Arson and Attempted Murder

On January 9, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a house on fire in the 1800-grid of Cornell Drive outside of Mount Pleasant.  The initial report started the fire started in the living room of the single-family dwelling.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office along with the Mount Pleasant Police Department arrived on scene and began an investigation.  The investigation determined James Seth Ollom, 37 of Mount Pleasant, intentionally set fire to the inside of the residence after a family disturbance.

There were occupants inside the residence when the fire was set.  All occupants were able to escape the residence with only minor injuries.

Mr. Ollom is being charged with Arson in the First Degree and three counts of Attempted Murder; all charges are class B Felonies.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Mount Pleasant Police Department, Mount Pleasant Fire Department, Iowa State Patrol, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

***A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.****

Arline F. Osborne

Arline F. Osborne, 62, of Mt. Pleasant, died Friday, January 7, 2022 at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

A visitation will take place from 2-8 PM on Friday, January 14, at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 13 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 5-7 PM on Friday.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation. A memorial service will take place in the Spring of 2022 at the Church of the Open Bible, 306 N. Cherry St., Mt. Pleasant. Inurnment will be in the Winfield Scott Township Cemetery.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Church of the Open Bible. On-Line condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com

Arline Frances Osborne was born August 23, 1959 in Iowa City. She was the daughter of Maurice Henry and Henrietta Mae (Moeller) Osborne. She was raised in Mt. Pleasant where she attended school. On February 25, 1989 in Mt. Pleasant, Arline married Scott Colvin. The couple later divorced.

Arline was employed at the Alaniz Corp. in Mt. Pleasant before her children were born. She then stayed at home to raise them. Arline was a member of the Church of the Open Bible where she enjoyed taking care of the children in the Nursery. At home, Arline enjoyed animals and puzzles. She had a collection of a vast array of cookie jars. She was also very skilled in “diamond art” and created several pieces of the work.

Those thankful for sharing in Arline’s life include her 2 children – Tasha King and her husband Tim of Mt. Pleasant, and Scott Colvin of Texas; 3 siblings – Henry Osborne of Blue Grass, IA, Theodore Osborne and his wife Mary Lou of Burlington and Martha Steward of Burlington, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Her parents and 4 sisters – Mary Osborne, Shirley Carlson, Rose Osborne and Theresa Gregory precede Arline in death.

 

Scholarship in Memory of Mike Orris Applications being Accepted

The Washington County Fair Association started an endowment fund with the Community Foundation of Washington County in 2019 to provide for an annual scholarship.  The third scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to a member of the graduating Class of 2022 who has been a participant in Washington 4H or FFA for 4 years.

Mike Orris, a long-time community member, veteran, and volunteer member of the Washington Fair Board for 50+ years passed away in the summer of 2019 at the age of 92.  “They don’t make volunteers like Mike anymore,” said Fair Board member, Jarrod Horning.  “He has had a huge impact on our organization over the past 50+ years.”
The Fair Association approached Mike’s family to create this fund, and they were immediately onboard with the idea.

“The Community Foundation is uniquely capable of creating a fund such as this,” said Executive Director, Millie Youngquist. “Our whole purpose is to create permanent endowment funds that continue providing money to support local non-profits and their causes.  We are especially honored to create a fund in the memory of such a community leader and volunteer.”

Donations of any amount to this fund qualify for the Endow Iowa tax credit, a program giving donors a state tax credit of 25% of the amount of their donation.  Individuals interested in making a donation to this fund may donate by writing a check to: The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, writing “Mike Orris Memorial Scholarship Fund” in the memo line, and mailing it to: The Community Foundation of Washington County, Attn: Millie Youngquist, 831 South 13th Ave., Washington, IA 52353.

Scholarship application forms are available on the Fair Association website: washingtoncountyfairia.com.  Applications will also be available from area high school guidance counselors, FFA advisors and at the Washington County Extension Office.   Applications are due on February 28, 2022.

Beulah Welcher

Beulah E. Welcher 91, of Mt. Pleasant formerly of Lockridge passed away on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Arbor Court in Mt. Pleasant.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Steve English officiating.  The family will receive friends from 9:30 until service time at the church on Friday. Burial will be in the Lockridge Cemetery.  Friends may call from 2 until 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.  Memorials may be directed to the Lockridge Cemetery Association or to the Lockridge Veterans Association in her memory.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for her arrangements.

Lois Ann Robbins

Lois Ann Robbins 90, of Lone Tree, formerly of Wapello, Iowa died Sunday January 9th, 2022, at the Lone Tree Care Center.  She was born on November 19, 1931, to Glenn Samuel Housman and Pearl Letitia Conn Housman.

Lois graduated from Yarmouth High School in 1949.  She spent her earlier years taking care of her home and family, and in later years worked for the Louisa County Clerk of Court.   She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s activities.

Lois was united in marriage to Keith Robbins on September 2nd, 1949. Together they had three children, Tim Robbins, Brenda Wagg and Pamela Pugh.

Lois was an active member of the Wapello United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Keith Robbins, a daughter Pamela Pugh, five brothers Howard Housman, Leland Housman, Floyd Housman, Dale Housman and Wendell Housman and four sisters, Vivian Fry, Pauline Lee, Dorothy Pontzius and Wanda Syphrit.

Her surviving family includes a son, Tim and Beth Robbins of Wapello, daughter Brenda and Tom Wagg of Cedar Rapids and son-in-law Mark Pugh of Columbus Junction, ten grandchildren, Aaron Robbins, Angela Jenks, Doug and Faith Housman, Crystal and Jeff Wiley, Janelle and Mike Clymer, Andrew and Megan Wagg, Morgan and Larry Gauze, Mallory Wagg, Todd and Abby Pugh and Matt and Ashley Pugh, as well as 18 great grandchildren.

