Sports, Friday, July 31st

By Nathan Bloechl · Friday, July 31st, 2020 at 11:31 am CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Iowa Wesleyan Football Postponed Until Spring:

After much discussion and deliberation over the past three months, the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Council of Presidents and Chancellors decided to modify the schedule for conference competitions and championships for their high-risk sports, which were determined by the NCAA Sports Science Institute (SSI).

The Iowa Wesleyan Tiger Football team falls into this category.

The UMAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted to postpone the season for football until the spring. The council will begin discussions on what this will look like in the coming weeks.

Although the seasons for many at Iowa Wesleyan will be different this year, Iowa Wesleyan and their staff do remain committed to providing a meaningful fall semester for their student-athletes.

Teams will now have the opportunity to have a more extensive preseason experience, which include more practices, training in small groups, and leadership programming.

The decision to postpone the football season was guided by state and local public health officials, the NCAA SSI recommendations, and campus institutional policies.

Two State Finals Set in Des Moines:

Two state title games are now set after semifinal action in 1 and 2A was completed in Des Moines yesterday at the Iowa High School Baseball Tournament.

Here’s a look at yesterday’s finals:

Class 1A State Semifinals

Don Bosco 9, Kingsley-Pierson 1

Newman Catholic 2, St. Mary’s, Remsen 0

Class 2A State Semifinals

Van Meter 3, West Lyon 1

Des Moines Christian 4, North Linn 2 — 8 inn

Winterset, Kennedy Crowned in Fort Dodge:

Winterset and Cedar Rapids Kennedy both won State Softball Championships yesterday in Class 4 and 5A respectively at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge.

Class 4A State Tournament

Championship: Winterset 4, Carlisle 3 — 11 inn

Consolation: Dallas Center-Grimes 8, North Scott 4

Class 5A State Tournament

Championship: Cedar Rapids Kennedy 5, Fort Dodge 1

Consolation: Muscatine 10, Ankeny Centennial 0

Iowa Releases Independent Report Findings:

An investigative report has found that the Iowa football program has suffered from racial bias against African-American players and bullying by a small number of current and former coaches.

University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld says the report from an outside law firm shows that the “climate and culture must and will change within our football program.”

Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz, the longest-tenured head coach in college football, is expected to keep his job. T

he report found that many players believe he has already made several positive changes.

MLB Scoreboard (7/30):

Washington 6, Toronto 4

New York Yankees 8, Baltimore 6

Cleveland 2, Minnesota 0

Boston 4, New York Mets 2

Atlanta 2, Tampa Bay 1

Kansas City 5, Detroit 3

Los Angeles Dodgers 6, Arizona 3

Seattle 8, Los Angeles Angels 5

San Diego 12, San Francisco 7

News, Friday, July 31st

By Nathan Bloechl · Friday, July 31st, 2020 at 11:15 am CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Supervisors Halt EMS Discussion:

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met in regular session this  Thursday at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant.

The big item on the agenda? Furthering the discussion with the Henry County Health Center regarding emergency medical services.

The Supervisors were presented with a letter from the HCHC Board of Trustees requesting that both parties temporarily suspend discussions.

It was stated in the letter that the Henry County Health Center felt the county and the board of trustees both needed more time to review and assess data and options related to the costs of the Emergency Medical Services and what the best route to take would be.

When the Supervisors asked Michelle Rosell of HCHC if there was a time frame as to when the discussion may pick back up, she explained there was no specific time frame and that the discussion would depend on state and federal legislature possibly changing rules regarding cost based reimbursements for Medicare and Medicaid. 

The only other item on the Supervisor’s agenda was approval for a lease extension with the Iowa Department of Transportation for office rental – which was approved and extended through December of 2021.

Mike Vens of Gamrath-Doyle-Vens Retiring:

After 46 years in the insurance industry (27 of those at Gamrath-Doyle-Vens in Mt Pleasant) Mike Vens is retiring.

Since 1993, Vens has led their agency with integrity and passion, and set a standard of quality in our service and relationships.

The entire Vens family extends their most sincere thanks to the community that embraced us, and welcomed them to call Mount Pleasant their home.

The staff at Gamrath Doyle Vens and Gamrath Doyle & Associates, wishes Vens all the best in his retirement, and remains committed to upholding a tradition of insurance excellence.

