Joan S. Brown

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 at 1:29 pm CDT

Joan S. Brown

Joan Sidney Van Ginkel Brown of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Joan was a resident of the Southeast Iowa Behavioral Healthcare Center in Keokuk, IA.

Joan was born on March 19, 1951 to Joseph Garrett Van Ginkel, Jr. and Ellen Peterson Van Ginkel in Des Moines, Iowa.  Joan grew up on 42nd Street in Des Moines and attended Roosevelt High School.  Joan graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1969, and she attended Iowa State University.  Joan met her future husband (Marvin Brown) in Chemistry class at Iowa State University.  They were married on February 22, 1975 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa.  Joan graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology.

Joan liked to sew and had her own sewing and alterations business.  Joan also worked in many temporary jobs as her family grew and they moved around Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and Washington, D.C.  Joan became a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked as an in-home health aid while they lived in Washington, D. C.   When her husband retired they moved to Marvin’s childhood home on the farm in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.  Joan enjoyed her time living on the farm, gardening and raising fainting goats.

Joan was a member of the P.E.O. sisterhood from the time she was 21.  She had been a member in Chapters wherever she lived throughout her life.  It was a source of friendships and enjoyment wherever she went and Joan felt that P.E.O. helped her to become part of the community wherever she was.

Joan was a member at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and she enjoyed working with other ladies in the kitchen during Old Threshers.  Joan enjoyed singing in the church choir.

Music was a source of enjoyment for Joan and she was an accomplished violinist.   She played her violin with community orchestras in Des Moines, Iowa; Effingham, Illinois; Springfield, Illinois; and Lincoln, Nebraska.  Joan also enjoyed giving violin lessons and providing musical entertainment at health care centers in her local communities.

Joan is survived by her husband (Marvin Brown) of Mt. Pleasant, and by her three children and their spouses – Carolyn (Jack) Thomas of Champaign, Illinois; James (Sarah) Brown of Fenton, Missouri; and Andrew (Melanie) Brown of Lincoln, Nebraska.  Joan is also survived by four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

A Celebration of Life for Joan will be held on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 from 1-4 PM at the Mt. Pleasant Masonic Temple, 206 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant.  A private family interment service will occur at St. Alphonsus Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant.

Memorials may be directed to the family for decisions to be made later.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Iowa Department of Education Budgets $8.5 Million Towards A “Teachers Accelerating Learning” Grant Program

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 at 7:46 am CDT

Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education today announced $8.5 million in competitive grants to support Iowa school districts in developing systems to identify and recognize teachers who significantly accelerate student learning.

Gov. Reynolds said. “This grant program builds on our momentum by working with local school districts to identify teachers with the greatest impact on student success—and then financially reward them for their extraordinary skill and dedication. Great teachers change lives, and they deserve to be recognized.”

The Teachers Accelerating Learning grant program will celebrate excellence in teaching and help districts attract and retain top teachers. All Iowa public school districts that commit to developing and implementing a methodology for identifying and recognizing teachers who accelerate student learning beyond one year’s growth are eligible to apply.

Funds for the Teachers Accelerating Learning grant are provided through State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Applications for the Teachers Accelerating Learning grant will be accepted in IowaGrants.gov beginning Nov. 26, 2024. The application deadline is Jan. 10, 2025.

Sports, December 4th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

Van Buren County split their matchups against Burlington Notre Dame last night with the girls’ team securing a narrow 46-40 victory, while the boys’ team was upended 71-38. Addison Brauns collected a double-double in the win with 15 points and 10 rebounds. 

Burlington Notre Dame will host Central Lee on Friday, December 6th, with the girls’ getting the night underway at 6 pm. 

The Central Lee girls’ team could not keep up with Holy Trinity Catholic’s pace last night, falling 43-29. Teagan Snaadt led the Crusaders with 16 points, while Lizzie Mason put up 14 points for the Hawks. The Central Lee boys’ team hung in against Holy Trinity Catholic last night, but ultimately came up short, losing 53-47. Luke Hellige cashed in for 24 points for the Crusaders.  

Holy Trinity Catholic will stay at home to take on Danville with the girls’ scheduled to lead off the night at 6 pm on Friday. 

Danville struggled against Mediapolis in their home opener with the girls’ team losing 71-30 and the boys’ team falling to the Bulldogs 69-40. Bryn Wright was unstoppable in the girls’ game, tallying 25 points and dishing out eight assists in the winning effort. 

The Mediapolis boys’ team will take on West Burlington on Friday at 7:30 pm on the road, while the girls’ team will host Wilton on Monday, December 9th, at 6 pm. 

