Sports, April 22nd

High School Track and Field

The New London girls’ team will travel to Van Buren County for a meet today.

The Mt. Pleasant and Central Lee boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to Fort Madison High School for a meet tomorrow, April 23rd, for the Keokuk Invitational.

The Winfield-Mt. Union, WACO, and Van Buren County boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to Sigourney for a meet tomorrow.

The New London boys’ and girls’ teams will host a meet tomorrow with Danville, Mediapolis, and West Burlington attending. 

Drake Relays

The high school accepted entries were announced over the weekend for the 114th running of the Drake Relays with competition taking place from Thursday, April 25th, through Saturday, April 27th. 

Mt. Pleasant will have three entries with the girls’ running the 4×100 and the 4×200 meter relays and Avin Truong competing in the long jump. Winfield-Mt. Union’s Cam Buffington will provide a bit of a southeast Iowa rivalry as he will also be participating in the long jump along with Keshawn Wyldon of Burlington.

Keeping with Burlington: Mylee Stiefel will run the 100-meter dash, Kylee Hill will throw the shot put, and the girls’ and boy’s teams will have a 4×100 meter relay. West Burlington’s Landry Haberichter will sprint in the 100-meter dash.

Mediapolis will be touting five entries with Logan Rosas running in the 800-meter. Solomon Zaugg pacing himself in the 3200-meter run, and teams in the distance medley, the 4×800, and 4×100 meter relays. 

Lastly, Danville will have a girls’ 4×100 meter relay team, a boys’ 4×100 meter relay team, and Kenna Furnald compete in the girls long jump. 

High School Soccer

The WACO boys’ team will host Sigourney-Keota tonight.

Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union will face off against Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow, April 23rd, with the girls’ team playing first at 5 pm. 

The Mediapolis boys’ team will take on WACO at 5 pm, while the girls’ team will take on Burlington at 5 pm tomorrow.  

Mt. Pleasant will take on Fairfield tonight with the boys on the road and the girls at home. 

The Central Lee boys’ team will compete against Highland tonight at 5 pm on the road.

The Danville boys’ team will host Wapello on Thursday, April 25th.

High School Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will take on Fort Madison today with the boys at home and the girls on the road. 

High School Golf

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to Kalona today for a meet. 

The WACO boys’ and girls’ will host Louisa-Muscatine today.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel Flint Hills Golf Course for an SEC meet, while the boys’ team will host their meet today. 

The New London boys’ team will face off against Holy Trinity Catholic and the girls will take on Van Buren County today.

Central Lee will compete against Danville today.

Mediapolis will take on Burlington Notre Dame today at Heritage Oaks Golf Course.

Southeastern Community College

SCC baseball hosted Iowa Western Community College over the weekend for a three-game series, taking two out of the three contests. Game one was an offensive onslaught for the Blackhawks as Sam Skarich knocked a double for a team leading three RBIs in their 10-0 drubbing of the Reivers. Abrahan Rios and Michael Farina each collected two RBIs as Maddux Frese tossed a gem for his fifth win of the season, allowing only three hits and striking out one. Game two saw the Blackhawks squander a two-run lead, but SCC was able to walk it off in the bottom of the 9th inning to win 4-3. Rios and Skarich each tabbed an RBI. 

Game three was a 15-3 drubbing put on by Iowa Western Community College. Farina and Sheppard Graf picked up an RBI apiece. The Blackhawks will travel to face off against Kirkwood Community College on Wednesday, April 24th, in a doubleheader.

The SCC softball team split their weekend doubleheader against Illinois Central College, losing game one, 5-3, and winning game two, 5-2. The Blackhawks will host a doubleheader today against Indian Hills Community College.

This Day in Sports History

1876 – Philadelphia native Tim McGinley of the Boston Red Caps scores baseball National League’s 1st run, in Philadelphia, as his team wins 6-5. 

1954 – NBA adopts a 24-second shot clock and the 6 team-foul rule. 

1969 – Robin Knox-Johnston ends his 312 days of non-stop sailing to become the first person to perform a single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe. 

Brian David Gibson

Brian David Gibson, 64, of Ankeny died Monday April 15, 2024. He was born on December 2, 1959 in Burlington, the son of David and Sandra (Hofmann) Gibson.

He was a 1978 graduate of New London High School, where he was class valedictorian.  He attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids and earned a BA in Economics in 1982. He did graduate work at Iowa State University, where he pursued a doctorate degree in Economics.

