Identifying Human Trafficking Event This Thursday

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 at 8:26 am CDT

The fight against human trafficking takes center stage in Ottumwa on October 17, 2024, with a crucial community event titled “Identifying Human Trafficking.” Hosted at the Bridge View Center, this event will commence at 6 p.m. and aims to raise awareness, educate the public, and foster community engagement to address this pressing issue. Doors to the event will open at 5:30pm.

Human trafficking is a grave concern impacting communities nationwide, including our own. The “Identifying Human Trafficking” event is designed to provide attendees with essential information on recognizing signs, understanding risks, and implementing preventive measures against human trafficking.

Raymond Feidler, an esteemed expert from the Human Trafficking Training Bureau with the Department of Public Safety (DPS), will serve as the keynote speaker. Feidler will offer in-depth insights into the human trafficking landscape in Iowa, drawing from his extensive experience and expertise.

Event organizer Krista Tracy emphasizes the importance of community involvement: “Human trafficking is a complex issue that requires collective effort to combat. By coming together and sharing knowledge, we can make significant strides in protecting our community and supporting those affected by trafficking.”

The event is open to the public, and all community members are encouraged to attend. The organizers also welcome any contributions in the form of resources or materials from local agencies to support the event’s goals.

For additional information or to get involved, please contact Krista Tracy at 515-290-2218 or via email at krista_kay_17@hotmail.com. For further inquiries, Bruce Tracy is also available at 515-450-7522 or iowasun2001@yahoo.com.

 

Joyce Garretson

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 at 6:42 am CDT

Joyce Kathleen Stuart Garretson, rural Salem, died Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 at her home on the family farm.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 25th at the Salem East Cemetery in Salem.  The Rev’d. Wayne K. Kamm, Retired Rector, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, will preside. The Kimzey Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be directed to kimzeyfh.com.  Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Salem East Cemetery, or to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Mt. Pleasant.

Born June 5, 1925 in Wayland, Iowa, she was the daughter of Homer and Helen Yount Stuart.  She attended grade school in Wayland and Saunders School in Mt. Pleasant.  She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1943, and attended Iowa Wesleyan College where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.

Joyce was united in marriage to Joel Howard Garretson, Sr. on September 27, 1947 at the United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant.  She worked at Iowa Wesleyan in the Public Relations office, and later at Hawk Eye Bank and Trust in Mt. Pleasant and Salem.

Joyce enjoyed her life on the farm and cherished her time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  An avid Hawkeye sports fan, she followed football and basketball games in the company of many family, friends and neighbors.

She loved being outdoors working in the large vegetable garden and flower beds, in later years, directing the seed purchase and home canning with son, Bob.

Joyce kept up to speed on the evening news and never missed a vote.

The Garretson farm has been a welcoming home away from home to many over the years due to the friendship, warmth, and caring of Joyce and Joel Garretson.

She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Helman and husband Dave, two sons, Joel  and Robert Garretson, sister-in-law Josie Bainter; six grandchildren, Justin Garretson and Rachel, Kurt Garretson and Kate, Sarah Helman Breseman and Brian, Barbara Helman, Eric Garretson and Drew Garretson; six great-grandchildren, Alexis, Jeneva, Isabelle, Joel Howard IV, Edith and Owen; and her faithful Golden Retriever, Homer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one son, John, daughter -in-law Marlene and sister Myrll Jean Hoffman and brother-in-law Don.

 

John L. Tasker

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 at 6:41 am CDT

John L. Tasker, age 71, was blessed to meet the Lord on October 14, 2024, at Savannah Heights Care Center in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

John was born in Anamosa, Iowa, on March 16, 1953. He was the third child born to Jack and Dorothy (Mott) Tasker. John was raised in Wyoming, Iowa. John served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1970 – 1974. He was aboard the USS Enterprise ship. He married Kathy Feller of Cascade, Iowa, on September 14, 1979. John was employed by the Iowa DOT and worked out of the Jones County maintenance shop in Anamosa, Iowa. He drove semi part-time for Lou Somerville Trucking. He retired from the DOT in 2010.

