Sports, February 20th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, February 20th, 2024 at 6:35 am CDT

Girls’ Regional Basketball

In Class 1A Region 7, Danville will take on Calamus-Wheatland tomorrow, February 21st, at 7 pm at Muscatine High School. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

In Class 4A Region 1, Keokuk will face off against #1 Clear Creek-Amana tonight at 7 pm on the road.

Boys’ District Basketball

Starting in Class 1A Substate 5 District 9, Burlington Notre Dame and Winfield-Mt. Union will face off tonight at 7 pm at Mediapolis High School. KILJ AM 1130, 98.5 FM, and kilj.com will be on the call.

In Substate 5 District 10, Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against North Mahaska tonight at 7 pm at Ottumwa Evans Middle School. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call.

Class 2A, Substate 4 District 7, West Burlington will take on West Branch at West Liberty High School tonight at 7 pm.

For Class 3A Substate 5, Mt. Pleasant took on Keokuk last night on the road and despite being down two at halftime, the Panthers were outscored 32 to 16 in the second half to fall 60-42. Christian Stacy scored all 13 of his points in the first half, which led the team. Head coach Eric Rawson discussed this senior class, which combined for 23 points last night, as they shared a special bond, entering the Panther program at the same time Rawson was given the head coach job. The Panthers finished the season with a 13-8 record. 

Keokuk will face off against #5 Solon after the Spartans took down Davis County 75-36 on Thursday, February 22nd, at 7 pm. Clear Creek-Amana defeated Washington 74-67 and Williamsburg downed Fort Madison 70-64.

In Class 3A Substate 4, Fairfield lost to Marion 66-38. 

In Class 4A Substate 3, Burlington was defeated by Davenport West 75-50 last night. 

High School Bowling

The Class 2A individual and Class 3A team state meet commenced yesterday and Mt. Pleasant had three bowlers competing in Waterloo. Bethany Drury was the top bowler for the Panthers with a three game total of 529 total pins, which placed her in 20th. Addison McGehearty finished with a score of 466 and Kya Goodrich bowled a 461 for their three game totals to place 28th and 29th, respectively. 

Keokuk had Jaelynn Ketterer and Sophia Rule advance to the top 8 bracket with Ketterer defeating Brianna Musgrove 205-179 to claim the individual championship. Rule defeated Bailey Gill in a close third-place match 190-185 to take home the bronze. 

The Class 3A team championship belongs to Ottumwa after taking down Des Moines Lincoln. Davenport North took 3rd place, Cedar Rapids Kennedy claimed 5th place, and Waterloo West took home 7th place. 

On the boys’ side, the Class 2A individual championship went to Kendall Bell of Council Bluffs Jefferson after he defeated Jake Fink 203-176 in the championship match. Jacob Shaffer of Marion took 3rd place. Burlington’s Brayton Dixon finished with the 16th highest three game total at 628 pins.

The Class 3A team championship went to Davenport Central as they finished with 53 more pins than Waterloo West. 

The State Tournament continues today with the Class 3A individual championship and the Class 1A team championship.

College Basketball

The #4 Iowa women’s team will travel to take on #12 Indiana on Thursday, February 22nd, at 7 pm.

The Iowa State women’s team will face off against Houston tomorrow, February 21st, at 7 pm on the road.

In a top 10 matchup, the #6 Iowa State men’s team couldn’t pull out the road win against #2 Houston last night, falling 73-65. Keshon Gilbert led the effort with 17 points in the contest. The Cyclones will host West Virginia on Saturday, February 24th, at 1 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team will travel to Michigan State tonight at 6 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1929 – The Boston Red Sox announce they will play Sunday MLB games at Braves Field; Fenway Park located too close to a church.

1971 – “Mr. Hockey,” Gordie Howe scores a goal and adds three assists, including his 1,800th career NHL point, in 6-5 Red Wings’ win over Buffalo in Detroit; Howe’s 1,670th game.

2011 – 53rd Daytona 500: 20-year-old Trevor Bayne, driving for Wood Brothers Racing, wins to become the youngest Daytona 500 winner.

Laura Lee Cooper McCollister

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, February 19th, 2024 at 5:40 pm CDT

Laura Lee Cooper McCollister, 62, of Naples, Florida, formerly of Ft. Madison, Iowa passed away at 6:02 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, friends, and beloved dog “Moose”.

She was born on July 17, 1961, in Ft. Madison, Iowa, daughter of Roger and Laura (Vincent) Cooper, she was a 1979 graduate of Ft. Madison High School.

