New Water Fountain-Salem City Park!

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, July 6th, 2024 at 5:53 am CDT

The installation of the new water fountain for Salem City Pak in Salem, Iowa, was completed at the end of May — just in time for school vacation and summer heat.

The new water fountain replaced a crumbling structure that was no longer usable. It is not only Handicap/Children Accessible but also has a spout for refilling water bottles.

The project began last year, but various complications interfered with its completion. “It was very frustrating,” remarked Salem City Council Member Tarrant French, who had proposed the project and was the primary community volunteer to work on its installation. “Supply chain issues put delivery back until mid-summer, and although we had the old fountain removed and the site prepared, we couldn’t install the fountain and pour the concrete because the temperatures wouldn’t allow the concrete to set properly. Fortunately, we had a window of opportunity this spring, and we finished the installation with the help of our new Public Works Manager, Nick Edge. The concrete is solid; the fence is down – everything ready in time for school vacation.”

The purchase of the new fountain was made possible by a grant from The Henry County Enrichment Foundation.

Kelly Andermann, Mayor of Salem, stated, “We are very grateful to The Henry County Enrichment Foundation for their support of this much-needed replacement and for their patience with the project completion. The Salem town square, with its shade, benches, and playground, is well-used by people in the community and by the frequent visitors to our historic town.

HCHC FOUNDATION-GRANT APPLICATIONS WELCOME!

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, July 6th, 2024 at 5:42 am CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT — Henry County Health Center Foundation welcomes applicants for the 2024 Foundation Grant Program. The HCHC Foundation seeks to deploy financial resources to groups and organizations focused on a healthier future for Henry County Communities. The grant opportunities have doubled this year to $20,000, an intentional strategy to bring an increased impact to awardees.

The Foundation will fund projects in six health related priority areas: STEM, Health Education, Health Programming, Workforce Development, Workforce Recruitment, and Capacity Building.

Those seeking funds should submit letters of intent to HCHC Foundation by Aug. 15, 2024. Letters of intent should include organization information, project information and dollar amount requested.

If the Foundation determines the program or project meets eligibility requirements, the applicant will receive an invitation to submit a full grant application. Full applications are due Sept. 30, 2024.

The HCHC Foundation remains a leading steward of financial resources focused on the future of healthcare and quality of life in our Henry County communities.

“The mission of the grant program is to expand opportunities for growth, and the previous grants awarded have been a catalyst for positive impact in the area,” HCHC Foundation Director Savannah Collins said. “We look forward to awarding recipients with the funding to jumpstart their initiatives and bring their visions to life.”

Consideration for funding will be given to proposals which closely align with the Foundation’s mission, have the potential to achieve both the objectives of the applicant organization and program goals of the Foundation, and have the potential for long-term impact and sustainability in the community.

For additional details please contact Savannah Collins at the HCHC Foundation at 319-385-6541 or scollins@greatriverhealth.org.

 

James Edwin Gerleman

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, July 5th, 2024 at 7:02 pm CDT

James Edwin “Jim” Gerleman, 73, of Lockridge passed away at his home on Thursday, July 4, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Private family graveside services will be at the Upland Cemetery, rural Lockridge, with Father Ross Epping officiating.   Jim’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 am at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 2 to 7 p.m.; the family will not be present.  A memorial has been established in his memory.

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

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

 

Jesse Leon Holder

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, July 5th, 2024 at 6:36 pm CDT

Jesse Leon Holder, 83, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024 at the Good Samaritan Society in Ottumwa.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield. Memorials may be made to the family in care of Carol Holder, 2288 Marigold Blvd. Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Behner Funer

al Home in Fairfield is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jesse was born April 27, 1941 in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of Floyd and Lou Elsie (Burris) Holder. Jesse served his country in the United States Navy for 6 years as an aircraft mechanic. He married Carol Stevens, July 26, 1972 in Bowie, Texas.

Jesse retired from Falco and owned and operated Holder’s Plumbing, Heating and Electric. He loved camping, woodworking, and mowing his yard.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Carol; children, Brian (Sheilah) Holder, Toni (Bill) Fosdyck, Reena Wickenkamp, and Tod (Tonya) Holder; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and four siblings.

He was preceded in death by his parents, ten siblings, and one grandson.

Online condolences may be made to Jesse’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Edward Martin Chaney

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, July 5th, 2024 at 9:47 am CDT

Edward Martin Chaney, fondly known as “Hi Ed,” passed away, surrounded by his daughters and faithful companion, Lucy, on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in his hometown of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.

Ed was born on August 16, 1929, in Mt. Pleasant the son of Horace and Georgie (Martin) Chaney, Ed was a lifelong resident of Mt. Pleasant, which he dearly loved.

Ed was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, class of 1947, and went on to serve his country in the United States Army, serving during the Korean War – mainly in Austria.  Ed was quite a basketball player and played for the Army, traveling with the team.  After his service, Ed was a carpenter, an auctioneer, an antique dealer, a realtor, and lover of yard sales.

