Sports, June 6th

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

High School Baseball

Van Buren County was defeated by Highland last night 5-3. Central Lee will host Van Buren County tonight at 5:30 pm. 

West Burlington was shutout by Hillcrest Academy last night 10-0. Brock Thuleen had the lone extra base hit for the Falcons with a double. Mason Helmuth notched two RBIs for the Ravens. The Falcons will face off against Mediapolis tomorrow, June 7th, at 5:30 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant will host Keokuk tonight at 7:30 pm. Head coach Brent Broeker knows the Panthers will be challenged at the plate,

“They got one arm left, so we’ll be, you know, we’re not. We’re not taking them lightly at all. And that was the kid to be Burlington. So, it’s nice that it’s at home and we won’t have to travel on Thursday. So, hopefully we can come out with that, that sweep of Keokuk.”

Winfield-Mt. Union will take on Highland tonight at 5:30 pm at home.

Fairfield will play Burlington tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

Danville will compete against BGM tonight at 5:30 pm at home. 

New London will hit the road to face off against Danville tomorrow, June 7th, at 5:30 pm. 

Burlington Notre Dame will travel to Fort Madison tomorrow at 7:30 pm. 

High School Softball

Winfield-Mt. Union defeated Holy Trinity Catholic last night 7-3. Quin Smith pitched the complete game for the Wolves allowing only three hits and three runs along with smacking a home run at the plate. The Wolves will take on Highland at home tonight at 5:30 pm. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will host Lone Tree on Monday, June 10th, at 5:30 pm. 

New London fell to Wapello last night 13-0. Ada Boysen threw six innings of shutout ball, notching 12 strikeouts for the Arrows. The Tigers will square off against Danville tomorrow, June 7th, at 7 pm. 

Danville lost to Louisa-Muscatine last night 12-2.  

Mediapolis grabbed the win over Columbus last night 13-5. Avery Crear, Payton Harris, Avalynn Prall, and Rachel Martin each knocked in two RBIs for the Bulldogs. Mediapolis will face off against West Burlington tomorrow at 7 pm at home. 

West Burlington clobbered Hillcrest Academy last night 15-2. Paige Kramer went a perfect 4 for 4 with five RBIs in the winning effort. 

WACO will take on Pekin tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

Central Lee will take on Van Buren County tonight at home at 7 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant will host Keokuk tonight at 7:30 pm. 

Fairfield will look to avoid the sweep against Burlington tonight at 7:30 pm on the road. 

High School Softball Rankings

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released their third set of rankings for the season and our three local teams remained ranked with two improving their position.

In Class 4A, Burlington kept their position from last week’s rankings of 11th after going 6-0 to start their season. The Grayhounds have outscored their opponents 38 to 1 as Saydee Plummer has thrown a no-hitter and two one-hitters so far this season while notching 62 strikeouts. Plummer also leads the team at the plate with a 0.444 average with two home runs and six RBIs. 

Class 3A saw Washington move up two spots in the rankings to 9th on the list. After dropping two tough matchups to #7 Assumption and Class 5A’s #14 Bettendorf, the Demons dominated Fort Madison by a combined score of 20 to 5. Washington boasts a team ERA of 2.24 and a team batting average of 0.392 with Leighton Salazar hitting 0.556 with 13 RBIs.

West Burlington also jumped up in the rankings to #14 in Class 3A. The Falcons are 9-0, having scored at least 10 runs in seven of their matchups. Shona Anderson leads the team with two home runs and 14 RBIs with a 0.480 batting average. 

High School Basketball

Pending board approval, Fairfield will have a new girls’ basketball head coach patrolling the sideline in the winter in Jerrod Belzer. With nearly a decade of experience as an assistant basketball coach, along with holding the head coach responsibilities for girls’ and boys’ cross country and girls’ track and field, Belzer’s coaching philosophy is expected to build up the Trojan tradition on the hardcourt. 

Belzer takes over the Trojan program that has had back-to-back losing seasons after nine consecutive winning seasons. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees were unable to stop the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp’s late surge, losing 8-7 after 10 innings. Reese Moore led the squad with three RBIs. The two will have their rematch tonight in Burlington at 6:30 pm. 

