Patsy Neff

By Slaten Swords · Friday, December 26th, 2025 at 4:35 am CDT

Patsy Neff, 88, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, December 21, 2025 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, IA.

Mrs. Neff, the former Patsy Sue Briggs, was born October 14, 1937 in Roland, Arkansas. She was the daughter of Lloyd and Verla (Morgan) Briggs. Her family moved to the West Point, IA area when Patsy was an infant. She attended school first in Denmark, IA, and graduated from Ft. Madison High School. On June 12, 1976 in Mt. Pleasant, Patsy was united in marriage to Fred Allen Neff. Mr. Neff died July 23, 1999.

While in school, Patsy worked as a student for the United States Postal Service. She later worked as a typesetter for the Mt. Pleasant News. The job she truly loved was as a Group Leader and Lecturer for Weight Watchers. She helped and encouraged numerous individuals seeking to curb their weight gain. What might seem ironic to some, Patsy also awoke early each morning to work at the former Daylight Doughnuts Shop, making doughnuts for hungry customers.

Patsy was a gifted seamstress. She created outfits and repaired clothing. Along those lines, Patsy was known to her family as a “crocheting machine”, eagerly crafting an untold number of items from clothing such as sweaters, caps and mittens to household items such as blankets, afghans and hot pads.

Those thankful for sharing in Patsy’s life include her children – Steve (Shyrl) Sawyer of Colman, AL, Pam Sawyer of Mt. Pleasant and Dave (Kathy) Sawyer of Cedar Rapids; her step children – Robert Neff of California, Judy Neff of Winfield, Belinda Osborn of Mt. View, CA and Carolee Benz of New London; her siblings – Shirley Hamilton of Georgia, and Don Briggs, Janice Morow and Jackie Steadman, all of Hood, OR; 2 grandchildren – Steve Sawyer, Jr. and Kellyn Ochs and several great grandchildren.

Her parents, husband, 3 children – Patricia Sawyer in infancy, Kelly Ochs and Don Ochs, and 2 sisters – Judy Briggs and Carol Butcher, precede Patsy in death.

A funeral service for Patsy will be held at 11 AM on Monday, December 29 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery. Friends may call from 1-7PM on Sunday, December 28, at the funeral home. The family will not be present at that time, but they will receive friends, prior to the funeral, from 10-11 AM on Monday at the funeral home.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Sports, December 25th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, December 25th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

With our local teams getting a short breather with Winter Break, we will take a look at our conference standings after the season’s early showdowns, moving on to the Southeast Iowa Super Conference South Division. 

On the girls’ side, #10 Mediapolis is sprinting away with another conference title with Central Lee trying to keep pace. The undefeated Bulldogs have been stellar on defense, averaging 18.5 steals per game, and behind the arc, shooting 37.3% from three-point land. The Hawks have relied on a tough defense, allowing only 40.8 points per game. The two will meet after winter break on January 2nd. 

Van Buren County and West Burlington are hanging out behind the front runners with 4-2 records. Both teams have fallen to the Bulldogs. Danville sits at 2-3 in the conference and has already knocked off Central Lee 68-52. Senior Macie Wagner talked about what makes this group special, 

“We have a lot of growing on the specific aspect of the game, like what we actually have to do with different teams. Like we have to be very fast paced because we don’t have a lot of height, but I think something that sets us apart from other teams is that we are very connected to each other. We have a lot of chemistry. And so we just gel really good on the court. I mean, once you’ve played with girls for a long time, you know what their strengths are and what our weaknesses are so that when you know that a really good team can form out of that.”

Holy Trinity Catholic and Burlington Notre Dame are each 1-4, while New London is still searching for their first victory of the season. 

For the boys’ teams, Burlington Notre Dame has appeared almost unstoppable. The Nikes have failed to score less than 70 points just twice this season, beating Central Lee 57-49 and Holy Trinity Catholic 59-43. The Nikes are shooting 46.7% from the floor as Shay Stephens has played out of his mind, averaging 26.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 3.2 steals per game.

Mediapolis and Central Lee both have lost to the Nikes this season, but have otherwise played strong. The Bulldogs shoot nearly 50% from the field and average nearly 11 steals per game, while the Hawks limit their opponents to just 40 points per game.

