Lucille Roth Swartzendruber

By Yorke Prough · Monday, November 20th, 2023 at 9:43 am CDT

Lucille Elizabeth (Roth) Swartzendruber was born on May 25, 1929 in the family home near Wayland, Iowa and died on September 24, 2023 at Schowalter Villa, Hesston, Kansas. Lucille was the 9th child of Ben R. and Mary Roth. She attended the country school located in the Roth neighborhood, known as Douglas and from there, graduated from 8th grade. Unlike any of her siblings, she was determined to continue her education by attending Wayland High School, graduating in 1946. Following graduation, she attended a summer course at Iowa State Teachers College, Cedar Falls, IA, earning a temporary teaching certificate and then taught one year of country school at Douglas, her alma mater.

She married Edwin Swartzendruber, a friend from church, on June 6, 1948, on the lawn of her parents’ home. They were married for 55 years and lived nearly their entire married life, farming in Henry County, Iowa. In 1982 they moved to Olds, Iowa where they resided until relocating to Hesston, Kansas in 2003. In 1980, Lucille opened the Coffee Cup Café in Olds, Iowa, and remained in the restaurant business for 14 years until her retirement in 1994. Lucille and Edwin were lifetime members of the Sugar Creek Mennonite Church where they were involved in numerous activities and leadership positions. Following Edwin’s passing in 2003, Lucille continued to be active at Whitestone Mennonite Church, Hesston, Kansas. Lucille and Edwin were blessed with 3 daughters: Connie Sue (married to David Ganger) Elkhart, Indiana, Donna Jean (married to Dick Swartzendruber) Wellman, Iowa and Debra Ann (married to Clark Roth) Hesston, Kansas. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, all eight of her siblings, and two infant grandchildren. Lucille is survived by her three daughters, 7 grandchildren: Michael Ganger, Amy Drayfahl, Kip Ganger, Rachel S. Miller, Alex Roth, Eyan Roth, Garrett Roth. And 14 great-grandchildren: Jackson, Carson, Halle, Oliver, Cannon, Sadie, Cade, Hannah, Ames, Emmitt, Preston, Treyton, Lucy, Kollyns. She was known as Aunt Lucille to forty-four nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will take place at 9:00 am at the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Wayland, Iowa, on Saturday, November 25, 2023, followed by a time to greet the family at the Sugar Creek Mennonite Fellowship Hall from 9:30 – 11:00 am. Memorial donations may be made to the Schowalter Villa Good Samaritan Fund, 200 W. Cedar, Hesston, KS 67062.

The Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory in Mount Pleasant is in charge of local arrangements.

Leo Haines – Pending

By Yorke Prough · Monday, November 20th, 2023 at 7:56 am CDT

Leo E. Haines, 60, of Brighton passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.

Vehicle Rollover and Fire

By Yorke Prough · Monday, November 20th, 2023 at 6:43 am CDT

There was a motor vehicle accident on Saturday afternoon which involved a rollover. At 2:35pm on November 18th, at 270th St and Benton Avenue, a multiple vehicle accident occurred. Multiple occupants were involved, and the vehicle caught fire. A multitude of agencies responded, including Mt. Pleasant Fire and Rescue, Henry County Health Center, Henry County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa State Patrol. There is no further information released at this moment.

Documents Uncovered at Iowa Wesleyan Cause Community to Panic

By Yorke Prough · Monday, November 20th, 2023 at 6:06 am CDT

The closing of a business can impact many individuals in multiple different ways. The closing of a college that has been a staple in a small community for over 180 years? That can be devastating.  Iowa Wesleyan closed its doors for good in May, and as expected, it has taken many creative brains to help resident’s move on.

One way they did that is my opening up the college to “community days” which granted people the opportunity to enter some of the historical buildings one final time and walk around, reminiscing on days gone by. It is not that community members were only allowed to walk around. No, they were allowed to take home a souvenir to keep.

These community days yielded great success, with many returning to their homes with items that benefited them. Some took home mattresses, other desks, and few were lucky enough to become the new owner of a filing cabinet. Issues arose, however, when it was discovered that private information had been stored inside.

The problem is being attacked by the authorities, and it seems like this scary situation is soon to be resolved. Mt. Pleasant Chief of Police, Lyle Murray, commented “It’s being addressed and resolved. Everyone has been cooperative and helping.”

One of the great brains who has been working tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition for a town now without a college, Doug Moore, also offers words of reassurance. “They have been recovered. That’s all for now.” The people can rest knowing that the proper measures are being taken to protect these documents.

Arson in Winfield

By Yorke Prough · Monday, November 20th, 2023 at 6:01 am CDT

The Winfield Police Department responded to a house fire on Saturday, November 18th, at 4:56pm. After investigation by the State Fire Marshall, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Winfield Police Department, an arrest was made.

Matthew W. Hesseltine of Crawfordsville was arrested and charged with Arson, Theft, Trespass, and Criminal Mischief. Reports suggest that the house, located at 100 Block N Olive St, was empty as the owner passed away earlier this month.

Mt. Union Fire and Rescue, Olds Fire and Rescue, Winfield Fire and Rescue, and Winfield Fire Department also responded to help fight this fire.

Active Fire South of Mt. Pleasant

By Yorke Prough · Friday, November 17th, 2023 at 2:53 pm CDT

KILJ was alerted of a fire at 214 W Corry Court in Mt. Pleasant around 2:00pm on Friday, November 17th. The initial fire was fought by firefighters and cleared. Then, at 3:13pm, the fire started again and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was called in. The Mt. Pleasant Municipal Utilities were aware of a power outage south of town.  Power has been restored to this area.  Mt. Pleasant Utilities reports that a varmint got into the transformer, caused some sparks that ignited  the tires and flammable materials at the bottom of that pole.

 

HCHC Exceeds Funding Goal for New Safety Vests

By Yorke Prough · Friday, November 17th, 2023 at 2:48 pm CDT

Donors to Henry County Health Center Foundation recently made a significant impact on the safety of Henry County EMS.

Mark Hempen, HCHC Foundation Director, is announcing the purchase of Enhanced Multi-Threat Safety Vests for each member of the EMS team.  The vests are bullet, stab and strike resistant.  Also, HCHC Foundation funded the purchase of additional safety plates to be inserted into the vests.

“The response to this project has been overwhelming,” Hempen said.  “EMT’s and paramedics frequently respond to potentially dangerous situations.  These vests provide them with an extra level of safety so they can give lifesaving support without hesitation. We are sincerely grateful to the many individuals, businesses, clubs and organizations that have stepped forward to show their support for the EMS staff by contributing to this project.”

The EMS Vest Campaign ended last week and due to the generosity of contributors, has exceeded the goal.  According to Hempen, “HCHC Foundation will be using the remaining funds to purchase vests for any new EMS team members as they come on board, and to buy chest and back plates for the vests as needed.”

To find out more about a gift to HCHC Foundation, please contact Mark Hempen at mhempen@greatriverhealth.org or call 319-385-6541.

Jayme Boeding

By Yorke Prough · Friday, November 17th, 2023 at 11:28 am CDT

Jayme Anthony Boeding, 66, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 2:50 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City surrounded by his family.

He was born on November 10, 1957, at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Fort Madison, the son of Louis Henry and Mary Louise (Harmeyer) Boeding.

Survivors include his five siblings: John Boeding, Francis Boeding, Mary Jane  (Allan) Pranger, Marianna (Mitsugu) Mori and Flavian (Barb) Boeding; nephews and niece: Adam (Ita) Mori, Akio Mori, Kent Mori, Nathan Pranger and Leina (Naveen) Kumar. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jayme was a 1976 graduate of Marquette High School. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point. Jayme owned and operated B&C Salvage and Service. He was a “master” mechanic and also mowed for several rural cemeteries. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, cutting wood and traveling, camping and farming. Jayme was beloved by his family and friends and he will be missed by all.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m, Friday, November 24, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 24, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Apo Mpanda as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in West Point.

A memorial has been established in his memory for West Point Fire and Rescue.

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