Jeliane Stewart Headlines the Division I Softball ICCAC All-Region Awards for Southeastern Community College

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 2:22 pm CDT

West Burlington, IA- The season is over for the Southeastern Community College softball squad after collecting a 29-14 record overall and getting knocked out of the Division I Region 11 postseason bracket. With the end of the season, the ICCAC released the All-Region teams with six members earning a spot.

1st Team All-Region

The Blackhawks had three players make the 1st Team in freshman catcher Jeliane Stewart, sophomore infielder Tayler Braun, and freshman outfielder Lydia Zaruba. Stewart also earned Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Stewart ended the season on an absolute tear as she smacked six of her 18 home runs in the final nine games of the season. She was also named ICCAC Player of the Week for April 14th through the 20th. She finished with a slash line of 0.455/0.523/1.054, adding 60 RBIs and four steals on the basepath. Stewart also had a fielding percentage of 0.982.

As the leadoff batter, Braun’s job was to get on base and her 0.420 batting average proved that she accomplished her job. She could also move on her own with 18 steals for the season, second on the team. Additionally, her bat could supply some power with a home run and two doubles contributing to 22 RBIs.

Lastly, another freshman showed her ability to play for the Blackhawks as Zaruba finished second on the team in batting average at 0433 and on-base percentage at 0.487. The Grimes native tallied 17 RBIs on five doubles, while blazing the basepath with 29 steals.

2nd Team All-Region

Sophomore infielder Ella Florey swatted four home runs and pushed across 25 runs at the plate as she sported a slash line of 0.317/0.410/0.554. She also only committed one error on the season with a 0.989 field percentage, highest on the team with at least 40 chances.

Outfielder Makenzie Sweeney has provided some more appreciation about the future of Blackhawks softball as the freshman batted 0.389 at the plate and took advantage of her opportunities with runners in scoring position, collecting 29 RBIs, which ranks tied for second on the team.

Lastly, sophomore pitcher Navy Clark was the main hurler for the Blackhawks and posted a 2.15 ERA, which included a couple no-hitters throughout the year. She pitched 101 innings and fanned 127 opponents with a K/7 resting at 8.8. Her 1.15 WHIP was also impressive.

Quality Equipment Celebrated as 1 of 5 Small Business of the Year Nominee’s

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 2:08 pm CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT — Friends, family, customers, and community leaders gathered this afternoon to celebrate Quality Equipment and owner Matt Schimmelpfenning for their nomination as one of Mount Pleasant’s five Small Business of the Year finalists.

Standing proudly among his fleet of equipment, Matt shared the story behind Quality Equipment’s success, a journey that started in 1994 and continues to grow with grit, creativity, and a love for the business.

“I kind of do a little bit of everything,” he told the crowd. “We rent equipment, sell equipment, do warehousing, and we’ve been moving trailers for Continental for about 10 years now. If it makes a buck, I’ll sell it. If not, I’ll store it — I’ve got things stored since 1994!” he joked, drawing laughter from the group.

The business recently expanded to a new facility to accommodate their growing inventory and warehousing needs. Quality Equipment also rents tables, chairs, tents, and yard equipment, serving customers across southeast Iowa. “I’ll try anything — it’s fun,” he said. “And if you’ve got equipment, you’ve got a lot of friends who want to borrow it!”

As guests enjoyed sandwiches, drinks, Matt expressed gratitude for the Mount Pleasant community. “I’m from here, and it’s been good to me. I don’t have any plans to slow down because I love what I do. I come to work, and I can’t wait to get out there.”

The event wrapped up with a group photo, capturing the pride and excitement of a small business that’s built on hard work, relationships, and a deep connection to its hometown.

The winner of Small Business of the Year will be announced tomorrow morning during small business breakfast to wrap up small business week.

Prep Girls’ Soccer: Regional Assignments for Class 1A

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 1:43 pm CDT

Prep Girls’ Soccer- The first round of girls’ postseason soccer may sit 11 days away (May 19th) but the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) has announced the Regional Pairings for Class 1A and here’s a look at our local matchups.

Region 3

In the top half of the bracket, Fairfield will host Central Lee at 7 pm with the winner advancing to take on #3 Assumption. The Trojans and Hawks have no prior matchup on the pitch.

Washington will square off against West Liberty in the quarterfinals at 7 pm at home on Wednesday, May 21st. The Demons won the last contest 7-0 back in 2019.

On the bottom half of the bracket, Mid-Prairie will take on Wapello at home at 7 pm. The Golden Hawks have won the past three contests against the Arrows by a combined score of 25 to 1. The winner will travel to play Mt. Pleasant at East Lake Park.

The Panthers first matchup will take place at 5:30 pm on Wednesday as Mt. Pleasant has an opportunity to make a run to the Regional Championship with a 1-0-1 record against the teams on the bottom half.

Mediapolis will get a home game against Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union with gametime at 7 pm on Wednesday. The Bulldogs are on a five-game win streak against the Wildcats, including a narrow 2-1 back in early April.

