Severe Weather in Our Area

Severe weather threatens once again today, with the National Weather Service forecasting a slight risk throughout the day in our area. Storms are possible through Friday. Flash flooding is also a factor, as repeated rounds of heavy rainfall may lead to that. Additional rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms are possible at times today, mainly this morning and again tonight. At this time, the likely hazards are damaging winds, capable of downing tree limbs and minor structural damage, and hail to the size of quarters. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings today and tonight, especially late tonight while you are asleep!

Be ready to take shelter if you encounter these storms! For those that are less impacted by storms, very hot and humid conditions will be possible, but this is highly dependent on the location of storms and cloud cover.

Mount Pleasant: Iris Street CLOSED due to Flooding

*Updated* Iris St is now open to traffic.

Iris St is closed from 34 all the way to Winfield Avenue due to flooded roads. Sources say that there is backup of cars due to the heavy rain that we have received this morning.

Norma Jean Roth

Norma Jean “Jean” Roth, 96, of Washington, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Halcyon House in Washington. A family graveside service will be held Monday at 10:00AM, August 5, 2024, at Sugar Creek Cemetery south of Wayland. A time of fellowship, open to the public, will be held Monday at 10:30AM at the Sugar Creek Mennonite Church. A memorial fund has been established for Sugar Creek Mennonite Church, Crooked Creek Christian Camp and Hospice Compassus. The Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Norma Jean (Burden) Roth was born March 20, 1928, in Milford, NE, the daughter of Floyd and Hazel (Schweitzer) Burden. She graduated from South English High School, worked as a nurse’s aide, and later earned her LPN nursing license from Southeastern Community College in Burlington. On March 4, 1951, she was united in marriage to Vernon Roth at Bethel Church. Jean worked as an LPN at Parkview in Wayland for many years, before working at the University of Iowa Hospital in the kidney transplant department, retiring in 1990. Jean was a member of the Sugar Creek Church where she was active in the Crusader’s Sunday School Class, the WMC sewing group and was a MYF sponsor. She also volunteered as a cook at Crooked Creek Christian Camp. Jean was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, holding season tickets for football and basketball, and enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events. She enjoyed cooking, baking, quilting and sewing. Jean made her own wedding dress, her bridesmaids dresses, her daughters’ wedding dresses, and countless other dresses and outfits. In their later years Jean and Vernon spent winters in Sarasota, Florida.

Survivors include three children: Jason (Lauren) Roth of Mt. Pleasant, IA, Jacquelyn Rich of Crawfordsville, IA, Joni (Gordy) McAlpin of Villisca, IA; 10 grandchildren: Chad (Esperanza) Roth, Brent (Crystal) Roth, Noelle (Justin) Brunet, Darcy Rich, Neil (Kori) Rich, Stephanie (Tony) Dacey, Darin (Diana) Rich, Kristen (Eric) Eblen, Amy (Cody) Hughes, Lori (Alex) Burton; 17 great-grandchildren; and three sisters-in-law: Rosemary Burden, Betty Burden and Kathy Burden.

Preceding Jean in death were her parents, her husband Vernon in 2016, infant son Ricky, son-in-law Phil Rich, grandson Perry Rich, and seven brothers: Lowell, Ken, Bill, Dick, Jack, Bob and Gary Burden.

This Day in Sports History, July 30th

July 30th, 1874 1st baseball teams to play outside US, Boston-Philadelphia in British Isles.

THE EUROPEAN TRIP OF THE BOSTONS AND ATHLETICS

The Athletics and Bostons will sail for England Thursday, and all the arrangement have been completed. They will sail on the steamship Ohio, of the American Steamship line, and expect to arrive at Liverpool in time to play their first game, July 30. The day before their departure they will play in Philadelphia, and there is no doubt but the contest will be close. We learn from a Philadelphia paper that President Grant has been invited to attend, also Governor [John F. ] Hartranft and Mayor [William S.] Stokely, and other city and State officials, the officers of the steamship company, and the officers of the steamship Ohio.

The party will be comprised as follows:

From the Athletic Club – James M. Ferguson, Esq., president of the club; Mrs. James M. Ferguson, Jr., Master C. Collins, Master J. Ferguson, Jr., Mrs. M. A. Dougherty, David F. Houston, Charles R. Cragin, Esq., George Taylor, William Milligan, James Houston, A. F. Gerhard, J. R. Rockhill, W. T. Gaine, J. Spering, F. C. Waterman, J. A. H. Carr, H. Gunmere, James Cambell, D. F. Lynch, John Haley, and William Schilling. Player Members of the Club – J. D. McBride, W. D. Fisler, J. P. Sensenderfer, A. J. Reach, M. H. McGeary, A. C. Anson, J. E. Clapp, E. E. Sutton, J. F. McMullen, Joseph Batting, T. Murnan, A. W. Gedney.

From the Boston Club  — C. H. Portert, Esq., T. E. Long, H. S. Kempton, J. O. Egerton, L. K. Brigham, J. Wright, E. D. Dougherty, C. M. Bromwich, H. R. Terry, Jos. Wainwright, E. A. Pope, George Will, J. H. Farrington, D. L. Howell, J. H. Kane, H. G. Gibbs. Playing Members of the Club – George Wright, George W. Hall, T. L. Beals, S. G. Spalding, C. A. McVey, A. J. Leonard, R. C. Barnes, H. Wright, S. Wright, James O’Rourke, Harry Schafer, and James Wright.

1874 Boston Herald coverage of the Red Stockings tour

Pedal through the Villages: 38th Annual Bike Van Buren

Gear up for the ultimate family-friendly adventure as the Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa, proudly hosts the 38TH Annual Bike Van Buren on August 17-18! Set amidst the stunning rolling hills and picturesque river valleys of Southeast Iowa, this two-day event is an experience for cycling enthusiasts of all ages.