John attended the Lincoln Street Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. John loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and loved sharing about his faith. John loved golfing and fishing. He enjoyed singing and playing his guitar. John received his quilt of valor on March 15, 2023, while at Savannah Heights. He loved spending time with his six grandkids, they called him “Grandpa John” and “Papa.”

John is survived by his wife Kathy of Mount Pleasant; son, Matthew (Holly) Tasker of Estelline, South Dakota; daughter, Nichole (Jeff) Mason of Salem; six grandchildren, Lincoln Tasker, Leighton Tasker, Landry Tasker, Mckinley Mason, Kenai Mason, Cooper Mason; sister, Cathy (Dean) Wheeler of Cedar Rapids; and brother Tom Tasker of Wyoming, Iowa.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Service will be held 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Lincoln Street Baptist Church, with Jim Hughes officiating. Visitation will be held 9:30-10:15 a.m. Saturday morning prior to the service. Military Rites will be conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard. Memorial funds have been established for the VA Hospital in Iowa City, Compassus Hospice and Savannah Heights Activities Department. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for John and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

 

Doug Bausch

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 at 6:40 am CDT

Doug Bausch, 89, of Morning Sun passed away Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Hospice House in Burlington.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Yarmouth Baptist Church.  A private burial will follow the services. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.at the Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Morning Sun.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to Yarmouth Baptist Church, Southeast Iowa Hospice or the Morning Sun Ambulance Service.    Sympathy notes may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com. 

Douglas Lee Bausch was born on September 4, 1935 in Sweetland, the son of Stephen and Mae Adeline (Male) Bausch.  Doug was united in marriage to Janet Lutz in 1957.  The couple later divorced.  On October 21, 2004 he was united in marriage to Joan Bonar-Delzell in Smokey Mountain, TN. Doug worked in sheet metal maintenance, taught welding at Black Hawk Community College and retired as a welder from John Deere after 20 years.  He was a member of the Yarmouth Baptist Church and very involved in singing with the Rhythm Rockers, at Old Threshers and in many local churches. Doug enjoyed woodworking, fishing, going to the races in Columbus Junction, showing off his 1984 Pontiac in car shows and most of all, being with his family.

Doug will be deeply missed by his wife, Joan Delzell-Bausch of Morning Sun; children, Tim (Lori) Bausch of Illinois City, Joy Greer of Milan, IL and Brian (Julie) Bausch of Moline, IL; step-children, Monte (Becky) Delzell, Kent (Sheila) Delzell and Kirk (Kim) Delzell, all of Morning Sun; grandchildren, Ryan, Dusty, Kodi, Jason, Amanda, Alex and Amber; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Lester (Fern) Bausch of Columbus Junction; Gary (Joyce) Bausch of Columbus Junction; Carol (Leonard) Chatfield of Columbus Junction; Joyce (Leonard) Johnson of Louisiana; Philip Bausch of Indiana; Jarry (Lindy) Bausch of Connecticut and Susan (Ed) Sturgis of New Jersey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-son, Mark Delzell; son-in-law, Greg Greer and siblings, Hope, Ruth, Ron, Steve, Marilyn and Larry.

Sports, October 15th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Fort Madison on Friday, October 18th, at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm. Head coach John Bowlin will be looking to get off to a fast start against the Bloodhounds,

“Yeah, it’s a rivalry game. It’s their homecoming, you know, they’re going to be hungry. They’ll be ready to play. So, we’ve got to come out and we’ve gotta limit those first drives, and we gotta be able to move the ball in the first drive without mistakes. You know, we make mistakes early and then we kind of get settled down. You know, if we come out and get our jobs done right away and not get clawing from behind the whole first half, you know, I think we’ll see a lot of confidence grow there. But, if not, I know our guys will keep battling for four quarters.”

Van Buren County will host #4 Lisbon on Friday at 7 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will face off against HLV on Friday at 7 pm on the road. 

New London will take on English Valleys on Friday at 7 pm at home. 

Danville will host Columbus to end the season at 7 pm on Friday. 