She began her career in the casino industry as a dealer on the Emerald Lady Riverboat in Ft. Madison, Iowa and later served as a pit boss at Casino Magic in Bossier, Louisiana that later was named Boomtown before being promoted to the position of table games manager at Seminole Casino in Immokalee, Florida. She was adored and respected by co-workers and patrons alike.

Laura Lee cherished rich relationships with family and friends. Her mantra in recent days was “my family was the love of my life,” which was reflected in the way she lavished her love, support, and resources on her many family members. Not only was she exceedingly generous, but also fun-loving, loyal, affirming, and unforgettable. A beach lover at heart, Laura Lee loved nothing more than bringing together friends or family for lively celebrations at the beach or around the swimming pool of her Naples home.

Survivors include one sister: Rachella Dravis of Denmark; two brothers: Keating (Janet) Hissem of Montrose and Kenny (Kerry) Cooper of Ft. Madison; one sister-in-law: Julie Aubé of Tenerife, Spain; eight nieces and nephews: Heather (Matt) Fuger, Jeremy (Kelli) Hissem, Kelsey (Ben) Summers, Kole (Zak Victory) Cooper, Kameron (Makenzie) Cooper, Emma (Brady) Roth, Marie Esther Aubé-Cooper, Aranxta Aubé-Cooper; ten great-nieces and nephews: Lily (Brian) Hayes, Keating, Kinsey, Kaylin, Blake, Lorelai, Layne, Greyson, Cade, and Cael.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother: Jeffrey Cooper; and brother-in-law: Bradley Dravis.

Via organ donation, Laura Lee’s final and lasting gift to the world was the gift of life and sight.

A visitation will be held from 1:00p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point, where the family will receive friends from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home  in West Point with Dana Leahy and Heather Fuger officiating.

Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Ft. Madison.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her memory.

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

Conversation with a Lincoln Collector: Ethan Afshani From New York

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 19th, 2024 at 3:00 pm CDT

The Harlan-Lincoln House hosted a very special guest on Monday. An event held at the Union Block of Mount Pleasant saw a young man from Buffalo, New York, share his vast knowledge on a subject he cares deeply about.

So, what is it that a 21-year-old man is so interested in? Typically, you might expect cars, the stock market, or maybe a sports team. This is not the case for Ethan Afshani. He has a vast knowledge and collection of the 16th president of the United States Abraham Lincoln memorabilia.

Ethan Afshani began collecting Lincoln memorabilia on his 17th birthday, and it has turned into an insatiable hunger. He recently contacted the Harlan-Lincoln House to ask about a pair of glasses belonging to the Lincoln family at one point. As fate would have it, the young man from New York would be in a town just a 3-and-a-half-hour drive away on Saturday. After more conversation, it was determined that he could share a presentation in Mount Pleasant.

Many people sat in awe as Ethan shared different items of his collection and dove into the history behind them. A white house dining room chair from Lincoln’s time, a pair of his reading glasses, and even 5 hairs from the late president, were just some of the items he shared today.

Ethan spoke about the process of proving what is from Lincoln and what is fraud. Apparently, there are more fake items than real items. When asked if he had ever purchased a forgery when he was younger, he responded “I couldn’t afford it!” He stated that many forgeries are around the same price as real items.

He now owns a chair that the Lincoln family brought to the White House. It then went to Abraham’s wife, then his son, before it was sent to a businessman. After that, a school owned the chair before trading it to an antique dealer, where it circulated through multiple antiques dealers before landing in Ethan’s collection. He doesn’t plan on seeing it go through so many hands anymore, as he commented, “I’m taking it to the grave.”

His collection of around 60 items is impressive, yet he would love to continue to watch it grow. The Harlan-Lincoln house has a wide variety of items related to the 16th president. According to Ethan, the glasses on display that were owned by Robert Todd Lincoln are very rare and historic, as he has only seen one or two others.

The Harlan-Lincoln House will resume regular hours in March. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit Harlanlincoln.org.

Danville City Council Meeting Agenda 2/19

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 19th, 2024 at 1:37 pm CDT

Monday, February 19, 2024

Order of business, regular session

Danville City Council, Danville City Hall

NOTE:  The regular session may be conducted electronically

as allowed by Iowa Code 21.8

Citizen comments:  Comments must be directed to the subject under consideration.  The presiding officer shall rule on the relevance of the citizen comments.  Citizens making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks may be barred by the presiding officer from further comment before the Council during the meeting.

