Henry County Heritage Trust Monthly Meeting Report

By Yorke Prough · Friday, June 28th, 2024 at 8:56 am CDT
David Gates presented with a quilt of valor

“Henry County Heritage Trust (HCHT) held its monthly meeting on June 26, 2024, at the museum in Mount Pleasant.  The meeting began with a surprise, as board member David Gates was presented a Quilt of Valor.

After the approval of minutes and finance reports, a recap of HCHT’s participation in the Preserve Iowa Summit was discussed.  Special open hours were offered, allowing tours of the Van Allen House and the IW Archives Room, and several people took advantage of the opportunity.  More than 225 “Our Town” coffee mugs, donated by HCHT, were snatched up by summit attendees during the June 6-8 event.

We are pleased to announce that Spencer Barton will be working with HCHT for the upcoming year, serving not only as the knowledgeable archivist of our Iowa Wesleyan collection, but helping lead the cataloging and inventorying of the massive number of HCHT artifacts.  The IW Archives Room will continue to be open to the public for tours and research on Mondays, 10:00 to 2:00, and other times by special arrangement.

Along with the museum’s regular open hours on Saturdays, 1:00-4:00, the Van Allen House will now also be open for touring.  Susan Loescher will host.

Ray Wilson, from the Southeast Iowa Civil War Roundtable, will give a July 20 program on “How to Search for your Civil War Ancestors”.  Upcoming summer programs include Joel Garretson speaking on the “Garretson Heritage Farm,” and Dennis White sharing his knowledge about, “Native American Artifacts of Henry County.”

Recent donations include several MPHS pennants, dating to the early 1900s.  Sally Babinat, descendant of Henry Clay Dean, will be visiting in July, offering memorabilia from the Rebel’s Cove Historical Society.

The meeting adjourned for members to help set up the Events Room, in preparation for the June 29 program, “19th Century Photography”, with David Van Allen and Haven Noble presenting.”

The next scheduled HCHT board meeting will be Wednesday, July 24, 10:00 AM at the Henry County Heritage Center Museum, 403 West Madison Street.  The public is invited.

Henry County Supervisors Meeting Report 06/27

By Yorke Prough · Friday, June 28th, 2024 at 8:25 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning for their weekly meeting where engineer Jake Hotchkiss presented the open fuel bids for FY25. The department reached out to five companies for bids and received and accepted one from Cobb Oil Company. Hotchkiss also reported W55 will be closed from 275th North to 260th Street for 2 more weeks due to construction. Additionally, the supervisors approved a resolution for Iowa Bridge and Culvert to replace the Nebraska Avenue Bride for roughly $772,000.

Kelly Carr from Henry County Health Center spoke about the importance of Healthy Henry County Communities. Currently, they have information on two websites: the county’s website and another one specifically for Healthy Henry County Communities. Supervisor Marc Lindeen questioned the need for this second website and redundancy. Carr reiterated this site’s importance saying it provides a wealth of information about prevention and intervention that could not be put on the other site due to a lack of space. Also, she does not have access to the county website to update.The conversation wrapped up naturally when Carr stated that she wished the supervisors would have contacted her before this meeting, rather than her finding out through the agenda. Lindeen made clear that discussions about public health and Healthy Henry County Communities will be ongoing.

The next board of supervisors meeting will be Wednesday, July 3rd due to the 4th being a holiday.

 

*This article was written and compiled by Maggie Fitzpatrick*

16 Year Old Girl Taken to U of I Hospital and Clinics Following Collision

By Yorke Prough · Friday, June 28th, 2024 at 8:21 am CDT

There was a head on vehicle collision in Des Moines County which involved a vehicle with two teenagers inside.

47-year-old Nicholas McGrane of Burlington, operating a SUV, was traveling westbound on Mason Road when attempting to traverse a curve. The second vehicle, a sedan driven by a 16-year-old girl, with an 18-year-old passenger, both from Middletown, were driving the same curve. According to the Iowa State Patrol, the first vehicle crossed the center line and struck the vehicle with teenagers nearly head on. Both vehicles came to rest south of the roadway and west of the point of the impact. The incident remains under investigation.