If Mt. Pleasant were to advance, the Panthers tied Mediapolis 1-1 in the first game of the season, then mercy ruled the Wildcats 10-0 in the third game of the season.

Judith A. Fye

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 1:22 pm CDT

Judith A. Fye, 84, of Mount Pleasant, died Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Addington Place of Mount Pleasant surrounded by her family.

Judy was born September 25, 1940, in Macomb, Illinois, the daughter of Lewis Faye and Frances Myrtle (Whately) Elder. She graduated from New London High School in 1958. On February 26, 1961, Judy was united in marriage to Ronald Fye in New London. The couple made their home on a farm just outside of Mount Pleasant, where Judy devoted herself to being a farmwife, raising their three daughters and managing the house. As the girls grew older and entered high school, Judy began working outside the home, driven by her deep love for being around people. Over the years, she served as a teacher’s aide at the elementary school, a waitress at Jerry’s Restaurant, and a cashier at Foster’s.

Judy was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and formerly a member of the Mount Pleasant Golf and Country Club. She played in women’s league, couple’s league with Ron, and was a talented slow-pitch player. A devoted fan of Iowa Hawkeye sports, Judy especially loved watching Iowa Women’s Basketball. Above all else, Judy loved her family. She never missed an event, game, or activity that her children and grandchildren were a part of. Judy was proud to be a grandma and great grandma and treasured the time she was able to spend with her grandsons and great granddaughter.

Judy is survived by three daughters Rhonda Plimmer of Johnston, Julie (Evan) Sunde of Ankeny, Christy Fye of Johnston; four grandchildren Mitch (Lindsey) and Jared Plimmer, Eric and Jacob Sunde; great granddaughter Lilla; sister Janice Thornburg of New London; and brother Bruce Elder of St. Regis, Montana.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ron, sister Pam Morrison and infant brother Larry Dean Elder.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory. Pastor Trey Hegar will officiate. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery. The family will be present to greet friends beginning at 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. Visitation will be held 1:00-6:00 p.m. Monday, May 12, at Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory, the family will not be present. Memorial funds have been established for Addington Place of Mount Pleasant and EveryStep Hospice. The Olson-Powell Chapel is caring for Judy and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Prep Boys’ Golf: Washington Raises Their Third Consecutive Conference Banner

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 11:43 am CDT

Washington, IA- Another year, another conference championship for the Washington boys’ team as the Demons carded a team score of 316 on their home course, nearly 30 strokes lower than Fort Madison’s second place score of 342. This marks the third consecutive SEC trophy for the Demons.

A rare Wednesday showdown capped off another dominating season for Washington as they won every conference meet and claimed four of the top ten spots in the conference standings.

Haunting the fairway for Washington was Cole Vetter and Drew Conrad, as they turned in the two best scores of the course. Vetter carded a 72 or two-over par for the 18-hole course, while Conrad followed with a 74. Conner Leyden and Carson Brown rounded out the scoring with 85s apiece.

Fort Madison’s Brady Wade was the only other golfer for the day to shoot under 80 for the course as he turned in a 77 (+7) to lead head coach’s Wayne MacLearn’s squad to the runner-up slot. Cole Quittem’s 81 was the fourth best score of the day as Rowan Benda’s 88 and Graeme Meredith’s 96 ended out the scoring.

Mt. Pleasant finished with the second-best total score of the season but with the bronze in the conference tournament, just three strokes behind Fort Madison with a 345. Merrick Lamm’s 82 was the fifth-best score of the course with Brody Engle turning in an 86.

Sam Frary turned in the second-best score for the Panthers with an 85, his best finish on the team for the season. Alek Barton’s 92 was the last score to go towards the final tally for the Maroon and Gold.

Fairfield claimed 4th place with a team score of 357. Archer Kreuter finished with an 83 followed by Drew Myers with an 85. Luke Thornton carded a 91 and Kannon McClarron shot a 98 for the Trojans.

Lastly, Keokuk collected a team score of 386 to round out the team rankings. A promising look into the future for the Chiefs, freshman Mason Baker finished with the team-best score of an 86. Sophomores Carter Land (95) and Ashton Snodgrass (98) kept their scores under triple-digits. The last score to add in belonged to freshman Luke Ames, who shot a 107.

All-Conference

The top ten individuals who put together the best total score for the season were given All-Conference honors and Washington led the way with four players earning a spot, while Mt. Pleasant, Fort Madison, and Fairfield each yielded two.