Visitation for Lois will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at the Wapello United Methodist Church.  Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church.  Family request all that attend to wear a mask due to COVID-19 concerns.  Pastor Pam Kranzler will officiate.  Immediately following the funeral service, a time of food and fellowship will be held in the church fellowship hall.   Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday in Elmwood Cemetery, Morning Sun.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Wapello United Methodist Church.  Sympathy notes may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello are caring for Lois’ arrangements and her family.

Jerry Eugene Caughron

Jerry Eugene Caughron, 87 of Cantril, Iowa, died at 11:30 AM Sunday January 9, 2022 at Addington Place of Ottumwa.  Visitation with family will be from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Sunday, January 16, 2022, at Pedrick Funeral Home, Keosauqua, Iowa.  Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M. Monday, January 17, 2022, at Milton Christian Church in Milton, Iowa, with Kevin Mote officiating.  Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Cantril.  Any memorials can be made out to Vicki Duncan, with the funds distributed between St. Jude’s Hospital and Maple Grove Cemetery in Cantril and can be left at the funeral home, Milton Christian Church or mailed to the family at 109 North Van Buren, Milton, IA 52570.

Jerry was born on September 29, 1934 in Iowa City to Suell and Lucille Caughron.  Jerry grew up in Waterloo and due to family issues, spent most of his childhood in an orphanage.  Jerry married Patricia Ann Morrison on February 22, 1952 in Waterloo, she died August 17, 2008.  Besides Jerry’s great love for the Lord and ministry through his life’s work as a pastor, in his 30’s he also had a secondary responsibility as Town Marshal in Macedonia, Iowa.  The Caughron family moved numerous times driven by God’s calling. Towns that Jerry impacted included rural Lucas, Seymore, Macedonia, Douds, Henderson and finally to Cantril in 1978, where he was the pastor of the Cantril Christian Church until his retirement. 

Jerry left school in 8th grade although he ultimately did receive his GED in Douds the same year his daughter Faith graduated from the 8th grade.  Jerry loved music, his family and preaching God’s word to his churches.  Jerry made two trips to Israel and one trip to Haiti in his life.  He was Vice President of the Haiti’s Children’s Home and a former member of the Cantril Lions Club.

Left to cherish his memory are four daughters, Vicki (Stanley) Duncan of Milton, Faith (Pat) Trachsel of Bloomfield, Debra (Shawn) Shiley of Cedar Rapids and Jeri (Jeff) Crile of Fairfield, two brothers, Howard (Joyce) Caughron of Waterloo and Robert Caughron of Waterloo, 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.  In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John Caughron and a brother in infancy.  

 

Prep Girls’ Basketball: Mount Pleasant Rolls to Easy Win; Other Prep Finals

KILJ — Mount Pleasant used a 25-7 run over two quarters to roll to an easy 43-28 over Holy Trinity last night.

The Panthers goose-egged the Crusaders in the second quarter to open up a 12-point halftime lead.

Andrea Lopreato posted a monster line, finishing with 19 points, 16 rebounds and five assists to lead Mount Pleasant.

Kenna Lamm chipped in with 12 points and four boards, while Elsie Lange had six points and eight rebounds.

Monday also marked the return of star guard Tristian Shull.

Shull was limited in her return, but finished with two points and two rebounds.

The Panthers, now 5-7, have won four of their last five.

They’ll get a test with Fairfield Friday night in a game you can hear on FM 105.5 and kilj.com.

Holy Trinity was led by Mary Kate Bendlage’s nine points and six rebounds.

The Crusaders are now 7-5.

No. 7 (1A) Notre Dame 56, Washington 30 

Lauren Krieger finished with 15 points while Megan Harrell and Gabby Deery chipped in with 10 as the seventh-ranked Nikes rolled to a 56-30 win over Washington last night.

Notre Dame jumped out to a 22-0 lead after one quarter, putting a stranglehold on the tilt.

Kaylie Long had 12 to lead Washingt0n.

The Nikes stayed unbeaten, they’re now 11-0.

Washington fell to 1-9.

No. 11 (2A) Mediapolis 63, Danville 53

Liz Lane scored a game-high 23 points to propel No. 11 (2A) Mediapolis to a 63-53 win over Danville yesterday.

Hallie Mohr added 17 points while Jaydon Wirt chipped in with six.

Danville, now 5-6, was led by Ava Smith’s 18 points.

Gracie Walker finished with nine.

Mediapolis remained unblemished, they’re 11-0.

Danville dropped to 5-6.

Boys’ Prep Basketball: Trent’s 23 Lifts Mount Pleasant; Other Prep Finals

KILJ — Dewon Trent scored a game-high 23 points as Mount Pleasant snapped a five-game losing skid in a 53-45 triumph over Albia last night.

The Panther “Big Three” showed out, with Owen Vansickel adding 14 points while Payton Hagans chipped in with nine.

It was Mount Pleasant’s first win since before the holiday break.

They’ve also played the third toughest schedule to do date in the state, per Varsity Bound.

Now 3-7, the Panthers will head back to Southeast Conference play on Friday, when they take on Max Weaton and the Fairfield Trojans.

No. 3 (4A) Washington 61, Notre Dame 44

Fresh off a win over No. 3 Ballard over the weekend, Washington stayed hot with a 61-44 win over Notre Dame last night in a Super Conference – Southeast Conference crossover.

Ethan Patterson pumped in a game-high 20 points, while Kasen Bailey added 18.

Liam Delaney had 18 to lead the Nikes.

Washington moved to 10-1 — their lone loss coming to Fort Madison.

Notre Dame is 4-7, they’ll get Trey Magnani and the Van Buren County Warriors on Friday.