Orien Lowenberg

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at 11:20 am CDT

Orien Lowenberg, 102, of River Valley Place in Fort Madison, formerly of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 4:27 a.m. Monday, January 12, 2026, at River Valley Place.

She was born on April 25, 1923, in Donnellson, Iowa, the daughter of Hugo and Matilda (Krebill) Lowenberg.

After graduating from Donnellson High School in 1941, she was the office assistant in Lee County Farm Bureau and Extension Office in Donnellson. When the office divided in 1955, she remained with the Extension Service. She especially enjoyed her work with 4-H and becoming an honorary 4-H member. After moving to Miami in 1959, where she lived for eighteen years, she first worked for Fidelity Bankers Life Insurance for four years and then as office manager at the Florida Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center for Crippled Children and Adults. Orien loved to travel and visited all forty-eight states plus Alaska, the Canadian Provinces, Mexico and the Bahamas.

She was a life-long member of Zion Mennonite Church in Donnellson, where she had been a Sunday School teacher and served on various committees.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters: Maurine (Milton) Krebill and Iola (Victor) Spohnheimer; brother: Don (Florence) Lowenberg and twin sisters in infancy.

Survivors include a nephew and nieces, as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews who all treasured Orien as a bonus grandmother

Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Zion Mennonite Church with Pastor Rachelle Luitjens officiating.

Burial will be at a later date at Zion Mennonite Cemetery, Donnellson.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Zion Mennonite church cemetery, as Orien requested and can be mailed to the family at: Schmitz Funeral Home, P.O. Box 56, Donnellson, Iowa 52625.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Learn to Grow Native Plants from Seed Saturday with the Des Moines County Master Gardeners Free Program

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at 10:49 am CDT

Are you interested in adding native plants to your garden while saving money?

Learn to grow your own native plants from seeds. Winter is the time to start!

Join the Des Moines County Master Gardeners on Saturday, January 17, 2026, as they introduce Dan Sears, a volunteer board member for the Iowa Prairie Network. Dan will share his knowledge of how to start and grow your own native plants at home. He will bring free samples of beginner-friendly native plant seeds to share and help you bring nature home.

This free program will begin at 10 am on Saturday at the Burlington Public Library and is open to the public of all ages. No registration is required.

Great River Health Announces 2026 Scholarship Opportunities for Future Healthcare Professionals

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at 9:56 am CDT

Great River Health is now accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship programs, offering financial support to students pursuing careers in healthcare. These scholarships reflect Great River Health’s continued commitment to investing in education and strengthening the future healthcare workforce across Southeast Iowa.

Administered with the support of the SEIRMC Auxiliary and community partners, the scholarships are available to high school seniors, college students, and nontraditional learners who are preparing for healthcare careers.

“Our Auxiliary is proud to support students who are passionate about caring for others and serving their communities,” said Monika Coursey, Board President of the SEIRMC Auxiliary. “These scholarships are one way we help remove financial barriers and encourage the next generation of healthcare professionals to pursue their goals.”

2026 Scholarship Opportunities and Deadlines

• Auxiliary High School Scholarship: Available to high school seniors living in Great River Health’s service area who plan to pursue a healthcare career. Application deadline: March 1, 2026

• Auxiliary Continuing Education Scholarship: Open to students who have completed at least one year of college and are majoring in a healthcare-related field. Application deadline: March 1, 2026

• Kathleen Canella Family Scholarship: Offered to seniors and recent graduates of Fort Madison High School, Central Lee High School, Holy Trinity High School, or Keokuk High School who are pursuing healthcare education (excluding medical school). Nontraditional students are also encouraged to apply. Application deadline: April 1, 2026

In addition to scholarships, Great River Health offers student career development opportunities, including job shadowing and healthcare career workshops, providing hands-on exposure to healthcare professions and pathways.

Learn more and apply at greatriverhealth.org/careers/student-opportunities

Fairfield Mourns Loss of Police Chief David Thomas; No Foul Play Suspected

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at 9:31 am CDT

The City of Fairfield regretfully announced the unexpected passing of Fairfield Police Chief David Thomas on Tuesday, 1.14.26. The City is working with State and local partners to ensure the transition of leadership and public safety services.

