Two arrests were made in Burlington after police were made aware of a sexual abuse.
Sherry Chamblee, 59-, and 57-year-old Wayne Chamblee, were both arrested on Tuesday by the Burlington Police Department. Sherry was charged with second-degree sexual abuse while Wayne was charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a child, and one count of third-degree sex abuse by force.
There will be a hearing at the Des Moines County Courthouse on Friday, October 18th.
Kathleen Melinda “Kathy” Berry, 64, of Argyle, Iowa, passed away at 4:17 a.m. Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison, Iowa. 
She was born on March 28, 1960, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Robert L. and Alice J. (Geigley) Berry.
Survivors include her siblings: Jeff Berry of Argyle, Iowa, Terry (Bob) Conlee of Argyle, Iowa, Steve (Carrie) Berry of Burlington, Iowa; nieces: Laura (Rob) Conlee – Russell, Jennifer (Ryan) McMillan, LouAnna (Jeremy) Bryant, Amanda (Charles) Holloway; nephews: Will (Amy) Conlee, Rob (Holly) Conlee, Robert (Marie) Berry; special friend: Linda Derr and several cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Kathy was a 1978 graduate of Burlington High School. She enjoyed crafts, woodworking and spending time with her nieces, nephews, friends and family.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson (no family will be present).
A private family service will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, with Tony Keefe officiating.
Burial will be at Evangelical Cemetery in Donnellson.
A memorial has been established in her memory for the Central Lee Foundation.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
Stephen Albert Smyth, 78, of New London, died Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Des Moines.
Stephen was born July 4, 1946 in Burlington, IA. He was the son of Horace Frederick and Frances Cecila (Maddox) Smyth. He attended school in Lockridge and Fairfield.
Stephen was called to the service of his country during the Vietnam War. He entered the United States Army on July 29, 1964 at Camp Dodge in Des Moines. He was stationed with the 33rd Battalion of the 7th US Army Division . He served as a mechanic in general vehicle repair, which also included tank retrieval and repair. He was honorably discharged as a Tech Sergeant on July 20, 1967 at Fort Hamilton, New York.
On November 30, 1968 in Mt. Pleasant, Stephen was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Rich. The couple later divorced. On October 3, 1980 in Kahoka, MO, Steph was united in marriage to Linda Lou McDowell Starr.
For 30 years, Stephen was an overhead crane operator for the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad yards in West Burlington. He liked to hunt and fish. He also enthusiastically collected eagle memorabilia and Budweiser steins and mugs. A man with a generous heart, Stephen was often the first to assist a friend in need, and the last to want any recognition of the help he offered.
Those thankful for sharing in Stephen’s life include his wife of 44 years, Linda of New London; their children – John Smyth and wife Wende of Mt. Union, Michael Smyth and wife Beth of Mt. Pleasant, David Smyth of New London, Susie Carter and husband Dennis of New London, Robin Willey of Mt. Pleasant, Brett Starr (Sonya Brown) of Mt. Pleasant, Shaun Blythe and wife Tracy of Mt. Pleasant and Brittani Beeding and husband Daniel of Wapello, IA; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; a sister, Joyce Rauscher of Mt. Pleasant, and sisters in law Agnes Smyth of Niles, IL and Gretchen Liechty of Mt. Pleasant. Stephen is also survived by his cat, Mimi.
His parents, daughter Susan Starr, and brothers Paul, Daniel and John Smyth, precede Stephen in death.
Per his request, there will be no public service. His family will gather later to celebrate his life. Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. Burial will be at a later date in the Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the New London Trap Team. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com
Joyce Garretson, 99, of Salem, died Thursday, October 10, 2024 at her residence.
Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant.
Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, IA, K9 Kalo has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Kalo’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. 
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,794 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
The Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra (SEISO) will perform their first Masterworks Series concert set on October 13th at 6:30 PM at the MTPCSD (formerly IW) Chapel Auditorium in Mt. Pleasant.
They are beginning our 74th season: Welcome to the Symphony with a bang by opening the concert with Iowa composer Linda Robbins Coleman’s In Good King Charles’s Golden Days Overture, followed by Claude Debussy’s La Mer and An Afternoon of a Faun before ending with the masterwork of all masterworks: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.
Music Director, Robert McConnell says, “I am amazed at how much excitement performing Beethoven’s 5th Symphony generates. Some of our musicians have performed this work over 30 times and for others it’s a first. It is gripping each and every time it is performed.”
For tickets and information, head to their website at www.seiso.us
Tickets may also be purchased at the door. or may be purchased at the door. Single-concert tickets are $20. Children/student tickets (aged 0-22) are free. There is no reserved seating.
