Daily Jail Count

Henry County Jail

In the interest of keeping Henry County residents informed, the Henry County Sheriff’s office has requested KILJ post the daily jail count. During the jail referendum campaign it was publicized that the jail would be able to house additional inmates from surrounding counties and this would generate revenue for Henry County.

Date:   11-23-2022______

 

 27 _   Henry County Inmates

 

  39_    Out of County Contract Inmates              

 

 66      TOTAL

Crop Progress and Condition Report

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented today on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November.

“Despite a year that included significant weather challenges, persistent inflation and highly pathogenic avian influenza, we approach Thanksgiving and the conclusion of harvest with a deep sense of gratitude. We are thankful for the hardworking and resilient farm families who continue to sustainably produce crops and livestock that feed and fuel consumers here and around the world,” said Secretary Naig. “The snowmelt from the first widespread snow of the season will improve soil moisture conditions, while warmer temperatures will be welcomed as we gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report

Harvest neared completion with 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 20, 2022, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Cold temperatures and snow limited additional fieldwork to applying soil amendments such as anhydrous, manure, and lime.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 17 percent very short, 35 percent short, 47 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 24 percent very short, 38 percent short, 37 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Harvest of the corn for grain crop was virtually complete at 97 percent. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain remained 16 percent.

Livestock were mostly in good shape with calves weaned and cattle out feeding on stalks.

Lisa Denney

Lisa Denney, 57 of Keosauqua passed away at her home on Saturday, November 19, 2022 after fighting a fierce battle with cancer for over 12 years.  In accordance with her wishes, her body has been cremated.  A private celebration of life with family will be announced at a later date. She wanted people to remember her vibrant life here on earth, not her final departure. She always maintained a positive outlook on life, even when battling cancer.  In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established for a Van Buren Community school graduating senior going into education and may be mailed to 23617 Hwy 1, Keosauqua, IA 52565.

Lisa was born on August 28, 1965 to Kenneth Eugene and Colleen Ida Stigge Duke and was raised in rural Van Buren County near Keosauqua.  She graduated from Van Buren Community school in 1984 and while attending college she worked at a nursing home.  The majority of her career she taught secondary special education, she remained in contact with many of her former students to this day.  Lisa had a love for education, not only for the children she taught, but also for herself.  She continued her education even after becoming a teacher, obtaining two master and received her education specialist master’s degrees.

 Lisa married Mark Denney on March 15, 1997.  She was an avid music player, playing many different instruments in her lifetime and singing with her husband and son.  She enjoyed traveling and hiking with her family and friends. She always made sure to spend individual time with each of her children and also with Aunts, Uncles, and cousins from both sides of her extended family.  Lisa was involved with Lions Club International, was deeply involved and supported many extra-curricular and school activities at the schools she taught in.

Lisa is survived by her husband, Mark, sons Austin and Ethan Denney and also “adopted son” Dalton Schmitt, a daughter, Olivia Denney, a brother, Steve Duke (Cheryl), two nephews, Justin and Travis, a niece, Cassidy, Mother-in-law, Vera Denney, two brothers-in law, Jon Denney (Melinda) and Jeremy Denney.  Lisa was so excited to meet her first grandson, Weston James Schmitt and was able to spoil him with hugs and kisses (and several fireman outfits).  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law, David Denney all of which she missed dearly.

Lisa will be forever missed by her family and all those who were touched by her presence.   

Utilities Board Meeting Agenda

MOUNT PLEASANT MUNICIPAL UTILITIES Board of Trustees: Regular Meeting
1:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022
City Hall Council Chamber Room located at 307 E. Monroe St.

AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER.
A. Roll call.
B. Approval of Agenda.
II. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING.
A. Regular Board Meeting – October 18, 2022 – Approval.
B. Special Board Meeting – November 4, 2022 – Approval.
III. FINANCIAL.
A. Approval of Warrants.
B. Treasurer’s Report – Nate Lucas.
C. Transfer of Funds.
D. Resolution No. 2022-16: Resolution for a salary increase to Shawna Sammons following the 120-day
probationary period as the Administrative Assistant/Board Clerk – Approval.
IV. LEGAL COUNSEL.
A. Attorney – Timothy J. Whipple & Brad Beaman (Ahlers & Cooney P.C.).
1.