The Division of Criminal Investigation and the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating the facts and circumstances. Currently, there is no foul play suspected, and there is no threat to the public.

In a statement from the Fairfield Police Department, the department shared, “We ask for respect and privacy as the city navigates the loss of a colleague and friend.”

No additional information will be released at this time.

Notice of Intended Action from MPCSD Board of Education on Board Policy Series 500

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at 9:17 am CDT

On Monday, January 12, 2026 the Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Directors unanimously approved the first reading of School Board Policy Series 500. They plan to take action on the updated policies at their next regular board meeting. You can view the Board Policy Series 500 here. Written comments may be sent to Superintendent John Henriksen, 1515 East Monroe Street, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 52641.

Pauline Mae Wyse

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at 6:54 am CDT

Pauline Mae Wyse, 95 of Wayland, died Monday, January 12, 2026, at Parkview Home in Wayland.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Sugar Creek Mennonite Church, with Pastor Pam Unruh officiating. Burial will be at the Sugar Creek Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Sugar Creek Mennonite Church. Beatty Funeral Home in Wayland is assisting with arrangements. A memorial has been established to Sugar Creek Cemetery and Crooked Creek Christian Camp.

Pauline was born May 09, 1930, in Wayland, Iowa, the daughter of Elon M. Boshart and Eldora M. (Wyse) Boshart in rural Henry County. She was baptized on October 17, 1943, at Sugar Creek Church. She was a faithful member until death. She graduated from Wayland High School in 1948 and attended the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, Iowa. She worked at Spahn & Rose until she married Eldon Wyse on October 29, 1950, near Wayland, Iowa. She helped Eldon on the farm, where they raised hogs, turkeys, planted corn and beans, and a few sheep here and there.

Pauline was a lifetime member of Sugar Creek Mennonite Church, where she taught Sunday School, was a youth group sponsor, and served with Eldon for 21 years as CROP representative. After Pauline and Eldon retired, she stayed active with sewing and Mennonite Women. They enjoyed traveling and spending part of the winter in Phoenix.

Survivors include son Mike (Jeanie) Wyse, daughter Pam (Myron) Hoylman, Grandsons Nathan (Rebecca) Wyse, and Nicholas Wyse. Granddaughter, Jordyn Wyse. Sister –in –law Eldora Boshart, Nephew Mark (Linda) Boshart, niece Jan (Randy) Shelman, Great granddaughter Betty, and many nieces and nephews.

Pauline is preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, and Brother Don Boshart, and nephew, Gale Boshart.

Charles Edward Bird

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at 6:50 am CDT

Charles Edward Bird, 52, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026 at his home.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2026 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Douds. Memorials may be made to Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation.

Charles was born January 17, 1973 in Fairfield, the son of Charles Ernest Bird and Mary Cravens. He married Trudy Rusch. They later divorced.

Charles worked in lawn care and landscaping and as a bicycle mechanic. He enjoyed fishing, jamming out to his music, and spending time with people, having a good laugh and a smile. He loved his dog, patches.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Katherin Bird of Mt. Pleasant, Cassandra Bird of Columbus City, Iowa, Clayton Garrison of Fairfield, and Lucia Kuster; siblings, James Cravens, Emma (Ronnie) Welcher, Julie Garrison, Ronald Bird, Tammy Martinez, and Elsworth Cook.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marie Rambo; and brother-in-law, Brad Garrison.

Sports, January 14th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at 6:34 am CDT

High School Basketball

The New London girls’ team lost to Van Buren County last night, 58-17, as Megan Lee put up eight points for the Tigers; the boys’ team collected their second consecutive victory, defeating the Warriors 65-50.

New London will travel to Burlington Notre Dame on Friday, January 16th, with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

Van Buren County will host Mediapolis on Friday with tip-off at 6 pm for the night.

Burlington Notre Dame split their South showdown with Central Lee last night as the girls’ team fell to the Hawks 65-48, while the #3 Nike boys’ team extended their division lead with a 64-48 final.   

Central Lee will take on Danville on Friday with game one at 6 pm at home. 

