Prep Track and Field: A Roundup of Local Track Meets from Last Night

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 at 11:08 am CDT

Prep Track and Field- Track and Field ran rampant across Iowa yesterday as the WACO boys’ and girls’ teams made a trip up to Lisbon and the Central Lee and Van Buren County boys’ team ventured over the Fairfield. Here’s some of the highlights of the meets.

Starting with WACO in Lisbon, the girls’ team finished in seventh place with 43 points and the boys’ team took eighth place with 48 points.

On the girls’ side, the Warriors were led by Zoey Dennler’s third-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles as she raced to a time of 17.82 seconds. The 1600 medley relay team finished in third place with a time of 4 minutes and 53 seconds. Dennler also grabbed third place in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1 minute and 16 seconds.

Gage Samo took home the only gold for the Warriors as he sprinted and leapt his way to a time of 1 minute and 1 second in the 400-meter hurdles. Louden Huisenga jumped to a third-place finish in the high jump with a measurement of 5 feet and 10 inches. Lastly, Chase Waterhouse was in a contentious discus heat that saw the top five throw over 130 feet; Waterhouse took fourth place with a heave of 132 feet and 3 inches, just three inches behind the third-place throw.

The WACO girls’ team will compete at Winfield-Mt. Union tomorrow and the boys’ team will travel to Mt. Pleasant for an invitational.

Traversing over to Fairfield, Central Lee captured a couple of second-place finishes, while Van Buren County found their success in the long-distance events.

For the Hawks, Grant Myhre took second place in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.83 seconds. Kegan Damico also grabbed a second-place finish in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 59.52 seconds. Damico also captured fourth place in the high jump with a leap of 5 feet and 10 inches.

The Warriors were led by Lincoln Bainbridge as he took second in the 1600-meter run with a time of 4 minutes and 52 seconds and gold in the 3200-meter run with a time of 10 minutes and 35 seconds.

The meet was otherwise tight amongst Southeast Conference foes and Pekin with Fort Madison taking first in six events followed by Burlington and Pekin with four apiece as Fairfield won three events.

The Bloodhounds’ Caden Barnes dominated the shot put with an impressive heave of 52 feet and 1.5 inches, which proved to be 12 feet further than second place. Another impressive mark was Ryan Giberson of Fairfield’s win in the shot put with a leap of 6 feet and 6 inches, which was four inches better than second place.

The Van Buren County boys’ team will travel to Central Lee on Monday, April 15th, and the Central Lee boys’ team will attend the invitational at Mt. Pleasant tomorrow.

Identity of Deceased SCC Student Released

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 at 10:43 am CDT

SCC President Dr. Michael Ash released the name of the residence hall student who passed away on Monday as Cho Hwangki, of Japan.

Hwangki, a freshman in his second semester, was an integral part of the SCC soccer team. Hailing from Japan, Cho had successfully learned to navigate the cultural and language barriers of being an international college student as he pursued his academic and athletic endeavors.

Dr. Ash said that the news of Hwangki’s passing has deeply affected not only those who knew him personally but also the wider SCC community. “Cho’s passing has left a profound impact on our students, faculty, and staff.”

In response to the tragedy, classes and activities were canceled on Monday afternoon and Tuesday. College officials are also providing support and resources to those in need. Counseling services are available for students through the Student Affairs Office.

Organizers are planning to honor Cho’s memory in the coming days and provide an opportunity for the SCC community to come together to mourn and remember him. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

As the investigation into Cho’s passing continues, Dr. Ash urged against speculation regarding the cause of death, citing no present evidence to suggest foul play.

In this time of grief, Dr. Ash emphasized the strength and resilience of the SCC community. “As Blackhawks, we will come together and move beyond this tremendous loss,” he said. “Let us support one another with empathy, compassion, and unity.”

Signs of Child Abuse: April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 at 8:52 am CDT

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office has some tips for recognizing abuse.

Some physical abuse signs are: unexplained injuries, such as bruises, broken bones, or burns. Injuries that don’t match the given explanation, and injuries that aren’t compatible with the child’s developmental ability.

Some sexual abuse signs: sexual behavior or knowledge that’s inappropriate for the child’s age, genital pain, bleeding, or injury, and statements by the child that he or she was sexually abused.

