Marvin C. Crull

Marvin Cecil Crull, 88, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away with his family at his side on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Park Place Elder Living in Mt. Pleasant.

Marvin was born February 1, 1937 in Fredonia, IA. He was the son of George Jacob and Pearl Marie (Bergen) Crull. He started school in Fredonia and graduated from Columbus Community High School in 1955. Marvin served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1955 to 1962. On March 14, 1965 at the Methodist Church in Columbus City, Marvin was united in marriage to Lotty Lee Smith.

Marvin was an Engineer Tech 3 for the Iowa Department of Transportation. He was responsible for the inspection and engineering of roads and bridges. A Registered Land Surveyor, Marvin did private land surveying. He also taught surveying for the State of Iowa.

Marvin was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mt. Pleasant. He was a member and Past Master of Columbus City Lodge #107 AF & AM and a Past Worthy Patron of the Columbus City Eastern Star Chapter. Marvin served 2 terms on the Midwest Old Threshers Board of Directors from 2001-2006.

Those thankful for sharing in Marvin’s life include his wife of 60 years, Lotty of Mt. Pleasant; 2 sons and their wives – Mark & Jana Crull and Matt & Jennifer Crull, all of Mt. Pleasant; a brother – Roger Crull of South Carolina and 7 grandchildren – Emma & Elizabeth Crull, Makenzie (Trandon) Ailey, Madysinn (Caleb) Kingery, Kaitlyn (Tom) Wood, Aaron (Abby) Kelly and Payton (Taylor) Kelly, 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marvin is preceded in death by his parents, a sister Alice Marie Starr,  a brother Jackie Allen Crull, a half brother and his wife who raised Marvin after his father died – Guy & Mildred Crull, a half nephew whom Marvin was raised with and considered a brother – Fay Crull, and a half sister – Esther Altenbrand. Marvin is also preceded in death in infancy by a half brother – Glen Crull and a sister in infancy.

Friends may call from 12 Noon to 8 PM on Friday, September 5 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 5 to 7 on Friday. A funeral service for Marvin will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 6 at the Kimzey Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, with military honors conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to Midwest Central Railroad or Every Step Hospice, both of Mt. Pleasant, or the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Mark Twain Casino to Host 7th Annual Car Show September 20

LaGrange, MO – Mark Twain Casino is excited to announce its 7th Annual Car Show on Saturday, September 20 from 12 PM to 4 PM. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

Guests will enjoy an afternoon filled with entertainment, great food, and community fun. Live music will be performed by The Mugshot Bandits, and the Heartland BBQ Society will host a delicious BBQ contest. In addition, Mark Twain Casino will be serving up mouthwatering BBQ favorites, and a variety of local vendors will be set up throughout the event.

There is still time to register your vehicle! Register today at: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/e531aa9a51a840588e55e70521d1908f

“Our annual car show has become a tradition that brings the community together for a day of music, food, and cars of all generations,” said Ryan Lounsbury, General Manager of Mark Twain Casino. “We’re thrilled to once again host this event and look forward to seeing everyone come out to enjoy it.”

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 12 PM – 4 PM
Location: Mark Twain Casino, LaGrange, MO
Live Music: The Mugshot Bandits
BBQ Contest: Heartland BBQ Society

For more information, visit www.marktwaincasino.com.

Grow Another Row and Share with Others: Fresh Produce Donations in Henry County

Henry County residents are encouraged to “Grow Another Row” this season, sharing the bounty of their gardens with neighbors in need. Through the Grow Another Row and Share with Others campaign, community members can donate fresh produce to local food pantries, libraries, and community centers, ensuring everyone has access to healthy fruits and vegetables.

Donations can be made at multiple sites across the county, including:

Mount Pleasant

  • Community Action Food Pantry, 1303 W. Washington St.

  • Mt. Pleasant Public Library, 307 E. Monroe St.

  • The Fellowship Cup Food Pantry, 203 N. Jefferson St.

New London

  • HJ Nugen Public Library, 103 E. Main St.

  • Tiger Food Pantry, 106 W. Wilson St.

Salem

  • Salem Community Center, 201 S. Main St.

Wayland/Crawfordsville

  • WACO Community Food Pantry, 105 N. Chestnut St., Crawfordsville

  • Wayland City Hall, 218 W. Main St.