V. OPERATIONS.
A. Management – Nate Lucas, General Manager.
1. Cedar Lane Well #7 and Water Distribution System Project – Update & Approval
a) Board review of the associated Bid Package #1 (Well Drilling) work.
b) Board review and approval of Change Order #4
c) Board review of the associated Bid Package #2 (Well Equipping) work.
2. E. Henry Street Water Main Replacement Project – Update.
a) Board review of the associated water main / service replacement work.
3. Adams Street Substation 15 kV Sheltered Aisle Switchgear Replacement Project – Update.
a) Board review of the associated Adams Street Substation 15 kV Sheltered Aisle Switchgear
Replacement Project work.
4. Transmission System Power Supply Project – Update.
a) Status update of the associated 69 kV transmission system power supply work.
5. Monthly Activities.
B. Customers.
1.
C. Employees.
1.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS.
A. Other Business, Unscheduled for Consideration by Board of Trustees.
1. Executive Session – Personnel & Legal.
a) (Executive Session pursuant to Section 21.5(1)(c) of the Code of Iowa for
legal purposes).
VII. ADJOURNMENT.
Next Regular Board Meeting: 1:00 p.m. Tuesday December 20th, 202

Jerald W. “Jerry” Graber

Jerald W. “Jerry” Graber, 77, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 4:00 a.m. Sunday, November 20, 2022, at his home.

Born on August 8, 1945, in rural Donnellson, the son of Jacob and Juanita (Jump) Graber. On March 23, 1968, he married Janet Kramer in West Point, Iowa.

He is survived by his wife; five children: Julie Graber of San Diego, California, Jason (Stacy) Graber of Donnellson, Iowa, Janelle Graber of Galveston, Texas, Jessica (Shane Massey) Graber of Galveston, Texas, Jacob (Dena Martin) Graber of Iowa City, Iowa; five grandchildren: Nicholas Warren, Madison, Lauren and Sydney Graber, Jeriana “Jeri” Graber; seven siblings: Janet (Gary) Haeffner, Alan Graber, Barbara Graber, Martin (Coni) Graber, Pat Dodson, Howard Graber and Jeffrey (Gayle) Graber. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Frank.

Jerry was a 1964 graduate from Central Lee High School and a lifelong farmer and entrepreneur in the Donnellson, Iowa area.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon, Tuesday, November 22, 2022, where the family will meet with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

A private graveside service will be held Wednesday, November 23, 2022 in Donnell Cemetery in Donnellson.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Sports, November 22nd

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant boys basketball team participated in the Mid-Prairie Jamboree last night as they faced off against Wilton coming out on top 27-24. Aaiden Ashton led the Panthers in points with 8 followed by Payton Hagans and Nate Stroud each scoring 6 points. Their next game will be a road contest against Cedar Rapids Washington at 7:30 pm on Monday, November 28th.

The Mt. Pleasant girls basketball team’s first game of the season is tonight at home against Pella. The game will be broadcast on KILJ with the opening tip set for 7 pm, the pregame show at 6:45 pm. Coach Watson is looking to pull off a tough win and to get off to a good start for the season.

The Winfield-Mt. Union girls basketball team will host Lone Tree tonight at 6 pm and Central Lee will host Mediapolis next Tuesday, November 29th.

The New London girls basketball team looks for their first win tonight as they travel to play Calamus-Wheatland at 6:30 pm.

Elementary Basketball Tournament

Mount Pleasant Christmas Holidays 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for 3rd – 8th grade boys and girls will be held on Dec 17th, 2022. For more registration details contact Coach Ronnie Ashton at 319-931-2896.

Iowa Wesleyan Athletics

The women’s basketball team won on Day one of the Our Lady of the Lake Classic 66-43 against Oklahoma City University. It was a close game heading into halftime with the Tigers on top 35-31, then the defense allowed only 12 points in the second half as they cruised to an easy victory. It was Megan Teal coming off the bench that lifted the Tigers as she scored a team leading 17 points and 7 rebounds and collected 3 steals. Maci Kuchta and Kyla Moore each added 13 points and 4 rebounds. They’ll be back in action today at 2 pm for Day two of the Classic against Southwestern Christian College.

.The women’s wrestling team will be back in action December 7th for a top ten matchup as they will host the #3 Grand View University Vikings. The men’s wrestling team’s next match will be Saturday, December 3rd, at the Buena Vista Open starting at 9 am.

The men’s basketball team will be at home tonight to face off against #13 ranked William Penn University as they are riding a 7-game win streak. Admission will be free to the public as the Tigers look to pull off the upset against the Statesman team that is averaging 97 points a game compared to the Tigers 71 points per game.

The football team had 9 players receive North Star Athletic Association All-Conference honors. Major Niccum and Joseph Pace each earned First-Team honors. Niccum averaged over 10 tackles a game, added 7 sacks, and had two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, one for a touchdown. Pace had 66 tackles, 13 pass breakups, which was tops in the NSAA, and two interceptions. Tyler Ball and AJ Moses each made the Second-Team All-Conference list. Jakim Brock, Jeremiah Pauling, Moses Eason, and Asaivien McWilliams were all honorable mentions. Lastly, Jaheem Hampton was named the Champion of Character for the Tigers.

