Gail D. Hallowell

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 at 10:45 am CDT

Gail D. Hallowell

Gail Dean Hallowell, 77, of New London, died Sunday, November 17, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA.

Gail was born July 16, 1947 in Mt. Pleasant. He was the son of Wayne Dale and Lena Mae (Pickard) Hallowell. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School, Class of 1966.

Gail was called to the service of his country during the Vietnam War. He was inducted into the US Army on October 19, 1966 at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. He was a chemical equipment technician stationed with the 647th Maintenance Company of the US Fourth Army. He was honorably discharged as a SP4 at Fort Hood, Texas on October 23, 1969.

On December 28, 1971 in Oquawka, IL, Gail was united in marriage to Florence Lorraine Stearns. The couple made their home in Ankeny where Gail worked for the John Deere Corporation. They returned to Mt. Pleasant where Gail worked for CECO Building Systems.

In his younger years, Gail enjoyed working in his garden. After retirement, Gail liked to attend city council meetings and spend time with his granddaughters. Gail was known in his family for his rigid ritual of what and where to eat supper.

Those thankful for sharing in Gail’s life include his 2 children – Angel Jacobs and her husband Tim of New London, and Shane Hallowell of Salem; his 3 granddaughters – Emily Jacobs (Ben Nickel) of Mt Pleasant, Brenna Jacobs (Mason Shelledy) of New London and Loren Jacobs of New London; his brother – Leo Hallowell of Burlington; his sister – Dana Hocker of Brookport, IL and an aunt and uncle – Roberta and Harold Fraise of Danville, IA.

Gail is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Florence, who died Monday, September 6, 2010 at their home in New London; an infant son – Jason Dean Hallowell; a sister – Janet Lindstrom and an infant brother – Gary Lee Hallowell.

A private family celebration of life will be held. Interment of Gail and Florence’s ashes will be held later in Oakland Mills Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family for a decision to be made later.

The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main Street, Mount Pleasant, is assisting Gail’s family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

Mount Pleasant iJAG Attends DesignDash

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 at 6:47 am CDT

10 Mount pleasant High school students attended DesignDash, an entrepreneur workshop last week. Three Mount Pleasant High School students, out of one hundred and fifty competitors received awards while at the University of Iowa last week for DesignDash. Superintendent John Henriksen announced this during his weekly Mount Pleasant Community School District update.

The Mount Pleasant Community School District has Three iJAG programs that range from Middle school, 9th & 10th grade, and 11th & 12th grade.

Sports, November 19th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team hosted their jamboree last night with four one-half matchups. In the toughest matchup of the night, the upstart Burlington Notre Dame Nikes were pressured by the defending SEC champions Keokuk Chiefs as the Chiefs caused havoc in a 43-3 victory. 

The second game saw Mediapolis’ aggressive press defense convert turnovers into easy transition buckets, as the Bulldogs defeated Fort Madison 29-16. Grace Holsteen led the team with 11 points. Head coach Todd Borrison believes his team has the makings to be a competitive team amongst the Super Conference South Division,

“Yeah, we’re excited. We got two starters back with Hutchinson and Holsteen. And we have the other three kids that are starting. Came off the bench last year, played JV, and then came off the bench for the varsity. But they all, this group of kids, work extremely hard. And they got better in the offseason, and they’re all pretty athletic and can move. And they really like to play uptempo basketball, so it’s gonna be a fun year.”

In the third game of the night, Burlington’s offense overcame a slow start, outscoring Lone Tree 37 to 8 for the final quarter and a half to win 39-15. Kylee Hill and Mylee Stiefel combined for 11 points. 

To cap off the night, Mt. Pleasant faced off against Winfield-Mt. Union and the Wolves managed to climb back into the game after falling into a 14 to 3 deficit at the end of the first quarter. However, Tori Wilson’s eight points led the Panthers to a 19-14 victory. For Mt. Pleasant head coach Curt Watson, the Panthers need to build upon their first quarter performance,

“I thought we played a really good first quarter. In the second quarter, I just thought we got in too big a hurry and we lost track of who we were guarding. And then we just kind of came down and kind of started throwing up shots on one pass. But we just need to experience and like you said, to hang on for a win, even though a Jamboree doesn’t mean a whole lot. But I thought we did a lot of good things in the first quarter and the second quarter you can see we needed some work yet.”

