Sports, December 7th

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, December 7th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

Mt. Pleasant was swept by Burlington last night to kick off conference play for the season. The girls’ team struggled against the Grayhound’s full-court press defense, coughing the ball up over 30 times as Mylee Stiefel directed the scoring with 30 points in a 74-32 statement win. Addison Clark led the Panthers with 9 points. 

In the boys’ game, a third quarter lead was squandered by the Panthers as Mt. Pleasant turned the ball over on consecutive possessions, ushering a Burlington lead that would remain for the rest of the game in a 53-47 final. Head coach Eric Rawson knows his team can and will play better,

“That’s what we talked about in the locker room is there’s two games there that we had leads in the second half and, you know, our youth just got exposed. We got to be able to learn how to again value the possession. Play with a little bit more grit. You know, I think we had maybe 2.5 guys out there that were really gritty tonight, and that’s not enough. It’s got to come from everybody, and it’s got to start in practice. So, you know we’re, you know, we’re really young and we’re going to learn from this and we’re going to move forward and we’re going to see a lot of growth out of the team throughout the year and that’s what’s going to be exciting. We could take some lumps, you know, but, gosh darn, these kids take it to heart. You know, they’re playing for what’s on the chest and not what’s on the back of the jersey and they’ll certainly be ready to go. We’ll practice Sunday and then we got a really talented Burlington Notre Dame team coming in on Monday.”

Aiden Humble and Noah Lange each scored 18 points on the night in the losing effort. The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will host Burlington Notre Dame on Monday, December 9th, at 7:30 pm.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will head south to compete against Holy Trinity Catholic on Monday with game time at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

The Central Lee girls’ team picked up a 57-43 road victory last night against Burlington Notre Dame. 

The Fairfield boys’ team picked up their first conference victory in over a year with a thrilling 57-55 win over Fort Madison last night. The Trojans will face off against Ottumwa on Tuesday, December 10th, on the road with the girls’ tipping off at 6:15 pm.

The Columbus girls’ team rattled off their fourth straight victory to start the season last night, defeating Hillcrest Academy 55-35, while the boys’ team was demolished by the Ravens 80-28. The Wildcats will hit the road to take on Central Lee on Monday with the girls’ tipping off the night at 6 pm. 

Holy Trinity Catholic’s defense showed up in both games against Danville last night with the girls’ winning a 38-28 slugfest and the boys’ cruising to a 67-40 final. Luke Hellige led the scoring with 18 points for the Crusaders. 

The Danville girls’ team will travel to Fort Madison on Monday at 7 pm. 

The Holy Trinity Catholic boys’ team will take on West Burlington on Friday, December 13th, at 7:30 pm on the road. 

The Mediapolis boys’ team was unable to keep up with West Burlington last night, losing 86-59. The Bulldogs will host Wilton on Monday with the girls starting off the night at 6 pm. 

Winfield-Mt. Union split the night with the girls’ team falling to Lone Tree 68-18, while the boys’ team made their free throws late in the game last night to seal a 49-41 victory against the Lions. 

The Wapello boys’ team was chopped down by Louisa-Muscatine last night 75-57. The Wapello boys’ team will compete against Danville today on the road at 3:30 pm, while the girls’ team will face off against Prince of Peace on Monday at 6:30 pm on the road.

The Van Buren County boys’ team defeated New London handily last night 65-45. The Tigers will take on Burlington Notre Dame at home on Friday with the girls playing first at 6 pm. 

Van Buren County will travel to West Burlington on Tuesday with game one at 6 pm.

WACO hosted Pekin last night and despite Brenna Graber’s 20 points, the girls’ team lost 52-45, while the boys’ team survived a back-and-forth contest to down the Panthers 53-52. Christian Stacy led the scoring with 20 points. The Warriors will stay at home to play Louisa-Muscatine on Tuesday with the boys’ following the girls game at 7:30. 

