Lee County Fair 2024 Beef Show Results 

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, July 13th, 2024 at 12:51 pm CDT

Champion Derby Beef Live – Owen Weisinger 

Reserve Champion Derby Beef Live – Paisley Anderson 

Champion Derby Beef Carcass – Parker Overberg 

Reserve Champion Derby Beef Carcass – Mason Overberg 

1st Place Rate of Gain – Parker Overberg 

2nd Place Rate of Gain – Emma Lyle 

 Champion Angus Female – Aubrey Weber 

 Champion Chianina Female – Zikalya Houtz 

 Champion High Maine Anjou – Owen Weisinger 

 Champion Simmental Female – Brystol Gerdes 

 Champion White Park – Carrigan Carroll 

 Champion Bucket Bottle Return Heifer – Aiden McDowell 

Reserve Champion Bucket Bottle Return Heifer – Arabella McDowell 

 Champion Commercial Heifer – Owen Weisinger 

Supreme Champion Beef Female – Owen Weisinger 

Reserve Supreme Champion Beef Female – Brystol Gerdes 

3rd Overall Beef Female – Brystol Gerdes 

4th Overall Beef Female – Owen Weisinger 

5th Overall Beef Female – Brody Moeller 

 

Champion Junior Bucket Bottle Calf – Aiden McDowell 

Reserve Champion Junior Bucket Bottle Calf – Tate Schmitt 

Champion Overall Junior Bucket Bottle Calf – Makayla Newberry 

Reserve Champion Overall Junior Bucket Bottle Calf – Ben Huslebus 

 

Champion Intermediate Bucket Bottle Calf – Mason Overberg 

Reserve Champion Intermediate Bucket Bottle Calf – Arabella McDowell 

Champion Overall Intermediate Bucket Bottle Calf – Johnathan Seyb 

Reserve Overall Intermediate Bucket Bottle Calf – Arabella McDowell & Baylor Ferreira 

 

Champion Overall Senior Bucket Bottle Calf – James Seyb 

Reserve Champion Overall Senior Bucket Bottle Calf – Lucas Wenke 

 

Champion Market Heifer – Vada Weisinger 

 

Champion Return Bucket Bottle Calf – Lucas Wenke 

Grand Champion Market Beef – Emma Mohrfeld 

Reserve Grand Champion Market Beef – Vada Weisinger 

3rd Overall Market Beef – Brystol Gerdes 

4th Overall Market Beef – Lucy Steffensmeier 

5th Overall Market Beef – James Denning 

 

Champion Advanced Showmanship – Henry Steffensmeier 

Champion Senior Showmanship – Emma Lyle 

Champion Intermediate Showmanship – Owen Weisinger 

Champion Junior Showmanship – Brystol Gerdes 

Seanne Marie West

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, July 11th, 2024 at 11:02 pm CDT

Seanne Marie West, 59, of Sperry, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City surrounded by her family. Born on November 12, 1964, she was the daughter of James C. Hausner and Janet A. Bell. Seanne was a graduate of Danville High School. She married Kirk Loeffler and of this union they had a daughter; they later divorced.  Seanne later married Frederick C. West Jr. and of this union two daughters were born; they divorced. For the last 31 years Seanne has spent her life happily with her husband, Walter D. West, gaining two bonus daughters.

Seanne enjoyed working outdoors caring for her garden and yard; her home was her pride and joy. Seanne spent many summers camping with Wally and her children. For 14 years Seanne spent winters in Everglades City, Florida as the beach was a happy place for her. She didn’t know a stranger and was often teased by Wally for smiling in public because they could never get out of a public place as she would end up talking to people, whether she knew them or not. Seanne loved her children, bonus children, and grandchildren more than life itself. Her favorite times were gatherings with all of her grandchildren together at once. Seanne and Wally lived in Sperry, Iowa in their little heaven on Earth, with their dog, Jack; kittens, Bo and Luke; and most recent addition of chickens. Seanne wanted chickens for a long time, and just like every other dream she had, Wally made that happen for her.

Seanne was preceded in death by her mother, Janet (Robert) Bell; father, James Hausner; maternal grandparents, George and Margaret Besco; and paternal grandparents, Alonzo and Madeline Hausner. She is survived by her husband, Walter of Sperry; dog, Jack; children, Jamie (Daniel) Pringle of Keota, Heidi (Cole) Musselman of Mediapolis, Kayla Harkless of Keosauqua, Whitney (Dan) Kinney of West Burlington, and Kaysie (Gabe) Burden of New London; grandchildren, Chloe, Skyler, and Aiden Pringle; Kaylee and Karter Calvin; Brantley Musselman; Bucannon and Logan Harkless; and Ava and Ari Kinney.

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

July 8th, 2024 – July 14th, 2024

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, July 7th, 2024 at 11:40 am CDT
07/08/24
Gretchen Liechty
07/08/24
Katelyn Allen
07/08/24
Les Roth
07/08/24
Grant Goody
07/08/24
Kadie & Evan Johannson *Anniversary
07/09/24
Natalie McDowell
07/10/24
Karmen Barker-Smith
07/10/24
Judy Cash
07/10/24
Alice Fitzpatrick
07/11/24
Misty Burns
07/11/24
Susie Clark
07/11/24
Randy Coleman
07/12/24
Benjamin Millard
07/13/24
Crystee Stigge
07/13/24
Jay & Carrie Coble *Anniversary
07/13/24
Richard and Phyllis McGohan *60th Anniversary

New Water Fountain-Salem City Park!

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, July 6th, 2024 at 5:53 am CDT

The installation of the new water fountain for Salem City Pak in Salem, Iowa, was completed at the end of May — just in time for school vacation and summer heat.