West Burlington, Danville, and Holy Trinity Catholic all have three losses against South foes, while Van Buren County’s sole conference win this year was against a winless New London squad 60-56.

High School Wrestling

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will compete in the Keokuk Invite on January 3rd. Head coach Abby Blint talked about some of the girls to look out for as the year progresses,

“Well, our returner state qualifier from last year, Zenlynn Lee, she’s been working hard. So we’re expecting her to work hard again this season. And then I would say all of our girls this year are really working hard, and they’re wanting to do some cool things.”

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant and West Burlington will get back to action with the Louisa-Muscatine Invite on January 3rd. 

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will travel to Iowa Lakes Community College on January 3rd, at 1 pm.

College Football

#23 Iowa will take on #14 Vanderbilt on December 31st at 11 am for the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida. 

College Basketball

The #10 Iowa State women’s team will get back to action on December 31st against Houston on the road at 1 pm.

The #14 Iowa women’s team will take on Penn State for their Big Ten Home Opener on Sunday, December 28th, at 3 pm.

The #25 Iowa men’s team will host UMass Lowell on December 29th at 4 pm. 

The #3 Iowa State men’s team will face off against Houston Christian on December 29th at 7 pm at home. 

This Day in Sports History

1888 – First indoor baseball game played at the fairgrounds in Philadelphia; 2,000 watch the Uptowners beat the Downtowners 6-1. 

1971 – Longest game in NFL history as the Miami Dolphins beat the Kansas City Chiefs 27-24 in 2OT in an AFL playoff game; the game lasted 82 minutes and 40 seconds. 

2020 – New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara equals Ernie Nevers 1929 NFL record of six touchdowns in a game in the Saints’ 52-33 win over the Minnesota Vikings at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. 

Mount Pleasant Officials Sworn In for New Year

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 at 9:13 am CDT

Following adjournment at the Council Meeting Tuesday, December 23rd, reelected and newly elected city officials were sworn in for the new year, including Mayor Steven Brimhall, council members Terry McWilliams and Bob Griffith, and newly elected council member Matthew Barton.

Mayor Steven Brimhall was first elected mayor in 2010 and begins another term leading the city. Before being elected at Mayor, Steve served 19 years on the Mount Pleasant City Council, including many years as chairman of the Personnel and Finance Committee. Brimhall is a lifelong member of the Mount Pleasant community. Born in Mount Pleasant and raised on a farm northwest of town. He and his wife, Karen, have been married for 57 years and are the parents of three daughters and grandparents to eight grandchildren.

Council member Terry McWilliams, who serves as an at-large member, recently completed his 16th year on the Mount Pleasant City Council, making him one of the longest-serving current members. McWilliams has been involved in numerous city initiatives and policy decisions during his tenure. Professionally, McWilliams has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Old Threshers since 2014. He lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife, Cyndi Walljasper, and they have three children, Bri, Nathan, and Rachel.

Council member Bob Griffith brings extensive experience to the council, having served previously from 2002 to 2010 and again from 2018 to the present. Griffith represents Ward 2 and has been part of the council during multiple administrations. Prior to serving on the City Council, Griffith worked as a City of Mount Pleasant police officer from 1978 to 2001. His years in law enforcement provided him with an in-depth understanding of city operations and public service, experience he later brought with him into his role on the council.

Newly elected council member Matthew Barton is beginning his first term representing Ward 4. Barton is a lifelong Mount Pleasant resident and lives in the community with his wife, Mackenzie, and their children Elle, Asher, and Blake. Barton comes from a family long rooted in Mount Pleasant. He is the son of Jim Barton and Diane Davis. His grandparents include Jerry & Sharon Davis, as well as the late Wesley Barton & Gerry Barton. The Barton and Davis families are well known in the community and have long been considered staples of Mount Pleasant.

KILJ congratulates all newly elected and reelected officials as they begin their new terms.

 

Mount Pleasant City Council Approves Ordinance Changes, Purchases, and Appointments

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 at 8:29 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council met in adjourned session Tuesday evening, December 23, at City Hall, approving multiple ordinances, resolutions, and purchases affecting city operations.

