Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Meeting Friday in Ft Madison

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 at 6:40 am CDT

The Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC) will meet on Friday, Jan. 31, at the Connection Bank, 636 Ave. G, in Fort Madison. On the Agenda:

  • Motion to approve a bill to print the MRPC historical document
  • Discuss and tour Ft. Madison interpretive center venue
  • Discuss metal signs from the Mississippi river parkway commission
  • Chairman’s report

The Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Inc., a 501 (c) (4) tax-exempt fundraising organization. The MRPC is a multi-state organization that works collectively to preserve, promote, and enhance the scenic, historic, and recreational resources of the Mississippi River.  MRPC Agenda

Sports, January 29th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

The Danville girls’ team spoiled Burlington Notre Dame’s senior night with a one-sided 50-29 win last night. The #9 Notre Dame boys’ team clobbered the Bears 78-50. 

Danville will host New London on Friday, January 31st, for their senior night with game time at 6 pm. 

Burlington Notre Dame will make a trip across town to compete against West Burlington with the doubleheader starting at 6 pm on Friday.

The Mediapolis girls’ team held Central Lee to just 15 first half points on their way to a dominating 69-31 victory over the Hawks. Amelia Grier collected 20 points in the win. The boys’ team did not enjoy the same success, losing 47-42 to Central Lee last night.  

Van Buren County will face off against Central Lee on Friday with the night starting at 6 pm on the road. 

Mediapolis will venture to Holy Trinity Catholic on Friday with the girls tipping-off at 6:30 pm. 

Holy Trinity Catholic celebrated their senior night in style with a sweep of New London last night. The girls’ team handled business with a 55-40 win over the Tigers, while Luke Hellige’s 35 point, 10 rebound double-double performance trounced New London 80-36. 

WACO split their contest against Highland last night with the girls’ team falling 64-53 and the boys’ team drubbing the Huskies 77-49. Madelyn Farmer led the Warriors with 16 points in the girls’ game, while the boys’ team had three players end the night in double figures: Christian Stacy with 18 points, Isaac Egli dropped 14 points, and Hayden Shelman scored 12 points. 

WACO will hit the road to take on Columbus on Friday with the night starting at 6 pm. 

The Columbus girls’ team got back in the win column last night with a 51-29 final over Wapello. The boys’ team was unable to finish off the comeback against Wapello, falling 59-53. 

The #10 West Burlington boys’ team thumped Winfield-Mt. Union last night 75-54. The Wolves will make a trip to Wapello on Friday with the girls playing first at 6 pm. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team tied a program record last night, dropping 13 three-pointers; however, the offensive showcase was not enough in a 79-68 loss to Wilton. The Panthers will continue their road trip on Friday against Washington 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. 

Fairfield will host Keokuk tomorrow, January 30th, with the night starting at 6 pm.

High School Wrestling

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will face off against Burlington at home tomorrow, January 30th.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will host a quad tomorrow with Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip. 

The New London and Van Buren County boys’ teams will participate in a quad at Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow. 

The WACO and Wapello boys’ teams will travel to Highland for a double dual tomorrow. 

The girls’ regional tournament will commence on Friday, January 31st, at Williamsburg with Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Fairfield, Mediapolis, WACO, Wapello, Van Buren County, and Mt. Pleasant all making the trip. 

The Fairfield boys’ team will host their invite on Saturday, February 1st. 

Dan Gable Ms. and Mr. Wrestler of the Year

 IAwrestle and Iowa Corn in coordination with the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA) has released the top 15 wrestlers for the Dan Gable Ms. and Mr. Wrestler of the Year Awards and southeast Iowa has three competitors in the running.

In Class 1A, WACO’s Louden Huisenga is a strong contender for the award at the 190-pound weight class. He has compiled a 25-0 record against fellow 190-pound contenders.

Over in Class 2A, Kaiden Dietzenbach of Burlington Notre Dame is back in the top 15 after being placed on the list last year. The Nike is continuing his reign of terror on the area in the 138-pound weight class with a perfect 27-0 record, so far through his senior campaign.

Fairfield’s Cael McCabe is also up for the award in Class 2A as the junior boasts a 22-2 record in the 113-pound weight class. McCabe has won the Bob Murphy and Bill Van Horn Invitationals this season.

Fans can vote once per list at Facebook.com/IAwrestle for their favorite wrestler in each category until February 9th, when the list will be narrowed down to the top 7. The next round of voting, from February 10th to February 23rd, will determine the top 3 finalists, with the winner announced at the banquet on February 27th at the Fareway Conference Center in Boone, Iowa, on February 27th at 11:30AM.

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant will host Burlington tomorrow, January 30th. 

Fairfield will celebrate their senior night tomorrow against Keokuk. 

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Tune in to KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, tonight at 6 pm for a new episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook. WACO will be our school of focus with special guests in seniors Ella Huisenga and Isaac Rich.

Southeastern Community College

The men’s basketball team has dropped consecutive games for the first this season after a 69-63 loss to Kankakee Community College last night. The Blackhawks will take on Triton College on Saturday, February 1st, at 3 pm on the road. 

