Daniel Ross

By Yorke Prough · Monday, September 30th, 2024 at 9:47 am CDT

Daniel D. Ross, 59, of Mount Pleasant, died Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Arbor Court in Mount Pleasant. 

Dan was born August 13, 1965, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Donald and Marjorie (White) Ross. He attended Winfield schools and graduated from West Chicago Illinois High School in 1985. Dan made Mount Pleasant his home since 1986 and worked at the Iris, and Pizza Ranch. On August 26, 2013, Dan was united in marriage to Cindy Housh in Washington. He attended a truck driving school in Ottumwa and received his CDL. Dan was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Winfield. He loved to drive, play ping pong, watch Hallmark movies and was an avid Hawkeye fan. Every year, Dan loved to volunteer at Old Threshers, he especially enjoyed staying for the concerts.

Dan is survived by his wife Cindy; his parents Donald and Marjorie Ross of Mount Pleasant; two sisters Kelly (John) Flaherty of Burlington, Darcy (Stan) Holtkamp of Mount Pleasant; step daughter Stephanie (Chester) Heath of Mount Pleasant; step son Nick (Andra) Carter of Carlisle; step grandson Alex Heath and many nieces, and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory in Mount Pleasant. Burial will be held in the Winfield Scott Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of service on Friday. A memorial fund has been established for an educational fund for his step grandson Alex. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Dan and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

James Blough

By Yorke Prough · Monday, September 30th, 2024 at 9:44 am CDT

James Parker Blough, 79, a resident of Coral Gables, Florida passed away Sunday, August 18, 2024 at his home.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield. A luncheon will follow at the Walton Club in Fairfield. Memorials may be made to Evergreen Cemetery Foundation, and written to Fairfield Cemetery Endowment Fund, 510 E. Stone Ave, Fairfield, Iowa 52556.  Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Jim was born November 24, 1944 in Fairfield, the son of Leland and Alberta Blough. Jim enjoyed his friends immensely as he was growing up. He also enjoyed working at Gobble’s Clothing Store. This job gave Jim the love of business and clothes. Therefore, when Jim finished high school, he went to Drake University to study business.

Jim served his country in the United States Army as a military policeman in Korea. After returning he finished his college education at Parsons College.

Jim loved warmer weather so he moved to Florida. He worked as an insurance agent for Butler Buckley and Deets, recently retiring in January 2024. Jim was involved in many activities to help the community.  One he spent extensive time on was The Citizen Watch with the Coral Gables Police Department. From this service he had many friends in the police department. He was also very active in the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, serving them in many different compacities.

Those left to honor his memory include his sister, Sue (Larry) Young of Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania; nephew, Marc Young; and a great-nephew, Styles Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a nephew, Christopher Young.

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

 

William “Bill” Boley

By Yorke Prough · Monday, September 30th, 2024 at 9:41 am CDT

William “Bill” Hill Boley, 87, of Birmingham, IA passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital. As were his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service in Bill’s honor will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua, IA with Pastor Mary Kathryn Hart and Diane Bales officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the funeral home and will last until the time of service. Memorial contributions in Bill’s honor may be directed to the Birmingham Fire Department, the Stockport United Methodist Church or to the Birmingham Lions and may be mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Bill was born on July 20, 1937, to James Nicholas and Hazel Hill Boley.  He graduated from Birmingham High School in 1955 and soon after married his sweetheart, Beverly Reneker, in a ceremony at the Little Brown Church in Nashua in 1957. Their devoted partnership was blessed with two daughters and spanned over six decades.

After beginning his married life in Illinois as a farmhand, Bill moved to Van Buren County. He worked at Louden’s before venturing into the construction industry. Eventually, he established his own company, Boley Construction, where he was known for his skill and the ability to take on any project with confidence. Bill’s pride and joy was the home he built for his family—a testament to his craftsmanship and dedication.

Bill enjoyed coon hunting and cherished any time he was around family. Bill was instrumental in founding the Senior Citizens Housing in Birmingham serving on the board since it’s inception in 1988 and served on the Birmingham Volunteer Fire Department for many years. As a dedicated public servant, he also sat on the Birmingham City Council and was a member of the Birmingham Lions Club. His faith played a significant role in his life; he remained a member of the Birmingham Methodist Church for most of his journey, serving in many capacities.  He later transferred his devotion to the Stockport United Methodist Church.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, James Nicholas and Hazel Hill Boley, and his five siblings, Ralph, Wayne, Vaunceil, Darlene, and Carl. He leaves behind a loving family: his wife of 67 years, Beverly Boley of Birmingham, IA; daughters Debra Boley of California, MO, and Patty (Andy) Adam of Richland, IA. He was a proud grandfather to Bryan, Melissa (Wesley), Austin (Paige), Emily, and Eric, and his great-grandchildren, Hazel, Meredith, Nora, Jameson, and Everett. Bill is also survived by three siblings, Don (Ann), Nick (Kathy), and Roberta.

Bill Boley’s memory will live on through his family, the structures he built, and the community he helped strengthen.

3 Men on the Wanted List in Burlington Area

By Yorke Prough · Monday, September 30th, 2024 at 6:41 am CDT

The Burlington Area Crime Stoppers have listed three subjects on social media that are currently wanted by authorities on different warrants.

