“Festival of Trees” Opens Tonight Nov. 15th

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, November 15th, 2024 at 6:44 am CDT

Mount Pleasant is well known for its holiday spirit around the holidays. The downtown square is lit up with lights on the fountain and lights hung from the tractor. This year, Cindy Wardle, owner of ”Sorta Sweet Boutique” has started the first “Festival of Trees” event. This event will be held at 111 Monroe street, Just around from her store.

Cindy has gotten Local Businesses and residents to donate and decorate a tree or wreath to be on display. Starting tonight, visitors will have 3 weekends to pay $5 for individuals or $10 per family, and walk through the indoor forest of trees and wreaths.

Money from the entry fee will go to Main Street Downtown. Following the lighted parade on December 5, the Christmas Trees and Wreaths from the Festival of Trees will be available for sale in a live auction at 8pm.

Proceeds from the Christmas Tree & Wreath sales will go to EveryStep Hospice in Mount Pleasant. EveryStep Hospice is Iowa’s oldest and largest nonprofit, community-based hospice provider. Opening in 1978.

Sports, November 15th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, November 15th, 2024 at 6:31 am CDT

Postseason Football

The 2024 state tournament semifinals continued yesterday as Class A and Class 4A squared off with only one potential repeat champion able to advance through the first two days.

The first semifinal matchup featured Class A’s champion from last year in West Hancock taking on Cinderella story Madrid. The fairytale almost continued after a 28-point second half by the Tigers, but West Hancock’s rushing attack went off for 450 yards and seven touchdowns, including touchdown runs of 79 and 73 yards. Gustavo Gomez and Brady Bixel each finished with three touchdowns as Bixel added 240 yards on the ground. Preston Wicker had 418 all-purpose yards and four total touchdowns in the loss.

The second game of the day was not nearly as close with Tri-Center’s highflying offense besting Saint Ansgar 42-14. A.J. Harder tossed for 286 yards and two scores in the win. The Class A championship game between Tri-Center and West Hancock is scheduled for Thursday, November 21st, at 1 pm. 

In Class 4A, Pella’s 14-point 4th quarter outburst knocked the defending champions Lewis Central out of the tournament with a 28-16 final. Emmanuel Diers rambled for 175 yards and two touchdowns for the Dutch. 

In the final game of the night, North Polk demolished North Scott 35-7. Nathan Feldmann did not have to throw the ball often, completing only five passes for 105 yards, but three of those passes went for touchdowns as B.J. Tate caught an 84-yard touchdown. The Class 4A championship will play on Thursday night at 7. 

Classes 1A and 5A will play today with Wilton and Grundy Center kicking off the day at 10 am, while Hinton and Dike-New Hartford will play at 1 pm. Valley will take on Dowling Catholic at 4 pm and Southeast Polk will look for a chance to repeat with a matchup against Iowa City Liberty at 7 pm.

Tomorrow, November 16th, Spirit Lake will face off against PCM at 10 am and Van Meter will take on West Lyon at 1 pm for Class 2A. Rounding out the day will be Class 3A with Wahlert Catholic competing against Sergeant Bluff-Luton at 4 pm and Mt. Vernon slated to play Humboldt at 7 pm.

The 8-Player championship game between Remsen St. Mary’s and Gladbrook-Reinbeck will be played on Thursday at 9:30 am as the Hawks eye their fourth state championship, while the Rebels will be looking for their third title. 

High School Girls’ Basketball

Mt. Pleasant will host a scrimmage tomorrow, November 16th, with Central Lee and Davis County making the trip. Head coach Curt Watson is ready to see the team’s growth in action,

“I’m really looking forward to that, see what we can do against, you know, some different teams and stuff and then we have our Jamboree on Monday. We’re going to do a lot of, you know, experience and different lineups and stuff with the girls. We told them they’re all going to play. You know, we’re probably going to dress 10 girls this year to start with on the varsity. So they’re all going to get a lot of playing time. We’re hoping to get after it and press the full court man a little bit more this year and so hopefully Saturday is going to give us a good idea of what we need to work on for Monday for the Jamboree and see how much we can improve from Saturday to Monday.”

Southeastern Community College

The men’s basketball team will host Richard J. Daley College tomorrow night at 7.

College Football

Iowa State will face off against Cincinnati tomorrow, November 16th, at 7 pm at home. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

Iowa is on a bye this week.

College Basketball

The #7 Iowa State men’s team will face off against IU Indianapolis on Monday, November 18th, at 7 pm at home.

The Iowa men’s team will compete in the John Deere Quad Cities Hoops Showdown tonight at 7:30 against Washington State. 