Central Lee will be hosting an invitational today with Winfield-Mt. Union and West Burlington both making the trip. The Central Lee girls’ team will take on Canton at 3 pm, while the boys’ team will face off against Mendon at 1:30 pm. 

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will compete against Centerville at noon, while the girls’ team will look for a win against Mendon at 1:30 pm. 

The West Burlington boys’ team will tango with Canton at 3 pm and the girls’ team will play West Prairie at 10:30 am.  

High School Wrestling

Fairfield will travel to West Delaware today for the Bob Murphy Invitational. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will compete in the Raider Duals today at Williamsburg. 

The Mediapolis boys’ team will travel to Burlington to compete in an invite today.

The Wapello boys’ team will host WACO and Mt. Pleasant today for the Willard Howell Tournament. 

The New London boys’ team will host the Jeremy Fulk Classic today.

The Mt. Pleasant, Mediapolis, Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, and WACO girls’ teams will compete in the Willard Howell Tournament today at Wapello. 

High School Bowling

Fairfield will hit the road to duel Davis County on Monday, December 9th.

Southeastern Community College

The #11 men’s basketball team will host Kennedy-King College tonight at 7. 

College Football

#16 Iowa State will face off against #12 Arizona State today at 11 am for the Big 12 conference championship. 

Iowa will await their bowl matchup, which will be announced tomorrow, December 8th. 

College Basketball

The #6 Iowa State men’s team will stay at home to take on Jackson State tomorrow, December 8th, at 6 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team will travel to Michigan today at 1 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call.

The #20 Iowa State women’s team will face off against Central Michigan tomorrow at noon in front of the home crowd. 

The #17 Iowa women’s team will take on Tennessee in the Women’s Championship Classic tonight at 6 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1907 – Eugene Corri becomes the first referee in a boxing ring. 

1939 – New York Yankees legend Lou Gehrig, 36, is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, only six months after his retirement. He was the first player to have his number retired by a team. 

1996 – The first Big 12 Championship Game: Texas beats #3 Nebraska, 37-27.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – Flags at Half Staff Today in Iowa

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, December 7th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in the state of Iowa to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.  Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol, all public buildings, grounds and facilities state-wide.  Today, we remember the thousands whose lives were lost or forever changed on this day 83 years ago.  Thank you to all who serve this country.

Marjorie Ruth McDowell

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, December 6th, 2024 at 5:03 pm CDT

Marjorie Ruth McDowell, 95, of Mount Pleasant, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Addington Place in Mount Pleasant.

Marjorie Ruth Baker McDowell was born on December 13, 1928, on a farm near Yarmouth, Iowa, the daughter of Carl Elmer Baker and Sylvia Myrtle (Hodson) Baker. She married John E. McDowell on June 17, 1949, at the First United Methodist Church in Yarmouth.

Marjorie graduated from Yarmouth High School in 1946, where she played forward in the girls state championship basketball game, losing only to Coon Rapids. After high school, she attended Iowa Wesleyan College where she was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority and was named Iowa Wesleyan Homecoming Queen in 1947. She graduated from IWC in 1950, with a teaching certificate in education.

Marjorie lived a fulfilling life and was a woman of many talents, but she especially loved teaching. She taught first grade for several years before opening her own dance studio. She taught tap, ballet, jazz and acrobatics to many students in the Mount Pleasant area and produced annual dance recitals. After retiring from teaching dance, she enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s dance recitals. She was very athletic and was always ready to teach skills related to basketball and softball to her grandchildren. Her husband John, and son Scott shared her love for baseball and the three of them often traveled to Kansas City to watch the Royals play. Marjorie and John also were active card club members where they developed many close friendships. Marjorie enjoyed sewing and baking desserts that were often the highlight of many family gatherings. She also tended a small garden and canned her best harvests. Marjorie was a kind soul and was always putting the needs of others before her own . Her love and compassion extended to all those who knew her and she will be remembered for her bright disposition and personality.

