Sports, August 13th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 at 6:23 am CDT

High School Football

Danville is gearing up for their second consecutive season after having the program go into hibernation for seven years and for head coach Cody Thompson there’s a new expectation for the Bears after making the playoffs last year,

“So, honestly, I feel like last year everybody was just kind of happy to be there, happy to have it. And I thought we did a really good job of setting the tone, you know, and being a playoff team and winning some games. That and I don’t know if I’d say the pressure is really there, maybe from the outside, right? But I know internally, you know, and we talked to the kids as coaches, right. You know, playoffs are the yearly expectation. That’s where we want to be. We want to win those games you know and continue to play longer than everybody else. So, I’d say we’re raising the standard probably more so than there being a lot of pressure. But I believe we’ve raised the bar and set the standard higher than it’s been in the past.”

WACO will host practice from 5 pm to 8 pm tonight.

Van Buren County will have their practice this week starting at 7 am and going to 10 am. 

Winfield-Mt. Union’s “Meet the Players” will take place on Wednesday, August 21st, at 6:30 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will have their “Meet the Panthers” night on Friday, August 23rd, starting with an intrasquad volleyball game at the high school gym at 5 pm. The football team will scrimmage Danville at 7:30 pm.

High School Volleyball

WACO will practice tonight from 5 to 8 pm. The student-athletes need a current physical and concussion form. 

Van Buren County will have their practice starting at 4:30 pm. 

High School Cross Country

New London will practice this week with a 9 am start time. Junior high runners are encouraged to join the high school practices for extra conditioning as their first practice is scheduled for Friday, August 23rd, at 4 pm. Head coach Bridget Swails enjoyed the relaxed nature of summer runs and believes that atmosphere will transfer well into the season,

“It tends to grow the team in terms of their friendships and their family oriented atmosphere that cross country kind of brings and so it gives us an opportunity to like we went to Geode a few times and ran and we can go on the van and we ride and it gives us an opportunity for the kids to be relaxed and joke around and realize that running can be fun, but also then have a purpose in getting some training in in the process.”

Fairfield will continue having practice at 7:45 am at Waterworks for the week.

Mt. Pleasant will continue their team camp today. 

Van Buren County will start their practice at 4 pm at the track.

IHSAA and IGHSAU News

The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) announced that boys’ golf and girls’ tennis will move from the spring sport season to the fall for the 2025-26 school year. The move was made to even out a crowded spring season. Boys’ golf for Classes 3A, 2A, and 1A and girls’ tennis will still play in the spring this year.

In other news, basketball has eliminated the closely guarded “five seconds” rule for the upcoming winter season in conjunction with the NFHS rules for states using shot clocks. Additionally, substate final games for Classes 3A and 4A will be hosted by the higher-seeded teams.

The individual bowling tournament will bowl out to eighth place, similar to the team tournament. There’s also discussion about splitting the boys’ and girls’ bowling season.

College Football

The University of Iowa will officially kick off the season on Saturday, August 31st, at home against Illinois State at 11 am.

Iowa State will take on North Dakota on August 31st at 2:30 pm at home.

Award Watch List

Iowa’s vaunted defense is getting their due recognition before the season as Sebastian Castro, Jay Higgins, and Nick Jackson were all placed on the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list, the award is given to the most outstanding defensive player in the nation.

Castro is a ball hawk in the secondary with a team leading eight pass break-ups and three interceptions last year. Higgins led the Big Ten and ranked third in the nation with 171 total tackles. Lastly, Jackson totaled 110 tackles, which ranked fourth in the Big Ten.

Iowa State’s Jeremiah Cooper was also named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list after nabbing five interceptions last year, which ranked second in the Big 12, and knocked away 10 passes–a mark that ranked fourth in the nation.

This Day in Sports History

1910 – The Brooklyn Superbas and the Pittsburgh Pirates play “the game of perfect symmetry” in baseball to tie 8-8, both have 13 hits, 2 errors, 12 assists, 5 strikeouts, 3 walks, 1 hit baseman, and 1 passed ball.

