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
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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.

Steven R. Pickle

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, January 27th, 2025 at 3:44 pm CDT

Steven R. Pickle, 75 of New London, died Sunday, January 26th at Savannah Heights Mt. Pleasant. Services are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London

Hazel M. Miller, 70 of New London, died Monday January 27th at New London Specialty Care. Services are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.

Henry County Board of Supervisors Office January 30, 2025 9:00 a.m.

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, January 27th, 2025 at 3:43 pm CDT

AGENDA

Board of Supervisors Office

January 30, 2025

9:00 a.m.

    1. Approve Agenda
    2. Approve Minutes
    3. Jake Hotchkiss Engineer Weekly Update

    Motion – Approve Dust Control Policy

    Motion – 2025 Dust Control Dates and Fees

    1. Sarah Berndt General Assistance, Monthly Update
    2. Approval of Henry County Annual ICAPs Renewal Premiums
    3. Auditors’ Deputy Appointments for Year 2025
    4. Motion to set Deadline Claims Due Date.
    5. WEMIGA Waste, Lynn Whaley Annual update fees.
    6. Terry McWilliams, Support of Old Threshers
    7. Main Street Mt Pleasant, Lisa Oetken, County Support
    8. Mt Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance, Rachel Lindeen, County Support
    9. Motion to extend Wind Turbine Moratorium
    10. Sheriff Richard McNamee.
    11. County Compensation Plan Policy and Compensation Plan Matrix
    12. Public Comments

     

    Other County Business as time allows

    Supervisors’ Sub-Committee Updates

Carroll H. Fraise

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, January 27th, 2025 at 11:53 am CDT

Carroll H. Fraise, 90, of West Point, Iowa passed away at 6:55 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2025 at his home.

He was born on April 15, 1934, in St. Paul, Iowa, the son of Stacy and Marie (Merschbrock) Fraise. On January 15, 1955, he married Dorothy Lake at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Madison.

He survived by his wife: Dorothy; three sons: Mark (Shaun) Fraise, Don (Rhonda) Fraise, and Paul (Lisa) Fraise; three daughters: Nancy (Dave) Ellingboe, Peggy (Lewis) Doering, and Judy (Dean) Moeller; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; one sister: Karen (Eldon)  Ripperger; three brothers-in-law: John Ripperger, Frank “Dick” (Terry) Lake, and Charles Lake; one sister-in-law: Barbara Lake. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents: Stacy and Marie; two sons: David Fraise and Roger Fraise; one granddaughter: Amanda Moeller; his twin brother: Carl Fraise; brother: Jerry Fraise; five sisters: Ruth (Bob) Pennock, Margie (Ray) Young, Norma Matern, Darlene (John) Klesner, Janice Ripperger; mother and father-in-law; Frank and Doris Lake; brothers-in-law: Jerry Lake, Marlene (Reginald) Booher, Floyd (Ruth) Lake, Lyle Lake, Loretta (Frank) Wetteland.

Carroll was a farmer for all of his life. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point, the Farm Bureau, Knights of Columbus, and the West Point Card Club.

A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, January 30, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point. Following the rosary, the family will receive friends until 10:30 a.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point with Father Dan Dorau officiating.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in West Point.

Memorials have been established in his memory for Holy Trinity Catholic Schools or Lee County Hospice.

 

Donald K. Waters

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, January 27th, 2025 at 11:19 am CDT

Donald K. Waters, 97, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Society in Ottumwa.

According to Mr. Waters’ wishes, his body has been cremated and no services will be held. The family requests no memorials. Cards may be sent to 305 W. Van Buren Ave. Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Don was born April 30, 1927 in Mt. Pleasant, the son of Mark and Mina (Whaley) Waters. He married Caryl McClurg, April 9, 1950. She preceded him in death March 26, 2011.

Don was a farmer and spent most of his life on his farm in Birmingham. His great fondness of horses turned into a hobby where he raised and trained many horses for harness racing.

Don and his wife, Caryl, owned Howdy’s Cafe in Fairfield for many years and also operated the Keosauqua Sale Barn Cafe.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Bob, Lew, and Lee; and his sister, Jean.

He is survived by his daughter, Melodie Waters; and his son, Chris Waters, both of Fairfield; and one brother, John Waters of California.

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