Boys’ Prep Wrestling: WACO’s Louden Huisenga Keeping His Eyes on the Title in Class 1A

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 11:22 pm CDT

Des Moines, IA- Day two of the 2024 Boys’ wrestling state tournament is in the books with the semifinals set in the championship bracket, here’s how our local wrestlers from Class 1A performed.

In the 106-pound weight class, Reed Laudeman of Pekin lost to Kingston Carrigan of Riverside by fall, eliminating him from the tournament.

For WACO, Gage Samo competed in one of the best matches of the entire tournament; unfortunately, he was on the wrong side of a double overtime loss to Cooper Hinz of Jesup by a 3-2 decision. Samo will face off against Jesse Burton in the consolation bracket.

In the 190-pound weight class, Louden Huisenga advanced to the semifinals after defeating Tate Haffner of Southwest Valley by major decision. He will look to keep his undefeated season intact against Nathan Beitz.

In the 126-pound weight class, New London’s Gage Burden went 1-1 on the day with a 8-2 decision win over Brody Kleitsch but a major decision loss to Payton Harger of Earlham, ending his tournament run.

For Wapello, Zach Harbison, in the 138-pound weight class, and Matthew Helscher, in the 150-pound weight class, were both eliminated by fall in their first match of the day.

KILJ will update as the tournament progresses.

Boys’ Prep Wrestling: 3 Wrestlers Eyeing a Third Place Finish in Class 3A

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 11:03 pm CDT

Des Moines, IA- Day two of the 2024 Boys’ wrestling state tournament is in the books with the semifinals set in the championship bracket, here’s how our local wrestlers from Class 3A performed.

Burlington’s Braxton Hutchinson started the day in the quarterfinal but was upset by Carew Christensen in a 4-2 decision. Hutchinson will wrestle Coby Fiser of Bondurant-Farrar in the consolation bracket.

Fort Madison saw Nolan Riddle, 157-pound weight class, lose in the quarterfinal round to #1 Grant Kress by a 4-1 decision. Dominic Tigner will be waiting for Riddle in the consolation bracket.

In the 165-pound weight class, Joe Hartman lost his first match in the consolation bracket, eliminating him from the tournament.

Isaac Thacher competed in a close match, but ultimately fell Danarii Mickel by a 2-1 decision in the 190-pound weight class quarterfinal. He will take on Wyatt Young in the consolation bracket.

In the 285-pound weight class, Cory Arnett pinned Andy Crowder in his first matchup of the consolation bracket; however, he was defeated by a 7-0 decision in the next round at the hands of Zach Conlon.

KILJ will update as the tournament progresses.

Boys’ Prep Wrestling: 4 Wrestlers in the Semifinals and a Couple Matchups Between Local Rivals for Class 2A

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 10:59 pm CDT

Des Moines, IA- Day two of the 2024 Boys’ wrestling state tournament is in the books with the semifinals set in the championship bracket, here’s how our local wrestlers from Class 2A performed.

For Burlington Notre Dame, two Nikes are still in the hunt for a state championship. In the 106-pound weight class, Colt Boyles fell to Urijah Courter of Nevada by a 5-3 decision in the quarterfinal round. Boyles will take on Charlie Boelman in the consolation bracket.

Carter West advanced to the semifinals after a sudden victory over Mitchell Schmauss of Crestwood in the quarterfinal of the 113-pound weight class. West will face off against the #1-seed Brayden Bohnsack.

CJ Davis, in the 126-pound weight class, lost to Landed Davis of Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont in the quarterfinal by an 8-3 decision. Davis will square off against another Southeast Iowa wrestler in Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union’s Ty Scorpil in the consolation bracket.

In the 132-pound weight class, Kaiden Dietzenbach dominated his way to the semifinals with a win by major decision over Elijah Kupka of Benton Community. He will compete against Mason Avila of Decorah with the winner advancing to the championship match.

In the 138-pound weight class, Kael Cook defeated Deken Sorensen of Davis County by sudden victory in the consolation brackets but was defeated by MaCael Bear of South Tama County by a 12-6 decision, eliminating him from the tournament.

Dirk Boyles could not get past Lucas Kral of Garner-Hayfield/Ventura as Boyles fell in the quarterfinals round of the 150-pound weight class by a 3-1 decision. Boyles will face off against Jax Jensen in the consolation bracket.

Lastly, Blake Wilson was unable to upset #1 Tucker Stangel of Osage as he was pinned in 1:07. In the 157-pound weight class, Wilson will face off against Cason Miller of Fairfield.

For Fairfield, Cael McCabe, in the 106-pound weight class, snuck past Coy Mehlert of Union by a 3-2 decision to advance to the semifinals.

Cason Miller, 157-pound weight class, won both of his matches in the consolation bracket with a win by fall over Gage Blauwet of West Lyon and a 10-6 decision win over Brody Hanson of Decorah.

