Sports, March 18th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track

Fairfield and the Fort Madison girls’ team competed in the Hilltop Co-ed Invitational yesterday and the Southeast Conference pair combined for seven first place finishes.

Starting with the girls’ teams, Fort Madison’s Olivia Buckner outpaced Samantha Lyons of Fairfield to snatch the bronze in the 60-meter finals with a time of 8.33 seconds, while Lyons took 4th place. The Trojans would get their own 1st place finisher in Lilly Bergren’s 60-meter hurdle time of 10.03 seconds. The Bloodhounds would also get the better of the Trojans in the 400-meter dash as McKayla Schinstock finished in 2nd place with a time of 1 minute and 5 seconds as Lyons grabbed 6th place. Fort Madison proved tough in the distance events as Addison Rump took the gold in the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes and 39 seconds and Avery Rump yielded the silver in the 1500-meter followed by Jordyn Marshall in 4th place. Fairfield’s Alex Jo Steward took the bronze in the 3,000-meter with a time of 13 minutes and 19 seconds. For the relays, Fort Madison’s teams in the 4×200 and 4×800 finished in 1st place, while Fairfield’s 4×200 squad grabbed 7th place.

In the field events, Fort Madison again proved to be just a tick better as Dayonna Davis’ leap of 15 feet and 4 inches in the long jump snatched the gold away from Fairfield’s Kensley Fligg, who leapt 14 feet and 8 inches for 2nd place. Brylie Lorence launched the shot 42 feet and 4.5 inches, which was good enough for the win and a Blue Standard mark. Elyse Setterstrom’s throw of 30 feet and 6 inches took 8th place.

On the boys’ side, Dylan Adam and Dayson Workman finished as a tandem in the 60-meter dash, grabbing 4th and 5th place, respectively, as Adam clocked a time of 7.41 seconds. Ryan Gibberson finished in 2nd place with a time of 8.67 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles. Gabe Tejada was the lone Trojan to finish on top of the podium with a 1st place run in the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes and 1 seconds. Aaden Regur took 5th place in the 1600-meter run. The 4×400 meter relay team led the pack for the Trojans with a 3rd place time of 3 minutes and 40 seconds. 

For the field events, the Trojans exhibited some bounce as Ousman Saine leapt 6 feet and 2 inches for 3rd place in the high jump with Blake Burnett taking 5th place, while Aiden Westercamp grabbed 7th place in the long jump with a mark of 16 feet and 4 inches. 

Central College will host an indoor meet with the boys’ teams participating on Thursday, March 20th, and the girls’ competing on Friday, March 21st. 

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The softball team will be hosting a spring break camp running today through Thursday, March 20th, for grades 2-5 from 8 am to 10 am and grades 6-12 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Fun City Turf at 614 S. Broadway Street if you signed up. Participants should bring their bats, gloves, and sliding gear.

The softball team will be back in action for a doubleheader on Saturday, March 22nd, against Southwestern Community College with game one at 1 pm. 

The baseball team had their six-game win streak snapped last night in an extra-innings duel against Black Hawk College, losing 3-2. The Blackhawks will stay on the road today to face off against Marshalltown Community College. 

College Basketball

The Iowa State men’s team grabbed the #3-seed for the South Region but they will be without the services of Keshon Gilbert for the rest of the season due to injury. The Cyclones will dance with the #14-seed Lipscomb on Friday, March 21st, at 12:30 pm. 

In the woman’s NCAA national championship tournament, Iowa grabbed the 6th seed and will take on the #11-seed Murray State in Oklahoma on Saturday, March 22nd, at 11 am. This is the seventh consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament for the Hawkeyes. 

The Iowa State women’ s team also continued their streak of consecutive appearances at the tournament at six but they will have to earn their way to the round off 64. The Cyclones will square off against Princeton tomorrow, March 19th, at 6 pm with the winner advancing to play the #6-seed Michigan. 

March Madness

The KILJ Bracket Challenge brought to you by The Press Box and Wiley’s Interior Furnishings and Design is back for the 2025 March Madness men’s bracket with the same rules as last year. A printable bracket was posted to KILJ’s Facebook page. The bracket must be filled out and turned in to sports@kilj.com or our station by the end of the day tomorrow, March 19th. 

For a full list of rules and prizes, follow this link: KILJ Bracket Challenge

This Day in Sports History

1892 – Canada’s Lord Stanley of Preston announced he would donate a silver challenge cup to be awarded to the nation’s best hockey team.

1945 – Montreal Canadien Maurice “Rocket” Richard becomes the first NHL player to score 50 goals.

1958 – MLB Los Angeles Dodgers announced their mascot and clown Emmett Kelly will not perform in 1958.

Patricia K. Hollingsworth

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 at 5:53 am CDT

Patricia K. “Pat” Hollingsworth, 85, of Mt. Pleasant, died Saturday, March 15, 2025 at her residence with her grandchildren at her side.

