Sports, August 5th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 6:39 am CDT

Mt. Pleasant Fall Season Preview

The Mt. Pleasant Panthers are looking forward to a successful fall season with a lot of talent returning to the three major sports, here’s a reminder of what they accomplished last year and who will be returning.

The Panther football squad knocked down a couple of walls last year, snapping a 23-game losing streak, a four-year home and district matchup losing streak on their way to a 4-5 record. The team will have to replace a future St. Ambrose Bee in Payton Walker, who has led the team in rushing and tackles. Look for Ramzy Davis to step up in his senior season as he rushed for 312 yards and six touchdowns in the final five games of the season.

The volleyball team will be loaded with experience after a mostly junior-led team totaled 12 wins, including a playoff victory over Fort Madison in four sets. The Panthers will be leaning on Addison Clark and Alex Scott, two 2nd Team All-SEC members from last year, as they combined for 390 kills. Abby Carthey, who led the team in assists, will also return.

The boys’ and girls’ cross country teams will be looking to make some waves after the two teams graduated a combined three runners. The boys’ team will be leaning on Silas Hulett as he was able to put up a sub-18 minute time. Expect this young team to improve throughout the season.

The girls’ team will be exciting to watch with fresh talent coming onto the scene along with a returning state qualifier in Quintrie Lee, as she finished with a time of 20 minutes and 20 seconds, which was good enough for 63rd place. The Panthers are excited to welcome Avery Fedler, who competed in Seattle for the Brooks PR Invitational in June and took 3rd place in the 800-meter junior division with a time of 2 minutes and 12 seconds.

Local Athletic Camps

Some upcoming camp starting dates to keep an eye on include:

Fairfield’s high school volleyball camp will start tomorrow, August 6th, and run through the 8th with a 6 pm start time. The camp will cost $40 and take place at Fairfield High School.

The Van Buren County football camp will also start on August 6th for 3rd all the way through 12th graders. 3rd through 8th graders will also have camp on the 7th starting at 10 am with a $30 cost, while the high schoolers will go until the 8th from 7 am to 10 am with a $45 cost. 

Lastly, at Danville High School, the Soukup Basketball camp for all boys and girls entering 3rd through 8th grades will take place on August 8th and run through the 10th. The cost will be $60 per camper and you can sign up at www.soukupbasketballcamp.com. 

College Football

Iowa State’s long snapper Drew Clausen has been placed on the 2025 Patrick Mannelly Award watch list, the award given to the nation’s best long snapper. He joined the Cyclones before the 2024 season after three years at the University of Northern Iowa. He played in all 14 games last year. 

The special teams unit will have a spotlight on them as Kyle Konrardy was named to the 2025 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award watchlist after breaking Iowa State’s freshman record 21 field goals and the school record for kicking points last season at 109. 

The Preseason Coaches Top 25 released yesterday and Texas sits atop the standings with Ohio State, Penn State, and Georgia rounding out the top four. The SEC leads the conferences with nine teams within the top 25 followed by the Big Ten with six teams and the Big 12 with five teams, including Iowa State at #21. Iowa was not ranked within the top 25.

Prospect League

The Cape Catfish will travel to face off against the Lafayette Aviators tonight at 7 pm for game one of the three-game Prospect League Championship series. 

This Day in Sports History

1921 – KDKA Pittsburgh presents first radio broadcast of MLB; Pirates beat Phillies, 8-0; Harold Arlin first play-by-play broadcaster for the MLB.

1979 – Pete Rose collects the Nation League record 2,427th career single in a 5-2 home loss versus the Pirates.

2006 – Warren Moon becomes the first Black quarterback to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio; joined by Troy Aikman, John Madden, Rayfield Wright, Harry Carson, and Reggie White.

Preppin’ Mama Represents Mount Pleasant with Pride at the 2025 Open for Business Statewide Contest

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 6:02 am CDT

Inside the historic Pearl City Station in downtown Muscatine, five inspiring small business owners stepped into the spotlight Monday night to pitch their dreams, share their strategies, and showcase the power of Main Street entrepreneurship. Among them, representing Mount Pleasant with heart and hometown pride, was Preppin’ Mama.

A Local Vision with Statewide Impact
Dani Murphy and her daughter, Tatum Kane, the dynamic duo behind Preppin’ Mama, took the stage to present their vision of a modern homesteading education hub. Rooted in their passion for self-sufficiency and community connection, the Mount Pleasant-based business offers workshops and mentorship programs that teach food growing, cooking, and preservation.

Their pitch emphasized not only their deep knowledge and passion for homesteading but also their commitment to helping others build confidence and resilience through practical skills. With Mount Pleasant in their hearts and the future in their sights, Dani and Tatum made a strong case for how Preppin’ Mama can grow into a statewide resource for education, sustainability, and rural entrepreneurship.