College Basketball

The #3 Iowa State men’s team will face off against Kansas State on Saturday, February 1st, at 1 pm at home. 

The Iowa men’s team will compete against Purdue on February 4th at home at 6 pm. 

The Iowa women’s team snuck past Northwestern last night 85-80. Hannah Stuelke cashed in for a game high 26 points in the win. Iowa will host USC on Sunday, February 2nd, at 12:30 pm as the Hawkeyes will retire Caitlin Clark’s Jersey. 

The Iowa State women’s team will travel to #11 Kansas State tomorrow, January 30th, at 7:30 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1982 – Old Dominion ends Louisiana Tech’s women’s basketball record 54-game winning streak with a 61-58 victory. 

1989 – After nine years of use, the game-winning RBI is dropped as an official statistic. New York Mets first baseman Keith Hernandez will remain the all-time leader with 129.

2012 – Snowboarder Shaun White achieves the first ever SuperPipe perfect score (100) in Winter X Games history.

Hazel May Miller

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 at 5:31 am CDT

Hazel May Miller, 70, of New London, Iowa, died Monday, January 27, 2025, at New London Specialty Care. She was born March 15, 1954, in Oelwein, Iowa to Clarence and Jean Annette Spencer Bergan. On June 29, 1985, she married David Miller in Iowa City.

She graduated from Monona High School and was a member of the Norway Lutheran Church.

Hazel enjoyed shopping and watching the Food Network. She was employed by Buff’s in Mt. Pleasant and Casey’s in New London.

She is survived by her husband, David, and her nephew, Jimmy Hansen. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Dale Bergan, sister Mary Hansen, and her beloved son, Jesse Miller.

A private family service will be held at Elliott Chapel with burial next to her son, Jesse, at Burge Cemetery, New London.

A memorial has been established. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Lynn E. Bender

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 at 5:29 am CDT

Lynn E. Bender, 88, of Mt. Pleasant, died Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, which is assisting Lynn’s family with the arrangements.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the family for a charity to be chosen at a later date.

Patrick Lee Dauma

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at 9:54 am CDT

Patrick Lee Dauma, 68, of Farmington, Iowa, passed away at 3:50 a.m. Monday, January 27, 2025, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois.

He was born on February 7, 1956, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Guy Webb and Hilda “Irene” (Johnson) Dauma. On September 13, 1975, he married Mary Ward in Donnellson, Iowa.

Survivors include his wife: Mary; daughter: Dianna (Thad) Fellows of Donnellson; son: Ryan (Natalie) Dauma of Farmington; four grandchildren: Karter, Quinlyn, Johnathan and Grace.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: George “Butch”; sister: Bridget Thompson and nephew: George William “Bill” Dauma, Jr.

Pat worked as a foreman for Cole Construction. He enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing and most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

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

Per his wishes, no services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his memory.

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

Stephen Lee Swygard

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at 8:54 am CDT

Stephen Lee Swygard, 70, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025 at his home.

His body has been cremated. He will be laid to rest next to his parents at Steinmeyer Cemetery in rural Farmington. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Steve was born September 30, 1954 in Keosauqua, the son of Gerald L. and Nellie I. (Muntz) Swygard. He was a graduate of Fairfield High School.

Steve was a skilled piano tuning and repairman. He was an accomplished piano player.

Those left to honor his memory include his brother, Timothy and Yamila Swygard of Sunrise, Florida; and his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be made to Steve’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Sports, January 28th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

Mt. Pleasant started their arduous road trip last night with a matchup against Mid-Prairie; unfortunately, the Panthers were swept by the Golden Hawks, 66-30 in the girls game and 68-54 in the boys contest. Abi Shelangowski and Abby Carthey each netted nine points for the Panthers. Despite dropping 10 three-pointers, the boys’ team was outscored 41 to 22 in the second and third quarters; Ryan Helling finished the night with 18 points. The Panthers boys’ team will face off against Wilton tonight on the road at 7:30 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will continue their road trip on Friday, January 31st, against Washington 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. 

Fairfield struggled at home against Williamsburg last night, suffering a pair of losses with the girls getting clobbered 61-18 and the boys falling 56-47. The Trojans will host Keokuk on Thursday, January 30th, with the night starting at 6 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will take on Danville tonight at home with tip-off at 6 pm. 

Mediapolis will compete against Central Lee tonight with game time at 6 pm on the road. 

WACO will stay at home to play Highland tonight with game one at 6 pm. 

The West Burlington boys’ team will tangle with Winfield-Mt. Union tonight with tip-off at 7:30 pm.  

Holy Trinity Catholic will compete against New London tonight at home for senior night with the girls playing at 6 pm. 

Columbus will travel to Wapello tonight with the doubleheader starting at 6 pm.

Van Buren County will face off against Central Lee on Friday with the night starting at 6 pm. 

High School Boys’ Basketball Rankings

In the fourth edition of the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s (IHSAA) basketball rankings, two local teams found themselves in the top 10 a week after being left out of the rankings.

