Safety First: Considerations for Early Fall Manure Removal

By Yorke Prough · Monday, September 9th, 2024 at 9:41 am CDT

“As fall approaches, many farmers are evaluating the timing of their manure application. Ideally, ammonium-rich manures are applied when temperatures are cooler (50 degrees Fahrenheit and cooling) to increase the probability that applied nitrogen will still be in the upper soil profile next year when crops are growing.

However, sometimes that’s not possible, and applications earlier in the fall may be necessary, according to Daniel Andersen, professor and extension agricultural engineering specialist at Iowa State University.

“Whether you’re dealing with foam in your manure pits or facing storage capacity concerns after a wet year, applying manure earlier than desired can be justified —especially from a safety standpoint,” he said. “Always keep safety as your top priority when dealing with early applications.

“Performing manure removal and agitation when the barn is empty allows you to aggressively agitate, ensuring that solids are thoroughly mixed and removed,” Andersen said. “It also protects animals and workers from unsafe air quality conditions.”

Foam in manure pits is more than an inconvenience, it’s a safety hazard. Foam can trap dangerous gases like methane, which significantly increases the risk of explosions.

“You need to take action when your pits foam and more than 6 inches of foam are present,” Andersen said. “An ideal time to manage the risk is between turns when your barn is empty, as it allows being more aggressive with your manure agitation, treatment and removal strategy.”

Agitate the manure thoroughly to break down the foam and release any trapped gases. Be sure to maintain high ventilation levels to exhaust the released methane as you do so and to turn off potential ignition sources.

“Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is one of the most dangerous gases associated with manure storage, and it can be lethal at high concentrations,” Andersen said. “This gas is produced when manure is agitated, especially after it has settled for long periods that allowed solids to accumulate and anaerobic conditions to intensify.”

When these layers of solids are disturbed during agitation, H₂S can be released in large quantities, posing a severe risk to both humans and livestock. The publication “Hydrogen Sulfide Safety – Manure Agitation (AE3604)” describes how to stay safe during manure agitation.

Andersen advises producers to consider using pit treatments that target foam reduction and potentially reset the microbial population in the pit. This can help prevent foam from becoming a recurring problem. For more details, see this information sheet from the Iowa Manure Management Action Group.”

The information in this article is provided by ISU Extension and Outreach. For additional reading on other subjects: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/

Flags at Half Staff for Sailor Deceased at Pearl Harbor, Now Identified as 21 Year-Old Everett Titterington

By Yorke Prough · Monday, September 9th, 2024 at 7:02 am CDT

Scientists with the military have been using advanced technology to identify remains of sailors lost at Pearl Harbor, over 80 years later. Recently, one fallen Navy Fireman, 1st Class Everett C. Titterington, was identified. As a result, Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, September 9th. He was from Milford, Iowa and will be buried in Riverside National Cemetery in California.

Titterington was onboard the USS Oklahoma when it was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor and capsized during multiple torpedo hits on December 7, 1941. He was 21-years-old. Scientists with the military have been using advanced technology to identify remains of sailors lost at Pearl Harbor.

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

 

John Montgomery

By Yorke Prough · Monday, September 9th, 2024 at 6:59 am CDT

John William Montgomery, 76, of Mount Pleasant, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 10:45 p.m. He was born on July 30, 1948, in Wabash, Indiana, to the late Marie Margaret Petsch and Leslie Edward Montgomery. John was a beloved brother to Peggy Peters (Don), Jeanie Carlson (Phil), and Marylou Montgomery. He was predeceased by his sister Christy Jenkins, who is survived by her husband, Bobby Jenkins.

John is survived by his son, Rob Montgomery, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Montgomery. He leaves behind four cherished grandchildren: Ashley Seaworth (Seth Siebarth), Isabellea Montgomery, Brooke Sullivan, and Kayleigh Montgomery. John was also a proud great-grandfather to Chase Brantley, Hunter Siebarth, and step-great-grandchildren Michael and Makynzie Siebarth. 

