Cynthia Sue “Cindy” Wellington

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, November 30th, 2024 at 5:48 am CDT

Cynthia Sue “Cindy” Wellington, 59, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, November 25, 2024 at her residence.

Cindy was born August 17, 1965 In Mt. Pleasant. She was the daughter of Everett William and Velna Irene (Seager) Wellington. She attended school in Mt. Pleasant.

She was a longtime employee at the Iris City Cleaners. Cindy was gifted in the art of crafting, and enjoyed beading, puzzles and painting. The outdoors was a draw to her. She loved camping, most especially at Big Hollow. Spending time with family was very important to her, as she looked forward to the holidays with her family.

Survivors include a son, Nicholas Wellington of Fairfield; a daughter, Darcie Jayne Williamson of Minnesota; siblings – Chuck Wellington of Rome, IA, Teresa Kramer of New London, Marylu Granaman and her husband David of Mt. Pleasant, and Chris Bruggemeyer and her husband Rob of Mt. Pleasant, and several grandchildren.

Her parents and a brother, Bob Wellington, precede Cindy in death.

Friends may call to sign the register book from 9 AM to 5 PM on Friday, December 6 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, IA. A Celebration of Life for Cindy will be held from 4-8 PM on Saturday, December 7 at the VFW Post in New London.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

 

 

Norma Joan (Weirbach) Emerson

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, November 29th, 2024 at 11:55 am CDT

Norma Joan (Weirbach) Emerson, 92, of Fairfield, Iowa passed away November 28, 2024.  Norma was born, December 4, 1931, to Edward R. and Leora G. (Given) Weirbach, at home near Farson, Wapello County, Iowa.

Norma grew up on a number of farms in Wapello and Jefferson Counties.  She became a permanent resident of Fairfield in 1945 when the family settled on a farm north of town.  It rested on a dirt road with no running water or electricity.  She and her younger sister, Jeanie, rode a horse in tandem to country school (bareback).  Working outside with their dad, the sisters milked cows, put up hay, shucked corn by hand, and cleaned many hog pens, horse stalls, and cow barns.

Norma married Max O. Emerson, December, 24, 1948.  They raised their family in Fairfield and were married for 64 years until Max’s death in 2013.  Max was a lifetime hunter and fisherman.  Norma always told people, “If it can fly, swim, walk, or run, I’ve probably cooked it.”

She worked at Fairfield car dealerships for 35 years as a title clerk, bookkeeper, and secretary.  She retired from Danielson Motor Company in 1996.  Norma was a member of the First Lutheran Church for over 70 years.  She was also a member of the First National Bank Heritage Club.

Norma was an avid country music fan.  She chauffeured a carload of sisters, her daughter, and many nieces all over Iowa and beyond to attend concerts for many years.  She was a charter member of the Country Music Society of America, and a fan club member of over a dozen country music stars including George Strait, Willie Nelson, The Statler Brothers, and Eddie Rabbit.  She also enjoyed reading, raising tropical fish, photography, arranging family reunions, and gathering for big holiday get-togethers.

Norma is survived by her children, Janet (Gary) Craven of Boone, Iowa, Bruce (Cinda) Emerson of Fairfield, and Tracy Emerson of Fairfield; grandchildren, Kelly Anderson, Shane Kramer, Greg Kramer, Brian Kramer, Erin Kruger, Sarah House, Tina Devery, Chad Emerson, Damion Goodrich, and Gerrad Goodrich; 13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; and her sister, Jean (Weirbach) Cochran.

Preceding Norma in death were her parents, Edward and Leora Weirbach; husband, Max Emerson; sister, Shirley (Weirbach) Hahn; brothers, Robert Weirbach and Richard Weirbach; and grandson, Todd Craven.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at the First Lutheran Church in Fairfield at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2024 with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to First Lutheran Church in Fairfield would be appreciated. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

 

Richard F. Merschbrock

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, November 29th, 2024 at 11:50 am CDT

Richard F. Merschbrock, 74, of Wever, Iowa, passed away at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.

He was born on September 23, 1950, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Ambrose and Bertha (Harvey) Merschbrock.

Survivors include his siblings: Robert (Barbara) Merschbrock of Marion, Iowa, Danny (Marsha) Merschbrock of Eldridge, Iowa, Deb (Farmer) Cook of New London, Iowa, Diane (Roger) Bailey of Fort Madison, Iowa, Dale (Deina) Merschbrock of West Point, Iowa; Dennis (Patty) Merschbrock of Bartonville, Illinois; bonus daughter: Jackie Smith and multiple nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Ambrose and Bertha; brother: Ronnie; niece: Heather Merschbrock; best friend and companion for over twenty-seven years: Kathy Smith.

