Seanne Marie West

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, July 11th, 2024 at 11:02 pm CDT

Seanne Marie West, 59, of Sperry, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City surrounded by her family. Born on November 12, 1964, she was the daughter of James C. Hausner and Janet A. Bell. Seanne was a graduate of Danville High School. She married Kirk Loeffler and of this union they had a daughter; they later divorced.  Seanne later married Frederick C. West Jr. and of this union two daughters were born; they divorced. For the last 31 years Seanne has spent her life happily with her husband, Walter D. West, gaining two bonus daughters.

Seanne enjoyed working outdoors caring for her garden and yard; her home was her pride and joy. Seanne spent many summers camping with Wally and her children. For 14 years Seanne spent winters in Everglades City, Florida as the beach was a happy place for her. She didn’t know a stranger and was often teased by Wally for smiling in public because they could never get out of a public place as she would end up talking to people, whether she knew them or not. Seanne loved her children, bonus children, and grandchildren more than life itself. Her favorite times were gatherings with all of her grandchildren together at once. Seanne and Wally lived in Sperry, Iowa in their little heaven on Earth, with their dog, Jack; kittens, Bo and Luke; and most recent addition of chickens. Seanne wanted chickens for a long time, and just like every other dream she had, Wally made that happen for her.

Seanne was preceded in death by her mother, Janet (Robert) Bell; father, James Hausner; maternal grandparents, George and Margaret Besco; and paternal grandparents, Alonzo and Madeline Hausner. She is survived by her husband, Walter of Sperry; dog, Jack; children, Jamie (Daniel) Pringle of Keota, Heidi (Cole) Musselman of Mediapolis, Kayla Harkless of Keosauqua, Whitney (Dan) Kinney of West Burlington, and Kaysie (Gabe) Burden of New London; grandchildren, Chloe, Skyler, and Aiden Pringle; Kaylee and Karter Calvin; Brantley Musselman; Bucannon and Logan Harkless; and Ava and Ari Kinney.

According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and a family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Citizens and Supervisors Come to Conclusion for Public Comments During Meetings

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, July 11th, 2024 at 11:19 am CDT

Citizens in attendance at the Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting on Thursday morning expressed their concerns about the public comment section on the agenda. In the past, citizens have seemingly been allowed to ask questions at any time of the meeting and respond back and forth with each other and those on the agenda. The agenda for Thursday’s meeting had the public comment section at the very beginning, before being put behind the Conservation Department update due to an appointment. Citizens spoke up, saying that the public comments section should not be before the presenters, as they often have questions over specific things said during the meeting.

Steven Giebelhausen, assistant County Attorney, addressed the issue at hand, mentioning that the Board of Supervisors meetings are for the board to get work done. If a citizen has a question that arose during the meeting, they can follow the person they wish to address outside of the meeting and ask it in private or send an email.  He also said that they are trying to run more efficient meetings.

One citizen spoke up, saying that allowing public comments only during a specific section makes it seem like they are trying to limit public input. Multiple attendees asked if the public comments section could be inserted at the end of the agenda instead, and it seems like that is what will happen from now on. It was made clear that if a “hot topic” were discussed at a meeting, additional time for public comments may be allowed.

The board also approved a motion to approve the transfer of four horses, which were subjected to neglect just outside of town. The four horses will be given to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, who has been caring for the animals. Sgt. Cargill and Deputy Kraft were acknowledged by the assistant county attorney for their help in this, as they got hold of the state veterinaries and brought in an expert.

The County Attorney’s Office also mentioned that monies have been recovered from a law firm that was paid for representation of the Sheriff’s Office in the past. A check has been received from the County with all funds previously paid to the law firm.

Strikeout! 75 Year Old Man Beats Fairfield Police Officer with Bat, Charged with Multiple Crimes

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, July 11th, 2024 at 8:50 am CDT

An officer with the Fairfield Police Department found himself in a peculiar situation on Saturday morning while he was on patrol in the 300 block of West Kirkwood Avenue. He observed a female who he knew to have an active warrant for her arrest.

What he didn’t know, is that he would soon be attacked. As he was attempting to take the female into custody for her warrant, a 75 year old made approached him from behind and struck him with a baseball bat.

A struggle ensued, with the officer ultimately winning, and as a result, 75 year old, Larry Bell of Fairfield, was arrested and charged with Assault on a Peace Officer, Going Armed with Intent, Interference with Official Acts, and Willful Injury. He was transported to the Jefferson County Correctional Center and being held on bond pending an initial court appearance.

Mount Pleasant Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda 07/18

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, July 11th, 2024 at 8:47 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Personnel & Finance Committee will meet Thursday, July 18th, 2024, at 9:00 AM at City Hall in the City Administrators’ Conference Room.

AGENDA

1. Call to order.
2. Discuss the Financing of a Columbarium at Forest Home Cemetery
3. Discuss Requirements for Public Works Director Position
4. Discuss Internet Service Provider for City Hall/Civic Center Building
5. Discuss Farm Ground Rent
6. Review Quotes from the Police Department for Cruiser
7. Discuss 5 Year Weapon Plan for the Police Department
8. Open Forum.
9. Adjourn.

Mount Pleasant Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda 07/16

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, July 11th, 2024 at 8:46 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Ordinance Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 16th, at
9:00 a.m. at City Hall in the City Administrators’ Conference Room.

