Larry Graber Honored with Volunteer Service Award at Old Threshers

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 at 6:31 am CDT

Larry Graber has been recognized for his dedication to the Dexter cattle breed and the Midwest Old Threshers community. On August 30, 2025, Graber was presented with the Volunteer Service Award, highlighting his years of hard work and commitment to the preservation and promotion of Dexter cattle.

The award commends Graber’s efforts in raising awareness of the breed across the Midwest, noting his contributions through more than 100 registrations in the Glockenhof Herd. His volunteerism has played a significant role in both strengthening the Dexter community and supporting Old Threshers events.

“The entire Dexter community appreciates you and your contributions,” the award reads, underscoring Graber’s impact on livestock enthusiasts and agricultural heritage efforts.

Old Threshers officials said the recognition reflects not only Graber’s devotion to the Dexter breed but also his spirit of volunteerism, which has long been central to the reunion’s success.

Great River Health Encourages Community to Support Hospice House with Simple Gifts

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 at 6:31 am CDT

Great River Health is reminding the community that Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House depends on acts of generosity to maintain a true home for patients and their families during life’s most difficult moments.

The Hospice House has released an updated wish list that makes giving back easier than ever. Supporters can now purchase and send essential comfort items directly from home. Items such as sheet sets, mini deodorants, and mini lotions may seem small, but they provide immense comfort and dignity to patients in their final days.

“These donations help us continue our mission of providing care, compassion, and comfort to patients and families,” a spokesperson said. “Each item ensures our patients feel loved and cared for.”

Community members are encouraged to browse the wish list and choose a gift that will directly support Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House. By doing so, donors not only provide much-needed supplies but also share a message of compassion with those nearing the end of life. wish list

Mount Pleasant to Celebrate Birthday of Dr. James Van Allen

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 at 6:29 am CDT

The community is invited to gather in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, September 6, 2025, for a special celebration honoring one of the city’s most famous natives—world-renowned physicist Dr. James Van Allen.

Born in Mount Pleasant on September 7, 1914, Van Allen was educated in local schools before embarking on a groundbreaking career in physics. He is best known for discovering the Van Allen radiation belts, a scientific achievement that helped make America’s space program possible.

The celebration will take place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the corner of West Madison and North Van Buren in Mount Pleasant. The afternoon will include hands-on activities for all ages:

  • 1:00 p.m. – Help make homemade ice cream.
  • 2:00 p.m. – Enjoy cake and ice cream.
  • Following refreshments – Science activities and games for kids, led by Susan Loescher and Rosemary Peck.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the Van Allen House and the Heritage Center Museum. The event is free, though donations are appreciated. Organizers encourage guests to bring lawn chairs, and note that children should be accompanied by an adult.

For questions, call (319) 217-6042.

Sports, September 2nd

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 at 6:28 am CDT

High School Cross Country Rankings

The Iowa Association of Track Coaches released their second team and individual rankings of the season and eight of our local teams found a spot on the team rankings.

In Class 3A, the Fort Madison and Washington girls’ teams have produced a heated conference rivalry for the past couple of seasons and this year will be no different with the Bloodhounds ranked 11th and the Demons back at 18th. Helping pace Fort Madison is Avery Rump, the 15th best runner in the class, who took 7th at the Prairie Invite over the weekend. 

On the boys’ side for Class 3A, Washington’s Andrew Rees is ranked 14th for the Demons.

The Mediapolis boys’ team, aided with the return of three state qualifying runners, kept the Bulldogs ranked at 13th as they run for the first time this season tonight.

The boys’ division of Class 1A will be highly competitive amongst our local teams as three teams are ranked within the top 20: Van Buren County leads the charge at #7, Columbus is not too far behind at #9, while WACO enters the regular season at 19th. 

Van Buren County won their first meet of the season at Albia, outpacing Knoxville by seven points, as #6 Lincoln Bainbridge grabbed the silver medal with a time of 16 minutes and 25 seconds. 

