Extension Survey

By Theresa Rose · Friday, November 25th, 2022 at 9:20 am CDT

As technology continues to evolve, ISU Extension wants to learn how Iowans prefer to access, receive and engage with extension education – both in person and virtually.

ISU Extension & Outreach has created a survey that will help us learn more about how YOU access information, along with what topics you need and want to learn more about right now.

Extension wants to do its’ best to provide you with:

  • Programs that address your needs and interests.
  • Effective and easy delivery of the content you want.

Share your thoughts here: www.extension.iastate.edu/survey

Myrtle Irene Lewis Wollenhaupt

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022 at 4:57 pm CDT

On November 19, 2022 Myrtle Irene Lewis Wollenhaupt passed away peacefully at age 98 and 8 months entered God’s Kingdom.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Service of Wapello.   Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m.  on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Wapello Cemetery.  Online condolences may be view at www.sandhfuneralservices.com.

Third child born to Vera Gasson Lewis and Jesse Lewis on March 7, 1924, Myrtle was the last remaining grandchild born to Thomas and Sarah Gasson, immigrants from England.  The Gasson’s settled in Villisca, Ia. as farmers in 1867.  Vera was their youngest daughter of 9 children.

Myrt grew up in the depression and remembered having only one dress for winter and one dress for summer.  Her parents were divorced when she was young, and her mother had a restaurant in Elliott, Ia. Sometimes a traveling salesman would come in and trade a meal for some new pencils.  All of the children, Kenneth, Garland, and Little Myrtie lived at the Gasson farm in the summer where food was plentiful and life was full of fun farm adventures.  Many aunts and uncles and cousins enjoyed Iowa summers on the farm.

In 1941 she graduated high school and met her lifelong partner, Arlin Titus Wollenhaupt.  They married March 28, 1942 , and he went off to Germany to serve in the US Army during World War II for 3 years.  He came home to meet their 3 year old daughter, Connie Kay (Taylor).  They relocated to Wapello, Iowa where Wally got a job at the State Bank of Wapello.  Three more children followed; Kathy Anne (Volkman), Kent, and Kim (Adney).

Myrt enjoyed owning the Wapello Apparel in downtown Wapello from 1960 – 1975.  She was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Study Club, and the Methodist Church. During retirement, she spent time golfing, gardening, wintering in Texas, and traveling.  She loved her dog companions.  Myrt’s last few months were spent enjoying the birds and squirrels outside of her window.  She talked to them and they listened.

Myrt is predeceased by her husband A.T. Wollenhaupt, daughter Connie Taylor, and daughter Anne Volkman. She is survived by her son, Kent and her daughter, Kim as well as grandchildren, Jeff, Doug, and Susan (Jones) Taylor, Melinda (Doblie) and Jessica (Chapman) Volkman, Ryan and Kama Wollenhaupt, and nine great-grandchildren.  They will miss her greatly

Michael Ray Vradenburg Sr.

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022 at 4:55 pm CDT

Michael Ray Vradenburg Sr., 68, of Wayland, died Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at his home. The Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting the family. His body has been cremated and private services will be held at a later date.

Michael was born March 9, 1954, in Keokuk, the son of Fredrick Sr. and Darlene (Carle) Vradenburg. He was united in marriage to Margaret Kaylor in July of 1976, in Keokuk, Iowa. He worked as an OTR Truck Driver and Mechanic. He enjoyed fishing with his brother and tinkering with small motors. He was raised in the Keokuk and Ft. Madison area, moving to Wayland in 2020.

Survivors include his son Mike Jr. (Kathi) Vradenburg of Wayland, IA, five siblings: Roger (Aletha) Vradenburg of Keokuk, IA, Annette (James) McCarthy of Keokuk, IA, Juanita (Frank) Mullen of Montrose, IA, Cathy Vradenburg of Arkansas, and Karen Vradenburg of Arkansas, thirteen Grandchildren, and four Great-Grandchildren.

Preceding Michael in death were his parents, wife Margaret on September 12, 2007, four brothers: Kirk, David, Terry, and Fredrick Jr., and one sister Annie Bell.

City Council Stops Electronic Billboards Amendment

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022 at 10:24 am CDT

A representative of an electronic billboard company addressed the Mount Pleasant City Council Tuesday evening to explain the benefit of allowing these signs in the community.  Robinson Outdoor had requested the City change the current ordinance that allows electronic message signs limited to fifty square feet but prohibits electronic billboards. Following a public hearing during which no one else spoke, the council was split, three yes and three no, on the first reading of an ordinance change and the mayor declared the proposed amendment defeated.

The City was approached by a home occupied business owner who installed a sixteen square foot sign and was directed to take it down.  The business owner asked the council to change the ordinance to allow for that size sign. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended four square feet.  The current ordinance allows two square feet. None of the council members approved 16 square feet signs but approved of four square feet. Bob Griffith was the only council member to vote against an increase of any size saying these businesses are located in homes in residential areas and should not be any bigger.

