Charles Bertlshofer

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 11:01 am CDT

Charles Edward “Chuck” Bertlshofer, Jr., 82, of Fort Madison, Iowa, passed away at 3:55 a.m. Thursday, February 15, 2024, at his home in Fort Madison.

He was born on February 7, 1942, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Charles, Sr. and Mary (Cormick) Bertlshofer. On April 14, 1962, he married Karen Sue Randell at Sharon Presbyterian Church in rural Farmington, Iowa.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-one years: Karen; one son: Michael Charles (Angi) Bertlshofer of Galesburg, Illinois; one daughter: Tracy Lynn (Mike) Morrison of North Liberty, Iowa; grandchildren: Tyler Morrison, Haley (Tyler) Africa, Stephen Bertlshofer, Michael Bertlshofer, Kylee Bertlshofer, Bryan Bertlshofer; sisters: Carol (David) Faeth of Eldridge, Iowa, Judy (Ron) Hunsaker of Burlington, Iowa; brother: Edward Bertlshofer of Fort Madison, Iowa; brothers-in-law: Larry Reid of Burlington, Iowa and Aaron Burghoffer of Fort Madison, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Joan Reid and Debbie Burghoffer.

Chuck was a graduate of Donnellson High School, where he lettered in track, baseball and basketball for four years. He served in the United States Army Reserves for six years. He worked at Gleason Corporation for forty-four years, the last twenty-seven of which he was plant manager. Chuck was a member of the Sharon Presbyterian Church. He served on the Central Lee School Board for six years and was on the Fort Madison Community Hospital Board of Directors for twenty years. He coached little league baseball and YMCA girls grade school basketball. He enjoyed gardening, flowers, fishing and he was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  Family was of utmost importance to him. Chuck’s favorite motto was “Always give more than you take.”

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 19, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 19, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home with Pastor Katrina Bergman officiating.

Burial will be at Clay Grove Cemetery in rural West Point, Iowa.

A memorial has been established for the Donnellson Fire & Rescue.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Back to Scratch: Supervisors Table Ordinance Amidst New Bill in Iowa Senate

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 10:58 am CDT

The Henry County Supervisors met on Thursday morning for the first Reading of the Ordinance to Amend Title 6, Chapter 2, Article 11-2 through 11-6 Alternative Energy Overlay District. In reference to the potential wind farm project, this ordinance would by no means approve the potential wind farm. Instead, it is just an update to the language regarding wind and solar energy.

However, the supervisors chose not to go through with the first reading and instead table it for the time being. It will go back to the Planning and Zoning Commission. This came after a recommendation from the assistant County Attorney. Due to Senate Study Bill 3169, which is not in effect at this time, this new bill would allow the State to set the guidelines, trumping county law. Currently, there is no companion bill in the Iowa House of Representatives.

The supervisors also discussed the townhalls, mentioning how those are for public input. There is another townhall this evening at 6:30pm at the Swedesburg Parish Hall for the potential wind farm project. RWE Representatives will be in attendance to answer questions.

Two School Board Members Join Superintendent for Day on the Hill Conversation

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 8:40 am CDT

On Tuesday, February 13th,  Mike Hampton, Derek Mullin (MP School Board), and John Henriksen (Superintendent), went to the capitol for the Day on the Hill event. There, they met with legislators to discuss the Mount Pleasant School District and educational concerns.

They met with two senators, Adrian Dickey and Mark Lofgren, and two representatives, Jeff Shipley and Taylor Collins.

These lengthy conversations were to provide a first person perspective of issues being discussed in current legislation that would greatly impact our area’s educational community, staff, and students.

Gas Prices Rise All Around: Weekly Fuel Report

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 8:39 am CDT

Our weekly fuel report reveals bad news across the board for Iowans. Regular unleaded gasoline averages $2.94 across Iowa, which is an 11 cent rise from last week. The national average also rose 11 cents, to $3.26.

Meanwhile, diesel prices skyrocketed, up to $3.80 a gallon, which is a whopping 26 cents higher than just 7 days ago. It’s not all bad, as the current Iowa price is 28 cents lower than the national average, and prices in Iowa were 34 cents higher at this time last year.

Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.

Propane prices averaged $1.59 per gallon statewide.

Home heating oil prices averaged $3.22 per gallon statewide.

