2024 Henry County Fair Royalty

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 at 9:44 am CDT

It was an exciting night at the Henry County Fair Queen Contest. The judges had their work cut out for them as 7 ladies competed for Princess, 11 for Junior Queen, and 4 candidates for Queen. Your 2024 Henry County Fair Royalty is as follows:

2024 Henry County Fair Princess 1st Runner-up – Ezra Lemley. Ezra Lemley, daughter of Gabe & Michala Lemley, attends New London Clark elementary. She is active in basketball, softball, and volleyball. When Ezra has free time, she likes to draw, dance, tumble, crochet, make art, and take care of her pets. Her favorite fair activity is dancing at the Bill Riley Talent Show and watching her cousins show their calves. In the near future, Ezra plans to join 4H and become a very talented dancer.

2024 Henry County Fair Princess – Leah Anderson. Daughter of Mitch & Kim Anderson, is going into 5th grade at Van Allen Elementary. You can find her attending the after school program and playing in band. Leah’s hobbies include sports, playing with her pets, driving a four wheeler, reading, and spending time with family and friends. While at the fair, Leah enjoys watching the cow show, presenting her 4H projects, and looking at the animals. Someday, she hopes to own her own farm and attend Iowa State to become a veterinarian.

2024 Henry County Fair Junior Queen 1st Runner-up – Libby Meyers. Daughter of Tim & Brandy Myers. She is a 7th grader at Holy Trinity Catholic where she participates in basketball and volleyball. Her hobbies include barrel racing and showing her cow, which also happens to be her favorite fair activity. Libby plans to attend Iowa State University to be a large animal vet and play basketball.

2024 Henry County Fair Junior Queen – Beatrice Anderson. Daughter of Kelly Anderson. Beatrice will be a Junior at Winfield-Mt.Union schools in the fall. She is involved in many school activities including art club, band, Silver Cord, FFA, Student Leadership Council, Speech, and more. In her free time, Beatrice enjoys sewing, baking, and crafting. Her favorite fair activities include judging Clover Kids projects, showing goats, and hanging out with her friends. Beatrice plans to attend Iowa State to be a large animal vet with a nutrition specialty.

2024 Henry County Fair Queen 1st Runner-up – Julie Campbell. Daughter of Missy and Jason Campbell. Born and raised in Mount Pleasant, Julie is currently attending Kirkwood Community College where she is involved in Agriculture Business Club and Salt Ministry. In high school, she participated in choir, FFA, National Honor Society, and 4-H. In her free time, Julie enjoys baking, spending time with family, and participating in church groups. Her future plans involve transferring to Iowa State for an agriculture education degree and pursuing a career in teaching or as a County Youth Coordinator.

And your 2024 Henry County Fair Queen, Lily Syfert. Daughter of Jake and Angie Syfert. Lily is from Salem and attends New London Community High School where she is part of the basketball team, trap team, National Honor Society, Elementary Mentor Program, and book club. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, reading, spending time with family and friends, and camping. Lily’s favorite fair activities are participating in teen council, completing static projects, and camping. Her plans after graduation include attending SCC’s early childhood education program to become a teacher.

2023 Henry County Fair Queen and 2023 Iowa State Fair Queen Kalayna Durr gave a heartfelt speech thanking Henry County, loved ones, and supporters for the experiences she has had in the last year before crowning Lily Syfert the 2024 Henry County Fair Queen.

Thank you to Hometown Veterinary Care in New London for sponsoring our Henry County Fair Queen coverage.

You can find a link to the live crowning here.

2024 Washington County Breeding Beef Results

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 at 8:15 am CDT

Cow with Calf

  • Champion – Lauren McWhirter
  • Reserve – Sydney Williams

Returning Bucket Bottle

  • Champion – Zach Hotchkiss
  • Reserve – Sydney Williams

Produce of Former Heifer Project

  • Champion – Peighton Ford
  • Reserve – Tate Stumpf

Breed Champions

  • Angus – Emma Lyle
  • Red Angus – Blake Evans
  • Simmental – Ericka Thomann

Breed Reserve Champions

  • Angus – Graci Hershberger
  • Red Angus – Blake Evans
  • Simmental – Charolette Sieren