Make the most of your concert experience by attending the ‘Prelude.’ Music Director Robert McConnell will be on hand 45 minutes prior to each performance to talk about the programmed music in depth. ‘Prelude’ is supported in part by the Charles W. Rand Memorial Lecture Fund in Burlington and is offered free of charge to all audience members.
If you have questions, please contact the SEISO Office at seiso@seiso.us. More information is available on the SEISO web site at www.seiso.us.
An officer will once again roam the halls of the New London Community School District after a 28E agreement was signed at Thursday’s Henry County Supervisors meeting. A deputy from the Sheriff’s Office will soon be installed as the school resource officer, with the school district reimbursing the deputies package when on location.
Supervisor Lindeen, and acting chairman due to Greg Moeller’s absence, told the Henry County Sheriff that he does not want to get comfortable with this in the future. He believes that, due to the limited budget, it would be very difficult to approve an SRO in other school’s in the district in the future. McNamee fired back, reminding that the deputy is reimbursed by the school entirely, and that he or she will serve the citizens of the county. The 28E agreement was approved unanimously.
Conservation Director, Caleb Waters, shared his frustrations over the dump station with the 2-man board. His main concerns come from the time it has taken, 2 years, and the $30,000 or so that they have spent on this project. At the conservation board meeting on Wednesday, it was brought to Water’s attention that the department can hire Bruce Wilson with RUSS (Regional Utility Service Systems) to come up with a plan for $100 an hour. He also mentioned that the majority of the campground will be closed on October 21st as they begin to winterize the cabins. This allows more time to be spent on mowing and cleanup of the outlying parks.
The public comments section saw multiple voices from residents within the county. One woman directed a question to supervisor White. At a past meeting, White had asked for clarification from the assistant county attorney, Steve Giebelhausen, over which parts of the Henry County Watchmen proposed ordinance would be non-defensible. White did meet with Giebelhausen and while they disagreed on some parts, the supervisor mentioned that he is not a lawyer himself.
Another citizen asked the board if they are still researching wind turbines, in which supervisor Lindeen responded that he is going on a roadtrip soon, presumably to a wind farm. Supervisor White has spoken with Emergency Management director, Walt Jackson, who has agreed to ask colleagues from counties with wind turbines for more information.
The Planning and Zoning Director and the County Engineer also gave reports at Thursday’s meeting. The Henry County Board of Supervisors will meet again next Thursday, October 17th in regular session.
High School Football
Mt. Pleasant will stay at home to take on Keokuk tonight at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.
Columbus will face off against Van Buren County tonight at 7 pm.
Central Lee will square off against Mid-Prairie on the road tonight at 7:30 pm.
Mediapolis will compete against Davis County tonight at 7:30 pm on the road.
WACO will hit the road to take on English Valleys tonight at 7 pm.
Danville will be tested on the road against #4 Lisbon at 7 pm tonight.
West Burlington/Notre Dame will host Albia tonight at 7:30 pm.
Winfield-Mt. Union will host Mormon Trail tonight at 7 pm.
Wapello will travel to Pekin tonight at 7 pm.
Fairfield will take on South Tama tonight at 7 pm at home.
New London will travel to Moravia tomorrow, October 12th, at 2 pm.
High School Volleyball
New London fell to Burlington Notre Dame in straight sets last night 25-12, 25-22, and 25-13. The Nikes will compete at a tournament hosted by Danville on Thursday, October 17th, starting at 5 pm.
Mediapolis swept Van Buren County last night 25-20, 25-17, and 25-19. Maddy Carter tabbed 13 kills and two blocks in the winning effort. The Bulldogs will square off against Fort Madison on Thursday at 5 pm to start off their quad.
Central Lee gave #2 Holy Trinity Catholic a scare after tying the match at one set apiece but the Crusaders celebrated their senior night with a 3-1 win (25-18, 21-15, 25-21, and 25-13). The Hawks had Taylor Jones collect 14 kills; the Crusaders were led by Presley Myers’ 15 kills and Anna Bendlage’s 20 assists and four aces.
Holy Trinity Catholic will participate in a tournament tomorrow at Pella.
Central Lee, Van Buren County, and New London will compete in a tournament tomorrow at Davis County.
Winfield-Mt. Union won their senior night against Hillcrest Academy last night 3-1 (17-25, 25-19, 25-19, and 25-21). Kellee Milks led the team with 12 kills as Madisen Kellogg dished out 42 assists in the win. The Wolves will take on Lone Tree on the road on Tuesday, October 15th, at 7:30 pm.
Wapello dumped Lone Tree in straight sets (25-13, 25-4, and 25-16) last night. Mila Jordan walloped 17 kills, while Annaka Greiner collected 38 assists and four aces in the win. The Arrows will face off against Louisa-Muscatine on Tuesday at 5:30 pm on the road.