Richard was a 1969 graduate of Marquette High School. He served in the United State Army. He worked as a carpenter and then a painter for twenty plus years at Great River Medical Center. Richard was a member of the Elks and the American Legion. Richard, in his spare time, enjoyed overseeing his acreage, woodworking, duck and deer hunting and fishing. He will be missed by his family and dog “Lizzie”.

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

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials have been established in his memory for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House or Wever Fire and Rescue.

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

Crop Report

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, November 29th, 2024 at 7:37 am CDT

As harvest in Iowa concludes, the final reporting period for the crop progress and condition report was posted.  Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said despite many challenges including a wet spring, a dry fall and some challenging severe weather Iowa has had a good harvest.

Record or near record yields and production for both corn and soybeans, combined with commodity prices not keeping up with costs, amplifies the continual need to build and expand markets.

In southeast Iowa, topsoil moisture is rated at 68 percent adequate and 32 percent short to very short. Subsoil moisture in the southeast district is rated at 53 percent adequate, 31 percent short, and 16 percent very short.

 

Dress for the Weather!

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, November 29th, 2024 at 7:36 am CDT

Mostly clear skies and cold conditions will prevail through the weekend. Highs will be in the 20s to low 30s, with lows in the teens to upper single digits at times. A few flakes of snow are possible in northeast Missouri, southeast Iowa and west central Illinois Saturday morning.

Dressing in layers would be optimum along with a stocking cap, gloves, waterproof boots, and the outer layer to keep out the wind, wet snow, or rain.  Before heading out whether you are traveling or shopping, check the local weather forecast and road conditions.

Seasonal Depression Report

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, November 29th, 2024 at 7:33 am CDT

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, millions of Americans battle seasonal affective disorder every year.

Typically, it develops during the winter months due to a variety of factors including the time change and the season change with less light and colder temperatures.

There are ways you can combat seasonal depression while enjoying the holiday season at home. Continue to be active by doing any exercise that keeps your body moving and eating a healthy diet making sure the food you eat meets all of your nutritional needs.

The lack of sunlight during the colder months means you need to increase your vitamin D intake whenever you can and the most important thing you can do is make sure not to isolate yourself and reach out if you need help.

If you or a loved one is feeling suicidal, experts ask that you call the 988 Helpline.

Sports, November 29th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, November 29th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will stay at home to take on Burlington Notre Dame on Monday, December 2nd, at 6:45 pm, while the Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will travel to Cedar Rapids Washington to start off the season at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

Van Buren County will host Cardinal with the girls’ facing off first at 6 pm on Monday. 

WACO will hit the road to play Holy Trinity Catholic on Monday with the boys’ scheduled to play at 7:30 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will square off against Louisa-Muscatine on the road on Tuesday, December 3rd, with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm. 

Wapello will take on Pekin in a road matchup on Tuesday night with the girls’ tipping off at 6 pm. 

Danville will face off against Mediapolis on Tuesday at home with the boys’ playing first at 6 pm.

New London will travel to West Burlington on Tuesday with the first game at 6 pm. 

Central Lee will tip off the season on Tuesday against Holy Trinity Catholic on the road with the boys’ scheduled to follow the girls’ game at 7:30 pm.

Columbus will compete against Lone Tree on the road on Tuesday with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

High School Wrestling

The Mt. Pleasant, Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Fairfield, Mediapolis, Van Buren County, and Wapello girls’ teams will compete in the Fort Madison Tournament on Monday, December 2nd. 

WACO will participate in the Washington County Quad meet on Tuesday, December 3rd, at Washington. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will host a dual against Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union on Tuesday at 6:30 pm. 

The Mediapolis boys’ team will compete in a quad at home on Tuesday at 6 pm.

The Wapello boys’ team will host a triangular on Tuesday at 6 pm. 

High School Football

The Iowa Football Coaches Association released the 2024 All-State teams and these are our local athletes that made a team for their class.

For 8-Player, WACO’s Louden Huisenga was named All-State Second Team running back. The senior rushed for 1,072 yards and 23 touchdowns as he averaged 7.7 yards per carry. 

In Class A, Kessler Whaley of Danville made the All-State Second Team as a wide receiver as he ranked 7th in Class A with 48 receptions. Whaley collected 839 yards and eight touchdowns in the second straight postseason berth for the Bears. 

Class 2A featured two local student-athletes on the All-State First Team. Quincy Collins of West Burlington/Notre Dame rushed his way to multiple school records as he racked up a class-high 2,474 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns as the Falcons picked up their first playoff victory in program history. 

Additionally, Mediapolis had Noah Schmidgall named First Team returner. 

Southeastern Community College

The men’s basketball team will host the Broadway Classic tonight at 7 against Lincoln Trail College. 