Breed Champions

  • Simmental Foundation – Peighton Ford
  • All other Breeds – Kinley Holmex

Breed Reserve Champions

  • Simmental Foundation – Auben Sweeting
  • All other Breeds – Covert Greiner

Commercial

  • Champion – Kestyn Holmes
  • Reserve – Libby Sojka

Grand Champion Overall Breeding Heifer

  • Supreme Champion – Kinley Holmes
  • Reserve Grand – Ericka Thomane

Showmanship

  • Senior – Izzy Peterson
  • Intermediate – Graci Hersheberger
  • Junior – Kestyn Holmes

2024 Washington County Dairy Show Results

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 at 8:09 am CDT

Holstein

  • Champion – Reese Good

Milking Shorthorn

  • Champion – Emma Alderton
  • Reserve – Tyler Alderton

Supreme Dairy Heifer

  • Champion – Emma Alderton
  • Reserve – Reese Good

Dairy Showmanship

  • Champion Sr – Tyler Alderton
  • Champion Int – Emma Alderton

Sportsmanship

  • Champion – Emma Alderton

2024 Washington County Sheep Show Results

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 at 8:05 am CDT

Feeder Pen

  • Champion – Cameron Rinner

White/Speckle-Face Commercial Ewe Lamb

  • Champion – Austin Black
  • Reserve – Adelyn Huston

Black Face Commercial Ewe Lamb

  • Champion – Ella Greiner
  • Reserve – Garrett Greiner

Commercial Breeding Yearling Ewe

  • Champion – Morgyn Nafziger
  • Reserve – Caedyn Huston

Supreme Breeding Sheep

  • Champion – Ella Greiner
  • Reserve – Austin Black
  • 3rd Overall – Garrett Greiner
  • 4th Overall – Adelyn Huston
  • 5th Overall – Morgyn Nafziger

Carcass Lamb

  • Champion – Ashton Thomas
  • Reserve – Hunter Barnes

Rate of Gain

  • Champion – Jasper Larimer
  • Reserve – Lexton Fisher

Dorset Market Lamb

  • Champion – Morgyn Nafziger
  • Reserve – Javan Davis

Hampshire Market Lamb

  • Champion – Ella Greiner
  • Reserve – Ava Greiner

Natural Market Sheep

  • Champion – Morgan Leichty
  • Reserve – Callie Brink

Speckle Market Lamb

  • Champion – Lexton Fisher
  • Reserve – Austin Black

All Other Breeds

  • Champion – Ava Greiner
  • Reserve – Antone Larimer

Champion Crossbred Market Lamb

  • Champion – Garrett Greiner
  • Reserve – Emerson Flynn

Grand Champion Market Lamb

  • Champion – Garrett Greiner
  • Reserve – Ella Greiner
  • 3rd – Emerson Flynn
  • 4th – Ava Greiner
  • 5th – Morgan Leichty
  • 6th – Callie Brink
  • 7th – Lexton Fisher
  • 8th – Austin Black
  • 9th – Morgyn Nafziger
  • 10th – Ava Greiner

Premier Sheep Exhibitor

  • Senior – Morgan Leichty
  • Intermediate – Adelyn Huston
  • Junior – Ellyana Hahn

Pair of Lambs

  • Champion – Peyton Davis
  • Reserve – Brynn Conrad

Showmanship

  • Top Gun – Garrett Greiner
  • Senior – Morgyn Leichty
  • Intermediate – Adelyn Huston
  • Junior – Emerson Flynn

Sports, July 17th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 at 6:47 am CDT

High School Postseason Baseball

In Class 1A Substate 6, Burlington Notre Dame took on Sigourney last night with the winner advancing to the state tournament and for four innings both teams stranded runners, leaving the game scoreless. A sacrifice fly by Eli Oleson got the Nikes on the board in the 5th inning; nevertheless, Sigourney also found their bats with Caden Clarahan slapping an RBI single and Isaac Bruns crushing a three-run homer two at-bats later.

The Nikes would score a run in the sixth on a passed ball and get two runners on in the 7th inning; ultimately, leaving 10 runners on base proved to be their downfall, losing 4-2 as Sigourney punched their first ticket to the state tournament in their program’s history set to start on Monday, July 22nd. 