WACO took down Louisa-Muscatine for a senior night victory last night. The Warriors will travel to Pekin on Tuesday at 7:30 pm.
Columbus won a five-set nail-biter against Highland last night (25-11, 33-35, 21-25, 25-20, and 16-14) as Daniela Diaz filled the stat sheet with 36 assists, two blocks, and two aces in the win. The Wildcats will face off against Hillcrest Academy in a road matchup on Tuesday at 6:30 pm.
Danville battled against Keokuk last night with the match needing five sets to decide a winner after Danville took the first and third sets 26-24 and 25-22, while the Chiefs won the second and fourth sets 25-18. Despite Camryn Atterberg’s 11 kills and two aces, the Bears would exit with the win in the fifth set 15-9.
#14 West Burlington will square off against Danville on Tuesday at 7:30 pm in a road matchup.
Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield will travel to Oskaloosa tomorrow for a tournament.
The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released the postseason brackets yesterday and for a breakdown of our local matchups, follow this link: IGHSAU Postseason Brackets
High School Cross Country
Mediapolis and Columbus co-hosted the Mike Jay Invitational last night and the Keokuk girls’ team won with 55 team points, while the Danville boys’ team took the gold with 58 points.
In the girls’ race, Alaina Gourley’s second place finish with a time of 20 minutes and 14 seconds led Danville to a 2nd place finish overall with 70 points as Abby Arnett was the next Bear to finish in 11th place.
Central Lee took 4th place with Evelyn Adkins’ 12th place finish anchoring the Hawks with a time of 22 minutes and 8 seconds. Mediapolis finished right behind in 5th place as Mia Steniner grabbed 22nd place.
Mt. Pleasant’s Quintrie Lee had her best finish of the year, collecting a time of 21 minutes and 2 seconds, which was good enough for fifth place. Overall, the Panthers finished in 6th as a team.
Iris Garza led Columbus with a fourth place time of 20 minutes and 56 seconds as the Wildcats finished in 7th place.
For individual runners, Kaitlyn Kipp of West Burlington/Notre Dame took home the bronze with a time of 20 minutes and 42 seconds. WACO’s Josie Dykstra finished in sixth place. The duo of Kayley Snowgren and Rylee Phillips took ninth and tenth place, respectively, for Van Buren County. Kenna Small of Wapello finished in 16th place. Lastly, Irelynn Kelly of New London raced to a 52nd place finish.
Moving over to the boys’ race, Danville’s Jackson Shacklett collected the gold with a time of 16 minutes and 33 seconds. Ty Muniz of Columbus was a mere ten seconds behind as he grabbed second place overall with the team finishing in 4th place.
Will Schmidgall of Mediapolis was the final runner to finish with a sub-17 minute time as he took the bronze along with his squad with 78 points. Van Buren County finished above the Bulldogs with 76 points as Lincoln Bainbridge raced to a fourth place time of 17 minutes and 4.2 seconds.
Mt. Pleasant had Locken Henderson finish in 11th place with a time of 17 minutes and 39 seconds as the Panthers took 6th as a team. Central Lee was led by Leo Thomas’ 29th place finish with the team grabbing 7th place. West Burlington/Notre Dame’s Liam Haeger finished in 28th place, but the team finished behind the Hawks in 8th place.
Kohlby Newsom tallied a fifth place time of 17 minutes and 4.3 seconds as the Winfield-Mt. Union finished in 9th place. Lastly, Tanner Williams of Holy Trinity Catholic grabbed 59th place with the Crusaders taking 11th place as a team.
Wapello’s Will Parsons raced to a 51st place finish, while New London’s Nathan Bergman finished in 60th place.
Danville, Central Lee, Columbus, Holy Trinity Catholic, WACO, Van Buren County, Mediapolis, Winfield-Mt. Union, Wapello, and West Burlington/Notre Dame will compete on Tuesday, October 15th, at Cedar Crest Country Club for their conference meet.
Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield will compete in their conference meet on Thursday, October 17th, at Keokuk.
Southeastern Community College
The volleyball team will host a triangular today with Wilbur Wright College and Illinois Central College making the trip.
College Football
#11 Iowa State will travel to West Virginia tomorrow, October 12th, at 7 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will have the call.
Iowa will host Washington tomorrow at 11 am. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the broadcast.
This Day in Sports History
1925 – The New York Giants lose their first NFL game, 14-0, to the Providence Steam Rollers at the Cycledrome.
1927 – New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig is named American League MVP; despite hitting an MLB record 60 home runs, Babe Ruth as a former winner is not eligible–a rule that was changed in 1931.
2020 – NBA Finals: the LA Lakers beat the Miami Heat 106-93 in Game 6 to win a record equaling 17th title; the MVP goes to LeBron James; first to win the award with three different teams.