Wapello will square off against Highland on Friday at 7 pm at home to end the season. 

Fairfield will travel to Solon on Friday at 7 pm. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame will compete against Davis County on Friday at 7:30 pm in a road matchup. 

Central Lee will face off against Mediapolis on Friday at 7:30 pm for their regular season finale. 

High School Volleyball

Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield will compete in the final round of the SEC tournament tonight at Burlington with the first match at 5 pm. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will take on Lone Tree on the road tonight at 7:30 pm.

Wapello will face off against Louisa-Muscatine tonight at 5:30 pm on the road. 

WACO will travel to Pekin tonight at 7:30 pm. 

Columbus will face off against Hillcrest Academy in a road matchup tonight at 6:30 pm.

#14 West Burlington will square off against Danville tonight at 7:30 pm in a road matchup. 

#2 Holy Trinity Catholic will compete in a quad at Mediapolis on Thursday, October 17th, at 5 pm. 

Burlington Notre Dame will compete at a tournament hosted by Danville on Thursday starting at 5 pm.

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released the postseason brackets and for a breakdown of our local matchups, follow this link: IGHSAU Postseason Brackets

High School Cross Country

Danville, Central Lee, Columbus, Holy Trinity Catholic, WACO, Van Buren County, Mediapolis, Winfield-Mt. Union, Wapello, and West Burlington/Notre Dame will compete tonight 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. 

High School Cross Country Rankings

The Iowa Track Coaches Association (IATC) released their latest individual rankings and seven of our local runners were ranked within the top 30 for their respective classes.

In Class 3A, Washington has a runner ranked from both the boys’ and girls’ teams with Tyler Alderton going from 22nd to 27th and Iris Dahl jumping back into the top 30 at 27th. The Demons competed at the Bob Mudd Lynx Invitational over the weekend where Alderton turned in a 5th place time of 16 minutes and 49 seconds and Dahl grabbed the bronze with a time of 19 minutes and 30 seconds.

In Class 2A, Will Schmidgall of Mediapolis tumbled in the rankings from 12th last week to 18th this week. A tightly contested Mike Jay Invitational last week saw the Bulldog grab 3rd place with a time of 16 minutes and 50 seconds.

The boys’ of Class 1A continue to dominate as Danville’s Jackson Shacklett ventured into the top five at that 5th spot. Ty Muniz of Columbus also moved up in the rankings from 15th to 8th. Van Buren County’s Lincoln Bainbridge fell from 7th to 18th. Lastly, WACO’s Jude Dykstra was also leapfrogged, moving from 19th to 28th this week.

In a preview of their conference meet, Shacklett, Muniz, and Bainbridge competed at the Mike Jay Invitational where Shacklett cruised to a 1st place time of 16 minutes and 33 seconds followed shortly by Muniz. Bainbridge crossed the finish line with a time of 17 minutes and 4 seconds, which earned him 4th place. For Dykstra, the Warrior competed early last week at the Hillcrest Academy Invitational where he took 6th place with a time of 17 minutes and 14 seconds.

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will take on Iowa Central Community College tonight at 7 pm at home. 

College Football

#9 Iowa State will host UCF on Saturday, October 19th, at 6:30 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will have the broadcast. 

Iowa will square off against Michigan State on the road on Saturday at 6:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call. 

This Day in Sports History

1884 – Charles “Old Hoss” Radbourn pitches his 60th win of the season for the MLB Providence Grays in 8-0 win over the Quakers at Philadelphia.

1925 – MLB World Series: the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Washington Senators 9-7 in Game 7 at Forbes Field for 4-3 series victory; the Pirates became the first team to recover from 3–1 deficit in a 7-game series.

1988 – Oklahoma broke its own NCAA record for most net rushing yards in a game, going for 768 yards on the ground in a 70-24 win over Kansas State.

Prep Football: Upsets and Top 10 Matchups Shake the Rankings

By Slaten Swords · Monday, October 14th, 2024 at 12:19 pm CDT

Prep Football- Another week closer to the postseason and another week of rankings have been released by the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). There were upsets and clashes between top squads all throughout Friday.

