Jack D. Gillis

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 at 8:36 pm CDT

Jack D. Gillis, 91, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, February 21, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, IA.

A memorial service for Jack will be held at 10AM on Saturday, February 26 in the Chapel of Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.  A flag presentation will be conducted by the Iowa Military Funeral Honors Detail. Interment will be in the Forest Home Cemetery. Friends may call to sign the register from 9AM – 6 PM on Friday at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com.

Jack Duane Gillis was born April 31, 1930 in Mt. Pleasant. He was the son of Gordon Edward and Alice Marie (Harper) Gillis. He attended school in Mt. Pleasant and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School. On August 28, 1961 in El Dorado, IL, Jack was united in marriage to Brenda Joyce McClary. To this union a son, Kirk Duane Gillis, was born on September 28, 1968.  Mrs Gillis died Friday, October 23, 1998 at their residence in Mt. Pleasant.

Jack was called to the service of his country. He entered the United States Army on March 16, 1956 at Ft. Des Moines. He received schooling at the Southeastern Signal School at Ft. Gordon, GA. He served in the Army Signal Corp and was honorably discharged on March 2, 1959 at Ft. Lewis, WA.

Jack was a longtime employee of the former Metromail Corp. in Mt. Pleasant. He was a longtime member of the Henry County Rescue Squad and the Mt. Pleasant Police Reserves Association. Jack often volunteered at Midwest Old Threshers during the Reunion and throughout the year.

Survivors include a brother and his wife, Ed and “Skip” Gillis of Burlington, and his “bonus granddaughter” and her husband, Jessica and Jason Loving of Mt. Pleasant.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jack is preceded in death by his son Kirk, who died Sunday, June 17, 2012 at his residence in Mt. Pleasant. Jack is also preceded in death by a brother, James H. Gillis and Jack’s longtime companion, Francine Kite.

Harlan-Lincoln House to Host Annual Brown Bag Lecture Series 

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 at 4:36 pm CDT

Mount Pleasant, IA – February 22, 2022 — The Friends of the Harlan-Lincoln House, in coordination with Iowa Wesleyan University, is excited to host the Brown Bag Lecture Series once again. This series brings together authors, historians, and experts to present on a wide range of topics. For more than a decade, supporters have blocked off their calendars for each Tuesday in March in anticipation of gathering together to explore history.

Beginning on March 1, author, historian, and member of the Executive Committee of the Friends of the Harlan-Lincoln House, Paul Juhl, and Director of the Harlan-Lincoln House, Madison Pullis, will present “Pieces of the Past: The Harlan and the Lincolns.”

On March 8, join architectural history consultant, curator, researcher, and author, Paul Larson for “Folk Cottages of Southeast Iowa.”

Jeff Meyer, historian, and Iowa Wesleyan archivist, will present “Did You Hear About the Lady Lawyer? Telecommunications, Railroads, and Information Transmission in 1869” on March 15.

Then, on March 22, the Friends of the Harlan-Lincoln House are hosting a bus trip for a unique opportunity to experience the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Currently, this event has reached its capacity, and registration is closed.

Finally, historian, author, and genealogist Rich Hileman presents “And Also in Iowa: Lincoln’s Iowa Cousins” on March 29.

Lectures are held at noon in the Social Hall of the Howe Student Activity Center at Iowa Wesleyan University. All on-campus Brown Bag Lectures are free to the public. For questions or more information please visit harlanlincolnhouse.org/brown-bag-lecture-series/, contact hlhouse@iw.edu, or call 319-385-6319.

Iowa Wesleyan University – As Southeast Iowa’s regional comprehensive University, Iowa Wesleyan University is a transformational learning community whose passion is to educate, empower and inspire students to lead meaningful lives and careers.

STEMFest Returns March 12

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 at 3:56 pm CDT
WEST BURLINGTON, Iowa – The annual Southeast Iowa Regional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Festival (STEMFest) will take place at SCC’s West Burlington campus on March 12 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The family-friendly event is a joint effort among SCC, the Southeast Iowa STEM Region, the Lee County Economic Development Group, Greater Burlington Partnership, local businesses, manufacturers and area educators.

 

STEMFest presents careers and opportunities in STEM-related fields through hands-on activities led by exhibitors across the region. Participants explore these pathways through robotics and healthcare simulations, as well as electronics and renewable energy exhibits.

SCC Work-Based Learning Specialist Leanne Krogmeier says this is a great event for everyone in the family.

 

“Bring the little ones and bring your teenagers,” she says. “STEMfest showcases activities for students in every grade from elementary through high school.”

