Winter Solstice – Shortest Day of the Year!

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, December 21st, 2024 at 6:29 am CDT

The winter solstice is this weekend. Today will be the shortest day of the year.  The winter solstice only has eight hours and 11 minutes of sunlight. Starting Sunday, the days will grow longer.

The winter solstice in Mount Pleasant will occur at 3:20 AM. The sunrise and sunset times for that day are:

  • Sunrise: 7:26 AM
  • Sunset: 4:40 PM

The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year in most places north of the equator.  This moment marks the start of the winter season for the Northern Hemisphere.

Drought Conditions

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, December 21st, 2024 at 6:27 am CDT

Nearly 93 percent of Iowa is experiencing drought conditions currently. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s most recent report, 1.3 percent of Iowa is in severe drought located in the northwestern corner of the state, 63.13 percent is in moderate drought, and 92.8 percent is abnormally dry.  Portions of Henry, Louisa, Johnson, and Iowa counties are abnormally dry with some areas in moderate drought.

 

Jane Ann Mulford

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, December 21st, 2024 at 5:01 am CDT

Jane Ann Mulford, 66, of Decorah, IA and formerly of Mount Pleasant, died Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah, following a brief but courageous battle of cancer.

Jane was born June 17, 1958 in Aledo, IL. She was the daughter of Clifford Ray and Juanita Francis (Fisher) Mulford. She was raised in Mt. Pleasant and graduated from Mt. Pleasant Community High School in 1976.

In June of 1976, Jane entered the United States Air Force. She was a Radar Technician and later a Weapons Control System Mechanic while residing in St. Louis. At one point in her military career, she was stationed in South Korea as a Radar Technician. After 4 years in service, she reenlisted into the Air National Guard. She was assigned to the 131st Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in Missouri in the guard. Jane was awarded the Air Reserve Forces Merit Service Award in March of 1984 and again in March of 1987. She was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in May of 1987,

Following her discharge, she remained in the St. Louis area and worked for the McDonald-Douglas Corporation. She returned to Mt. Pleasant and worked for Heatilator Industries. She retired in 2013 after completing her working career as a Correctional Officer for the Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility.

Jane had the biggest heart to help anyone in need. Most especially, Jane had a deep and abiding love for pets of all sorts.

Those thankful for sharing in Jane’s life include 2 brothers and their wives – Douglas & Tammy Mulford and Craig & Jeanne Mulford, all of Mt. Pleasant; a brother-in-law, Lyle Riley of Wasilla, AK; 8 nieces and nephews – Scott Riley and Jeff Riley, both of Wasilla, Katie Jordan of Colorado Springs, CO, Jordan Mulford of Mt. Pleasant, Abbey Hendrickson of Cedar Falls, IA, Logan Mulford of Denver, CO, Zachary Mulford and Colin Mulford, both of Mt. Pleasant.

Her parents, sister Patricia Ruth Riley and infant brother, Edward Floyd Mulford precede Jane in death.

An open visitation will be from 12 Noon to 7 PM on Friday, December 27, 2024 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The family will not be present. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Kimzey Funeral Home, and burial of Jane’s ashes will be at a later date at the Columbus City Cemetery.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to All God’s Creatures in Mt. Pleasant. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Vern E. Dorothy

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, December 20th, 2024 at 12:14 pm CDT

Vern E. Dorothy

Vern E. Dorothy, 98, of Mt. Pleasant, died Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Arbor Court in Mt. Pleasant.

Vern was born March 14, 1926 in Salem, IA. He was the son of Raymond and Nellie (Conner) Dorothy. He was raised by his father and step mother, Edna. He graduated from Stockport High School.

During WW II, Vern was called to the service of his country. He entered the United States Navy on August 14, 1944 in St. Louis, MO. He was trained as a Signalman in Farragut, ID. Vern was assigned to a destroyer, the USS Marshall. He was honorable discharged on June 15, 1946 as a Seaman First Class.

Upon his return home, he met a young lady. They had a first date and a courtship ensued. On June 5, 1949 at her parents home in Birmingham, IA, Vern was united in marriage to Carolyn J. Dorothy. To this union, 2 children were born – R.V. and Joy. It was a love, marriage and partnership that lasted nearly 75 years until Carolyn’s passing on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Arbor Court in Mt. Pleasant.

For 45 years, Vern worked as a Foreman for Dexter Industries in Fairfield. He was not only a Foreman, but served as a mentor and role model for many a young worker. All during the time at Dexter, Vern also farmed at their farm in the Stockport area. After retirement and selling the farm, Vern and Carolyn made their home in Mt. Pleasant.

