Sports, July 1st

By Slaten Swords · Monday, July 1st, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Baseball

Central Lee will face off against Mediapolis tonight at 5:30 pm at home. 

Van Buren County will take on Danville tonight at 5:30 pm on the road. 

New London will face off against Burlington Notre Dame tonight at 5:30 pm at home. 

Fairfield will take on Washington in a makeup game from June 13th at home at 7:30 pm tomorrow, July 2nd.

Winfield-Mt. Union will compete against New London tomorrow at 5:30 pm. 

West Burlington will square off against Burlington tomorrow at 7 pm at the Grayhounds’ home stadium. 

Mt. Pleasant will face off against Mediapolis tomorrow at 7:30 pm on the road. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm. 

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant participated in the Rick Doran Classic over the weekend in Iowa City and finished the weekend 0-2 after falling to Iowa City West 11-4 and Independence 12-0. 

Against the Trojans, Emma Starr had a bases-clearing triple to lead the team with three RBIs, while Lila Cook added her own RBI. Keagyn Coleman and Abigail Shelangowski each tabbed two hits against the Mustangs. 

New London will compete against Mt. Pleasant tonight at 5:30 pm at home. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:15 pm. 

WACO will travel to Louisa-Muscatine tonight at 7 pm. 

Danville will square off against Van Buren County tonight at 7 pm at home.

Central Lee will face off against Mediapolis at home at 7 pm tonight. 

West Burlington will host Van Buren County at 4 pm and Holy Trinity Catholic at 5:30 pm tonight. 

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

Winfield-Mt. Union will take on New London tomorrow, July 2nd, at 5:30 pm on the road. 

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 split the weekend, effectively ending their 12-game losing streak. The weekend started off with a loss as the Bees fell to the Cape Catfish 8-3. Corey Boyette led the team with two RBIs.

Last night saw David Theriot Jr. throw seven innings of two-hit ball, collecting seven strikeouts in a 2-0 victory over the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes. Cedric Dunnwald knocked in both runs with a single in the 5th inning. The Bees will face off against the O’Fallon Hoots tomorrow, July 2nd, at 6:30 pm at home.

The Clinton LumberKings split their weekend series against the Hoots with a 9-8 loss on Saturday and a 9-6 win last night. Rayth Petersen led the weekend with five RBIs as he had a double in game two. 

The LumberKings will host the Normal CornBelters tomorrow at 6:30 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1859 – First intercollegiate baseball game, Amherst beats Williams 66-32 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, under rules that differ wildly from today’s baseball rules. 

1904 – The III Summer (Modern) Olympic Games open in St Louis, the first held in the United States. 

1982 – Cal Ripken Jr. makes the first of his record 2,216 consecutive MLB starts at shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles.

Kenneth H. McKee

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, June 30th, 2024 at 7:07 pm CDT

Kenneth H. McKee, 78, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

A memorial gathering will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Private burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Corning, Iowa. Memorials may be made to Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation.

Ken was born January 15, 1946 in Creston, Iowa, the son of Richard and Della (Bickford) McKee. He married Joan Bauman, December 23, 1964 in Corning, Iowa.

Ken worked for various foundries beginning in 1967 and retired from Performance Pipe Plastics in 2011. He collected toy farm equipment, trains, cowboy memorabilia, and comic books. Ken enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels in his yard. He had volunteered during the summer at the American Gothic House, beginning in 2017.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Joan; children, Richard (Amy) McKee of Enterprise, Alabama, Pamela (Mark) Kirik of Medina, Ohio, Ken (Rowen) McKee of Richland, and James (Melissa) McKee of Cameron, North Carolina; twelve grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren; and his brother, Mike (Kathy) Eddy of Fairfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Maxine, Wilma, and Vicki; and brother, Vernon.

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

 

Cindy Sue Stout Davisson

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, June 30th, 2024 at 7:00 pm CDT

Cindy Sue Stout Davisson, 74, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of Danville, died Friday, June 28, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City.  She was born December 6, 1949 in Batavia, Iowa to Claude Jackson “Jack” and Fern Lucille Schlarbaum Stout.  She was a 1968 graduate of Danville High School and attended Burlington Beauty Academy.  Cindy worked at Square D in Cedar Rapids and retired from Rockwell-Goss, all the while doing hair in her basement beauty shop.