Among the major items of business, the council approved the third and final readings of two ordinance amendments. One ordinance updates Chapter 14 of the city code, prohibiting loitering and panhandling in certain public areas, including roadways and rights of way. City officials said the ordinance is intended to improve public safety.

The council also adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 25, which updates municipal fees and charges related to hazardous materials response. The new rates align with those set by the Iowa Fire Service.

In new business, council members approved and authorized the mayor to sign an amended agreement with All God’s Creatures for animal impound care. The council also approved the purchase of property at 403 East Green Street for $20,000, plus closing and filing fees. Building and Zoning Administrator Gary Shahan reported the property has been on the city’s nuisance list for several years and that staff recently reached an agreement with the property owner.

Several appointments were approved during the meeting, including Mayor Steven Brimhall’s temporary appointment to the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission Board of Directors. The council also approved multiple reappointments to the Utility Board of Trustees and the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Council members authorized the purchase of a new street sweeper for the Public Works Department from MacQueen Group of Ankeny at a cost of approximately $433,846. The street sweeper is expected to be delivered in September 2026, with no payment due at this time. Public Works Director Drew Schumacher explained the city follows a six-year replacement schedule for sweepers, which falls next year. Due to extended lead times, the Personnel and Finance Committee recommended beginning the purchasing process now to ensure timely replacement.

Additional actions included approving continued membership with Iowa Communities Assurance Pool for 2026 and authorizing the appointment of William Kinney to the Fire Department Reserves.

The council also approved hiring a search firm to assist with the recruitment and hiring of a new city administrator, following the sudden passing of longtime City Administrator Brent Schleisman. Councilmember Steve Engberg spoke on the proposal from Theia Management Consulting, emphasizing the council’s responsibility to do everything possible to find the right candidate. Engberg noted that while the firm will help guide the process, Schleisman’s depth of knowledge and experience can never truly be replaced. Mayor Steven Brimhall said the city does not anticipate having a new city administrator in place until April.

Before adjournment, Mayor Brimhall noted that several citizens have made donations to the bike trail in Schleisman’s memory. Those wishing to contribute may donate through the Mount Pleasant Parks and Recreation Department, with “Brent Schleisman Memorial” listed in the memo line. Brimhall said the bike trail reflects values important to Schleisman throughout his career, including thoughtful planning, community investment, and projects intended to benefit residents for generations.

The meeting concluded with a public forum and adjournment. The Mount Pleasant City Council will next meet in regular session on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

 

 

Sports, December 24th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 at 6:32 am CDT

High School Basketball

With our local teams getting a short breather with Winter Break, we will take a look at our conference standings after the season’s early showdowns, moving on to the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North Division. 

Looking at the girls’ teams, Highland is off to a fast start, going 6-0 against the North and 8-1 overall. The Huskies had high expectations last year but fell in crucial games; this year, Kamryn Fink has completely taken over, averaging a 17 point and nearly 12 rebound per game double-double. 

Louisa-Muscatine and Lone Tree come in a #2 and #3 in the conference with the Lions having gotten the better of the Falcons before winter break 48-41. Lone Tree’s Finley Jacque leads the conference in scoring with 19.6 points per game. Wapello, Pekin, and last year’s division champion, Columbus, are bottle-necked having played seven games and hovering around 0.500. The Arrows just recently broke a four-game winning streak held by Columbus in a 48-40 fourth quarter comeback. Transfer Jakayla Nelson has been a nice complement for Wapello, averaging 10 points per game.

Hillcrest Academy and WACO have both won a conference game, while an injury-riddled Winfield-Mt. Union club is still searching for their first victory against a north opponent. Madisen Kellogg, who herself is now dealing with an injury, talked highly of the team’s mental fortitude.

“I think our team’s coming together actually really well, better than a lot of us were expecting. I mean, we had a lot of new kids come out, which is great. I mean, we wanted a team and injuries have gotten us a little bit so far. We are going to try and focus over Christmas break on things that need work on and then come back after Christmas break and be better than we were before.”

On the boys’ side, Hillcrest Academy had to share the title last year, but this year they are looking for the sole claim. The Ravens are streaking, having won all seven of their games, including six conference matchups. They boast a 2-0 record against Winfield-Mt. Union and WACO, who sit at #2 and #3 in the conference standings, with both wins by double-digits.