The #8 Iowa State women’s team continued their dominant start to the season with an 80-47 win over St. Thomas last night. Audi Crooks was a force in the post, cashing in for a game-high 26 points to go along with eight rebounds. The Cyclones will play Northern Iowa on Wednesday, November 20th, at 6 pm on the road. 

The Iowa women’s team will travel to take on Drake at 2 pm on Sunday, November 17th.

This Day in Sports History

1970 – Paul Brown, as head coach of the expansion Cincinnati Bengals, defeats his former team the Cleveland Browns, a moment he calls his “greatest victory.”

1992 – Richard Petty drove in the final race of his 35-year career.

1998 – Emmitt Smith (Dallas Cowboys) moved into third place on the all-time touchdown list when he got his 127th.

Central Lee Bus Driver Dies In Garage Accident

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, November 15th, 2024 at 6:24 am CDT

Chris Rule, a Central Lee School District Bus Driver, Bus #37, sadly lost his life Tuesday in a work accident.

LeeComm dispatched first responders to the Montrose area for all they knew at the time was a man in his 40’s, pinned under a vehicle, in a garage.

Montrose Police Chief Todd Shields was the first on the scene in just minutes. Chief Shields found Chris trapped beneath a vehicle he had been working on. Due to the nature of the death, Chief Shields called for the assistance of the Lee County Medical Examiner Investigator.

The man’s body was sent to the state medical examiner’s office for an autopsy where no indication of foul play was found.

It appears the lift failed that Chris had been working under.

School counselors and staff were on hand to assist students through the loss this week.

John F. Warth

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, November 15th, 2024 at 6:04 am CDT

John F. Warth, 82, of New London, died Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House, West Burlington.  He was born May 5, 1942 in Burlington to Russell “Butch” and Dorothy Wasson Warth.  He was a 1960 graduate of New London High School where he was proud to be on the successful football team.  Immediately following graduation, he joined the Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and Webb Air Force Base in Big Springs, Texas serving as an Airman 1st Class for four years.  He later enjoyed reunions with his Air Force buddies. He was a member of the New London VFW Post #7641; former member of the New London Oddfellows; and was of the Presbyterian faith.

On March 21, 1969 he married Lettie Raines in Kahoka, Missouri.  They divorced but remained close for the sake of their daughters. She died April 26, 2002.

John worked as a truck driver and farmed with his dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and Uncle Everett Warth.  He was a loyal fan of the Cubs, Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed woodworking; coaching his daughters in softball; gardening; taking drives with his brother Bob; and faithfully attending all of his grandchildren’s events.  He single-handedly kept the lottery going by playing scratch-off tickets!

John was a wonderful father and grandfather and will be missed greatly by his daughters, Kerri (Joe) Menke of Danville, Mindi (Todd Hopkins) Bitting of West Burlington, and Shawnna (Steve) Lutes of New London; seven grandchildren, Zachery, Matthew, Jared, Austin, Kourtney, Bren and Raesa; and two great-grandchildren Bentley and Adelyn. He is also survived by his brother Bob Warth of New London; sisters Pat (Bob) Wright of New London and Jane (Jay) Lohman of Kellogg, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; ex-wife Lettie; brother Woodrow Warth who died in the Vietnam Conflict; sister Diane Carter and brother-in-law Bill Carter; and Uncle Everett Warth.

According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and inurnment will be held at a later date.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Elliott Chapel, New London with Rev. David Mixon officiating.  Military rites will be presented by the Henry County Honor Guard.  Friends may call from 9:00 until the time of the service; the family will not be present.  A memorial has been established for the Wounded Warrior’s Project.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfueralchapel.com.

Main Street Washington Selected For $100k In Matched Grants

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, November 14th, 2024 at 2:08 pm CDT

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) recently awarded $930,808 in Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants to 10 communities around the state. These grants help redevelop under used buildings as a way to grow and further invest in Iowa’s historic main streets. One Southeast Iowa town was selected. Samantha Meyer, With Main Street Washington talks to KILJ about what they will be doing with the funds.

Main Street Washington received $100,000 to rehabilitate and restore a long-vacant building at 106 South Iowa Ave.

The funding will be distributed in the form of matching grants to the selected Main Street programs. Meaning the Building owner came up with 100k in funds and 100k was given in the grant. The building owner estimates around $250,000 going into this entire project. The construction is expected to be done late spring or early summer.

Panther Octet Headed To Iowa State Football Finals

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, November 14th, 2024 at 2:04 pm CDT

Eight students from Mount Pleasant High School will represent the high school and Southeast Iowa, Singing the National Anthem, during the 2024 5A Iowa State Football Finals. There were 43 groups that auditioned and seven groups were selected. The Panther Mixed Octet being one of the groups selected. Superintendent Henriksen announces the members of the Panther Octet.