Rankings:

1 Drew Conrad 254 Washington
2 Carson Brown 273 Washington
3 Brady Wade 273 Fort Madison
4 Merrick Lamm 282 Mt. Pleasant
5 Cole Vetter 284 Washington
6 Brody Engle 287 Mt. Pleasant
7 Cole Quittem 290 Fort Madison
8 Drew Myers 291 Fairfield
9 Archer Kreuter 306 Fairfield
10 Conner Leyden 306 Washington

Final Team Scores:

Teams Score
Washington 1269
Mount Pleasant 1359
Fort Madison 1394
Fairfield 1419
Keokuk 1573

Juvenile Escapes Custody During Transport, Quickly Apprehended by Law Enforcement

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 11:19 am CDT

A juvenile briefly escaped custody Tuesday during a secure transport operation in Montrose, according to a statement from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say the individual kicked out the back window of a transport vehicle—an operation not affiliated with the Sheriff’s Office—and fled on foot.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies, with assistance from neighboring law enforcement agencies, responded swiftly and located the juvenile a short time later. The individual was safely returned to custody without any reported injuries.

The Sheriff’s Office has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape. The juvenile now faces additional charges related to the incident, officials said.

“There is no risk to the public at this time,” Sheriff Vandenberg stated in the release, adding that the office remains committed to public safety and accountability while working to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Due to state and federal privacy laws, no further details about the juvenile or the ongoing investigation are being released. The Sheriff’s Office also emphasized that a charge is merely an accusation and that the juvenile is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Bettye Rose Brown

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 11:08 am CDT

Bettye Rose Brown, 98, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Friday, May 2, 2025.

Visitation for family and friends will be 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 16, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Fairfield. Funeral services celebrating her life will follow at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or Jefferson County Health Center Auxiliary in care of Barbara McLarney 2102 Pine Ave., Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Bettye was born October 23, 1926 in Fairfield, the daughter of Leonard and Olive (Russel) Hisel. Bettye and Robert Brown began over 74 years of happy devotion to each other when Bob returned from the Army Air Force at the end of World War II. They were married in her parents’ home on an icy Christmas Eve, 1945. Bob’s death in March of 2020 ended daily loving joy, together.

Bettye was blessed with many life-long friends starting with her childhood friend, Erma Hartman. During early family years, the Second Street Neighbors got together for many coffee times, picnics, yard parties, and games of wiffle ball for all ages.

They belonged to several Bridge Clubs with one couples group playing for over 50 years. In retirement, Bob and Bettye wintered in Texas and there found good winter friends.

Family years with five children were busy cooking and baking delicious meals and treats. She was known for her Christmas cookies and candies. Her seamstress skills were put to frequent use making pretty dresses. There was always a garden and a tidy yard where Bob and Bettye planted and nurtured beautiful plants to grow. Their pond provided hours watching for wildlife and birds. A highlight of each year was the family camping and hiking vacation throughout many of our national parks.

Bettye was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, the MethoWeds Sunday School group and a women’s kitchen luncheon group.

In Bettye’s early retirement years, she volunteered regularly at the hospital auxiliary Bargain Box.  She became a proficient and creative quilter; these quilts grace her home. During the last years of her life, Bettye knitted afghan pieces for a church mission project. With the support of this women’s group, she felt useful even when she needed to sit a lot, she kept knitting.

Bettye was so happy to join one last bridge group made up of “younger” friends, Martha, Rose, Judy, and Lorelee. Those weekly bridge games brought sunshine to the final years of her life.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Ronald (Sharon) Brown of Fairfield, Nancy Huff of Fairfield, Barbara (Joe) McLarney of Fairfield, and Phil (Cindy) Brown of Marion; daughter-in-law, LuAnne Brown of Richland; grandchildren, Mike, Samantha, Kara, Benjamin, Ryan, Shawn, Jennifer, Amanda, Kellan, McKensey and Tyler; and 18 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Bob, she was preceded in death by her parents; son, Doug Brown; sister, Ruth Sporkman; and son-in-law, Phil Huff.

Online condolences may be made to Bettye’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

HENRY COUNTY ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY RELEASES STATEMENT ON PAYROLL PHISHING ATTACK IN DECEMBER OF ’24

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 10:37 am CDT

On January 30, 2025 Sheriff Rich McNamee publicly informed the Board of Supervisors that he had not received a portion of his paychecks for the last three pay periods. The matter was referred to the lowa Division of Criminal Investigation and an administrative investigation was begun.

Finding of Facts: On or about December 10, 2024 Henry County and other lowa counties were hit with a phishing attack (scam emails) aimed at duping counties into changing an employee’s direct deposit to Green Dot bank account. At that time, a newer Henry County employee was taken in by scam emails purportedly from Rich McNamee asking to change his direct deposit. This change was made on December 10, 2024. Approximately a month and a half later, during the week of January 24, 2025, the County Auditor’s office was made aware of the issue. McNamee was asked about the delay in noticing and reporting the issue despite missing the major portion of three paychecks. He responded that he usually only reconciles his checking account at the end of the month (although not this December), but became aware when he tried to withdraw funds from his bank in late January and was told he didn’t have enough money in his account.

Conclusion: DCI continues the outside investigation into the phishing attacks. Sheriff McNamee was made whole. Corrective actions have been taken in the auditor’s office including additional safeguards against scams. All Henry County employees are encouraged to check their bi-weekly paystubs for inaccuracies to ensure that the County can respond immediately.

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Giebelhausen

Assistant County Attorney