Sports, May 11th

High School Track and Field

Danville, New London, WACO, Wapello, Van Buren County, and Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Sigourney for the Class 1A Region 10 State Qualifying meet on Thursday, May 14th.

West Burlington/Notre Dame, Mediapolis, Columbus, and Central Lee will contend at Tipton for the Class 2A Region 7 State Qualifying meet on Thursday.

Mt. Pleasant will host the Class 3A Region 5 State Qualifying meet on Thursday with Fairfield and Washington making the trip. 

High School Soccer

The Mt. Pleasant and Danville boys’ teams participated in the Big Red Classic over the weekend and both teams finished the weekend 1-1. The Panthers walloped the hosts 11-0 but were unable to keep up with West Central Valley’s offense, losing 5-2. The Bears faced a similar story, losing to West Central Valley, 8-0, but defeating Centerville, 2-1. 

Mt. Pleasant will square off against Burlington tonight with the girls’ team hosting the #14 Grayhounds at 4:30 pm and the boys’ team traveling for a 5 pm start time.

Burlington Notre Dame walked away with the weekend sweep as the girls’ team lapped Wapello, 10-3, and the boys’ team shutout Williamsburg, 2-0. Daisy Hazell netted five goals with Avery Jefferies finishing with a hat trick for the Nikes in the girls’ game, while Kallie Kemper notched an assist and a goal for the Arrows. In the boys’ game, Jordan Edgington scored both goals for the Nikes. 

Burlington Notre Dame will host Mediapolis tomorrow, May 12th, with the girls’ teams leading off the night at 5 pm.

Wapello will play tomorrow with the girls’ team hitting the road to face off against Cedar Valley Christian and the boys’ team staying at home to take on Highland with both games kicking off at 5 pm.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will travel to Hillcrest Academy tonight at 5 pm. 

Washington will take on Keokuk tonight with the boys’ team at home and the girls’ team hitting the road with kickoff at 5 pm.

Fairfield will face off against Fort Madison tonight with the boys playing at 4:30 pm at home, while the girls will travel for a 5 pm start time. 

Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union will celebrate senior night tonight with the girls’ team leading off the night at 5 pm against Centerville.

Central Lee will compete at home tomorrow with the girls’ team playing Canton at 5 pm and the boys’ game to follow at 7 pm against Hillcrest Academy.

The WACO boys’ team will travel to Columbus tomorrow at 5 pm.

High School Golf

The Central Lee boys’ team hosted a tournament over the weekend and demolished the competition, turning in a team score of 297, which was 33 strokes better than second place Fort Madison.

The Hawks touted six of the top seven spots in the individual standings as Hayden Welch carded a course-leading 71, followed by Caleb Larson and Kaden Swan, who each scored a 75. Holy Trinity Catholic claimed 3rd place with a team score of 338. Brock Scheetz rounded out the top 10 with a round of 80. Zane Houtz finished right behind his teammate with an 81. 

The Southeast Iowa Super Conference girls’ teams will compete in their conference meet today.

The Fairfield girls’ team will participate in the Centerville Triangular today.

The Mt. Pleasant and Washington boys’ teams will gear up for their Class 3A Sectional Qualifier in Fairfield on Wednesday, May 13th.

The girls’ Southeast Conference tournament is slated for Wednesday in Washington.

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will host the Class 1A Sectional qualifier for Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, New London, WACO, and Wapello on Wednesday.

The Mediapolis, Central Lee, and Columbus boys’ teams will meet in Tipton for the Class 2A Sectional Qualifier on Wednesday.

High School Boys’ Tennis

Fairfield will host the Class 1A District 4 Singles and Doubles competition on Saturday, May 16th, with Mt. Pleasant making the trip.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team had to deal with heartbreak yesterday after falling to Iowa Central Community College twice in the Region 11 championship series, including an 8-7 thriller in game two. The weekend started with the Blackhawks taking down Iowa Central 5-4 to advance to the championship bout, as Kam Francois smacked a home run in the win.

The Tritons worked their way back through the consolation bracket and took down the Blackhawks 17-4 in game one of the championship series to force game two. Nile Sinn had a home run and three RBIs in game one and Efrain Osorio clobbered two home runs and snatched five RBIs in game two.

The softball team was swept by Iowa Western Community College yesterday, 4-2 in game one and 6-5 in game two, for the Region 11 championship. Araceli Rivas posted nine strikeouts in game one, while Logan Kelly clouted a solo home run in game two.

College Baseball

The Iowa baseball team was swept by #25 Nebraska, losing 15-11 and 8-6 over the weekend slate. Kooper Schulte blasted two home runs yesterday and totaled three RBIs between the two games. The Hawkeyes will finish the regular season with a three-game series against Purdue starting on Thursday, May 14th, at 6:35 pm from Principal Park in Des Moines.

