David Curtis

By Yorke Prough · Monday, June 24th, 2024 at 4:05 pm CDT

David A. Curtis, 84, of Mt. Pleasant drove to his final destination on Saturday June 22, 2024 from Bickford of Burlington.

David was born in Decatur, Illinois, and was a navy Vietnam veteran. He drove semi-trucks for 30 years, 23 of them for Walmart Transportation out of Mt. Pleasant. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and watching car and motorcycle racing on tv.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda; son, Peter, daughter Mandy, and grandaughter Amelia.

David was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and brother.

According to his wishes no service will be held and cremation has been entrusted to the care of Iowa Cremation. Online condolences may be sent to www.IowaCremation.com

One Dead After Arson in Ottumwa

By Yorke Prough · Monday, June 24th, 2024 at 10:23 am CDT
On June 23, 2024, at approximately 3:32 a.m., the Ottumwa Police Department received a 911 call regarding a structure fire at 220 W. 5th, Ottumwa. It was reported that people were still inside the residence during the initial call to dispatch. Ottumwa Fire Department and Police Department personnel both responded to the incident.
The investigation into this incident determined that someone had caused the fire inside of the apartment building. Two persons were present inside the structure when the fire was discovered. One person escaped the fire through a third floor window and the other person did not escape and died as a result of this incident.
The victim was identified as Ernest James Wilson, age 59, of 220 W. 5th, Apartment 4. A suspect was identified and later found by police.
At 9:10 a.m., the Ottumwa Police Department arrested Ashley Dawn Lankford, age 31, of Ottumwa with Arson 1st Degree, a Class “B” Felony.
This incident remains under investigation by the Ottumwa Police Department, the Ottumwa Fire Department, and the State Fire Marshall’s Office for the State of Iowa.
Lankford is being held in the Wapello County Jail with no bond.
**ADDITIONAL CHARGES**

On June 24, 2024 at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Ottumwa Police Department filed additional charges on Ashley Dawn Lankford. Lankford was charged with the following new offenses:
• Murder 1st Degree, a Class “A” Felony
• Attempt to Commit Murder, a Class “B” Felony
• Criminal Mischief, 1st Degree, a Class “C” Felony
• Animal Abuse- Causing Death, an Aggravated Misdemeanor
This incident remains under investigation by the Ottumwa Police Department, the Ottumwa Fire Department, and the State Fire Marshall’s Office for the State of Iowa.
Lankford is being held in the Wapello County Jail with bail set at $1,000,000 cash.
Please note the following pursuant to recent Supreme Court rulings: “A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”

Much Needed Cooler Temperatures Moving in Later This Week

By Yorke Prough · Monday, June 24th, 2024 at 9:50 am CDT

It will be another hot start to the week, especially throughout today with triple digit heat index readings possible in our area. Highs will be in the 90s, and with high humidity, expect a very hot day. There is a slight risk for some storms to become severe after midnight, with damaging winds and large hail.

Thankfully, cooler weather is on it’s way. Highs in the mid to low 80s, Wednesday through Saturday, with increasing chances of rain.

If you plan to spend time outdoors this afternoon and evening, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and take frequent breaks in shaded areas or in an air conditioned building. Also, be sure to look before you lock! Don`t leave your pets or kids in parked vehicles.

 

Henry County Home to Many Great Parks

By Yorke Prough · Monday, June 24th, 2024 at 9:47 am CDT

Summer is here and hopefully that means kids are getting along together at home and spending quality time with one another. If that’s not the case, consider taking them to one of our many places in Henry County that will let them burn off all their energy for free.

Mount Pleasant is home to Cranes Pond, East Lake park, Mapleleaf, and recreational trails, if you think a long walk might be what they need. Maybe teach them a new game in pickleball, which you can do for free at the courts at the Middle School.

Wayland has a ball field, as well as an outdoor track at the high school. If you’re in Salem, check out the ball fields on East School Street. The Winfield-Mt.Union school has a disc golf course, playground, and outdoor track, while the activity park 110 N Olive St has sand volleyball, horeshoes, a gaga ball pit, and more. The city park has ADA playground equipment, a gazebo, and walking path.

Rural Henry County has multiple parks and trails, such as the Trenton City Park, Olds park, and even Geode State Park.

Get your kids out of the house this summer and teach them about the real joys in life, which they can find right here in Henry County.

Iowa DNR Urges Iowans to Stay Out of Streams Amid Flooding

By Yorke Prough · Monday, June 24th, 2024 at 9:46 am CDT

Following heavy rainfall throughout Northern Iowa, the DNR encourages Iowans to stay out of streams until the waters recede. Heavy rain has inundated several areas of Iowa and led to multiple wastewater discharges, flooded waterways in northwest Iowa, and park closures across the state.