  • Wayland Food Pantry at Wayland Mennonite Church, 104 W. 2nd St.

Winfield

  • MOPS-Winfield Food Pantry, 2023 Summer only, 107 E. Elm St.

  • Winfield City Hall, 115 N. Locust St.

Healthy Henry County Communities reminds gardeners that even small donations make a difference. Whether you have extra cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, or other garden goods, your contributions help put nutritious food on the tables of families throughout the area.

“Reminders: When donating fresh produce, call ahead for hours and drop-off guidance,” the campaign notes. “If you can’t wash or bag the produce, please place it in a cardboard box and be sure to include your name.”

By participating in this initiative, Henry County residents can help neighbors in need while reducing food waste and fostering a stronger, healthier community.

For more information, visit HealthyHenryCounty.org

Gift Shop at Great River Health Centers Announce Spetembers First Thursday Sales

The Great River Health Gift Shops at the West Burlington, Fort Madison, and Mount Pleasant campus’ invite the community to take advantage of special savings during its First Thursday sales this fall.

On Thursday, September 4, shoppers will enjoy 10% off game day clothing, a timely promotion as local fans gear up for football season. The following month, on Thursday, October 2, the shop will feature 20% off fall décor, perfect for bringing a touch of the season into homes.

The First Thursday series is designed to give visitors a reason to stop in and see the wide selection of items available at the gift shop, all while saving on featured merchandise.

The gift shop offers clothing, home décor, seasonal items, and gifts for all occasions.

Larry Graber Honored with Volunteer Service Award at Old Threshers

Larry Graber has been recognized for his dedication to the Dexter cattle breed and the Midwest Old Threshers community. On August 30, 2025, Graber was presented with the Volunteer Service Award, highlighting his years of hard work and commitment to the preservation and promotion of Dexter cattle.

The award commends Graber’s efforts in raising awareness of the breed across the Midwest, noting his contributions through more than 100 registrations in the Glockenhof Herd. His volunteerism has played a significant role in both strengthening the Dexter community and supporting Old Threshers events.

“The entire Dexter community appreciates you and your contributions,” the award reads, underscoring Graber’s impact on livestock enthusiasts and agricultural heritage efforts.

Old Threshers officials said the recognition reflects not only Graber’s devotion to the Dexter breed but also his spirit of volunteerism, which has long been central to the reunion’s success.

Great River Health Encourages Community to Support Hospice House with Simple Gifts

Great River Health is reminding the community that Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House depends on acts of generosity to maintain a true home for patients and their families during life’s most difficult moments.

The Hospice House has released an updated wish list that makes giving back easier than ever. Supporters can now purchase and send essential comfort items directly from home. Items such as sheet sets, mini deodorants, and mini lotions may seem small, but they provide immense comfort and dignity to patients in their final days.

“These donations help us continue our mission of providing care, compassion, and comfort to patients and families,” a spokesperson said. “Each item ensures our patients feel loved and cared for.”

Community members are encouraged to browse the wish list and choose a gift that will directly support Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House. By doing so, donors not only provide much-needed supplies but also share a message of compassion with those nearing the end of life. wish list

Mount Pleasant to Celebrate Birthday of Dr. James Van Allen

The community is invited to gather in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, September 6, 2025, for a special celebration honoring one of the city’s most famous natives—world-renowned physicist Dr. James Van Allen.

Born in Mount Pleasant on September 7, 1914, Van Allen was educated in local schools before embarking on a groundbreaking career in physics. He is best known for discovering the Van Allen radiation belts, a scientific achievement that helped make America’s space program possible.

The celebration will take place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the corner of West Madison and North Van Buren in Mount Pleasant. The afternoon will include hands-on activities for all ages:

  • 1:00 p.m. – Help make homemade ice cream.
  • 2:00 p.m. – Enjoy cake and ice cream.
  • Following refreshments – Science activities and games for kids, led by Susan Loescher and Rosemary Peck.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the Van Allen House and the Heritage Center Museum. The event is free, though donations are appreciated. Organizers encourage guests to bring lawn chairs, and note that children should be accompanied by an adult.

For questions, call (319) 217-6042.

Sports, September 2nd

High School Cross Country Rankings

The Iowa Association of Track Coaches released their second team and individual rankings of the season and eight of our local teams found a spot on the team rankings.