Four KILJ Area Youth Earn 4H Awards:

Four young people from the KILJ are are among fifty Iowa 4-H members who have been awarded 2020 State 4-H project area awards following the statewide recognition process, which was held virtually this year.

Josiah and Nehemiah Westercamp from Van Buren County each received recognition for their rabbit projects.

From Washington County, Roy Carter was recognized for his Civic Engagement project and Jenna Messer received an award in the Food and Nutrition project area.

4-H project areas are broad topics that members can explore on their own or with the mentorship of a 4-H leader or other caring adult. Project area award applicants were asked to explain how they’ve demonstrated exemplary leadership, communication and civic engagement through their exploration of a project area over a number of years.

Applications for next year’s state 4-H project area awards will be due Feb. 1, 2021.

All Iowa 4-H members who are in grades 9-12 may apply for up to two project area awards per year, with a maximum of one award per applicant.

Lake Darling to See Trail Improvements:

Lake Darling State Park will soon see a new cement trail extension.

The extension will give quicker access to parts of the park and allow more ADA access.

This will expand on the existing paved trail across from the newly donated ADA-compliant bridge, and will provide access to the organized youth group campsite.

Youth campers will now be able to travel to the beach and boat rental area without the need to walk around the entire lake or on the roads.

The project was made possible by donations from the Brinton Trust and a grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation.

Friends of Lake Darling awarded DeLong Construction the project construction bid for a total of $125,000.

Construction on the project is underway and should be complete by mid-September.

State of Iowa to Strengthen Enforcement of Social Distancing Requirements for Food and Alcohol Businesses:

Beginning this week, the State of Iowa will take additional steps to enforce compliance with Governor Reynolds’ emergency public health disaster proclamation regarding social distancing and advanced hygiene practices at Iowa bars, restaurants, and other food establishments.

The Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) and Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) will work together to ensure that businesses follow public health guidelines set forth by the proclamation due to the coronavirus pandemic.

To promote social distancing and limit the spread of COVID-19, the proclamation requires establishments to create at least six feet of physical distance between each group or individual dining or drinking alone, all patrons must have a seat at a table or bar, and an establishment must limit patrons from congregating together closer than six feet.

Big Creek Tractor to Meet Saturday:

Big Creek Tractor Club will meet on Saturday morning to ride in the Crooked Creek Days parade.

They will have sign in at 8:00 a.m. and load and unload at Sinclair Tractor in Winfield.

After the parade they will continue on with their ride.

Funeral Announcement for Charles Fitzgibbons

By Nathan Bloechl · Friday, July 31st, 2020 at 10:55 am CDT

Charles Raymond Fitzgibbons passed away on July 29 in Solon, Iowa, at the age of 89.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Solon Retirement Village Memory Care Unit are welcomed in recognition of the great care they took of Chuck, especially during these challenging times with COVID. Private family services will be held.  To share a thought, memory or condolence with Chuck’s family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Funeral Announcement for David Chunn

By Nathan Bloechl · Thursday, July 30th, 2020 at 9:51 pm CDT

David Lee Chunn, 67, of Washington, IA, died Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at his home in Washington. As per David’s request his body will be cremated and there will be no services. A general memorial fund has been established. The Beatty Funeral Home is assisting the family.

 

Winfield Woman Arrested After Threatening to Light House on Fire

By Nathan Bloechl · Thursday, July 30th, 2020 at 2:45 pm CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

KILJ — A Winfield woman is in custody after the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a domestic disturbance in Winfield.

Officials say that Lisa Diaz poured gasoline throughout the residence and threatened to light it on fire with another individual inside.

The investigation revealed that Diaz and the individual had gotten into an argument.

Diaz was charged with Simple Domestic Abuse Assault (Simple Misdemeanor) and Threatening to Use Incendiary or Explosive Device or Material (D Felony).

Sports, Thursday, July 30th

By Nathan Bloechl · Thursday, July 30th, 2020 at 11:27 am CDT

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Ogden’s Late Surge Lifts Bulldogs over #2 L-M:

Hailey Sanders struck out thirteen hitters and carried a no-hitter in the 5th inning but it was not enough as Ogden scored four runs in the 6th inning to knock #2 Louisa-Muscatine into the consolation round with a 4-2 win yesterday afternoon in Class 2A Semifinal at Harlan Rogers Park.

Gabby Ross had the big hit in the 6th for Ogden, a two-run double which gave the Bulldogs their first and only lead.

