Sports, December 1st

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ game against Burlington Notre Dame scheduled for tonight has been postponed. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will host Cedar Rapids Washington at 7 pm tonight. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

WACO versus Holy Trinity Catholic has been postponed for tonight. The game will be rescheduled for a later date.

The New London girls’ team has had their game scheduled for tonight against Louisa-Muscatine canceled. 

Van Buren County versus Cardinal has been postponed to December 15th.

Fairfield will face off against Oskaloosa tomorrow, December 2nd, with the girls playing first at 6 pm and the boys game to follow at home. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will tangle with Louisa-Muscatine at home tomorrow with the boys’ game following the girls’ game at 7:30 pm.

Columbus will host Lone Tree tomorrow with the girls’ teams leading off the night at 6 pm.

West Burlington will compete against New London tomorrow on the road with the girls tipping off at 6 pm and the boys at 7:30 pm.

Central Lee will tip-off their season against Holy Trinity Catholic at home with the girls playing first at 6 pm tomorrow. 

Danville will square off against Mediapolis on the road tomorrow with the night starting at 6 pm. 

Wapello will take on Pekin tomorrow with the doubleheader starting at 6 pm on the road. 

High School Bowling

Fairfield’s triangular has been canceled. 

Mt. Pleasant will duel West Burlington/Notre Dame tomorrow, December 2nd. 

High School Wrestling

The Fort Madison Invitational has been postponed for tomorrow, December 2nd.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team had their meet at Tipton canceled due to weather.

The WACO boys’ and girls’ teams will compete in the Washington County quad tomorrow, December 2nd, at Mid-Prairie High School.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will wrestle in a quad at Muscatine tomorrow.

The Wapello boys’ team will participate in a quad at English Valleys tomorrow.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will travel to Iowa Central Community College on Wednesday, December 3rd, at 5:30 pm.

The men’s basketball team will hit the road to take on Sauk Valley Community College on Wednesday at 7 pm.

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will duel Ellsworth Community College on Wednesday at home.

College Football

Iowa State collected their eighth win of the regular season in an ugly 20-13 victory over Oklahoma State this past weekend. Rocco Becht finished with 141 total yards and a passing touchdown in the win. 

Iowa and Iowa State will await their bowl destination, which will be announced on Sunday, December 7th.

College Basketball

The #11 Iowa women’s team defeated Fairfield yesterday 86-72. Ava Heiden put up 18 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and rejected four shots in the winning effort. The Hawkeyes will make the trip to Rutgers on Saturday, December 6th, at 5 pm for their first Big Ten matchup.

The Iowa men’s team will be tested in their first Big Ten showdown of the season when they travel to face off against #11 Michigan State tomorrow, December 2nd, at 6 pm.

The #10 Iowa State women’s team outpaced Indiana 106-95 to win the Coconut Hoops Blue Heron Division Championship over the weekend. Audi Crooks was nearly unstoppable, cashing in for 47 points as she took home tournament MVP, while Jada Williams produced a 23 point/11 assist double-double. The Cyclones will take on Northern Illinois on Sunday, December 7th, at 1 pm at home.

The #15 Iowa State men’s team will host Alcorn State on Wednesday, December 3rd, at 7 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1924 – The Boston Bruins beat fellow expansion team the Montreal Maroons 2-1 at the Boston Arena; first NHL game to be played in the United States.

1963 – Wendell Scott wins the Grand National Series Jacksonville 200 at Speedway Park in Jacksonville, Florida, becoming the first Black driver to win a race at NASCAR’s premier level. 

1996 – Wayne Gretzky becomes the first and only player in NHL history to reach the 3,000-point plateau (including playoffs); as he records an assist in a New York Rangers’ 6-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens at Madison Square Garden.

Marlene Melcher

Marlene Melcher, 87, of Fairfield, passed away Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Prestige Care Center in Fairfield. 

Funeral services celebrating her life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield, with Pastor John Wilbur officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Fell Cemetery in Libertyville. Memorials may be made to Fell Cemetery or Libertyville First Responders and left in care of the family at 2525 Hawthorne Ave., Fairfield, Iowa 52556. 

Marlene was born May 24, 1938, in Des Moines, the daughter of Clayton and Martha (Olmsted) Morgan. She married Dale Melcher on November 2, 1956, in Libertyville, and they were blessed to recently celebrate 69 years of marriage together. 