In retirement, Vern became a Funeral Associate at the former Weir Funeral Home, and stayed with the funeral home when it became the Kimzey Funeral Home. Vern not only worked funerals and visitations, but was the handyman at the funeral home, keeping it in repair. He served almost 30 years, well into his early 90’s.

Vern was a very faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church. He served several terms as a Deacon of the church. Unless they were out of town, Vern never missed a Sunday at church. During the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, he worked at the steam powered carousel on the MOT grounds. Vern was a die hard St. Louis Cardinals fan, seldom missing a game on the TV or radio.

Those thankful for sharing in Vern’s life include his 2 children – Joy (Brian) Messer of Fairfield and R.V. (Debra Bislip) Dorothy of Yuma, Colorado and Aruba; a sister – Barbara Cox; twin brothers – Dale and Gale Dorothy; 4 grandchildren – Jason (Tasha), Jodi, Chad (Stacy) and Shelby; 9 great grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Janet Smith of Birmingham and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

His parents, wife, sisters – Mildrend Ingalls, Esther Alexander and Mary Dodd, and a brother-in-law, Robert Smith, precede Vern in death.

Friends may call from 2-7 PM on Sunday, December 22  at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The family will receive friends from 2-4 PM on Sunday afternoon.

The funeral service for Vern will be 11 AM on Monday, December at Calvary Baptist Church, 803 E. Mapleleaf Drive. The Rev. Dr. David Strope and Pastor Danny Cary will officiate. Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard and the Naval Military Funeral Honors Detail.

A memorial has been established in Vern’s name for a decision to be made at a later date.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Prep Football: Keokuk’s Junior Linebacker Mason Claus Ranked the #27 Senior Recruit for Iowa

By Slaten Swords · Friday, December 20th, 2024 at 10:32 am CDT

Keokuk, IA- The Keokuk football team may not have had the season they were hoping for but that did not stop the talent on the team from shining through with junior Mason Claus being ranked the 27th top football recruit in the state of Iowa by the Des Moines Register.

(Photo courtesy of Iron Rail Photography by Pray Lawson a senior at KHS)

 Claus has been a vacuum on the defensive side, leading Class 3A in tackles his sophomore year and collecting the second most total tackles in 3A last year despite missing the final two games due to injury.

Head coach Marvin McNutt knows they have a star in one of the only six ranked 3A players for the state of Iowa,

“Rightfully so, he works hard and leads our team as a junior, because he attacks the game.”

Claus, who also saw action at wide receiver is a jack-of-all-trades, master of all, having made the state track and field meet in past seasons and leads his class academically, sporting a 4.0 GPA as he eyes a degree in engineering.

“Football is a big part of my life, it is the one thing I love to do, and I want to keep playing it for as long as I can,” Claus said. “I’m very grateful for this, I have put in a lot of work and next year you’re going to be surprised at where I will be at.”

The junior is hoping to follow in his coach’s footsteps and play at the University of Iowa. Claus finished the year with 79.5 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and four receiving touchdowns.

Mount Pleasant Personnel & Finance Committee Meeting Agenda REVISED

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, December 20th, 2024 at 8:37 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Personnel & Finance Committee will meet Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at 9:00 AM at City Hall in the City Administrators’ Conference Room.
AGENDA
1. Call to order.
2. Discuss November 30, 2024 Court order in matter CVEQ006708 and possible motion
3. Discuss General Liability Insurance Renewal
4. Discuss Downtown Christmas Decoration Displays
5. Discuss Financing a Pumper Truck for the Fire Department
6. Discuss FY26 Budget Timeline
7. Discuss Phone Service Provider for Police Department
8. Discuss Purchase of New Public Works Truck and Plow
9. Open Forum.
10. Adjourn.

The Henry County Extension Office Looks For Their Next Youth Program Educator

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, December 20th, 2024 at 6:47 am CDT

Do you have a passion for working with youth and making a positive impact in your community? The Henry County Extension Office is looking for a Youth Program Educator to focus on Positive Youth Development (PYD). Join us in empowering youth to reach their full potential. For more information about the Youth Program Educator position head to ISU Henry Co Extension Jobs

Sports, December 20th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, December 20th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

Mediapolis pulled off the sweep against Winfield-Mt. Union last night with the girls’ team running away with a 77-34 win, while the boys’ team squeaked out a 51-47 final. Amelia Grier led the Bulldogs with 17 points as the team notched 20 steals. Cooper Buffington collected a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds in the losing effort. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will head into winter break.

Mediapolis will travel to New London tonight in a doubleheader, starting at 6 pm. 

Columbus secured a pair of victories last night against New London with the girls’ team cruising to a 63-30 final and the boys’ team picking up their first win over the Tigers since 2010 in a 59-49 win. The Wildcats will tango with Wapello at home tonight with game one at 6 pm. 