Class 5A

Last week, Ottumwa’s path towards a perfect record and an eventual meet up against a top 10 Waterloo West to end the season appeared plausible. Waukee Northwest had other thoughts as they destroyed the Bulldogs 65-13.

Ottumwa fell from #6 to #13 in the RPI and left only Bettendorf as the only undefeated team in Class 5A. Iowa City Liberty sits at #2 followed by Pleasant Valley. Southeast Polk continues to climb the rankings as the Rams now sit at #11 as they look to defend their championship.

For a full look at the ratings: Class 5A Ratings Percentage Index

Class 4A

There was not much movement in the top 10 other than Gilbert’s 31-28 loss to #22 Bondurant-Farrar for just their second victory of the season. The Tigers were undefeated before that loss and now sit at #8.

Beyond that loss, #1 North Polk still sits atop the rankings followed by Decorah, Pella, and Lewis Central, respectively, as the only undefeated teams left. #23 Clinton’s comeback win over Burlington saw the Grayhounds fall back to #28.

For a full look at the ratings: Class 4A Ratings Percentage Index

Class 3A

This is the only class where a team with a loss sits at the top of the rankings with Humboldt with only one loss to Class 4A’s #1 North Polk causing the blemish to their record. In fact, the Wildcats edged out a 21-20 win over the previous #1 team, Algona, last Friday. The Bulldogs are now #5 in the RPI.

Another top 10 matchup saw #8 Williamsburg hand #7 Solon their second loss of the season in decisive fashion, causing the Spartans to tumble four spots to #11 and the Raiders to take the #6 spot in the RPI.

For other District 4 teams, Mt. Vernon’s drubbing of #36 Fort Madison moved the Mustangs up to #7 in the rankings. Washington tumbled all the way back to #20 after a disastrous loss to #28 Assumption.

#26 Mt. Pleasant’s comeback win over #23 Keokuk shocked the Chiefs but did not result in much movement as Keokuk’s early season losses to Ottumwa and Pella outweigh the Panthers’ strength of schedule.

#30 Fairfield avoided catastrophe by scoring 20 unanswered points in the second half to dispatch #35 South Tama 33-29. For the win, the Trojans will be awarded with a trip to Solon.

For a full look at the ratings: Class 3A Ratings Percentage Index

Class 2A

The top eight teams kept their position with West Lyon and PCM staying undefeated at #1 and #2, respectively. Central Lyon/George-Little Rock and Anamosa entered the top 10 as they replaced #9 Western Christian and #10 Des Moines Christian.

Class 1A

Another undefeated team bit the dust as Regina Catholic tumbled down the rankings from #2 to #7, while Grundy Center continued their perfect season. Dike-New Hartford starts the week as the new #2 team. The Regals can prove themselves when they take on #4 Wilton this Friday at their home turf.

Class A

#1 West Hancock, #2 ACGC, #3 Saint Ansgar, and #4 Lisbon won last Friday, so they kept their top four positions. A lot can change in a week as North Linn loss, falling from #5 to #10. Earlham, Woodbury Central, and Starmont were all dropped from the top 10 as well.

New teams include #7 Maquoketa Valley, #8 Pekin, and #9 Riverside.

8-Player

In a top 10 matchup last Friday, Woodbine fell to #4 Remsen St. Mary’s 46-30, resulting in the Tigers losing their undefeated season and being catapulted down from #5 in the rankings to #8. The other members of the top 10 remained as Iowa Valley moved up one spot to #7.

Iowa Valley has one of the most potent offenses in the state as the Tigers have scored at least 70 points in six of their seven games this season. In that seventh game, they put up 56 points against a tough WACO team.