Sanders was able to stop the bleeding after a pop-out and an outfield assist from Jersey Lessenger that cut down Ogden’s Reagan Kruse at home plate.

Ogden star Denali Loecker was good enough in the circle, throwing a complete game allowing just five hits and two runs.

Both of the runs came in the third innings after Sanders came up with a two-out, two-RBI base hit.

The second-ranked Falcons stranded McKenna Hohenadel at third in the fifth inning and only put one more base-runner on to close the game.

They did bring the tying run to the plate in the 7th but after Kenzie Kissell lined out, Mallory Mashek was doubled off at first to end the game.

Louisa-Muscatine, now 19-6, will play in Friday’s consolation championship.

Ogden, 21-3, will battle top-ranked North Linn (24-0) for all the Class 2A marbles Friday afternoon at 5:00 p.m.

State Championships Set for State Softball:

The State Championship slate is all set after a long, arduous day of semifinals in Fort Dodge.

Here’s the state championship schedule at Harlan Rogers Park:

1A: #1 Collins-Maxwell vs. #3 Clarksville

2A: #1 North Linn vs. #3 Ogden

3A: #1 Albia vs. #3 Williamsburg

4A: #1 Carlisle vs. #7 Winterset

5A: #1 Fort Dodge vs. #2 Cedar Rapids Kennedy

4A Quarterfinals Finish at Principal Park Yesterday:

The Class 4A State Quarterfinals finished up in Des Moines yesterday, here’s a complete look at the finals from our state capitol:

Urbandale 2, Waukee 0

Johnston 11, Cedar Falls 7

Dubuque Hempstead 7, Iowa City High 6

Ankeny 5, Pleasant Valley 4

IHSAA Announces Guidance on Cross Country Season:

The Iowa High School Athletic Association has released guidance on the upcoming boys cross country season.

No hugging, shaking hands or fist bumps is the first bullet point under general considerations.

Also, cross country meets can consider staggered, wave or interval starts during the regular season.

At this time, state qualifying and state meets will continue to use the mass start.

The State Association is also recommending that coaches consider conducting workouts in “pods” of same students always training and rotating together in practice to ensure more limited exposure if someone develops an infection.

IGHSAU Gives Detailed Protocol on Volleyball Season:

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has released their detailed protocol on the upcoming indoor volleyball season — and it’s extensive.

Some main takeaways from the document are:

  • Pre- and post-game handshakes between teams are prohibited. Teams should acknowledge their opponents with a wave, bow, etc. after introductions and/or after the match.
  • Teams are not to switch benches between sets. In the event there is a clear and distinct disadvantage, teams may switch sides, observing all social distancing protocols. Officials will determine if a disadvantage is present.
  • All players must sanitize their hands before and after warm-ups, at all timeouts, between sets and anytime they leave the playing court. Coaches are strongly encouraged to sanitize their hands as often as possible as well.

You can read the full document here. 

First practices are set for August 10th.

MLB Scoreboard (7/29):

Colorado 5, Oakland 1

Texas 7, Arizona 4

Washington 4, Toronto 0 — 10 inn

Chicago White Sox 4, Cleveland 0

Cincinnati 12, Chicago Cubs 7

Milwaukee 3, Pittsburgh 0

Atlanta 7, Tampa Bay 4

Detroit 5, Kansas City 4

Boston 6, New York Mets 5

New York Yankees 9, Baltimore 3

Minnesota 3, St. Louis 0

San Francisco 7, San Diego 6

Seattle 10, Los Angeles Angels 7

Funeral Announcements for Janet Shumaker

By Nathan Bloechl · Thursday, July 30th, 2020 at 10:54 am CDT

Janet Shumaker, age 81, of Mount Pleasant passed away, July 25.  A private funeral service will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant.  Memorials may be directed to EveryStep Hospice in her memory.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at murphyfuneralandmonuments.com.  Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is caring for her arrangements.

Funeral Services for Melanie Boyd

By Nathan Bloechl · Thursday, July 30th, 2020 at 10:54 am CDT

Melanie Boyd, age 59, of New London, passed away March 31.  A celebration of Life will be held August 1 at 5 pm at the New London VFW, 802 E. McKinley.  A memorial has been established in her memory.  Online condolences may be left ay elliottfuneralchapel.com. Elliot Chapel in New London is handling arrangements for Melanie Boyd.