Emotional abuse signs: social withdrawal or loss of interest/enthusiasm, appears to desperately seek affection, loss of previously acquired developmental skills.

Neglect signs: poor growth and/or poor personal cleanliness, lack or clothing or supplies to meet physical needs, hoarding or stealing food.

If you suspect child abuse, please contact your local law enforcement agency or contact the Iowa Department of Human Services.

City Council Meeting Tonight and Fire Truck “Push In” Ceremony

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 at 8:51 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant City council will meet tonight for a regular session at City Hall beginning at 5:30pm in the second-floor meeting room. Items on the agenda include the approval of a demolition bid for 1205 N Broadway and a resolution approving the publication of notice of City Council intent to fill vacant council seat by appointment. Former Councilman, Jeff Batty, resigned effective immediately two weeks ago and his spot needs filled. Speaking of resignations, Building and Zoning Administrator, Jack Swarm, has put in his resignation and will await council approval tonight. There will be a public forum to round off the evening. The next City Council meeting will be on Wednesday, April 24th, at 5:30pm.

After the meeting, the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department will be hosting a traditional push in ceremony of their newest fire truck at 204 S Jackson St. Come out and learn about the new truck and enjoy cookies and lemonade. This event is open to the public.

 

National Healthcare Decisions Day

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 at 8:50 am CDT

Nobody likes to think about death, but the fact of the matter is, no one can escape it.

April 16th, next Tuesday, is National Healthcare Decisions Day. This is an initiative encouraging families to have frank discussions about end-of-life health care wishes. When put into writing, those health care wishes can become advance directives – documents that provide guidance and instructions for those entrusted with a loved one’s care.

Advance directives are legal documents that allow people to give directions for their medical care, should they become unable to speak for themselves. There are several types of advance directive documents; two major documents used in Iowa are the durable power of attorney for health care (DPOAH) and the living will.

In a DPOAH document, an individual can appoint a person to make decisions about their medical care if they are unable to make those decisions due to illness or injury. A living will enables an individual to describe their wishes about the administration of medical treatment or life-sustaining procedures if they become unable to communicate due to a serious or terminal condition.

Both types of advance directives only go into effect if a person is unable to communicate his or her wishes. People who are lucid or able can make their own health care decisions – even if those decisions contradict their advance directives.

“The advance care planning process is just as much for the patient and making sure that their wishes are honored as it is for the family and making sure that they have that peace of mind, knowing that they did exactly what their loved one wanted them to do,” says EveryStep Hospice’s Mount Pleasant team director Ellen Telleen, RN.

To download a free advance care planning guide, visit https://www.everystep.org/services/hospice/advanced-care-planning.

If you or someone you know is struggling to find the support they need, please contact EveryStep’s local team in Mount Pleasant at 319-385-4472 or complete the commitment-free, confidential “Find Care” form on EveryStep’s website at www.everystep.org/find-care. EveryStep staff will follow up with a phone call to answer your questions and provide assistance.

Sports, April 10th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The Fort Madison girls’ team hosted the Timm Lamb Penn City Relays yesterday and Danville ended up on top with 152.5 points followed by Mt. Pleasant with 142 points and Mediapolis with 134.5 points. Here’s some of the highlights. 

For Mt. Pleasant in Class A, Kynlee White raced to a first place finish in the 200-meter dash with a time of 26.9 seconds. The team of Kiyah Sanders, White, Alex and Andi Scott took first in the 4×100 meter relay with a time of 50.96 seconds. Courtney Raub replaced Sanders for the 4×200 meter relay and helped the team pick up another gold with a time of 1 minute and 47 seconds. Bailey Jalas took first place by nearly a foot in the long jump with a leap of 16 feet and 3 inches. Lastly for first place, Kya Goodrich launched the discus 116 feet and 6 inches to win the event. Savannah Slobodnik took second place with a toss of 107 feet and 8 inches. Another notable finish was Alex and Andi Scott grabbing second and third place, respectively, in the 100-meter dash.