District Standings for Local Teams

Class 4A District 3

Xavier: 3-0 (5-2)

North Scott: 2-1 (5-2)

Clear Creek-Amana: 2-1 (4-3)

Clinton: 2-1 (3-4)

Burlington: 0-3 (2-5)

Oskaloosa: 0-3 (1-6)

Class 3A District 4

#7 Mt. Vernon: 3-0 (6-1)

Assumption: 2-1 (2-5)

Washington: 2-1 (5-2)

Mt. Pleasant: 1-2 (3-4)

Keokuk: 1-2 (3-4)

Fort Madison: 0-3 (0-7)

District 5

#6 Williamsburg: 3-0 (6-1)

Benton: 3-0 (5-2)

Solon: 1-2 (5-2)

Grinnell: 1-2 (5-2)

Fairfield: 1-2 (2-5)

South Tama County: 0-3 (0-7)

Class 2A District 5

Mid-Prairie: 4-0 (4-3)

West Burlington/Notre Dame: 3-1 (6-1)

Mediapolis: 2-2 (3-4)

Albia: 2-2 (4-3)

Central Lee: 1-3 (4-3)

Davis County: 0-4 (3-4)

Class A District 5

#4 Lisbon: 6-0 (7-0)

#8 Pekin: 5-1 (6-1)

Columbus: 4-2 (4-3)

Danville: 4-2 (4-3)

Highland: 2-4 (3-4)

Wapello: 2-4 (2-5)

Van Buren County: 1-5 (1-6)

Louisa-Muscatine: 0-6 (0-7)

8-Player District 6

#7 Iowa Valley: 5-0 (7-0)

WACO: 4-1 (7-1)

Winfield-Mt. Union: 2-2 (4-3)

English Valleys: 1-3 (1-6)

New London: 1-3 (1-6)

HLV: 0-4 (1-7)

Helen Garrels

By Yorke Prough · Monday, October 14th, 2024 at 9:38 am CDT

Helen Irene (Hazen) Garrels, age 101, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024, at Parkview Retirement Community in Maryville, TN. Born on July 26, 1923, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Zellah Mae (Anderson) Hazen and James (Harry) Hazen. Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Irwin Harold Garrels; her brothers, John Hervey Hazen and Dale Harry Hazen; and her sister, Louise (Hazen) Roach.

She is survived by her son, James Irwin Garrels, and his wife, Joan Brooks; her daughter, Susan Irene (Garrels) Larsen, and her husband, Mark; and her treasured granddaughter, Shaina Walker, and her husband, Ian. Helen will also be deeply missed by numerous extended family members, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

A graduate of Mount Pleasant High School, Helen went on to become the owner of the Danville and New London Variety stores. She had a love for collecting antiques, creating artificial bouquets, and crafting. After moving to Tennessee, Helen found joy in spending time with her daughter and granddaughter, further enriching her life with love and laughter.

Helen’s extraordinary life was featured in a documentary titled Crossroads: The Ballad of Helen and Ernie, which highlighted her memories in Iowa and the beautiful partnership she shared with her husband. Known for her warm smile, sense of humor, and love for making others laugh, Helen had a unique gift for brightening people’s lives with her sweet personality.

The legacy Helen leaves behind is one of kindness, joy, and a deep love for her family and community. Services for Mrs. Garrels will be at 11:00 am, Friday, October 18, 2024, at Elliott Chapel, New London, with Rev. David Mixon officiating. Burial will follow at Long Creek Cemetery, rural Danville, with a luncheon immediately after at Long Creek Church. The family will greet friends at the chapel beginning at 10:00 until the time of the service.

Her family will be hosting a memorial service in Tennessee at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or The Macular Degeneration Association. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Mt. Pleasant Marching Band Takes 2nd in Missouri, Best Colorguard, Drum Majors

By Yorke Prough · Monday, October 14th, 2024 at 9:36 am CDT

The Mt. Pleasant Community High School Marching Band traveled to Clark County, Missouri, this weekend for a competition in which they made a good name for themselves. The show, “Dare to Dream” left a good impression, as the panthers placed second in Class 4A at the 33rd Annual Parade of Champions at the high school in Kahoka.

The Color Guard placed first in 4A and the Drum Majors received top honors in 4A. They also had the highest score among all of the participating bands’ Drum Majors in all classes.

The panthers will compete at the state marching band competition this coming weekend. Congratulations to the Mt. Pleasant High School marching band!