The Henry County Engineer’s Office provided information on temporary traffic adjustments on Franklin Avenue. Starting Monday, April 7th and weather permitting, crews will begin work on sidewalk ramps at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Cherry Street. This will improve accessibility and pedestrian safely. Updates on project timelines and any changes due to weather conditions will be provided as needed. Residents an contact the Henry County Engineer’s Office with any questions.
Drought Condition Update
Drought conditions persist for most of the state of Iowa. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 79 percent of Iowa is abnormally dry, including 33.6 percent being in moderate drought conditions. That area covers nearly 800,000 Iowans. Currently all of Henry, Jefferson, and Louisa counties are not experiencing drought conditions.
One year ago, 11.5 percent of Iowa was in extreme drought, 33.4 percent was in severe drought, and over 90 percent was abnormally dry.
Sports, April 5th
High School Track
Danville celebrated their senior night with a sweep in their Co-Ed invitational last night with the boys collecting 211 points and the girls grabbing 194 points. Leading the way for the boys’ team was Drake Biesler with a gold medal time of 12.24 seconds in the 100-meter dash. Byers Nealey won the 400-meter dash with a time of 1 minute and Ty Frazier sprinted his way to a 1st place time of 1 minute and 2 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles. Ryan Wilhelm took the 800-meter run and Jackson Shacklett grabbed the gold in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs. The Bears also picked up victories in the 800 sprint medley, 4×400, 4×800, and the distance medley relays.
New London finished in 2nd place as a team with 134 points. Dylan Burden posted a time of 19.16 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles for 1st place. Logan Franklin took home the 200-meter dash with a time of 26.1 seconds. Cael Wilka won the discus with a toss of 112 feet and 7 inches and the shot put with a heave of 35 feet and 5.25 inches. London Franklin leapt 20 feet and 11 inches to win the long jump. The 4×100 and 4×200 meter relay teams also grabbed 1st place.
On the girls’ side for Danville, Violette Sowell paced the Bears with a win in the 100-meter dash with a time of 14.63 seconds. Delaney Newberry took the 200-meter dash with a time of 29.43 seconds. Alaina Gourley grabbed two 1st place finishes in the 400-meter dash and the 400-meter hurdles. Addison Henkelvig also took home dual victories in the 800-meter run and the 1500-meter run. Sadie Smith tossed the discus 84 feet and 1 inch for the win. Alivia Bauer jumped 15 feet and 8 inches in the long jump to finish in 1st place. The Bears won the 800 sprint medley, 4×100, 4×200, 4×400, 4×800, and distance medley relays.
Irelynn Kelly won the 3000 meter run with a time of 14 minutes and 52 seconds for New London. Megan Lee grabbed the gold in the shot put with a heave of 28 feet and 9.5 inches.
Columbus will make the trip to Liberty High School today for a Co-ed invitational.
Mt. Pleasant will compete in the Williamsburg Co-Ed invitational on Tuesday, April 8th.
The Fairfield girls’ team will host their relays on Tuesday with Central Lee making the trip, while the Trojan boys’ team will participate in the Dennis Anderson relays.
Mediapolis will host the Dave Aamodt Relays on Tuesday with Danville, Wapello, West Burlington/Notre Dame, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the journey.
The WACO relays are scheduled for Tuesday with New London, Van Buren County, and Columbus competing.
High School Tennis
Mt. Pleasant will square off against Keokuk on Monday, April 7th, with the girls’ team hosting the Chiefs and the boys’ team hitting the road.
Fairfield will face off against Burlington on Thursday, April 10th, with the boys on the road and the girls at home.
High School Golf
Central Lee will host Mediapolis on Monday, April 7th.
Van Buren County will venture to Holy Trinity Catholic for a showdown on Monday.
Burlington Notre Dame will host the Nike Invitational with Danville, Central Lee, and Winfield-Mt. Union competing on Tuesday, April 8th.
Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to WACO on Monday for a duel.
Danville will square off against New London on Monday at home.
The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will compete in an SEC meet at Fairfield on Monday, while the girls’ team will travel to Washington for their SEC showdown.
Columbus will take on Lone Tree on Tuesday at home.
High School Soccer
The Mediapolis girls’ team fell to Burlington last night 3-1 with Amelia Grier scoring the lone goal for the Bulldogs, while the boys’ team put up a slew of shots in a 3-1 victory over Keokuk. The Mediapolis girls’ team will square off against Fairfield on Tuesday, April 8th, on the road.
The Danville boys’ team will take on Mediapolis on Thursday, April 10th, at home with gametime at 5:30 pm.
The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team defeated Hillcrest Academy last night 1-0. The Nikes will take on Burlington in a road matchup with the girls playing first at 5 pm.
Central Lee will travel to Keokuk on Monday, April 7th, with the girls’ team playing at 5 pm with the boys’ team to follow at 7 pm.
Mt. Pleasant will host Columbus on Monday with the girls’ team playing first at 4:30 pm and the boys’ team to follow.