During the regular November meeting Tuesday, the Mount Pleasant City Council authorized Mayor Steve Brimhall to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Police Department union agreeing to the proposed resource officer for the school district. The union had already agreed and signed the M.O.U. The next action of the Council was to approve hiring Brad Gillis as that resource officer.

Warner Engineering was approved by the Council to move forward with the planning, design and construction oversite for the West Washington Street rebuild.  And finally the airport five year capital improvement program was approved. Each year, in order for the City to be considered for state and federal funding, the airport must have a program.  The plan is then sent to the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Transportation.

Two Vehicle Collision in Mount Pleasant

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022 at 8:20 am CDT

On November 22, just after 6:30 pm the Mt. Pleasant Police Department responded to the 900 block of East Washington Street for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Upon investigation, it was determined that a van operated by Gerald Wiggins of Mount Pleasant, was stopped in the roadway in the 900 block of East Washington Street facing East while waiting to make a left-hand turn. A second vehicle operated by a juvenile from Mount Pleasant was also traveling eastbound on East Washington Street. That vehicle failed to see that the van had stopped causing the collision. The combined damage to both vehicles was estimated to be in excess of $7,000.00. Both subjects were assessed on scene by the Henry County ambulance crew. As a result of this investigation, the juvenile was cited for failure to stop in assured clear distance.

Daily Jail Count

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022 at 8:16 am CDT

Henry County Jail

In the interest of keeping Henry County residents informed, the Henry County Sheriff’s office has requested KILJ post the daily jail count. During the jail referendum campaign it was publicized that the jail would be able to house additional inmates from surrounding counties and this would generate revenue for Henry County.

Date:   11-23-2022______

 

 27 _   Henry County Inmates

 

  39_    Out of County Contract Inmates              

 

 66      TOTAL

Crop Progress and Condition Report

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022 at 11:32 am CDT

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented today on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November.

“Despite a year that included significant weather challenges, persistent inflation and highly pathogenic avian influenza, we approach Thanksgiving and the conclusion of harvest with a deep sense of gratitude. We are thankful for the hardworking and resilient farm families who continue to sustainably produce crops and livestock that feed and fuel consumers here and around the world,” said Secretary Naig. “The snowmelt from the first widespread snow of the season will improve soil moisture conditions, while warmer temperatures will be welcomed as we gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report

Harvest neared completion with 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 20, 2022, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Cold temperatures and snow limited additional fieldwork to applying soil amendments such as anhydrous, manure, and lime.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 17 percent very short, 35 percent short, 47 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 24 percent very short, 38 percent short, 37 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Harvest of the corn for grain crop was virtually complete at 97 percent. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain remained 16 percent.

Livestock were mostly in good shape with calves weaned and cattle out feeding on stalks.

Lisa Denney

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022 at 11:20 am CDT

Lisa Denney, 57 of Keosauqua passed away at her home on Saturday, November 19, 2022 after fighting a fierce battle with cancer for over 12 years.  In accordance with her wishes, her body has been cremated.  A private celebration of life with family will be announced at a later date. She wanted people to remember her vibrant life here on earth, not her final departure. She always maintained a positive outlook on life, even when battling cancer.  In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established for a Van Buren Community school graduating senior going into education and may be mailed to 23617 Hwy 1, Keosauqua, IA 52565.

Lisa was born on August 28, 1965 to Kenneth Eugene and Colleen Ida Stigge Duke and was raised in rural Van Buren County near Keosauqua.  She graduated from Van Buren Community school in 1984 and while attending college she worked at a nursing home.  The majority of her career she taught secondary special education, she remained in contact with many of her former students to this day.  Lisa had a love for education, not only for the children she taught, but also for herself.  She continued her education even after becoming a teacher, obtaining two master and received her education specialist master’s degrees.

 Lisa married Mark Denney on March 15, 1997.  She was an avid music player, playing many different instruments in her lifetime and singing with her husband and son.  She enjoyed traveling and hiking with her family and friends. She always made sure to spend individual time with each of her children and also with Aunts, Uncles, and cousins from both sides of her extended family.  Lisa was involved with Lions Club International, was deeply involved and supported many extra-curricular and school activities at the schools she taught in.

Lisa is survived by her husband, Mark, sons Austin and Ethan Denney and also “adopted son” Dalton Schmitt, a daughter, Olivia Denney, a brother, Steve Duke (Cheryl), two nephews, Justin and Travis, a niece, Cassidy, Mother-in-law, Vera Denney, two brothers-in law, Jon Denney (Melinda) and Jeremy Denney.  Lisa was so excited to meet her first grandson, Weston James Schmitt and was able to spoil him with hugs and kisses (and several fireman outfits).  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law, David Denney all of which she missed dearly.

Lisa will be forever missed by her family and all those who were touched by her presence.