John also leaves behind an extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly. He was known for his warmth and kindness, always ready to share a story, laugh, or lend a helping hand. His presence will be deeply missed at family gatherings and reunions.

John served honorably in the United States Navy from April 9, 1968, to April 8, 1974, as a Petty Officer during the Vietnam War. He was stationed aboard the USS Rigel AF-58 in Norfolk, Virginia, and received the National Defense Service Medal for his service.

After his military service, John worked as an accountant for Wilson Electric in Rockford, Illinois, until his retirement in 1996.

John was a passionate sports fan, with a deep love for the Chicago Bears and the Milwaukee Brewers. He also had a soft spot for animals, particularly cats, and his favorite feline companion was Millie. Along with his love for cats, John found great joy in bird-watching. His favorite species were hummingbirds and eagles, and he could often be found outdoors, quietly observing their beauty and grace. This passion for bird watching was something he loved sharing with his family, creating treasured moments together in nature. Above all, John loved spending time with his son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, making lasting memories with his family. He will be remembered for his kind heart, loyalty, and the love he shared with all who knew him.

John will be dearly missed, but his memory will live on through the lives he touched.

Private family services with Full Military Honors will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.  Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home.

John’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who offered their support and condolences during this difficult time.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

 

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Robert Judd

By Yorke Prough · Monday, September 9th, 2024 at 6:59 am CDT

Robert D. “Bob” Judd, 68, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Arbor Court in Mt. Pleasant.

Bob was born on March 9, 1956, in Mt. Pleasant the son of LaVerne and Eva May (Humbert) Judd.  He worked for the Henry County Hospital in Mt. Pleasant until his retirement.  He enjoyed attending Midwest Old Threshers and demo derbies.  

He is survived by his brother, Thomas Judd of Mt. Pleasant, his sisters, Nancy Landes of Mt. Pleasant and Martha Messer of Otto, North Carolina, along with several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.  

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Maxine Nichols and one brother, William Judd.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.  At this time no services are being planned.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Wendell Ensminger

By Yorke Prough · Monday, September 9th, 2024 at 6:58 am CDT

Wendell C. Ensminger, 79, of Lockridge passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the New London Specialty Care Center.

 Wendell was born May 18, 1945, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Frank and Marie (Anderson) Ensminger.  He was united in marriage to Linnea Bergren and from this union two daughters were born, Julie and Emily.  He studied at Southeastern Community College receiving an AA degree in machinist technology.  Wendell was a proud lifelong Iron Workers Local 89 member and a Vietnam Army veteran.

  Wendell was also a devoted Chevrolet enthusiast; he especially liked classic muscle cars and watching motorsports.  He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, playing golf, and rock music.  Wendell was an easygoing, entertaining, and fun guy to be around. He was always ready with a good joke or quip to keep everyone entertained wherever you might be.

 

He is survived by his children, Emily Ensminger and Julie Ensminger, his granddaughter, Sarah Ensminger, his brother, Randy (Eileen) Ensminger and his sister, Janice (Tom) Daniels, his sister-in-laws, Saundra Ensminger and Penny Ensminger, along with many nieces and nephews and their children.

 Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Donnie Ensminger, Jack Ensminger, Dennis Ensminger, and a sister-in-law, Janet Ensminger.

 

Friends may call on Friday, September 13, 2024, after 2 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant. The family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening.   Memorials in his memory may be directed to Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation and to EveryStep Hospice.

 

Wendell’s family would like to extend their sincere thank you to everyone at EveryStep Hospice and the New London Care Center for the great care he received.

 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Sports, September 9th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, September 9th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant will stay at home to compete against Tipton on Friday, September 13th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. Head coach John Bowlin talked about the message he delivered to his team heading into this week of practice,

“You know, it’s been a long time since the Panthers have won on this home field and they’ll be ready to go. I think you know, it’s another game that we can definitely compete in. I think these guys can compete against everybody. I believe in them. I think that they’re gonna put the work in. They know that. So, we’ll show up on Monday and we’re going to learn and just get better and keep working as hard as we can.”