The WACO boys’ team will tangle with Fairfield on Monday at home at 5 pm.
Southeastern Community College
The softball team will face off against St. Louis Community College tomorrow, April 6th, on the road in a doubleheader.
The baseball team will travel to Iowa Lakes Community College today for the start of their three-game series.
College Basketball
Iowa State’s Curtis Jones scored nine points and tabbed four assists for the East All-Stars in their 100-91 win over the West All-Stars in the NABC Reese’s College All-Star Game yesterday. Keshon Gilbert was also selected to play, but was unable to due to injury.
March Madness
The KILJ bracket challenge, sponsored by The Press Box and Wiley’s Interior Furnishings and Design, is gearing up for a tight finish with only four teams left in the bracket. The Final Four is slated to start tonight.
You can find the updated standings here: KILJ Bracket Challenge Standings
This Day in Sports History
1972 – The regular MLB season fails to open due to a player strike for the first time in history; 86 games are lost before the labor dispute is settled.
1984 – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar breaks Wilt Chamberlain’s all-time career scoring record of 31,419 points.
1989 – Los Angeles Dodger Orel Hershiser’s consecutive scoreless streak of 59 innings ends.
Donald R. Menke
Donald R. Menke, 86 of Macon, Missouri and formerly of Manning, died Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at his home in Macon, Missouri.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at St. Lawrence Church – St. John Paul II Parish in Carroll. The Celebrant will be Fr. Timothy Schott. Music will be provided by Kathy Halbur and Sherry Loughran. Lector for the Funeral Mass will be Susanne Soppe. Gift Bearers will be Jaci Menke and Elijah Bogoe. Eucharistic Minister will be Pat Soppe. Casket Bearers will be Drew Menke, Jake Menke, Elijah Menke, Jordon Menke, Steve Menke and Mitch Schultes. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Carroll with military honors conducted by the Manning VFW and the Carroll American Legion.
A visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll with a rosary at 7 p.m. The casket will be moved to St. Lawrence Church on Tuesday morning where additional visitation will be from 9:30-10:15 a.m.
Memorials may be left at the funeral home or the church for a later designation.
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Don’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.
Donald Raymond Menke was born on July 28, 1938 in Houghton, Iowa, the son of Alvin and Anna (Woerdeman) Menke. At the age of 12, the family moved to Harper, Iowa where Don later graduated from St. Elizabeth High School.
Following graduation, Don proudly served in the United States Army for two years until his honorable discharge. On July 10, 1965, he married the love of his life, Betty Cecilia Soppe in Des Moines, Iowa. Together, they raised three children: Jeff, Dennis, and Jean.
Don worked as a hog buyer for Oscar Mayer and later for Excel until his retirement. Even after retiring, he continued to haul livestock until the fall of 2024. In 1991, Don and Betty fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing an acreage in Macon, Missouri, where they enjoyed raising livestock together.
A devoted Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes Fan, Don found joy in the simple pleasures of life. After Betty’s passing in February of 2008, Don reconnected with his high school classmate Joann Holtkamp at a reunion in June of the same year. The two formed a special bond and enjoyed many trips to the casino and countless card games.
Don is survived by his children: Jeff (Donna) Menke of Mitchellville, Dennis (Michelle) Menke of Ankeny and Jean (Brad) Werner of Sac City; his cherished grandchildren: Jordon (Sophia) Werner, Drew Menke, Jaci (Elijah) Menke, Elijah Menke, and Jake Menke; step-grandchildren: Tammy (Nathan) Peters and Jason Werner; his dear friend, Joann Holtkamp of Donellson; his sisters: Eileen Clarahan of Marion and Mary Ann (Allan) Bohr of Columbia, Missouri; his sisters-in-law: Jean Soppe of Papillion, Nebraska and Cheryl (Alan) Schultes of Dedham; his brothers-in-law: Don (Susanne) Soppe of McFarland, Wisconsin and Dr. Mike (Pat) Soppe of Carroll; as well as other extended relatives and many friends.
Don was preceded in death by his beloved with of 42 years, Betty Menke; his parents, Alvin and Anna Menke; his sister, Jane; brother Victor; brothers-in-law, Paul Clarahan and Charlie Clarahan; and his parents-in-law, Andrew and Marie Soppe.
Don’s life was marked by love, hard work, a deep appreciation for family and friendship. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him.
Deceased Individual in April 1st Vehicle Fire Identified – HCSD
The Henry County Sheriff’s Department has identified the victim found in a burning vehicle on Tuesday, April 1st near Oakland Mills.
Upon investigation, the deceased individual has been identified by the Iowa Office of State Medical Examiner as Aaron Ballalatak, 48, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The investigation revealed the driver was having a medical issue, which led to losing control of the vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway, striking a utility pole and subsequently caught fire. A cause of death has not been determined and/or released at this time.