Why Ride with Us?
Hospitality Galore: Enjoy top-notch hospitality with complimentary refreshments at every stop, all included in your registration! Meet the locals, learn about the rich history, and take breaks as you pedal through some of the most scenic landscapes Iowa has to offer.

Flexible Routes: Whether you’re in for the full weekend or just a day, we’ve got you covered. Choose from primary routes or create your own adventure. All routes start and end at Keosauqua City Park, clearly marked for your convenience.

Tech Support & Safety: Bickel’s Cycling & Fitness of Burlington will provide technical support on Saturday, while Sag Wagons and support crews ensure you stay safe and hydrated both days with free bottled water, courtesy of Rathbun Regional Water Association and Dutchman’s Store, and limited first aid.

Delicious Lunch Options: Opt for a lunch band at registration ($15 adults, $10 kids 12 & under). Savor Saturday’s feast by Lunch Box Cafe of Douds and Sunday’s meal by Girl Scout Troop #4089 at the Stockport Legion.

Exciting Poker Run: Spice up your ride with our Poker Run! Draw cards at designated stops to build your best hand. Daily winners snag $50 cash, with additional prizes from Bickel’s Cycling & Fitness.

Keosauqua Lions Pancake Breakfast Extravaganza: Kickstart your mornings with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast by the Keosauqua Lions Club. Both days, from 6:30-9am, fuel up on delicious pancakes and sausage under the big tent at Keosauqua City Park. Everyone’s invited! Bring the family and support your local organizations!


Sign Up Today!
Register online at villagesofvanburen.com through August 11. Walk-up registrations are welcome:

  • Saturday: 7-8:30am at Keosauqua City Park
  • Sunday: 7:30-8:00am at Keosauqua City Park for single-day Sunday only riders

Registration Fees:

  • Two-Day: Adults $45, Children under 18 $40
  • Single Day: Adults $35, Children $30

Don’t miss out on this incredible ride through the heart of Iowa’s countryside. Bring your family, enjoy the fresh air, and make memories that will last a lifetime!

HCHC Wapello Clinic Welcomes Family Nurse Practitioner, Donna Wirt

Donna Wirt, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner, has joined the Henry County Health Center-Wapello Clinic.

Wirt has been a nurse for the last thirty years.  She has held many healthcare positions throughout Great River Health System including providing patient care in the Intensive Care Unit and managing the Heart and Vascular Clinic. Wirt also worked as a nursing instructor at Iowa Wesleyan University for six years. To further her career, she returned to school to attain her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Clark University.

Wirt has already spent time at the Wapello Clinic providing nursing care for patients and is looking forward to continuing to be an active partner in their healthcare. “I love taking care of people. I want to take the time to get to know my patients and their families and work together to get the best health outcomes we possibly can” expressed Wirt.

Wirt will provide primary care to patients of all ages.

When not at work, Wirt enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, camping, and reading a good book.

She will begin seeing patients in the Wapello Clinic on August 1, 2024.  You can schedule an appointment with Donna Wirt or find out more about her on the Great River Health website, www.greatriverhealth.org.

Henry County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda 07/31

Agenda for PUBLICATION

MEETING OF HENRY COUNTY SOLDIERS’ & SAILORS’ MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Time: 7:30am
HCHC Board Room

Mission: To enhance the health of individuals and communities through high quality, effective and efficient services

Vision: To be the healthcare provider and employer of choice

Values: Quality, Service, Teamwork, Accountability, Respect and Trust
I. CALL TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL
1. Mr. Prottsman ____ 4. Mrs. Bender ____ 7. Mr. Welcher ___
2. Mrs. Olson ____ 5. Mrs. McNamee ____
3. Mrs. Maher ____ 6. Mr. Blake ____

III. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of previous meeting and committees
B. Administrative memo and EMS report

IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. Financial Update ♦ □
B. Capital Update ♦ □
C. GRH Update ♦ □

V. HOSPITAL INSPECTION: Braden Blake

VI. EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE
Closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 21.5 to discuss strategic objectives, quality, and legal matter. □

VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Election Process Reminder ♦ □
B. 2nd Amendment to Administrative Services ♦ □
C. Board Education – Robert’s Rules of Order ♦ □
D. EMS Year End Quality Report ♦ □

VIII. ADJOURNMENT
BOT Meeting – Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Keokuk Shooting Victim Identified as 27 Year Old. Incident Still Under Investigation

There has been an update to the shooting in Keokuk over the weekend that saw one person dead. On July 28th just after 9:00am, the LeeComm Dispatch Center received two 911 calls resulting in Keokuk Police Officers being dispatched to 510 Morgan Street in reference to an adult male with a gunshot wound.

Keokuk Officers arrived on scene less than three minutes later and observed a male subject, identified as 27-year-old Colby Deck, with a single gunshot wound to the chest. Deck was receiving life-saving measures at the time of arrival.

The Lee County Ambulance Service arrived and took over medical aid. Deck would be pronounced deceased on scene at approximately 9:39am.

The supervisor on duty immediately contacted Keokuk Police Detectives and additional Patrol Officers, who responded to the scene. The department also requested the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for assistance in this case.

The scene was processed for anything of evidentiary value. The scene was photographed, videos were taken, and interviews were completed. A canvas of the neighborhood was conducted to identify any additional witnesses or locate additional evidence. Multiple search warrants were applied for, received, and served in connection with this incident. Items of evidentiary value were collected.

The subject that fired the fatal shot has been identified. That person’s name is not being released currently due to the ongoing investigation. No charges have been filed at this time and all relevant information related to this case will be forwarded to the Lee County Attorney’s Office for consideration.