The Clinton LumberKings fell to the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes last night 8-7. Cougar Cooke slapped a home run and tabbed five RBis in the loss. The LumberKings will compete in a doubleheader tonight on the road against the O’Fallon Hoots. 

This Day in Sports History

1923 – Edgar Wallace became the first British radio sports reporter, when he made a report on The Derby for the British Broadcasting Company, the newly founded predecessor of the BBC.

1971 – Willie Mays hits all-time record 22nd extra inning home run. 

2018 – LeBron James eclipses Michael Jordan’s record (109) for most 30-point games in NBA playoff history in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 110-102 Game 3 Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Wendel Eugene Luko

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 at 8:57 pm CDT

Wendel Eugene Luko, 67, of New London, died Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loved ones.  He was born December 31, 1956 in Bloomfield to Robert Eugene and Merlene Maxine Guinn Luko.  On March 27, 1976 he married Kerry Beavers at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant.

He attended Bloomfield Schools and was a 1975 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School.  He was a lifetime farmer and for thirty years worked as a secondary roads maintainer operator for Henry County.

His favorite thing was spending time with his grandchildren and attending their activities. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting; building anything; crafting with leather and deer antlers; farming and gardening; raising animals; playing cards; cooking and grilling; and spending time at the Henry County Fair with his daughters and grandchildren with their 4-H projects.  He loved to be busy, especially doing something for his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of New London; daughters Michelle (Cameron) Gardner   of Salem, Wende (John) Smyth of Mt. Union; four grandchildren, Kiersten (Chris) Smyth, Katelynn (Tristan) Gardner, Dalton (Keisha) Gardner, and Landon Smyth; two great-grandchildren, Kolton and Wendel Gardner, and one on the way; sister Wava Jarr of Fairfield; nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Russell and Doyle Luko.

Visitation for Mr. Luko will be June 13, 2024 at Elliott Chapel, New London, beginning at noon with the family greeting friends from 4:00 – 7:00 pm.  A Celebration of his life and a light lunch, will begin at noon on June 14th at the Mt. Pleasant VFW with a time to share “Wendel” stories. Rev. Court Fisher will officiate.  According to Wendel’s wishes, his body has been cremated and inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials have been established for EveryStep Hospice and the New London Trap Club.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Wendel’s family would like to thank everyone who supported him and his family through his courageous battle with cancer.  Whether rides, cards, food, attending his benefit, cleaning out his driveway, or bringing firewood, words cannot express our gratitude.  He was so loved and will be so missed.

David Gross

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 at 10:57 am CDT

David Lee Gross, 84, died Sunday, June 2, 2024, from complications due to the West Nile Virus.

Dave was born on October 21, 1939, in Denver, Colorado to Leland C. and Claire Y. Gross. He married Jean Claire Gallas on August 6, 1966. They have a daughter, Kirsten Anne (Eric) Heerdt of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and two grandchildren, Russell David (Jenifer) Heerdt, Aztec, New Mexico, and Elizabeth Claire Heerdt of Durango, Colorado.

There will be a visitation on Friday, June 7th from 3-6pm at Horan & McConaty, 1091 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80246.

A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at Saint Michael and All Angels’ Church – 1400 S. University Blvd, Denver, CO 80210    – on Saturday, June 8th at 11:00am with a reception following the service.

In his teenage years, Dave worked at the Denver Stockyards and City Floral Greenhouses. His time at City Floral lead to a long career in horticulture with the Ball Seed Company where he was a salesman and national sales manager eventually moving to St. Charles, Illinois. He and his family later returned to Denver and City Floral, becoming part owner with Ron Brady in 1978 until his retirement in 2007. He continued to use his horticulture knowledge and skills while maintaining the landscape at St. Michaels and as an avid garden railroad enthusiast.

In his retirement, Dave and Jean traveled extensively. Dave left an indelible mark on the steam railroading community with his efforts to record the last breath of steam at various locations across the globe. His love of railroading began at 15-years-old, when he grabbed a camera and headed out on his first railfanning trip with life-long friend Jim Ehernberger. His photography and videography will forever be a part of railroading history. As a founding partner in the High Country Railroad in Golden, Colorado, one of the first members of the Rocky Mountain Railroad Club, a member of The Lexington Group, a volunteer for Midwest Old Threshers Association in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and a first-generation steam preservationist, his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who follow in his footsteps.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint Michael and All Angels’ Church, The Center for Railroad Photography or Midwest Old Threshers.