John McGrane was transported to Southeast Iowa Regional medical center by Burlington fire. One teenage girl was taken to the same place by Burlington fire, while the 16-year-old driver was taken to the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics by Med Force.

44 Year Old Sentenced to 20 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute 400lbs of Ice Methamphetamine

By Yorke Prough · Friday, June 28th, 2024 at 8:18 am CDT

A Burlington man was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for unlawful possession of firearms.

According to public court documents, Jimmie Willis, 44, and others, conspired to bring over 400 pounds of ice methamphetamine to Burlington, Iowa. Willis also unlawfully possessed numerous firearms related to his drug trafficking activities.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Willis will be required to serve 5 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

Sports, June 28th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, June 28th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Baseball

Central Lee extended their win streak to six after defeating Van Buren County last night 5-0. Blake Davis picked up the win on the mound, pitching six innings while allowing only one hit and striking out 11. At the plate Davis grabbed two RBIs. Izaak Loeffler had the lone hit for the Warriors. 

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 and Lisbon went down to the wire but the Tigers ended up just short last night, losing 16-15. Gage Burden led the Tigers with a 4 for 4 performance that included a double and four RBIs. 

Danville versus New London has been canceled tonight due to weather.

Fairfield completed the sweep of Keokuk last night with a 10-0 victory. Tallon Bates and Luke Konczal each nabbed two RBIs in the victory as Nate Konczal picked up the victory on the mound, allowing only one hit and striking out three. Fairfield’s contest scheduled for tonight in Knoxville has been canceled. 

Winfield-Mt. Union’s Trevor Phillips was the ultimate two-way player last night, striking out 10 batters in five innings of work while knocking in two runs to defeat Highland 4-2. The Wolves will compete against New London on Tuesday, July 2nd, at 5:30 pm. 

Mediapolis took down Alburnett last night 6-2. West Burlington versus Mediapolis has been canceled for tonight. 

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 attempted to spoil Fort Madison’s senior night last night; however, it was the seniors and their bats that got the job done for the Bloodhounds, winning 9-0. Elle Ruble led the charge with a home run and three RBIs. Additionally, Lauryn Helmick and Lexie Whaley each nabbed two RBIs. Linzey Striegel captured two singles for the Panthers. 

Holy Trinity Catholic versus Mt. Pleasant has been canceled for tonight due to weather. 

Winfield-Mt. Union fell to Highland last night 11-0. 

Winfield-Mt. Union versus Columbus has been postponed to July 3rd with game time at 5:30 pm.

WACO lost to Pekin last night 22-10. The Warriors will travel to Louisa-Muscatine on Monday, July 1st, at 7 pm. 

West Burlington versus Mediapolis has been canceled for tonight. 

Danville versus New London has been canceled tonight due to weather.

Central Lee had their Rick Doran Classic matchups canceled for today due to weather.

Van Buren County will square off against West Burlington on Monday at 4 pm on the road. 

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 could not keep up with the Jackson Rockabillys’ offense last night, losing 8-4. Landon Akers, Corey Boyette, and Merrick Mathews each tabbed an RBI in the loss. The Bees will stay on the road to take on the Rockabillys tonight at 7 pm. 

The Clinton LumberKings handled the Normal CornBelters last night 12-7. Ben Swails and Cougar Cooke both went deep as Swails led the squad with three RBIs. The LumberKings will compete against the CornBelters tonight in a road doubleheader with game one at 5 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1975 – Reigning PGA Championship winner Lee Trevino and playing partners Jerry Heard, Bobby Nichols, Jim Ahern and Tony Jacklin are struck by lightning at Western Open; suffer minor burns. 

1993 – Carlton Fisk is released by the Chicago White Sox as the then all-time leader of most games caught and most home runs by a catcher. 

2023 – New York Yankees’ pitcher Domingo Germán throws the 24th perfect game in MLB history and the first since 2012 in a 11-0 win over the Oakland A’s.

Washington Police Chief Thanks Community for Help in Arrest

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, June 27th, 2024 at 3:28 pm CDT

An arrest has been made in burglaries that occurred in Washington between June 4th and June 9th.

