The Mt. Pleasant Community School District School Board will hold its regular session meeting on Monday, August 12th at the Mt. Pleasant Community High School. The meeting is scheduled for 6pm in the high school Media Center. To view the agenda, visit the district website at mtpcsd.org, click on the Board tab.
Special Election Voter Information
Henry County Residents will be able to decide in a special election scheduled for September 10th, on whether or not to approve a 75 cent Essential Services Tax for Emergency Medical Services in Henry County. The Henry County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in May declaring EMS as an essential service. The vote would need at least 60 percent approval and the current hospital levy cap is 27 cents. The difference is 48 cents per $1,000 dollar valuation but it would more than double the funding for Henry County EMS. This vote will also allow for 24/7 EMS services to continue in Henry County.
EARLY VOTING
Early voting on the second floor of the courthouse begins on August 21, 2024, Monday through Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm. Voter Pre Registration Deadline for people not registered in Henry County is August 26th. Absentee ballots are accepted now until Monday, August 26th. Absentee ballots will begin mailing on August 21st through August 26th.
Sports, August 10th
High School Football
Winfield-Mt. Union finished up their high school camp last night and for head coach Scott McCarty, it’s all about setting his kids up to succeed during the season,
“Yeah, just since we have to replace so many parts from last year to make sure the kids understand where they’re supposed to be, what they’re supposed to do, and also, they have the mentality that I don’t need you to be that player last year that played that position. I need you to be you and do the best you can at your position. You know, at your ability at that level. You know, we graduated some really nice ballplayers, and it’s unfair to think and have the expectations of the kids this year to be those kids. So just make sure they have the understanding that we want the best version of themselves and that they’re, you know, lining up and trying to do what they’re supposed to do at a high level.”
WACO’s week zero game against Central City has allowed them to hit the practice field this week. Head coach Chad Edeker knows this early part of the season is all about learning the basics,
“We’re just working on fundamentals and getting everything learned, you know, and actually the first week of practice, I think some of our varsity kids get a little anxious because they get less reps than the rest. You know our starting group; we’ve run the same offense for about 3-4 years now. We haven’t made a major change since. Oh, I don’t know when the exact year is, but the varsity starters pretty much know the offense, so they’re not getting a lot of reps, you know, we’ll get a few. And then we got to, you know, get the backups, you know, all the freshmen and sophomores that still know it from JV, but they don’t remember it quite as well and get them up to speed so you know you always got to have a base knowledge set already. So, we’ll work a lot on that and make sure we know all our base stuff.”
Practice will officially start on Monday for teams across the state of Iowa.
High School Volleyball
Mt. Pleasant traveled to Des Moines yesterday for a team camp. The Panthers will officially start practice on Monday.
Burlington Notre Dame traveled to Central College for a team camp and collected a 7-2 record and finished 5th out of 32 teams.
High School Cross Country
New London will start practicing on Monday, August 12th, at 9 am and runners must have a current physical and signed concussion form.
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.
Fairfield will officially get underway at 7:45 am on Monday at Waterworks.
Mt. Pleasant will start their team camp this Monday and the girls’ head coach Lyle Murray talked about who will be stepping up as captains for the Panthers this season,
“I would say on the girls’ side, Nelle Peterson, she definitely stood out as leader. She’s definitely taken on that role. And on the guy’s side, Locken Henderson has really stepped up and worked with some of the younger kids and yeah, no, they’ve done a great job.”
Iowa Football
The Hawkeyes will be hosting their annual “Kids Day at Kinnick” this morning. The open practice will begin at 11 am with the gates opening at 10 am. Team members will be signing autographs for kids around 10:30 am along the front of the west and south stands. Admission is free for all fans.
Award Watch Lists
The Iowa State offense continues to garner preseason attention with tight end Benjamin Brahmer being named to the John Mackey Award watch list, the award given to the nation’s most outstanding tight end.
Brahmer earned Freshman All-America honors last season after hauling in 28 receptions, an ISU freshman record, for 362 yards and two touchdowns.
The University of Iowa had two Hawkeyes named to preseason award watch lists: Logan Jones for the Rimington Trophy, which is given to the nation’s top center, and Luke Lachey joins the Mackey Award watch list.
Jones is looking to join Tyler Linderbaum as the former Hawkeye nabbed the award in 2021. He’s also on the Outland Trophy watch list.
Lachey is also up for the Comeback Player of the Year award after playing in just three games last year, catching 10 passes for 131 yards.
This Day in Sports History
1944 – Braves Red Barrett throws only 58 pitches to shut out the Cincinnati Reds 2-0.