He worked at Principal Real Estate Investors in Des Moines. He also was an official scorer for the Iowa Cubs from 2002-2011. He spent many years officiating high school football and basketball games, as well as umpiring baseball games in the Des Moines area.

In his younger years, he enjoyed playing men’s fastpitch softball for the Lowell Rattlers. He enjoyed playing golf and always looked forward to the annual mini-golf tournament with the NLPPPA (New London Professional Putt-Putt Association). He also enjoyed playing fantasy baseball.

He is survived by his mother, Sandra (Hofmann) Dunn of Marion; two brothers, Greg Gibson of Burlington and Steve (Chris) Gibson of Tiffin; one sister, Julie Decker of Marion; step-sister Machele MacDowell of Nashville, Tennessee; step-brother Ken (Beth) Dunn of Dyersburg, Tennessee; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins.  He was preceded in death by his father.

A visitation for Brian will be held at Elliott Chapel in New London on May 4 from 1:00-3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the New London Athletic Booster Club would be appreciated.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com

Paul E. Moore

Paul E. Moore, 86, of Frederick, CO, passed away at the UC Medical Center of the Rockies on November 29, 2023 from pneumonia. Paul was born on May 2, 1937 in Burlington, Iowa to Eugene and Mildred (Schmeiser) Moore, and was raised on the family’s farm in rural Danville, IA, where he learned many life skills and the value of hard work. Paul was a 1955 graduate of Danville High School, a graduate of Burlington Junior College (now Southeastern Community College) and Iowa Wesleyan College/University; playing baseball and basketball in high school and college.

Paul married Judy Butler on April 12, 1959. They had three children, and were foster parents to six girls. They later divorced. He met Nancy Elliott at an Escondido, CA, church singles group, they married on May 4, 1981.

Paul worked at Hy-Vee grocery store, for Grinnell Mutual Insurance, and in the offices of Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown, IA. In the early 1960’s through the IAAP he was one of the first government employees sent to California to be trained in computer programming. Paul worked at Collins Radio Company (now Rockwell Collins) in Cedar Rapids. For the majority of his career, Paul worked for Ralston Purina in grocery products, and later in their division of Van Camp Seafood including a temporary assignment at Van Camp’s cannery on Terminal Island (Los Angeles County, CA). During his career, Van Camp maintained offices both in St. Louis and San Diego, with Paul and his family living several years in both locations. Paul was involved mainly in inventory control while at Van Camp in San Diego and he made many trips to canneries in Puerto Rico and American Samoa.

Paul was a wonderful gardener, grew gorgeous roses, was an avid sports fan, with the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, the Denver Broncos, and the Iowa college teams being among his favorites. Paul thoroughly enjoyed all his Danville High School class reunions including an Alaskan cruise with 14 classmates and their spouses. After his retirement in San Diego, he lived in Sun City, AZ where he continued playing softball several times per week. Paul & Nancy moved to Colorado in 2001. Paul became active in the Elks’ Lodges and truly enjoyed serving others including managing appreciation meals for first responders and benefits for those in need. He held several offices: Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee, Exalted Ruler (2x), and Leading Knight.

Paul was God-loving with strong faith, he was kind and generous. He was a great mentor, had a great sense of humor, and a servant’s heart. Paul was happy-go-lucky and so much more. He would say “Never settle for less, when you can have Moore” and with Paul, you definitely got more. He will be greatly missed and always loved.

Paul is survived by his wife Nancy, two sons, Mike and Jeff Moore, both of Escondido, CA; daughter Pastor Kathy Moore of New London, IA; stepsons Robert (Kathy) Elliott of Brighton, CO; and Jim (Earleene) Elliott of Elk Grove, CA. Also surviving are his sisters Jan Moore-Ecker (Jim Ecker) of Cedar Rapids, IA; Mary Moore of Ft. Madison, IA; and sister-in-law Norma Anderson of Ramona, CA. There are five surviving grandchildren: Kenzie Higdon of New London, IA; Brendan Higdon of Burlington, IA; Christa (Gabe) Render, Melba, ID; Rebekah (Josh) Rose, Nampa, ID; and Brittany (Stephan del Rose) de la Rosa of Sacramento, CA; 8 great-grandchildren; plus, nieces and nephews: Sonya (Brian) Welch, Ben Ecker, Dawn Schuldt, Dana (John) Leahy, Darcy (Fred) Oellien, Phyllis Kelly, Ed (Michelle) Anderson, and Lori Anderson. Survivors include many great nieces, nephews, and cousins residing in Iowa, Hawaii, and other states. Paul is also survived and missed by his two kitties, Millie and Mimi, whom he dearly loved.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, daughter-in-law Lois Moore of Escondido, CA; grandson, Mike Elliott of Longmont, CO; brothers-in-law John Schuldt of Ft. Madison, IA and Bill Anderson of Ramona, CA; and many aunts and uncles.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at the Danville Station Activity Room, 102 N. Main Street, Danville, Iowa on May 2, 2024 at 2:00 PM followed by visitation with the family until 4:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or charity of your choice. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and  online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Darrell Gray

Darrell Gray, 75, of Mount Pleasant, died Saturday, April 20, 2024, at his home. 