The new water fountain replaced a crumbling structure that was no longer usable. It is not only Handicap/Children Accessible but also has a spout for refilling water bottles.

The project began last year, but various complications interfered with its completion. “It was very frustrating,” remarked Salem City Council Member Tarrant French, who had proposed the project and was the primary community volunteer to work on its installation. “Supply chain issues put delivery back until mid-summer, and although we had the old fountain removed and the site prepared, we couldn’t install the fountain and pour the concrete because the temperatures wouldn’t allow the concrete to set properly. Fortunately, we had a window of opportunity this spring, and we finished the installation with the help of our new Public Works Manager, Nick Edge. The concrete is solid; the fence is down – everything ready in time for school vacation.”

The purchase of the new fountain was made possible by a grant from The Henry County Enrichment Foundation.

Kelly Andermann, Mayor of Salem, stated, “We are very grateful to The Henry County Enrichment Foundation for their support of this much-needed replacement and for their patience with the project completion. The Salem town square, with its shade, benches, and playground, is well-used by people in the community and by the frequent visitors to our historic town.

HCHC FOUNDATION-GRANT APPLICATIONS WELCOME!

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, July 6th, 2024 at 5:42 am CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT — Henry County Health Center Foundation welcomes applicants for the 2024 Foundation Grant Program. The HCHC Foundation seeks to deploy financial resources to groups and organizations focused on a healthier future for Henry County Communities. The grant opportunities have doubled this year to $20,000, an intentional strategy to bring an increased impact to awardees.

The Foundation will fund projects in six health related priority areas: STEM, Health Education, Health Programming, Workforce Development, Workforce Recruitment, and Capacity Building.

Those seeking funds should submit letters of intent to HCHC Foundation by Aug. 15, 2024. Letters of intent should include organization information, project information and dollar amount requested.

If the Foundation determines the program or project meets eligibility requirements, the applicant will receive an invitation to submit a full grant application. Full applications are due Sept. 30, 2024.

The HCHC Foundation remains a leading steward of financial resources focused on the future of healthcare and quality of life in our Henry County communities.

“The mission of the grant program is to expand opportunities for growth, and the previous grants awarded have been a catalyst for positive impact in the area,” HCHC Foundation Director Savannah Collins said. “We look forward to awarding recipients with the funding to jumpstart their initiatives and bring their visions to life.”

Consideration for funding will be given to proposals which closely align with the Foundation’s mission, have the potential to achieve both the objectives of the applicant organization and program goals of the Foundation, and have the potential for long-term impact and sustainability in the community.

For additional details please contact Savannah Collins at the HCHC Foundation at 319-385-6541 or scollins@greatriverhealth.org.

 

James Edwin Gerleman

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, July 5th, 2024 at 7:02 pm CDT

James Edwin “Jim” Gerleman, 73, of Lockridge passed away at his home on Thursday, July 4, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Private family graveside services will be at the Upland Cemetery, rural Lockridge, with Father Ross Epping officiating.   Jim’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 am at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 2 to 7 p.m.; the family will not be present.  A memorial has been established 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.

 

Jesse Leon Holder

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, July 5th, 2024 at 6:36 pm CDT

Jesse Leon Holder, 83, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024 at the Good Samaritan Society in Ottumwa.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield. Memorials may be made to the family in care of Carol Holder, 2288 Marigold Blvd. Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Behner Funer

al Home in Fairfield is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jesse was born April 27, 1941 in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of Floyd and Lou Elsie (Burris) Holder. Jesse served his country in the United States Navy for 6 years as an aircraft mechanic. He married Carol Stevens, July 26, 1972 in Bowie, Texas.

Jesse retired from Falco and owned and operated Holder’s Plumbing, Heating and Electric. He loved camping, woodworking, and mowing his yard.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Carol; children, Brian (Sheilah) Holder, Toni (Bill) Fosdyck, Reena Wickenkamp, and Tod (Tonya) Holder; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and four siblings.

He was preceded in death by his parents, ten siblings, and one grandson.

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

Edward Martin Chaney

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, July 5th, 2024 at 9:47 am CDT

Edward Martin Chaney, fondly known as “Hi Ed,” passed away, surrounded by his daughters and faithful companion, Lucy, on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in his hometown of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.

Ed was born on August 16, 1929, in Mt. Pleasant the son of Horace and Georgie (Martin) Chaney, Ed was a lifelong resident of Mt. Pleasant, which he dearly loved.

Ed was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, class of 1947, and went on to serve his country in the United States Army, serving during the Korean War – mainly in Austria.  Ed was quite a basketball player and played for the Army, traveling with the team.  After his service, Ed was a carpenter, an auctioneer, an antique dealer, a realtor, and lover of yard sales.

On July 12, 1958, Ed married Margie Kempker in Ft. Madison, Iowa at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Together, in Mt. Pleasant, they raised four daughters of which he was immensely proud:  Barbara (Jerry), Ann (Mike), Amy (Kendall), and Jill (Charlie).  Ed was a devoted father and an active presence in his children’s lives – coaching when his children were young and never missing any of his children’s activities.  Ed took great pleasure in his 11 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  Ed is survived by his sister, Louise Berg and his brother, William Chaney.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Margie of 63 years, his brother, Robert Chaney, his sister, Elizabeth Lanphear, and his brother, Richard Chaney.

We will miss dad’s humor, his love of family, his ability to fix anything, his love of clocks, and his gentlemanly way.  Ed Chaney, you will be greatly missed.

Ed’s family will receive friends on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until noon, at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.  A private family burial will be held at a later date.  A memorial has been established in his memory.  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

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