Cheering on Mount Pleasant
The 2025 Open for Business Statewide Contest—hosted by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Main Street Iowa—is designed to elevate and invest in Main Street businesses across the state. The event drew supporters, judges, and economic leaders from around Iowa to witness firsthand the creativity and determination of local entrepreneurs.

During the evening, Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority, highlighted the vital role of small businesses like Preppin’ Mama.
“Small businesses make up 99% of Iowa’s business community,” she said. “When we support them, we’re investing in people, families, and the very identity of our communities.”

Recognition and Reward
As the judges tallied their results and anticipation filled the room, a surprise announcement added to the excitement. Preppin’ Mama was awarded a tied fourth-place finish, sharing the honor with Torrent Brewing Company of Ames. Each business was awarded $10,000 to support future growth.

Applause erupted from the crowd as Dani and Tatum accepted the recognition, proudly representing Mount Pleasant on a statewide stage. The funds will support their continued mission to expand workshop offerings, increase access to their mentorship programs, and strengthen rural education in food security and sustainability.

Shining a Light on Main Street
Preppin’ Mama’s success is part of a larger celebration of Iowa’s Main Street innovation. Other awardees included DroneEx of Elkader ($15,000), Z’s Pizza & Diner of Waverly ($20,000), and the grand prize winner, The Honey Den of West Branch, which took home $25,000.

But for Mount Pleasant, the night belonged to Preppin’ Mama.

“This wasn’t just about business,” said one event organizer. “It was about vision, passion, and community. And Preppin’ Mama brought all three.”

As Dani and Tatum return home with new support and statewide recognition, Mount Pleasant can proudly say: one of Iowa’s best and brightest small businesses is growing right here.

Marianne Williams

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 4th, 2025 at 2:09 pm CDT

  Marianne Williams, 77, of New London and formerly of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Marianne Denzler Williams was born September 28, 1947 in Munich, Germany. She was the daughter of Wendlin and Zenta (Schmaus) Denzler. She attended a business college in Munich. After her education, she worked in a veterinarian clinic in Augsburg, Germany. Marianne was united in marriage to Larry Williams. The couple later divorced.

Marianne emigrated to the United States and became a US Citizen in 1970 in Baltimore, MD. She moved to the Mt. Pleasant area where she lived with her family on a farm southeast of Mt. Pleasant. Marianne worked as a telephone operator for the Contel Telephone Company. In 1980, Marianne opened up a photography studio on the west side of the Mt. Pleasant town square. She operated the studio until 1992. Marianne then owned and operated the 34 Restaurant in Danville, IA. Marianne also worked for REM and Hope Haven.

Marianne was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and sang in the church choir. She was a longtime member of the Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club and the former Lions Club.  She was a member of a poetry society and was a former candidate for a position on the Henry County Board of Supervisors.

Marianne loved to work in arts and crafts, most especially knitting. She was an ardent animal rights activist.

Those thankful for sharing in Marianne’s life include her 2 sons – Drew Williams and his wife Kelly Murphy of Rockford, IL and Michael Williams of Hillsboro, IA; 2 grandchildren – Thadius Williams and Ashli McCusker and her husband Michael and a great granddaughter – Rhiannon McCusker.

Her parents precede Marianne in death.

A memorial funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, August 12 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 607 South Jackson Street, Mt. Pleasant. Father Ross Epping will celebrate the mass. Friends may call from 12 Noon to 7PM on Monday, August 11 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 5-7 PM.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Crystal Ann Reneker

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 4th, 2025 at 8:21 am CDT

Crystal Ann Reneker, 78, of rural Douds, passed away Saturday, August 2, 2025 at her home.

A celebration of life will be held at 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2025 at Oak Grove Church, 15818 Iowa Oak Grove Ave, Douds, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oak Grove Church or Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation and mailed to the family at 15105 Iowa Oak Grove Ave. Douds, Iowa 52551. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Crystal was born December 5, 1946 in Fairfield, the daughter of Fred and Frances (Miller) Turner. She married Gary Reneker, April 4, 1970 in Memphis, Missouri.

Crystal worked as a bookkeeper for Iowa Tire Sales and as a LPN for Jefferson County Hospital and Park View Care Center, along with being at home, caring for her family.

Crystal loved her dogs and Christmas. She enjoyed shopping and thrifting. Crystal also loved spending time in Colorado and visiting Estes Park.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Gary; children, Melodee (Randy) Staton of Douds, Johnny (Laura) Mineart of Fairfield, and Tiffany (Gregory Oakes) Reneker of Des Moines; grandchildren, Austin, Jordan, Jacob, Madison, and Emma; ten great-grandchildren; and a cousin, Lucinda Goodwin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Kaitlyn Mineart; and sister, Mona Sue Howard.