The DNR Field Office in Spencer was notified early this morning of several wastewater bypasses and animal feeding operation discharges in Lyon, Sioux, Dickinson, O’Brien, Osceola, and Clay counties. Currently, the department is unaware of impacts to municipal drinking water supplies or fish kills. DNR staff will continue to monitor these situations and assist impacted communities.

Heavy rainfall can overload wastewater collection systems and underground sewer pipes carrying sewage to a treatment plant. With sewage pipes overwhelmed, excess water has nowhere to go and can back up into basements through floor drains. Bypassing can lower the water level and alleviate pressure in the collection system, keeping sewage from backing up into basements, which could present health risks.

Due to heavy rainfall, rivers and lakes in Northern Iowa are unsafe for swimming or boating. Fast currents, floating debris, hidden obstacles, and the potential of bacteria make these areas dangerous. Boaters and paddlers should plan ahead as additional areas may become unsafe as flood waters move downstream.

Sports, June 24th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, June 24th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Baseball

Danville and Hillcrest Academy were locked in a contentious weekend matchup until the Ravens pushed across eight runs in the 4th inning to secure a mercy-rule win 12-2. Noah Horn and Jaden Bauer each notched an RBI for the Bears.

Danville will take on Wapello tonight at 7 pm. 

Burlington Notre Dame’s late surge led to a 3-1 victory over Burlington over the weekend. Isaiah Crow had a game-high two RBIs. The Nikes will square off against Danville tomorrow, June 25th, at home at 5:30 pm. 

Van Buren County traveled to Moravia over the weekend to compete against the host team and North Mahaska. The Warriors fell to the Mohawks in game one 8-1. Izaak Loeffler tabbed a double in the contest. 

Game two featured a balancing act on the scoreboard as Van Buren County scored one run an inning through the first three frames to lead 3 to 0; North Mahaska answered by scoring a run an inning in the next three frames to tie the game at 3. It took an extra inning before the Warriors pushed across the winning run to take the game 4-3. Lucas Fett finished with an RBI off of two doubles. 

Van Buren County will host Hillcrest Academy tonight at 5:30 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant will square off against Fort Madison tonight at home in a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:15 pm. 

Fairfield will travel to Keokuk tonight for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm. 

Central Lee will take on Pekin tonight at 4 pm at the Field of Dreams. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will square off against Mediapolis tonight at 5:30 pm on the road. 

New London will look to get back in the win column tonight against Highland at 5:30 pm at home. 

West Burlington will host Lone Tree tonight at 5:30 pm. 

High School Softball

Fairfield finished up their weekend slate of games at Solon, capturing a 6-4 win over the Spartans but losing 11-3 to Williamsburg. The Hollanders led the charge in the win with Savannah tabbing two RBIs and scoring three runs while Olivia brought home a run. Lilly Bergren and Faith Jones notched the RBIs in the loss. 

Fairfield will travel to Keokuk tonight for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm. 

Danville fell to Hillcrest Academy over the weekend 14-5. The Bears will take on Wapello at home tonight at 7 pm. 

Mediapolis will face off against Winfield-Mt. Union tonight at home at 6 pm. 

West Burlington will face off against Lone Tree tonight at 7 pm at home. 

New London will take on Highland tonight at home at 7 pm. 

Central Lee will host Pekin tonight at 7 pm. 

Van Buren County will compete against Columbus tonight at 7 pm at home. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Hillcrest Academy tonight at 5:30 pm at home. 

Mt. Pleasant will host Fort Madison tonight for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm. 

WACO will travel to Lone Tree tomorrow, June 25th, at 6 pm. 

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 struggled in their weekend homestand, losing 12-7 to the Alton River Dragons and 17-6 to the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp. Cooper Donlin led the Bees with three RBIs over the weekend. Burlington will hit the road to face off against the Cape Catfish tomorrow, June 25th, at 6:35 pm. 

The Clinton LumberKings swept the weekend, defeating the Catfish 6-5 and the Lafayette Aviators 9-6 last night. Clay Jacobs finished the weekend with three RBIs. The LumberKings will take on the Aviators today on the road. 

This Day in Sports History

1922 – NFL club Chicago Staleys renamed itself the Chicago Bears by team founder, owner and head coach George Halas.

2010 – In the longest match in tennis history, John Isner defeats Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon after 11 hours and 5 minutes of play over 3 days.

