City of Burlington Unable to Pickup Storm and Tree Debris Following Storms

By Yorke Prough · Friday, August 30th, 2024 at 7:57 am CDT
Below is a press release from the City of Burlington regarding storm and tree debris following the devastating storms on Tuesday evening.
“It is with a heavy heart that the City of Burlington must inform residents that the city will not be able to pick up storm and tree debris from private yards and property. We understand the frustration this may bring but be assured that the primary focus of city staff is to keep our city clean and safe.
This decision is made due to limited resources and staffing. We understand that many residents have been significantly impacted by the recent storm, and we are committed to assisting our community within our capacity.
Des Moines County recently received a storm-related emergency declaration. However, this declaration includes resource assistance from the State of Iowa and offers individual private assistance to residents, but it does not extend to municipal debris removal services.
To assist residents in disposing of their storm debris, we encourage residents to utilize the Des Moines County Regional Landfill, which is currently accepting storm-related debris. The landfill is prepared to manage the increased volume and will provide services to help our community recover from the storm. Burlington residents may take brush, limbs, and branches up to 8″ in diameter to the DMCR Landfill. Show proof of residency and a current water bill stub indicating trash fees are paid to the City, and the City will pay the disposal fee.
We understand the challenges posed by this situation and appreciate the cooperation and resilience of our residents. The City’s primary focus is on public safety and emergency situations and all available resources are directed to this ongoing effort.
For more information on storm debris disposal, please contact the Des Moines County Landfill at Southeast Iowa Regional Landfill at 319-753-8722. We also encourage residents to stay informed by following the City of Burlington’s official website and social media channels for further updates.”

Sports, August 30th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, August 30th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Fairfield tonight at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm. 

Danville will host Lynnville-Sully tonight at 7 pm.

New London will square off against Easton Valley tonight at 7 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will face off against Central City tonight at 7 pm at home. 

Central Lee will take on Van Buren County tonight at 7 pm at home.

West Burlington/Notre Dame will take on Wapello tonight at 7:30 pm at home. 

Mediapolis will travel to compete against Columbus tonight at 7 pm. 

WACO will travel to take on Coon Rapids-Bayard tomorrow, August 31st, at 3 pm.

High School Volleyball

Fairfield hosted a triangular match last night and split their contests. The Trojans swept WACO 25-16 in set one and 25-12 in set two to begin the night. Claire Thompson led the team with four kills, while Ally Rinner tallied three kills for the Warriors. However, the script was flipped against Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont as the Trojans fell 25-13 and 25-12. Faith Jones totaled 20 assists across the two contests.

The Warriors dropped their contest against Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont 25-10 in set one and 25-5 in set two. Kinsey Hildebrand finished with 11 assists through the two games as Carlee Lunsford led the offense against the Rockets with two kills.

Fairfield will travel to Burlington on Tuesday, September 3rd, at 7:15 pm. 

WACO will face off against Cardinal on Thursday, September 5th, at 5:30 pm at WACO in the first game of a quad with New London and Fairfield making the trip.

West Burlington and Danville made the trip to Burlington for a quad and the Falcons exited with an undefeated record. The Falcons swept the Bears 25-17 and 25-18 and Wapello 27-25 and 25-11. Burlington put up a fight after falling in the first set 25-23 by winning the second set 25-23; nevertheless, West Burlington would pick up the win with a 15-5 score in the final set. 

Van Buren County and West Burlington will hit the road tomorrow, August 31st, to compete in a tournament at Central Lee with the day starting at 9 am.

Central Lee dropped the first set against Fort Madison last night 25-18, but the Hawks put it together and cruised past the Bloodhounds 3-1 with scores of 25-20, 25-15, and 25-21. Kenna Sandoval collected 18 assists and two aces, while Kylie Fortune led the team with three aces and tied Taylor Jones with 12 kills apiece.

Winfield-Mt. Union started the year off with a resounding win against Keokuk, sweeping the Chiefs 25-23, 25-14, and 25-22. Kellee Milks led the team with 11 kills and five aces as Madisen Kellogg finished with 18 assists. The Wolves will look to move to 2-0 on Tuesday at 7:30 pm at home.  