1932 – Yankees hurler Red Ruffing became the first MLB pitcher since 1906 to hit an extra-inning, game-winning home run in New York’s 1-0 win over the Senators in Washington.

1993 – Blue Jay Rickey Henderson pays Turner Ward $25,000 for his #24.

Ed Chabel Honored After 27 Years of Service to MPCSD

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 at 6:20 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community School Board met in regular session last night. After the traditional calling the meeting to order, roll call, and approval of the agenda; a new element has been added to future school board meetings with the first Student Spotlight taking place last night. A group of the Mount Pleasant Pather Cheerleaders introduced themselves, which cheer teams they are a part of including JV/Varsity, Freshman, and Competition, and then performed a cheer for the school board as well as meeting attendees.

Following the performance Mount Pleasant Community School District Superintendent John Henriksen presented a special retirement plaque to Ed Chabel CFO for the Mount Pleasant Community School District. Through 27 years and around 500 school board meetings, Mr. Henriksen shared that Ed Chabel “has been a leader in the state of Iowa, a leader internationally. (and has) The respect of hundreds of fellow SBOs”.

There is much preparation between now and the beginning of the school year in Mount Pleasant with new teacher orientation yesterday, All Staff Opening Day today, and Professional Development taking place today through the 22nd.

Also discussed in the meeting was the possibility of reconfiguring the crosswalk to Salem elementary school to connect directly to the sidewalk that runs in front of the school instead of leading the children into the parking lot of the school. The school board will continue communications on this project with Jake Hotchkiss, the Henry County Engineer, and the City of Salem with Mayor Kelly Andermann in attendance at last night’s meeting.

Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 at 5:51 am CDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don McDowell
515-326-1616
don.mcdowell@iowaagriculture.gov
Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report

Aug. 5-11, 2024

DES MOINES, Iowa (Aug. 12, 2024) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Iowans flocked to Des Moines during the first few days of the Iowa State Fair, setting an all-time single-day attendance record on Saturday thanks to beautiful weather,” said Secretary Naig. “With favorable growing conditions expected to continue, USDA’s latest projections show record-breaking corn and soybean yield potential, all of which underscores the need to further develop new and existing markets for Iowa commodities.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report
Most of the State experienced dry conditions and cool temperatures which allowed Iowa farmers 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 11, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Field activities included harvesting oats for grain, cutting and baling hay, and preparing for the fall harvest.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 20 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 16 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 96 percent this week. Sixty-nine percent of the corn crop has reached dough stage or beyond, 1 day behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Seventeen percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage, 4 days behind last year but 3 days ahead of the average. Corn condition was rated 77 percent good to excellent. Ninety-four percent of soybeans were blooming, equal to the five-year average. Soybeans setting pods reached 74 percent, 5 days behind last year and 2 days behind the average. Soybean condition rated 77 percent good to excellent. Ninety-three percent of oats have been harvested, 1 day ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of average.

The State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 97 percent complete. The State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 45 percent, 1 week behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Hay condition rated 75 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 63 percent good to excellent.

Weather Summary
Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

A stable weather pattern dominated Iowa for most of the reporting period with unseasonably cool temperatures to start the Iowa State Fair. Weekly temperature departures were in the negative three to six-degree range with a statewide average temperature of 67.0 degrees, 4.9 degrees below normal. Rainfall was limited to northern and southwestern Iowa with dry conditions in between.

