More Easily Accessible Local Homes Needed For Midwest Old Threshers

Midwest Old Threshers Reunion is in need of more individuals with easily accessible homes to open their homes for the “local In-Home Stay Program.” According to the program’s coordinator, Lori Shoultz, the current list has been exhausted. Many visitors are still looking for a place to stay during the 2022 Midwest Old Threshers Reunion on September 1 through 5. Homeowners interested in opening their homes to an Old Threshers visitor should contact Lori Shoultz at 309-791-7689.

 

AJ Becker

Andrew James (AJ) Becker of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of Stamford, CT passed August 20, 2022. He was born on August 25, 1987, the son of Lori Alberts and James M. Becker, Jr. He is survived by two brothers and a sister; Dillon J. Becker (28) and Cameron R. Becker (31) of Scottsdale, AZ; and Grace A. Becker (5) of Mt. Pleasant, IA. Grace and AJ were immediate favorites together despite their age difference. AJ is the Grandson of Robert and Delores Alberts of Burlington, IA and was predeceased by his paternal grandparents J. Milton Becker and Bernice Becker, also survived by Candice R. Becker, Bonus Mom.

AJ graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 2006, and graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a degree in microbiology. Following graduation he accepted a job as a scientist for Henkel Company, a division of Dial Corp, located in Connecticut. He rose to the position of Senior Scientist with the company.

AJ was the definition of a great big brother, loving son and best friend. He was passionate and excelled in about everything he did. He loved playing or listening to music, his friends, movies, Marvel, Star Wars, and Sci-Fi. He was a proficient golfer and avid Comic book collector. He was a walking trivia king of pretty much anything. His infectious laugh, famous ½ smile and bear hug- will be missed.

A memorial mass will be held Sunday, August 28, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Alphonsus Church. A reception celebrating his life will be held thereafter at Splitz, 300 S. Iris St., Mt. Pleasant, IA. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for MPCSD Foundation – Music Department and PAW Animal Shelter in Fort Madison. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel is caring for AJ and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Marilyn S. Jones (final arrangements)

Marilyn S. Jones, 92, of Mount Pleasant, formerly of Marshalltown, Iowa,  passed away Friday, August 19, 2022, at Park Place Elder Living, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.  Marilyn May Stump was born September 9, 1929 in Selma, Iowa, daughter of Joe Walker Stump and Mary Willa Michael Stump.  She married John A. Jones on November 20, 1947 at her family’s home.

Marilyn was graduated from Selma High School as salutatorian.  After working for Sheaffer Pen, she moved with her new husband to Marshalltown, Iowa, where they lived for nearly 70 years.  While raising her family of three children, she worked as a salesperson and in office management, including being on the administrative team at Marshalltown’s Wolfe Eye Clinic.  She was also very successful in furniture sales, interior decorating, and as a realtor.

John and Marilyn were charter members of Hope United Methodist Church in Marshalltown.  She held multiple offices in the Marshalltown Order of the Eastern Star, Central Chapter.  Both John and Marilyn worked diligently, promoting the Chapter by traveling around the state.  They also took a lead in maintaining the entire masonic building, a five-story, historic landmark across the street from the central square.  They prepared and served meals for various organizations.  After moving to Mt. Pleasant, the couple was part of the Presbyterian Church.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Martha (Duane) Wiley of Mount Pleasant, sons Roger (Kathleen) Jones of Modesto, CA, and Allen Jones of Cedar Falls.  Grandson Benjamin Wiley lives in Indialantic, FL; and granddaughter Michelle Wiley (Peter) Mirakian lives with her husband and sons Joe and Daniel in Olathe, KS.  Marilyn’s brother, Joe (Dixie) Stump resides in the family home in Selma, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by sister Margaret, brother Michael, and her husband of 70 years, John.

Kimzey Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant is assisting the family with arrangements.  Plans are made for a 10:00 AM service, followed by time for visiting at the Presbyterian Church, 902 S. Walnut, Mt. Pleasant, on Thursday, September 8.  Then another time for visitation and remembrance on September 9 at 10:00 AM at First Methodist Church, Marshalltown, 202 W. Main Street, Marshalltown, Iowa.  Interment will be at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.