The Wolves were led by Kynlee Buffington as the freshman scored 10 of the team’s 14 points. Head coach Mendy McCreight talked about what went well for her squad last night and what they need to work on,

“I loved how we got up and down the floor. We ran the floor well. We just gotta get the passes down. We saw them sometimes, but we missed four good up the court shots. So I was glad to see how good we ran the floor. And we still got to work on communicating and finding five girls that just click out there.”

The Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will start the season on Friday, November 22nd, against New London at 6 pm.

The Van Buren County girls’ team will participate in a jamboree tonight at Pekin with the Warriors going against Albia. 

The Columbus girls’ team will travel to Tipton, while the boys’ team will host English Valleys on Friday for a scrimmage.

WACO will take on Van Buren County on Friday at home in a scrimmage. 

West Burlington will scrimmage Fort Madison at home on Saturday, November 23rd, at 6 pm. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will compete against Keokuk on Saturday for a scrimmage on the road. 

Postseason Football

The 8-Player championship game between Remsen St. Mary’s and Gladbrook-Reinbeck will be played on Thursday, November 21st, at 9:30 am.

The Class A championship game between Tri-Center and West Hancock is scheduled for Thursday at 1 pm. 

The Class 1A championship game is scheduled for Thursday at 4 pm between Dike-New Hartford and the defending champions Grundy Center.

Pella versus North Polk will decide who the Class 4A champion is on Thursday night at 7 pm.

Spirit Lake and West Lyon will play for the Class 2A state championship on Friday, November 22nd, at 10 am.

The Class 3A championship between Wahlert Catholic and Humboldt is scheduled for 1 pm on Friday. 

Valley and Southeast Polk will compete on Friday at 7 for the Class 5A championship.

High School Wrestling

The WACO girls’ team will travel to Sigourney for a meet tonight at 5 pm.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will host a Southeast Iowa Super Conference showdown on Thursday, November 21st.  

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel to Burlington for the Grayhound Invite on Saturday, November 23rd, at 10 am.

High School Volleyball

The Iowa Girls Coaches Association released the All-District and All-State teams for all of the classes yesterday and here’s a look at our local teams.

In Class 4A, Burlington’s Annalise Buxton earned a spot on the East District team as she led the Grayhounds with 283 kills.

In Class 3A for the Southeast District, Leighton Messinger of Washington and Central Lee’s Taylor Jones made the team.

For Class 2A, West Burlington had a trio of seniors make the Southeast District team in Brenna Beggs, Taryn Snodgrass, and Carli Cline, as her 746 digs and 47 aces claimed her a spot on the All-State Fourth Team.

In Class 1A, Burlington Notre Dame had Addi Brockway and Madalynn Knapp grab a spot on the Southeast District team as Knapp’s 286 kills earned her a spot on the All-State Fourth Team.

Wapello had Annaka Greiner and Mya Wagner claim a spot on the All-District team.

Holy Trinity Catholic dominated the All-District team list with Presley Myers, Adalayn Kruse, Anna Bendlage, and Teagan Snaadt each grabbing a spot, while Melissa Freesmeier was named District Coach of the Year.

Additionally, Myers was named All-State First Team as she sits at 1,000 career kills. Kruse nabbed a spot on the All-State Second Team with 310 kills for the season. Lastly, Bendlage and Snaaadt each made the All-State Fourth Team. 

Southeastern Community College

The men’s basketball team will be back in action on Friday, November 22nd, at 5 pm against North Arkansas College on the road. 

College Football

#22 Iowa State will face off against Utah on Saturday, November 23rd, at 6:30 pm on the road. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

Iowa will travel to Maryland on Saturday at 11 am. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the broadcast. 

College Basketball

The #5 Iowa State men’s team crushed IU Indianapolis last night 87-52. Curtis Jones led the scoring from off the bench with 20 points as he knocked down four threes. The Cyclones will play #4 Auburn in the first round of the Maui Invitational on Monday, November 25th, at 8 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team will host Rider tonight at 7.

The #8 Iowa State women’s team will play Northern Iowa tomorrow, November 20th, at 6 pm on the road. 

The Iowa women’s team will compete against Kansas on the road at 6 pm tomorrow. 