Mt. Pleasant split their season opener last night in Ottumwa, falling to the hosts in straight sets 25-11 and 25-15; but rallying back from a first set loss to Davis County 26-24 to win game two 2-1 with a 15-11 final in the third set. The Panthers rallied late in the final two sets, winning the final six points in the second set and six of the final seven points in the final set, including a pair of kills to end the game for Addison Clark. Mt. Pleasant will travel to Grinnell for a tournament tomorrow with the first game starting at 9 am.

Holy Trinity Catholic and Burlington Notre Dame will travel to Bondurant-Farrar tomorrow for a tournament.

Mediapolis will get their season rolling on Tuesday at Wapello for a tournament. 

Danville will compete in a tournament at Burlington Notre Dame on Saturday, September 7th. 

High School Cross Country

Van Buren County traveled to Albia last night for their first meet of the season and the boys’ and girls’ teams each had two top ten finishers. On the girls’ side, Rylee Philips raced to a 5th place finish with a time of 22 minutes and 56 seconds to lead the team and Kayley Snowgren grabbed a time of 23 minutes and 43 seconds, good enough for 9th place. 

 The boys’ team took 2nd place with 50 points as Lincoln Bainbridge’s 2nd place time of 17 minutes and 42 seconds paced the squad. Landry Loeffler secured 6th place with a time of 18 minutes and 49 seconds for the Warriors. 

Van Buren County, Danville, New London, and Fairfield will travel to Ottumwa to compete in a meet on Thursday, September 5th, at 5:30 pm. 

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will host the Jimmy John’s Tournament, starting today against Allen County Community College at 2 pm. 

College Football

The University of Iowa will officially kick off the season tomorrow, August 31st, at home against Illinois State at 11 am. Tune in to KILJ 105.5 FM to listen to the game. 

Iowa State will take on North Dakota tomorrow at 2:30 pm at home. Tune in to KILJ 98.5 FM or AM 1130 to listen to the game.

Drake’s game against the Quincy Hawks was ruled a no contest last night after severe weather paused the game at halftime with the Bulldogs leading 10-0. Luke Bailey found Tim Nesslage in the endzone for the only touchdown of the game. Drake will compete against Eastern Washington next Saturday, September 7th, at 6 pm on the road. 

This Day in Sports History

1913 – The Phillies lead the Giants 8-6 in top of 9th when fans in the centerfield bleachers try to distract the Giants and the Umpire forfeits the game to the Giants, which leads to a riot. The forfeit is later overruled.

1984 – Red Sox Jim Rice grounds into a record 33rd double play en route to 36.

1997 – The first WNBA Championship: the Houston Comets beat the NY Liberty. Cynthia Cooper led the postseason, averaging 28 points per game.

Henry County Supervisors Meeting Report – Road Closures, Reissued Check, New Employee Discussion

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, August 29th, 2024 at 10:51 am CDT

Despite the Old Threshers Reunion, the Henry County Board of Supervisors met on Thursday morning.

The county engineer, Jake Hotchkiss, provided an update on the state of our county’s roads. Franklin Avenue (W-55) is closed from 275th St north to 260th St. Iowa Bridge and Culvert is closing Nebraska Avenue today and will be moving equipment in today and start removal soon. This is south of 220th St. The project is slated for completion before winter sets in, dependent on weather.

The board then discussed reissuing a check from 2022 for the Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility. The original check was sent two years ago but was not cashed at that time. On July 6th, 2023, the board resolved to void this check. Recently, they were asked to reissue the check, but according to Iowa code, they are not legally obligated to do so.

The Henry County Sheriff, Rich McNamee, spoke about the good relationship the county has with the correctional facility. Currently, the facility provides meals to the inmates, and looking elsewhere for this service would likely cost substantially more. For reference, the previous meal provider was close to 50% more for their food service. The board ended up motioning to reissue the check in the amount of $17,822.50.

Kelli Sloan, Treasurer, asked the board to consider hiring a new employee for the treasurer’s office. She believes that the office of 6 needs one more person to run effectively. Currently, there is a two week wait for a driver’s license appointment. Marc Lindeen, a supervisor, mentioned personnel cuts as a result of HF718, and chairman Moeller worried about hiring a new employee that may have to be let go in 3 years. The decision to approve an additional hire for the treasurer’s office will be put on next week’s meeting agenda.