The Winfield-Mt. Union’s girls’ team was tripped up by Louisa-Muscatine last night 43-36. Kynlee Buffington has registered a double-double in two of their three contests this season after finishing the night with 11 points and 11 boards. The Wolves will square off against Lone Tree on Friday with the boys playing at 7:30 pm, following the girls’ game. 

Wapello was swept by Pekin last night with the girls falling short 49-42 and the boys’ team getting outmatched 72-42. Wapello will travel to Louisa-Muscatine on Friday with the girls’ tipping off at 6 pm.  

West Burlington crushed New London in both games last night, as the girls’ team tallied a 56-20 victory and the boys’ team nearly dropped 100 in a 97-42 win.

New London will look to right the ship on Friday on the road against Van Buren County with game one at 6 pm. 

The West Burlington girls’ team will look to continue their momentum into tomorrow night’s contest against Centerville at home at 6. 

Fairfield lost both games to Oskaloosa last night as the girls’ fell 58-21 and the boys’ held close, losing 54-46. The Trojans will take on Albia tomorrow at home with the girls’ scheduled to start the night at 6 pm. 

The Columbus girls’ team pulled off a 44-37 upset against #10 Lone Tree last night, but the boys’ team could not keep pace with the Lions in a 72-46 final. The Wildcats will compete against North Cedar tomorrow with the girls’ playing at 6 pm for their home opener. 

Mt. Pleasant will commence conference play on Friday at home against Burlington with the girls’ competing first at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm. 

WACO will face off against Pekin on Friday with the girls’ tipping off the night at 6 pm. 

High School Wrestling

Both the WACO boys’ and girls’ teams competed in the Washington County meet last night; for the girls’ team Elyssa Graber, Rylee Rice, and Cayten Coakley each picked up two wins. On the boys’ side, the Warriors tied Highland and Washington at 42-all, but lost to Mid-Prairie 45-36. Braxton Stauffer, Louden Huisenga, Ian Maize, and Gage Samo each finished the night undefeated as Huisenga picked up each of his wins by fall within the first round. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team hosted Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union in a dual last night, but it was the Wildcats that eclipsed the Panthers 43-33. Picking up wins for the Panthers last night were Levi Evans, Lane Beckler, Asa Rose, Ramzy Davis, Tucker French, and William Birdsell. Dakota Aney, Tayson Samuels, Alex Venzor, Riley Kaalberg, Kason Dopler, and Itai Zapiensz all won by fall for the Wildcats, while Jacob Nelson and Trevor Phillips won by decisions. 

Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union will compete in the Raider Duals on Saturday at Williamsburg. 

The Mediapolis boys’ team defeated North Cedar 59-15 and Cardinal 48-30 last night at home. Taylan Miller, Mason Johnson, and Kyler Crow won both of their matches by fall, while Landon Stewart and Peyton Johnson went undefeated with wins by forfeit against North Cedar and wins by fall against the Comets. The Bulldogs will travel to Burlington to compete in an invite on Saturday.

The Wapello boys’ team split their triangular last night, defeating English Valleys by a narrow 35-30 margin, but losing to Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont 76-6. Carter Ball won the lone match against the Rockets by fall, while Cohen Wolford, Ball, and Grayson Nagle each won their matchup against the Bears. 

The Wapello boys’ team will host WACO and Mt. Pleasant on Saturday for the Willard Howell Tournament. 

The Fairfield boys’ team will travel to Davis County tomorrow, December 5th.

The New London boys’ team will host the Jeremy Fulk Classic on Saturday.

The Mt. Pleasant, Mediapolis, Columbus, and WACO girls’ teams will compete in the Willard Howell Tournament on Saturday at Wapello. 

High School Bowling

Fairfield will take on Burlington on Friday, December 6th, on the road. 

Southeastern Community College

The #11 men’s basketball team will host Kennedy-King College on Saturday, December 7th, at 7. 

College Football

#16 Iowa State will face off against #12 Arizona State on Saturday, December 7th, at 11 am for the Big 12 conference championship. 

Iowa will await their bowl matchup, which will be announced on Sunday, December 8th. 

College Basketball

The #6 Iowa State men’s team will host Marquette tonight at 7 pm in the Big 12/Big East battle.

The Iowa men’s team started conference play with a dramatic Josh Dix buzzer-beater three-pointer to beat Northwestern 80-79 last night. Dix led the team with 22 points, followed by Payton Sandfort with 20 points. The Hawkeyes will travel to Michigan on Saturday, December 7th, at 1 pm. 

The #20 Iowa State women’s team demolished USC Upstate 92-35 last night. Four Cyclones finished in double-figures as Audi Crooks collected a 15 point and 13 rebound double-double in a tune-up game for the squad. Iowa State will face off against Central Michigan on Sunday, December 8th, at noon in front of the home crowd. 

