David Marlette

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 1:54 pm CDT

David Marlette, 73, of Wapello passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at Wapello Specialty Care. Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello. Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Wapello Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the Wapello Fire Department and Wapello Athletics. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservices.com.

David R. Marlette was born on December 18, 1951, in Burlington, the son of Donald Marlette and Gladys (Waterhouse) Marlette. David was a 1970 graduate of Wapello High School and went on to attend Southeastern Community College. On July 21, 1974, David was united in marriage to Marcia Matthews at the Wapello Methodist Church. David worked for 35 years as a mechanical designer for General Electric following his retirement for General Electric, David went on to work as a parts consultant for Parts Supercenter for 12 years. He was a past member of Indian Hills Country Club, the Wapello Library Board, and president of Wapello Youth League. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and boating. Above everything David was most proud of his family and never missed an opportunity to follow his children and grandchildren in their many activities.

David will be deeply missed by his wife, Marcia of Wapello; daughter, Krista Marlette of Wapello; son Kenny (Jodie) Marlette of Wapello; grandchildren, Katelyn Yeakey, Kiley Yeakey, Wyatt Marlette, Kody Marlette, Noah Vogel and Cooper Marlette; his mother, Gladys Robertson of Wapello and siblings, Dennis (Norma) Marlette of Missouri and Teresa (Ernie) Taylor of Burlington

David was preceded in death by his father; brother, Duane Marlette and in-laws, Burt and Margery Matthews.

Fall Trout Stocking Returns to Southeast Iowa Starting October 23

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 7:53 am CDT

Southeast Iowa anglers can look forward to one of the season’s favorite traditions as the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) begins its fall community trout stockings on October 23. Several local lakes will soon be stocked with 1,000 to 2,000 rainbow trout each, giving families and fishing enthusiasts the chance to enjoy trout fishing close to home. 

The DNR’s cool-weather trout program brings the popular fish to lakes that can’t support them during the summer, creating unique fishing opportunities throughout the region. The fall stockings are also a great way to introduce kids to fishing—just a small hook with a nightcrawler or corn under a bobber, or a simple spinner such as a Panther Martin or Mepps, is all that’s needed to catch trout. 

Community events are often held alongside the stockings, helping new anglers learn and enjoy the experience together. 

Southeast Iowa trout stocking schedule: 

  • Oct. 23: Ottumwa Park Pond, Ottumwa – 11 a.m. 
  • Oct. 25: East Lake Park Pond, Mount Pleasant – 10 a.m. 
  • Oct. 25: Wilson Lake, Donnellson – Noon 

The trout program is supported by the sale of trout fees, which are required along with a valid Iowa fishing license. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler, with a possession limit of 10. Children 15 and under can fish with a licensed adult and share the limit, or purchase their own trout fee to keep a full daily catch. 

For more information and tips on trout fishing in community lakes, visit the Iowa DNR’s Community Trout Stocking Schedule and trout fishing webpage at iowadnr.gov 

Burlington Man Arrested After Alleged Meth Incident at Casino 

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 7:52 am CDT

Des Moines County, Iowa — The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office reports that a Burlington man was arrested late Friday night following an incident at Catfish Bend Casino. 

According to Sheriff Kevin Glendening, deputies were called to 3001 Winegard Drive around 11:57 p.m. on October 3 after receiving a report of a man walking around the casino attempting to sell methamphetamine. 

Deputies located the individual, identified as 48-year-old Mark Antonio Carter of Burlington. During the encounter, Carter reportedly consented to a search, and deputies say they found a bag of methamphetamine in his possession. 

Authorities say Carter then attempted to flee on foot but was quickly detained after a short pursuit. He was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense, and interference with official acts. 

Carter was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center. The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Gwendolyn K. (Shumaker) Foss

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 5:17 am CDT
Gwendolyn K. (Shumaker) Foss, 96, of Solon, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, October 5, 2025, while living at the Solon Retirement Village.

Gwen was born November 25, 1928, in Jackson Township near Salem, Iowa, the daughter of Iliff and Gladys (Hallowell) Shumaker. She was a graduate of Salem High School and Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa. In 1949, she married John F. Foss in New London. While living in Burlington, she worked at Champion Products, Standard of Beaverdale and LaMont Limited.