Notre Dame Head coach Chris Chiprez gave credit to Sigourney but knows his team left plays out on the field,

“You know Sigourney’s a good team. You know, they battled us. I felt like we beat ourselves, to be honest with you. You know, I felt like Sigourney gave us opportunities and we didn’t capitalize on those. You know, generally we’re a good team as far as capitalizing on mistakes. We didn’t do that tonight. We had runners at second and third with less than two outs. We couldn’t get the job done and we didn’t make any plays in the field. So, I mean that’s what it boils down to in games like this you got to take advantage of every opportunity and if you don’t, you’re going to get beat.”

The Nikes will be graduating eight seniors from this class, who have compiled a record of 54-11 over the past two seasons. Coach Chiprez knows they will be greatly missed to the program,

“They’re great baseball players. They have a great work ethic. They’re great in the classroom, but above all else, I think they’re great men, you know, and they’re great role models and great leaders for the underclassmen. And I think these guys set the tone for the underclassmen and even the junior high program. You know, I know a lot of those guys look up to the seniors, so I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them, you know for what they’ve done for the program over the years.”

Burlington Notre Dame finished the season with a 28-4 record.

The other Class 1A state qualifiers were Akron-Westfield, Remsen St. Mary’s, Newman Catholic, South Winneshiek, North Linn, Lynnville-Sully, and Bedford. 

The Class 2A state qualifiers are Unity Christian, Aplington-Parkersburg, New Hampton, Wilton, Sumner-Fredericksburg, Pleasantville, Chariton, and Underwood.

In Class 3A Substate 5, Fairfield’s Tallon Bates tried to power the Trojans past Assumption last night with a late two-run homer, but the Knights were too much, winning 6-3. Aiden Westercamp added his own RBI for the Trojans. Fairfield ended the season with a 22-12 record. Assumption will face off against Central DeWitt tonight at 7 pm for the substate championship. 

High School Postseason Softball

In Class 1A Region 8, Wapello and Sigourney competed in an extra innings epic that saw the two teams trade runs in the 8th inning before Sigourney put it away, winning 2-1. Carly Goodwin pitched all 11 innings, tabbing an incredible 22 strikeouts. Sigourney advanced to the Class 1A state tournament. The Arrows finished the season with a 20-14 record.  

Other Class 1A state qualifiers: Remsen St. Mary’s, St. Edmond, Collins-Maxwell, Martensdale-St. Marys, Southeast Warren, Wayne, and Edgewood-Colesburg.

Class 3A Region 8, Central Lee was unable to pull off another upset last night, losing 6-3 to Assumption. The Hawks finished the season with a 25-11 record. The Knights advanced to the state tournament. 

For Class 4A Region 8, Burlington’s tough pitching could not overcome the offense of North Scott, losing 5-0. The Grayhounds ended the season with a 23-6-1 record. The Lady Lancers will advance to the state tournament. 

High School Cross Country

Mt. Pleasant’s optional summer runs, available for 7th through 12th graders, are scheduled Monday through Thursday. The runs will often be led by upperclassmen as coaches may not be present for every run.

On Mondays and Wednesdays the runs will start at 6:30 am at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre and on Tuesdays and Thursdays they will be at Saunders Park by the swimming pool at 7 pm. 

If you have any questions, contact Coach Murray at 319-850-0867. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees was shut out by the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes last night 7-0. Cedric Dunnwald was the only Bee to register multiple hits as he slugged a double. Burlington will host the rematch tonight at 6:30 pm.  

The Clinton LumberKings will take on the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp tonight at 6:30 pm at home. 

This Day in Sports History

1902 – The Baltimore Orioles forfeit to St. Louis having only five players available to play; they then forfeit their franchise back to the American League.

1936 – New York Giants future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Carl Hubbell begins MLB record 24 game winning streak, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates, 6-0 at Forbes Field.

1974 – Bob Gibson becomes the second pitcher to strike-out 3,000 (Cesar Geronimo).

2024 Washington County Goat Show Results

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 at 2:06 pm CDT

Jr. Dairy Doe

  • Champion – Adyson Gerot
  • Reserve – Sandra Edwards

Yearling Dairy Doe

  • Champion – Sandra Edwards
  • Reserve – Addison Skelton

Sr. Dairy Doe

  • Champion – Adyson Gerot
  • Reserve – Reese Good

Dairy Goat Wether

  • Champion – Adyson Gerot
  • Reserve – Sandra Edwards

Champion Crossbred Wether

  • Champion – Kenzie Miller
  • Reserve – Olivia Utzinger

Overall Dairy Goat

  • Champion – Adyson Gerot
  • Reserve – Sandra Edwards

Champion Jr. Breeding Meat Doe

  • Champion – Parker Shalla
  • Reserve – Myli Hershberger

Champion Yearling Breeding Meat Doe

  • Champion – Brielle Robertson
  • Reserve – Mason Schneider

Champion Sr. Breeding Meat Doe

  • Champion – Paige Malichley
  • Reserve – Chloe Sexton

Overall Breeding Meat Doe

  • Champion – Parker Shalla
  • Reserve – Myli Hershberger
  • 3rd Overall – Braydon Clough
  • 4th Overall – Callie Brink
  • 5th Overall – Callie Brink

