Tri-State Rodeo Operating Committee Announces Entertainment

By Theresa Rose · Monday, April 11th, 2022 at 11:11 am CDT

Fort Madison, IA (April 9, 2022): The Tri-State Rodeo Operating Committee is proud to announce the schedule for the 74th Annual Tri-State Rodeo, which will take place in Fort Madison, Iowa September 7 – 10, 2022!  

In addition to the world-class national entertainment acts, the Tri-State Rodeo has been named as one of the nation’s top five large outdoor rodeos since 2000! The Cinch-Chute Out brings the top rodeo athletes from around the WORLD!   

The entertainment this year will undoubtedly make this one of the largest years that the Fort Madison, Iowa area has experienced! For the first time in Tri-State Rodeo history, there has been a headlining national music act added to Wednesday Night! Bringing the total to four headliners on the Jack Daniel’s Stage! 

Headlining Wednesday, September 7, 2022, is the country music artist, who Forbes said is “one of country music’s biggest DIY success stories,” Aaron Watson. NATU Band will also be performing in the Bud Light Stockyard following Watson’s performance. 

On Thursday, September 8, 2022, rodeo fans will be entertained by the rapper, singer, and Florida native, whose breakout single “Low” was number one for 10 weeks in the United States and broke the record for digital download sales at the time of its release and since then has sold over 80 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. FLO RIDA! NATU Band will also be performing in the Bud Light Stockyard following Flo Rida’s performance. 

Friday, September 9, 2022, features the country music star, Jordan Davis, who was recently nominated for Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year at the 57th Annual ACM Awards with the platinum hit “Buy Dirt.” Devin Clemons Band will also be performing in the Bud Light Stockyard following the Jordan Davis performance. 

Saturday, September 10, 2022, has been a night that Tri-State Rodeo fans have been waiting for well over two years now. The country music superstar, who has sold over 11 MILLION albums, charted over 20 singles, earned numerous awards and GRAMMY nominations, and garnered over TWO BILLION streams, Trace Adkins will be performing on the Jack Daniel’s Stage! Devin Clemons Band will also be performing in the Bud Light Stockyard following the performance by Adkin’s. 

Tickets for the Tri-State Rodeo will go on-sale Friday, April 15, 2022, at 8AM and will be available at www.tristarerodeo.org or by calling the Tri-State Rodeo Box Office at (319) 372-2550. 

Joanne “Jo” Sourwine (final arrangements)

By Theresa Rose · Monday, April 11th, 2022 at 10:58 am CDT

Joanne M. “Jo” Sourwine, 47, of Mt. Pleasant, died unexpectedly on Sunday, April 10, 2022 at her residence of natural causes.

A funeral service for Jo will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the Heatilator Center for the Performing Arts, 307 East Monroe St., Mt. Pleasant. The Reverend Michael R. Scudder, Pastor, Faith Lutheran Church,  will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 AM to 9 PM on Friday, April 15 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 5-8 PM Friday evening. In accordance with Jo’s wishes, her casket will remain closed.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to a scholarship established for her grandchildren’s education. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com.

Joanne Marie Seitz, was born June 10, 1974 in Burlington, IA. She was the daughter of William D. and Phyllis Marie (Ricketts) Seitz. She was raised and attended school in New London. On May 11, 1996 at the New London Church of Christ, Jo was united in marriage to Benjamin Hiatt “Ben” Sourwine.

Jo was the manger of the Heartland Inn in Mt. Pleasant for a number of years. She then accepted a position as the Secretary for the Dept. of Human Services in Mt. Pleasant. Jo remained their 10 years until she accepted a position as the administrative assistant at the Iowa Dept. of Transportation District Construction Engineer’s Office in Fairfield.

Jo treasured gatherings with family and friends. Only her grandson Sutter was more near and dear to her. She enjoyed the numerous camping trip she took with family and friends . Jo was also known to enjoy going to the casino every now and then.

Those thankful for sharing in Jo’s life include her husband of 25 years, Ben, who affectionately called her “Josie”; her 2 daughters – Kelsey McConnell and her husband Nathan of Mt. Pleasant and Kylie Sourwine and her friend Brayden Wintermote of Mt. Pleasant; her grandson Sutter McConnell of Cedar Rapids; her mother and step-father – Phyllis and Robert Johnson of New London; 3 brothers and their spouses – Kenny (Kim) Seitz of New Boston, IL, Bobby (Rhonda) Seitz of Des Moines, IA, and John (Carma) Seitz of Wayland, IA; 2 step brothers – Mike Johnson and his wife Roberta and Denny Johnson all of Mt Pleasant. Jo is also survived by numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Her father precedes her in death.

