Josephine Martina Bainter

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, April 4th, 2025 at 5:56 am CDT

August 19, 1931 – March 30, 2025

Josephine “Josie” Martina Bainter, 93, of Salem, Iowa, passed away peacefully on the family farm, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on August 19, 1931, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, she was the youngest daughter of Joel Howard and May Albertine Garretson.

Josie shared fond memories of attending Glendale School, a one room schoolhouse, as a child. Later she was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, then continued her education at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, where she graduated in 1952. On September 3, 1953, she married the love of her life, Judge Harlan W. Bainter, in a ceremony at the Garretson family home.

The newlyweds began their journey together in Germany while Harlan served in the United States Air Force, before settling in Iowa City, Iowa, where Harlan completed his legal education. They later moved to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, for nearly a decade before making their home on the family farm near Salem, Iowa, where they built a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories. Josie was a descendant of Joel C. Garretson, an early settler in Iowa, who, in 1837, established what would later come to be recognized as the oldest continuously settled family farm in Iowa.

Josie and Harlan served as stewards of their portion of the family farm throughout their lives, proudly sustaining it for future generations. Their stewardship included planting some 16,000 trees in the early 1990s, with the hope that they would seed a new woodland for future generations. Harlan and Josie’s woodland, affectionately known as Yonder Woods, continues to grow to this day.  Josie was an avid gardener, raising and canning vegetables and planting beautiful flowers each year.  Her cooking skills drew family to the farm frequently for excellent Sunday lunches.

Josie kindly served others through numerous organizations, including the hospital auxiliary, National T.T.T. Society, and Wednesday Club. She was a board member for the original Christamore House in Mt. Pleasant and a member of the original Harlan Questers group. She also found joy and friendship as a member of Eastern Star.

Josie is survived by her children Stephany (Pete) Carrillo of Iowa City, IA, Seleta (Jeff Thomas) Bainter of Mt. Pleasant, IA, and Bill (Shari) Bainter of Reno, NV; grandchildren Will (Kacey) Carrillo of Winston-Salem, NC, Alex (Shannon) Carrillo of Iowa City, IA, Josie (Tyler Moeller) Thomas of Mt. Pleasant, IA, Nella (Will) Locker of Des Moines, IA, Kara (Jake) Warren of Reno, NV, and Ryan Bainter of Laramie, WY; great-grandchildren Violet, Benjamin, Isabel and Emily Carrillo; Leo, Hugo, and Otto Moeller; Sebastian Locker; and arriving soon, Peter Warren.

Memorial contributions in Josie’s honor may be made to Salem East Cemetery or Salem Fire and Rescue. A service to celebrate her life will be held at a future date. She will be laid to rest in Salem East Cemetery beside her beloved Harlan.

Her legacy of love, generosity, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Sheriff McNamee Announces Promotion of Lieutenant Jesse Bell to Chief Deputy

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 at 4:17 pm CDT

Sheriff McNamee is proud to announce the promotion of Lieutenant Jesse Bell to the position of Chief Deputy at the Henry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). This significant move highlights Chief Deputy Bell’s impressive 15 years of law enforcement experience, with 12 of those years dedicated to serving the Henry County community. Sheriff McNamee announced the promotion during this week’s Supervisors meeting

 

Throughout his tenure with HCSO, Chief Deputy Bell has demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to his role, having previously served as a Deputy Sheriff, Investigator, and most recently, Lieutenant. His wealth of experience, leadership, and steadfast approach to law enforcement have earned him this well-deserved promotion.

Chief Deputy Bell’s promotion is a testament to his dedication and professionalism in serving the community. The entire HCSO team congratulates him on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to the leadership he will bring in his new role.

Darlene M. Story

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 at 3:16 pm CDT

Darlene M. Story, 88, of Bonaparte, Iowa, passed away at 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at the Country Lane Manner in Keosauqua, Iowa.

She was born on May 30, 1936 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Harry E. and Stella (Bentzinger) Roland. On August 14, 1954, she married Gene “Curly” Story in Fort Madison, Iowa. He preceded her in death on December 30, 2010.

Survivors include two sons: John Story and Mark (May) Story both of Bonaparte, Iowa; two daughters: Wanda (Kevin) Clemenson of Keosauqua, Iowa and Guy Ann Eastin of Farmington, Iowa; grandsons Travis and Eric Eastin, Seth Logsdon and Quentin Story; granddaughters Rachel Bartholomew, Randi Shriver, Kayla Scheuers, Amy Dunlay and Tessa Ronning; great grandchildren Max Shriver, Malik Huntington, Mason, Griffin and Julia Eastin, Ava and Judson Dunlay, Lucy Ronning and Vivienne Logsdon; sisters Donna Hendricks of Keokuk and Delores Beach of Wever; half brothers Bill, Partick, Lloyd Roland and half sisters Mary and Marta Roland.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Curly; daughter Teresa Story; step mother Polly Roland, brother Dean Roland and grandson-in-law Brandon Huntington.