Marjorie was an active member of the Founder’s Chapter of T.T.T. for over 50 years. She also was a dedicated volunteer at the First United Methodist Church and later in life volunteered at the Quarter Maybe More Store.

She is survived by her youngest brother Dee Lawrence Baker of Acton, CA, daughter Janette Zuk of Easton, PA, daughter Joan Coan of Lennox, KS, son Scott McDowell of Overland Park, KS. Grandchildren include Daria Kret of Easton, PA, Jill Coan of Shawnee, KS, Natalie Brigham of Atlantic Highlands, NJ, Jenna Bobrov of Fitchburg, WI, and John Zuk of Bethlehem, PA. Marge has seven great grandsons, one great granddaughter and another great granddaughter on the way.

Her husband, John, and first-born infant son, Bradley, preceded her in death.

The family would like to thank all of Mom’s fantastic caregivers at Addington Place and EveryStep Hospice.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant. Pastor Jeff McPheron will officiate. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 10, at the Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory. The family will be present to greet friends beginning at 5:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Marjorie’s name may be directed to EveryStep Hospice and the First United Methodist Church. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Marjorie and her family.

Michael Brooks

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, December 6th, 2024 at 3:49 pm CDT

Michael Brooks, 68, of Mount Pleasant, died Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the Henry County Health Center.

Michael was born February 17, 1956, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Dewey and Doris (Hart) Brooks. Michael worked at Henry County Health Center, and most recently at Walmart as a Maintenance Supervisor.

Michael is survived by niece Amy (Jason) Olson, of Mount Pleasant, niece Kimberlee (Brian) Gumphrey of Centerville, nephew Cody Watts of Moravia, great nephew Johnny (Madison) Wells of Mount Pleasant, great niece Lizzie Wells,  great niece Heidi (John) Fry of Unionville, and many other nieces, nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Johnny Hewitt, Dave Hewitt, Rickie Brooks, and sister Carolyn Watts.

According to his wishes his body has been cremated and no services will be held. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Michael and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Lyle Litton – Pending

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, December 6th, 2024 at 2:31 pm CDT

Lyle Litton, 77, of Mt. Pleasant, died Friday, December 6, 2024 at New London Specialty Care.
Arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.

Letha Sher Brown

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, December 6th, 2024 at 2:12 pm CDT

Letha Sher Brown, 55, of Danville, died Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at home.

According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Rebecca Jane White Manning

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, December 6th, 2024 at 12:30 pm CDT

Rebecca Jane White Manning, 72, of Fairfield died Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.

Becky was born March 31, 1952, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Dale and Betty (Johnson) White. She attended Mount Pleasant High School. Rebecca worked as a cook at Hy-Vee in the kitchen. She enjoyed family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She faithfully read devotions each day and had a strong faith.  She didn’t know a stranger and Becky had a spunky side to her.

Becky is survived by two daughters Angie Welcher of Cedar Rapids, Jill Welcher of Mount Pleasant; six grandchildren Chase, Court, Autumn, Carissa, Cade, Chloe; five great grandchildren Ryu, Axton, Rowan, Oaklynn, Hazel; sister Velda Barrett of Mount Pleasant; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Tommy and Jim; and sister Sandy Elmore.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 A M, Saturday December 14, 2024, at the E3 Center, Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Becky and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Fort Madison Police Department Asking For Public’s Help

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, December 6th, 2024 at 12:02 pm CDT

SPECIAL PRESS RELEASE

FORT MADISON POLICE DEPARTMENT

Missing Person

Friday December 6th, 2024 – The Fort Madison Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing person.

Aiyana La’Sue Young (Christofferson) 25, of Fort Madison voluntarily left her residence in the evening hours of 11/18/2024.

Young left with an unknown female friend, with a destination of Burlington, Iowa. Young did not return home, and the last communication with loved ones was via text on 11/21/2024. Young has not been heard from since. Young has been entered as a missing person.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Fort Madison Police Department at 319-372-2525. A photo of Young has been attached below.