1971 – 16 baseball researchers form the Society for American Baseball Research.
1971 – Twins’ Harmon Killebrew becomes the 10th player to amass 500 home runs and adds his 501st.
Dana (Kellogg) Royer
Dana (Kellogg) Royer, 68, of Morning Sun, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024 at her home. A Celebration of Life Service will from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the Morning Sun Community Center. Memorials have been established for the Centenary Methodist Church of Morning Sun and Morning Sun Hometown Pride to go towards the Splash Pad in Dana’s name. Sympathy notes may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com. The Snyder and Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Morning Sun is caring for Dana’s family and arrangements.
Dana Kellogg was born on January 30, 1956 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa the daughter of Billy and Elva (Wiggins) Kellogg. Dana was a
1974 graduate of Morning Sun High School. Dana began working for Louisa Publishing in 1976 and continued to work until early this year when her health began to decline. Dana also worked as the track photographer for approximately 30 years at 34 Raceway and was co-founder of the town-wide garage sales in Morning Sun. Dana was recognized as the 2024 Morning Sun Citizen of the Year and also received the best news photo for the weekly class 1 award through the Iowa Newspaper Association. In 1990 Dana published her own book called ” THE END OF AN ERA” about the Morning Sun Wrestling program from 1961-62 through 1989-90 with the end of Morning Sun High School and the wrestling program. Dana loved attending the Iowa State Fair; and was an over 60-year fair attendee. She also enjoyed attending her niece’s and nephew’s ballgames. Photography was her passion – always seeing things from behind the lens of the camera. More than anything, her family was number one priority to her and very dear.
Dana will be deeply missed by her domestic partner, Dan Wyss of Morning Sun; daughter, Kristin (Matthew) Henning of Morning Sun; grandsons, Riley and Kohlton Heinzel; siblings, Sharon (Dave) Burk of Mt. Pleasant, Deanna Connolly of Morning Sun and Steven (Rosemary) Kellogg of Morning Sun and several nieces and nephews.
Dana was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Arvie Connolly.
Randy Jay Roth
MOUNT PLEASANT- Randy Jay Roth, 72, of Mount Pleasant, IA (formerly of Wayland, IA), died peacefully on August 7, 2024 at his home on the Lake of the Ozarks in Sunrise Beach, MO, after a twelve-month battle with cancer.
Randy was born September 22, 1951 in Mount Pleasant, IA, the son of Glen and Inez (Nebel) Roth. He graduated from WACO High School in 1970 and purchased a farm northwest of Wayland. On October 21, 1972, he was united in marriage to Lorrie Mast at Wayland Mennonite Church. To supplement his farm income, Randy sold insurance at R.H. Diers & Associates and partnered with Lorrie to own and manage various rental properties. Randy and Lorrie operated the farm until Randy’s first retirement in 2003. After farming, Randy worked part-time as an adjuster for Farmers Mutual, enjoying many out of town working adventures with his adjuster friends before retiring from adjusting in 2021, and from crop insurance sales in 2023.
Randy accepted Christ as a youth and during his life was a member of the Wayland Mennonite Church, Sugar Creek Mennonite Church and the New London Christian Church. He enjoyed singing at various occasions and belonged to a Gospel quartet, the Four Buckles. Randy was active in the Wayland community for many years, serving on the WACO School Board, the Iowa Turkey Grower’s Association, and as a founding member of the Iowa Turkey Growers Cooperative. He was the public address announcer for WACO football games for several years in the 80s and 90s. He also coached his kids’ youth softball and basketball teams.
Randy expressed his love for his family by completing their home repair “daddy-do” lists. Later in life, he enjoyed passing on his knowledge and skills to his grandsons. Randy also loved attending and following his grandkids’ many sporting events and concerts. Even w
hen not able to attend in person, he rarely missed a video livestream or GameChanger play-by-play.
Randy is survived by his wife, Lorrie, his children: Katina “Kate” Wilson (Michael) of Mount Pleasant, IA, and Landon Roth (Alicia) of Kansas City, KS; seven grandchildren: Brock, Brevin and Bryce Wilson, and Gannon, Abbie, Mason and Emmett Roth; four siblings: Benjie (Judy) Roth, Brad (Sonja) Roth, Glenda Landers all of Wayland, IA and Gayla (Terry) Rodgers of Winfield, IA; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers-in-law Tony Landers and Richard “Rick” Adrian.
As requested by Randy, there will be no formal funeral or visitation. A casual celebration (no suits or ties) and time of reminiscing will take place from 3-6pm on Saturday August 17th at the New London Christian Church, with a short devotion and songs at 4pm. Everyone is welcome to come and share stories and fellowship with the family.