Over the years, Marlene owned and operated a beauty shop, sold life insurance for Prudential Life Insurance, and was a dedicated, hard-working farm wife. She loved anything pretty – flowers, clothes, jewelry – and she took joy in keeping herself polished, always wearing her hair styled and her nails looking lovely. Just as much, she delighted in noticing beauty in others, never missing a chance to tell you when she liked what you were wearing or when something caught her eye. 

One of her greatest joys was hosting sleepovers for her grandchildren. Her refrigerator and cabinets were always stocked with snacks and treats just for them. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, including her children’s friends, and later those who joined the family, always leaving you with the feeling that you belonged. 

Marlene and Dale enjoyed many family trips to the Lake of the Ozarks, beginning when their children were young. They made lifelong friends there, often hosting gatherings and building memories with people from near and far. As their children grew, the trips expanded to include friends during the high-school years, and the tradition carried on with the grandchildren as they grew. Marlene had her own special seat on the boat, where she’d work on her tan, keep a loving eye on the younger grandchildren, and cheer on whoever was water-skiing at the moment. The couple also enjoyed camping in their camper and RV and spent several winters in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. 

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Dale; her children and their spouses, Allen and Darla Melcher of Fairfield, Shelley Oren of Altoona, Marilee and Brian Caves of Douds, and Renee and Phillip Laux of Richland; her grandchildren and their spouses, Amber and Mark Thornton, Dana and Mitch Anderson, Abby and Thomas Hasley, Tasha Greene and Brody Norton, Joshua Oren, Jacob Oren, Morgan and Bryce VonAhsen, Brock and Paige Caves, Phillip Laux III, and Mackenzie and Trevor Taghon; and her great-grandchildren, Luke, Lauren, Castle, Gabriella, Emerson, Max, Grady, Ty, Levi, Gentry, Weston, Emberly, and Brexley. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Madelyn and Alex Tarkanov of Fayetteville, Arkansas; her lifetime friend, Donna Neil; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, Millard and Sharon Morgan; her brother-in-law, Jerry Kennedy; and her son-in-law, Glenn Oren. 

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

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December 1, 2025 – December 7, 2025

11/30/25
Jackson Staggers (belated)
12/01/25
Whitney Barton
12/01/25
Court Fischer
12/02/25
Gregg Crew
12/02/25
Abbie Liechty
12/02/25
John Smyth
12/03/25
Chris Stewart
12/03/25
Zoey Atkinson
12/04/25
Teri Vandeuren
12/04/25
Liz Glover
12/05/25
Blake Allender
12/05/25
Davie Burk
12/05/25
Bryn Miller
12/06/25
Kyler Hudson
12/06/25
Melissa Flowers
12/6/25
Asiah Miller
12/06/25
McKenzie Sartorious
12/06/25
Lori Mendenhall
12/06/25
Eric Rawson
12/07/25
Teresa Barnett

ISP – Calls for Service

The Iowa State Patrol reported that the department had 84 calls for service on Iowa’s highways on Friday, November 28th.  There were 29 crashes, and 55 calls for motorist assists.  Today’s totals for all law enforcement agencies will look much different with the winter storm in full swing.  Keep in mind if you must travel, there are towing bans in place, and all roads are covered in snow.  Snowplows are out, but keeping up is a challenge with this storm.  Check road conditions by going to 511ia.org or calling 511.

Sports, November 29th

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will look to regroup for their road matchup against Burlington Notre Dame on Monday, December 1st, at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm.

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will host Cedar Rapids Washington at 7 pm on Monday.

WACO will welcome Holy Trinity Catholic on Monday with the girls playing first at 6 pm. 

The New London girls’ team will travel to Louisa-Muscatine on Monday at 6 pm.

Van Buren County will start the season on the road on Monday with a showdown against Cardinal at 6 pm for the girls’ game, followed by the boys’ game at 7:30 pm.

Fairfield will face off against Oskaloosa on Tuesday, December 2nd, with the girls playing first at 6 pm and the boys game to follow at home. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will tangle with Louisa-Muscatine at home on Tuesday with the boys’ game following the girls’ game at 7:30 pm.

Columbus will host Lone Tree on Tuesday with the girls’ teams leading off the night at 6 pm.

West Burlington will compete against New London on Tuesday on the road with the girls tipping off at 6 pm and the boys at 7:30 pm.

Central Lee will tip-off their season against Holy Trinity Catholic at home with the girls playing first at 6 pm on Tuesday. 

Danville will square off against Mediapolis on the road on Tuesday with the night starting at 6 pm. 

