DCI Assisting Fairfield Police With Train Related Death Investigation

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 at 3:53 pm CDT

On the afternoon of Sunday, April 9, at approximately 1:42 p.m., officers of the Fairfield Police Department responded to the 23rd Street crossing of the local East/West railroad track in response to a call of a person lying near the tracks. Upon arrival at the area in question, officers located the body of 30-year-old Cortney Heather Haynes of Fairfield. Haynes was declared dead at the scene. The injuries observed on Haynes’ remains appeared consistent with having been struck by a moving train.

Shortly after the discovery Haynes’ remains, the Fairfield Police Department contacted the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, requesting assistance in investigating the circumstances leading to Haynes’ death.

Also assisting with the investigation into the death of Haynes is the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office.

For those who feel they may have information to provide relative to the death of Haynes, please contact the Fairfield Police Department – (641) 472-4146.

Teens Plead Guilty of Murder

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 at 3:36 pm CDT

The two Fairfield teens accused of murdering Fairfield teacher Nohema Graber have pleaded guilty to First Degree Murder in a Jefferson Willard Miller and Jeremy Goodale appeared Tuesday morning in Jefferson County Court. Apparently, there was a plea agreement and the neither teen will go to trial. Sentencing will be announced at a later date. During the hearing Goodale said he and Miller went to Chautauqua Park in Fairfield intending to kill the High School Spanish teacher. He also went on to describe their actions saying after Miller struck the teacher, they moved her body off the trail where she was attacked and then he also struck Graber ensuring she was dead. The two then attempted to remove evidence from the scene.

 

Iowa Wesleyan Music to Present “Wesleyan, We Love Thee: A Celebration of Music”

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 at 8:29 am CDT

Iowa Wesleyan University is pleased to announce “Wesleyan, We Love Thee: A Celebration of Music,” to be performed on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at 3:00 pm in the University Chapel. This will be the final performance by the highly acclaimed IW Choir & Primae Voces and will feature our Alumni and Friends’ Choral & Instrumental Ensembles. This family-friendly reunion and celebration concert is free and open to the public.

“It is very hard to say goodbye to something that has been so embedded into our lives and our community,” noted Blair Buffington, Director of Choral Activities. “This concert– the reunion of alumni and friends– and our collective music will allow us all to celebrate IW’s legacy and help us bring closure to this chapter of our lives and find some healing.”

“When the Board announced the closure of the University, Blair asked me what he could do to help. I asked him to bring us music and singing. I can’t think of a more fitting way to say goodbye to this beautiful academic community than by filling our Chapel with music,” said President Chris Plunkett. “Music is a universal language with which we can all celebrate the remarkable 181-year legacy of Iowa Wesleyan University and the thousands of students who have passed through our hallways.”

IW alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students, regardless of degree or major, are invited to participate in this celebration of music and community. A reunion gathering and rehearsal will occur on Saturday, May 6, at 7:00 pm in Old Main, room 300. A final choral rehearsal will be held on Sunday, May 7, at Noon in Old Main, and an instrumental rehearsal in the University Chapel at 1:00 pm. Musicians interested in participating may register at https://www.iw.edu/wesleyan-concert/. Participants must provide their own instruments; music will be provided.

We hope the community will come out to celebrate this final concert.

Kim Rossiter

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 at 5:53 am CDT

Kim Allyn Rossiter, 62, of Winfield, passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023, at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Kim’s visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with the family present from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello. His funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the funeral home. A private family burial will be held in the Wapello Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Kim’s name. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservices.com.

Kim was born on May 30, 1960, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the son of Leon and Shirley (Davis) Rossiter. Kim was a 1979 graduate of Wapello High School. On May 1, 1982, Kim was united in marriage to the love of his life, Julie Bayne, in Wapello. Together Kim and Julie welcomed three beautiful children, Karly, Jan, and Jace, whom Kim loved very much and was incredibly proud of.

A farmer his entire life, Kim was innovative, and loved sharing his farming knowledge with others. He had a strong appreciation for classic rock music, and loved snowmobiling, riding motorcycles, launching fireworks, playing cards, and being with his friends and family. Kim marveled at the intelligence and cleverness of his grandchildren.

Kim will be dearly missed by his wife, Julie; children, Karly White of Iowa City, Jan Rossiter of Melbourne, Florida, and Jace Rossiter of Winfield; grandson Jules and granddaughter Nev; son-in-law Taylor White of Iowa City, father Leon Rossiter of Winfield, sister Kristi Rossiter of Crawfordsville and brother Kurt Rossiter of Crawfordsville.

Kim was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Rossiter; and grandparents, Glenn and Vera Davis and Harry and Pearl Rossiter.

One more thing: Kim had a gift for conversation and a genuine curiosity for a multitude of subjects – so much so that his close friends often referred to him as “The Great Philosopher.” Kim also had a sense of adventure that went hand-in-hand with the fact that he was an avid Star Trek fan. May his legacy continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched, as we bid farewell to our beloved Kim with a heartfelt “Beam him up, Scotty!” – a fondly-remembered inside joke amongst his immediate family – and a fitting tribute to a man who brought strength, joy, and laughter to their lives, and whose spirit will always soar in their hearts.