On July 12, 1958, Ed married Margie Kempker in Ft. Madison, Iowa at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Together, in Mt. Pleasant, they raised four daughters of which he was immensely proud:  Barbara (Jerry), Ann (Mike), Amy (Kendall), and Jill (Charlie).  Ed was a devoted father and an active presence in his children’s lives – coaching when his children were young and never missing any of his children’s activities.  Ed took great pleasure in his 11 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  Ed is survived by his sister, Louise Berg and his brother, William Chaney.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Margie of 63 years, his brother, Robert Chaney, his sister, Elizabeth Lanphear, and his brother, Richard Chaney.

We will miss dad’s humor, his love of family, his ability to fix anything, his love of clocks, and his gentlemanly way.  Ed Chaney, you will be greatly missed.

Ed’s family will receive friends on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until noon, at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.  A private family burial will be held at a later date.  A memorial has been established in his memory.  Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.

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

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

Sports, July 5th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, July 5th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Baseball

Fairfield will take on Solon tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

Mt. Pleasant will face off against Davenport Central on Monday, July 8th, at 7 pm at home. 

High School Postseason Baseball

New London will travel to Keota tomorrow, July 6th, to take on Pekin in the Class 1A Substate 6 first round at 5 pm. 

Danville will square off against Keota at 7 pm tomorrow on the road. 

Burlington Notre Dame will await the winner of Pekin versus New London on Tuesday, July 9th, at home at 7 pm. 

Mediapolis will host the first round of the Class 2A Substate 5 postseason matchups with Winfield-Mt. Union facing off against Louisa-Muscatine at 5 pm and the Bulldogs taking on West Burlington at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call for both games with the pregame show at 4:45 pm. 

Central Lee will start their Class 2A Substate 6 playoff journey tomorrow at home against Centerville at 7 pm. 

Van Buren County will play Cardinal at 5 pm tomorrow at Central Lee. 

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant will take on Burlington tonight for their makeup game at 5:30 pm on the road. 

West Burlington will travel to Davenport North tonight for a doubleheader with game one at 5 pm. 

Fairfield will face off against Ottumwa tomorrow, July 6th, at 12:30 pm on the road. 

Central Lee will take on Cardinal on Monday, July 8th, in a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm on the road. 

Mediapolis will compete in a doubleheader on Monday against Davis County on the road with game one at 5:30 pm. 

High School Postseason Softball

For Class 1A Region 6, New London will be playing host to Danville on Monday, July 8th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will take on Pekin on Monday at 7 pm at home. 

WACO will hit the road to face off against Holy Trinity Catholic at 7 pm on Monday. 

For Class 2A Region 5, Van Buren County will face off against Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont on Wednesday, July 10th, at 7 pm at home. 

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 returned the favor last night, taking down the Clinton LumberKings 4-1. Bobby Helt was credited with the win as he dealt eight strikeouts in six innings of work, while Jack Duncan picked up the save. Skylar Agnew swatted a two-run homer for the Bees. Jalen Martinez’s home run was the only offense for the LumberKings.

The two will head back to Burlington to decide the series winner tonight at 6:30 pm.  

This Day in Sports History

1898 – Lizzie Arlington becomes the first woman to play professional men’s baseball when she pitches the 9th inning for the Reading Coal Heavers against the Allentown Peanuts; allows 2 hits and walks a batter but preserves the 5-0 win.

1975 – Wimbledon Men’s Tennis: Arthur Ashe becomes the first Black man to win Wimbledon, beats Jimmy Connors 6-1, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4.

2022 – Mike Grier becomes the first Black general manager in NHL history when hired by the San Jose Sharks.

Sports, July 4th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, July 4th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant brought their bats to Davis County last night, drubbing the Mustangs 12-1. The Panthers will face off against Davenport Central on Monday, July 8th, at 7 pm at home. 

In a matchup between two of the top teams in their respective classes, Burlington Notre Dame’s clutch offense led to the 5-4 victory last night over Mid-Prairie. 

Fairfield fell to Clear Creek Amana last night 12-0. Nate Konczal nabbed the lone hit of the night for the Trojans. Fairfield will take on Solon tomorrow, July 5th, at 7 pm on the road. 

High School Postseason Baseball

New London will travel to Koeta on Saturday, July 6th, to take on Pekin in the Class 1A Substate 6 first round at 5 pm. 

Danville will square off against Keota at 7 pm on Saturday on the road. 

Burlington Notre Dame will await the winner of Pekin versus New London on Tuesday, July 9th, at home at 7 pm. 

Mediapolis will host the first round of the Class 2A Substate 5 postseason Saturday matchups with Winfield-Mt. Union facing off against Louisa-Muscatine at 5 pm and the Bulldogs taking on West Burlington at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call for both games with the pregame show at 4:45 pm. 

