their All-Conference list before the weekend for girls’ and boys’ wrestling along with girls’ basketball and here’s the First-Team All-Conference members.

For girls’ wrestling, Fort Madison had eight First-Team All-Conference members in Hailey Kemper, Lucille Zimmerman, Briena Fenton, Mara Smith, Chloe Sokolik, Kat Diprima, Tatum Peters, and Sadie Brandon. Burlington had four honorees in Aliya Snyder, Sarina Cline, Adrian Thorton, and Kiara Rodriguez. Fairfield’s Samantha Lyons and Keokuk’s Jalyiah Gardner also earned a spot as Gardner and Smith earned CO-SEC Wrestler of the Year honors. Peyton Mowery of Mt. Pleasant grabbed Second-Team All-Conference.

For boys’ wrestling, Fort Madison led the way with five First-Team honorees in Luke Vanderpool, Isaac Thacher, Teague Smith, Cory Arnett, and SEC Wrestler of the Year Nolan Riddle. Fairfield had Cael McCabe, Zandrik Allison, and Dain Burkhart earn a spot on the list. Robert Howes was the lone member of Keokuk to earn First-Team honors. Washington had three wrestlers grab a spot in Aaron Boone, Caden Greiner, and Chase Greiner. Landon Beckler of Mt. Pleasant was named Second-Team All-Conference.

For girls’ basketball, Keokuk headlines the team with Makenna Altgilbers, Camryn Atterberg, and SEC Player of the Year Kendra Boatman making the First-Team. Dayonna Davis of Fort Madison, Savannah Hollander of Fairfield, and Mylee Stiefel of Burlington also earned a spot. Mt. Pleasant’s Abby Carthey grabbed a spot on the Second-Team. 

Boys’ Basketball will be released this week.

College Basketball

The #4 Iowa women’s team got back in the win column yesterday with a three-point barrage against Illinois, winning 101-85. The Hawkeyes nailed 17 threes as Caitlin Clark registered a triple-double with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Hawkeyes will travel to Minnesota on Wednesday, February 28th, at 8 pm. 

The Iowa State women’s team clobbered BYU over the weekend 74-49 as Audi Crooks set the new freshman season scoring record after putting up 18 points in the win. Emily Ryan led the way in scoring with 22 points. The Cyclones will face off against #10 Kansas State on Wednesday at 6:30 pm.

The #8 Iowa State men’s team defeated West Virginia 71-64 over the weekend. Tamin Lipsey led the scoring with 14 points. The Cyclones will compete against Oklahoma on Wednesday at home at 7 pm.

The Iowa men’s team fell to #12 Illinois over the weekend 95-85. Tony Perkins had a nice game with 18 points and tied for the team high in rebounds with 8. The Hawkeyes will take on Penn State in a road matchup tomorrow, February 27th, at 8 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1967 – 9th Daytona 500: Mario Andretti wins his first and only NASCAR Grand National event; only time a driver born outside the US has ever won the Great American Race.

1981 – 84 penalties (406 mins) assessed for a brawl between the NHL’s Minnesota North Stars and the Boston Bruins. Boston won 5-1.

2017 – 59th Daytona 500: Kurt Busch wins after Kyle Larson runs out of gas on the last lap; Jeffrey Earnhardt makes NASCAR history as the first ever 4th generation driver to compete in the Daytona 500.

Sunday Fire in Wapello Still Buring

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 26th, 2024 at 6:19 am CDT

On Sunday Afternoon, Wapello Fire and Rescue was requested to an area in the Iowa River floodplain north of Wapello for a report of a control burn that was out of control.

Upon arrival, crews found a 40-acre area that had been mostly burned, and fire that spread to a large area of remote timber land owned by the State of Iowa. The Morning Sun and Grandview Fire departments were requested as assistance. Fire crews contained the fire to the timber area and prevented the fire from spreading to an adjacent area with 500 acres of grassland and an additional 220 acres of timber.

As of yesterday evening, the fire was contained to an approximately 120-acre area of mostly timber. There are many dead trees in this area that remain on fire and are surrounded by burnt vegetation. The fire has generated a significant amount of smoke and with the wind having switched to the north, the smoke is currently carrying into Wapello and is creating extremely smoky conditions. The burning trees are inaccessible to fire equipment and will most likely continue to burn for several days.

Air quality should improve today with winds out of the southeast. Firefighters will continue to monitor the situation as the week unfolds. Be advised that the smoke is currently causing visibility issues on US 61 from inside Wapello to approximately one mile north of the city limits.

Phillip “Albert” Rich

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 26th, 2024 at 5:57 am CDT

Phillip “Albert” Rich, 92, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the VanVorhies Haus in Mt. Pleasant.

Albert was born on December 31, 1931, in Mt. Pleasant the son of Forest Milo “Frosty” and Lillie N. (Bain) Rich.  Albert served his country in the United States Army from February 12, 1952 until February 11, 1954.   Following his honorable discharge he was united in marriage to Anna Mae Ross on August 15, 1954, at the Wayland United Methodist Church.  She preceded him in death on July 27, 2004.  Albert always was a hard worker. He started working for the Sinclair Gas Station in Mt. Pleasant, Chevrolet Garage in Winfield, was a repairman for the Ford Tractor Dealership and later for the Henry County Road Department retiring after 28 years. On November 26, 2005, he was united in marriage to Wilma Smithburg.  She preceded him in death on July 29, 2017.  He was a member of the Trenton Missionary Church, served on the Green Mound Cemetery Board, singing with the Rhythm Rockers of Mt. Pleasant and was a member of the American Legion Post of Wayland.  

Albert is survived by his children, Phillip (Kara) Rich of Chariton, Teresa (John) Mallams of Mt. Pleasant, Curtis (Mindy) Rich of Mt. Pleasant, 5 grandchildren, Angela, Matthew, Joshua, Heather, Alexa and P.J., and 5 great-grandchildren, Raylee, Kylie, Zayden, Zebulon and Lillian, his stepchildren, Linda (Clinton) Boese of Pella, Nancy (Roger) Asby of Lockridge and Edward (Vivian) Smithburg of West Olive, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, both wives, a grandson, Nathan Mallams, an infant sister and his brother, Donald J. Rich.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Trenton Missionary Church with Pastor David Forrester officiating.  Burial will follow in the Green Mound Cemetery, with full military honors.   Friends may call from 2 until 6 p.m. on Friday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.  The family will not be present. In lieu of flowers family suggests memorials may be directed to the Trenton Missionary Church, the Green Mound Cemetery or to the VanVorhies Haus in his memory.  

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

February 26, 2024 – March 3, 2024

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, February 25th, 2024 at 4:00 pm CDT
02/26/24
Lucas Lee
02/26/24
Lila Cook
02/26/24
Dale Davidson
02/26/24
Joe Hunsaker
02/26/24
Betsy Johnston
02/26/24
Spencer Newman
02/26/24
Lisa Price
02/26/24
Dr. Matt Donnelly
02/27/24
David Curtis
02/27/24
Wyatt Miller
02/27/24
Weston Miller
02/27/24
Carl Scott
02/27/24
Makenzie Kauffman-Ho
02/27/24
Nick West (16)
02/27/24
Mandi Bain
02/28/24
Elizabeth Garrels
02/28/24
Ashley Wesley
02/28/24
Allison Lowe
02/28/24
Grant Roberson
02/28/24
Ellie Stewart
02/28/24
Lisa Miller - 50th
02/28/24
Jim & Rhonda Molter *Anniversary
02/28/24
Kathy & Ken Hawkins - 45th Anniversary
02/28/24
Jim & Cora Arnold - 65 years
02/29/24
Danielle Broeker
03/02/24
Sherri Leaper
03/03/24
Stan and Charleene Stigge - 62 years
03/03/24
Jack and Janice Murphy - 57 years

Lynn Cochran – Pending

By Yorke Prough · Sunday, February 25th, 2024 at 6:44 am CDT

Lynn Cochran, 84, of Mount Pleasant died Friday, February 23, 2024, at his home. Funeral services are pending at the Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory.