In Class 2A, West Burlington worked their way back into the top 10 at the #10 slot. Since dropping two consecutive games, the Falcons have restarted their reign of terror by putting up 95 and 78 points, respectively, in their last two wins. Mason Watkins has been a scoring machine, averaging 30.4 points per game, which ranks second in the state. 

In Class 1A, #9 Burlington Notre Dame has made their first appearance in the top 10 as the Nikes tout a 13-2 record. Notre Dame is in the midst of a seven game win streak that included a 64-53 win over Holy Trinity Catholic. The Nikes are winning games by an average of nearly 23 points per contest as Shay Stephens is putting up 21.6 points and the 5th most assists per game in the state at 6.9. 

High School Wrestling

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will face off against Burlington at home on Thursday, January 30th.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will host a quad on Thursday with Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip. 

The New London and Van Buren County boys’ teams will participate in a quad at Burlington Notre Dame on Thursday. 

The WACO and Wapello boys’ teams will travel to Highland for a double dual on Thursday. 

The girls’ regional tournament will commence on Friday, January 31st, at Williamsburg with Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Fairfield, Mediapolis, WACO, Wapello, Van Buren County, and Mt. Pleasant all making the trip. 

The Fairfield boys’ team will host their invite on Saturday, February 1st. 

Dan Gable Ms. and Mr. Wrestler of the Year

 IAwrestle and Iowa Corn in coordination with the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA) has released the top 15 wrestlers for the Dan Gable Ms. and Mr. Wrestler of the Year Awards and southeast Iowa has three competitors in the running.

In Class 1A, WACO’s Louden Huisenga is a strong contender for the award at the 190-pound weight class. He has compiled a 25-0 record against fellow 190-pound contenders.

Over in Class 2A, Kaiden Dietzenbach of Burlington Notre Dame is back in the top 15 after being placed on the list last year. The Nike is continuing his reign of terror on the area in the 138-pound weight class with a perfect 27-0 record, so far through his senior campaign.

Fairfield’s Cael McCabe is also up for the award in Class 2A as the junior boasts a 22-2 record in the 113-pound weight class. McCabe has won the Bob Murphy and Bill Van Horn Invitationals this season.

Fans can vote once per list at Facebook.com/IAwrestle for their favorite wrestler in each category until February 9th, when the list will be narrowed down to the top 7. The next round of voting, from February 10th to February 23rd, will determine the top 3 finalists, with the winner announced at the banquet on February 27th at the Fareway Conference Center in Boone, Iowa, on February 27th at 11:30AM.

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant will host Burlington on Thursday, January 30th. 

Fairfield will celebrate their senior night on Thursday against Keokuk. 

Southeastern Community College

The men’s basketball team will look to finish the month over 0.500 in a road matchup against Kankakee Community College tonight at 7:30 pm.  

College Basketball

The #3 Iowa State men’s team ran out of steam in an overtime loss to Arizona last night 86-75. Tamin Lipsey led the scoring with 18 points. The Cyclones will face off against Kansas State on Saturday, February 1st, at 1 pm at home. 

The Iowa men’s team suffered a one-sided loss to Ohio State last night 82-65. Drew Thelwell collected 20 points in the losing effort. The Hawkeyes will compete against Purdue on February 4th at home at 6 pm. 

The Iowa women’s team will venture back home to face off against Northwestern tonight at 7 pm. 

The Iowa State women’s team will travel to #11 Kansas State on Thursday, January 30th, at 7:30 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1940 – Chicago’s Les Cunningham scores five points in one period to tie an NHL record that stands until 1978; records 2 goals & 3 assists in a 10:04 span during the 3d period of an 8-1 win over Montreal.

1984 – Edmonton center Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record point scoring streak ends at 51 games when the Oilers are beaten 4-2 by the LA Kings; Gretzky totals 61-92-153 during the period.

1992 – St. Louis right winger Brett Hull becomes the 2nd player (after Wayne Gretzky) in NHL history to record back-to-back seasons of 50 goals in 50 games; #50 comes in a 3-3 Blues’ tie in Los Angeles.

MPCSD Special Board Meeting Shows Rough Draft of Central Campus Possibilities

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at 6:22 am CDT
central campus level 2
central campus level 1
central campus A
central campus B

The Mount Pleasant community school district held a special board meeting last night at the media center. One item on the agenda was to approve proposed plans, specifications form of contract and estimated total cost of the Howe roof top unit replacement for the HVAC. This project is described as the replacement of roof mounted HVAC units serving an existing structure known as the Howe student activity building located on North Main Street in Mount Pleasant. The replacement will include 20 HVAC rooftop units. at an estimated cost of $385,00 to present the contract to bidders. Funds would come from some sort of infrastructure funds within the district. This motion was approved.

The School Board meeting also consisted of a work session with a facilities master plan process update from SVPA Architects. The Architect discussed plans and layouts of possible school renovations, central campus build, renovations at the high school including a sports field & possible indoor sports facility along with a wisdom quest building at the high school. The cost of all renovations and builds would cost an estimated $35-$40 Million dollars that would be structured in a bond election through a sales tax vote. Central campus has two options for a possible renovation. The next school board meeting is March 10.