 

With the increasing demand for jobs that require digital and technical skills, a background in STEM has become essential for an expanding variety of fields. Krogmeier says the festival is a great way for students to discover a range of careers in southeast Iowa’s growing industries.

 

“STEM careers are projected to grow faster than all other careers over the next ten years,” says Krogmeier. “That’s why it’s so important we get kids interested while they’re young. STEMFest is a fun and creative way to introduce kids to concepts and career paths they may never see or consider.”

 

Along with the traditional Saturday event that is open to everyone, the STEMFest planning committee added a special STEM Day just for high school students on the West Burlington campus on March 11.

 

Hundreds of families attend the Saturday event each year, and Krogmeier hopes the trend continues.

 

“My hope for this year’s STEMFest is that we can keep teaching parents and children about how fun STEM can be. We’ve got dozens of exhibitors from across the region and state with plenty of hands-on activities and items for kids of all ages to take home.”

 

STEMFest is free and open to the public.

 

To learn more about the Southeast Iowa Regional STEMFest, visit http://se.iowastem.org.

 

For questions about STEMFest at SCC, contact Leanne Krogmeier at (319) 208-5053 or email lkrogmeier@scciowa.edu .

Boys Prep Basketball: Mount Pleasant Rallies for Thrilling Win

By Nathan Bloechl · Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 at 3:26 pm CDT

Mount Vernon — Down nine in the fourth, the Mount Pleasant boys’ basketball team rallied back for a double overtime, 60-55 win over Mount Vernon in a Class 3A, Substate 5 quarterfinal.

The win moves the Panthers to Thursday’s semifinal, where the Panthers will scrap with top-seeded Marion.

Payton Hagans led the Panthers with a game-high 26 points and seven rebounds.

He hit 6-of-12 threes, including the game-tying shot in regulation.

Hagans also came up with three huge defensive steals, truly playing the game of his sophomore season on the brightest and biggest of stages.

Dewon Trent added 15 points and six rebounds, while Owen Vansickel chipped in with nine.

Evan Brase and Joe Rhomberg led the Mustangs with 13 and 12 points respectively.

Mount Pleasant’s Thursday semifinal will be played at Marion High School, with tip scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

You can listen on FM 105.5 and kilj.com.

Boys’ Prep Basketball: Other Area Regional Scores

By Nathan Bloechl · Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 at 3:25 pm CDT

KILJ — It was another busy night of prep hoops in the area, here’s the full regional scoreboard:

  • Marion 64, Keokuk 42
  • Fort Madison 70, Oskaloosa 60
  • Clear Creek-Amana 68, Fairfield 54
  • Washington 54, South Tama County 29
  • Burlington 68, Muscatine 37

The 3A tournament trail will continue on Thursday, while Burlington will play their semifinal Friday against Iowa City West.

Boys’ Prep Basketball: Rivals Meet in District Finals

By Nathan Bloechl · Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 at 3:05 pm CDT

KILJ — WACO will meet New London, while Danville will scrap with Winfield-Mount Union in tonight’s star-studded district final slate.

WACO-New London will be played at Mediapolis High School at 7 pm, while Danville-Winfield-Mount Union will be hosted by Central Lee at 7 pm.

Nathan Bloechl will have WACO-New London on 98.5 FM. The Tigers will aim to advance to the Substate Finals for the second consecutive season.

Last year they were ousted by Easton Valley and this year they seem poised to bust through their barriers.

Standing in their way however is a battle-tested and resilient WACO team who are coming off a 46-42 come from behind win over defending 1A state champion Montezuma.

WACO did beat New London once already this season — a 67-48 triumph for the Warriors — though the Tigers were without star forward Kade Benjamin that night.

John Kuhens and Kent Bennett will have the call Danville-Winfield-Mount Union, in a scrap of a pair of 21-2 teams on 105.5 FM

This will be the two schools’ first meeting since 2015.

Since a 54-40 loss to New London, Winfield-Mount Union has rattled off three straight spearheaded by the strong play of super sophomore Cam Buffington.

Buffington is scoring 19.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game for the Wolves.

Danville turned into the cardiac kids last week, in their heart-stopping 42-41 win over Notre Dame, which included a game-winning tip-in by Caiden Gourley.

Drake Johnson however is the team’s go-to perimeter and midrange option, leading the squad with 14.3 points per game.

The winners of tonight’s games will play Saturday with state on the line.