Sarah Berndt, coordinator of Disability Services and a member of the Mt. Pleasant evening Rotary, asked the board about a diaper drive in September. The club is participating in a diaper drive with Family Connection and would like to place a box at the courthouse. This was allowed by the board.

During the public comments section, a citizen voiced his concern with Christopher Ales and his redevelopment project with old Iowa Wesleyan buildings. Ales is suing the board of review due to assessed valuation, which is costing the county money. According to the assessor, the total bill is probably around $20,000. The citizen believes the board should not deal anymore with Ales until he gives up the lawsuit. Other citizens asked about a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, which is yet to be given a date. One citizen asked for the notice of the rules at that meeting, and if public comment will be allowed.

Supervisor White attended the ISAC meeting in Des Moines on August 21st and 22nd. There, he recertified as a certified county supervisor and participated in discussions with other county supervisors over “hot topics” including HF718, EMS levies, and alternative energy.

Keokuk High School Receives $15,000 Grant for New FFA Program

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, August 29th, 2024 at 8:09 am CDT

The Keokuk High School was presented with a $15,000 grant for the new Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter, which boasts 82 student members.

The FFA chapter is a part of the brand-new Agriculture program that started this fall, which is a pathway for students as part of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at KHS.

Brady Martin, the former Mt. Pleasant High School FFA advisor and new at Keokuk, commented.

“The FFA program is a huge opportunity for students of different backgrounds to participate in many different ways,” Brady Martin, Agriculture Program director and FFA advisor at KHS, said. This grant, “helps eliminate barriers right off the bat because most of chapter funding comes from fundraisers in the fall and spring.”

Helen Truitt

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, August 29th, 2024 at 8:07 am CDT

Helen Truitt, 93, of Morning Sun, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Wapello.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Church.  Burial will be in the Wapello Cemetery.   Memorials have been established for St. Paul Lutheran Church and Morning Sun Ambulance Service in Helen’s name.    Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservices.com.    Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Service of Wapello are caring for Helen’s arrangements and her family. 

Helen Mabel Giese was born on December 28, 1930 in Wilton, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Rosa (Scheel) Giese.  Helen attended Wapello Community Schools.  On December 20, 1947, Helen was united in marriage to Joseph William Truitt.  They later divorced.  Helen was a homemaker and worked in production at HON Industries. In her earlier years Helen had worked for Wolverine Worldwide and in her later years was a caregiver.  Helen was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Wapello, where she was a Sunday School teacher and also a part of ladies’ aide.  She also was a member of home club at Morning Sun.  She enjoyed embroidery and reading but most of all to Helen her family, especially her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Helen will be deeply missed by her children, Andy (Shirley) Truitt of Muscatine, Diana (Craig) Taylor of Media, Illinois, Joey (Nikki) Truitt of St. Petersburg, Florida and Randy (Jenn) Truitt of Wapello; 17 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Walter, Giese and Mason the wonder dog.

 

Sports, August 29th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, August 29th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Fairfield tomorrow, August 30th, at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm. 

Danville will host Lynnville-Sully tomorrow at 7 pm.

New London will square off against Easton Valley tomorrow at 7 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will face off against Central City tomorrow at 7 pm at home. 

Central Lee will take on Van Buren County tomorrow at 7 pm at home.

West Burlington/Notre Dame will take on Wapello tomorrow at 7:30 pm at home. 

Mediapolis will travel to compete against Columbus tomorrow at 7 pm. 

WACO will travel to take on Coon Rapids-Bayard on Saturday, August 31st, at 3 pm.

High School Volleyball

Fairfield will host WACO and Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont in a triangular match tonight with the Trojans and Rockets starting off the night at 5:45 pm.

West Burlington will compete in a quad tonight at Burlington with Danville and Wapello also competing. 

Central Lee will hit the road to take on Fort Madison at 7:30 pm tonight.