Fort Madison’s Avery Rump dominated the distance events, helping the Bloodhounds win the 1500-meter run, 3000-meter run, and the distance medley. Iris Dahl of Washington was a force in the 800-meter run with a first place finish in the individual event and a team win in the 4×800 meter relay. Lastly, Burlington’s Kylee Hill won the shot put with a heave of 39 feet and 0.5 inches. 

For Class B, Danville won eight events. Alaina Gourley won the 400-meter dash with the only sub-one minute time and the 1500-meter run with a time of 5 minutes and 14 seconds. Kamry Sherwood finished with a time of 12 minutes and 19 seconds in the 3000-meter run. The Bears won the 4×200, 4×400, the 800 sprint medley, and the distance medley relays. Jaeda Molle raced in all four relays, while Kenna Furnald was involved in three of the relays. Lastly, Taegan Frazier threw the shot 33 feet and 10.5 inches to narrowly win the event. 

Mediapolis’ 4×800 meter relay team of Grace Holsteen, Paige Steiner, Avery Dietz, and Bryn Wright took first place with a time of 10 minutes and 37 seconds. Van Buren County took home 103 points with Kayley Snowgren finishing in first in the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes and 39 seconds.

Winfield-Mt. Union totaled 57 points as Tessa Huston won the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1 minute and 12 seconds and Quin Smith grabbed the win in the high jump with a leap of 5 feet. The team of Huston, Suttyn Schlee, Aurey Meeker, and Josie Nelson won the 4×100 meter shuttle hurdle. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ and girls’ teams will be hosting an invitational tomorrow, April 11th, with Central Lee, Mediapolis, and West Burlington bringing both teams, while the New London, Danville, WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ teams also attend. 

The Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will host a meet tomorrow with WACO, Van Buren County, and Danville also participating.

The Mediapolis boys’ team captured 172 points to win the meet at Wapello last night. Winfield-Mt. Union finished in second place with 98 points, while Danville grabbed third with 84 points. 

Winfield-Mt. Union’s Cam Buffington won the 100-meter dash with a time of 9.53 seconds and the long jump with a leap of 21 feet and 4 inches. Jake Edwards won the high jump with a leap of 6 feet and 3 inches with Mason Watkins of West Burlington jumping 6 feet and 2 inches. Danville won 4×100 and 4×800 meter relays, while Mediapolis won both the 1600-meter and 3200-meter runs led by Solomon Zaugg and Owen Schmidgall, respectively.

High School Soccer

The WACO boys’ team will host Wapello tomorrow, April 11th. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team fell to Danville last night 4-0. Colin Pealer had two goals and two assists for the Bears. The Wildcats will take on Mediapolis on the road with the girls’ playing first at 5 pm tomorrow.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will face off against Keokuk tomorrow on the road while the boys’ team had their matchup postponed.

The Mediapolis girls’ team lost to Canton High School last night 3-0.

The Central Lee girls’ team lost to Fort Madison last night 8-0. Teagan Snaadt finished with a hat trick for the Bloodhounds in the win. The boys’ team will host Danville tomorrow, while the girls’ team will travel to West Branch on Friday, April 12th. 

High School Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will take on Burlington tomorrow, April 11th, with the boys’ at home and the girls on the road. 

High School Golf

Burlington Notre Dame hosted a tournament yesterday as Van Buren County, Mt. Pleasant, and Winfield-Mt. Union competed for the boys’ and girls’ and Central Lee and Danville competed on the boys’ side. On the boys’ side, Central Lee won the tournament with a team score of 340 as they were led by Bo Herdrich’s 18-hole score of 79. The Nikes finished in second with a score of 350 and the Panthers took third with a team score of 353.

Burlington Notre Dame’s Carter West had the best score of the course with a 76 (+5). TJ Jirak’s 77 led Van Buren County to a team score of 385, while Nate Dismang led the Panthers with a score of 78. Winfield-Mt. Union had Carter Loyd shoot an 87 to help the team finish in fourth with a 360. Lastly, Danville shot a 388 with Henry Bellrichard finishing 16-over par. 

Highland outpaced everyone on the girls’ side with a team score of 384 as Louisa-Muscatine finished in a distant second place with a team score of 424. Fort Madison took third place, Mt. Pleasant finished in fourth place with a team score of 460, while Van Buren County, Winfield-Mt. Union, and Burlington Notre Dame rounded out the pack, respectively.