Debra Ellis

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 at 9:40 am CDT

Debra Jean (Ritz) Ellis, 70, of Wayland, Iowa, formerly of Swedeborg, Missouri, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2024, in Wayland, Iowa.

 

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 7, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, Swedeborg, Missouri.

 

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 7, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, Swedeborg, Missouri. Burial to follow in the St. Johns Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri.

 

Debra is survived by her husband of fifty-two years: Tommy Ellis of Wayland, IA; daughter: Mindy Rich and husband Curt of Mt. Pleasant, IA; son: Tim Ellis of Swebeborg, MO; brothers: Ed Ritz and wife Carol of Wayland, IA and Mike Ritz and wife Denise of Mt. Pleasant, IA; granddaughter: Heather Schwartz; great-grandchildren: Kylie and Zayden; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

 

Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Debra Ellis to help with final expenses and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial envelopes will be available.

 

Online Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

 

Summer School and Chapel Repairs the Focus for Superintendent Interview

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 at 9:01 am CDT

School is out and while this means students all around can spend hours at the pool, on technology, and with friends, some students take a few weeks over the break to catch up on schoolwork. The Mount Pleasant Community School District superintendent sat down with me for a weekly radio update, which will continue throughout the summer, and he provided information on summer school. Elementary students will join the Middle School students at the Mount Pleasant Middle School due to the transition into grade-alike, which will begin in the fall. The high school students will still meet at the highschool for summer school.

Meanwhile, the school district purchased multiple buildings that formerly were part of Iowa Wesleyan University, one of those being the Chapel. With renovations being done to the chapel currently, Henriksen was asked what the plan is for the building next school year. He would like to see choir and band concerts as soon as the district has the “go-ahead” from the city of Mount Pleasant.

Miller-Meeks Comments Following Republican Nomination in Primaries

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 at 8:58 am CDT

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks released the following statement after securing the Republican nomination for Iowa’s First Congressional District, after defeating challenger David Poutsch.

“I am deeply honored to win the Republican nomination for Iowa’s First Congressional District. I look forward to taking our message to every Iowan in our district ahead of November. I share Iowans’ priorities for the next Congress: securing our southern border, getting inflation and the cost of living under control, tackling the mounting national debt, making sure we have strong K-12 education, and addressing escalating conflicts around the world.

“My opponent and her radical leftist agenda will continue to drive costs, keep our borders open, prioritize social politics instead of quality education for our kids and continue rampant government spending, which has led to crippling high prices and interest rates while simultaneously increasing our national debt.

“Her blind support for Democrat policies and Joe Biden’s failed agenda would mean years of financial hardship, limited opportunity for Iowans, pervasive crime in our communities, and weak support for Israel against Hamas.”

“I look forward to continuing to serve and deliver for the constituents of Southeast Iowa.”

You Can Run But You Can’t Hide: Carjacker in Burlington Gets Comeuppance in Illinois

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 at 8:56 am CDT

On June 4, 2024, at approximately 12:55 A.M. Burlington Police Officers responded to a report of an assault and the assault victim’s car being taken at 3160 Agency Rd.

Upon officers’ arrival, they met with the victim who stated he was forcibly removed from his vehicle and his vehicle was stolen by a white male. The vehicle was later called into the Warren County, Illinois dispatch center as a reckless driver.

The vehicle was located and the driver fled from law enforcement. At the end of the pursuit, the driver, identified as Eric Sparr, was arrested on Illinois charges related to the pursuit. Charges from the Burlington incident are forthcoming.

Sports, June 5th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant and Oskaloosa were locked in a heated contest that involved the Panthers walking it off in the bottom of the 7th to win 7-6. Mt. Pleasant held a 3-1 lead before Oskaloosa scored a run each in the fourth and fifth innings to tie the game. The Panthers responded in the bottom of the sixth inning with a Payton Hagans RBI sacrifice bunt and a passed ball gave the squad a 5-3 lead. 