A comeback, overtime thriller was what the WACO girls’ team cooked up last night against #14 Highland in a 64-59 victory. The Warriors enter winter break with a 3-3 record. 

Van Buren County will take on Danville with the girls tipping off the night at 6 pm tonight at home. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Burlington Notre Dame tonight with game one at 6 pm. 

West Burlington will compete against Central Lee tonight with the boys following the girls’ game at 7:30 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant will host Washington tonight in a doubleheader with the girls’ tipping-off the night at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm. Boys’ head coach Eric Rawson knows his team will have to play fast and physical against the Demons tonight,

“Yeah, they’re undefeated in the conference right now, so. And they took down Keokuk at home and they beat Fairfield last week, so. You know, they’re a dangerous team kind of similar in a way to Benton. They got some guys that can shoot it and some guys that can put it on the floor and get to the basket. So, we got to play with more sense of urgency and toughness, and we got to find ways to score.”

Fairfield will travel to Keokuk tonight with the girls’ playing at 6 pm.

High School Wrestling

Mt. Pleasant competed in a dual against Fort Madison last night and the girls’ team fell 48-18, while the boys’ team took down the Bloodhounds 47-33. Quintrie Lee and Paris Phosy each won their match by fall for the Panthers. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team had Ramzy Davis, Keegan Birdsell, Jefferson Avalos Ramirez, and Landon Beckler each win their match by fall, while Cruz Aguilar claimed his match by technical fall. 

The Fairfield girls’ team struggled in their dual against Burlington last tonight 66-18. Samantha Lyons and Aliya Abbot each picked up wins for the Trojans. The Fairfield boys’ team won their dual 42-38. Aiden Westercamp, Cason Miller, Dain Burkart, Brody Lyons, and Dre Smithburg all helped lead the Trojans to victory. 

The WACO boys’ team hosted a double dual last night but fell to Burlington Notre Dame 56-20 and Mediapolis 42-39. Louden Huisenga, Tyler Rogers, and Gage Samo went undefeated on the night for the Warriors. The Nikes would take the night with a dominating 71-9 win against the Bulldogs. Kyler Crow and Brody Minster won both of their matches for Mediapolis, while the Nikes were led by Dirk Boyles,  Joey Glendening, Rowan Berndt, and Jared Glendening, who each went 2-0. 

The Wapello boys’ team had their senior night spoiled last night by Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union 54-39 and Van Buren County 36-34. The Wildcats ended the night 2-0 with a 60-19 win over the Warriors. Jordan Chamberlin, Grayson Nagle, and Cohen Wolford each went undefeated on the night for Wapello. The Wildcats had Kason Dopler, Payton White, Tayson Samuels, and Bowen Thomson each go 2-0 on the night. 

The Mediapolis, Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, New London, and Burlington Notre Dame boys’ teams will participate in the Fort Madison Invitational tonight.

The Van Buren County boys’ team will travel to Dike-New Hartford in a dual tournament tomorrow, December 21st.

The Wapello, Mt. Pleasant, and WACO boys’ teams will compete at the Regina Catholic Invitational tomorrow.  

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will compete in the John Randles Invite at Prairie tomorrow.

The Wapello and WACO girls’ teams will travel to Chariton for an invitational tomorrow. 

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Burlington today for a triangular.

Southeastern Community College

The #20 men’s basketball team will take on Western Iowa Tech at home on January 8th with tip-off scheduled for 7 pm. 

College Football

#18 Iowa State will face off against #16 Miami in the Pop Tarts Bowl on December 28th at 2:30 pm in Orlando. 

Iowa will take on #19 Missouri for the Music City Bowl on December 30th in Nashville at 1:30 pm. 

College Basketball

The #3 Iowa State men’s team will host Morgan State on Sunday, December 22nd, with game time scheduled for noon. 

The Iowa men’s team will meet Utah tomorrow, December 21st, at 5 pm in a road matchup. 

The #22 Iowa women’s team will face off against Northern Iowa tonight at 6:30 pm at home. 

The Iowa State women’s team will look to get back in the win column tomorrow on the road against Oklahoma State at 4 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1921 – The American League votes to return to a best-of-7 World Series, while the National League votes for a best-of-9; Commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis casts the deciding vote for a best-of-7. 

1966 – The NBA awards the Seattle Supersonics a franchise for the 1967-68 season. 

1979 – Behn Wilson scores the game-tying power play goal with 4:08 remaining in regulation to keep the Philadelphia Flyers unbeaten streak alive at 28 — tying the NHL record for longest undefeated stretch — in a 1-1 draw with the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Spectrum.