This Day in Sports History

1950 – 7,021 saw the Fort Wayne Pistons edge the Minneapolis Lakers, 19-18 at Minneapolis Auditorium; lowest ever NBA score of 37 combined points.

1972 – In Pittsburgh, Penguins set an NHL record for scoring the fastest 5 goals (2:07) in a 10-4 win over St. Louis Blues.

2016 – Vegas Golden Knights’ was revealed as the Las Vegas NHL expansion team’s name.

Spencer “Littleman” Lee Goemaat

Spencer “Littleman” Lee Goemaat, age 18 of Birmingham, passed away, Saturday, November 19,2022 at his home.

Spencer was born in Keosauqua on October 20, 2004, to Suzanne Goemaat and Dale Davis.

Spencer lived his life in Van Buren County. He attended Elementary in Douds Iowa. He then continued to Junior High and High School in Keosauqua where he was currently a senior.

 

Spencer AKA” Littleman” was most definitely a perfect example for the definition of pure happiness, joy, and love. Even though Spencer spoke no words, if you knew him, then you knew his smile said more than any words ever could! Littleman’s Charming, flirty, and loving smile and personality was quite contagious to everyone and could light up anyone’s day. Spencer was in 4-H club and really enjoyed showing his pet rabbit Molly With a Little Help from his big sister Sydney. Molly was so special and would sit patiently on his lap for hours at a time while he would pet her they shared 9 years of trust and happiness with each other.

 

Spencer taught others how to be patient, kind, and that it’s okay to have different abilities. That you can be happy every day and share a smile with someone when you’re cruising along in your wheelchair. Spencer went to Camp Courageous from kindergarten year up to 2020 when pandemic hit and no one could go he had the time of his life with his friends and met many new ones. Spencer was a go-getter, ziplining through the trees, Rock climbing, and his favorite swimming. He loved to kick his legs and splash that water all over while he was still smiling. He loved music, Veggie Tales were his favorite. He would sing along in his own words. Bedtime songs with Mama and sister were his favorite!.

 

Spencer adored his big sister Sydney and she was a big help with him with activities at the fair showing his Champion pigs and his rabbit molly. Spencer loved going shopping as long as Sydney was pushing him a bit too fast down the aisles. Could hear his Giggles throughout the store. Spencer also enjoyed going to Papa and Grandma’s house and eating grandma’s chocolate pudding cake with Cool Whip and her biscuits and gravy. And he loved watching his favorite videos Curious George or Elmo and Clifford whatever he wanted cuz it was at Papa Dean and Grandma Diana’s house.

 

Spencer loved his mama so much and loved when she would sing to him and dance around with him. His squeals of joy and wide smile when he’d see her said all the words he couldn’t say but she knew how much he loved her.

 Even though Spencer’s life here was way too short, it’s safe to say he loved his life, his family, his friends, and special pets and even shared his happiness with strangers with his smile that everyone will greatly miss.

Spencer was preceded in death by his Grandpa, Gary “Goose” Countryman and his great-grandparents, Boss and Ella Goemaat and Harold and Juanita Dickinson.

 

Left to honor his memory is his loving mom, Suzanne of Birmingham, and dad, Dale of Kansas. One sister Sydney(Blaten) Kennedy of Salem; Grandparents, Dean and Diana Goemaat of Birmingham; Karen and Dave Louth of Birmingham; many cousins, ants, uncles, teachers, and staff. All the students were his friends and his classmates of 2023 all were outstanding friends and he loves them all so much. Also surviving is Spencer’s “partner in crime” his best friend and amazing caretaker of him at school, Mr Terry Jester. They shared a bond that no one else did and Spencer loved him so very much!

 

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 25, 2022, at Pedrick Funeral Home in keosauqua. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 5:00 after the service on Friday. Memorials can be made out to Van Buren County Community Music Boosters and left at the funeral home or mailed to Suzanne Goemaat at 14105 Ivory Ave.

Birmingham, IA.52535

Mount Pleasant Water Shut-Off

The Mt. Pleasant Municipal Utilities will have a water shut-off for a valve replacement that will affect Goodyear Road, extending from 34W (235th St.) to the railroad tracks. The water will also be shut off on W. Highland Ln. and N. Highland Cir.

The shut down will occur on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 2:00 p.m.

The Utilities regrets any inconvenience that this service interruption may cause. For questions or additional details, please call 319-385-2121.