As spring advances, thistles are quickly becoming a bigger threat in pastures and fields — but there’s still time to act. Iowa State University Extension agronomists are urging landowners and farmers to manage thistle patches before they spread further.
“Once plants have bolted, cutting or mowing stems will reduce or perhaps prevent seed production,” said Meaghan Anderson, ISU Extension Field Agronomist.
Thistles not only choke out desirable forage but also reduce pasture productivity and can create long-term management headaches. The Extension recommends targeted strategies for control, including well-timed herbicide applications and consistent mowing practices.
Don’t wait until thistles go to seed — early intervention is key. Learn practical tips and proven methods for tackling these tough weeds by visiting the full Extension article here
Jackie LeRoy Mettler, 75, of New London, died Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in the Emergency Department of Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington. He was born June 20, 1949 to Theodore Frederick, Jr and Estella Ann Chewning Mettler. On January 26, 1971 he married Patricia Ann Hinshaw in Oquawka, Illinois. She died July 21, 2021.
He served in the Marines during Vietnam, then served in the Air Force. Jackie worked for “Gales” in Galesburg, then after moving to New London, he worked as a maintenance mechanic at Metromail until retiring. He and Patricia owned and operated J&P Diecast in New London. He was an avid race car fan and used to race at 34 Raceways. He was a huge fan of NASCAR and the Chicago Bears.
Survivors include his children Jacqueline (Casey) Mettler Drew and Shane (Mindy) Mettler both of New London; and Angie (Gary) Bell of San Tan Valley, Arizona; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his sister Linda Groves. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brothers Jeff and Ted; and granddaughter Valerie.
The family will greet friends from 10:00 am – noon Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Elliott Chapel, New London with military rites at 10:00 by The Henry County Honor Guard. A reception will immediately follow at the New London VFW Post #7641. Inurnment of his cremains will be at a later date at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, rural Danville. A memorial has been established for Southeast Iowa Renal Dialysis. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Ronald Ervin Miller, 78, of New London, died Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House, West Burlington. He was born January 17, 1947 in Maynard, Iowa to Howard T. and Elsie Henrietta Fischer Miller. On June 19, 1966 he married Nancy Wanda Riepe in New London. She died August 19, 2023.
Ron was a 1965 graduate of New London High School, then graduated from Southeastern Community College and Iowa State University. He taught and coached at New London High School for ten years. Then he began farming and working with Riepe Electric alongside his father-in-law, Wally Riepe, while also doing contracting work with Kirby Moon. Ron loved his cattle; going to Canada on fishing trips; and supporting his children and grandchildren in all their sports and activities. Through the years, he served on the New London School Board, New London Utility Board, the Prairie Ag Coop Board, and was a member of the Ruritans. He was a member of the Trinity Cemetery Board and Black and Gold Backers. He especially enjoyed attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans with his brother, Evan.
Ron is survived by his daughters, Lena (Michael) Jones of New London and Rachel (Jason) Huegel of Ankeny; four grandchildren, Tate and Morgan Jones and Ev and Jayden Huegel; sisters Susan (Jerry) Prottsman and Cynde (Bob) Lemley both of New London; brother Evan (Ellen) Miller of Valdosta, Georgia; sister-in-law Carol (Don) Miller of Washington, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
A funeral service for Mr. Miller will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, May 9, 2025 at Elliott Chapel, New London with burial following at Trinity Cemetery, rural Mt. Union. Visitation will begin at noon on Thursday, May 8, at Elliott Chapel with the family greeting friends from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. A memorial has been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Steven D. Swailes, 64, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Mayo Clinics and Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, with his wife and children by his side.
Steven was born on September 25, 1960, in Mount Pleasant the son of Roger D. and Rama (Giberson) Swailes.Steven was united in marriage to Judy Kobs on June 4, 1983, in Mount Pleasant.He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, hiking and just exploring the outdoors.Even in his early childhood years, Steven was a part of Swailes Auto in Mount Pleasant until his health prevented him from being there.He enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes. Most of all, the special part of his life was spending time with his family.
Those thankful in sharing in his life include his wife, Judy of 42 years, and their children, Steven Tyler Swailes and Katie (Tristan) Harder, his mother, Rama (Richard) Dorothy,his brother, Charles D. (Carol) Swailes, and his brother, Andrew W. Swailes, and his sister, Susan (Jerry) Kron, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roger Swailes and his grandparents.
Friends may call on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant.The family will not be present.Memorials may be directed to the family.Private graveside services will be held and burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery in Mount Pleasant.
Donald Milton Riley, 83, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, April 28, 2025 at New London Specialty Care in New London.
Don was born August 12, 1941 in Mt. Pleasant. He was the son of Fain Milton and Cleola Grace (Wilson) Riley. Fain died while Don was an infant. He was raised by his mom, and Paul David Riley, Cleola’s second husband and the man whom Don called his dad. Don attended school in Mt. Pleasant. In February of 1964 in Mt. Pleasant, Don was united in marriage to Marjorie Lee Hill. The couple later divorced. On May 23, 1975 in Kahoka, MO, Don was united in marriage to Donna Jo Myers. Donna preceded Don in death.
For nearly all of his working career, Don was a farm implement small engine mechanic. He worked on a variety of small engines, primarily lawn mower engines. He was a longtime employee of Bill Hasenfritz’s Implement and later T.H.E. Company. For a few years, Don was a partner with Faylon Palmer in Don & Fay’s Lawn Mower Care.
Lawn mowers occupied not only much of Don’s working career, but his pastime as well, as Don loved to mow lawns. When not mowing, Don could be found watching NASCAR races, cheering for his favorite driver, Dale Ernhart, Sr. Don was also known to enjoy watching the W.W.E. as well. Don was a previous member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, and the ATV Club, where he was often called upon to be the flagger for the ATV races.
Those thankful for sharing in Don’s life include his children – Todd Riley and his wife April, Machelle Kemp and her husband Steve and Kristina Riley, all of Mt. Pleasant; his sister – Karen Hummell and her husband Kenny of Mt. Pleasant; 15 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren (with 1 great grandchild on the way) and 1 great great grandchild; 3 nieces and 1 nephew.
His parents, wife Donna, brother Leroy Riley and infant sister Joyce Ann Riley precede Don in death.
A Celebration of Life for Don will be held from 5-8 PM on Thursday, May 8, at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant.
Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com
The Danville City Council will meet in regular session on Monday, May 5th in the Danville City Hall. The call to order is at 5pm. This meeting is open to the public.
A Preserve Oakland Mills/Save the Bridge planning meeting is scheduled for 6pm on Wednesday, May 7th. Anyone interested in this project is invited to attend. The meeting will be held at the new LuLu’s Landing, 1529 253rd St, Mt Pleasant.
The WACO music departments has Spring Concerts Scheduled! On Tuesday, May 6th, the Orchestra will perform at 6:30pm in the WACO high school gym and on Wednesday, May 7th, enjoy the WACO Band and Choir performances also scheduled for 6:30pm.
The Henry County Fair will feature a Poultry, Calf, Sheep, and Goat Costume Contest on Wednesday, July 16th during the fair. Entry forms must be submitted to the Fairboard office by 9am that day. Prizes will be awarded for overall champ, most creative, most humorous and best team costume. The Henry County Fair Dates are July 13-21 and for more information, contact the Henry County Fair Board.
Donald M. Riley