West Burlington/Notre Dame will go against West Liberty on Friday at 7:30 pm at home.

WACO will celebrate homecoming this Friday at 7 pm against Winfield-Mt. Union. 

New London will host Iowa Valley on Friday at 7 pm.

Fairfield will face off against Washington on Friday at 7:30 pm on the road. 

Danville is back at home to take on Pekin on Friday at 7 pm.

Van Buren County will host Highland on Friday at 7 pm for their home opener. 

Central Lee will take on Durant on Friday at 7 pm at home.

Mediapolis will attempt to upset Regina Catholic on Friday at 7 pm on the road. 

Columbus will hit the road to face off against Lisbon at 7 pm on Friday. 

Wapello will compete at home against Louisa-Muscatine on Friday at 7 pm. 

High School Volleyball

Winfield-Mt. Union and WACO traveled to English Valleys for a tournament over the weekend and here’s how the two teams competed.

WACO finished pool play with a 1-2 record, falling to Hillcrest Academy 21-13 and 21-3 and Sigourney 21-13 and 21-5 in straight sets, while picking up a three set victory over Collins-Maxwell, dominating the final two sets 21-10 and 15-5. A big reason for the Warriors’ success against the Spartans was their serving as they generated 12 aces, including five from Kinsey Hildebrand.

Winfield-Mt. Union handled business in their pool, finishing a perfect 3-0. The Wolves swept the hosts 21-13 in both sets and Cardinal 23-21 and 21-14, while taking down East Marshall 15-10 in the third set. This set up a championship matchup against Sigourney with the two teams trading the first two sets, before the Wolves narrowly lost the third set 18-16 to finish as the runner-up. Quin Smith led the Wolves with 30 kills over the entire tournament as Madisen Kellogg tallied 61 assists.

WACO will face off against Wapello tomorrow, September 10th, at 7:30 pm at home.

Winfield-Mt. Union will take on Pekin tomorrow at 7:30 pm on the road. 

Burlington Notre Dame hosted their own tournament over the weekend and here’s how it went down. In pool play, Wapello went 1-2 with losses to #13 Burlington Notre Dame and #9 West Burlington in straight sets, while sweeping Danville 21-14 and 22-20, propelling the Arrows into the semifinals.

New London struggled, losing to the Nikes, Falcons, and Danville, as that was the lone win of the tournament for the Bears with losses to Wapello, Keokuk, and Van Buren County.

Van Buren County lost to the Falcons 21-12 in both sets, but defeated Danville and Burlington Notre Dame in a thrilling three set final that the Warriors yanked out with a 15-9 score in pool play, which brought Van Buren County to the semifinals.

Despite that loss, the Nikes handled business in pool play with sweeps of Wapello (22-20, 21-17), Keokuk (21-7, 21-12), and New London (21-12, 21-13) to set up a rematch with Van Buren County in the semifinals. 

West Burlington did not drop a set in pool play with their closest margin of victory being 11 points with wins over New London, Wapello, Van Buren County, and Keokuk. The Falcons would meet Wapello in the semifinals and dominate, winning 21-11 and 21-5. Wapello’s Mila Jordan led the team with 25 kills. 

The Nikes handled business against Van Buren County in the semifinals with a sweep to set up a championship match against West Burlington. However, the hosts could not down the Falcons, losing 25-18 and 25-9 in straight sets. Madalynn Knapp tabbed 46 kills for the Nikes, while Emma Elmore tallied 99 assists. Taryn Snodgrass led the tournament with 111 assists as she captured her 1,000th career assist and Carli Cline finished with her 1,000th career dig, while leading the team with 12 aces.

West Burlington will host the rematch against Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow at 7:30 pm. 

Van Buren County will face off against New London tomorrow at 7:30 pm at home. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will look to right the ship tomorrow against Danville at 7:30 pm on the road. 

Mt. Pleasant will attempt to get back in the win column tomorrow at home against Fort Madison with the opening serve at 7:15 pm.

Central Lee will host Mediapolis tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

Fairfield will travel to Keokuk tomorrow at 7:15 pm. 