The #17 Iowa women’s team will take on Tennessee in the Women’s Championship Classic on Saturday at 6 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1909 – First CFL Grey Cup, Rosedale Field, Toronto: The University of Toronto Blues beat the Toronto Parkdale Canoe Club, 26-6.

1909 – Oldest still-operating NHL franchise is officially established as J. Ambrose O’Brien and Jack Laviolette create the “Club de Hockey Canadien,” known today as the Montreal Canadiens. 

1988 – Edmonton center Jimmy Carson becomes just the third player to score six NHL hat tricks before the age of 21 in the Oilers 10-6 win over the New York Rangers.

Healthy Henry County Launches Project Power for Adults: A Lifestyle Change Program

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 at 6:23 am CDT

Henry County Public Health & Healthy Henry County have partnered with the American Diabetes Association to host Project Power for adults. Project Power is a no-cost 12-week lifestyle change program that aims to help you lower your risk for type 2 diabetes. The 12-week program will consists of interactive lessons, small support groups, weight management tips, and personalized health coaching. The classes are virtual and you can choose your own schedule. Learn more about Project Power and register at diabetes.org/project-power. Use referral code: C-2104.

Todd Michael Jones

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 at 1:35 pm CDT

Todd Michael Jones, 54, a resident of Batavia, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family with arrangements.

Todd was born April 15, 1970 the son of Michael and Patricia (Smith) Jones. He worked in concrete construction for Brewington and Sons Concrete in Batavia.

Todd enjoyed repairing and working on various things. He loved to help people. Todd also enjoyed kayaking, fishing and cutting wood.

Those left to honor his memory include his sons, Jesse (Darian) Jones of Batavia, Baily Jones and Colby Jones, both of Fairfield; daughters, Jadelynn Jones and Shannah Jones, both of Fairfield; grandchildren, Bently, Jaren, Novalee, and Evalena Jones, and Maela Rice; and his sister, Donna (Jeremy) Lehman of Des Moines.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and best friend, Fred DeVore.

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

Susan Elizabeth Krouse

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 at 1:25 pm CDT

Susan Elizabeth Krouse, 72, of Farmington, Iowa, passed away at 7:37 a.m. Monday, December 2, 2024, at her home in Farmington.

She was born on February 23, 1952, in Keosauqua, Iowa, the daughter of Robert Randall and Helen L. (Aylor) Cochran. On May 31, 1970, she married Richard Joe Krouse in Mt. Sterling, Iowa. He preceded her in death on June 19, 2023.

She is survived by her children: Rowdy (Amanda) Krouse, Adam Krouse, Jennifer (Justin) Phillips; grandchildren: Seth, LyRick, Lucan, Natalie, Lydia, Clayton, Owen, Jakson; siblings: Ben Gilbert, John (Mary Lou) Cochran, Joseph (Brenda) Cochran. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and grandson: Landon.

Susie worked at Sheaffer Pen Co. and was a bus driver and head cook for the Harmony School District. She enjoyed being a homemaker, cooking, traveling, playing cards and softball. She and Joe were best friends and enjoyed doing everything together.

Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

A time of remembrance will be held for Joe and Susie from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. that evening.

Burial will be held at a later date.

Memorials have been established in their memory.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Enhance Henry County Community Foundation Invites You To Join December 10th

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 at 1:21 pm CDT

The Enhance Henry County Community Foundation is planning a celebration ceremony and announcement of their twentieth grant-making awards and results.

The event will be held December 10th in the Union Block building on the north side of the Mt. Pleasant square at 11am. Grant recipients, county elected officials and the public are encouraged to attend.

The Enhance Henry County Community Foundation applied, received, and was awarded $157,184 in County Endowment Funds. Under terms of the award 75% of the funds shall be awarded to county not-for-profits, communities, and charities.

A special grant making committee of the foundation has been busy receiving and evaluating grant applications. 41 grant applications were received totaling over $509,000.

The Enhance Henry County Community Foundation is actively seeking contributions and gifts to build the grant making capacity of the new foundation. You can contact Lora Roth with Enhance Henry County Community Foundation for questions at 319.385.8728.

2nd Class Riley Etchison, A Burlington Native, Onboard USS Preble

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 at 9:56 am CDT
241130-N-KW492-1030 (Nov. 30, 2024) PHILIPPINE SEA

Navy Office of Community Outreach – Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Riley Etchison, from Burlington, Iowa, signals on the flight deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) in the Philippine Sea, Nov. 30.

Preble is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryre Arciaga)