 

  1. Call to order, 6:00 p.m..

 

  1. Accept or amend the agenda.

 

  1. Open forum: A time set aside to receive comments from the public regarding city business.  The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public on any subject pertaining to City business, including items on this agenda.  You are asked to state your name and address for the record and to limit your remarks to five minutes in order that others may be given the opportunity to speak.  The Order of Business is at the discretion of the Chair.  No action will be taken.

 

  1. Discussion and action on the January 2024 DMC Sheriff’s report.

 

  1. Follow up discussion regarding the driveway located at 403 South Main that was tabled February 5, 2024. Action by council if needed.

 

  1. Follow up discussion regarding the sewer line question/inquire from the February 5, 2024 meeting (West Division Street).

 

  1. Fire Chief/Building Inspector report.
  2. Action on the verbal/written report as presented.

 

  1. City electrician’s report.
  2. Update on the Iowa Grid Resilience Fund application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).
  3. Action on the verbal/written report as presented.

 

  1. Public Works written report.
  2. Action on the written report.

 

  1. Approval of consent agenda.
  2. Council minutes of February 5, 2024.
  3. January 2024 financial reports.
  4. Payment of bills.

 

  1. Council reports and correspondence.
  2. Setting the date of spring cleanup for May 10, 2024.
  3. Setting the starting time for the March 4, 2024 meeting (Trustees at 6:30 p.m.)

 

  1. Adjournment.

 

  1. Work session on the upcoming 2024/2025 budget. No action will be taken during this work session.

Trouble in Milton: Two Occurrences of Theft in Three Days

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 19th, 2024 at 11:38 am CDT

There’s trouble in Van Buren County, as there have been two thefts reported in Milton in just the past 3 days. On February 17th, a Honda CR125 Dirt bike was reported stolen from a yard on Old Main St. Today, an older model Green Polaris Ranger with homemade wooden doors was reported stolen from a yard of a residence on E. Harris St.

Please call the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office if you have any information regarding these thefts at 319 293 3426. You can also text the TIP line at 319 931 3973.

 

Parent-Teacher Conference Information for Mt. Pleasant High

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 19th, 2024 at 11:01 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community High School have released the following information regarding upcoming parent-teacher conferences.

“We will be hosting Parent-Teacher Conferences February 27 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and February 29 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  We are again going to use PTCFast.com to schedule conferences.  During the registration process completed online, you will need to indicate if you wish to have the conference via Zoom (Z), by telephone (T), or in-person (P).  The website will have you fill out some general information to register your student.  When you register your student, it will prompt you to write their first & last name.  When you enter your last student’s last name, put in parenthesis your desired method of the conference.  For example, when you write the student’s last name, follow the following format: “Stone (P)”.  When you have finished the registration process, PTCFast will send you an email that will lead you to an appointment schedule to choose your preferred conference time.”

 

Use the link below to schedule your student’s conference.

https://ptcfast.com/schools/MPCHS

If you do not have internet access, please contact us via phone at (319) 385-7700.

Signa Brandmeyer

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 19th, 2024 at 10:51 am CDT

Signa I. Brandmeyer, 91, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, February 18, 2024 at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Mrs. Brandmeyer, the former Signa Irene Sandquist, was born July 12, 1932 n Winfield, IA. She was the daughter of Carl and Jessie Lucille (Schenk) Sandquist. She graduated from Winfield High School in 1950. She married James Young, and the couple later divorced. She then married Warren Housel who precedes in death. On September 29, 1992, Signa married Irl Wesley Brandmeyer, who also precedes in death.

Signa worked for the former Benner Food Store from 1953 to 1957. In 1962, she went to work for the Hy-Vee Food Store. She remained there until 1975.

Survivors include a son, William (Marla) Young and a daughter, Carla (Mark) Johnson; 3 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Her parents, husbands, daughter Mary Ann Downey and a brother, Howard Sandquist, precede Signa in death.

Per Signa’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

 

Vince Johnson

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 19th, 2024 at 8:35 am CDT

Vince Michael Johnson, 63, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, February 15, 2024 at his home.

Vince was born January 22, 1961 in Keokuk, the son of George A. and Patricia Jean (Dunagan) Johnson. Vince served in the United States Marine Corps. He worked as a plumber and “jack of all trades”. Vince was known for his various collections. He enjoyed target shooting.

Those left to honor his memory include his daughter, Kelsey (fiancé Mack Howard) Johnson of Batavia; grandchildren, Alexis Wey, Brynlee and Crosby Howard; brothers, Craig Johnson of Lockridge and Doug (Belinda) Johnson of Fairfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and step-father, Warren Meredith.

There will be no services held at this time. He will be laid to rest at Keokuk National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.