In Class 3A, the Fort Madison and Washington girls’ teams have produced a heated conference rivalry for the past couple of seasons and this year will be no different with the Bloodhounds ranked 11th and the Demons back at 18th. Helping pace Fort Madison is Avery Rump, the 15th best runner in the class, who took 7th at the Prairie Invite over the weekend. 

On the boys’ side for Class 3A, Washington’s Andrew Rees is ranked 14th for the Demons.

The Mediapolis boys’ team, aided with the return of three state qualifying runners, kept the Bulldogs ranked at 13th as they run for the first time this season tonight.

The boys’ division of Class 1A will be highly competitive amongst our local teams as three teams are ranked within the top 20: Van Buren County leads the charge at #7, Columbus is not too far behind at #9, while WACO enters the regular season at 19th. 

Van Buren County won their first meet of the season at Albia, outpacing Knoxville by seven points, as #6 Lincoln Bainbridge grabbed the silver medal with a time of 16 minutes and 25 seconds. 

On the girls’ side for Class 1A, Danville’s 4th place finish at the Trojan Early Bird meet placed the Bears at #10 on the rankings with Van Buren County’s 2nd place team finish at Albia having the Warriors parked right behind at #11. Alaina Gourley’s sub-20 minute time at the Early Bird meet for Danville and subsequent gold medal has her ranked 4th individually, while Kayley Snowgren leads the Warriors with a 27th-rank individually.

High School Cross Country

Danville will compete at the Williamsburg Invitational tonight along with Mt. Pleasant and Mediapolis. 

Central Lee will join Notre Dame/West Burlington and Holy Trinity Catholic at the Keokuk Invite on Thursday, September 4th.

Van Buren County, Mediapolis, Fairfield, and New London will head to the Wildwood Meet on Thursday.

High School Volleyball

Mt. Pleasant will open conference play tonight on the road against Washington at 7:15 pm.

Fairfield will host Fort Madison tonight at 7:15 pm.

The Arrow Tournament will take place at Wapello High School tonight with Burlington Notre Dame, Central Lee, Columbus, Holy Trinity Catholic, and Mediapolis participating. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Louisa-Muscatine tonight at 7:30 pm. 

WACO will host a quad on Thursday, September 4th, with Fairfield and New London making the trip. 

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant will travel to take on Knoxville on Friday, September 5th, at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm. 

Mediapolis will attempt to bounce back on Friday against Keokuk at home at 7 pm.

WACO will have an early season rivalry matchup against Winfield-Mt. Union on Friday at 7 pm on the road. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame will look to start the season 2-0 when they travel to Fort Madison on Friday at 7:30 pm.

Danville will face off against Louisa-Muscatine on Friday at 7 pm at home. 

Columbus will take on Van Buren County on Friday at 7 pm on the road.

Wapello will host Highland on Friday at 7 pm. 

Central Lee will clash with Albia on Friday at 7 pm at home. 

New London will travel to Pekin on Friday at 7 pm.

Fairfield will face off against Centerville on Friday at 7:30 pm at home.

High School Girls’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will square off against Burlington at home tonight.

Fairfield will take on Mt. Pleasant on Thursday, September 4th, at home. 

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will host Iowa Lakes Community College at 7 pm tomorrow, September 3rd. 

The women’s soccer team will stay on the road to take on Lincoln Land Community College on Thursday, September 4th.

The men’s soccer team will host Illinois Central College on Saturday, September 6th.

College Football

The Cy-Hawk game is scheduled for Saturday, September 6th, at 11 am. For the Cyclone broadcast, tune in to KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130, while KILJ 105.5 FM will have the Hawkeye broadcast.  

This Day in Sports History

1962 – St. Louis first baseman Stan Musial records his 3,516th hit in a Cards’ 4-3 loss vs the New York Mets; overtakes Tris Speaker into 2nd place behind Ty Cobb on the MLB all-time list.

1966 – Joe Auer returns the opening kickoff 95 yards for a Miami touchdown in the Dolphins’ first ever NFL regular-season game; Oakland Raiders go on to win 23-14 at the Orange Bowl before 26,776 fans.

1987 – Houston outfielder Kevin Bass becomes the first NL player to clobber switch-hit home runs in a game twice in one season in an Astros 10-1 win vs the Cubs.