Online condolences may be made to Crystal’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Larry Lee “Fuzz” Neff

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 4th, 2025 at 8:19 am CDT

Larry Lee “Fuzz” Neff, 86, of Lockridge passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at his home surrounded by love.

Larry was born on August 16, 1938 in Wayland, Iowa, the son of Gerald and Mary (Stalder) Neff.  He attended Wayland High School.  Larry worked at many farms over the years, including a turkey farm, Boshart farm, Don Sheets farm and Mel Jaspering farm. Larry then went to work for Jefferson County as a county road grader for 30 years until his retirement.

He was previously married to Sharon (Layman) Barton and Ruth Ann (McDole) Gugel and later divorced.  In 1979, he met the love of his life, Barbara Gerleman and they were united in marriage on December 12, 2008.  

Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, mushroom hunting, tinkering with tractors, watching westerns and feeding the birds in the winter months.  He most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and spent many, many Sundays playing cards and enjoying his other “family” at the Eagles Nest in Coppock.

Those thankful for sharing his life include his wife, Barbara, his children, Lynn Neff of Fairfield, Angie (Kenny) Kempf, of Wayland, Maryjo (Matt) Rich, of Washington, and Wendi Neff (Michael) Ulin, of Washington, his six grandchildren, Morgan (Nick) Kaufman, Mason (Haley) Rich, Makenna (Koltyn Niles) Rich, Amiah (Jeff Cox) Neff, Aidan Ulin and Alec Ulin, one great grandchild, Brewer Kaufman along with his honorary sons, Craig Kaufman and Dan Raymond.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, a brother. Rich Neff and by his mother and father-in-law and two brothers-in-law.  Larry’s father passed away in 1944 when he was 6 years of age. Edith and Tom Lowry helped raise him with his mom and he considered them as his second set of parents.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant with Father Nick Adam officiating.  Burial will follow in the Lockridge Cemetery.  Those attending the service are asked to dress casual.   Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Wednesday at the Murphy Funeral Home where the family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Lockridge First Responders or to Compassus Hospice in his memory.  

 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

 

Murphy Funeral Home of Mount. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Salem Nurse Surrenders License Amid Multiple Allegations of Substance Use

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 4th, 2025 at 7:44 am CDT

Jennifer Melcher, a licensed nurse from Salem, has voluntarily surrendered her nursing license following new disciplinary action from the Iowa Board of Nursing involving allegations of drug use and on-duty impairment.

In its most recent case, the board charged Melcher with excessive use of drugs that may impair a licensee’s ability to practice safely and competently. The charge stemmed from allegations that Melcher repeatedly used marijuana and was suspected by co-workers of being impaired while on duty. The board has not released the name of Melcher’s employer, her specific role, or whether any patients were affected.

Without admitting to the allegations, Melcher agreed to surrender her nursing license to resolve the matter.

This is not the first time Melcher has faced disciplinary action. In September 2024, the Board of Nursing charged her with a similar violation, again alleging repeated marijuana use. In that case, there was no indication she was under the influence while working. Melcher accepted an indefinite suspension of her license at the time, with reinstatement contingent upon her being deemed fit to return to practice.

Court records also show a pattern of impaired driving incidents. In February 2025, Melcher was arrested in Henry County after a single-vehicle accident and charged with second-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI). She later pleaded guilty. The incident marked at least her third OWI arrest, with prior convictions in 2010 in Wapello County and in 2017 while she was employed by GrapeTree Medical Staffing. In the 2017 case, she initially faced a second-offense OWI charge but ultimately pleaded guilty to a reduced first-offense charge.

Melcher’s nursing license status and disciplinary history are publicly recorded by the Iowa Board of Nursing and will remain part of the state’s official record.

Sports, August 4th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, August 4th, 2025 at 6:33 am CDT

High School Softball All-State Teams

To completely wrap up the 2025 Iowa High School Softball season, the Iowa Girls Coaches Association released the All-State teams for the five classifications and we had 11 local players nab a spot, including two 1st Team members.

In Class 1A, Holy Trinity Catholic tallied 20 wins and was one game shy of the Regional Championship and a big reason for that was All-State 2nd Teamer Sydney Jarvis. The sophomore slashed 0.573/0.620/0.899 with 15 doubles, four home runs, and 49 RBIs, while tabbing a 2.30 ERA with 159 strikeouts and 16 wins in the circle. 

Wapello’s 8th grade phenom, Quinn Zweibohmer, grabbed a spot on the Honorable Mention list. She finished third on the team in RBIs with 13 and second on the team in doubles with five, hitting 0.395 for the season. She also picked up nine wins in the circle with 187 strikeouts and a 2.12 ERA.