She married Paul W. Davisson and they later divorced.  She was of the Methodist faith.  Cindy loved classical music and played the piano, organ and drums. She loved animals and adopted several unadoptable animals; enjoyed reading, watching the news and reading newspapers, playing cards and electronic games and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Survivors include her son Michael John Davisson of Cedar Rapids; step-daughter Sarah Davisson, Sate Department; her twin sister Susie Stout (Ralph Graul) of Broad Run, Virginia; sister Mary Lee Zapor of Rockville, Maryland; and nieces Jennifer Grimley, Kim Sperling, Heather Brady, Amanda Davisson and Susan Davisson.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Gary Stout and sister Diane Stout.

The family will greet friends at Elliott Chapel, New London, on Wednesday, July 3, from 1:30 – 2:30 PM.  A graveside service for Ms. Davisson will follow at 3:00 PM at Long Creek Cemetery, rural Danville with Pastor David Mixon officiating.  A memorial has been established for unadoptable pets.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com

Sports, June 29th

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Baseball

All matchups last night were canceled due to weather. 

Central Lee will face off against Mediapolis on Monday, July 1st, at 5:30 pm at home. 

Van Buren County will take on Danville on Monday at 5:30 pm on the road. 

New London will face off against Burlington Notre Dame on Monday at 5:30 pm at home. 

Fairfield will take on Washington in a makeup game from June 13th at home at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, July 2nd.

Winfield-Mt. Union will compete against New London on Tuesday at 5:30 pm. 

West Burlington will square off against Burlington on Tuesday at 7 pm at the Grayhounds’ home stadium. 

Mt. Pleasant will face off against Mediapolis on Tuesday at 7:30 pm on the road. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm. 

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant will participate in the Rick Doran Classic today with games against Iowa City West and Independence.  

Winfield-Mt. Union had their matchup against Columbus postponed to July 3rd with first pitch at 5:30 pm. The Wolves will take on New London on Tuesday, July 2nd, at 5:30 pm on the road. 

WACO will travel to Louisa-Muscatine on Monday, July 1st, at 7 pm. 

New London will compete against Mt. Pleasant on Monday at 5:30 pm at home. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:15 pm. 

Danville will square off against Van Buren County on Monday at 7 pm at home.

Central Lee will face off against Mediapolis at home at 7 pm on Monday. 

West Burlington will host Van Buren County at 4 pm and Holy Trinity Catholic at 5:30 pm on Monday. 

Fairfield will take on Cardinal on Monday at 7 pm on the road. 

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 fell to the Jackson Rockabillys last night 11-6. Corey Boyette slapped a double and finished with two RBIs, tied with Skyler Agnew for the team high. The Bees will stay on the road to face off against the Cape Catfish tonight at 6:35 pm. 

The Clinton LumberKings competed in a doubleheader last night against the Normal CornBelters and fell in both games 10-0 in game one and 3-0 in game two. The LumberKings left 21 runners on base between the two contests. Clinton will host the O’Fallon Hoots tonight at 6:30 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1897 – The Chicago Colts established an MLB record for most runs scored in a game by one team as they mauled the Louisville Colonels, 36 – 7 at the West Side Grounds, Chicago.

1957 – US Open Women’s Golf, Winged Foot GC: Betsy Rawls wins when apparent champion Jackie Pung at 298 (+6) is disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard kept by playing partner Betty Jameson.

1986 – Sparky Anderson is the first to win 600 games as a manager in both leagues.

Mary Humiston

By Yorke Prough · Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at 5:49 am CDT

Mary Ann Humiston, 93, of Wapello passed away on Friday, June 28, 2024 at Good Samaritan Home in Ottumwa. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello. Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the First Presbyterian Church, Keck Memorial Library in Wapello, Wapello Fire and Rescue and Bethel Cemetery in Mary Ann’s name. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservices.com.