Danville and Holy Trinity Catholic each collected lopsided victories last night with the Bears girls’ team clobbering the Crusaders 59-8 and the Holy Trinity Catholic boys’ team trouncing Danville 74-30. Alaina Gourley cashed in for 26 points in the girls’ game, while Layne Rung tabbed 33 points in the boys’ game. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will make the trip to West Burlington on Friday with the night beginning at 6 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union split the night with Lone Tree with the girls’ team losing a physical contest 57-24 and the boys’ team winning a gritty 44-36 final. Madisen Kellogg scored nine points for the Wolves. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will square off against Hillcrest Academy on Friday with the night starting at 6 pm.

WACO was swept last night by Pekin 58-40 in the girls’ game and 44-35 in the boys’ game. The Warriors will look to regroup tomorrow, January 15th, in a home showdown with Louisa-Muscatine with the night starting at 6 pm.

Wapello traded their contests with Louisa-Muscatine last night with the boys’ team winning 58-47 and the girls’ team dropping their fourth consecutive game, 52-48, despite an outrageous 25 point/23 rebound double-double from Macey Kuntz. 

Wapello will host Lone Tree on Friday with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

Columbus split their night against Hillcrest Academy with the girls’ team winning 47-32 and the boys’ team falling 78-42. The Wildcats get back to action on Friday at home with game one at 6 pm.

The #10 Mediapolis girls’ team clipped West Burlington last night 57-20, while the Falcon boys’ team outscored the Bulldogs 14 to 2 in the fourth quarter for a dramatic 44-41 comeback victory. 

Fairfield will take on Pekin at home tomorrow with game one at 6 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will host Burlington on Friday with game one at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm.

High School Wrestling

The Fairfield boys’ team was shutout at a quad in Oskaloosa, falling to the hosts 67-5, Albia 47-36, and Ottumwa 52-30. Dain Burkhart pinned Trey Parks of Oskaloosa in his lone match of the night. Noah Patel collected a pair of victories by fall. The Trojans will travel to Fort Madison tomorrow, January 15th, for a dual.

The Wapello girls’ team competed in the Lisbon quad last night and was swept, losing 48-30 against Lisbon, 42-24 against North Linn, and 42-11 to West Branch. Kenadee Helscher and Clara Ball finished the night undefeated for the Arrows. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union and Wapello girls’ teams will compete in the Cascade Tournament tomorrow.

The Van Buren County girls’ team will wrestle at a tournament in Centerville tomorrow.

The New London boys’ team will host a triangular with WACO and Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union in attendance tomorrow.

Mt. Pleasant will duel Washington at home tomorrow.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will hold a triangular tomorrow with Wapello joining the fray. 

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will travel to Pekin for a triangular tomorrow. 

The Van Buren County boys’ team will square off against Highland tomorrow at home. 

The WACO and Mediapolis girls’ teams will compete at the Mid-Prairie Invitational on Friday, January 16th. 

High School Bowling

Fairfield will face off against Davis County at home tomorrow, January 15th.

Mt. Pleasant will take on Burlington at home tomorrow.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will travel to Southwestern Community College tonight at 5:30 pm.

The men’s basketball team will host Harry S. Truman College tonight at 7 pm.

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will dual Iowa Central Community College tomorrow, January 15th, on the road. 

College Basketball

The #19 Iowa State women’s team will play tonight on the road against Colorado at 8 pm.

The #11 Iowa women’s team will host Oregon tomorrow, January 15th, at 8 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will look to regroup on the road against Purdue with tip-off at 5:30 pm tonight.

The #2 Iowa State men’s team was routed by an unranked Kansas squad last night 63-44 to end the bid for a perfect season. The Cyclones shot just 24% from the field in the first half last night, as Joshua Jefferson led the team with 12 points. Iowa State will look to restart the streak in a road showdown against Cincinnati on Saturday, January 17th, at 1 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

This Day in Sports History

1943 – Montreal Canadiens’ left wing Alex Smart becomes the first NHL rookie to score a hat trick in his first NHL game, a 5-1 win at home over the Chicago Blackhawks.

1951 – First NFL Pro Bowl, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum: the American Conference beats the National Conference, 28-27; MVP: Otto Graham, Cleveland Browns, QB.

1993 – Utah Jazz center Mark Eaton blocks two shots in a 96-89 win over the Seattle SuperSonics; becomes only the second player in NBA history (along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) to record 3,000 career blocks.