On April 1st, 2025, at approximately 11:20 p.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received an E911 call from an unidentified individual reporting a medical issue. The call was mapped to the 1600-grid of Oakland Mills Road. Upon arrival in the area, a vehicle was in the southern ditch fully engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished, and an investigation began.
Iowa’s Payton Sandfort Competes in the 36th Annual State Farm 3-Point Championship
San Antonio, TX- Iowa’s Payton Sandfort flew south to the Frost Bank Center in Texas last night for the 36th annual State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships for one more opportunity to don the black and gold.
The Hawkeye was just the 7th member in program history to participate in the E*TRADE men’s 3-Point Championship and was eyeing to become just the second one to win it. However, that did not come to fruition for the 34% perimeter shooter.
In his first round of shooting, Sandfort had a nice rhythm thrown the first three racks, totaling double digit points. Nevertheless, Sandfort went cold late, collecting 15 points and falling four behind the mark to advance to the semifinals.
Tyler McGhie of UC San Diego went on to defeat Caleb Grill of Missouri in the finals with 20 points. On the women’s side, Alyssa Durazo-Frescas of Grand Canyon’s 14 points in the semifinals was nine points behind Aaliyah Nye of Alabama, but it was enough to win the tiebreaker to advance to the championship match.
Durazo-Frescas took advantage of the opportunity, knocking down 23 points and upsetting Nye, who had her worst round with 18 points.
McGhie won the Sketchers Battle of the Champions over Durazo-Frescas 21-18.
For the King’s Hawaiian Slam Dunk Championship, Christian Ings of Norfolk State dominated, tabbing the best score in every round to be named the slam dunk champion over Kylen Milton of Murray State.
To earn the belt, Ings vaulted over Sandfort, who stands at 6’7, for a posterizing dunk, earning 39 of a possible 40 points.
Larry Palmer
Larry Palmer, 85 of Mount Pleasant passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Larry was born July 7, 1939, in Keota, Iowa. The son of Allen and Lovina (Shafer) Palmer. He graduated from Keota High School and Coe College in Cedar Rapids. Larry served in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1962. While in the Navy he was united in marriage to Sara Ann Monaghan on January 27, 1962, in Montrose, Scotland. Larry returned back to Cedar Rapids, Iowa after the Navy. He worked several jobs, but mainly at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids in the computer department for 26 years, before retiring in 1998. During that time, he also officiated football and basketball games. After his retirement he drove bus for the Cedar Rapids School System. They started wintering in Florida in 2006. Sara passed away in 2015. He later married his classmate Frieda Dill in 2017. Together they made their home in Mt. Pleasant. Most recently living at Addington Place of Mt. Pleasant. Larry enjoyed golfing, being on the computer, spending time in Cancun and Florida, was an avid Hawkeye fan and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of the Eagles #2272, Moose Lodge #304 and Elks Lodge #251
He is survived by his wife Frieda of Mt. Pleasant; a son, Thomas (Nancy) Palmer of Estero, Florida; a daughter, Angela (Richard) Hach of Montezuma; two grandchildren, Cara (Brendan) Kelly and Joshua Palmer and a great granddaughter, Collins Monaghan Kelly. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Sara and a brother Eugene Palmer.
Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 am on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the Powell Funeral Home in Keota. Visitation will be Monday from 10:00 am until service time at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Keota Cemetery with military rites. A memorial fund has been established for the Home Health and Hospice House in West Burlington. Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Larry Palmer
Larry Palmer, 85 of Mount Pleasant passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Larry was born July 7, 1939, in Keota, Iowa. The son of Allen and Lovina (Shafer) Palmer. He graduated from Keota High School and Coe College in Cedar Rapids. Larry served in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1962. While in the Navy he was united in marriage to Sara Ann Monaghan on January 27, 1962, in Montrose, Scotland. Larry returned back to Cedar Rapids, Iowa after the Navy. He worked several jobs, but mainly at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids in the computer department for 26 years, before retiring in 1998. During that time, he also officiated football and basketball games. After his retirement he drove bus for the Cedar Rapids School System. They started wintering in Florida in 2006. Sara passed away in 2015. He later married his classmate Frieda Dill in 2017. Together they made their home in Mt. Pleasant. Most recently living at Addington Place of Mt. Pleasant. Larry enjoyed golfing, being on the computer, spending time in Cancun and Florida, was an avid Hawkeye fan and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of the Eagles #2272, Moose Lodge #304 and Elks Lodge #251
He is survived by his wife Frieda of Mt. Pleasant; a son, Thomas (Nancy) Palmer of Estero, Florida; a daughter, Angela (Richard) Hach of Montezuma; two grandchildren, Cara (Brendan) Kelly and Joshua Palmer and a great granddaughter, Collins Monaghan Kelly. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Sara and a brother Eugene Palmer.
Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 am on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the Powell Funeral Home in Keota. Visitation will be Monday from 10:00 am until service time at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Keota Cemetery with military rites. A memorial fund has been established for the Home Health and Hospice House in West Burlington. Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.