2017 – World record for highest altitude football match ever played at 18,799ft on Mount Kilimanjaro by Volcano FC and Glacier FC; the game was put on to raise awareness and highlight the inequality between male and female sports.

June 24, 2024 – June 30, 2024

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 at 4:19 pm CDT
06/24/24
Paul Dennison
06/24/24
Charles Allen
6/24/24
Kayden Kinney
06/24/24
Brooke McClellan
06/24/24
Jennifer Rode
06/25/24
MIchael Borders
06/25/24
Joyce Hanks
06/25/24
Jeffrey Rauenbuehler
06/25/24
Grace Sammons
06/26/24
Richard McCabe
06/26/24
Serie Welcher
06/27/24
Donovan Arledge
06/27/24
Jordyn Dingman
06/27/24
Amy Frantz
06/27/24
Ashley Lohmann
06/27/24
Jim Miller
06/27/24
Jeffrey Wick
06/28/24
Rebecca Kauffman
06/28/24
Randy & Susan Hervey *Anniversary-10th
06/28/24
Deb Goodlaxson
06/29/24
Megan Griffen
06/29/24
Emily Wibstad
06/29/24
Betty Miller
06/29/24
Erin & Jim Folker *Anniversary- 33rd
06/30/24
JoAnn Corell
06/30/24
Judy & Ben Bower *Anniversary

Sports, June 22nd

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Baseball

Fairfield handled Albia last night 16-8. The Trojans will travel to Keokuk on Monday for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm. 

Central Lee demolished Danville last night 20-0. Blake Davis slugged a triple and totaled four RBIs in the win for the Hawks. Central Lee will take on Pekin on Monday, June 24th, at 4 pm at the Field of Dreams. 

Danville will face off against Hillcrest Academy today at 10 am on the road. 

Burlington Notre Dame defeated Mediapolis last night 11-0. The Nikes will be the road team tonight in their matchup against Burlington at 7 pm. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will square off against Mediapolis on Monday at 5:30 pm on the road. 

West Burlington’s offense could not stop scoring last night as the Falcons defeated New London 15-7. Caleb Bush brought home three runs for the Falcons in the win. 

New London will look to get back in the win column on Monday against Highland at 5:30 pm at home. 

West Burlington will host Lone Tree on Monday at 5:30 pm. 

Van Buren County will compete at the Moravia Triangular today at 10 am. 

Mt. Pleasant will square off against Fort Madison on Monday at home in a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:15 pm. 

High School Softball

WACO lost to Hillcrest Academy last night 18-5. WACO will travel to Lone Tree on Tuesday, June 25th, at 6 pm. 

Winfield-Mt. Union fell to Louisa-Muscatine last night 12-0. Mediapolis will face off against Winfield-Mt. Union on Monday, June 24th, at home at 6 pm. 

Fairfield traveled to Clear Creek Amana yesterday to compete in a tournament, splitting their two matchups. Game one saw Lilly Bergren tab two RBIs to help the Trojans take down Regina Catholic 3-1, while Laney Norris notched five strikeouts in the win. 

The host team would bring a 10-0 beatdown of Fairfield in game two as Savannah Hollander managed the only hit for the Trojans. Fairfield will continue their play in the tournament with matchups against Solon and Williamsburg today. 

West Burlington’s offense ended their matchup against New London after four innings with a 12-0 for the Falcons. Lauren Krieger slashed three singles and totaled two RBIs with Madelyn Thomas smacking a home run for three RBIs in the winning effort. 

West Burlington will face off against Lone Tree on Monday at 7 pm at home. 

New London will take on Highland on Monday at home at 7 pm. 

Danville will square off against Hillcrest Academy today on the road. 

Central Lee will host Pekin on Monday at 7 pm. 

Van Buren County will compete against Columbus on Monday at 7 pm at home. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Hillcrest Academy on Monday at 5:30 pm at home. 

Mt. Pleasant will host Fort Madison on Monday for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm. 

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 narrowly fell to the Normal CornBelters last night 7-6. Cooper Donlin finished 2 for 4 with an RBI for the Bees. Burlington will host the Alton River Dragons tonight at 6:30 pm. 

The Clinton LumberKings lost to the Cape Catfish last night 7-4. Karson Grout led the LumberKings with two RBIs. Clinton will attempt to get their revenge tonight against the Catfish at 6:30 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1889 – The Louisville Colonels set an MLB record with their 26th consecutive loss. A record that still stands today. 

1981 – John McEnroe screams his famous ‘You cannot be serious’ rant in his first round win over Tom Gullikson at Wimbledon. 

2016 – NHL owners unanimously approve the Las Vegas expansion bid to start play in the 2017-18 season.