Mrs. Hollingsworth, the former Patricia Kathryn Linnane, was born March 17, 1939 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Louise (Hearshman) Linnane. The family relocated to Des Moines, IA, where Pat graduated from North High School in the Class of 1957. On November 15, 1958 at St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church in Des Moines, Pat was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Elmont Eugene “Monty” Hollingsworth.

The couple made several moves in their married life to accommodate Monty’s profession. In all of the moves, Pat remained a dedicated homemaker for their children. They lived in the communities of Albequerque, NM; West Des Moines, IA; Kansas City, KS; Winona, MN; Stockton, MN; St. Paul, MN and then to Austin, TX in 1986. In the mid – 2000’s , Patricia and Monty made their home in Mt. Pleasant.

Pat was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant. She enjoyed the time she spent with her family. Pat also had a penchant for shopping on-line.

Those thankful for sharing in Pat’s life include 3 grandchildren – Vanessa (Jason) Graf, Tim Hollingsworth and Jackie Hollingsworth, all of Minnesota; 8 great grandchildren – Evan, Clay, Bryson, Chevy, Shelby, Cameron, Kasy and Brian, as well as a host of cousins and other relatives.

Monty preceded Pat in death on February 5, 2020 at their home in Mt. Pleasant. Pat is also preceded in death by her 2 children – Laura Hollingworth in 2019 and Michael Hollingsworth in 2024; 2 grandchildren – Jennifer Hollingsworth in 2018 and Jason Hollingsworth in 2019; a great grandchild – Montana; Pat’s brother Bill Lannane in 2016 and her parents.

Friends may call at an open visitation from 12 Noon to 7 PM on Thursday, March 20 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will not be present. The Funeral Mass for Pat will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Friday, March 21 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 607 South Jackson Street, Mt. Pleasant. Father Ross Epping will celebrate the mass. Burial will be in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. On line condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Brock M. Welcher

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 at 5:52 am CDT

Brock Mica Welcher, 52, of New London, died Monday, March 17, 2025 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. A Celebration of Life for Brock will be held at a later date.

A complete obituary will follow.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

Julia Ann “Judy/Rooney” Wilson

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, March 17th, 2025 at 1:38 pm CDT

Julia Ann “Judy/Rooney” Wilson, age 87, of Columbus Junction, Iowa, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Wapello Specialty Care Center in Wapello, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home in Washington.   Visiting hours will begin 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.  Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, at the Columbus City Cemetery.  Memorials have been established for the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Shellbark Club, or Every Step Hospice of Mt. Pleasant.  Online condolences may be sent for Judy’s family at www.jonesfh.com.

Judy was born November 3, 1937, in Washington, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Helen (Greiner) Carson.  She attended school in Washington, graduating from Washington High School in 1956.  Judy attended Lifeguard Training School at Great Lakes Aquatic Center and worked as a Lifeguard at the Washington Community Y and Lake Darling.  She graduated from the Burlington School of Nursing.  She was united in marriage to Donald Wilson on November 14, 1959, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

Judy, or Rooney as she was known by family and friends, lived in Columbus Junction all of her married life.  She worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, the Washington County Hospital, the Henry County Hospital, Sunrise Terrace Nursing Home, Colonial Manor Nursing Home, and lastly worked at the Washington Medical Clinic for Dr. Lin, Dr. Frier and Dr. Plattenberger. Judy was a substitute School Nurse for the Columbus Community School District.

An active member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Washington, Judy was a Sunday School Teacher, Bible School Teacher, and a member of the Women’s Missionary Society. When she was young, Judy was a member of the Rainbow Girls and Campfire Girls. Judy also served as a 4-H leader, and was a member of the Music Mothers and the Shellbark Neighborhood Club. She loved playing cards and cherished spending quality time with her family.

She is survived by her husband Don Wilson of Columbus Junction, Iowa; daughter, Sharee (Jack) Hoegerl of Rock Island, Illinois; son, Doug (Vickie) Wilson of Columbus Junction, Iowa; son, Craig (Brenda) Wilson of Columbus Junction, Iowa; six grandchildren: Whitney, Molly, Abbey, Ruger, Brooke and Remington; and 12 great-grandchildren.  Judy is also survived by one sister, Carol Carson of Hardeesville, South Carolina; sisters-in-law, Karen (Gary) Todd of Columbus Junction, and Janice (John) Skubal of Ainsworth, Iowa; brother-in-law, Galen (Lynda) Jarrard of Washington, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents and her sister-in-law, Dorothy Jarrard.

The family would like to thank Wapello Specialty Care and Every Step Hospice for the excellent care they provided for Judy.