Boys’ Basketball: Winfield-Mt. Union Returns to State

By Slaten Swords · Sunday, February 25th, 2024 at 12:00 am CDT

Fairfield, IA- It’s not often two teams from the same conference collide to decide who will go to the State Tournament, but that’s what happened at Fairfield High School last night for the Class 1A Substate 5 championship. Defense ruled the night, and it was Winfield-Mt. Union that narrowly defeated Holy Trinity Catholic to advance to state 46-41.

The first quarter featured the two teams struggling to find open shots and off-line three-point shots. Luke Hellige scored four quick points to help the Crusaders take a 9 to 5 lead late in the first quarter, but an off-balance Gabriel Hemsworth three helped snare the game at 11 to enter the second quarter.

The second quarter completely belonged to the Wolves as Cam Buffington scored 10 of his game-high 18 points in the first half and helped Winfield-Mt. Union end the first half on a 12 to 2 run to lead 23 to 13.

For Winfield-Mt. Union’s head coach Klay Edwards–who was a key piece to the Wolves team that went to the state tournament in three straight seasons finishing in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th–defense is what his team prides themselves on,

“That’s kind of what we’ve hung our hat on all year. You know, sometimes you you’re not just, you’re just not putting the ball in the hoop, you know, like you’d like to. But you know, they kept fighting, you know, it got close there in the 4th, but senior leadership, you know, the guys did what they needed to do. And this time of year, you want to make just enough plays like that, it doesn’t matter if it’s one or thirty, you know. So just really, really good feeling for the boys.”

To start the second half, it was Holy Trinity Catholic making the early plays after two steals and quick buckets cut the lead to six, but Jake Edwards and Gabriel Hemsworth combined for five threes in the game and Edwards hit a big one to keep the Crusaders at bay.

Holy Trinity Catholic had an opportunity late in the third quarter to cut the lead down to seven after Layne Rung was fouled throwing up a three-pointer; however, he would go 1 for 3 at the line, cutting the deficit to nine, 36 to 27.

The Crusaders opened the scoring in the fourth quarter and went on a 9 to 2 run to cut the score to 38 to 36 with time running out as Layne Rung hit a three to finish the night with six points.

Yet, the seniors of Winfield-Mt. Union took over with Abram Edwards scoring four of his eight points in the fourth quarter as he collected two steals and two blocks. Gabriel Hemsworth made a free throw to give the Wolves a 44 to 39 lead with less than a minute remaining.

That’s when Crusader senior Conner Gehling made a lay-up to cut the lead to three and register his 1,001st career point. However, Buffington would secure the victory with some late free throws to give the Wolves the Substate championship.

A drenched coach Edwards talked about this senior class that has now made it to state in two sports,

“Relief and like, just complete satisfaction, I guess. So happy for these kids and their family. And the work they put in. And you know, to put this on top of going to the Dome in football, it feels really, really good and really special. And I’m just so proud of them. And I also feel really wet, but I’ll take that any day.”

Abram Edwards talked about the senior year he’s been able to enjoy with his teammates,

“It’s a lot of fun, I mean, all of these guys we’ve been playing together since we were little kids and just to do it with them is amazing.”

Holy Trinity Catholic’s all-time leader in blocks, Gehling, finished the game with 10 points and three blocks as the other senior for the Crusaders, Maddox Rung, cashed in for four points as head coach John Hellige was emotional talking about his two seniors,

“First of all, just amazing student athletes. Love and death. Thank him as my own kids, honestly. But, you know, starting with Maddox, definite glue guy this year. Talk about a guy that’s completely bought into the system. Team Captain, stat stuffer steals, assists, some points, rebounds. You know, he was playing that two guard and was our second leading rebounder. Just an amazing kid. Amazing human being. Gonna do great things in life. And then Connor, Galen’s just been, you know, the heart and soul of the team for four years now. three-year starter and 1000 points scorer, nobody works harder than Connor. He’s transformed himself into just an off the charts leaper, 5 or 6 dunks this year, and you know, just an amazing senior year and happy for those guys. And going to look forward to him doing big, big things in life.”

