Back to School Events

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 at 7:40 am CDT

With August upon us, thoughts turn to “Back to School” and here are a few things to put on your calendar!

Henry County Public Health is hosting a “Back to School Health Fair” on Monday, August 11th from 4p-7p at MPCSD Central Campus Gym.  The back-to-school fair provides families with information, immunizations, and screenings.  Please find details at KILJ.com, community calendar for August 11th.

The Fellowship Cup in Mt. Pleasant is holding the annual school supply distribution on Monday, August 18th from 10am – 2pm in the community room, 203 N. Jefferson Street.  Basic school supplies for each grade level will be provided and there is no need to sign up.

The Fellowship Cup is also looking for help in restocking their pantry with canned fruit.  Requested items include applesauce, peaches, pears, pineapple, fruit cocktail, and apricots.  The items will help supplement groceries for Fellowship clients.  Please drop items off on Monday and Thursday from 8am-4pm or call 319-385-3242.

Midwest Central RR: Conductors Needed!

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 at 7:39 am CDT

The Midwest Central Railroad is looking for conductors for the Old Threshers Reunion August 28th through September 1st.  Collecting tickets, greeting and assisting passengers, sharing history and facts are all part of the duties; plus, conductors get to dress in a cool uniform from the past!  A conductor must be 16 years of age or older and a junior conductor must be at least 12 years of age.    Visit mcrr.org for more information or contact the head conductor, Ryan Johnson at ryan.johnsonmcrr@gmail.com!

Iowa DNR: Area Hunter Education Classes

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 at 7:37 am CDT

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources announces two Hunter Education Classes in Henry and Louisa counties for hunters who need to get certified.

In Henry County, a hunter education course will also be held on Saturday, August 19 at Aim High Shooting in Salem. The class, which runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. teaches students basic survival and first aid skills, water safety, wildlife identification, the basics of wildlife management, hunting laws, and firearm/archery safety.

The Langwood Education Center in Wapello is holding classes on Thursday, August 17 from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, August 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday’s field day is required for hunters under 18, however online courses are available in place of the first class on Thursday. Most online courses carry a fee.

Iowa residents born after January 1, 1972, and nonresidents born after January 1,1967 must complete a hunter education course to obtain a hunting license. Participants for either course must be at least 11 years old, however certificates are not valid until the child’s 12th birthday.

To register for either hunter education course, or to view more courses in Iowa, go to the Iowa DNR website.

Danville City Council Meetings 8/4/25

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 at 7:36 am CDT

The Danville City Council will meet in regular session on Monday, August 4th at Danville City Hall.  A public hearing to discuss scope and specifications of proposed AMI improvements will begin at 5pm and the council will hear comments from the public on the projects.  A second public hearing regarding the authorization of a loan and disbursement agreement will be held at 5:15pm.  The Regular session meeting will begin immediately following public hearings.  Amending sewer rates for the next five years is on the agenda and all meetings are open to the public.

 

Dalene G. Hook

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 at 4:53 am CDT

Dalene G. Hook, 76, a resident of Pleasant Plain, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Parkview Home in Wayland.

There will be no services held at this time. Memorials may be made to the Brighton First Responders and sent to the family at 507 South St. Brighton, Iowa 52540.

Dalene was born January 5, 1949 in Fairfield, the daughter of George and Louise (Countryman) Sharts. She married Larry Hook, July 11, 1967 in Schweinfurt, Germany.

Dalene worked as a press operator for Modine Manufacturing in Washington. She served on the city council for the town of Pleasant Plain as well as city clerk. Dalene enjoyed sewing, cooking, reading, watching television, and spending time with her family.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Larry; children, Deana (Keith Slingluff) Hook of Garwin, Iowa, Leslie (Jon) Eckhoff of Granger, Iowa, and Jered (Nicole) Hook of Pleasant Plain; grandchildren, Gunnar (Caitlyn), Ryker, Fallyn, Quinn, Gage, and Kane; and great-grandchildren, Ezra and Sterling.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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

Howard D. Maynard

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 at 4:50 am CDT

Howard D. Maynard, 77, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025 at his home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Fairfield VFW at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family and sent to 406 E. Broadway Ave. Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Howard was born October 14, 1947 in Mountain Home, Arkansas, the son of Charlie Leffel and Verlene (Stone) Maynard. Howard was raised with the help of his grandmother, Nellie, whom he affectionately referred to as “Ma”.

Howard worked for 40 years at Fairfield Aluminum Castings Company. He enjoyed working on cars, attending car shows, drag racing, and driving his car fast! He also enjoyed attending swap meets and antique shows. Howard loved spending time with his children.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Becky (Stacey) McWhirter of Fairfield, Billy Maynard of Fairfield, Matt Simons of Washington, and Howard (Britt) Maynard, Jr. of Hallowell, Kansas; eight grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

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

This Day in Sports History, August 1st

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, August 1st, 2025 at 6:37 am CDT

This Day in Sports History August 1st

1945 – NY Giants outfielder Mel Ott hits historic 500th MLB home run off Braves Johnny Hutchings, joins Babe Ruth and Jimmy Foxx as only the players to reach the milestone.

1957 – Gil Hodges hits his 13th MLB career grand slam, a National League record, and the last ever by a Brooklyn Dodgers player.

1994 – Baltimore shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. becomes only the second player after Lou Gehrig to appear in 2,000 consecutive MLB games, in a 1-0 win vs Twins.

Carma Sue (Mortland) Reiss

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, July 31st, 2025 at 2:53 pm CDT

Carma Sue (Mortland) Reiss, 76, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the Hiawatha Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, August 2, 2025 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Van Horne, with Rev. David Lingard officiating.  Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 PM, Friday, at the St. Andrew Lutheran Fellowship Hall also in Van Horne.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.  Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is in charge of arrangements.

Carma was born on January 27, 1949, to Bill and Enid (Boughton) Mortland, in Oskaloosa. She was baptized on April 10, 1949, and confirmed on September 4, 1977.  Carma graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School with the class of 1967, and the University College of Cosmetology in 1969. She worked in retail and cosmetology before working as a Program Technician at the USDA Office.  Carma married George Reiss on November 13, 1976 in Mt. Pleasant.

She was a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church where she participated in bible study and LWML.  She was a member of the Van Horne American Legion Auxiliary.  She also enjoyed playing cards, crafting, following her grandsons activities and the Foxy 5 get-togethers.

She is survived by her daughters, Sarah Reiss of Lincoln, NE, Heather (Shane) Mell of Vinton; 2 grandsons, Braden and Parker Mell; and her sister, Shirley (Ben) Flam of New London.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband George in 2021; daughter Elizabeth; twin sons, Brandt and Brian; and her brother, Billy Lee Mortland.

Special thanks to Pastor David Lingard and the Hiawatha Care Center for their care and support.

Online condolences www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com