 

April 11, 2022 – April 17, 2022

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, April 10th, 2022 at 3:21 pm CDT
04/11/22
Mikayla Truitt
04/11/22
Marlene Rossiter
04/11/22
Kelly Anderson
04/11/22
Jack Hummell (70)
04/12/22
Delaney Anderson
04/12/22
Judith Bower
04/12/22
Faith Krause
04/12/22
Kylie Sourwine
04/13/22
Brian Eneral
04/13/22
Beverly Haines
04/13/22
Destin Miller
04/14/22
Pam Ibottson
04/14/22
Kayden Fitzhugh
04/14/22
Benjamin Olson
04/14/22
Wilson Dameron
04/15/22
Steve Brimhall
04/15/22
Lacey Miller
04/15/22
Zachery Smith - 12
04/16/22
Mike Sharp
04/16/22
Mary Shy
04/16/22
Chloe Haffarnan
04/16/22
Kit & Alissa Schroeder
04/17/22
Jerry Barker
04/17/22
Janet Olson
04/17/22
Janis Rankin
04/17/22
Carson Ryan

Sports, Saturday, April 9th

By Nathan Bloechl · Saturday, April 9th, 2022 at 4:05 am CDT

College Softball: Wesleyan Drops Two

The Iowa Wesleyan softball team traveled to Nevada, Missouri to compete in the CAC Classic. The Tigers took on the Bacone College Warriors and the Haskell Indians and dropped both games.

In game one, Bacone scored the games first 13 runs en route to a 13-2 win.

Ivy Geerdes had doubled, walked twice and drove in a run.

Alexis Davis had a single and a run scored.

In game two, Haskell scored twice in the first and third innings leading to a 9-1 win.

Kara Krieger and Alexis Davis each had hits for Wesleyan.

The Tigers fell to 3-18.

They’ve lost seven straight.

The team will take part in day of the CAC Classic today, with matchups against Crowley’s Ridge and Cottey.

Men’s College Basketball: Drake Guard Enters Transfer Portal

Drake guard Deven Dahlke has entered the transfer portal, multiple outlets have announced.

Dahlke played in a meager 12 games over the past two years and averaged 1.2 points.

The Phoenix, Arizona native walked on to the team and appeared in eight games this past season.

He will have three years of eligibility when he finds his next home.

College Track: Wesleyan at Mount Mercy

The Iowa Wesleyan men’s and women’s track team will both be in action today when they travel to Cedar Rapids.

The Tigers are competing in the prestigious Mustang Open.

Field events will begin at 11:00 a.m. with running events to follow.

The meet is being held at the Plaster Athletic Complex.

Holy Week at Trenton United Methodist Church

By Theresa Rose · Friday, April 8th, 2022 at 7:38 pm CDT

Tuesday, April 12, at 7:00 PM, the Trenton United Methodist Church will host a representative of Jews for Jesus for a Holy Week presentation titled, “Christ in the Passover.”  Passover is the Jewish celebration of the end of slavery in Egypt and the beginning of the exodus journey to return to the Promised Land.  Israel’s redemption from slavery through the blood of the Passover lamb is not only one of the central stories of the Hebrew Scriptures, it also paints a powerful portrait of the Messiah who was to come.  “Christ in the Passover” will introduce the elements of the Passover tradition, their historic Jewish symbolism, and their spiritual significance for all people today.

Jews for Jesus is an international nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California.  Its staff and volunteers are followers of Jesus who believe that Jesus is the Messiah of prophecy.

After two pandemic delays, the congregation is pleased to welcome all interested persons to this ecumenical and interfaith presentation.  Immediately following there will be time for questions and conversation, and afterward a sharing in the Lord’s Supper available for all.

The building is fully accessible with plenty of parking.  A free-will offering will be accepted to defray the travel expenses of the presenter.  All interested persons are welcome to attend.

Thursday, April 14, 7:00 PM

Holy Thursday April 14 at 7:00 PM, the Trenton United Methodist Church will gather for a Tenebrae Service, with The Lord’s Supper prepared for all who desire to share.  Tenebrae (darkness) recalls in words and in music some of the events of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

All neighbors are cordially invited and welcome to join in this meaningful time of preparation for the Easter weekend.  Offering received that evening is designated for UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), and 100% for mission work.  The facility is fully accessible with plenty of parking.

Des Moines County Road H-38/Mediapolis Road just west of Mediapolis closed for three weeks

By Theresa Rose · Friday, April 8th, 2022 at 3:27 pm CDT

FAIRFIELD, Iowa – April 7, 2022 – Culvert and drainage construction work for the new U.S. 61 interchange over Des Moines County Road H-38/Mediapolis Road requires closing H-38/Mediapolis Road just west of Mediapolis for three weeks, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Fairfield construction office.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through our 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter (find links at https://iowadot.gov/511/511-social-media-sites); or download the free app to your mobile device.

It’s easy to subscribe to Your 511 and sign up to receive the email/text alerts. Visit https://new.511ia.org/#login to sign up. For instructions and help for this feature, visit https://www.511ia.org/help/section/how-to-create-and-manage-a-511-account.html.

Four Iowa cultural attractions receive Folk Arts Apprenticeship grants

By Theresa Rose · Friday, April 8th, 2022 at 3:21 pm CDT
DES MOINES – Four of Iowa’s leading cultural tourism destinations that serve folk and traditional artists are getting a new boost from the Iowa Arts Council.