(Left to Right: Conner Gehling, Head Coach John Hellige, and Maddox Rung)

Holy Trinity Catholic finished the season with a 19-6 record.

The 20-2 Winfield-Mt. Union Wolves snatched the #4 seed and will face off against #5 Lynnville-Sully on Monday, March 4th, at 12:15 pm for the Class 1A Quarterfinals. Coach Edwards plans on getting his kids to a college gym to practice in a similar atmosphere to Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, but also knows his seniors will be able to lead the team.

“Yeah, it’s just amazing, I’m blessed, you know, Coach McCarty’s blessed in football to have these type of kids and these families… You know, the right time for me, I guess, that I can rely on those guys and honestly like I do a little bit of coaching, but these guys know what they need to do and they just do it.”

KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will have the call with the pregame show at noon.

WMU Scorers: Buffington 18, Jake Edwards 11, Hemsworth 9, Abram Edwards 8

HTC Scorers: Hellige 16, Gehling 10, Layne Rung 6, Adam Sobczak 5, Maddox Rung 4

Sports, February 24th

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, February 24th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

Girls’ State Basketball

The matchups are set for the state tournament with Class 5A and 3A set to tip-off the event on Monday, February 26th, at 10 am. Here are Monday’s matchups.

In Class 5A, #1 Johnston is looking to end their season undefeated as the Dragons get the day rolling against #8 Valley, who is 13-10 on the season. #4 Waukee and #5 Ankeny Centennial will follow that game at 11:45 am; Waukee won both matchups this season. #2 Davenport North will take on #7 Cedar Falls, who has just one loss on the season. Lastly, #6 Pleasant Valley’s attempt to repeat will be a tough one as they compete against #3 Dowling Catholic at 3:15 pm to start off their tournament.

Class 3A will aptly have three games on Monday night with their final game starting off the day on Tuesday, February 27th. At 5 pm, #1 Estherville Lincoln Central faces off against #8 Forest City. #4 Mount Vernon takes on #5 Harlan Community. #2 Des Moines Christian takes on #7 Benton Community to round out Monday night in a rematch of last year’s four-seed versus five-seed contest that saw the Bobcats come out on top. #3 Solon will compete against #6 Dubuque Wahlert on Tuesday morning at 10 am to finish up the Class 3A first round as there will be a new champion crowned.

Boys’ Substate Basketball

In Substate 5, Holy Trinity Catholic will take on Winfield-Mt. Union at Fairfield High School tonight at 7 pm with the winner advancing to state. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

Class 2A Substate 4, West Burlington will face off against Cascade tonight at Iowa City High at 7 pm. 

For Class 3A Substate 5, Keokuk will face off against Williamsburg in the substate final on Monday, February 26th, at 6:30 pm at Alliant Energy PowerHouse.

All-Southeast Conference Teams

The boys’ wrestling and girls’ basketball and wrestling all-conference teams were released and here is the breakdown. 

For boys’ wrestling, Fort Madison finished atop the conference standings finishing 5-0. The Bloodhounds touted five All-Conference 1st Teamers in Luke Vanderpool, Nolan Riddle, Isaac Thacher, Teague Smith, and Cory Arnett. Noah Swigart, Logan Pennock, Cade Goodrich, and Joe Hartman made the All-Conference 2nd Team. Riddle was also named SEC Wrestler of the Year. 

Washington finished in second with a 4-1 conference mark as All-Conference 1st Team in the 132-pound weight class Aaron Boone was the lone Demon to qualify for state. Caden Greiner and Chase Greiner were also tabbed 1st Team. Lane Schrock and Blaine Rees made the 2nd Team All-Conference list.

Fairfield’s 3-2 conference mark was helped along by 1st Team All-Conference members: Cael McCabe, Zandrik Allison, and Dain Burkhart. Aiden Westercamp, Cason Miller, Dre Smithburg, and Logan Johnson made the 2nd Team for All-Conference.