MEETING OF HENRY COUNTY SOLDIERS’ & SAILORS’ MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Wednesday, March 19,

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, March 17th, 2025 at 1:33 pm CDT

Agenda for PUBLICATION

 

MEETING OF HENRY COUNTY SOLDIERS’ & SAILORS’ MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Time:  7:30am

HCHC Board Room 

Mission:  To enhance the health of individuals and communities through high quality, effective and efficient services 

Vision:  To be the healthcare provider and employer of choice 

Values:  Quality, Service, Teamwork, Accountability, Respect and Trust 

I.               CALL TO ORDER

II.             ROLL CALL

  1. Mr. Prottsman ____ 4. Mrs. Bender            ____
  2. Mrs. Olson ____                5. Mr. Blake                            ____
  3. Mrs. Maher ____ 7. Mr. Welcher                       ____

III.           CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of previous meeting and committees
  2. Administrative memo and Park Place report

IV.           OLD BUSINESS

  1. Financial & Capital Update ♦ □
  2. Budget Update FY26 ♦ □
  3. GRH Update – Dr. McCoy ♦ □
  4. HCHC Update – Teresa Colgan ♦ □

V.    HOSPITAL INSPECTION:  Mike Welcher

VI.           NEW BUSINESS      

  1. Facilities Report ♦ □
  2. Nominating Committee – Vice Chair Recommendation ♦ □*
  3. Nominating Committee – Board Member Recommendation ♦ □*
  4. Hobbie Award Recommendation – Carla McNamee ♦ □*

VII.         EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE

Closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 21.5 to discuss strategic objectives, quality, and legal matter

VIII.       ADJOURNMENT

BOT Meeting – Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Second Half Property Taxes Due For Henry Co

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, March 17th, 2025 at 11:41 am CDT

Kellie Sloan, Henry County Treasurer, would like to remind property owners that second half property taxes are due this month.

Property owners may pay their taxes by mail, in person, drop box or online at www.iowatreasurers.org.  Mailed payments must bear a postmark no later than March 31, 2025, to avoid penalty.  Penalty will apply April 1, 2025.

 

Office hours are 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

Keokuk Man Arrested on Felony and Misdemeanor Drug Charges

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, March 17th, 2025 at 10:24 am CDT

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force reports the arrest of a Keokuk man on felony and misdemeanor drug charges.

Cornelious Tyrone Brewer, age 33 of Keokuk is charged with: Possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver, a class D felony; Iowa drug tax stamp violation, a class D felony; Possession of methamphetamine 3rd offense, a class D felony; and Possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor.

The charges came after a traffic stop that was conducted by the Keokuk Police Department where Brewer was found to be in possession of narcotics.

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force were assisted by the Keokuk Police Department.

The defendant in this case is presumed innocent until proven guilty.  The Lee County Narcotics Task Force is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Justice and the funds administered by the Iowa Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy.

MOUNT PLEASANT MUNICIPAL UTILITIES March Meeting

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, March 17th, 2025 at 10:07 am CDT

AGENDA 

  1. CALL TO ORDER.
  2. Roll call.
  3. Approval of Agenda.
  1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS.
  2. Regular Board Meeting February 25th, 2025 – Approval.
  3. Special Board Meeting March 6th, 2025 – Approval
  •                                                                                                                                
  1. 2023-2024 Independent Auditors Report
    1. Presentation by Forge Financial and Management Consulting, Inc.
    2. Board Review and Approval of the Fiscal 2023-2024 Independent Auditors Report. – Review and Approval.
  2. Approval of Warrants.
  3. Treasurer’s Report – Jody Fuller.
  4. Resolution No. 2025-01: Resolution of Appreciation to Lori White for her Years of Dedicated Service as a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Mt. Pleasant Utilities – Approval.
  1. LEGAL COUNSEL.                                                                        
  2. Attorney – Timothy J. Whipple (Ahlers & Cooney P.C.).                             
  2. Nate Lucas – General Manager                                                                                                                           
  3. Cedar Lane Well #7 and Water Distribution System Project – Update
  4. Board review of the associated Bid Package #1 (Well Drilling).
  5. AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) – Update
  6. a) Board review of the replacement metering project.
  7. Hydraulic Model & Water Distribution Study – Update
  8. Hoaglin Dr. Overhead to Underground Improvement Project – Update & Approval
    1. Board review of the Hoaglin Dr. overhead to underground improvement project.
    2. Resolution No. 2025-02 – RESOLUTION GIVING A COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE LOCAL MATCHING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $124,053, AND DELEGATING SIGNING AUTHORITY TO JODY FULLER FOR GRANT EXECUTION – Approval
  9. Transmission System Power Supply Project – Update.
  10. Status update of the associated 69 kV transmission system power supply work.
  11. Monthly Activities.

 

                                                               

OTHER BUSINESS.

  1. Other Business, Unscheduled for Consideration by Board of Trustees.
    1. Closed Session will convene w/ guests.
      1. Pursuant to sections of Iowa Code 9 to discuss marketing and pricing strategies or proprietary information.

 

                                                                             Next Regular Board Meeting: 1:00 p.m. April 15th, 2025

  • Exempt Session under Iowa Code Section 20.17(3) – 2025-2026 Labor Negotiation Strategy