High School Cross Country

Winfield-Mt. Union, New London, Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, Mediapolis, and Van Buren County will run tomorrow, September 10th, at 4:30 pm at the Riverview Club. 

Fairfield will host their invitational on Thursday, September 12th, with Burlington Notre Dame, Central Lee, Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, Mediapolis, Mt. Pleasant, Winfield-Mt. Union, Van Buren County, and New London all attending. 

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will face off against Des Moines Area Community College on Wednesday, September 11th, at 7 pm on the road. 

College Football

#21 Iowa’s defense held Iowa State scoreless through the first half while Kaleb Johnson punished the Cyclone defense to the tune of 187 rushing yards and two scores for the game; however, it was a last-second field goal by Iowa State that gave the Cyclones a comeback victory, 20-19. Rocco Becht threw two touchdowns as Jaylin Noel collected 133 receiving yards and a score through the air. Darien Porter picked off Cade McNamara twice in the win.

Iowa State is on a bye week.

Iowa will attempt to get back on track against Troy at home on Saturday, September 14th, with kickoff at 3 pm. The broadcast will be on KILJ 105.5 FM.

This Day in Sports History

1960 – The Denver Broncos beat the Boston Patriots, 13-10, in the American Football League’s first game before 21,597 fans at Nickerson Field in Boston.

2002 – MLB Arizona Diamondbacks’ left handed pitcher Randy Johnson reaches 300 strikeouts for the fifth consecutive season, extending his major league record.

2018 – Green Bay Packers start 100th season with historic 24-23 comeback win over Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field; first ever Packer recovery from a 17-plus point deficit after three quarters of play.

September 9, 2024 – September 15, 2024

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, September 8th, 2024 at 2:53 pm CDT
09/09/24
Harrison Enearl
09/09/24
Eva Ford
09/09/24
Travis Brown
09/09/24
Richard & Sally Kinney *Anniversary
09/11/24
Marge Peterson
09/11/24
Kyle Wilson
09/11/24
Randy & Kathy Hites *25th Anniversary
09/11/24
Duane & Wanda Thomas *Anniversary
09/12/24
Dani Fry
09/12/24
Chris Jayne
09/12/24
Ron Mehaffy
09/12/24
Clayton Dean Warner
09/13/24
Jan Williamson
09/13/24
Susan Eaves
09/13/24
Charlie Huff - 93
09/13/24
Keith & Trudy Rich 38th anniversary
09/14/24
Ed Jones
09/15/24
Josephine Allender
09/15/24
Lori & Greg Fry - 60th anniversary
09/15/24
Erin & Derik Housh

Sports, September 7th

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, September 7th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant was attempting to start the year 2-0 for the first time since 2017, but West Burlington/Notre Dame’s rushing attack proved to be too much as the Falcons exited with the victory 31-10. The night started in the Panthers favor as Keegan Heaton deflected a punt, giving the Panthers a short field. Mt. Pleasant drove the ball and opted for a 22-yard field goal to take a 3 to 0 lead.

The Falcons next drive lasted over seven minutes as Landry Haberichter found Liam Stensgard open for a 15-yard touchdown pass, but a missed extra point and a field goal at the end of the half gave the Falcons a 9 to 3 lead.

Mt. Pleasant forced their third takeaway of the night in the middle of the third quarter and with a short field again, Payton Walker and Cooper Coleman went to work, gashing the defense which led to a 19-yard touchdown scramble for Walker to reclaim the lead 10 to 9. However, Quincy Collins’ physicality kept a tired Panther defense on the field as he rushed for three scores in the second half and 187 total yards for the game. Head coach John Bowlin talked about his team’s performance after the game,

“Yeah, our defense, I thought, really played three quarters. I mean they gave us in the second half, they gave us the ball back two times and we couldn’t do anything on offense, you know, and those on me, I gotta mix some things up a little better there, but we had holes there we were missing and you know give credit to their D, they were flying around playing hard you know we just got to get better at finishing the game there so our I thought our defense though was playing pretty lights out there for the first three quarters and just you know huge stop at the end of the first half came out and took the lead in the second-half right away and just like we had planned on doing and then we kind of just you know they got a little stronger than us at the end and we were definitely tired and not able to finish the game.”