Gwen is survived by two sons, Kip F. (Deena) Foss of Solon, Rick M. (Rhonda) Foss of Salem; five grandchildren, Kari (Joe) Pyle, Shana (Tyler) Streeter, Lacey Myers, Cassie (Joel) Swailes, JD (Cassie) Foss; nine great grandchildren, Isaac and Owen Pyle, Ted and Lila Streeter, Kaden Harper, Preslee and Adele Swailes, Mackson and Maverick Foss; and a sister Charlotte Bailey of Independence, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ronald Shumaker, and sisters, Joyce VanDorin and Darlene Owens.

According to her wishes, her body will be cremated and there will be no visitation or service. Burial will be at a later date in the Salem East Cemetery in Salem. Memorials may be directed to the Salem Crew Library, 107 E Cherry Street, Salem, Iowa 52649 or the Solon Public Library, 320 W Main Street, Solon, Iowa 52333. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Gwen and her family. www.olsonyoderfh.com 

Ernst Honors Staats Awards of Henry County as Small Business of the Week 

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 5:15 am CDT

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, has named Staats Awards of Henry County & Mount Pleasant as her Small Business of the Week. Throughout the 119th Congress, Senator Ernst is recognizing one standout small business from each of Iowa’s 99 counties. 

“For over 100 years, Staats Awards has been helping Iowans and communities nationwide celebrate achievement, truly taking top honors as a leader in the awards and recognition industry,” said Ernst. “From ribbons and rosettes to trophies and plaques, Staats deserves a standing ovation as one of the most respected names in their field.” 

Founded in 1898 by E.G. Staats, the Mount Pleasant-based business is now owned by the Patten and Webster families. Staats Awards provides a wide range of recognition products and promotional materials for fairs, livestock shows, organizations, and businesses. Their distinctive trophies and ribbons have long been a fixture at the Iowa State Fair and at countless community events, schools, corporations, and exhibitions across the country. 

With a team of more than 20 employees, Staats continues to uphold its motto, “Small Town Values, World Class Quality.” The company’s dedication to craftsmanship, customer service, and community pride has made it a trusted partner in recognizing achievement and inspiring excellence for over a century. 

Crystal Renee Amendt,

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 5:05 am CDT

Crystal Renee Amendt, 55, a resident of Libertyville, passed away Monday, October 6, 2025 at home with her family by her side.

A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to The Hope Lodge or the family and sent to 105 Jefferson St. Libertyville, Iowa 52567.

Crystal was born November 25, 1969 in Fairfield, the daughter of Lloyd and Iona “Midge” (Vogt) Greiner. She married Shane Amendt, June 7, 2001 at Jefferson County Park.

Crystal worked for Community Childcare for many years and last worked at Casey’s in Fairfield, where she made many new friends.

She enjoyed reading, diamond painting, trips to Costco, sitting outside watching birds, and traveling with her family to Colorado.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Shane; daughters, Mikaela (Dylan Guest) Amendt of Ottumwa and Morgan Amendt of Fairfield; siblings, Jim (Lori) Greiner and Colette Greiner, both of Fairfield; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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

Iowa FFA Foundation Opens Scholarship Applications for 2026 

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 at 6:38 am CDT

The Iowa FFA Foundation has officially opened applications for its annual scholarship program, providing financial support to students pursuing education and careers in agriculture. 

Students involved in FFA are encouraged to apply for a wide range of scholarship opportunities designed to recognize leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to the future of agriculture. 

Applications must be submitted by January 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST. 

The Iowa FFA Foundation’s scholarship program connects student success with the generosity of sponsors and donors who believe in investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders. To learn more and apply, visit www.iowaffafoundation.org/scholarships.aspx 

Warm, Dry Weather Keeps Iowa Harvest Moving 

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 at 6:37 am CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (Oct. 6, 2025) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says warm and dry conditions have allowed corn and soybean harvest to progress quickly across the state. 

“Showers early this week may briefly pause harvest, but the moisture will help reduce dust and fire risk,” said Naig. “With above-average temperatures expected through mid-October, harvest should continue at a strong pace.” 

According to State Climatologist Justin Glisan, Iowa experienced summer-like weather last week, with temperatures 12 to 16 degrees above normal and an average of 72°F. Rainfall was scarce statewide, with only a few locations reporting light precipitation. 

Muscatine recorded the week’s high temperature at 93°F, while Osage and Spencer saw lows of 41°F. Windy and dry conditions late in the week raised fire concerns, though only minimal rainfall was reported across western Iowa.