Iowa WINs presents the play, Vang

By Theresa Rose · Monday, October 25th, 2021 at 2:06 pm CDT

Iowa WINs, with funding from Humanities Iowa will present award-winning author Mary Swander’s play, Vang, on Thursday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Heatilator Performing Arts Center. Vang is produced by Swander Woman Productions, a theatre company that creates and tours dramatic performances focused on food, farming, and the larger rural environment.

A Hmong family who fled Communist bullets and wild tigers through the jungle of Laos and across the Mekong River to the refugee camp in Thailand. A Sudanese man who was thrown into prison in Ethiopia for helping the Lost Boys and was left gasping for air through a crack under the door. A Mexican woman who taught herself English by looking up the meaning of the profane words that were hurled at her at her first job in a meat packing plant. A Dutch boy, dressed as a cowboy, who put the flag of the Netherlands through the paper shredder and declared, “I am an American.”These are some of the characters brought to life in Vang, a drama about recent immigrant farmers.

Vang is a collaboration between Mary Swander and Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Deni Chamberlin. Swander and Chamberlin documented interviews with the immigrant farmers to create Vang (meaning “garden” or “farm” in Hmong). Swander then wound their words together to form a verbatim play that captures their struggles, survival skills, and journeys to the U.S. While their experiences are unique—some escaping violence, others fleeing poverty, and others embarking on agri-business ventures—all of these immigrants grew up on farms and wanted to once again assume the livelihood that they had known in the past, the work that had formed the foundation of their cultural roots.

Vang will be performed by actors Rip Russell and Mt. Pleasant native, Amy Johnson Schaefer and features Chamberlin’s photographs.

Performance Date:  November 18, 2021

Performance Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Heatilator Performing Arts Center, Mt. Pleasant Iowa

Admission: The event is free and open to the public.  A free will offering will be accepted with proceeds going to Iowa WINs.  MASKS REQUIRED

The performance will run under an hour and be followed by a brief talkback and Q & A led by author Mary Swander.

For more information, please contact Touring Director Janine Calsbeek at touringSWP@gmail.com (712.707.2010).

COVID-19 booster vaccine update from Public Health

By Theresa Rose · Monday, October 25th, 2021 at 2:03 pm CDT

Now that the CDC has approved booster shots of the Moderna and J&J vaccines for higher risk individuals, Henry County Public Health will begin hosting off-site vaccine clinics by appointment. To view available clinic dates and make an appointment please visit HealthyHenryCounty.org/covid or call 319-385-0779. They will only have the Moderna and J&J vaccine available and will continue to add clinics as needed to meet demand. They are not accepting names for a waitlist or walk-in appointments.

The CDC has approved a booster dose for people who have received their second dose of Moderna or Pfizer at least 6 months ago that also fall into the following categories: people age 65 and older, age 18+ who live in long-term care settings, age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions, and age 18+ who live or work in high-risk settings (e.g., healthcare workers, first responders, teachers, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers). Everyone who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine is approved to receive a booster dose at least two months after their initial shot. The CDC has also approved the ability to receive a different brand of vaccine for your booster dose if desired.

COVID-19 vaccination protects you and your community. The more people who get vaccinated, the lower the infection rate among the general population — protecting people who are most at risk from severe COVID-19. If you still need your first or second shot, you may also make an appointment at one of these upcoming vaccine clinics. There is no cost, no insurance needed, and language interpretation is available. For more information about COVID-19 including quarantine guidance, please visit HealthyHenryCounty.org/covid.

Henry County Supervisors Meeting Agenda

By Theresa Rose · Monday, October 25th, 2021 at 2:01 pm CDT

AGENDA

 

October 26, 2021

 

Approve Agenda

 

Approve Minutes

 

9:00 Jake Hotchkiss, Engineer Weekly Update

 

Other County Business as time allows

 

Supervisors Sub-Committee Updates

Sports, Monday, October 25th

By Nathan Bloechl · Monday, October 25th, 2021 at 11:27 am CDT

Prep Football: WACO Storms Back, New London Claws, Mount Pleasant Beaten:

No. 5 (8P) WACO 39, Edgewood-Colesburg 36

Eighth-ranked WACO used a strong second half to mount a furious rally, taking down Edgewood-Colesburg 39-36 Friday night in Wayland.

WACO trailed 20-10 at halftime and took a 23-20 lead midway thru the third quarter.

Quarterback Isaac Oswald hooked up with Drew Diers for two scoring passes, while Jon Rice plunged in from one yard in the second half.

Still, however, the game came down to the final moments after Edgewood-Colesburg’s Cael Funk tied the game up at 36 with just over 1:30 to play in the game.

WACO would drive the length of the field to eventually set up a field goal opportunity.

