July 8th, 2024 – July 14th, 2024

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, July 7th, 2024 at 11:40 am CDT
07/08/24
Gretchen Liechty
07/08/24
Katelyn Allen
07/08/24
Les Roth
07/08/24
Grant Goody
07/08/24
Kadie & Evan Johannson *Anniversary
07/09/24
Natalie McDowell
07/10/24
Karmen Barker-Smith
07/10/24
Judy Cash
07/10/24
Alice Fitzpatrick
07/11/24
Misty Burns
07/11/24
Susie Clark
07/11/24
Randy Coleman
07/12/24
Benjamin Millard
07/13/24
Crystee Stigge
07/13/24
Jay & Carrie Coble *Anniversary
07/13/24
Richard and Phyllis McGohan *60th Anniversary

Prep Baseball: Pitching Shines in Postseason Play

By Slaten Swords · Sunday, July 7th, 2024 at 1:10 am CDT

Prep Baseball- June has come and gone along with twenty or so regular season baseball games, leading the state of Iowa to dive into postseason play for Class 1A and Class 2A last night. Despite the temperate weather, pitching took center stage for the opening round.

Class 1A

Substate 6 District 11 witnessed New London and Danville travel to Keota for the Tigers to face off against Pekin and the Bears taking on the host team, the Eagles.

The first game of the night had New London jump on Pekin for three runs in the 2nd inning after a two-RBI double from the bat of Memphis Watson. Gavin Menke-Bailey started the game on the mound and picked up the win for the Tigers 3-0 to improve to 8-14 on the season.

The Tigers will stay on the road for the district 11 semifinals as they are set to take on Burlington Notre Dame on Tuesday, July 9th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call.

Cole Kindred’s five innings on the bump, allowing only three hits and one run while fanning seven led the charge for Keota’s 4-1 win over Danville last night as Blake Baker added three more Ks to the stat line in relief.

Danville finished the season with a 4-15 record as the Eagles will take on Moravia on the road on Tuesday.

District 12’s Lone Tree upset Highland 9-3, while Hillcrest Academy snuck past HLV 5-4, and BGM took down Wapello 5-3.

Class 2A

KILJ’s double feature in Mediapolis starred four teams and two matchups for Substate 5 District 10: Winfield-Mt. Union versus Louisa-Muscatine and Mediapolis versus West Burlington.

Game one was a rematch of last year’s first round matchup where the Wolves pulled off the upset to win their first postseason game since 2020. This season it was Winfield-Mt. Union who entered as the favorite attempting to beat Louisa-Muscatine for the third time.

Winfield-Mt. Union’s Trevor Phillips was given the ball for the start and for head coach Nick Swanson it was his ace up his sleeve,

“Yeah, I’ve been saying it all year. Trevor Phillips is probably one of the better kids in the state. If he can throw strikes and that’s not a knock to him, it really isn’t. But when he throws strikes, he is dangerous…”

He was dangerous to say the least, allowing only one run on one hit in six innings of work. Additionally, the sophomore fanned 10 Falcons on the night; however, five walks and one hit batter was his only flaw of the night. Phillips also brough his bat with an RBI single in the first inning putting the Wolves on the board first.

Cole Milks added an RBI double and Tyson Kaalberg finished with an RBI himself as the Wolves exited with the 4-1 victory. Hayden Cantrell had the lone hit and RBI for Louisa-Muscatine as they finished with a 5-16 record.

The Wolves will now face off against Anamosa on Tuesday at 7 pm on the road. Coach Swanson talked about his team’s focus heading into the matchup,

“Yeah, just doing the little things. It’s kind of like our approach all year. You know, we want to make sure that we do the little things right, you know. We throw strikes. We make them earn it. You know, I’m a firm believer in, you know, baseball, anything can happen. So, we’re definitely going to be ready to go.”