On the girls’ side for Class 1A, Danville’s 4th place finish at the Trojan Early Bird meet placed the Bears at #10 on the rankings with Van Buren County’s 2nd place team finish at Albia having the Warriors parked right behind at #11. Alaina Gourley’s sub-20 minute time at the Early Bird meet for Danville and subsequent gold medal has her ranked 4th individually, while Kayley Snowgren leads the Warriors with a 27th-rank individually.

High School Cross Country

Danville will compete at the Williamsburg Invitational tonight along with Mt. Pleasant and Mediapolis. 

Central Lee will join Notre Dame/West Burlington and Holy Trinity Catholic at the Keokuk Invite on Thursday, September 4th.

Van Buren County, Mediapolis, Fairfield, and New London will head to the Wildwood Meet on Thursday.

High School Volleyball

Mt. Pleasant will open conference play tonight on the road against Washington at 7:15 pm.

Fairfield will host Fort Madison tonight at 7:15 pm.

The Arrow Tournament will take place at Wapello High School tonight with Burlington Notre Dame, Central Lee, Columbus, Holy Trinity Catholic, and Mediapolis participating. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Louisa-Muscatine tonight at 7:30 pm. 

WACO will host a quad on Thursday, September 4th, with Fairfield and New London making the trip. 

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant will travel to take on Knoxville on Friday, September 5th, at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm. 

Mediapolis will attempt to bounce back on Friday against Keokuk at home at 7 pm.

WACO will have an early season rivalry matchup against Winfield-Mt. Union on Friday at 7 pm on the road. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame will look to start the season 2-0 when they travel to Fort Madison on Friday at 7:30 pm.

Danville will face off against Louisa-Muscatine on Friday at 7 pm at home. 

Columbus will take on Van Buren County on Friday at 7 pm on the road.

Wapello will host Highland on Friday at 7 pm. 

Central Lee will clash with Albia on Friday at 7 pm at home. 

New London will travel to Pekin on Friday at 7 pm.

Fairfield will face off against Centerville on Friday at 7:30 pm at home.

High School Girls’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will square off against Burlington at home tonight.

Fairfield will take on Mt. Pleasant on Thursday, September 4th, at home. 

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will host Iowa Lakes Community College at 7 pm tomorrow, September 3rd. 

The women’s soccer team will stay on the road to take on Lincoln Land Community College on Thursday, September 4th.

The men’s soccer team will host Illinois Central College on Saturday, September 6th.

College Football

The Cy-Hawk game is scheduled for Saturday, September 6th, at 11 am. For the Cyclone broadcast, tune in to KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130, while KILJ 105.5 FM will have the Hawkeye broadcast.  

This Day in Sports History

1962 – St. Louis first baseman Stan Musial records his 3,516th hit in a Cards’ 4-3 loss vs the New York Mets; overtakes Tris Speaker into 2nd place behind Ty Cobb on the MLB all-time list.

1966 – Joe Auer returns the opening kickoff 95 yards for a Miami touchdown in the Dolphins’ first ever NFL regular-season game; Oakland Raiders go on to win 23-14 at the Orange Bowl before 26,776 fans.

1987 – Houston outfielder Kevin Bass becomes the first NL player to clobber switch-hit home runs in a game twice in one season in an Astros 10-1 win vs the Cubs.

 Susan Machelle Fite

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 at 5:26 am CDT

Susan Machelle Fite, 57, of Agency passed away August 28, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

She was born September 29, 1967 in Clinton, Iowa to Wally and Elaine Lewis. She married David Gordy in 1985. They parented 3 daughters, and later divorced. Susan married Todd Fite in 1992, and they remained married until her death.

Susan loved to thrift shop, do DIY projects, and spend time with her grandkids. She was a giver and a helper to all who knew her.

Susan is survived by her husband, Todd; children, Latisha (Ben) Boeck and Tonya Gordy; grandchildren, Elijah Boeck, Karley O’Leary, Asher Boeck, Abigail Boeck, Skye Wright, and Tatum Wright; father, Wally Lewis; and many siblings, nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.