This Day in Sports History

1978 – “The Miracle at the Meadowlands,” Eagles Herman Edwards returns a fumble for a touchdown with 31 seconds left to give Philadelphia a 19-17 victory over the rival New York Giants.

1983 – The Edmonton Oilers beat the NJ Devils, 13-4, Wayne Gretzky calls the Devils “a Mickey Mouse organization.”

2019 – LeBron James hits 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists as the LA Lakers’ beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-107 to become the first player in NBA history to record a triple-double against all 30 franchises.

“Tour of Homes” Tickets on sale now!

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 at 6:21 am CDT

The Tri T “Tour of Homes” is less than a week away. The Tour date is set for the Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 24th. This event will showcase five homes in Mount Pleasant and traditionally kicks off the holiday’s for the Mount Pleasant community. Marsha Kitner stopped by the KILJ Newsroom to talk about what the Tri T chapter is about and what the tour is.

One thing the Tri T Chapter in Mount Pleasant is known for is their “Tour of Homes”. An event where the public can purchase a ticket to enter and tour a selection of homes, historic to Mount Pleasant. A lot of uniqueness in this year’s tour of homes, Maybe even some unusual things in these homes. Marsha offers a look into what you can expect..

You can purchase a Tour of Homes ticket from any Tri T team member, and at Browns shoe store downtown is selling them. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event.

Samantha Freeman Named Great Prairie AEA Regional Teacher of the Year

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 at 5:53 am CDT

The Iowa Department of Education recently announced nine teachers, representing all education regions of the state, as the first-ever Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year.

Southeast Iowa being part of the Great Prairie Region. Each teacher represents outstanding achievements in K-12 instruction within Iowa’s nine education regions. Nominations came in from Students, Family members, and coworkers.

John Henricksen, your Mount Pleasant Community School District Superintendent, tells us about a Mount Pleasant teacher that was selected.

 

Samantha Freeman, a 14-year educator at Mount Pleasant Community School District, currently serves as the talented and gifted coordinator for K-5 students. She has been named the first Great Prairie AEA Regional Teacher of the Year.

Video courtesy of the Iowa Department Of Education

Gail D. Hallowell –SERVICES PENDING

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, November 18th, 2024 at 5:42 pm CDT

Gail D. Hallowell, 77, of New London, died Sunday, November 17, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main Street, Mount Pleasant. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

Dorothy May SyWassink

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, November 18th, 2024 at 5:41 pm CDT

Dorothy May SyWassink, age 97, of Letts, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Funeral services for Dorothy will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Columbus Junction. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery at a later date. Visitation for Dorothy will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A memorial has been established. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.com.

Dorothy May Zimmermann was born on May 25, 1927 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of George and Martha Faye (Lloyd) Zimmermann. Dorothy graduated from Davenport High School and went on to continue her education at the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Dorothy began her teaching career in several one room school houses throughout Muscatine County and was even able to continue teaching as she later became the mother of seven children. Dorothy was united in marriage to Donald SyWassink on February 18, 1950 in Muscatine. Together, Dorothy and Don labored years in making their dream of raising Guernsey Dairy cattle along with Chester White hogs come to life. Dorothy was actively involved in several dairy and community organizations which included the Iowa Guernsey Breeders Association, American Guernsey Association, Farm Bureau, Swiss Valley Farms, 4-H leader, pie judge at the Grandview 4th of July Celebration. Dorothy received several Dairy Industry recognitions including the Master Guernsey Breeder Award in 2002.

Over her many years Dorothy had found time to work at several places such as; Gloria’s in Muscatine, Dry Goods Store, the grocery store in Grandview and selling cheese from the dairy. Dorothy worked at the Rock Island Arsenal during World War II.

Dorothy was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Columbus Junction, where she served on the Altar and Rosary Society. She enjoyed quilting and sewing, making several beautiful pieces for family and friends.