Darlene was affectionately known as Grandma Great to all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Darlene graduated from Farmington High School in 1954. In 1958 Gene and Darlene moved to the Story Family Farm, established by Gene’s Grandpa Story in 1869, South of Bonaparte. Gene and Darlene lived together in the original farmhouse until Gene passed in 2010. With the help of her children, grandchildren, neighbors and many family friends, Darlene was able to stay on the family farm until July 2024.

In addition to helping Curly with the farm, she also worked many different jobs outside the home. Ward’s Cafe, Bonaparte Retreat, Fairfield Glove Factory, Riverside Plastics, Pratts Tavern and Denly’s Quick Mart were among those places that Darlene spent time working, making friends and telling her somewhat questionable jokes.

Throughout her lifetime, the Story pond was always a special place to watch her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow and enjoy life. Not to mention, the neighbors, friends and numerous Busch Lights that found their way to the pond as well. “What Happens at the pond stays at the pond”

The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday April 6, 2025 at the Thompson Cemetery, rural Bonaparte with Lee McIntosh officiating.

Burial will be in Thompson Cemetery, rural Bonaparte, Iowa

A celebration of life will be held at the Farmington Legion following the graveside service, where a light meal will be served.

In lieu of flowers memorials has been established in her memory for Indian Lake Park in Farmington or Bonaparte Community Improvement Association “the old Bonaparte School”. Memorials can be mailed to the family at 800 Division Street, Keosauqua, Iowa 52565.

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

Body Found in Burning Vehicle on Oakland Mills Road

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 at 11:15 am CDT

On April 1st, 2025, at approximately 11:20 p.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received an 911 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. A deceased individual was located inside the vehicle. No names will be released until identification is determined and families are notified.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Henry County Emergency Medical Services Ambulance and the Mount Pleasant Fire Department.

KILJ will bring you updated information as it becomes available.

Planning and Zoning Commission Moves Forward with Ordinance Recommendation

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 at 11:08 am CDT

The Planning and Zoning Commission has formally recommended an ordinance regarding alternative energy in the county during this weeks Supervisors meeting. The ordinance was primarily prepared by the Watchman LLC. The recommendation, which includes specific language regarding court venue, was passed despite the attorney’s office advising against it. Officials clarified that the venue for legal matters would ultimately depend on factors such as dollar value and case specifics.

A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for April 22nd at 6:00 PM in the upstairs meeting room. Additional meetings will allow for further discussion and input from the community.

During the meeting, officials acknowledged the significant effort put into the ordinance by the Planning and Zoning Commission. It was noted that members likely did not anticipate the complexity of the project when they first joined the board, but over the past year, the ordinance has undergone substantial evolution.

“I just want to say thank you to the Planning and Zoning Commission for the hard work and effort they’ve put into this,” Supervisor Steve Detrick stated. “It’s been a long process with a lot of reading, follow-ups, and late-night meetings.”

Special recognition was given to Jim and Kurt for their contributions, along with Henry County Watchman, which played a significant role in drafting the ordinance.

The ordinance is described as comprehensive and detailed, reflecting extensive collaboration among various stakeholders. While there were compromises made throughout the drafting process, officials believe the final recommendation represents a balanced and well-researched approach.

With the ordinance set for public hearing later this month, residents will have the opportunity to provide input before final decisions are made.

Henry County Supervisors Meeting April 3rd: Update

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 at 10:44 am CDT

Henry County Supervisors Meeting Update

Henry County supervisors held their weekly meeting this Thursday (april 3rd) where department heads shared updates on infrastructure, public health, finances, and other public departments within the county.

Road Projects

Jake Hotchkiss gave an update on projects going on in the county. Crews are resurfacing roads, repairing storm damage, and prepping for paving. Contractors began resurfacing in Winfield. Old Highway 34 is being prepared for seal coating, and Franklin Avenue rumble strip work is nearly done. The Nebraska Avenue bridge is now open, with only seeding left. The dust control sign-up deadline is April 15.

Financial & Administrative Reports

Kelly Sloan with he Treasurer’s Office reported the department collected nearly $12 million in property taxes in March and processed over $570,000 in motor vehicle transactions. Vehicle registration fees have changed due to House File 274.

Public Health Updates

Katie Reuter with Henry county Health gave an update about flu cases declining, but measles cases have spread to 18 jurisdictions. Officials stressed the importance of vaccination, with Henry County’s MMR rate at 97.8%. Discussions continue on proposed public health realignment.

Emergency Management & Law Enforcement

The Sheriff’s Office will partner with General Assistance to host a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Training next week for officers from 13 counties. Walt Jackson with Henry County Emergency Management mentioned efforts in a new burn ban ordinance under review. The ordinance would give

Conservation & Community Initiatives

Caleb waters with the Conservation department reported that campgrounds open April 15, though dump station updates are delayed. Fundraising for a new playground has reached $40,000, with proceeds also supporting a shelter house and monument relocation. Conservation Board meetings now occur on the first Wednesday of each month.