However, Oskaloosa would not go down quietly as they put up three runs in the top of the seventh to lead 6-5. Down to their final three outs, Carson Andreasen singled to start the inning and Payton Walker worked a walk before Ben Newton laced a single into the right-center field gap to score the tying run and move Walker to third. An intentional walk to Zach Newton brought up Cooper Coleman with an opportunity many dream about, bases loaded in a walkoff situation,

“Going into that at-bat, I just want to put the barrel onto the ball and score that final run for the team.”

Coleman smacked the ball to the fence for an RBI single, giving the Panthers the victory. Andreasen and Payson Coleman also registered an RBI in the win. Head coach Brent Broeker talked about the win after the game.

“Yeah. You know we’re getting better at fighting all the way through. I think our guys, you know we’ve been there where we just couldn’t get it done at the end. These kids have a different mindset. They just keep battling all the way through. And tonight it paid off for us.”

Mt. Pleasant will host Keokuk tomorrow, June 6th, at 7:30 pm. 

Winfield-Mt. Union had their contest against Wapello last night postponed. The Wolves will take on Highland tomorrow at 5:30 pm at home.

Fairfield defeated Williamsburg last night 7-5. Dain Burkhart, Aiden Westercamp, and Aiden Kreuter totaled two RBIs in the winning effort. The Trojans will play Burlington tomorrow at 7 pm on the road. 

New London scored four runs in the sixth inning to fend off Central Lee last night 11-9. Michael Raines led the squad with two RBIs as Memphis Watson slashed a triple and tallied an RBI. The Tigers will hit the road to face off against Danville on Friday, June 7th, at 5:30 pm. 

Central Lee will host Van Buren County tomorrow at 5:30 pm. 

Van Buren County will compete against Highland tonight at 5:30 pm on the road. 

Mediapolis will take on Keokuk tonight at 7:30 pm at home. 

Danville will compete against BGM tomorrow at 5:30 pm at home. 

Burlington Notre Dame will host Pekin tonight at 5:30 pm. 

West Burlington will travel to face off against Hillcrest Academy today. 

High School Softball

Winfield-Mt. Union had their matchup against Wapello postponed last night. The Wolves will take on Holy Trinity Catholic tonight at 5:30 pm at home. 

Holy Trinity Catholic lost to Mediapolis last night 11-1. Avalynn Prall finished 2 for 4 with a double and a team leading three RBIs. The Bulldogs will compete against Columbus tonight at 7:30 pm on the road. 

New London will travel to Wapello tonight at 5:30 pm. 

WACO fell to Lone Tree last night 18-0. The Warriors will take on Pekin tomorrow, June 6th, at 7 pm on the road. 

Danville will face off against Louisa-Muscatine tonight at 7 pm. 

West Burlington will travel to Hillcrest Academy today. 

Central Lee will take on Van Buren County tomorrow at home at 7 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant will host Keokuk tomorrow at 7:30 pm. 

Fairfield will look to avoid the sweep against Burlington tomorrow at 7:30 pm on the road. 

High School Tennis

The 2024 State Coed tournament had their competitions yesterday and Xavier and Waukee Northwest each grabbed the gold.

In Class 1A, Xavier’s Bennett Link and Avery Link took down Claire Smock and Jack Briggs of Pella 6-3 and 6-4 in the semifinals to face off against Kate Holton and Parker Stroh of Columbus Catholic in the championship.

Stroh and Holton took the first set 6-3 but the Link duo captured the second set 7-5 and won the tiebreaker to win the championship. Smock and Briggs claimed third place over fellow Dutch Joshua Roozeboom and Bryn Higginbotham. 

Class 2A saw London Taylor and Kaden Taylor of Waukee Northwest defeat Lexi Moen and Beck Sissel of Valley to claim the gold. Katelyn Kock and Logan Sherman of Cedar Rapids Washington took third place, while Maddy Jepsen and Lucas Persson of North Scott finished in fourth. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees had their matchup against the Clinton LumberKings postponed last night. 

The Bees will attempt to play their first game of the week tonight against the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp at 7:05 pm on the road. The LumberKings will travel to face off against the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes tonight at 6:30 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1974 – As’ Reggie Jackson and Bill North engage in clubhouse brawl in Detroit.

1981 – Astros Nolan Ryan passes Early Wynn as all-time walk leader (1,777).

2018 – Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. was named 2017 top earning sports person by Forbes with $285 million.