Colton Lane Pategas, age 25, of Davenport has been charged with five counts of Burglary Third Degree for burglaries that occurred different restaurants and stores in the area.

The Washington Chief of Police credits the community, as tips were sent in after the PD posted photos on social media.

Pategas was arrested by the Washington Police Department on June 25 and is being held in the Washington County Jail on a $30,000 cash only bond.

Herbert Davison

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, June 27th, 2024 at 11:06 am CDT

Herbert L. “Herb” Davison, 91, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 11:42 a.m. Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Arbor Court in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.

He was born on March 30, 1933, in Liberty, Iowa, the son of Jesse O. and Pansy M. (Huss) Davison. On September 4, 1955, he married Alice Mae Anna Windom in Malvern, Iowa. She preceded him in death on October 11, 1922.

Survivors include his three daughters: Pamela Jo (Steven) Hennefent, Julie (Larry) Mohr, Amy (Rod Stone) Reid; seven grandchildren: Lucas (Kelly) Bennett, Nathan (Shawna) Bennett, John Larson, Mary Larson, Kelli Larson, Alice (Joe Cook) Reid, Cora Reid; ten great grandchildren; sister: Alice Woods. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Alice; brothers: Vern, Glen, Keith; sisters: Lucille Beasley, Donna Davison; sisters-in-law: Phyllis Davison, Darlene Davison; brothers-in-law: Everette Woods, John Beasley; nephews: Leland and Roger Beasley and Lester Davison.

Herb was a 1951 graduate of Osceola High School and a 1960 graduate of Iowa State University. He worked for the Department of U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service. He was a member of Embury United Methodist Church, George Washington Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. #618 and Gillaspey-Moodie Donnellson American Legion Post #474.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

A Masonic service will be held at 11:00 a.m. by the George Washington Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. #618. A memorial service will follow the Masonic service with Mark Philp officiating. the services will conclude with a flag presentation by the Gillaspey-Moodie Donnellson American Legion Post #474.

Burial will be held Monday, July 1, 2024, at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk.

A memorial has been established in his memory for Every Step Hospice.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

 

Prep Baseball: Postseason Assignments for Class 3A and Class 4A

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, June 27th, 2024 at 10:47 am CDT

Prep Baseball- The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) released the brackets for Class 3A and Class 4A. The brackets for Classes 1A and 2A were released last week. Here’s our local matchups and a bit of insight into the contests. The first round is July 12th at 7 pm with the semifinals taking place on July 15th.

Class 3A

The Southeast Conference runs Substate 5 with five of the six clubs competing in this bracket with two conference matchups to kick off the postseason.

At the top of the bracket, Washington will have to make a road trip to #6 Central DeWitt. The Sabers are the top seeded team for the Substate, but the Demons are no stranger to pulling off an upset with a conference victory over Fairfield midway through the season.

Players to Watch: Caleb Zieglowsky (Washington) and Jacob Maher (Central DeWitt)

The winner of that contest will face off against the winner between Fort Madison and Mt. Pleasant with the Panthers acting as host. Mt. Pleasant has won the past three matchups against the Bloodhounds by a combined score of 36 to 3 at Mapleleaf.

Players to Watch: Ben Newton (Mt. Pleasant) and Luke Hellige (Fort Madison)

On the bottom half of the bracket, Assumption will host Davis County at Iowa City High with the winner advancing to the semifinals.

Waiting for them in the semifinals will be either Fairfield or Keokuk as the Trojans will host the Chiefs in the first round. Of their last 10 matchups, Fairfield is 8-2, including a five-game winning streak over the Chiefs with a run differential of +34.

Players to Watch: Brenton Hoard (Keokuk) and Dain Burkhart (Fairfield)

Class 4A

The last of our local teams will be in Substate 8 with Burlington taking on #10 Davenport North in a road matchup. The series has been even between these two schools with the largest deficit in the past five games being four runs.

Unfortunately, that loss came this year against the Grayhounds, 6-2, after they had won the previous four matchups.

Players to Watch: Christos Kantzavelos (Burlington) and Brandon Bea (Davenport North)

If you would like to see the matchups for Class 1A and Class 2A, then follow this link: Classes 1A and 2A Postseason Brackets