AGENDA

1. Call to order.
2. Discuss Demolition of Residential Structures
3. Review Firework Ordinance
4. Discuss Amending the Schedule of Fines to Represent Current Trash Laws
5. Discuss Dangerous Animal Procedure
6. Discuss On Going Nuisances
7. Open forum
8. Adjourn

Two Lee County Youth Honored With Annual “Belt Buckle Award” at County Fair

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, July 11th, 2024 at 6:46 am CDT

KILJ Radio was able to make two special presentations at the Lee County Fair on Wednesday evening. Each year at this time, Brownfield Ag News sponsors the Ag Youth awards, and partnering with KILJ, they choose a young man and young woman to recognize them in their various accomplishments.

Our first recipient is Justin Snider! Justin has been in 4H for 9 years now and is a member of the Harrison Huskies 4H club. He recently graduated from Central Lee High School. He has been active in showing poultry, horses, goats, and sheep, throughout his 4H career.

Our second recipient is Haley Lampe! Haley has been a member of 4H for 12 years and has been club president of her Banner Farmers 4H club. She has also been the president of the Lee County Teen County Council. Haley was one of five students awarded the Lee County 4H scholarship. She graduated from Fort Madison High School and will be attending Iowa State University this fall to study Animal Science.

Both recipients received a Wal-Mart gift card for their 4H club, as well as a belt buckle. Congratulations once again to both Justin Snider and Haley Lampe!

New Queen Crowned at 2024 Lee County Fair Queen Contest

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, July 11th, 2024 at 6:44 am CDT

The 2024 Lee County Fair Queen was crowned yesterday evening at Iowa’s oldest county fair. Congratulations to Kylie Davidson, your 2024 Lee County Fair Queen! 1st runner up and miss Congeniality is Emily Mohrfield.

Julia Fraise is the Junior Fair Queen, and Emily Westermeier takes 1st runner up in the division.

The little Mr and little Miss are Easton Andrews and Ashyln Westermeier. Congratulations to all contestants, and thankyou to Hometown Veterinary Care for sponsoring the queen coverage.

Sports, July 11th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, July 11th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Postseason Baseball

In Class 1A Substate 6, New London and Burlington Notre Dame resumed their matchup from last night with the game tied at one in the bottom of the 2nd inning. The Nikes wasted no time breaking the tie and securing the 9-1 victory over the Tigers.

The Nikes showed off in every facet of the game with a double play defensively, numerous stolen bases, slugging, and pitching. Landry Haberichter led the squad with a couple of doubles and three RBIs. Memphis Watson had the lone RBI for the Tigers. Notre Dame’s head coach Chris Chiprez talked about his team’s effort after the game,

“New London’s, you know, they’re a good team and they’re going, they’re going to come and battle. And we knew that yesterday was a slow start for us, you know. I think we walked four guys in two innings. We had that air in center field that cost us. When we talked last night about hey, you need to come focus. Ready to play today did the same thing before we went out for infield outfield, talked about focus and, you know, I thought I thought they responded well, you know, they we had some snafu some plays that we didn’t make in the field early but I thought you know I thought our pitching did well tonight and our hitters, you know, they came through the second-half of the game.”

New London finished the season with an 8-15 record.

Burlington Notre Dame will host Moravia for the District 11 championship on Saturday, July 13th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

BGM and Sigourney will play on Saturday at 7 pm for the District 12 championship. 

In Class 2A Substate 5, Mediapolis will travel to Anamosa on Saturday at 7 pm. 

In Class 3A Substate 5, Mt. Pleasant will host Fort Madison tomorrow, July 12th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

Washington will travel to Central DeWitt tomorrow at 7 pm. 

Fairfield will host Keokuk tomorrow at 7 pm. 

In Class 4A Substate 8, Burlington will compete against Davenport North at 7 pm tomorrow on the road. 

High School Postseason Softball

For Class 1A Region 6, Winfield-Mt. Union shocked the Holy Trinity Catholic home crowd by taking a 5 to 1 lead into the 5th inning, but the Crusaders rumbled back to win 10-9 in extra innings to advance in the tournament. Makiah Lower went 4 for 5 and Josie Nelson finished with a triple for the Wolves, who ended the season with a 6-20 record.

Danville fell to Twin Cedars last night 10-0. The Bears finished the season with a 5-21 record. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Twin Cedars tomorrow, July 12th, at 7 pm on the road. 

For Class 2A Region 5, Van Buren County lost 12-1 to Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont last night. The Warriors finished the season with a 14-11 record. 

Class 3A Region 8, Central Lee will host Camanche tonight at 7 pm. 

West Burlington will compete against Mediapolis tonight at 7 pm at home. 

Washington will take on Midland tonight at 7 pm at home. 

In Class 4A Region 5, Keokuk will host Fort Madison tonight at 7 pm in a Southeast Conference matchup. 

For Class 4A Region 8, Mt. Pleasant will travel to Central DeWitt tonight 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

The Burlington Bees defeated the Thrillville Thrillbillies last night 6-2. Jace Figuereo and Keanu Spenser each totaled two RBIs in the win. The two will play tonight at Community Field in a rematch with first pitch at 6:30 pm. 

The Clinton LumberKings took on the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp last night in a doubleheader and was swept 11-10 in game one and 9-0 in game two. RJ Sherwood and James Hackett both crushed a home run and collected four RBIs in game one. The LumberKings will face off against the Normal CornBelters tonight at 6:30 pm at home. 

This Day in Sports History

1900 – Charlotte Cooper beats Hélène Prévost to become the first female Olympic tennis champion and the first individual female Olympic champion in any sport.

1914 – Future Baseball Hall of Fame slugger Babe Ruth makes his MLB debut as a pitcher for Boston Red Sox; earns a 4-3 win against the Cleveland Naps at Fenway Park.

1985 – Astros’ Nolan Ryan is the first to strike out 4000.