Burlington was led by Braxton Hutchinson, the lone state qualifier, and Adrian Perez-Hall for 1st Team All-Conference members as the Grayhounds nabbed a 2-3 record. Lathan Hand and Salomon Cordero garnered 2nd Team All-Conference honors. 

Mt. Pleasant’s lone win in conference came against Keokuk as Landon Beckler was the lone Panther to be named to the All-Conference list as he grabbed 2nd Team All-Conference for the 106-pound weight class. 

Lastly, Robert Howes for Keokuk was named 1st Team All-Conference in the 126-pound weight class as the Chiefs finished 0-5 in conference duals. 

Moving to girls’ wrestling, Fort Madison dominated with nine wrestlers being named to the All-Conference list. Hailey Kemper, Lucille Zimmerman, Briena Fenton, Mara Smith, Chloe Sokolik, Kat Diprima, Tatum Peers, and Sadie Brandon were all named 1st Team All-Conference. 

Burlington beat the Bloodhounds with 12 wrestlers being named to the All-Conference list with Aliya Snyder, Sarina Cline, Adrian Thorton, and Kiara Rodriguez making the 1st Team All-Conference list. Macklyn Palmer, Gracie Navarre, Kyra Nash, Sarah Cruz, Gemma Plummer, Lauren Briggs, Shariah Hart, and Mia Oddo grabbed 2nd Team honors. 

Fairfield and Keokuk each had two wrestlers on the All-Conference list. For the Trojans, Samantha Lyons nabbed 1st Team honors and Vianney Gonzalez grabbed 2nd Team honors. 

Keokuk was led by Jalyiah Gardner as she was also named CO-SEC Wrestler of the Year with Mara Smith. Jaylah Gardner grabbed 2nd Team All-Conference. 

Lastly, Peyton Mowery of Mt. Pleasant was named 2nd Team All-Conference.

The All-Conference list for girls’ basketball was released and Keokuk finished undefeated in conference play followed by Fort Madison at 7-3.

Keokuk, aptly, makes up three of the six spots of the All-Conference 1st Team in Makenna Altgilbers, Camryn Atterberg, and Kendra Boatman. Makayla Altgilbers and Irelynn Seay made the 2nd Team, while Allison Ames and Suzie Whitaker nabbed All-Conference Honorable Mention. 

Boatman was named SEC Player of the Year as she ranked second in points per game (18.6), and first in assists (5) and steals per game (4.4). 

Dayonna Davis was named All-Conference 1st Team for Fort Madison as Aijalynn Jenkins and Irelynd Sargent grabbed 2nd Team honors. Halle Menke and Hadley Wolfe were named All-Conference Honorable Mention. 

Mylee Stiefel nabbed 1st Team All-Conference honors for Burlington. Daphne Brown and Kylee Hill made the All-Conference Honorable Mention list. 

Savannah Hollander of Fairfield grabbed the final 1st Team All-Conference spot. Faith Jones and Briana Steele earned All-Conference Honorable Mention.

Mt. Pleasant’s leading scorer and the conference’s third best free throw shooter, Abby Carthey, nabbed 2nd Team All-Conference honors. Seniors Juliana Burns and Hailey Parrott were named All-Conference Honorable Mention.

Washington was led by Adalyn Long, who grabbed 2nd Team All-Conference, while Kendall Hinrichsen and Maci Williams made the All-Conference Honorable Mention list. 

College Basketball

The #4 Iowa women’s team will attempt to get back in the win column tomorrow, February 25th, at home against Illinois at noon.

The Iowa State women’s team will compete against BYU tonight at 6 pm.

The #6 Iowa State men’s team will host West Virginia today at 1 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team will travel to face off against #12 Illinois today at 1:15 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1978 – Kevin Porter, NJ, sets a then-NBA record with 29 assists in a game.

1987 – LA Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scores his 36,000th NBA point in a 97-93 win over the Suns in Phoenix.

2013 – 55th Daytona 500: Jimmie Johnson wins his second Great American Race; Danica Patrick is the first female driver to start from pole position; also best-ever finish by a woman at Daytona (8th).