Natural gas prices fell 36 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $1.61/MMbtu.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Fires Burn in Southeast Iowa Yesterday, Not in the Heart but in the Field!

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 8:38 am CDT

There were multiple fires on Valentines Day that required firefighters to put out. In the 600 Block of North Lincoln, a structure fire broke out and firefighters were put on alert at 2:35pm. Responding to this were the Mount Pleasant Fire Department and Rescue and New London Fire was called on mutual aid.

In the 2800 Block of Quaker Avenue, New London Fire responded to a field fire, with Henry County Sheriff’s Office initially responding.

Then, just 9 minutes later, a field fire broke out in the 2700 Block of Franklin Avenue in Mount Pleasant. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Pleasant Fire and Rescue and Salem Fire Department and Rescue all responded.

There was no time to rest for firefighters. Just before 5pm, a field fire broke out in the 1100 block of 208th Street in Mount Pleasant. Responding were Mount Pleasant Fire and Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

If you are attempting a controlled burn, be extra careful, especially with the wind conditions.

Henry County Supervisors Meeting Agenda 02/15

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 6:21 am CDT

AGENDA

 

February 15, 2024

Approve Agenda

Approve Minutes

Approve Claims

9:00 Caleb Waters, Conservation Monthly Update

9:15 Lynn Whaley, WEMIGA Waste Update

9:30 1st Reading Ordinance to Amend Title 6, Chapter 2, Article 11-2 through 11-6

Alternative Energy Overlay District

1st Reading Ordinance to Amend Title 6, Chapter 1, Article 7-2,

Adding Fees for Subdivision and Plates of Survey

6:30 Swedesburg Parish Hall for RWE

Wind Turbines

Other County Business as time allows

 Supervisors Sub-Committee Updates

Wanda McAllister

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 5:56 am CDT

Wanda Marie Corey McAllister, 77, of Mt. Union, died on Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City.  She was born on Good Friday, April 19, 1946 in Mt. Pleasant to Delbert Lewis and Irene V. Hoakison Corey.  On January 4, 1969, during a -9 degree snowstorm, she married Kenneth L.  McAllister at the Mt. Union United Methodist Church.

She was a 1964 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School and in 1968 earned her teacher’s certificate from University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.  She taught one year in Bloomington, Minnesota and two years at Harlan Elementary in Mt. Pleasant before leaving teaching to become a homemaker and farm wife.  Mrs. McAllister was a member of the Mt. Union United Methodist Church; United Methodist Women; taught Sunday School for many years; served as Sunday School superintendent; and helped organize Vacation Bible School. She was an amazing prayer warrior.  Wanda was a TTT member; 4-H leader and served on the extension council and as fair superintendent for fifteen years. She volunteered with MOPS, especially the food pantry; was a leader in obtaining a grant for All Hands Day Care; and was a recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Award.  Wanda was an avid reader; enjoyed writing; and her favorite thing was playing games at family gatherings. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and children.

She is survived by her husband; daughter Michelle (Shawn) Pezley of Cedar Falls; sons Mike (Teri) McAllister of Pleasant Hill and Matt (Donna) of Bourbonnais, Illinois; four grandchildren, Megan and John Pezley, and Cooper and Zoey McAllister; one brother Wendell (Vicki) Corey of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.  Her parents preceded her in death.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Canaan Community Church (formerly United Methodist Church) in Mt. Union with Rev. Jim Shrimplin officiating.  Burial will follow at Trinity Cemetery, rural Mt. Union.  Visitation will begin at noon on Friday, February 16, at Elliott Chapel, New London, with the family greeting friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.  A memorial has been established for her church.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Burlington Notre Dame Student Arrested After Threatening School Shooting

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, February 14th, 2024 at 3:19 pm CDT
On February 13, 2024 near the end of the school day, Burlington Police Officers responded to a call for service at Notre Dame High School at 702 S Roosevelt Ave., regarding threats. During the investigation, it was learned that a student had threatened to shoot up the school.
On February 14, 2024 there was a increased police presence at Notre Dame Highschool. During this time the Criminal Investigation Division conducted multiple interviews. Following the investigation, 18-year-old Lance Steinhoff, of Danville, Iowa, was placed under arrest and charged with Threats of Terrorism, a Class D Felony. Steinhoff is currently in custody at the Des Moines County Jail, pending a court appearance. No additional information will be released at this time.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.