Kylie Walderbach was the top golfer for the Panthers with an 18-hole score of 100. Van Buren County was led by Sophia Jirak as she shot a 106. Lily Freeman totaled a 109 for Winfield-Mt. Union; lastly, Emersyn Hopkins of Burlington Notre Dame finished with the fifth best score of the course with a 99. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will take on Highland tomorrow, April 11th, on the road. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will host the SEC tomorrow for an invitational, while the girls’ team will travel to Keokuk for their meet. 

The New London boys’ team will attend a meet at Tipton tomorrow. 

The WACO boys’ and girls’ teams will host a triangular on Friday, April 12th, with Mediapolis and BGM competing. 

Central Lee will face off against Van Buren County tomorrow at home. 

Southeastern Community College

For baseball, SCC will host Kirkwood Community College today.

The SCC softball team will travel to Kirkwood Community College tomorrow, April 11th, for a doubleheader. 

March Madness

The KILJ bracket challenge, sponsored by The Press Box and Wiley’s Interior Furnishings and Design, has our winners with Rick Bunnell taking first place, Lysha Bunnell grabbing second place, and Ellyanna Bunnell finishing in third place. Congratulations to our winners and thank you all for participating. 

Make sure to look out for the challenge next year when March Madness rolls back around. You can find the final top ten here: KILJ Bracket Challenge Final Standings

This Day in Sports History

1947 – Jackie Robinson becomes the first Black player of the 20th century to sign an MLB contract; Brooklyn GM, Branch Rickey announces Dodgers had bought Robinson’s contract from Montreal Royals.

1964 – Demolition begins in Upper Manhattan, New York City on the Polo Grounds sports stadium (home to MLB Giants, 1891-1957, Mets, 1962-63, and NFL Jets, 1960-63) to clear the way for a housing project.

1979 – J. R. Richard of the Houston Astros pitches a complete game but sets an MLB record by throwing six wild pitches in a 2-1 win over the LA Dodgers at the Astrodome.

Darlene Owens

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, April 9th, 2024 at 4:54 pm CDT

Darlene Shumaker Owens, 94, of Idaho Falls, Idaho and formerly of Salem, died Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Idaho Falls Community Hospital.  Services are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.

Joni Kae Manske

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, April 9th, 2024 at 4:53 pm CDT

Joni Kae Manske, 64, of Mt. Pleasant, died Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Henry County Health Center, Mt. Pleasant.  She was born January 4, 1960 in Primghar, Iowa to Norm and Dolores Mohr Laue.  She married Greg Manske on November 20, 1981 in Paullina, Iowa; they later divorced.  On July 5, 2018 she married Paul Weinstock in Marengo, Iowa.

She was a 1978 graduate of Paullina High School where she participated in every girls sport; then graduated in 1982 from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science degree in social work.  She worked as a social worker at Great River Medical Center, West Burlington and the Des Moines County Juvenile Court System.  Through her love of social work, she hosted several foster children over the years. In 1998 Joni opened Any Wear Apparel which she owned and operated in Mt. Pleasant and Burlington for twenty-five years. In 2021 she opened ETC Gift Shop in Mt. Pleasant until retiring in 2024 because of declining health.

She attended New London Christian Church.  She enjoyed traveling; watching all sports, especially basketball and track; attending all of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities; and especially loved her one-on-one time with her grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she is survived by a daughter Megan (Kory) Winsor of Atkins, Iowa; son Mark Manske of Mt. Pleasant; sister Julie (Randy) Paulsen of Paulina, Iowa; brother Steve (Lorie) Laue of Castle Rock, Colorado; three grandchildren, Blaire, Dane and Conrad Winsor; and nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 10:30 AM at New London Christian Church with Pastor Rod Cooper officiating.  Visitation at Elliott Chapel will begin at noon on Friday with the family receiving friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM.  According to her wishes, her body will be cremated following the service and inurnment will be held at a later date.  A memorial has been established for New London Christian Church.  Joni asks that in lieu of flowers for friends to please remember to support local small businesses.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.