Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in the state of Iowa to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol, all public buildings, grounds and facilities state-wide. Today, we remember the thousands whose lives were lost or forever changed on this day 83 years ago. Thank you to all who serve this country.
Marjorie Ruth McDowell
Marjorie Ruth McDowell, 95, of Mount Pleasant, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Addington Place in Mount Pleasant.
Marjorie Ruth Baker McDowell was born on December 13, 1928, on a farm near Yarmouth, Iowa, the daughter of Carl Elmer Baker and Sylvia Myrtle (Hodson) Baker. She married John E. McDowell on June 17, 1949, at the First United Methodist Church in Yarmouth.
Marjorie graduated from Yarmouth High School in 1946, where she played forward in the girls state championship basketball game, losing only to Coon Rapids. After high school, she attended Iowa Wesleyan College where she was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority and was named Iowa Wesleyan Homecoming Queen in 1947. She graduated from IWC in 1950, with a teaching certificate in education.
Marjorie lived a fulfilling life and was a woman of many talents, but she especially loved teaching. She taught first grade for several years before opening her own dance studio. She taught tap, ballet, jazz and acrobatics to many students in the Mount Pleasant area and produced annual dance recitals. After retiring from teaching dance, she enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s dance recitals. She was very athletic and was always ready to teach skills related to basketball and softball to her grandchildren. Her husband John, and son Scott shared her love for baseball and the three of them often traveled to Kansas City to watch the Royals play. Marjorie and John also were active card club members where they developed many close friendships. Marjorie enjoyed sewing and baking desserts that were often the highlight of many family gatherings. She also tended a small garden and canned her best harvests. Marjorie was a kind soul and was always putting the needs of others before her own . Her love and compassion extended to all those who knew her and she will be remembered for her bright disposition and personality.
Marjorie was an active member of the Founder’s Chapter of T.T.T. for over 50 years. She also was a dedicated volunteer at the First United Methodist Church and later in life volunteered at the Quarter Maybe More Store.
She is survived by her youngest brother Dee Lawrence Baker of Acton, CA, daughter Janette Zuk of Easton, PA, daughter Joan Coan of Lennox, KS, son Scott McDowell of Overland Park, KS. Grandchildren include Daria Kret of Easton, PA, Jill Coan of Shawnee, KS, Natalie Brigham of Atlantic Highlands, NJ, Jenna Bobrov of Fitchburg, WI, and John Zuk of Bethlehem, PA. Marge has seven great grandsons, one great granddaughter and another great granddaughter on the way.
Her husband, John, and first-born infant son, Bradley, preceded her in death.
The family would like to thank all of Mom’s fantastic caregivers at Addington Place and EveryStep Hospice.
Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant. Pastor Jeff McPheron will officiate. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 10, at the Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory. The family will be present to greet friends beginning at 5:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Marjorie’s name may be directed to EveryStep Hospice and the First United Methodist Church. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Marjorie and her family.
Michael Brooks
Michael Brooks, 68, of Mount Pleasant, died Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the Henry County Health Center.
Michael was born February 17, 1956, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Dewey and Doris (Hart) Brooks. Michael worked at Henry County Health Center, and most recently at Walmart as a Maintenance Supervisor.
Michael is survived by niece Amy (Jason) Olson, of Mount Pleasant, niece Kimberlee (Brian) Gumphrey of Centerville, nephew Cody Watts of Moravia, great nephew Johnny (Madison) Wells of Mount Pleasant, great niece Lizzie Wells, great niece Heidi (John) Fry of Unionville, and many other nieces, nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Johnny Hewitt, Dave Hewitt, Rickie Brooks, and sister Carolyn Watts.
According to his wishes his body has been cremated and no services will be held. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Michael and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Lyle Litton – Pending
Letha Sher Brown
Letha Sher Brown, 55, of Danville, died Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at home.
According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Rebecca Jane White Manning
Rebecca Jane White Manning, 72, of Fairfield died Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.
Becky was born March 31, 1952, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Dale and Betty (Johnson) White. She attended Mount Pleasant High School. Rebecca worked as a cook at Hy-Vee in the kitchen. She enjoyed family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She faithfully read devotions each day and had a strong faith. She didn’t know a stranger and Becky had a spunky side to her.
Becky is survived by two daughters Angie Welcher of Cedar Rapids, Jill Welcher of Mount Pleasant; six grandchildren Chase, Court, Autumn, Carissa, Cade, Chloe; five great grandchildren Ryu, Axton, Rowan, Oaklynn, Hazel; sister Velda Barrett of Mount Pleasant; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Tommy and Jim; and sister Sandy Elmore.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 A M, Saturday December 14, 2024, at the E3 Center, Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Becky and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Fort Madison Police Department Asking For Public’s Help
SPECIAL PRESS RELEASE
FORT MADISON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Missing Person
Friday December 6th, 2024 – The Fort Madison Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing person.
Aiyana La’Sue Young (Christofferson) 25, of Fort Madison voluntarily left her residence in the evening hours of 11/18/2024.
Young left with an unknown female friend, with a destination of Burlington, Iowa. Young did not return home, and the last communication with loved ones was via text on 11/21/2024. Young has not been heard from since. Young has been entered as a missing person.
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Fort Madison Police Department at 319-372-2525. A photo of Young has been attached below.
SCC Board Meetings Announced For Dec. 9th
The SCC Board will have a Pre-Board meeting beginning at 4 pm in the Private Dining Room followed by the Regular Board meeting at 6 pm in the SCC Board Room both on the West Burlington Campus.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Monday, December 9, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
1500 West Agency Road, West Burlington, Iowa – Board Room
Via Zoom @ https://scciowa.zoom.us/j/99222659964 Meeting ID: 992 2265 9964
Tentative Agenda
1.0 Routine Items
1.1 Call to Order, Roll Call, and Pledge of Allegiance
1.2 Adoption of Formal Agenda
1.3 Communications (Limited to Five (5) Minutes per Individual)
1.3.1 Audience
1.3.3 Administration
1.3.3 Board
1.4 Community Colleges for Iowa Trustees Report
2.0 Action Items
2.1 Approval of Consent Agenda
(NOTE: All matters listed on the attached Consent Agenda are considered to be
Routine by the Board of Trustees and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate
discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the Consent
Agenda and will be considered separately.)
2.2 Presentation of the Audit
3.0 Accountability
3.1 President’s Report
3.2 Monthly Financial Report
3.3 Facilities Update
3.3 Board Self-Eval
4.0 Reorganization of the Board
4.1 Adjourn Sine Die
4.2 Call to Order and Roll Call by Secretary of the Board
4.3 Organization of the Board
4.3.1 Election of Board Chairperson
4.3.2 Election of Board Vice Chairperson
4.3.3 Appointment of Secretary
4.3.4 Appointment of Treasurer
4.3.5 Appointment of Representatives for the College County Fair Service Agency Board of
Directors
4.3.6 Appointment of Representatives for the Greater Burlington Area Sports Facilities
Board of Directors
4.3.7 Appointment of Iowa Association of Community College Trustees Representative and
Alternate
4.3.8 Resolution on Signatures for Depositoris