Class 2A two Lily Coil of Columbus and Ashlynn Huff of Van Buren County make the 2nd Team. Coil swatted 0.537 for the season with 15 doubles, three triples, three home runs, and brought home 38 runs. For Huff, it was her second consecutive season making the All-State 2nd Team as she clouted a 0.449 batting average and led the team in RBIs with 22 and (tied) doubles with seven.

Over in Class 3A, Washington’s run to the state tournament was led by two First Teamers in Ella Greiner, who made the All-Tournament team, and Leighton Salazar, who finished the year as the Southeast Conference Player of the Year.

A trio of local players took a spot on the 3rd Team in Leah Helmick of Fairfield, Lyndsey Kelley of West Burlington/Notre Dame, and Mediapolis’ Payton Harris. Helmick collected five home runs, 50 RBIs, and a 3.73 ERA. Kelley hit 0.369 with six home runs and 35 RBIs. Harris led the Bulldogs with six home runs and 22 RBIs. 

For Class 4A, Keirah Wiseman of Burlington made the 2nd Team as she hit 0.430 for the season and Fort Madison’s Brylie Lorence claimed a spot on the 3rd Team with 14 home runs and 49 RBIs. 

Local Athletic Camps

A couple of local camps start today with the Winfield-Mt. Union football camp starting at 7:15 pm for 1st through 6th graders and 7th through 12th graders practicing from 5 to 7 pm.

The Winfield-Mt. Union Volleyball camp will have 9th through 12th graders start the day at 7 am followed by 6th through 8th graders at 9 am and 3rd through 5th graders at 11 am.

The WACO volleyball camp will begin at 10 am for 5th through 8th graders and 9th through 12th graders will go at 7:30 am. 

Danville and Mediapolis will be hosting volleyball camps with the Bears having 2nd through 5th graders starting at 11 am followed by 6th through 8th graders at 1 pm. The Bulldogs will start at 8 am with all girls entering high school, 3rd through 6th graders will go from 9:30 am to 11 am and 7th through 8th graders will go from 11 am to 12:30 pm.

College Football

Iowa State secured their future with a contract extension through 2032 for head coach Matt Campbell. The three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year honoree will earn $5 million per year in total compensation, which allowed for his staff salary pool to increase and an additional $1 million to revenue-sharing funds for his roster. 

In 10 seasons at the helm, Campbell has accrued a school record 64 wins and led the Cyclones to their first 11-win season last year. The Cyclones will kick off the new season in Ireland on August 23rd at 11 am against Kansas State. You can catch the Iowa State football games on KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 throughout the year. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees had their first trip to the postseason since joining the Prospect League cut short in devastating fashion by the Clinton LumberKings, 3-2 in 10 innings. Owen Nowak claimed the two RBIs in the top of the 9th inning to force extras. 

The Northwest Division Champions, the LumberKings, took on the Cape Catfish for the Western Conference Championship last night and held a 1 to 0 lead before allowing three runs in the final two innings to lose 3-1. 

The Catfish will face off against the Lafayette Aviators tomorrow, August 5th, at 7 pm for game one of a three-game championship series. 

This Day in Sports History

1934 – Giants outfielder Mel Ott becomes the first player in MLB history to score 6 runs in a game as New York beats the Phillies, 21-4.

1956 – Lee Petty dismounts his car on lap 32 and waves the red flag to the field because of dusty conditions at NASCAR Grand National at Tulsa, Oklahoma; race halted and never completed.

1982 – Outfielder Joel Youngblood becomes the only MLB player to get hits for two different teams in two different cities on the same day; singles for the Mets in Chicago for the day game; traded, then singles for the Expos in Philadelphia for the night game.

August 4, 2025 – August 10, 2025

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 at 11:54 am CDT
08/04/25
Zoe Long
08/04/25
Adam & Mindy Creager
08/05/25
Aimee Sanderson
08/05/25
Ronald Buckingham
08/05/25
Carrie Coble
08/05/25
Nicole Fraker
08/05/25
Fletcher Mueller
08/06/25
Mary Elgar
08/07/25
Yvonne Rich
08/07/25
Becky Wright
08/08/25
Kiley Miller
08/08/25
Judy Miller
08/08/25
Ella McNamee
08/08/25
Annette Reynolds
08/08/25
Mady Jacobsmeier
08/08/25
Chris Nau
08/09/25
Dr. Karla Maher
08/09/25
Kaila Smith
08/10/25
Madison Miller
08/10/25
Donna Batey
08/10/25
Pam Builderback
08/10/25
Maddie Kokemuller
08/10/25
Matt & Taylor Graf *Anniversary