Mediapolis gave the home crowd something to cheer about in game two with the Bulldogs taking on West Burlington. Lance Ludens and Max Griffin combined for a near perfect game with an error providing the only blemish against the Bulldogs, defeating the Falcons 8-0.

Officially, Ludens went 5.1 innings, tallying seven strikeouts, while Griffin finished the game with two strikeouts. On offense, Ludens got the game rolling with a two-RBI triple that he attempted to extend into an inside-the-park home run.

Kyler Crow knocked in two runs off his own triple in the sixth inning. West Burlington finished the season with a 7-14 record. The Bulldogs will also make the trip to Anamosa to take on Mid-Prairie at 5 pm on Tuesday with the winner advancing to the district 10 championship.

Lastly, we look to Substate 6 District 12 where Van Buren County made the trip to Central Lee. The Warriors were tasked to take on Cardinal in the opening round and held a one-run lead briefly, but Cardinal responded by scoring eight runs in the first four innings. The Comets surrendered a run, but eventually won 8-2.

Van Buren County ended the season with an 8-17 record, while Cardinal advanced to take on Interstate 35 on Tuesday at 7 pm.

On the bottom half of the bracket, Central Lee exploded for five runs in the third inning to take a 5 to 3 lead and never looked back, winning 8-4 over Centerville. Brayden Wyrick finished with a double on two hits and two RBIs. Cory Jones led the team with three RBIs as he smacked a triple for the Hawks.

Central Lee will hit the road to compete against Pleasantville on Tuesday at 7 pm at Pleasantville.

Class 3A and Class 4A will begin their postseason matchups on Friday, July 12th, at 7 pm. KILJ will be on the call as Mt. Pleasant hosts Fort Madison for Class 3A Substate 5.

Sports, July 6th

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

High School Baseball

Fairfield lost to Solon last night 5-1. Luke Konczal blasted a solo home run for the Trojans. Fairfield will take on Pella on Monday, July 8th, at 7:30 pm for their  final game of the regular season.

Mt. Pleasant will face off against Davenport Central on Monday at 7 pm at home. 

High School Postseason Baseball

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

Danville will square off against Keota at 7 pm tonight 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 tonight 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 tonight at home against Centerville at 7 pm. 

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

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant fell to Burlington last night 11-0. 

West Burlington split their doubleheader last night, losing game one 3-2  in extra innings and taking game two 9-1. Logan Kelley smacked a two-run homer in game one, while Lauren Krieger and Madelyn Thomas both went deep in game two. The Falcons will take on Burlington on Monday, July 8th, in a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm. 

Fairfield will face off against Ottumwa today at 12:30 pm on the road. 

Central Lee 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 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. 

For Class 4A Region 8, Mt. Pleasant will travel to Central DeWitt on Thursday, July 11th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. The winner of the matchup will face off against Burlington in the semifinals.  

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

In the rubber match of their three-game series, the Clinton LumberKings clobbered the Burlington Bees 11-3. Bryce Brown injected early excitement into the game with a two-run homer for the Bees, but the offense struggled to produce. The LumberKings toed the line of aggressive yet patient offense, tabbing 12 hits and walking eight times. Karson Grout and James Hackett each finished with two RBIs. 

The Burlington Bees will stay at home to face off against the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes at 6:30 pm tonight.

The LumberKings will resume a rain-out game against the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp today, leading 2-0 in the bottom of the 3rd inning. The two will play a full game after the conclusion of game one. 

This Day in Sports History

1887 – Wimbledon Women’s Tennis: Lottie Dodd becomes the youngest ever Wimbledon champion (15 years, 285 days); she beats Blanche Bingley 6-2, 6-0.

1956 – MLB Commissioner Ford Frick inaugurates the Cy Young Award, to honor baseball’s outstanding pitcher of the season.

1980 – MLB Philadelphia Phillies starter Steve Carlton fans seven Cardinals to reach 2,836 strikeouts, the most by a left-handed pitcher in MLB history at the time. Later passed by Randy Johnson.

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.