Looking Ahead

Residents are encouraged to stay informed on projects, tax deadlines, and public health updates. The next Board of Supervisors meeting will provide further details.

William “Bill” Haner

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 at 10:23 am CDT

William “Bill” Haner, 84, of Fort Madison, Iowa, and most recently Hereford, Arizona, passed away at 10:04 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Canyon Vista Medical Center in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

He was born on February 5, 1941, in Steator, Illinois, the son of William and Florence Haner. In August of 1964, he married Linda (Ames) Haner. They later divorced.

Bill is survived by his three children: Christina (Haner) Reed, Michael Haner, and Kathleen Haner; brother: Rick Haner; son-in-law: James Reed; grandchildren: Jacob, Julia, Audrey, Allyson, Akeeleys, and Michael; great-grandchildren: Gauge, Carson, Dakota, Levi.

He was preceded in death by his son: Brian (who passed in 1977); mother: Florence; father: Bill; grandson: Tyler (who passed in 2022) and his wife: Arlene (Wilson) Haner (who passed in 2024).

Bill worked for Owens Illinois Glass Company for 41 years. In 2012, he met and married Arlene Wilson.

A graveside celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Montrose Cemetery in Montrose, Iowa.

Following the ceremony there will be refreshments served at a church in Montrose.

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

Sports, April 3rd

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track

Mt. Pleasant will host a Co-ed meet tonight with Fairfield, the Mediapolis boys’ team, and West Burlington-Notre Dame making the trip.

The Mediapolis girls’ team will host an invitational tonight with Van Buren County, WACO, Central Lee, and Wapello participating. 

The Van Buren County boys’ team will host a meet tonight with WACO competing.

New London will travel to Danville to compete in a meet tomorrow, April 4th. 

Columbus will make the trip to Liberty High School on Saturday, April 5th, for a Co-ed invitational. 

High School Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will start the season against Davis County tonight. The boys’ team will host Davis County, while the girls’ team will hit the road. Girls’ head coach Martha Peterson is excited for her team to get on the courts,

“Davis County is always a tough match as well those will be good tests for us and I think I have to prepare my team for knowing that we’re starting this season that first match your learning, you’re kind of reminding yourself what it is to go out there and play a match, doing that against tough competition isn’t always easy but it’ll be a good test for us.”

Fairfield will face off against Fort Madison tonight with the boys’ team at home and the girls on the road.

High School Golf

The Central Lee, Burlington Notre Dame, and Holy Trinity Catholic boys’ teams will participate in the Keokuk Invite today.

Winfield-Mt. Union will host Highland today. 

WACO will hit the road today to take on Lone Tree. 

Mediapolis will take on Danville at the Heritage Oaks Golf and Country Club today.

Wapello will travel to Louisa-Muscatine today.

New London will square off against Van Buren County on the road today.

Columbus will tangle with Hillcrest Academy today at Kalona Golf Course. 

High School Soccer

The Central Lee girls’ team will travel to Burlington Notre Dame tonight while the boys’ team will travel to Fairfield with both games at 5 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will square off against Clear Creek Amana tonight with the girls’ team competing in their home opener and the boys’ team traveling north with gametime at 5 pm. Boys’ head coach Rocco Russo talked about what the Panthers need to do to exit with the win,

“I think if we play soccer the way we know how to play and the way we showed against Danville, we’ll be alright. You know, as long as they keep connecting good passes and playing as a team and playing as one unit, I think it’ll be a fun game.”

Mediapolis will face off against Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union tonight at the Muscatine Soccer Complex.

The WACO boys’ team will take on Wapello on the road tonight at 5 pm.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will compete against Hillcrest Academy tomorrow, April 4th, at 5 pm on the road. 

The Danville boys’ team will take on Mediapolis on April 10th at home with gametime at 5:30 pm.

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The softball team will face off against St. Louis Community College on Sunday, April 6th, on the road in a doubleheader. 

The baseball team will take on Kirkwood Community College today in a home doubleheader.

College Basketball

Iowa’s Payton Sandfort will compete at the State Farm College Dunk and Three-Point Championships today. Sandfort tallied 1,619 points in his career, the 11th most in program history, and made the second-most three-pointers all-time with 271. He is just the seventh Hawkeye to compete in the event and will look to become the second one to win it after Peter Jok in 2017. 

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 on Saturday, April 5th.

You can find the updated standings here: KILJ Bracket Challenge Standings

This Day in Sports History

1988 – Mario Lemieux wins the NHL scoring title, stopping Gretzky’s 7 year streak.

1994 – The first roster of Silver Bullets (all-female pro baseball team) was announced.

2019 – San Antonio coach Greg Popovich is ejected after an NBA record low 63 seconds in the Spurs 113-85 loss in Denver; received two technical fouls in a verbal confrontation with a referee.