Central Lee will start their Class 2A Substate 6 playoff journey on Saturday at home against Centerville at 7 pm. 

Van Buren County will play Cardinal at 5 pm on Saturday at Central Lee. 

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant was defeated by West Burlington last night 15-2. Lauren Krieger and Madalynn Knapp each clobbered home runs with Knapp leading the Falcons with four RBIs followed by Krieger with two. Keagyn Coleman went 2 for 3 for the Panthers. 

Mt. Pleasant will take on Burlington tomorrow, July 5th, for their makeup game at 5:30 pm on the road. 

West Burlington will travel to Davenport North tomorrow for a doubleheader with game one at 5 pm. 

Winfield-Mt. Union was shutout by Columbus last night 10-0. 

Fairfield fell to Albia last night 10-0. The Trojans will face off against Ottumwa on Saturday, July 6th, at 12:30 pm on the road. 

Central Lee competed against Burlington in a doubleheader last night and was swept 8-2 in game one and 5-3 in game two. The Hawks will take on Cardinal on Monday in a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm on the road. 

Mediapolis will compete in a doubleheader on Monday, July 8th, against Davis County on the road with game one at 5:30 pm. 

High School Postseason Softball

For Class 1A Region 6, New London will be playing host to Danville on Monday, July 8th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will take on Pekin on Monday at 7 pm at home. 

WACO will hit the road to face off against Holy Trinity Catholic at 7 pm on Monday. 

For Class 2A Region 5, Van Buren County will face off against Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont on Wednesday, July 10th, at 7 pm at home. 

High School Softball Rankings

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released their 7th edition of the top 15 for the five classes and southeast Iowa kept their three teams in the rankings with minimal movement.

In Class 4A, Burlington stayed put at #13 and after adding two wins last night the Grayhounds boast a 19-5 record for the season. Saydee Plummer is a force in the circle with a 0.78 ERA with 128 strikeouts on the season, while Kylie Hill provides the power to the squad with four home runs and five doubles.

For Class 3A, Washington remained ranked at #13 despite going 1-7 in their last eight contests. Something to note is five of those eight games were against teams also ranked in the top 15 of their classes (#12 Clear Creek Amana, #13 Burlington, and #11 Louisa-Muscatine). The Salazars lead this squad with Isabella claiming a 2.67 ERA in over 100 innings pitched, while Leighton is batting 0.517 with three triples and 29 RBIs. 

Central Lee’s 2-3 record in their past five games resulted in the Hawks being knocked down a spot to #15 in the rankings. Their slash line of 0.406/0.488/0.596 is tops in Class 3A. 

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 hosted their 4th of July festivities last night against the Clinton LumberKings, but it was the LumberKings who provided the fireworks, swatting the Bees 11-5. Karson Grout’s home run helped him amass a game high four RBIs. Skylar Agnew had his own home run for the Bees as he tabbed two RBIs.

Clinton will host their 4th of July matchup tonight against Burlington at 6:30 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1939 – Lou Gehrig is the first MLB player to have his number (4) retired on his “Appreciation Day” at Yankee Stadium, making the iconic “luckiest man” speech.

1980 – Nolan Ryan becomes the fourth pitcher to register 3,000 MLB strikeouts.

1995 – The Birmingham Barracudas (based in Alabama) play their first CFL game beating Winnipeg 38-10 but the failed experiment only lasts one season.

Nancy Porter

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 at 3:57 pm CDT

Nancy E. Porter, 77, of Crawfordsville, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at her apartment in Winfield.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Servies of Winfield.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, following the visitation at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Wapello Cemetery.  A memorial fund has been established at the funeral home in memory of Nancy.  Online condolences may be left at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Nancy Ellen Williams was born on July 26, 1946, the daughter of Alfred Paul and Lorena G. (Anderson) Williams.  She was a 1964 graduate of Columbus Community Schools and then attended A.I.C. in Davenport.  She worked at the nursing homes in Winfield and Wayland, then worked as a para-educator for the Washington High School and then worked for Orscheln’s in Washington.  Nancy was a member of O.E.S and enjoyed bowling, square dancing, playing cards and working on Jigsaw puzzles, but most of all, she loved to spend time with her family, especially the grandchildren, great -grandchildren; great nephews, Bryson, Brayden and great niece, Mattie.

Nancy will be deeply missed by her children, Roger Lee (Tootie) Porter of Fruita, Colorado and Becky (Rob) Kremer of Crawfordsville; grandchildren, Michaela (Kory) McCarter, Jessup Kremer, Madison (Kaleb) Krouse and Montana Porter; great grandchildren, Drew Kremer, Sawyer Kremer, Zaiden Krouse, Ayla Krouse and one on the way; siblings, Sheldon (Joyce) Williams of Columbus Junction, Doug Williams of Mt. Pleasant, Alfreda (John) Murphy of Conesville and Chan Williams of Columbus Junction and her dog, Roxie.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents.