23 Year Old Arrested with Handgun

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 at 2:25 pm CDT

Last Tuesday, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Deputies stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation at US Highway 34 and Gear Ave. During the traffic stop deputies smelled the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Deputies asked a passenger in the vehicle to step out and speak with them. The passenger was identified as Jabak Yacub Willis, age 23, of Burlington, IA. Willis was observed to have an object resembling a firearm tucked into his front waistband. He was then detained and a 9mm handgun was located on his person.

Deputies ran a check of the firearm, and it came back stolen out of Burlington, IA. Deputies also found that Willis has a previous conviction for domestic abuse assault preventing him from carrying a firearm. Willis also has a previous drug conviction and admitted to using marijuana earlier that day. Willis was placed under arrest for possession of firearm by domestic abuse offender (D Felony) and person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons. He was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center

Tamin Lipsey Adds Some More Hardware as the Cyclones Prepare for March Madness

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 at 10:55 am CDT

Ames, IA- Tamin Lipsey has been the heart and soul of the Iowa State men’s basketball team this season and has been properly acknowledged for his efforts, earning All-Big 12 First Team and Defensive Team honors.

You can now add the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District 8 First Team honor to the list of accolades. Lipsey has averaged 12.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and an impressive 2,8 steals per game, which has helped the Cyclones to a 27-7 record and a Big 12 Championship.

The Cyclones earned the #2 seed in the East Region for the NCAA championship and will face off against the #15 seed South Dakota State on Thursday, March 21st, at 6:35 pm.

Sports, March 19th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 at 6:20 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The Mt. Pleasant girls team will compete at a meet in West Burlington on March 26th, while the boys’ team will travel to Washington on Thursday, March 21st, to compete in the Steve Roth Relays.

The WACO and Danville boys’ teams will travel to Washington to participate in a meet on Thursday. The WACO girls’ team will run on March 26th at West Burlington.

The New London and Central Lee boys’ teams will participate in a meet on March 25th at West Burlington.

The Van Buren County girls’ and boys’ teams will travel to Albia for a meet on Thursday.

The Mediapolis and Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ teams will travel to Washington on Thursday for a meet. The Mediapolis, Danville, Winfield-Mt. Union, and New London girls’ teams will compete in a relay on March 26th at West Burlington.

High School Soccer

The WACO boys’ team will open the season on March 28th against Fairfield on the road at 5 pm.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ and girls’ teams will take on West Liberty on March 25th at home with the girls’ game scheduled first at 5 pm. 

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ will host Mediapolis on March 26th to start their season at 4:30 pm, while the boys’ will travel to Danville to play at 5 pm on the same day. 

The Danville girls’ team will face off against Assumption on March 25th on the road at 5 pm.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will take on Burlington on March 26th on the road at 5 pm.

Southeastern Community College

The SCC baseball team is on the road today as the Blackhawks face off against Carl Sandburg College. The Blackhawks are 15-5 on the season.

The SCC softball team enters a doubleheader tomorrow, March 20th, with a 12-8 record as they are set to host the Des Moines Area Community College.

College Basketball

The Iowa women’s team will be the #1-seed in the Albany Regional for the National Championship bracket, which means they will host the first two rounds. The Hawkeys will take on either Holy Cross or UT-Martin on Saturday, March 23rd, at 2 pm.

The Iowa State women’s team will be making their 5th consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament as the Cyclones earned the #7-seed. They will face off against Maryland on Friday, March 22nd, at 6:30 pm. 

The Iowa State men’s team claimed the #2-seed in the NCAA tournament as they will compete against the #15-seed South Dakota State on Thursday, March 21st, at 6:35 pm.

The Iowa men’s team earned the #3-seed in the National Invitation Tournament and the Hawkeyes will face off against the #4-seed Kansas State tonight at 8 pm. 

March Madness

The KILJ bracket challenge, sponsored by The Press Box and Wiley’s Interior Furnishings and Design, has officially started. The first four play-in games will not count towards your final score and brackets are due by the end of the day, tomorrow, March 20th.