The Panther Octet will perform at the 5A Iowa State Football championship game, Friday, November 22 at 7:00pm.

City Council Meeting November 13th 5:30pm

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, November 14th, 2024 at 2:02 pm CDT

City council meeting November 13th 5:30pm

The 2024 FYE Annual Finance Report was the first Report.

The intersection of Harvest drive and South Grand Avenue were the first discussion of the council meeting. This intersection, a topic of discussion for a few years now. Planning and Zoning are looking at four-way stop for the intersection. With an increase in new drivers, new businesses and residents, a four-way stop would go in and a speed limit reduction down to 45mph is the recommendation. After the recommended speed limit, Police Chief, Lyle Murray suggested lowering it down to a 35mph zone to fit with the rest of the road. Chief sees a lot of new drivers in that area and see’s a slower speed being the safer option at 35pmh. This speed limit change is suggested on S. Grand Avenue from, 255th street to Washington Avenue. This was approved by the council.

A discussion about the Greiner subdivision at 1501 E Linden Drive looks to be approved. The area and lots would fit well and it would cause little to no impact to the road/ traffic way. This will add 5 residential building lots. This was Approved by the council.

The Mount Pleasant Fire Dept will start a cadet program. Youth who interested in becoming a fire fighter, ages 14-18 years old will receive hands on training and certifications that will lead them into a career as a fire fighter. Aiden Blint & Jared Dorothy were names the first Junior Cadets.

The City Council members approved the hiring of Ashley N Krogmeier for the position of Public Works Maintenance Worker.

Brent schrader was reappointed to a three-year term on the Construction Appeals board.

City Council Meeting was Adjourned at 5:48pm

Prep Football: Mt. Pleasant Puts 5 on the All-District Teams

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, November 14th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- The Panthers held their banquet last night celebrating their 4-5 season, their highest win total since 2020. A season full of memories to fondly remember and players to commemorate as the team also announced their Class 3A All-District 4 players as Mt. Pleasant had three players make the First Team and two players make the Second Team.

On the First Team for defense, Payton Walker and William Birdsell each earned a spot at the linebacker position. As the middle linebacker, Walker led the team with 75 tackles and 11.5 tackles for a loss. He also added a fumble recovery, an interception, and 1.5 sacks, which included a safety against Tipton.

The 33-24 win against Tipton, though not the first of the season, gave Mt. Pleasant their first win at Bob Evans Field in 1,428 days or since October 16th, 2020. The Panthers won every facet of the game, including a fine game from senior quarterback Zach Newton (151 passing yards and a passing touchdown).

Walker also added 519 total yards on offense with a team leading seven rushing touchdowns for the season. Two of those touchdowns were against Fairfield in the opening game of the season. An overtime thriller, which ended the Panthers 23-game losing streak.

Birdsell was a constant nuisance in the backfield, tallying 11 tackles for a loss with 3.5 sacks as he finished tied for third on the team with 32.5 total tackles. The senior also blocked a punt, which turned the tide in Mt. Pleasant’s comeback victory against Fort Madison in week 8.

This game involved a game-winning field goal from Dylan White, the second time this season he nailed a kick to give the Panthers a win. It also marked the first time since 2019 that the Panthers had come out victorious against the Bloodhounds.

Nolan Frueh was the last member of the First Team for the Panthers, earning a spot on the offensive line. Frueh helped clear the path for a Mt. Pleasant rushing attack that gained 1,279 yards and scored 17 touchdowns on the season, their best marks since 2020.

On the Second Team was junior offensive guard Kellen Kohorst, who also nabbed an interception on defense, as he helped lead the Panthers at the line of scrimmage and Ramzy Davis, the junior running back and defensive back.

Davis had recorded two carries for five yards through the first four games; the junior got the starting spot in week five and never looked back as he accumulated 245 yards and six rushing touchdowns in a three-week span. He finished the season with 312 yards and an interception on defense.

Avin Truong was the leading receiver with 232 yards off of nine receptions and a 46-yard touchdown. Senior Lou Schimmelpfennig also caught a touchdown along with sophomore Merrick Lamm.

The only win yet to be discussed is Zach Newton’s greatest performance in his Panther career. The senior signal caller kept his team under control despite a three-possession deficit in the first half.

Nevertheless, Keokuk held a 27 to 21 lead entering the fourth quarter after a couple clutch defensive stops by Mt. Pleasant. Yet, Mt. Pleasant found a way to score twice and recover two onside kicks to win 34-27. Newton passed for 81 yards and rushed for 139 yards and two scores.

Head coach John Bowlin’s squad had a lot to prove this season and they delivered. Expect the Panthers to continue to build upon this year’s success heading into 2025 and beyond.