According to the Henry County Auditor, there will be no Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting on Thursday, August 1st, due to a lack of quorum. Quorum is defined as the minimum numbers of members of an assembly or society that must be present at a meeting for the proceedings to be valid.
Donations Welcomed for Fellowship Cup Back to School Supply Drive
The Fellowship Cup is collecting school supplies for its annual Back to School Supply Drive today to August 15. They need backpacks, 1, 2, and 3-inch binders, dry erase markers, and wide-ruled loose-leaf paper. These donations can be dropped off at The Fellowship Cup at 203 N Jefferson St Mondays and Thursdays 8:00am to 4:00pm or any other day by calling ahead to make sure they have staff there. For more information, call 319-385-3242 during normal business hours.
Murder in Ottumwa! Man Stabbed to Death in Foster Park, Suspect Charged
On July 30th, at approximately 1:02 a.m., police were called to Foster Park in Ottumwa on a report that someone had been stabbed with a knife. Police arrived and identified the victim as Jeffrey Wayne Johns, age 40, of Ottumwa. Johns had sustained a stab wound to his torso. Johns was transported to the Ottumwa Regional Health Center where he was pronounced dead. 
The Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation was contacted to assist the Ottumwa Police Department with the investigation.
At approximately 9:12 a.m., members from the Ottumwa Police Department’s Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at 2209 E. Main Street. The suspect in the homicide was found hiding in the attic area of this residence and taken into custody. The suspect was identified as Joshua Michael, age 32, of 2209 E. Main.
Michael was charged with Murder in the 1st Degree, a Class “A” Felony, for the death of Johns.
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
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.
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!