Those considering an expression of sympathy can direct memorials to EveryStep Hospice, 118 N. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, IA, 52641, or the charity of their choice.

Dean Baas

Dean C. Baas, 72, of Mount Pleasant, died Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at his home.

A Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 am Saturday, August 27, 2022, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, with Rev. Paul Connolly as celebrant. Interment will be in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery with Military Rites by the Henry County Honor Guard. Visitation will be held Friday from 2:00-6:00 pm at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel where family will greet friends from 4:00-6:00 pm. A memorial fund has been established for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The Olson-Powell Chapel is caring for Dean and his family.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered

On August 24th, 2022, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of possible stolen vehicle from the 2600 grid of Henry Jefferson Avenue.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office found that a 1999 Chevy S10 was removed from a residence and drug from the scene.  After observing the evidence of the removal, the sheriff’s office continued to investigate and the vehicle was found in the 3300 grid of 175th Blvd., rural Lockridge.

Heath Michael Krabill, 44, Lockridge was arrested and charged with Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony) and Trespass (Serious Misdemeanor).

Details of Domestic Assault Arrest

On August 20, 2022, at approximately 1:14AM, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a domestic disturbance in the 1100 Grid of Delaware Ave. south of Wayland, Iowa. After an investigation, it was determined that Cori James Miller (32 years of age), of Wayland, Iowa, did assault a family member while threatening/displaying a weapon. Cori Miller was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the Henry County Jail without incident where he was later charged with Domestic Abuse Assault Display or Use Weapon – First Offense, an Aggravated Misdemeanor, and Harassment – Second Degree, a Serious Misdemeanor. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office assisted with this incident.

CARNEGIE MUSEUM ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER HERITAGE FARM  

The Carnegie Historical Museum in Fairfield, Iowa announces the Heritage Farm of the month for September 2022.  The Mary Carol Shafer Fish Family will be honored at the Carnegie Museum.  Their ancestors purchase the first 40 acres in 1869 and it has grown to 188 acres. Andreas Shaffer – great-great grandfather, Jacob Shafer – great grandfather, Eli E. Shafer – grandfather, Edward Shafer – father and Mary Carol Shafer Fish and husband Jack Fish are the current owners. Mary and brother, Rick Shafer, will be the family representatives for this honor.

This is the fourth month that the Carnegie Historical Museum has been highlighting the farms in Jefferson County which have been recognized by the Iowa Farm Bureau as being in the same family for 150 years plus.   It is our hope to carry this forward into 2023 and recognize all 14 farms, which have received this status at the state level.

The Fairfield First Friday on September 2, 2022, beginning at 6:00 p.m. will allow interested patrons of the Museum to come and view the new display of the of the Shafer/Fish Heritage Farm.   A dedicated display case will be available for viewing on the third floor of the museum for the month of September.  The Mary Shafer Fish and Rick Shafer will be doing a video-taping on Friday, August 26, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. on the second floor of the Carnegie Museum at 112 South Court Street.   The public is welcome to attend and meet the family at that time. Please take time to come and learn about the history of these farms and what they mean to Jefferson County, Iowa.

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Vote for ISP Cruiser

The Iowa State Patrol is looking to find it’s way into the 9th annual American Association of State Troopers Best-Looking Cruiser contest. The public is encouraged to cast their vote for the Iowa State Patrol cruiser by this Thursday, August 25. The top 12 states receiving votes in the contest will have their photo included in the 2023 AAST Cruiser Calendar.

Proceeds of calendar sales will benefit the American Association of State Troopers Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to dependents of member troopers.

The AAST calendar contest rewards creative and impactful photo submissions in an effort to help promote the lives and work of State Troopers across the country. This year, renowned Des Moines-based photographer Mirza Kudic photographed an Iowa State Patrol Dodge squad car featuring the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.

CAST YOUR VOTES TODAY: One vote may be cast from each electronic device. Votes are being collected through Thursday, August 25, at Noon (5:00 p.m. EST) through this free Survey Monkey link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bestlookingcrusier2021

Currently, the Patrol sits at 21st place with 4,478 votes, and needs at least to surpass 11,200 votes to earn a spot in next year’s calendar.

Let’s Go Iowa!