For a full list of rules and prizes follow this link: KILJ Bracket Challenge 

This Day in Sports History

1966 – Underdog Texas Western College defeats Kentucky, 72-65, in the NCAA men’s college basketball championship—the first NCAA title for an all-Black starting five.

1972 – First AIAW Women’s Basketball Tournament, Immaculata beats West Chester State 52-48 in Normal, Illinois.

1984 – Two-time Cy Young Award winner Denny McLain is indicted on charges of drug trafficking, embezzlement and racketeering; 25 year sentence later quashed.

Kevin Woodsmall

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 at 5:52 am CDT

Kevin Edward Woodsmall, 58, of Winfield, IA, died unexpectedly late Sunday, March 17, 2024 in the Emergency Room of the Henry County Health Center, Mt. Pleasant.

Kevin was born January 7, 1966 in Mt. Pleasant. He was the son of Paul “Jake” and Alverta (Hill) Woodsmall. He attended Mt. Pleasant Schools. He was first married to Peggy Ripperger. The couple later divorced. On April 4, 2003, Kevin married Teresa Lynn Graham.

For many years, Kevin was employed in the Tool and Die Department of Lomont Molding. For the past 8 years, he worked for Wemiga Waste.

Kevin loved working on cars. He was gifted in repairing the mechanical workings of many cars. A devout Chevy man, he was a member of the Square Body Chevy Club.

Those thankful for sharing in Kevin’s life include his wife Teresa of Winfield; 2 children – Sarah Woodsmall and Shane (Tiffany) Woodsmall, all of Fairfield; 2 stepsons – Dustin (McKenna) Thomas of Mt. Pleasant and Dillon Thomas of Muscatine; siblings – Anna Marie Baxter of Mt. Pleasant, Jerry (Carla) Woodsmall of Lockridge, Ron Woodsmall of Texas and Tim Woodsmall of Mt. Carmel, IL; grandchildren – Hadlee, Harvey, Dax, Beckham, Xander and Emerson. Kevin was anticipating the birth of his seventh grandchild.

Kevin’s parents and siblings – Larry “Woody” Woodsmall, Paul Keith Woodsmall, Tom Woodsmall and Terry Woodsmall precede him in death.

A Celebration of Life for Kevin will be held from 10AM to 1 PM on Saturday, March 23 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. Burial of Kevin’s ashes will follow at the Burge Cemetery, New London.

The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, is caring for Kevin and his family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Gov. Reynolds Statement on AEA Reform Passing Iowa Senate

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 at 5:51 am CDT

Gov. Kim Reynolds released the following statement in response to the Iowa Senate passing AEA reform: 

 

“I want to thank the Senate for their commitment to improving special education and acknowledging that the AEA system needs reform. I now look forward to working with the House and Senate to reach a compromise that will bring transparency, accountability, and consistency to the AEA system while most importantly improving outcomes for students with disabilities. At the same time we must recognize the important role of teachers in the classroom by increasing minimum salaries for both starting and experienced teachers.” 

 

Norma Pundt

By Yorke Prough · Monday, March 18th, 2024 at 2:47 pm CDT

Norma Lee Pundt, 87, of River Hills Village, Keokuk, formerly of Fort Madison, Iowa, passed away at 11:15 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2024, at River Hills Village in Keokuk, Iowa.

She was born on January 11, 1937, in Cantril, Iowa, the daughter of Fred and Nellie (Witt) Pundt.

She is survived by her nephews: Harlan (Lori) Pundt of Donnellson, Iowa, Kevin Herzog of Kettering, Ohio; nieces: Denise (Aaron) Nichols of Donnellson, Iowa, Kim Beckett of Dayton, Ohio; brother-in-law: John Herzog; sister-in-law: Carolyn Pundt and several great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: Forrest and Harold Pundt; sister: Donna Herzog and nephew: Myron Pundt.

Norma was a 1956 graduate of Cantril High School. She worked as a waitress for Wilkens Drug Store and a clerk at Ron’s Supermarket and Dollar General in Fort Madison. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Fort Madison. Norma enjoyed playing Bingo, jigsaw puzzles and collecting salt and pepper shakers. Most of all, she loved her Hersheys candy bars and spending time with her family.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2024, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Cantril, Iowa with Carolyn Pundt officiating.

Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Cantril.

Memorials have been established in memory for Lee County Hospice or River Hills Village.

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

Henry County Health Center Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda 03/20

By Yorke Prough · Monday, March 18th, 2024 at 2:07 pm CDT

MEETING OF HENRY COUNTY HEALTH CENTER

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Time:  7:30am

HCHC Board Room

 

Mission:  To enhance the health of individuals and communities through high quality, effective and efficient services

 

Vision:  To be the healthcare provider and employer of choice

 

Values:  Quality, Service, Teamwork, Accountability, Respect and Trust

I.               CALL TO ORDER

 

II.             ROLL CALL

  1. Mr. Prottsman ____ 4. Mrs. Bender            ____              7. Mr. Welcher ___
  2. Mrs. Olson ____                5. Mrs. McNamee       ____
  3. Mrs. Heaton ____                6. Mr. Blake                            ____

 

III.           PUBLIC HEARING: 7:30am

On proposed action by Henry County Health Center to approve the parking lot improvements

 

 

IV.           CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of previous meeting and committees
  2. Administrative memo and EMS report

 

V.             OLD BUSINESS

  1. Award Parking lot improvements 2024 ♦ □ *
  2. Financial Update ♦ □
  3. Capital Update ♦ □
  4. Budget FY25 ♦ □
  5. GRH Update ♦ □

 

VI.        HOSPITAL INSPECTION:  Sally Olson

                

VII.         EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE

Closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 21.5 to discuss strategic objectives and legal matter □ ♦

 

VIII.       NEW BUSINESS      

  1. Park Place Resolution ♦ □ *
  2. Podiatry Clinic Remodel – Unbudgeted Capital ♦ □ *
  3. Security Video Enhancement Project – Unbudgeted Capital ♦ □ *
  4. Facilities Report ♦ □

 

IX.           ADJOURNMENT

Next Meeting – Wednesday, April 17th

Mount Pleasant Utilities Board Meeting Agenda 03/19

By Yorke Prough · Monday, March 18th, 2024 at 2:05 pm CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT MUNICIPAL UTILITIES Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

Board of Trustees: Regular Meeting:
Dan McCabe, Chairman 1:00 P.M. Tuesday
Harvey Ungerman March 19, 2024
David George (City Hall Council Chambers
Michelle Rosell located at 307 E. Monroe St.) Lori White

AGENDA

I. CALL TO ORDER.
A. Roll call.
B. Approval of Agenda.

II. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING.
A. Regular Board Meeting – February 20, 2024 – Approval.
III. FINANCIAL.
A. Approval of Warrants.
B. Treasurer’s Report – Jody Fuller.
C. Payment Processing Improvement Plan – Update.
D. Approval of U.S. Bank Account closure and transfer of balance to IPAIT account. – Approval.
E. Real Estate Purchase Agreement of property legally described as Lots One (1) and Two (2) in Block One (1) of Taft’s Second Addition to the City of Mt. Pleasant, also known as Iowa Wesleyan Old Gym – Review & Approval.

IV. LEGAL COUNSEL.
A. Attorney – Timothy J. Whipple (Ahlers & Cooney P.C.).

V. OPERATIONS.
A. Management – Nate Lucas, General Manager.
1. Cedar Lane Well #7 and Water Distribution System Project – Update & Review.
a) Board review of the associated Bid Package #2 (Well Equipping) system work.
b) Review of work from Bid Package #2 Well Drilling
2. Adams Street Substation 15 kV Sheltered Aisle Switchgear Replacement Project – Update.
a) Board review of the associated new Adams Street Substation 15 kV Sheltered Aisle Switchgear Replacement Project.
3. Transmission System Power Supply Project – Update.
a) Status update of the associated 69 kV transmission system power supply work.

4. Monthly Activities.

B. Customers.
1.
C. Employees.
1.

VI. ADJOURNMENT.
Next Regular Board Meeting: 1:00 p.m. Tuesday