Darrell was born March 8, 1949, in Marcus, Iowa, the son of Donald E. and Della H. (Juhl) Gray. He graduated from high school 

and continued his education at Parsons College, earning a bachelors of science. Darrell moved to Mount Pleasant in 1977, and worked as a correctional officer for more than 30 years. He was a member of Local 2995 American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and was president of their local union for 24 years. Additionally, he was the security bargaining unit chairman for AFSCME Council 61 for 15 years. Darrell loved his dog, Ralph. 

Darrell is survived by a brother Dennis (Kay) Gray of North Carolina; two sisters in law Jo Ann Gray and Detra Gray; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers David and Donald. 

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory. Rev. Mark Youngquist will officiate. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be held 2:00-6:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, at Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory. A memorial fund has been established for All God’s Creatures.  www.powellfuneralhomes.com 

April 22, 2024 – April 28, 2024

04/22/24
Stephanie Boeding
04/22/24
Sally Olson
04/22/24
Lana Moeller
04/22/24
Jacob Richtman
04/22/24
Shelby Ridenour
04/22/24
Mitch Anderson
04/22/24
Steve & Sue Gray (46 years)
04/23/24
Mark Richards
04/23/24
Kelley Tansey
04/23/24
Scott Ausburger
04/23/24
Mary Bixler
04/23/24
Sharon Davis
04/23/24
Keith Lockard
04/23/24
Lori Johnson-Vick
04/23/24
Mark Kimzey
04/23/24
Judy Kinney
04/23/24
John Klopfenstein
04/23/24
Janis Roach
04/23/24
Gene Messer
04/24/24
Matthew Millspaugh
04/24/24
Cameryn Styron
04/24/24
Ryan Hutchinson
04/24/24
Ayla Miller
04/25/24
Sharon Schinstock
04/25/24
Cherie Watznauer
04/25/24
Pat White
04/25/24
Patty Madden
04/25/24
Jayden Maher
04/25/24
Patricia Goettsche
04/25/24
Dennis Schroeder
04/25/24
Patrick Thomas
04/26/24
Kinzington Keaster
04/26/24
Lynn Humphreys
04/26/24
Jim & Pam Sefton
04/27/24
Kathy Crawford
04/27/24
Sue Frary
04/27/24
Maime Sefton
04/27/24
Sandra Christner
04/27/24
Jerry Davis
04/27/24
Audrey Murphy
04/27/24
Kristopher & Ashley Millard *Anniversary
04/28/24
Jessica Peer
04/28/24
Caron Boles
04/28/24
Kathy Hawkins

Construction on Franklin Ave. & Ramp Closure

The 6-mile, $4.9 million dollar road project on Franklin Avenue will begin on Monday, April 22.  The Henry County Engineer’s Office suggests motorists avoid Franklin Avenue (W-55) from the Skunk River Bridge at Oakland Mills South to Jackson Street in Salem.  A detour will be in place and sections of the road will be completely closed at times during this construction phase.

Work on the section of Franklin Avenue involves culvert replacements, dirt work and shoulder widening.  The entire project will be on going through 2024. Ideally, the entire project is expected to be completed by the end of the year: however, the weather could be a factor.

 

Another traffic announcement: On Monday, April 22, the on ramp to northbound Highway 218 from Washington Street, East of Mt. Pleasant, will be closed from 9am-3pm.

 

 

Sports, April 20th

High School Track and Field

The New London girls’ team will travel to Van Buren County for a meet on Monday, April 22nd. 

The Mt. Pleasant and Central Lee boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to Fort Madison High School for a meet on Tuesday, April 23rd, for the Keokuk Invitational.

The Winfield-Mt. Union, WACO, and Van Buren County boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to Sigourney for a meet on Tuesday.

The New London boys’ and girls’ teams will host a meet on Tuesday with Danville, Mediapolis, and West Burlington attending. 

High School Soccer

The WACO boys’ team will host Sigourney-Keota on Monday, April 22nd.

Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union will face off against Burlington Notre Dame on Tuesday, April 23rd, with the girls’ team playing first at 5 pm. 

The Mediapolis girls’ team grabbed a non-conference 3-0 victory last night against Fairfield. Camryn Bailey, Ella Russell, and Savannah Kerr each scored a goal for the Bulldogs. The Mediapolis boys’ team will take on WACO on Tuesday at 5 pm, while the girls’ team will take on Burlington at 5 pm on the same day.  

Mt. Pleasant will take on Fairfield on Monday with the boys on the road and the girls at home. 

The Central Lee boys’ team will compete against Highland on Monday at 5 pm on the road.

The Danville boys’ team will host Wapello on Thursday, April 25th.

High School Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will take on Fort Madison on Monday, April 22nd, with the boys at home and the girls on the road. 

High School Golf

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ and girls’ teams will travel to Kalona on Monday, April 22nd, for a meet. 

The WACO boys’ and girls’ will host Louisa-Muscatine on Monday.

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team traveled to Fairfield for a makeup meet yesterday and Washington continued dominating shooting a 145 followed by Fairfield with a 168 and Mt. Pleasant finished in third with a team score of 175. The Demons were led by Teague Mayer, who finished with par for the course, but all players shot 7-over or better.

Drew Myers of Fairfield shot a 39 (+4), which led the Trojans. Mt. Pleasant was led by Reece Coffman and Merrick Lamm as they both finished 6-over for the course. Nate Dismang finished with a 43 for his 9-hole score. Fort Madison’s Brady Wade led the team to a score of 199, while Keokuk’s Jayden Thomas shot a 48, which gave the Chiefs a team score of 202. 

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel Flint Hills Golf Course for an SEC meet, while the boys’ team will host their meet on Monday. 

The New London boys’ team will face off against Holy Trinity Catholic and the girls will take on Van Buren County on Monday. 

Central Lee faced off against Holy Trinity Catholic yesterday with the Crusaders picking up the win on the girls’ side, while the Hawks’ boys’ team won 169-199.  The boys’ top golfer was Mylan Lowenberg with a 9-hole score of 40, while Marie Young led the Hawks on the girls’ side as she shot a 62. Central Lee will compete against Danville on Monday.

Mediapolis will take on Burlington Notre Dame on Monday at Heritage Oaks Golf Course.

Southeastern Community College

SCC baseball picked up a hard-fought conference victory against Des Moines Area Community College yesterday 4-3. The Bears had SCC on the ropes after taking a 3 to 2 lead in the top of the 9th inning. Nevertheless, the Blackhawks walked it off as Marcus Beatty pushed across two runs for the SCC offense. Kooper Shulte got the win on the mound as he tallied a strikeout in his relief effort. The Blackhawks will host Iowa Western Community College today in a doubleheader to kickoff their three-game series. 

The SCC softball team will take on Illinois Central College on the road today in a doubleheader.

This Day in Sports History

1916 – Chicago Cubs play their first game at Weeghman Park (now Wrigley Field) and beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-6.

1943 – Braves manager Casey Stengel is struck by a taxi, fractures a leg.

1988 – Baltimore Orioles set the record for the worst start to a season: 0-14 (will go 0-21).

Becky Lynn Dimmitt

Becky Lynn Dimmitt, 56, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at her home.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Behner Funeral Home. A visitation for friends and family will be Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family.

Becky was born August 18, 1967 in Oakland, California, the daughter of Morris and Alice (LaFave) Jacobson. She married Todd Eichhorst; they later divorced. She married Larry Dimmitt March 30, 2007 in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Becky was a waitress in Ottumwa. She enjoyed adult coloring, reading, watching crime shows, and spending time with her kids.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband; her children, Ryan Eichhorst of Des Moines, Jenna Eichhorst of Clutier, Iowa, Justin Eichhorst of Cedar Rapids, Brittany Peppers (Justin) of Tama, Iowa, Kelly Potter (Brittney) or Oskaloosa, Dakota Storto of Fairfield, Shania Storto (Nick Sciortino) of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Cody Woodard (Bridget Zell) of Minnesota, Micayla Dimmitt of Fairfield, Baylie Schuring (John) of Kellogg, Iowa, and Katie Dimmitt (Sean Evans) of Fairfield; 18 grandchildren; three sisters, Lolita Driscoll (Kevin) of Shakopee, Minnesota, Debbie Wetzell (Bruce) of Topeka, Kansas, and Cindy Morrison of Spokane, Washington; and one brother, Todd Jacobson of Bridgeport, Pennsylvania.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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