Mt. Pleasant will stay at home to compete against Tipton on Friday, September 13th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

West Burlington/Notre Dame will go against West Liberty on Friday at 7:30 pm at home.

WACO and Iowa Valley met last night in a battle of the unbeatens and for the first time since 2018, the Tigers came out with the win 56-35 in a shootout. Clayton Miller threw for 208 yards and three touchdowns as Gage Samo was his go-to target, hauling in four passes for 81 yards and two scores. Nolan Krieger finished with 475 total yards and seven touchdowns in the win. WACO will celebrate homecoming this Friday at 7 pm against Winfield-Mt. Union. 

New London battled with Winfield-Mt. Union last night but finished short of the mark, losing 68-32. The Tigers will host Iowa Valley on Friday at 7 pm.

Fairfield ran wild last night against Fort Madison’s defense, pummeling the Bloodhounds 55-15. Luke Konczal had touchdown runs of 69 and 74 for the Trojans. Fairfield will face off against Washington on Friday at 7:30 pm on the road. 

Danville snuck past Highland to pick up their first win of the season 14-7. The Bears are back at home to take on Pekin on Friday at 7 pm.

Van Buren County was crushed by Pekin last night 54-0 as Will Adam tossed for 326 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 95 yards on the ground for the Panthers. The Warriors will host Highland on Friday at 7 pm for their home opener. 

Central Lee shutout Cardinal last night 47-0. Kayden Calfee had two passing touchdowns to go along with his 87 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. The Hawks will take on Durant on Friday at 7 pm at home.

Mediapolis lost to Sigourney-Keota last night 23-7. The Bulldogs will attempt to upset Regina Catholic on Friday at 7 pm on the road. 

Columbus handled Wapello last night 51-14. The Wildcats will hit the road to face off against Lisbon at 7 pm on Friday. Wapello will compete at home against Louisa-Muscatine on Friday at 7 pm. 

In other local scores, Washington defeated Burlington 14-6, Mt. Vernon handled Union 43-6, Assumption fell to Davenport North 28-19, and Keokuk lost 40-13 to Pella.

High School Volleyball

Winfield-Mt. Union will compete at a tournament today at English Valleys along with WACO. 

Danville, New London, West Burlington, and Van Buren County will compete in a tournament at Burlington Notre Dame today.

Mt. Pleasant will attempt to get back in the win column on Tuesday, September 10th, at home against Fort Madison with the opening serve at 7:15 pm.

Central Lee will host Mediapolis on Tuesday at 7:30 pm.

Fairfield will travel to Keokuk on Tuesday at 7:15 pm. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will look to right the ship on Tuesday against Danville at 7:30 pm on the road. 

High School Cross Country

Winfield-Mt. Union, New London, Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, Meidapolis, and Van Buren County will run on Tuesday, September 10th, at 4:30 pm at the Riverview Club. 

Fairfield will host their invitational on Thursday, September 12th, with Burlington Notre Dame, Central Lee, Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, Mediapolis, Mt. Pleasant, Winfield-Mt. Union, Van Buren County, and New London all attending. 

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will face off against Des Moines Area Community College on Wednesday, September 11th, at 7 pm on the road. 

College Football

#21 Iowa is set to host this year’s rendition of the Cy-Hawk Series today at 2:30 pm. The Iowa broadcast will be on 105.5 FM and the Iowa State broadcast will be on 98.5 FM and AM 1130. 

This Day in Sports History

1892 – James Corbett KOs 4 to 1 favorite and defending champion John L. Sullivan in 21 rounds at the Olympic Club, New Orleans for the world heavyweight boxing title; Sullivan’s only defeat and his last fight.

1979 – The Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) makes its debut.

1991 – Brigham Young University quarterback Ty Detmer passes for a then-NCAA record 11,606 yards.