This Day in Sports History

1897 – Washington Senator catcher Charlie Farrell throws out eight attempted steals, the most all-time.

1919 – Washington Senators future Baseball Hall of Fame ace Walter Johnson pitches 12 scoreless innings in a famous 0-0 duel with Jack Quinn of the New York Yankees at the Polo Grounds.

1977 – Ted Turner manages an Atlanta Braves game.

Mary Helen Leathers

Mary Helen Leathers, 100, of Fairfield, IA passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the Parkview Care Center in Fairfield, IA.  Funeral services honoring her life will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church in Fairfield, IA with Pastor Al Coffin officiating.  A private family burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield immediately following.  Visitation will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield beginning at 2:00 p.m. with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  Memorial contributions in Mary Helen’s honor may be directed to the First United Methodist Church in Fairfield or to the Maasdam Barns.  Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Mary Helen Leathers was born to Glenn and June (Snider) Gorman on March 27, 1926, at their rural Batavia farmhouse. She attended Des Moines Township Country School #1 and graduated from Batavia High School in 1943. She was in 4-H and showed livestock in Chautauqua Park. She also played 6-on-6 basketball until coaches were drafted in 1943.

On August 1, 1943, she married Ralph R Leathers in Kahoka, MO. In the summer of 1944, she attended Parsons College and taught at a rural school for 4 years. They then had their 2 daughters, Linda and Barbara. Mary Helen was a 4-H leader when her daughters were members. She enjoyed helping the girls through various school and 4-H projects. She also subbed at different rural schools later.

Ralph and Mary Helen custom-baled and milked cows. She also worked in the office at the Fairfield livestock auction sale barn on Wednesday sale days for nearly 20 years. She was taught a strong work ethic. She never did social media; she always wanted to hear people’s voices. She loved to meet people and make new friends. She had coffee each week with her circle of friends, and they exchanged news of family, events, etc. She enjoyed her family, friends, traveling, dancing at Polishville, and crossword puzzles. She enjoyed living on a farm, caring for plants, working in the field, and caring for the animals. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Moose Lodge in Mt. Pleasant, and First National Bank Heritage Club Questers.

As each of Ralph and Mary Helen’s grandchildren turned 8, they would take them to a day of fun at the Iowa State Fair. They made that trip multiple times. A few years ago, her grandson James Wahl called and asked if she wanted to go to the fair, and of course, she wanted to go and had a fun-filled day full of memories.

Mary Helen recently celebrated her 100th birthday with over 150 of her friends and family. All of her immediate family was in attendance, along with some of her relatives from out of town.

She was so grateful to have made it to 100 and that she outlived the Queen of England. She was also very proud that she was able to live in her home and still drive at the age of 100.

Mary Helen is survived by her daughter, Linda Wahl of Jefferson City, MO, 5 grandchildren: James (Shay) Wahl of Freeburg, MO, Stacie (Jerry) Hootman of Fairfield, IA, Jesse Fry of Fairfield, IA, Cassie (Levi) Miller of Lake Ozark, MO, and Lindsay (Marcus) McComas of Henderson, NV. 10 great-grandchildren Christian (Delaney) Wahl of Columbia, MO, Nicholas Wahl of Columbia, MO, Alexandra Wahl (Troy Anderson) of Holts Summit, MO, Alicia Hootman of Fairfield, IA, Elizabeth Hootman of Fairfield, IA, Vanessa Miller of Lake of the Ozark, MO, Benjamin Miller of Lake of the Ozark, MO, Dominic Steen of Henderson, NV, Laila Steen Henderson, NV, Mason McComas of Henderson, NV, Elise Shoemaker of Longmont, CO. 3 Great-Great Grandchildren Nora McCreedy of Fairfield, IA, Charlotte Hootman of Fairfield, IA, and Theodore Wahl of Columbia, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and June Gorman, her husband, Ralph, a brother Charles, and sister-in-law Claire, stillborn twins, a daughter, Barbara, and two former sons-in-law, Randy Fry and Douglas Wahl.

K9 Koda to Visit Central Lee Tomorrow

A special visit is planned Tuesday morning at Central Lee Community School District as the Lee County Sheriff’s Office introduces K9 Koda to students, staff, and the family of Kodi Moeller.

The ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. at Central Lee High School and marks a meaningful moment for the school community. K9 Koda shares a personal connection with Central Lee, as students helped choose the dog’s name in honor and memory of Kodi Moeller.

The event will officially introduce K9 Koda to the students and staff who played a role in selecting the name, while also recognizing the lasting impact Kodi Moeller continues to have on the Central Lee community.