Overall Market Goat

  • Champion – Parker Shalla
  • Reserve – Callie Brink
  • 3rd Overall – Ava Greiner
  • 4th Overall – Hunter Robertson
  • 5th Overall – Callie Brink

Goat Showmanship

  • Champion Senior – Ava Greiner
  • Reserve Senior – Hunter Robertson
  • Champion Intermediate – Myli Hershberger
  • Reserve Intermediate – Isabelle Litwiller

Goat Showmanship

  • Champion Junior – Callie Brink
  • Reserve Junior – Mason Schneider

Rate of Gain Champion

  • Champion – Ashton Thomas, Jace Chalupa, Izzi Chalupa
  • Reserve – Isabelle Litwiller

Bonita K. “Bonnie” Vance

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 at 1:36 pm CDT

Bonita K. “Bonnie” Vance of Mount Pleasant, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born in Mt. Pleasant, IA on May 20, 1946, the daughter of J. Milton “Milt” Becker and Bernice “Benny” (Bentler) Becker.   She attended St Alphonsus Grade School and Mt Pleasant High School where she was very active in various activities. After graduating from high school, she attended Creighton University, but she heard the call of the skies and became a flight attendant for TWA. During her career as a flight attendant, she met several famous people such as Lucille Ball and Joan Crawford. The latter required the removal of all Coca Cola from any plane on which she travelled. While working for TWA she became the first woman to operate a jetway at St. Louis’ Lambert International Airport. During this period, she met and married Matt Steinberg.  They had two children, Amy (Adam) Earley of Round Rock, TX, and Marc (Jessica) Steinberg of Leander, TX. After that marriage ended, Bonnie worked as a bookkeeper for some businesses in Austin Texas until she and her children moved back to Mt. Pleasant in 1986 where she worked as an office manager and salesperson in the family business, Becker’s Jewelers. On January 1, 1995, she married Michael Vance and she added to her family his children Thomas (Morgan) Vance of Chicago, IL, and Patrick (“KC”) Vance of Peoria, AZ.

Bonnie loved being with family and rarely missed a Bentler Reunion. She enjoyed visiting the children and grandchildren and the trips to Austin, Phoenix and Okoboji. She enjoyed cooking and displayed her talent at many gatherings of family or friends. Bonnie and Mike liked to travel, and they checked off all 50 states and six different continents, including Antarctica.  Bonnie was active in Questers, many bridge clubs, Alter & Rosary Society and her church. She enjoyed playing games of chance, bridge and rooting for the Cubs, Packers and the Hawkeyes, especially the Men’s and Women’s Hawkeye basketball teams.  She was known to score the basketball games as she watched.

Survivors include her husband, Mike of Mt Pleasant, her four children Amy, Marc, Tom & Patrick, and their spouses. Her granddaughter Marlow Earley and grandsons Kieran and Asher Vance and Jack Earley. Her brothers James (Candace) Becker of Mt. Pleasant, IA, and William (Cynthia) Becker of Burlington, IA. Her sister-in-law Karen (Dale) Ratterman of Epworth, IA, brother-in-law Russell (Kimberly) Vance of Glendale, AZ, and her nieces and nephews Lydia, Grace, Cameron, Dillon and Alexander Becker; Derek Vance, Danielle Gagnier, Joseph Ratterman and Elizabeth Ratterman.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew AJ Becker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.  at the St Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant with Father Ross Epping, Father Nick Adam, Father Ed Fritzpatrick and Father Tom Spiegel celebrating the mass.   Bonnie’s family will receive friends on Sunday, August 28, 2024, at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church from 4 to 6 p.m. following the visitation a Scripture Service will be held. Memorials have been established for University of Iowa Holden Cancer Center, Every Step Hospice & St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for her arrangements.