As a tribute to Randy’s knowledge and determination to fix anything, a scholarship fund has been created for high school graduates of WACO, Mt. Pleasant, and Piper high schools who are pursuing a career in agriculture or building and trades. Contributions can be made payable to the Randy Roth Memorial Scholarship.
The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is assisting the family with local arrangements. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
—
Bobby Allen Cleveland
Bobby Allen Cleveland, 95, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 4:51 a.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.
He was born on May 5, 1929, in North Salem, Missouri, the son of Kenneth A. and Ruth (Head) Cleveland. On November 15, 1949, he married Dorothy LeVera Bowyer in Brookfield, Missouri. She preceded him in death.
He is survived by two daughters: Barbara (Mick) Seitz and Brenda Seitz both of Donnellson; four grandchildren: Douglas, Christopher, Kelly, and Michael; five great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law: Charlotte McCollum and half-sister: Carol Leibhart. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Dorothy; and son-in-law: Daryl.
Bobby retired from Santa Fe as an engineer after forty-two years and served in the United States Marines. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Fort Madison, the George Washington Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, and the Burlington Moose Club.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, Iowa.
A Masonic service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, August 11, 2024, by the George Washington Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. #618.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 12, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Fort Madison with Pastor Steve Scott officiating.
Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery with a flag presentation by the Fort Madison Veteran Honor Guard post # 82.
A memorial has been established in his memory for the American Cancer Society.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
Wilma Jean Tebbs
Wilma Jean Tebbs, 94, of Lowell, Iowa passed away at the Linn Haven Rehab and Health Center in New Hampton, Iowa on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
She was born on February 2, 1930 at the country family home. She was the daughter of Wm. Lee and Laura V. Thornburg Pickle from rural Henry County. On June 5, 1949 she married Marvin D. Tebbs of Denmark, Iowa at Elliott Chapel, New London. He passed away August 17, 2016.
Jean (as she preferred to be called) attended Bethany Country School first through eighth grade. The school was consolidated with Denmark Community Schools where she and Marvin graduated in 1948. She worked at Sylvania and Winegard as a production operator in Burlington. She later worked at Metromail in Mt. Pleasant. Then she worked at Walz’s General Store in Lowell, where they lived and also at Walz’s Appliance Store when the store relocated to New London. In later years she took on clients in the area for cleaning, cooking, and general loving care over tea and exchange of memories. Many will remember the two garden lots in Lowell at the turn to Geode State Park with rows upon rows of flowers and produce that she and Marvin tended with love.
She was a past member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Danville and was a lifetime member of the Burlington Moose Lodge.
Survivors include her daughter Vicki L. (David) Stainbrook of Mt. Pleasant; grandson Devin Stainbrook of Iowa City; granddaughter Danelle (Jake) Stainbrook of Mt. Pleasant; great-grandchildren Saige and Gavin Burchett; three sisters, Karen Putnam of West Burlington, Mary Gohr and Marjorie Foster both of Burlington; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; eight of her eleven siblings, Florence, Hazel, Dorothy, Velma, Gwen, Joe, Jack and Jim; and great-granddaughter Peyton.
The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice of Iowa for their compassionate care of Jean in her final months.
According to her wishes her body has been cremated and there will be no services. A memorial has been established for her great-grandchildren Saige and Gavin. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Prep Football: Preview for Class 3A District 4 Football
Prep Football- The fall season is nearly upon us with the first game of the football season for Class 3A a mere three weeks away; so, it seems like a compelling opportunity to pick our way through District 4 and decide where these six teams stand.
Mt. Pleasant
The Panthers have the most to prove and, unfortunately, replace. Most of their offensive line graduated last season in Franklin Tousignant, Harmon Ensminger, Logan Borders, and Miguel Navarrette. Payson Coleman and Phoenix Watson, their two top pass catchers, graduated along with starting safety Carson Andreasen, second leading tackler.
The Panthers are attempting to right a lot of wrongs this season as they have gone 0-9 the last two seasons and haven’t won a district game since 2020. However, head coach John Bowlin is creating a culture that is eager to change both narratives.
One of the players looking to lead that charge is senior Payton Walker. The ultimate utility man this past season, he led the team in passing, rushing, and tackling. Walker also caught four passes for 51 yards and is the team’s punter.
With the relative lack of experience, it was nice for coach Bowlin to participate in a camp put on by Coe College with West Liberty during camp week that allowed his team to get some reps,
“I thought our line, you know, with the spot we need to go a lot better at, but our line played physical, did a good job, knew what they were doing” explained Bowlin. “You know, I thought our quarterbacks did a great job of making some reads. So, we got a few new wrinkles in the offense we’re working on.”