Dain Burkhart (175), Carter Moore (190), and Dre Smithburg (215) were eliminated from the tournament after losing their first match of the day.

Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union’s Russel Coil kept his championship hopes alive with a 6-0 decision win over Trent Cakerice of AP-GC in the quarterfinal. He will take on Paul Ballard of Albia with the winner moving on to the championship match.

In the 113-pound weight class, Jacob Nelson was eliminated by Lane Travis of Creston by a 4-0 decision.

Ty Scorpil picked up two wins in the consolation bracket in the 126-pound weight class with a 9-3 decision win over Braiden Schaufenbuel of NH/TV and an 8-6 decision win over Carter Liston of AP-GC to keep his third place hopes alive.

Kason Dopler, in the 175-pound weight class, was eliminated on a narrow 3-2 decision final against Degan Miller of Greene County.

Kyler Crow of Mediapolis picked up a win in the consolation bracket of the 165-pound weight class with a major decision win over Cyrus Mathes of South Tama County. Nevertheless, Crow was eliminated by fall against Ayden Antonelli of Anamosa.

Washington’s Aaron Boone was knocked down to the consolation bracket after falling by a 3-0 decision against Kade Blume of Roland-Story. He will compete against Kolton Keller in the consolation bracket.

KILJ will update as the tournament progresses.

Capitol Report

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 2:24 pm CDT

Keeping students safe in schools is a top priority for House Republicans for all Iowans. That’s why the Public Safety Committee advanced House Study Bill 675 to ensure students have the protection they deserve all day. HSB 675 has two parts, the first addresses the need for school resources officers inside buildings and the second creates a professional weapons permit and with extensive training for school employees.

School resource officers (SRO) are an asset to schools and the community seeking better security and safety in their schools. The SRO’s connection with students and staff allows them to see problems developing before they get out of hand. The officers bring a sense of safety and security to a sometimes chaotic place. Unfortunately, some schools have removed school resources officers from their buildings, and others either can’t afford their services or their community does not have enough peace officers to serve as SRO’s.

HSB 675 is working to change that. The bill requires school districts with more than 8,000 students to have an SRO in schools with grades 9-12. These large school districts can opt out of the requirement, but that will require a vote of the school board to reject this important security. Parents deserve to know if their school boards are against SRO’s. Smaller schools are encouraged to have SRO’s and both small and large schools can apply for school security personnel grants that will provide up to $50,000 of matching state funds to each school district who wishes to have school security personnel. In addition to law enforcement officers, schools can also hire private school security officers who meet the background checks and training standards.

While school security officers serve an important function, they cannot be in two places at once. HSB 675 also gives schools the option of allowing employees to qualify for a special professional permit for school employees. This is a completely optional program for the schools and their employees. If a school chooses to move forward with this program, staff can volunteer to join. A school employee must pass a standard weapons permit background check every year and complete extensive specialized training. The training includes;
– Prescribed firearm safety training course
– One time in person legal training, including training on qualified immunity
– Annual emergency medical training
– Annual communications training
– Yearly live scenario training
– Quarterly live firearms training

A school employee who meets all these qualifications shall be entitled to qualified immunity from criminal or civil liability for damages when reasonable force is used in the school.

House Study Bill 675 provides two different ways for schools to protect their students, both with school security officers, and well-trained armed school employees. This bill has advanced out of the Public Safety committee and will be ready for floor debate soon.

State Government Approves Bill on First Responders

Last week the State Government Committee passed a monumental piece of legislation to further protect the first responders across Iowa who protect and rescue Iowans every day. House File 2183 (now House File 2482) was reported out of State Government Committee unanimously. The bill, as amended by the Committee, changes Iowa Code to ensure that all types of cancer are covered for Iowa’s firefighters. Currently there are only 14 types of cancer that are covered under the presumption that it was contracted while on active duty as a result of the job. There are over 200 types of diagnosable cancers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters. Research shows that due to the carcinogenic materials and the significantly greater exposure to chemicals, gases, vapors, and particles that firefighters are 9% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than the general population and 14% higher risk of dying of cancer than the general population. If enacted this legislation would provide coverage to all cancers and alleviate concern when a firefighter gets a life altering diagnoses that they have to wonder if their cancer treatment will be covered.

House File 2183 will move to the House floor for the consideration of the full legislative body. House Republicans have over the past several legislative sessions strongly supported legislative efforts in the House to provide expanded coverage for firefighters’ pension funds.

Mary Virginia Perron

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 11:37 am CDT

Mary Virginia Perron, 91, of Mount Pleasant, died Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Sunrise Terrace in Winfield.