College Football

#18 Iowa State will punch their ticket to the Big 12 Championship game with a win against #24 Kansas State tomorrow, November 30th, at 6:30 pm at home. 

Iowa will take on Nebraska at home at 6:30 pm tonight. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call.

College Basketball

The #5 Iowa State men’s team will host Marquette on Wednesday, December 4th, at 7 pm in the Big 12/Big East battle.

The Iowa men’s team will start conference play on Tuesday, December 3rd, at 6 pm against Northwestern at home. 

The #15 Iowa State women’s team’s offense was shut down by #4 South Carolina 76-36 in the first round of the Fort Myers Tip-Off yesterday. The Cyclones managed to shoot just 23% from the field as Audi Crooks and Mackenzie Hare combined for 25 points. Iowa State will take on Middle Tennessee tomorrow, November 30th, at 12:30 pm.

The Iowa women’s team started the Cancun Challenge off with a 69-62 victory over Rhode Island last night. Addison O’Grady led the Hawkeyes with 18 points in the win. Iowa will compete against BYU at 8 pm tonight. 

This Day in Sports History

1934 – The Detroit Lions play their first traditional Thanksgiving Day home game and lose to the Chicago Bears 19-16 in front of 26,000. CBS Radio does the first national broadcast of an NFL game.

1962 – Major League Baseball decides to revert to one All-Star game per year, after four seasons in which two All-Star games were played.

1966 – The first NBA game at the Oakland Coliseum Arena: the Warriors beat the Bulls 108-101.

Sports, November 28th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, November 28th, 2024 at 10:44 pm CDT

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will stay at home to take on Burlington Notre Dame on Monday, December 2nd, at 6:45 pm, while the Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will travel to Cedar Rapids Washington to start off the season at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

Van Buren County will host Cardinal with the girls’ facing off first at 6 pm on Monday. 

WACO will hit the road to play Holy Trinity Catholic on Monday with the boys’ scheduled to play at 7 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will square off against Louisa-Muscatine on the road on Tuesday, December 3rd, with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm. 

Wapello will take on Pekin in a road matchup on Tuesday night with the girls’ tipping off at 6 pm. 

Danville will face off against Mediapolis on Tuesday at home with the boys’ playing first at 6 pm.

New London will travel to West Burlington on Tuesday with the first game at 6 pm. 

Central Lee will tip off the season on Tuesday against Holy Trinity Catholic on the road with the boys’ scheduled to follow the girls’ game at 7:30 pm.

Columbus will compete against Lone Tree on the road on Tuesday with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

High School Wrestling

The Mt. Pleasant, Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Fairfield, Mediapolis, Van Buren County, and Wapello girls’ teams will compete in the Fort Madison Tournament on Monday, December 2nd. 

WACO will participate in the Washington County Quad meet on Tuesday, December 3rd, at Washington. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will host a dual against Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union on Tuesday at 6:30 pm. 

The Mediapolis boys’ team will compete in a quad at home on Tuesday at 6 pm.

The Wapello boys’ team will host a triangular on Tuesday at 6 pm. 

Southeastern Community College

The men’s basketball team will host the Broadway Classic tomorrow, November 29th, at 7 pm against Lincoln Trail College. 

College Football

#18 Iowa State will punch their ticket to the Big 12 Championship game with a win against #24 Kansas State this Saturday, November 30th, at 6:30 pm at home. 

Iowa will take on Nebraska at home at 6:30 pm tomorrow, November 29th. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call.

College Basketball

The #5 Iowa State men’s team claimed 5th place at the Maui Invitational with a dominant 99-71 win over Colorado yesterday. Milan Momcilovic finished the game with a career high 24 points as he splashed six three-pointers. The Cyclones will host Marquette on Wednesday, December 4th, at 7 pm in the Big 12/Big East battle.

The Iowa men’s team will start conference play on Tuesday, December 3rd, at 6 pm against Northwestern at home. 

The #15 Iowa State women’s team will participate in the Fort Myers Tip-Off today with game one at 12:30 pm against #4 South Carolina. 

The Iowa women’s team will start off the Cancun Challenge tonight at 5:30 pm against Rhode Island. 

This Day in Sports History

1929 – Chicago fullback Ernie Nevers sets an NFL record for most points scored in a single game with all 40 in the Cardinals’ 40–6 rout of the Chicago Bears; Nevers scored an NFL record six touchdowns and four extra points.

1975 – Bobby Orr plays his last game for the Boston Bruins.

1981 – Alabama’s Paul “Bear” Bryant becomes the winningest coach in college football history when the Rolling Tide beats Auburn 28-17 in the Iron Bowl. It’s Bryant’s 315th career victory, surpassing Amos Alonzo Stagg for most wins.