Mt. Pleasant will participate in a triangular tonight at Ottumwa with their first game at 6:30 pm. Head coach Logan Wall discussed some names to look out for as the season gets underway,

“We have a great senior class. They’re just well-rounded student athletes. They’re very positive and lots of them show some leadership qualities. This will be some of their first time on varsity, but I think they can really step into that role. Obviously, we have, you know, Alex Scott coming back. She’s an all-conference player. We have Addison Clark. She’s coming back from an injury from last year. And so, we’re excited to see what she can add to our team. We have Kynlee White coming back. We’ve got Myah Starr coming back. We’ve got Sonya Simon. So, we have a lot of returning players that we’re counting on to show some leadership qualities and you know, just have a well-rounded team this year.”

Winfield-Mt. Union will face off against Keokuk tonight at 7:30 pm at home.

Van Buren County will hit the road on Saturday, August 31st, to compete in a tournament at Central Lee with the day starting at 9 am.

Holy Trinity Catholic and Burlington Notre Dame will travel to Bondurant-Farrar on Saturday for a tournament.

Mediapolis will get their season rolling on Tuesday, September 3rd, at Wapello for a tournament. 

High School Cross Country

Van Buren County will have their first meet tonight at Albia, starting at 4:30 pm. The Iowa Association of Track and Field and Cross Country has the boys team ranked #19 in Class 1A.

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will host the Jimmy John’s Tournament, starting tomorrow, August 30th, against Allen County Community College at 2 pm. 

Freshman Taryn Stephens received ICCAC Athlete of the Week honors in DII volleyball after her work in last weekend’s opening tournament. The Burlington Notre Dame alum finished the weekend with 114 digs and eight service aces. Overall, she provided nine points to the offense, while averaging 5.18 digs per set.

College Football

The University of Iowa will officially kick off the season on Saturday, August 31st, at home against Illinois State at 11 am. Tune in to KILJ 105.5 FM to listen to the game. This is the second matchup between these two squads with the Hawkeyes defeating the Redbirds 31-14 in 2015.

Iowa State will take on North Dakota on Saturday at 2:30 pm at home. Tune in to KILJ 98.5 FM or AM 1130 to listen to the game.

This Day in Sports History

1885 – Boxing’s first heavyweight title fight with 3-oz gloves and 3-minute rounds is fought between American boxers John L. Sullivan and Dominick McCaffrey in Cincinnati, Ohio.

1977 – MLB St Louis Cardinal Lou Brock eclipses Ty Cobb’s 49-year-old career stolen bases record at 893 as the Padres win 4-3.

2022 – St. Louis Cardinal slugger Albert Pujols hits career home run 694 off of a major league record 450th different pitcher in 13-4 win over Reds in Cincinnati.

Disaster Proclamation Issued for Des Moines County Following Severe Storm

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 at 4:07 pm CDT

Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Des Moines County in response to severe storms that occurred on August 27 and continuing. The governor’s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and Disaster Case Advocacy Program.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants up to $7,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to apply.

The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case advocates work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referrals to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation. For information on the Disaster Case Advocacy Program, contact your local community action agency or visit iowacommunityaction.org.

For more information on disaster-related programs and resources available to Iowans, visit DisasterRecovery.iowa.gov. You can also find additional resources for preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery on the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Department website, Homelandsecurity.iowa.gov. Both websites offer vital information for those affected by disasters, including guidance and assistance resources.

Teenager Interferes with Traffic Stop, Arrested on Warrants

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 at 11:23 am CDT

On August 26, 2024, at approximately 11:33p.m. Des Moines County Deputies stopped a vehicle for a registration violation at Harrison Ave. and Whittier St. During the traffic stop a Des Moines County K-9 unit conducted an open-air sniff around the vehicle. The K-9 alerted the odor of narcotics and a subsequent search of the vehicle was conducted.

Deputies located a nicotine vaping device in a backpack that had been between the legs of a back seat passenger. The back seat passenger advised he was 18 years of age but refused to identify himself to law enforcement. He was then placed under arrest for interference with official acts. He was placed into handcuffs and a search of his person was conducted. Deputies located a handgun in his waistband. He was then transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center where he was charged with interference with official acts while armed with a firearm, a D felony.

The subject was eventually identified as O’Marree Darnell Wyldon, age 18, of North Liberty, IA. Deputies discovered Wyldon also had an arrest warrant out of Iowa City, IA for failure to appear for case management conference reference assault causing bodily injury or mental illness and assault on persons in certain occupations.