She is proceeded in death by her mother, Elaine Lewis; a stillborn daughter, DaLana Gordy; and a stillborn brother, Darren Lewis.

A memorial service has been planned for friends and family Saturday, September 6 at 2:00 pm at the Fite residence, 211 S Caylor St. Agency, Iowa.

Phyllis A. Nicholson

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 at 5:23 am CDT

 

Phyllis A. Nicholson, 84, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the New London Specialty Care Center, surrounded by her loving family.

 

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant. 

Merle Yaley

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 at 5:19 am CDT

Merle Yaley, 98, of Mount Pleasant died Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living.

Merle was born September 1, 1926, in Lee County, Iowa, the son of Eugene and Edith (Blint) Yaley. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1944. On February 10, 1950, Merle was united in marriage to Hazel Mowrey in Nashville, Tennessee. They made their home in the Mount Pleasant community where they farmed for many years. He also sold Tomco and ACCO seed corn, and was a heavy equipment operator for Whaley Construction. In retirement he worked for Roth Management doing maintenance on rental properties. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, carpentry, working on cars and tractors, and attending auctions. Merle and Hazel enjoyed square dancing and attending country music festivals.

Merle is survived by three grandchildren, Kesh (Dr. Robert Greiner II) Hecker-Greiner, Brandon (Heather) Yaley, Danica (Aaron) Tolen; 13 great grandchildren, Karagen and Logan Hecker, Trey, Trinity, and Tristyn Greiner, Taryn, Amira, Avery and Kingston Tolen, Braiden and James Yaley, Aurora and Henry Liggett; great great grandson Braxton Ross; three sisters, Velna Smith of Salem, Carol (Dean) Anderson of New London, Marlene (Dick) Lenz of New London; brother Marvin (Jan) Yaley of Mount Pleasant; sister-in-law Irma Yaley of Mount Pleasant; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, wife Hazel, sons, Richard and Ron, brother George, sister Bertha Pickle, brothers-in-law Jack Pickle, Ed Smith, and two nephews.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 5, 2025, at Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory. Burial will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of service on Friday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Mount Pleasant High School Wrestling Program. The Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory is caring for Merle and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Old Threshers Crowns 2025 Miss Sweet 16 at 75th Reunion

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, September 1st, 2025 at 3:06 pm CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT—The Midwest Old Threshers Reunion marked its 75th anniversary with the crowning of the 2025 Miss Sweet 16, continuing a tradition that began in 1968.

This year’s Midwest Old Threshers Sweet sixteen title went to Lauryn Willham of Mount Pleasant, who impressed judges with her commitment, volunteer spirit, and a creative interview project in which she spoke with 75 people to honor the reunion’s milestone year.

Beatrice Anderson was named Miss Volunteer 2025, recognized for her dedication and positive energy while working across reunion grounds. Isabella Traman was announced as the second runner-up, and Naomi English received the title of first runner-up.

The Sweet 16 program, celebrating its 57th year, brings together young women from across the region each summer. Candidates begin preparing in May, meeting throughout the summer before volunteering in numerous areas during reunion week. Their work includes assisting at the ticket gates, souvenir stands, carousel, log village, and even helping with tractor operations and children’s activities.

Coordinator Danielle, who marked her 10th year leading the program, thanked the 2024 court for their support, recognized sponsors and volunteers who keep the program running, and highlighted the personal growth the experience provides.

Judging is based on a combination of interviews, presentations, and secret evaluations from judges who observe contestants throughout the week. While interviews test poise and communication, secret judges weigh heavily on customer service, attitude, and work ethic during the long reunion days.

The event also included recognition of past volunteers for reaching milestones in service hours, underscoring Old Threshers’ emphasis on community contribution.

“This program is about more than a crown,” Danielle said. “It’s about giving these young women opportunities to grow, learn, and serve. We are so proud of the way they represent Old Threshers.”

The Sweet 16 coronation drew a large crowd at this year’s reunion, with attendees applauding both the winners and the 22 candidates who participated.

Congratulations to Midwest Old Threshers Sweet sixteen: Lauryn Willham of Mount Pleasant.