Simeon Reichenbach would be the one to boot the game game-winning 28-yard field goal with :14 seconds left to advance WACO.

The Warriors, now 9-0, will play in Friday’s Round of 16 at Martensdale-St. Mary’s, who is 7-2 on the season.

You can listen to that game on KILJ.

Edgewood-Colesburg ends their season 5-4.

No. 1 Montezuma 36, New London 34

Eddie Burgess and the high-flying Montezuma Braves stayed unbeaten with a narrow 36-34 win over New London.

Montezuma advances to the Round of 16, while New London bows out 4-4.

Dominic Lopez was electric at quarterback for the Tigers, completing 11-of-12 passes for 131 yards and four touchdowns.

Bowen Glaha was the recipient of three of those scores, hauling in five catches for 101 yards.

Burgess finished with four touchdowns for Montezuma racking up 376 total yards of offense.

Montezuma, 9-0, will host Audubon this Friday night.

No. 1 North Scott 55, Mount Pleasant 0 

Mount Pleasant trailed 35-0 at the end of the first quarter as No. 1 North Scott rolled to a 55-0 win over the Panthers last Friday at Senior Night at Mapleleaf Athletic Complex.

The Lancers end their regular season as undefeated district champions as they now embark on the quest of defending their state championship from a year ago.

Mount Pleasant ends their year 1-8.

Other finals from the area:

  • North Tama 23, Wapello 22 (PLAYOFFS)
  • Lynnville-Sully 40, Highland 15 (PLAYOFFS)
  • West Branch 35, Cardinal 6 (PLAYOFFS)
  • Pella Christian 42, Mediapolis 21 (PLAYOFFS)
  • Solon 63, Keokuk 6
  • Grinnell 42, Fairfield 14
  • Washington 34, West Burlington Notre Dame 20

Prep Volleyball: Showdowns Tonight Between Conference Rivals:

It is crunch time in terms of prep volleyball in the area, with several big matches to be played tonight.

In our featured matchup of the night, No. 12 New London will be at No. 5 Holy Trinity in a battle of Super Conference powers.

Holy Trinity enters play tonight 30-10 while New London is 26-13.

The Tigers have swept both of their first two opponents, while Holy Trinity — who received a bye — easily got by Seymour last week.

Holy Trinity has won five straight matchups between the two schools, with New London’s last win coming on September 12th, 2019.

The winner will move into Wednesday’s Regional Championship and play either Lamoni or Southeast Warren.

Tonight’s game will start at 7:00 p.m. and can be heard on KILJ-FM.

In 1A, Region 7, top-ranked Notre Dame will try to protect their home floor when they welcome in the balanced Lady Wolves of Winfield-Mount Union.

The Nikes have been on a mission this year, racking up a 33-8 record. Winfield has been running hot of late, they’re up to 22-10.

Notre Dame took down the Lady Wolves earlier this year by sweep, 2-0.

The Nikes have won six of the last eight against Winfield.

The winner will play either Easton Valley or Central City in Wednesday night’s region championship.

Match time tonight is 7:00 p.m.

In Class 2A, Mediapolis and Danville will meet up in a regional semifinal.

The Bullettes are 13-23, while Danville is 9-16.

Danville defeated Pekin 3-1 to get tot the semis, while Mediapolis swept Van Buren County.

Top-ranked Wilton awaits on the top of the bracket, provided they get by Iowa City Regina.

Tonight’s game will be played at Mediapolis and first serve is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

College Football: Ferentz Named to Dodd Trophy Midseason List:

University of Iowa Moon Family head football coach Kirk Ferentz is one 16 head coaches named to the Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List.

The award is given annually to the head coach whos team excels on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

Ferentz is in his 23rd season as Iowa’s head coach, the longest tenured head coach in college football.

Iowa will return to the field this weekend when they travel to Madison to battle with Wisconsin.

Kick is set for 11:00 a.m.

College Football: Iowa State Moves Back In:

Following their 24-21 home upset over No. 8 Oklahoma State, the Iowa State Cyclones are back inside the AP Top-25.

Iowa State checks in this week at No. 22, while the Cowboys moved to No. 15.

Ohio State and Michigan remained at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively, while Iowa — while idle — moved up two spots to No. 9.

Penn State, who was beaten by Illinois in nine overtimes, dropped down 13 spots to No. 20.

Georgia, Cincinnati and Alabama comprise the top-three.