Sunday (4th) afternoon was unseasonably hot with highs in the mid to upper 90s across southern Iowa while upper 80s and low 90s were observed east. Only northwestern Iowa experienced cooler conditions as a weak cold front moved southeast. Isolated thunderstorms from earlier in the day dissipated, though showers reformed across northern Iowa overnight into Monday (5th). Only a handful of stations had measurable totals ranging from 0.01 inch in Mason City (Cerro Gordo County) to 0.51 inch at Grafton (Worth County). Morning temperatures held in the 70s and rebounded into the 90s through the day as a low pressure system skirted the Iowa-Minnesota border. Cloudy conditions developed over the evening hours as showers and a few thunderstorms moved through northeastern Iowa. Gusty northwesterly winds built in as the low’s attendant cold front swept west to east, dropping Tuesday (6th) morning lows into the upper 50s to mid 60s. Rainfall was observed from north-central to northeastern Iowa with eight stations registering an inch or more; Waucoma (Fayette County) had 1.00 inch while 1.89 inches was observed in Lansing (Allamakee County). Amounts tapered off southwest with general totals under 0.20 inch. Clouds gradually cleared northwest to southeast with afternoon temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s. Variable winds developed into Wednesday (7th) with generally clear skies and lows in the mid 50s northwest to low 60s southeast. Daytime conditions were partly cloudy as highs gradually rose into upper 70s and low 80s with high pressure in control of the Upper Midwest.

Another weak cold front dropped through the state into early Thursday (8th) with light rain showers in southwestern Iowa. Several stations reported varying amounts from 0.01 inch in Atlantic (Cass County) to 0.35 inch in Pacific (Mills County). Isolated showers also developed mid-morning in central Iowa with lighter amounts just west of the Iowa State Fairgrounds; a gauge in Urbandale (Polk County) recorded 0.03 inch from a cell that quickly diminished. Early fairgoers experienced a daytime high of 77 degrees with light northwesterly winds under sunny skies. Friday (9th) morning dawned clear with temperatures in the low 50s and some upper 40s in northwest Iowa. Upper 60s and low 70s greeted Iowans through the day as clouds increased across the state under periodic gusty northwest winds. Westerlies developed into Saturday (10th) with overnight low temperatures in the low 40s over northwestern Iowa to low 50s farther southeast; the statewide average low was 49 degrees, 13 degrees below normal. Afternoon temperatures warmed through the low to mid 70s while spotty clouds moved overhead. Stars were visible into Sunday (10th) morning with lows dropping to the upper 40s in north-central Iowa, while holding in the 50s across the rest of Iowa.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from no accumulation for most Iowa stations to 1.95 inches in Lansing (Allamakee County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.11 inch while the normal is 0.96 inch. Lamoni (Decatur County) reported the week’s high temperature of 99 degrees on the 4th, 12 degrees above normal. Mapleton (Monona County) reported the week’s low temperature of 43 degrees on the 10th, 18 degrees below normal.
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About the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Led by Secretary Mike Naig, the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship serves the rural and urban residents that call Iowa home. Through its 14 diverse bureaus, the Department ensures animal health, food safety and consumer protection. It also promotes conservation efforts to preserve our land and enhance water quality for the next generation. Learn more at iowaagriculture.gov.

 

 

Burlington Woman Arrested for Meth Possession

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 at 5:07 am CDT
On August 8, 2024, at approximately 8:52 p.m., a Des Moines County Deputy stopped a vehicle northbound on Central Avenue for an inoperable brake light. The driver was identified as Renee Murphy, age 52, of Burlington. During the traffic stop, a Des Moines County K-9 Unit conducted an open-air sniff around the vehicle and alerted to the odor of narcotics.
Deputies then searched the vehicle, locating a baggie, later field tested to be methamphetamine. Murphy was arrested and charged with Interference with Official Acts, Improper Rear Lamps, Driving While License Suspended and Possession of Controlled Substance- 2nd Offense.
A CRIMINAL CHARGE IS MERELY AM ACCISATION AND THE DEFENDANT IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY.
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2024 Fall “Meet the Panthers” Night Schedule

By Slaten Swords · Monday, August 12th, 2024 at 2:34 pm CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- It is a tradition that the Friday before the first football game that the fall sports are introduced to the community and usually an intrasquad scrimmage ensues to amplify the excitement of the season. This year’s meet the players night, taking place on August 23rd, will be just a bit different.

“Meet the Panthers” night will see the football team scrimmaging Danville to end out the night instead of having the squad scrimmage against itself. Here’s how the rest of the schedule breaks down.