Dorothy will be deeply missed by her children, Marian (Bill) Vavra of Wichita, KS, Joan (Allen) Muhs of West Des Moines, Iowa, Bob (Diane) SyWassink of Letts, IA, Anne (Craig) Haussmann of Oak Grove, MO, Janice (Neil) Jensen of Comstock, WI, Janell (Jim) Seubert of Columbia Heights, MN, and Steven of Letts, IA; many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; sisters, Martha Novak of Wisconsin, Rose Mary (Dean) Muller of Wisconsin and Sarah (John) Howard of Minnesota and several nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald on October 1, 2017 and brother, George Zimmerman, Jr.v

Prep Volleyball: All-State Honorees and Local “You Can” Award Winners

By Slaten Swords · Monday, November 18th, 2024 at 4:38 pm CDT

Prep Volleyball- The Southeast Iowa Super Conference (SEISC) had some standout players that received the attention of the Iowa Girls Coaches Association as five players made their respective classes All-State team.

Class 2A

Senior Carli Cline of West Burlington was the lone member of the SEISC to earn a spot on the All-State team as she made the Fourth Team. Cline kept plays alive for the squad with 746 digs on the year. The senior provided a presence from the service line as well with 47 aces for the year.

Class 1A

Holy Trinity Catholic’s dominant front row was well known throughout Iowa as Presley Myers grabbed a spot on the First Team and Adalyn Kruse took a spot on the Second Team. Myers finished the season with a kill efficiency of 0.326, while Kruse collected 310 kills for the year.

Crusader seniors Anna Bendlage and Teagan Snaadt received Fourth Team honors.

Lastly, Burlington Notre Dame’s Madalyn Knapp earned Fourth Team honors for her 286 kills and 457 digs. The senior also collected 18 blocks and 27 aces to help the Nikes.

Wayne Cooley “You Can” Award

The “You Can” Award illustrates the qualities of determination, character, and the values of pursuing victory with honor. The athlete must show the elements of good character, and all nominated athletes receive a certificate.

Here are our local winners:

Jocelyn Hernandez, Columbus

“Jocelyn has a drive and dedication to the sport of volleyball, but the biggest moments come from the passion she shares when she helps others learn the sport. She is a role model athletically, academically, and in other extracurricular activities like speech and BPA..”

Nominated by: Lori Beenen, Rachel Kuebler, Addison Six Head Coach Columbus Volleyball

Bizzie Richtman, Mount Pleasant

“Bizzie is an all-around team player. She has been dedicated to our volleyball program and has embraced each and every role she has been assigned whether that is playing defense, cheering on her teammates from the sidelines, or coming into serve a game winning point. She has not wavered in her positive attitude and leadership qualities. This specific season she has put in the work and earned a vital defensive role on our team. While not on the court Bizzie is genuine, kind to everyone she meets, and excepts people for who they are! Bizzie is definitely a deserving candidate for the E. Wayne Cooley “You Can” award! Not only has she shown “She Can” but she believes that others can to! Thank you for the consideration.”

Nominated by: Logan Wall Head Coach Mount Pleasant Volleyball

Rachel Hoeg, Wapello

“I am nominating this player for her commitment to the team. She is the only senior on the team and stepped up to be a leader on the floor and to 30 girls on our team. She motivated our younger teammates to keep them enjoying the game of volleyball. She has been a great support system when her teammates needed guidance. She had to take on a big role this year as our captain for the team and did not disappoint.”

Nominated by: Kenna Greiner Head Coach Wapello Volleyball

Brylie Lorence, Fort Madison

“Brylie has made a positive impact on the game of volleyball in our school community her senior year. She stepped onto the court and made a presence as a right-side hitter with her heavy hand and strong block. She was also a member of our Captain’s Council where she was a voice for supporting her teammates and building the culture of Bloodhound Volleyball. In her free time, she volunteered as a youth coach for the YMCA league. She helped coach a 3rd and 4th grade team that practiced twice a week and played on Sundays. Brylie is a model for reliability and will leave a legacy dedication that will inspire teams to come.”

Nominated by: Kelly Knustrom Head Coach Fort Madison Volleyball

Lila Shepard, Central Lee

“Lila demonstrates unwavering character, enthusiasm, and dedication to our team. She has not only demonstrated exceptional skill on the court but has also been an incredible source of support and positivity for all of us. Lila’s passion for the game is contagious, inspiring teammates to push their limits and strive for greatness. Off the court, Lila continues to offer encouragement, creating a sense of unity that elevates our entire team. Lila embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and is a shining example of what it means to be a true teammate.”

Nominated by: Amy Cook Head Coach Central Lee Volleyball