 

Drugs and Gun Found During Traffic Stop

By Theresa Rose · Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 4:43 pm CDT

On April 17, 2023 at approximately 12:45p.m. a deputy stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation near DMC Highway 99 and 125th St. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Brandon Ray Wilson, age 48, of Sperry, IA. During the traffic stop, deputies observed Wilson to be in possession of a bag of marijuana. Wilson was detained and a search of his vehicle was conducted. Deputies located an additional bag of marijuana, a bottle containing approximately 772 grams of liquid methamphetamine, and a 9mm handgun.

Wilson was cited for traffic violations of driving under suspension, no insurance, and   speeding. He was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance 2nd offense: marijuana, possession of a controlled substance 2nd offense: methamphetamine, fail to affix a drug tax stamp, and person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons. Wilson was transported to the Des Moines County Jail.

Linda Parker (final arrangements)

By Theresa Rose · Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 4:31 pm CDT

Linda Joyce Davis Parker, 72, of Rome, Iowa died Friday, April 14, 2023 at Bickford Cottage, Burlington.

Linda was born January 8, 1951 in Ft. Madison, the daughter of Albert and Margie Fraise Young.  She was a high school graduate, took some college classes, and was of the Catholic faith.  On her birthday in 1993, Linda married Michael Ellsworth Parker in front of Justice of the Peace David McCoid.  She worked as a Head Start teacher, a bartender and house cleaner to support her family.  She was good at everything she did, including embroidery, cooking, and keeping a very clean house.

Linda is survived by her husband Michael; sons, Scott Davis of Nevada and Sean Davis of Hillsboro; daughter, Sarah McClintock of Ankeny; eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and sisters, Patty Haigh of Nauvoo, Illinois and Barb Schmitz of Olathe, Kansas.  She was preceded in death by her parents and  brother, Michael Young.

According to her wishes, Linda has been cremated and there will be no formal services.  Elliott Chapel, New London is assisting the family.  Oline condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com

Janet Lea Simmons

By Theresa Rose · Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 10:48 am CDT

Janet Lea Simmons, 88, of New London passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at the Klein Center in West Burlington.

Janet was born on October 7, 1934, at Crawfordsville, the daughter of Lafe and Nellie (Ross) Finke.  She was united in marriage to Floyd W. Miller. After his death, she married Bill Simmons; they later divorced.  She has been with her partner, Rande Beattie for 23 years.

Janet worked at Sylvania, Champion Spark Plug and later at M.H.I until she retired.  She was a wonderful mother and loved her family with all of her heart.  Janet enjoyed going to the casino and loved her dog, Toby.

She is survived by her daughter, Connie Swartzendruber, of New London, 4 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren, her sister, Bonnie Lou Gesling and her partner, Rande Beattie of New London.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents and her sons, Kerry Miller and Craig Miller.

According to her wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant. A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at a later date.

 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

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

New London School Board Meeting Agenda

By Theresa Rose · Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 6:12 am CDT
Board of Directors – Regular Meeting *Amended Agenda
04/17/2023 06:00 PM
Central Office
Board Room
106 W. Wilson St., New London, IA
The Mission of the New London Community School District, through the combined resources of school, home and community, is to guide, challenge and motivate life-long learning in an environment that fosters individual success, mutual respect, pride and personal accountability.
1. Welcome
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Public Hearing – FY24 Proposed Budget
a.  FY24 Proposed Budget – Action Item
4. Public Forum
5. IASBO Executive Director – Scholarship Presentation
6. Approval of Agenda
7. Approval of the Consent Agenda
a. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
b. Financial Reports
c. Claims
8. Board Business
a. America’s Farmers Grow Communities $5,000 Grant – Action Item
b. School Resource Officer – Discussion Item
c. G.O. Bond Project: Pavement Rework & Unsuitable Soils – Action Item
d. 2023-24 Property, Casualty & Worker Compensation Insurance – Discussion Item
e. 2023 Seniors for Graduation – Action Item
f. Sharing Agreement with Great Prairie AEA for Social Worker Services – Action Item
g. Consider Bids for Concrete Projects – Action Item
h. Opaa! Food Service Management Extension Agreement – Action Item
9. Reports
a. Student Ambassador
b. Superintendent
c. Board
10. Personnel
a. Resignation
a. Tina Mullin, High School Social Studies Teacher
b. Jena Watts, 2nd Grade Classroom Teacher
c. Anissa Nelson, ESL Teacher
d. Cassidy Schmidt, Assistant HS Volleyball Coach
e. Cassidy Henle, Assistant MS G Basketball Coach
f. Brady Schmidt, Head MS Wrestling Coach
g. Brady Schmidt, Head MS Football Coach
h. Brady Schmidt, Groundskeeper
b. Appointments
a. Jill Parker, 4th Grade Classroom Teacher
b. Cory Reid, Co-NHS Sponsor
c. Jackie Housman, Co-NHS Sponsor
d. Donna Carlson, K-12 Teacher-Librarian
e. Austin McBeth, Assistant High School Baseball Coach
f. Paula Bliven, MS Track Meet Clerk @ $75
g. Damon Loyd, Volunteer High School Softball Coach
11. Board Development
a. IASB Summit on Student Success – April 27-28, 2023
b. Follow-up to IASB Work Session
12. Exempt Session to Discuss Negotiations
13. Closed Session Pursuant to Iowa Code, Section 21.5 to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.
14. Adjourn
New London Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age (except students) national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, socioeconomic status, disability, religion or creed in admission or access to, or treatment in, its programs/activities or in its hiring and employment practices.