Biggest Strength: Payton Walker
Biggest Question: O-Line
Keokuk
The Chiefs are probably the most intriguing school in the district. Keokuk has finished above 0.500 in just two of the past 10 seasons with the most recent occurring in 2019.
Nevertheless, they doubled their win total from a year ago to finish 4-5 and could have very well finished 6-3 as they went 0-2 in one possession games. The Chiefs also return talented quarterback Brenton Hoard, who combined for 2,414 yards and 22 touchdowns, and Mason Claus, who led the team in tackles with 94.5.
All of this to finally mention that they have a new head coach, former NFL wide receiver and current Iowa Hawkeye record holder, Marvin McNutt. He coached two all-conference receivers at Coe College before getting the call to move to Keokuk.
Despite the lack of recent program success, McNutt is going to coach his team hard and set high expectations,
“…Let’s see where we can take this program, we will shoot for the moon and land next to the stars.”
Biggest Strength: Passing Offense
Biggest Question: Rushing Attack and Defense
Washington
The Demons could be looking at the most improvement from last year to this year. Washington touted a young squad last year with most of their offensive production coming from juniors and sophomores.
This squad was on the cusp of finishing with a record near 0.500 instead of going 2-7. Tied with Fort Madison after a quarter, a narrow 23-20 loss to Fairfield, and two poor quarters against Oskaloosa to fall 28-14 are examples of a team that could have finished 5-4.
The Demons return dual threat quarterback Logan McDole and their leading rusher in Kael Williams as he finished with 594 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. Add in Mason Morgan on the outside contributing nearly 40% of the receiving stats last season.
Biggest Strength: Experience
Biggest Question: Middle Defense
Assumption
The Knights were a scary team for a majority of last season, especially after clobbering Solon 34-7 to start the season as the Spartans found their groove late in the season, falling to eventual champion Williamsburg at the UNI-Dome.
Assumption stumbled twice during the regular season with losses to North Scott and Mt. Vernon, but outscored Washington, Keokuk, and Mt. Pleasant 139 to 0 to close out the year. However, the 7-2 Knights lost 58-45 in the first round of the playoffs to West Delaware.
The problem? Their starting quarterback, running back, and wide receivers have all graduated. Braylon Thomsen is their only returner that managed to find paydirt at all out of their 48 touchdowns and he only accounted for four scores. Additionally, of their top 11 tacklers, nine of them were seniors.
Biggest Strength: Program Consistency (Have finished above 0.500 in 8 of their past 10 seasons)
Biggest Question: Every skill position except for quarterback
Fort Madison
Derek Doherty has continued to right the ship that is the Bloodhound football program after nine consecutive losing seasons Fort Madison has gone 26-12 in their last four years with three trips to the postseason.
After dominating teams in 2022 with a dominating defense and an offense that could move the ball; 2023 saw the Bloodhounds depend on the clutch gene with a 3-0 record in one possession games leading to a 6-3 regular season mark.
The next step for Fort Madison has continued to be success outside of southeast Iowa as they fell handily to Williamsburg, Assumption, Mt. Vernon, and Solon in the first round of the playoffs.
However, Fort Madison’s problem is very similar to Assumption, the loss of a lot of seniors. The Bloodhounds lost their top three tacklers, second leading rusher, and leading wide receiver. The retention of dual threat quarterback Marcus Guzman, who scored 21 total touchdowns, is the anchor for this team.
Biggest Strength: Marcus Guzman
Biggest Question: Replacing Teague Smith and Ike Thacher
Mt. Vernon
The last team to talk about is the squad that took the district championship and a loss to Solon being their only blemish during the regular season. However, the season ended in disappointment as Williamsburg knocked the Mustangs out of the playoffs in the quarterfinals, 38-35.
Their nine wins marked the 5th time in the last 10 seasons that the Mustangs were able to complete that feat. However, this success has come at a costly price.
The Mustangs swept the District Players of the Year in Joey Rhomberg (offense), Jackson Jaspers (defense), Andrew Heck (O-Line), and Ethan Wood (D-Line).
Rhomberg, the starting quarterback for the last two seasons who threw for 49 touchdowns, Jaspers, and Heck were all seniors. Along with their leading rusher in Jackson Hird and leading receiver in Evan Brase.
This team will need to replace most of their offensive line and find some replacements at skill positions. Junior Kellen Haverback threw three touchdowns to zero interceptions in limited action and Cooper Hird rambled for 360 yards and four touchdowns at tailback.
Biggest Strength: Defense
Biggest Question: Offensive Line