It will be a fun showdown on January 3rd when the Wolves and Warriors clash at WACO with both teams sitting at just one loss in the North. WACO’s defense has lagged behind the offense, allowing over 50 points per game for the first time since 2020. Nevertheless, their three-point percentage is the highest during the same span of time. 

Winfield-Mt. Union boasts a lot of size and that is apparent through their 13.5 offensive rebounds per game and their 14.7 steals per game with their wingspan covering large swaths of area. The problem for the Wolves has been their offense, averaging 39.5 points in their two losses. 

Columbus is at 0.500 in the North right now, followed by Wapello with two wins and Highland and Lone Tree with one-apiece, while Louisa-Muscatine is still searching for their first win against a North opponent. 

High School Wrestling

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team has been battling to start off the season with Quintrie Lee and Courtney Smith each gathering at least one-second place finish at a tournament, while Zenlynn Lee, who is looking to get back to the state tournament, won her weight division at the Willard Howell Invitational in early December. Head coach Abby Blint is excited about the continued popularity behind wrestling,

“Yeah, we doubled our numbers from last year, we are at 10 this year, and hoping they all stay out. They have been working really hard and it is a really great team that we got in the room. So far, so good.”

The Panthers will compete in the Keokuk Invite on January 3rd.

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant and West Burlington will get back to action with the Louisa-Muscatine Invite on January 3rd. 

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will travel to Iowa Lakes Community College on January 3rd, at 1 pm.

College Football

#23 Iowa will take on #14 Vanderbilt on December 31st at 11 am for the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida. 

College Basketball

The #10 Iowa State women’s team will get back to action on December 31st against Houston on the road at 1 pm.

The #14 Iowa women’s team will take on Penn State for their Big Ten Home Opener on Sunday, December 28th, at 3 pm.

The #25 Iowa men’s team will host UMass Lowell on December 29th at 4 pm. 

The #3 Iowa State men’s team will face off against Houston Christian on December 29th at 7 pm at home. 

This Day in Sports History

1921 – Ottawa’s Harry Broadbent scores in 10-0 Senators blowout of the Montreal Canadiens; first in 16-game NHL record goal-scoring streak; Charlie Simmer’s 13 game streak (1979) is considered a modern-day record.

1967 – Joe Namath (New York Jets) became the first pro football quarterback to pass for 4,000 yards.

2000 – 36 minutes after the end of a game, both the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins were called back to the playing field. The teams had to play the final 3 seconds of the game which the Dolphins had won 27-24. The end result did not change.

Linda Jean Norton

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 at 4:00 pm CDT

Linda Jean Norton, 79, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, December 22, 2025, in the emergency department at the Henry County Health Center, Mt. Pleasant. She was born July 14, 1946 in Mt. Pleasant to Ellis L. and Jean May Meyer Henessee. On September 22, 1967, she married Robert C. Norton in Monmouth, Illinois and they later divorced.

Linda attended Mt. Pleasant schools and the Faith Christian Outreach Center as well as the United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Park Place and Pleasant Manor. She was a dedicated blood donor, giving many gallons over the years. Linda enjoyed going to the Rec Center, being with her family, and taking her great grandchildren to the Iowa State Fair, Old Threshers and parades. She was very social, loved eating out, going to the races, and will forever be known for her beautiful eyes and her pink lipstick.

Linda is survived by her son Robert M. (Becky) Norton and daughter Linda K. (Joe) Keever Sr. both of Mt. Pleasant; three grandchildren; two step grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; sisters Karen Vaughn of San Antonia, Texas, and Donna Dean of Danville, Iowa; one brother Dennis (Lorna) Henessee of Mt. Pleasant and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Larry; and brother Ronald in infancy.

Visitation will be from noon to 6pm on Monday, December 29, at Elliott Chapel, New London, where the family will receive friends from 4-6pm. Funeral services will be at 10am Tuesday, December 30, at Elliott Chapel with burial immediately following at Burge Cemetery, New London. Pastor Courtney Fischer will officiate. In honor of her blood donations through the years, a memorial has been established for the ImpactLife Blood Center, 5500 Lakeview Parkway, Davenport, Iowa, 52807.

Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com

 

Geraldine R. Rixe

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 at 3:38 pm CDT

Geraldine R. Rixe, 97 of Wayland, died peacefully on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Washington County Hospital, following a short illness. She has gifted her body to the Deeded Body Program at the University of Iowa.

A Celebration of her life will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Wayland Mennonite Church. The service will be livestreamed on the Beatty-Peterseim Facebook page and YouTube Channel. Family visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM before her service. Memorials may be designated to Crooked Creek Christian Camp or Mennonite Central Committee. Beatty-Peterseim Funeral Home as been entrusted with caring for Geraldine and her family.

Geraldine was born April 6, 1928, in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of Ruth Viola Keiser. 3 years later, she moved to Wayland to live with her grandmother, who raised her. She was baptized at the Sugar Creek Mennonite Church. She joined the Wayland Mennonite Church in 1947 and remained an active member. She graduated from Wayland High School in 1946. She then furthered her education and graduated from Southeastern Community College in 1975 and Iowa Wesleyan College in 1983. She married Glen Richenberger, and they had four children, they later divorced. In 1977, she was united in marriage to Harold Rixe.

She worked many jobs in Wayland, including Zehr Funeral Home, Wayland Telephone Company, Hileman’s Bakery, and the City of Wayland. She also cleaned houses, sold Avon, and worked with the US Census in the 70s and 80s. Along the way, she held other jobs such as working at Lutheran Social Services Home for girls, Henry County Extension Office, Mobile Nursing Services, and Social Teaching Work. In her “spare time” she spent time volunteering at the Parkview Home, reading and visiting with residents, gardening, church activities, and singing in groups.

Geraldine was a woman of great faith and passion for music, especially singing. She was a member of the church choir and sang in a mixed quartet alongside Dwaine Hirshey. She sang with the Sweet Adelines in Mt. Pleasant and Iowa City and sang in England for competition. She was a member of the Washington Choral Society that sang at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Cindy Richenberger, son Michael Richenberger, both of Wayland daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Richenberger of Wayland, and Tracy Richenberger of FL; six grandchildren, Scott Richenberger, Amy Richenberger, Laura (Micah) Scott, Steve (Katie) Richenberger, Stephanie Richenberger, and Annie Richenberger; nine great-grandchildren, Penelope Xavier, Brett, Drew, Jackson, Luke, Leah, Oliver, and Emmett.

She was preceded by her mother, Ruth Keiser Allen, husband Harold Rixe, sons Stan Richenberger and Duran Richenberger, daughter-in-law Linda Richenberger, and grandson Eric Richenberger.

Patricia Iola Doak

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 at 3:30 pm CDT

Patricia Iola Doak, 83, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

She was born on July 29, 1942, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the daughter of Harry and Alice (Norberg) Bryant. On December 27, 1964, she married Gary Doak in Mount Pleasant. They later divorced.

She is survived by her four children: daughter Deb (Tony) Canby; sons Bryan (Brenda) Doak, Chad (Shelley) Doak, and Raymond Doak; eight grandchildren: Patrick (Hannah) Edgington, Olivia (Jordan) West, Tanner, Payton, Raegyn and Rylee Doak, Samantha and Sydney Doak; great grandchildren: Kaden Edgington and Maize West, Brooklinn and Addisin Cooper; sister Harriet Lenarz; very loved special niece Trisha Lenarz-Garmoe.

She was preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter, Mallory Doak.

Pat graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and earned her nursing degree from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Davenport, Iowa. She was a dialysis nurse at Henry County Health Center, a psychiatric nurse at the Mental Health Institute in Mount Pleasant and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and a nurse at Park Place. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant, Questers, the Old SOTS, bridge club and the Red Hat Society. Pat enjoyed gardening and hosted garden parties at her home, traveling abroad with her sister, and spending time outdoors. She most cherished time spent with her family and friends, including a final family vacation in July to Breckenridge, Colorado.

Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Olson-Yoder Funeral Home for cremation.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 26, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, Mount Pleasant. Rev. Court Fischer will officiate. The family will greet friends following the service. A memorial fund has been established for Oakland Mills.

Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory of Mount Pleasant is caring for Pat and her family. www.olsonyoderfh.com