At 5 pm, the volleyball team will have an intrasquad scrimmage at the high school gym. The Mt. Pleasant Athletic Booster Clubs will begin serving meals at 6 pm at the Maple Leaf Athletic Complex.

Introductions will begin at 7 pm starting with the high school cross country team. The football teams will follow with 9th and 10th graders going first followed by varsity. The volleyball team will follow the same order.

At 7:15 pm, the 9th, junior varsity, and varsity teams will be introduced; lastly, the football teams will begin their scrimmage ag 7:30 pm with the varsity leading off. The varsity will get three sessions with the junior varsity getting two sessions.

Burlington Man Arrested After Shooting

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, August 12th, 2024 at 10:48 am CDT

On August 11th Officers from the Burlington Police Department responded to 2727 Monarch Drive regarding a shooting. Upon their arrival, officers detained 48-year-old David Carpenter in the front yard of the residence. Officers further located an adult male inside the residence with a single gunshot wound to the face. The victim was transported to the Southeast Iowa Reginal Medical Center for what appears to be a non-life threatening injury. David Carpenter was later placed under arrest and charged with attempted murder and child endangerment.

This shooting appears to be isolated to the above address and there is no additional threat to the public. The facts and circumstances surrounding this incident remain under investigation by the Burlington Police Department’s Criminal Investigation.

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IHSAA and IGHSAU: Boys’ Golf and Girls’ Tennis Moving to the Fall in 2025

By Slaten Swords · Monday, August 12th, 2024 at 10:40 am CDT

Prep Iowa Sports- The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) had their Board of Control meeting this past weekend and made some changes to future sports schedules.

Looking ahead to the 2025-26 school year, the IHSAA and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) have agreed to move the boys’ golf and girls’ tennis seasons from the spring to the fall to help even out the crowded spring sport season.

“Our member schools have been asking for ways to relieve the crowded spring sports seasons for years” IGHSAU executive director Erin Gerlich said. “The new changes provide relief in an already busy spring, and an opportunity for the IGHSAU and IHSAA to enhance the state tournament experiences for tennis and golf.”

Consequently, boys’ golf for Classes 3A, 2A, and 1A and girls’ tennis will compete in the spring for 2024-25 and the fall season for 2025-26, while boys’ golf for Class 4A will continue golfing in the fall.

The new breakdown for sport seasons in 2025-26:

Fall: Boys and Girls Cross Country, Football, Volleyball, Girls Swimming, Girls Tennis, and Boys Golf

Winter: Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Bowling, Boys and Girls Wrestling, and Boys Swimming

Spring: Boys and Girls Soccer, Boys Tennis, Boys and Girls Track and Field, and Girls Golf

Summer: Baseball and Softball

Some other items that were approved and discussed include:

Basketball has eliminated the closely guarded “five seconds” rule for the upcoming winter season in conjunction with the NFHS rules for states using shot clocks. Additionally, substate final games for Classes 3A and 4A will be hosted by the higher-seeded teams.

The individual bowling tournament will bowl out to eighth place, similar to the team tournament. There’s also discussion about splitting the boys’ and girls’ bowling season.

There’s been a change to golf’s postseason. There will be no regard to home course in qualification for Classes 3A, 2A, and 1A and will now just be the top three teams to advance for each round.

Tennis scoring for the postseason will become uniform with singles and doubles along with team tournaments now featuring ad scoring, best two out of three sets, with a 10-point super tiebreaker to be used instead of a complete third set. The consolation rounds and coed state tournament will remain no-ad scoring.

Back to School Safety Reminders

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, August 12th, 2024 at 10:01 am CDT

With back to school right around the corner, safe walking tips from the Henry County Iowa Sheriff’s Department include avoid distractions, use sidewalks or walk against the flow of traffic, and remember to cross streets at intersections. Also remember safe riding tips when riding your bike. Always wear a helmet, obey all traffic laws, and ride with the flow of traffic.

Speaking of back to school, there is a Mount Pleasant Community School District School Board Meeting tonight in the media center at the High School beginning at 6 p.m. This meeting is open to the public.

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