Dalene G. Hook

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 at 4:53 am CDT

Dalene G. Hook, 76, a resident of Pleasant Plain, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Parkview Home in Wayland.

There will be no services held at this time. Memorials may be made to the Brighton First Responders and sent to the family at 507 South St. Brighton, Iowa 52540.

Dalene was born January 5, 1949 in Fairfield, the daughter of George and Louise (Countryman) Sharts. She married Larry Hook, July 11, 1967 in Schweinfurt, Germany.

Dalene worked as a press operator for Modine Manufacturing in Washington. She served on the city council for the town of Pleasant Plain as well as city clerk. Dalene enjoyed sewing, cooking, reading, watching television, and spending time with her family.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Larry; children, Deana (Keith Slingluff) Hook of Garwin, Iowa, Leslie (Jon) Eckhoff of Granger, Iowa, and Jered (Nicole) Hook of Pleasant Plain; grandchildren, Gunnar (Caitlyn), Ryker, Fallyn, Quinn, Gage, and Kane; and great-grandchildren, Ezra and Sterling.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Online condolences may be made to Dalene’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Howard D. Maynard

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 at 4:50 am CDT

Howard D. Maynard, 77, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025 at his home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Fairfield VFW at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family and sent to 406 E. Broadway Ave. Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Howard was born October 14, 1947 in Mountain Home, Arkansas, the son of Charlie Leffel and Verlene (Stone) Maynard. Howard was raised with the help of his grandmother, Nellie, whom he affectionately referred to as “Ma”.

Howard worked for 40 years at Fairfield Aluminum Castings Company. He enjoyed working on cars, attending car shows, drag racing, and driving his car fast! He also enjoyed attending swap meets and antique shows. Howard loved spending time with his children.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Becky (Stacey) McWhirter of Fairfield, Billy Maynard of Fairfield, Matt Simons of Washington, and Howard (Britt) Maynard, Jr. of Hallowell, Kansas; eight grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

Online condolences may be made to Howard’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

This Day in Sports History, August 1st

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, August 1st, 2025 at 6:37 am CDT

This Day in Sports History August 1st

1945 – NY Giants outfielder Mel Ott hits historic 500th MLB home run off Braves Johnny Hutchings, joins Babe Ruth and Jimmy Foxx as only the players to reach the milestone.

1957 – Gil Hodges hits his 13th MLB career grand slam, a National League record, and the last ever by a Brooklyn Dodgers player.

1994 – Baltimore shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. becomes only the second player after Lou Gehrig to appear in 2,000 consecutive MLB games, in a 1-0 win vs Twins.