The sheriff’s office says the visit is intended to celebrate that connection and provide an opportunity for students, school staff, law enforcement, and the Moeller family to come together for the special occasion.

Sheila Kiesey

Sheila Kiesey passed away on January 29, 2026, at her apartment in Loveland, Colorado, following a heart attack. She is now at peace, having gone home to be with her Lord and Savior.

Sheila was born on April 7, 1949, and grew up on a farm in Greenfield, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Kathryn Madison. There, she learned the values of hard work, hospitality, and caring for others. She later moved to Des Moines working for Iowa Lutheran Hospital in dialysis, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, before settling in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. There, she built a long and meaningful career in healthcare, serving as Director of Southeast Renal Dialysis and managing multiple dialysis units, where she was respected for both her leadership and compassion for patients. She was a member of the National Kidney Foundation.

Sheila married Edward Kiesey, owner of Home Furniture, and together they raised their son, Joel. Their home was filled with activity and warmth during weekends spent with Jason and Joshua, whom Sheila welcomed wholeheartedly as part of her family.

Sheila was known for her constant smile, outgoing personality, and deep love of people. She thrived on connection and made a point to stay in regular contact with friends and loved ones through phone calls, visits, and gatherings. She was rarely idle, always involved—whether through PEO, where she was initiated into Original A, her church, or other community organizations—and she found genuine joy in socializing and building relationships.

Her faith was central to her life. Sheila was deeply Christian and devoted significant time to teaching Sunday school, a role she valued greatly and approached with care, joy, and purpose. Her belief guided her actions, shaped her optimism, and was evident in the way she loved and served others.

Hospitality was one of Sheila’s greatest gifts. She was especially remembered for her extraordinary cooking, from family holiday meals to everyday gatherings, and for her famous snickerdoodles, lovingly baked for Boy Scouts and community events. Her home was a place where people felt welcomed, well-fed, and cared for.

Above all, Sheila cherished her roles as a mother, grandmother, and friend. She adored her grandchildren JudahTeddyKlara, and Kenton, and was immensely proud of each of them.

Sheila is survived by her son Joel Kiesey, his wife Jennifer Kiesey, and her beloved grandchildren Judah Kiesey and Teddy Kiesey; step-sons Jason Kiesey and Joshua Kiesey; step-grandchildren Klara Kiesey and Kenton Kiesey; her brother Dan Madison and sister-in-law Chris Madison; nieces Amy Bossard (husband Craig Bossard) and JoAnna Gustafson; and great-nephews Jacob GustafsonGarret GustafsonCy Bossard, and Maverick Bossard.

Sheila will be remembered for her ever-present smile, her positive outlook on life, her unwavering faith, and her love of people—always staying connected, always opening her home, and always caring for others through service, conversation, and a good meal.

A memorial service for Sheila will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. Father Ross Epping of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church will officiate. Burial will be May 17 in the Greenfield Cemetery, Greenfield, IA. The family will greet friends at a luncheon immediately following her memorial service at the Mt. Pleasant Masonic Temple, 206 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant.

 

Breon Anthony Crawford

Breon Anthony Crawford, 37, died Wednesday, May 6, 2026 in the Emergency Room of the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Breon was born July 15, 1988 in Springfield, Ohio. He was the son of Troy Morris and Beth Day.

Breon graduated from High School in Ohio and attended college. For several years, Breon was engaged in restaurant management in the fast-food industry. He was given the gift of extended life as the recipient of a kidney transplant when his own kidneys began to fail. Breon’s complications with his transplant and Lupus forced him to take an early retirement from his career in the restaurant industry.

Those thankful for sharing in Breon’s life include his life partner and soulmate, Ashely Marie Keever of Mt. Pleasant; his 3 children whom he adored – Jade Crawford, Ava Crawford and Lyle Anthony Crawford, all at home in Mt. Pleasant; his mother, Beth of Ohio and siblings Karon Bryant, Keysha Bryant and Brittney Crawford, all of Ohio.

Per Breon’s request, cremation rites have been accorded, and no formal funeral service will be held. A Celebration of Breon’s life will be held at a later date.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to Breon’s family for his children’s education.

The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, is caring for Breon and his family.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

 

Dolores M. Beaber – PENDING

Dolores M. Beaber, 76, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, May 10, 2026 at Park Place in Mt. Pleasant.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

May 11, 2026 – May 17, 2026

05/11/26
Mike Hampton
05/11/26
Jill Kilbourne
05/11/26
Demi Dawson
05/12/26
Luis Rosell
05/14/26
Martha Ridenour
05/15/26
Jesse Howard
05/16/26
Ryan Lauer
05/16/26
Andrea Hudson
05/16/26
Jan Towne
05/17/26
Weslie Shaffer