DNR to recap hunting seasons, discuss possible rule changes at Feb. 23 public meeting

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 at 12:53 pm CDT

BURLINGTON – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting a series of town hall-style meetings where local staff provide updates on recently completed hunting seasons, discuss possible changes to hunting rules and regulations, and address other topics as requested.

Locally, the Iowa DNR will be at Starr’s Cave Nature Center, 11627 Starr’s Cave Road, in Burlington, on Feb. 23. The meeting begins at 5 p.m.

“We want people to come out, listen to the hunting seasons reviews, ask questions and hear directly from our staff,” said Todd Bishop, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau. “Part of the meeting will be devoted to discussing potential rule changes and collecting feedback as we work through the rules process.”

The meetings are open to the public. Comments collected from these public meetings will be considered along with other related comments received by the Iowa DNR prior to proposing changes to hunting rules and regulations. Proposed rules will be presented to the Natural Resource Commission during a regular public meeting for consideration and additional public comment.

Any person attending the public meeting and has special requirements, such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments, should contact the Iowa DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov, and advise of specific needs.

Sports, February 22nd

By Nathan Bloechl · Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 at 12:39 pm CDT

Boys Prep Basketball: Mount Pleasant Rallies for Thrilling Win

Down nine in the fourth, the Mount Pleasant boys’ basketball team rallied back for a double overtime, 60-55 win over Mount Vernon in a Class 3A, Substate 5 quarterfinal.

The win moves the Panthers to Thursday’s semifinal, where the Panthers will scrap with top-seeded Marion.

Payton Hagans led the Panthers with a game-high 26 points and seven rebounds.

He hit 6-of-12 threes, including the game-tying shot in regulation.

Hagans also came up with three huge defensive steals, truly playing the game of his sophomore season on the brightest and biggest of stages.

Dewon Trent added 15 points and six rebounds, while Owen Vansickel chipped in with nine.

Evan Brase and Joe Rhomberg led the Mustangs with 13 and 12 points respectively.

Mount Pleasant’s Thursday semifinal will be played at Marion High School, with tip scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

You can listen on FM 105.5 and kilj.com.

Boys’ Prep Basketball: Other Area Regional Scores

It was another busy night of prep hoops in the area, here’s the full regional scoreboard:

  • Marion 64, Keokuk 42
  • Fort Madison 70, Oskaloosa 60
  • Clear Creek-Amana 68, Fairfield 54
  • Washington 54, South Tama County 29
  • Burlington 68, Muscatine 37

The 3A tournament trail will continue on Thursday, while Burlington will play their semifinal Friday against Iowa City West.

Boys’ Prep Basketball: Rivals Meet in District Finals

WACO will meet New London, while Danville will scrap with Winfield-Mount Union in tonight’s star-studded district final slate.

WACO-New London will be played at Mediapolis High School, while Danville-Winfield-Mount Union will be hosted by Central Lee.

Both games can be heard on FM 105.5.

Nathan Bloechl will have WACO-New London, where the Tigers will aim to advance to the Substate Finals for the second consecutive season.

Last year they were ousted by Easton Valley and this year they seem poised to bust through their barriers.

Standing in their way however is a battle-test and resilient WACO team who are coming off a 46-42 come from behind win over defending 1A state champion Montezuma.

WACO did beat New London once already this season — a 67-48 triumph for the Warriors — though the Tigers were without star forward Kade Benjamin that night.

John Kuhens and Kent Bennett will have the call Danville-Winfield-Mount Union, in a scrap of a pair of 21-2 teams.

This will be the two schools’ first meeting since 2015.

Since a 54-40 loss to New London, Winfield-Mount Union has rattled off three straight spearheaded by the strong play of super sophomore Cam Buffington.

Buffington is scoring 19.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game for the Wolves.

Danville turned into the cardiac kids last week, in their heart-stopping 42-41 win over Notre Dame, which included a game-winning tip-in by Caiden Gourley.

Drake Johnson however is the team’s go-to perimeter and midrange option, leading the squad with 14.3 points per game.

The winners of tonight’s games will play Saturday with state on the line.

MLB

The MLB Players Association officials left Monday’s bargaining session in Jupiter, Fla. “disappointed/underwhelmed by what they saw and didn’t see in owners’ proposals but it was good to have discussions

The two sides agreed to meet again today. Both sides are expected to remain in Jupiter throughout the week to try to work toward a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Major League Baseball announced Friday spring training games will start no earlier than March 5 due to the ongoing lockout. Teams were initially scheduled to begin their Grapefruit League schedule by the end of February.