Virginia was born May 6, 1932, in Cyrene, Missouri, the daughter of Albert and Malinda (Strother) Brewster. She grew up in Bowling Green, Missouri, and graduated high school in 1950. On April 19, 1952, Virginia married Clifford R. Perron in Jeffersonville, IN. He preceded her in death on May 2, 1999. To this union they were blessed with five children. The couple made their home in Mount Pleasant since 1965. Virginia worked at The Drape Shop, sold Avon, while also being a homemaker, and mending and ironing for others. Virginia married Robert D. Hamilton on September 23, 2000, he died March 31, 2001. She was a member of the New London Christian Church. Virginia enjoyed spending time with family, collecting mushroom figurines, road trips for a piece of pie, wintering in Arizona with her sisters, crocheting, selling items at flea markets, visiting and loved having company.

Virginia is survived by her five children, James “Butch” (Pamela) Perron of Clinton, Ginny (Lenny) Septer of Mount Pleasant, Byron Perron of Mount Pleasant, Kevin (April) Perron of Mount Pleasant, Keith (Kimberly) Perron of Mount Pleasant; 10 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren and one on the way; two sisters Jimee (Vernon) Johnston of El Centro, California, and Linda Jo Miles of Yuma, Arizona.

In addition to her parents and husbands she was preceded in death by a sister Carolyn Giese, and daughter-in-law Lynn Perron.

 

Funeral service will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory in Mount Pleasant. Rev. Rod Cooper will officiate. Burial will be in the Oakland Mills Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:30 pm until time of service on Saturday. Memorials may be directed to Sunrise Terrace Care Center and Oakland Mills Nature Center. The Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory is caring for Virginia and her family.  www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Lynn Riley

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 11:07 am CDT

Lynn Riley, 65, of New London, died Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at her residence.

The funeral service for Lynn will be 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 24th at the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The Reverend Court Fischer, Senior Pastor, will officiate. Friends may call from 12 Noon to 8 PM on Friday, February 23rd at the church. The family will be present to receive friends from 4-7 PM on the 23rd.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the family for an education fund for her granddaughter Addy’s education. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, is caring for Lynn and her family.  Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

Joyce Ahern

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 11:03 am CDT

Joyce Marie Christensen Ahern, 67, of Danville, formerly of Enfield, Connecticut and New London, Iowa, died Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at her home in Danville.  She was born September 14, 1956 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Dean and Vera Lucille Marshall Christensen.

She was a 1975 graduate of New London High School.  She married Jim Ahern at their home in New London.  Joyce was of the Christian faith. She worked as a bartender and owned her own cleaning service.  She dearly loved her pets and watching soap operas.

Survivors include her brother Kevin (Molly) Christensen and their son Dillon, all of Danville; nieces and nephews including a special nephew Jason (Shannon) James of Danville and their children Hayley and Jacob.  She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister Vickie James and brother Randy.

According to her wishes her body has been cremated and private family inurnment will be held at Wapello Cemetery at a later date.

A memorial has been established for the Des Moines County Humane Society.  Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Charles Bertlshofer

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 11:01 am CDT

Charles Edward “Chuck” Bertlshofer, Jr., 82, of Fort Madison, Iowa, passed away at 3:55 a.m. Thursday, February 15, 2024, at his home in Fort Madison.

He was born on February 7, 1942, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Charles, Sr. and Mary (Cormick) Bertlshofer. On April 14, 1962, he married Karen Sue Randell at Sharon Presbyterian Church in rural Farmington, Iowa.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-one years: Karen; one son: Michael Charles (Angi) Bertlshofer of Galesburg, Illinois; one daughter: Tracy Lynn (Mike) Morrison of North Liberty, Iowa; grandchildren: Tyler Morrison, Haley (Tyler) Africa, Stephen Bertlshofer, Michael Bertlshofer, Kylee Bertlshofer, Bryan Bertlshofer; sisters: Carol (David) Faeth of Eldridge, Iowa, Judy (Ron) Hunsaker of Burlington, Iowa; brother: Edward Bertlshofer of Fort Madison, Iowa; brothers-in-law: Larry Reid of Burlington, Iowa and Aaron Burghoffer of Fort Madison, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Joan Reid and Debbie Burghoffer.

Chuck was a graduate of Donnellson High School, where he lettered in track, baseball and basketball for four years. He served in the United States Army Reserves for six years. He worked at Gleason Corporation for forty-four years, the last twenty-seven of which he was plant manager. Chuck was a member of the Sharon Presbyterian Church. He served on the Central Lee School Board for six years and was on the Fort Madison Community Hospital Board of Directors for twenty years. He coached little league baseball and YMCA girls grade school basketball. He enjoyed gardening, flowers, fishing and he was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  Family was of utmost importance to him. Chuck’s favorite motto was “Always give more than you take.”

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 19, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 19, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home with Pastor Katrina Bergman officiating.

Burial will be at Clay Grove Cemetery in rural West Point, Iowa.

A memorial has been established for the Donnellson Fire & Rescue.

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