Wapello will take on Pekin on Tuesday with the doubleheader starting at 6 pm on the road. 

High School Bowling

Fairfield will host their triangular on Monday, December 1st. 

Mt. Pleasant will duel West Burlington/Notre Dame on Tuesday, December 2nd. 

High School Wrestling

The Mediapolis, Fairfield, Wapello, and Van Buren County girls’ teams will compete at the Fort Madison Invitational on Monday, December 1st. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will travel to Tipton for an Invitational on Monday.

The WACO boys’ and girls’ teams will compete in the Washington County quad on Tuesday, December 2nd, at Mid-Prairie High School.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will wrestle in a quad at Muscatine on Tuesday.

The Wapello boys’ team will participate in a quad at English Valleys on Tuesday.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will travel to Iowa Central Community College on Wednesday, December 3rd, at 5:30 pm.

The men’s basketball team will hit the road to take on Sauk Valley Community College on Wednesday at 7 pm.

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will duel Ellsworth Community College on Wednesday at home.

College Football

Iowa took home the Heroes Trophy for the 10th time in the last 11 years after crushing Nebraska 40-16 yesterday. Kamari Moulton had a big day on the ground, rushing for 93 yards and two touchdowns. The Hawkeyes finished the season with an 8-4 record and will now await their bowl destination, which will be announced on December 7th.

Iowa State will face off against Oklahoma State today at 11 am. 

College Basketball

The #11 Iowa women’s team will take on Fairfield tomorrow, November 30th, at home at noon.

The Iowa men’s team will be tested in their first Big Ten showdown of the season when they travel to face off against #11 Michigan State on Tuesday, December 2nd, at 6 pm.

The #10 Iowa State women’s team fought off a late surge by Marquette yesterday to win 84-73 in the first round of the Coconut Hoops tournament. Jada Williams collected a double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 boards in the win. The Cyclones will compete for the title tomorrow at 12:30 pm against Indiana. 

The #15 Iowa State men’s team will host Alcorn State on Wednesday, December 3rd, at 7 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1934 – The Detroit Lions play their first traditional Thanksgiving Day home game and lose to the Chicago Bears 19-16 in front of 26,000. CBS Radio does the first national broadcast of an NFL game.

1962 – Major League Baseball decides to revert to one All-Star game per year, after four seasons in which two All-Star games were played.

1966 – The first NBA game at the Oakland Coliseum Arena: the Warriors beat the Bulls 108-101.

City of Danville Meetings Next Week

The City of Danville has two meetings scheduled for Monday, December 1st.  The City Council regular session meeting will begin at 5:15pm in Danville City Hall. Department reports are on the agenda, among other items.  The second meeting will begin at 6:30pm and is a joint session with the Danville City Council and the Pleasant Grove Township Trustees.  Items on that agenda include appointing a fire chief for 2026, among other items.  Both meetings are open to the public.

City of New London Snow Emergency Route Information

The City of New London has posted SNOW EMERGENCY ROUTES. If your vehicle is parked on the streets listed in the post, during snow, freezing rain or sleet your vehicle will be towed at your expense. A full copy of the ordinance is shown in the photos or can be found at https://www.newlondoniowa.org/code-of-ordinances

  1. Adams Street
  2. Chestnut Street
  3. Cleveland Street
  4. Elm Street
  5. Madison Street
  6. Main Street
  7. Pine Street
  8. Walnut Street

Harold “Butch” A. Johnson

Harold “Butch” A. Johnson, 77, of Dickinson, Texas, passed away November 21, 2025.

Graveside services will be held 1:30 p.m. Thursday, December 4, 2025 at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield, Iowa. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Butch was born July 9, 1948, in Fairfield to Betty and Herbert Johnson. Butch graduated from Fairfield High School in 1966. In 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served his country with honor.

After returning home, Butch poured his mechanical talents into building his career. He founded Butch’s Trans and Auto, a shop he owned and operated for more than 30 years. Known for his honesty, skill, and commitment to his customers, he built a business – and a reputation – that will not be forgotten.

Butch found joy in the roar of engines and open roads. He loved NASCAR and drag racing, the freedom of motorcycle riding, and the challenge of building transmissions. He had a special place in his heart for all of his tractors – each one a testament to his hands-on spirit and love of machinery.

Butch is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Randy Johnson; and son, Jay Allen.

He is survived by his son, Heath Barrow; and grandchildren, Joseph Barrow, David Barrow, Hannah Barrow, and Elizabeth Barrow.