Jaicey A. Miller

By Theresa Rose · Monday, October 25th, 2021 at 11:07 am CDT

Jaicey A. Miller, 17, of Wayland, died Saturday, October 23, 2021, at her home in Wayland. Visitation will be Thursday, October 28, 2021, at Bethel Church from 2:00-7:00PM. Funeral Services will be 10:00am, Friday, October 29, 2021, at the WACO High School gymnasium. Memorials in the name of Jaicey A. Miller may be designated to the Washington Library or WACO School. The Beatty-Peterseim Funeral, Cremation Care and Monuments Services has been entrusted with caring for Jaicey and her family.

 

Jaicey was born July 2, 2004, the daughter of William “BJ” and Jana (Graber) Miller. She was a senior at WACO High School and was involved in choir, track, and student council, and was a manager for the basketball team. Jaicey was homecoming queen and a member of the National Honor Society.  She loved singing in the choir, playing the violin, reading, camping, hiking, playing Minecraft, legos, being with her siblings and any type of adventure. Jaicey was a kind soul who could be brutally honest. She dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized at the Bethel Church in 2016.  She had been working at the Washington Public Library since this past summer.

 

Survivors include her parents William “BJ” (Jana) Miller of Wayland; siblings, Walker Miller of Wayland, Whitney Miller of Washington, Delaney Miller and Kinzey Miller both of Cedar Rapids, boyfriend Collin Miller of Frytown, maternal grandparents Lynn and Ruth Graber of Kalona, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

 

 

Preceding Jaicey in death were her paternal grandparents, and her cousin Michael Miller.

October 25th – October 31st, 2021

By Theresa Rose · Monday, October 25th, 2021 at 6:00 am CDT
10/25/21
Loren Jacobs
10/26/21
Mary Loeschen
10/26/21
Nathan Peterman
10/26/21
Steve Heise
10/26/21
Gloria Bishop
10/27/21
Darren Waller
10/27/21
Ana Lair
10/27/21
Alicia Clouse
10/27/21
Rhett Zeglen - 21
10/28/21
Gary See
10/28/21
Rusty King
10/29/21
Thomas Ridinger
10/31/21
Ryan Duffie

Margaret Mae Anderson Neil

By Theresa Rose · Sunday, October 24th, 2021 at 11:40 pm CDT

Margaret Mae Anderson Neil, 87, of Mount Pleasant died Friday, October 22, 2021, at Arbor Court in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

Margaret was born May 19, 1934, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the daughter of W. Hervey and Beatrice (Leonard) Anderson.  She graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1952.  On September 20, 1953, Margaret was united in marriage to John W. Neil of Mount Union at the Lutheran Church in Ottumwa.  They made their home in the Mount Pleasant community, where Margaret made customized window dressings for J.C. Penney while working at the Mount Pleasant Savings and Loan; she worked for Peterson’s Implement, and was a manager at the Henry County Credit Union for 27 years.  Margaret was a member of the First Baptist Church for 29 years where she taught Sunday School and conducted women’s circle for many years.  Margaret was currently a member of the Calvary Baptist Church since 1993.  She served as secretary of the district Republican Women of Henry County for many years, and was a former Girl Scout Troop Leader.  She enjoyed quilted blankets for John, children and grandchildren and sewing many clothes including matching clothes for all the grandchildren.   For many years, Margaret enjoyed team bowling and was a member of the Iris Bowling Hall of Fame and had years of fun playing community slow-pitch softball and volleyball.   She enjoyed activities with her grandchildren and family events.

Margaret is survived by her husband, John; a son, David (Jane) Neil of New London, Iowa; a daughter, Patricia (Ron) Greer of Olive Branch, Mississippi; six grandchildren:  Lindsey Williams, Melanie (Lee) Forrester, John M (Rachel) Neil, Michael J (Lisa) Neil, Cara (Jake) Renfrow, and Kathrine Neil; 20 great grandchildren.  Two sisters, Gladys Roquet and Mabel Sammons of Ottumwa, Iowa.  She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister Irene Ryan.

Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Wednesday.  A memorial fund has been established for Hospice Compassus.  www.powellfuneralhomes.com

 

All State Music Honors

By Theresa Rose · Sunday, October 24th, 2021 at 1:53 pm CDT

Six Mount Pleasant High School students have received the highest individual honor a musician can receive by being named to participate in the 2021 Iowa High School Music Association All-State Festival. Selected to sing in the All-State Chorus are Andrew Rauenbuehler, Elle Ballard, Kade Welcher, Preston Smith and Johnny Mahavong.  Chosen to play violin in the All-State Orchestra is Ethan Sexauer. In addition, named as a first alternate for the All-State Band is Jolynn Keomanivong.

Auditions were conducted Saturday at six locations across the state including Washington High School. A total of 3,990 students auditioned for a spot in one of the three All-State ensembles. The 75th All-State Festival will be held November 18-20 in Ames and will conclude with a concert in Hilton Coliseum.