Mary Ann Thimmesch was born on November 21, 1930 in Allamakee County near Lansing, Iowa. The daughter of Joseph and Marie (Klegseth) Thimmesch. On March 22, 1952, Mary Ann was united in marriage to Harry Lee Humiston in Burlington. He preceded her in death, September of 1983. Mary Ann graduated from Burlington High School, attended many colleges for credits and received her bachelor’s degree from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant. Mary Ann began her teaching career in Morning Sun and then moved to Wapello Community Schools where she taught for more than 30 years, retiring in 1992. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wapello and Midwest Circle. She enjoyed golfing with her family, square dancing in her younger years, playing cards and bridge with her friends, cross-stitching, knitting and crocheting-making many beautiful items for family. She was a voracious reader, donating many books to the Wapello Library. She also enjoyed traveling, making it all over the United States and even enjoying a trip to Europe with her granddaughter. She always loved the mystery bus trips! Mary Ann never missed an opportunity to read about or discuss politics. She was an avid sports fan of all kind, especially enjoying watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports.

Mary Ann will be deeply missed by her children, James (Susan) Humiston of Wapello and David (Susan) Humiston of Salado, Texas; son-in-law, Rick McFarland of Ottumwa; grandchildren, Kara McFarland of Ottumwa, Iowa, Taren (Matt) Ferguson of Ottumwa, Iowa, Blair (Aundrea) Humiston of Wapello, Staci Humiston of Iowa City, Bryant Humiston of Austin, Texas and Erin (Andy) Warner of Austin, Texas and great-grandchildren, Lexi, Maya, Jayme, and Madison Ferguson of Ottumwa, Iowa, Jagger Humiston of Wapello, Iowa and Vivian and Elliott Warner of Austin, Texas; siblings, WJ “Tim” Thimmesch of Burlington, Junella Pitchelman of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Steve (Sarah) Thimmesch of Mechanicsville, Virginia and Wendell (Marj) Thimmesch of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harry; and daughter, Peggy McFarland.

Tax Talk: Legislators Discuss Taxes with Residents in Mount Pleasant on Friday

By Yorke Prough · Friday, June 28th, 2024 at 3:44 pm CDT

There was a legislative round table in Mount Pleasant at Access Energy Cooperative on Friday morning.

The topic of the day was taxes, and with State senator Adrian Dickey, Mark Lofgren, and Representative Taylor Collins, much discussion was had. Iowans for Tax Relief President, Chris Hagenow, believes that Iowans want relief from property taxes, and that they are “on the side of legislators who are taxing action to slow down out of control local government spending.”

According to Iowans for Tax Relief, Louisa County has increased property taxes collected by 16.7% for the coming fiscal year, which is the 17th highest increase across 99 counties in Iowa. Henry County has increased 1.3%, which makes it the 11th lowest.

The legislators seem to all agree that property tax bill 2.0 is in the works for the coming session, and that they will continue to try and lower property taxes across the state. Senator Dickey brought up spending and mentioned that some local government and schools are spending money on things that they shouldn’t.

Representative Collins told a story about two separate instances of knocking on a door and hearing from the people that they are considering a move because of how high the property taxes are where they live. Public safety and roads are the biggest concern to his constituents, according to Collins.

A constituent urged the legislators to made contact with the county supervisors outside of the office, as they are busy.  Another topic that was brought up multiple times was the possibility of consolidating county courthouses. Hagenow said that Iowa has more elected officials than any other state in the union, not just per capita.

Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchesta Special Performance During RAGBRAI

By Yorke Prough · Friday, June 28th, 2024 at 3:43 pm CDT

There is not shortage of entertainment planned for the RAGBRAI overnight stop in Mount Pleasant on July 26th, and one more option has been announced.

Friday, July 26th at 7:00 PM the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra presents their Symphonic Blast! concert under the direction of Musical Director Robert McConnell. This will take place in the Chapel Auditorium in Mount Pleasant.

SEISO will present classics by John Williams, John Philip Sousa, Igor Stravinsky, Elmer Bernstein and Edvard Grieg with music from Magnificent Seven, Jurassic Park, Carmen Suite No. 1, Firebird Suite, Stars and Stripes Forever, Peer Gynt Suite, and the 1812 Overture among others.  Admission is free.

If you have questions, please check our website for more info: www.seiso.us or contact the SEISO office by email at seiso@seiso.us.

 

Offer Your House to RAGBRAI Riders on July 26th

By Yorke Prough · Friday, June 28th, 2024 at 3:18 pm CDT

RAGBRAI is right around the corner, and with nearly 20,000 additional people coming to Mount Pleasant, gracious hosts are needed. Do you have a spare floor? Basement? Air mattress? If your answer is yes to any of those questions and you’d like to help the grateful riders, please email Lois at ljrteach@gmail.com for more information and specifics.