The council has selected the Amana Heritage Society, Living History Farms in Urbandale, the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids, and the Villages Folk School in Keosauqua to participate in its new Folk Arts Apprenticeship program.

Each organization will receive up to $5,000 in grant funds to develop an apprenticeship or residency program that encourages artists and cultural stewards to share their skills and knowledge in ways that sustain Iowa’s artistic traditions.

Funding for the program comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The NEA annually provides funding to Iowa, along with other arts councils in all 56 states and jurisdictional territories, to support folk and traditional arts across the United States.

“This is a meaningful opportunity to preserve and share our cultural heritage with Iowans, especially those folk art traditions that require the passing on of specialized knowledge from one generation to another,” said David Schmitz, administrator of the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. “We congratulate our first four participants and thank the National Endowment for the Arts for its generous support.”

The Iowa Arts Council launched the new apprenticeship opportunity this year after interviewing leaders of Iowa organizations that sustain folklife programming across the state. The council also looked at examples of similar programs in other states.

This focus on apprenticeships augments other recent efforts to promote folk and traditional arts in Iowa. In 2020, for example, the Iowa Arts Council trained K-12 educators to incorporate folk and traditional arts learning resources into their curriculum. The following year, the council offered a program to help Iowa folk and traditional artists to reach new audiences online and adapt their practice to virtual platforms.

Here are the four grant recipients:

Amana
Amana Heritage Society
Artisans have been weaving traditional rag rugs in the Amanas for generations. Today, only three active rug weavers keep this once-thriving folk art alive – the fewest in Amana’s history. During the Amanas’ era of communal living (1855-1932) and the following decade, weavers in each of the seven villages created new rugs with wool and calico scraps from the local mills. Many weavers gave up their trade when carpet became more popular in the 1960s, though traditional weavers have continued to weave rugs for friends, neighbors and tourists. The new rag-rug weaving program will involve a program supervisor, master artist, and four apprentices who will come to the Amanas for a series of classes from now through June.

Cedar Rapids
National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library
The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library will offer a workshop to teach a traditional Moravian painting technique, and the completed paintings will be displayed in an outdoor gallery. The grant will provide funding for an artist who specializes in Moravian ornamental artwork to paint 10 pieces of traditional art on specially treated wooden panels. The project aims to inspire others to learn about the colorful art from the central region of the Czech Republic.

Keosauqua
Villages Folk School
The Villages Folk School’s first artist-in-residence program, called Creative Escape, will bring together seasoned artisans and upcoming artists in a quaint, historic village, where they can unplug to expand their creative talents and preserve traditional art forms through hands-on learning. Participants will retreat to a cabin and studio along the Des Moines River in Van Buren County, which is part of a designated Iowa Great Place. The first Creative Escape residency begins in May and will focus on glass-blowing, for which the Villages Folk School has already opened a call for applications. In addition, rural Iowa folk artists will offer two-week mentorships in their personal studios for selected emerging artists.

Urbandale
Living History Farms
Living History Farms has been demonstrating broom-making for visitors since 1979 and offering classes since the late 1990s. Now, to help sustain this tradition, Living History Farms will launch an 8-week program to train its staff and volunteers in the art of broom-making. Once they learn the technique from a veteran broom maker, staff and volunteers will offer classes of their own, as well as demonstrations for visitors and hands-on broom-making lessons for day campers.

For more information, visit iowaculture.gov.

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National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week April 10th – 16th, 2022

By Theresa Rose · Friday, April 8th, 2022 at 2:28 pm CDT

Imagine never knowing what was going to be on the other end of the phone when you answered it. That is what your local 9-1-1 telecommunicators have trained for. The men and women who answer 9-1-1 need to be prepared for anything. They are the “first” first responder on the scene and if they do not react quickly, ask the appropriate questions, calm the frantic caller, and send the right response then the entire call is off track.

April 10th – 16th, 2022 is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week and honors those who answer emergency calls, dispatch emergency personnel and equipment, and render life-saving assistance to the citizens across the nation. In Washington County there are 12 telecommunicators with over 150 years of experience answering your calls every day. The Communications staff includes Cara Sorrells, Sandy Lovetinsky, Teresa Todd, Melanie Huschka, Issak Kleese, Shelley Reed-Wulf, Brittany Stutzman, Hunter Erwin, Delainey Parish, Riley Thomann, Unity Stevens, and Susan Holub. We are extremely proud of the entire staff for their dedication. We also want to take the opportunity to thank those personnel that we communicate with everyday who help us do our job. This includes the law enforcement officers, ambulance personnel, fire fighters, first responders, emergency management, tow truck operators, public health nurses, funeral home directors, emergency room personnel, public works and roads personnel, and animal control personnel just to name a few.

This is our second year celebrating the week in our new facility and we could not be more excited. We are planning to honor these local behind the scenes heroes with special activities in the building throughout the week.