Chair of House Higher Education Committee Requests Study on Feasibility of Establishing Baccalaureate Programs at Iowa’s Community Colleges

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 at 11:58 am CDT

DES MOINES — Today, Rep. Taylor Collins, Chairman of the House Committee on Higher Education, sent a letter to Iowa’s Community College Presidents and Trustees requesting a comprehensive study on the feasibility of establishing baccalaureate degree programs at Iowa’s community colleges following testimony before the committee by the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees.

In the letter, Collins shared “There is unmet demand for baccalaureate education in specific disciplines, especially in rural Iowa and industries not adequately served by Iowa’s public and private four-year institutions.”

The report Collins requested will include:

  1. A detailed feasibility assessment of allowing Iowa community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees.
  2. Recommendations of the scope and structure of such programs.
  3. A cost-benefit analysis, including estimated funding needs and potential economic returns.
  4. Legislative and regulatory changes required to implement baccalaureate programs.

In the letter, Collins closed by sharing,“Evaluating the feasibility and impact of Iowa’s community colleges ability to offer baccalaureate degree programs will provide the Higher Education Committee the information it needs to thoroughly evaluate such an idea, and determine this potential role for Iowa’s community colleges.”

Gurvis Delone “Dobie” Volner, Sr.

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 at 9:42 am CDT

Gurvis Delone “Dobie” Volner, Sr., 83, of Salem passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Dobie was born on May 31, 1941, in Black, Missouri, the son of James Ralph and Beulah M. (Prater) Volner.  He was raised by his mother and step father Paul Spears. As a young child he enjoyed spending time with his grandparents Jess and Elsie Prater.  Dobie was united in marriage to Peggy Sue Smithhart on July 8, 1974, in Kahoka, Missouri.  He worked for CECO Building Systems from 1976 until he retired in 2005.  Dobie enjoyed woodworking and hunting.

Those thankful in sharing in his life include his wife, Peggy, of 50 years, his children, Chad (Kristen) Volner, of Mansfield, Texas, Heidi (Dustin) Gensley, of Marion, Iowa and Matt Volner, his grandchildren, Korbin, Ali, Trendy, Briley, Hailey, Lily, Landon and Lincoln and his great grandchildren, Melody and Theo, his sister, Linda (Carl) Laufer of Redbud, Illinois.

Dobie is preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, a stillborn daughter, Jodi Volner, a son, Gurvis Volner, Jr., and three brothers, Jesse Volner, James Volner and Bobby Volner and a sister, Nora Spears.  

Dobie’s family will host a celebration of his life on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Salem Community Center.  Burial will be held at a later time in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Mt. Pleasant.  A memorial has been established in his memory to EveryStep Hospice of Mt. Pleasant.  According to his wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Victor E. Harlan

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 at 8:54 am CDT

Victor E. Harlan, 73, a resident of rural Fairfield, passed away Monday, January 27, 2025 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. with the family present from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. A memorial service celebrating Victor’s life will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 7th at Behner Funeral Home with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. Burial will be at Spencer Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Stockport Fire & EMS and sent to the family at 2735 Stockport Rd. Fairfield, Iowa 52556.

Victor was born April 14, 1951 in Fairfield, the son of Dean and Nola (Headley) Harlan. He grew up outside of Stockport on the Harlan Family heritage farm where he helped raise sheep and learned about farming the land. Victor attended Stockport Elementary School and later graduated from Van Buren High School in Keosauqua in 1969. He served his country in the United States Army and the Iowa National Guard for many years. Victor married Andrea Keller, July 3, 1971 at Stockport United Methodist Church.

Victor worked in the water purification and forest protection divisions for the Iowa National Guard for many years, overseeing service and deployment of MRAP vehicles. He worked for three years with 29 Palms Marine Corps with MRAP vehicles. Later Victor worked as a regional service manager for Mahindra Tractors.

Victor enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. He collected many antique tractors, favoring Allis-Chalmers.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Andrea; son, Max (Billie Jo) Harlan of Stockport; daughter, Erika (Zach) Harlan-Jenkins of Troy, Kansas; grandchildren, Cody, Erin, and Peyton Harlan, and Cord and Steele Windmeyer; sisters, Naomi (Rodney) Beckman of Keosauqua and Claudia (Thomas) Ternes of Mt. Vernon, Iowa; brothers, Philip Harlan of Farmington, Arkansas and Noel (Carol) Harlan of Keosauqua; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Morning Sun Barn Fire Claims Over 10 Acres

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 at 6:43 am CDT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On January 28th, 2025 at approximately 12:14pm the Morning Sun Fire Department was requested to respond to 19108 Highway 78 in reference to a barn on fire. Upon arrival crews located an approximately 20×40 barn with extensive fire showing and approximately 10 acres of grass on fire. Due to the extremely dry conditions and gusty winds, Wapello Fire as well as Winfield Fire were requested for additional resources. Crews quickly brought the fire under control and extinguished remaining hot spots. The cause of the fire is believed to have been started from the property owner burning trash earlier in the day. No further details will be released.

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.