58 year-old, Kurt A. Downs, is wanted for two counts of Sex Offender Registration violation.

Alexander Ray Guzman, 28, is wanted for Parole Violation.

Kahari Paron Hopkins Jr, 21, is waned for Harassment in the 1st Degree and two Probation Violation warrants.

If you know the whereabouts of either of these three men, please call Crime Stoppers at 319-753-6835. If your tip leads to an arrest, you will receive a cash reward

Downs
Guzman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hopkins Jr

Accident in New London on Friday Evening

By Yorke Prough · Saturday, September 28th, 2024 at 10:54 am CDT

*An updated version of this story has been posted on 09/30.*

There was a motor vehicle accident in New London on Friday evening. Reports show that the New London Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, HCHC, MEI, New London Fire, and Iowa State Patrol, all responded. Reports say that this occurred just after 11:30pm on Friday evening around E Adams St and E Cleveland St. Limited details are confirmed of this accident at the moment. KILJ will update this as details are made official.

The General Election is November 5th. Do You Have a Plan to Vote?

By Yorke Prough · Friday, September 27th, 2024 at 9:18 am CDT

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is reminding every Iowa voter to have a plan in place to be successful in casting their ballot this election. Whether you plan to vote absentee by mail, early absentee in-person, or in person at the polls on Election Day, it’s never too early to make a plan.

Those who plan to vote absentee by mail should be prepared to request their absentee ballot by October 21, 2024. Part of that plan should also include tracking your absentee ballot. Iowans can visit VoterReady.Iowa.Gov to track their ballot. This process allows Iowa voters to see if and when their local county auditor has received the absentee ballot request, the specific date that the ballot was mailed out, and the date the county auditor received the ballot back from the voter. Iowa law requires absentee ballots to be returned to the county auditor’s office by the time polls close at 8pm on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5.

In efforts to remind Iowans to head to the polls, political parties and candidates may send voters “absentee ballot request” mailings. In some instances, this may result in one voter receiving multiple mailings regarding absentee ballot requests. County auditors have a number of procedures in place to ensure that if multiple absentee ballot requests do come in from one voter, only one absentee ballot will be mailed out. Iowans are encouraged to call their county auditor if they have any specific questions regarding this process.

Iowa voters who plan to vote early absentee in-person can do so at their county auditor’s office or a special satellite location. Voters who plan to vote in-person at their polling site on Election Day can find their polling site at VoterReady.Iowa.Gov. Every voter who votes in person must present their voter ID (Iowa driver’s license, voter identification card, non-operator ID, military or veteran ID, passport, or tribal ID card/document).

Iowa’s election integrity approach requires multiple layers and following Iowa law and election procedures are critical to maintaining safe and secure elections.

If Iowans are looking for additional information on this process and other voting processes, please visit VotingProcess.Iowa.Gov for a video series about different voting procedures and laws in Iowa.

Service Academy Application Deadline in October

By Yorke Prough · Friday, September 27th, 2024 at 6:22 am CDT

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is accepting applications from Iowa high school students who wish to be considered for appointments to U.S. service academies. Students must submit their applications to Grassley’s office by Friday, October 25. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Nominations will be finalized by December 31, 2024.

“U.S. service academies offer students the opportunity to receive a world-class education while serving our great nation,” Grassley said. “It’s a privilege to nominate Iowa’s best and brightest to these prestigious academies. I encourage any interested student to apply.”

Grassley’s academy nomination application can be found HERE. Students may hand-deliver their applications to any of Grassley’s Iowa offices, or mail them to the following address:

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

Attn: Nominations Coordinator

721 Federal Building

210 Walnut Street

Des Moines, Iowa 50309

NOTE: Applicants must also submit preliminary applications to the academies of their choice and ask that a pre-candidate file be opened on their behalf.

Kevin Pforts

By Yorke Prough · Friday, September 27th, 2024 at 6:00 am CDT

Kevin Philip Pforts, 65, of Burlington, formerly of Yarmouth, died Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at the family farm north of Yarmouth.  He was born March 5, 1959 in Mt. Pleasant to Herbert Eugene and Norma Jean Logan Pforts.  On June 26, 1987 he married Angela LaFawn Hill in Burlington.

He was a graduate of Mediapolis High School and a member of First United Methodist Church of Sperry.

Kevin worked as a material handler for Big River Resources.  He enjoyed astronomy; mushroom hunting; hunting and fishing; the Chicago Bears; camping at Mark Twain Lake and time spent on the family farm.  He was a proud “Papa” who enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter Angela (Chris) Claypool of Marshalltown; sons Justin Pforts of Mediapolis and Mitchell (Shannon) of Mt. Union; six grandchildren, Olivia, Matyson, Trevin, Aliya, Eastin and Rowan; great-granddaughter Paysley; and his sister Vicki Barton of Mt. Union.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Elliott Chapel, New London with Pastor Nancy Sutherland officiating.  The family will receive friends from 9:00 – 11:00 Tuesday morning.  Burial at Trinity Cemetery, rural Mt. Union will be at a later date.  A memorial has been established and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.