Boys’ Prep Basketball: Mt. Pleasant and Keokuk Set for a Rematch

By Slaten Swords · Monday, February 12th, 2024 at 10:43 pm CDT

IHSAA- The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) have released the brackets for classes 3A and 4A and here’s our local matchups.

Class 3A Substate 5 is the headquarters for the Southeast Conference with four of the six members being placed within the group of 8. Keokuk grabbed the fourth seed and will be hosting the fifth seed Mt. Pleasant as the Panthers seek revenge after their conference loss to the Chiefs back on February 2nd. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call.

The winner of that game will take on either #1 Solon or #8 Davis County. The Spartans ranked 5th in the latest edition of the IHSAA rankings for Class 3A.

#2 Clear Creek-Amana will host the seventh seed Washington and #6 Fort Madison will travel to take on #3 Williamsburg.

In Substate 4, Fairfield will have the dubious distinction taking on the top team in Marion, who ranked 6th in the IHSAA top 10 for Class 3A.

In Class 4A Substate 3, Burlington snatched the sixth seed and will travel to Davenport, West for their first-round matchup. The winner will face off against #2 Bettendorf.

The first round for classes 3A and 4A will begin on Monday, February 19th, at 7 pm.

Sunday Morning Crash Leaves Driver Hospitalized, Later Released

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 12th, 2024 at 3:32 pm CDT

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident in Geode State Park on Sunday morning. At approximately 11:34am on February 11th, the Sheriff’s Office received a report and promptly responded. It was determined that a vehicle was traveling north bound on Racine Avenue near Beach Road when the driver, Donald Fields of Brighton, lost control of the vehicle.

The vehicle then went across the center line towards incoming traffic, into the ditch, and struck a tree before coming to rest. No other vehicles were involved in the accident.

Donald was examined by the Henry County EMS personnel and transported to the hospital where he was later released. He was charged with driving while license revoked and failure to maintain control of vehicle.

Keokuk Police Participating in Compliance Checks

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 12th, 2024 at 2:30 pm CDT

The Keokuk Police Department has taken a pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of Keokuk youth.

Known as I-PLEDGE, the program is a partnership with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa’s tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product laws. Since the program’s inception in 2000, the statewide tobacco compliance rate has grown to 91%.

I-PLEDGE places emphasis on retailer training. Clerks who successfully complete an online training course and then pass an exam will become I-PLEDGE certified. This allows a retail establishment to use an affirmative defense against a civil penalty if the certified clerk makes an illegal sale.

I-PLEDGE’s retailer training is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse illegal tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product sales. The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment.

The Keokuk Police Department will also be conducting compliance checks on local establishments as part of the I-PLEDGE program. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will enter establishments and attempt to buy tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products. Clerks who make the illegal sale will be cited on the spot.

Criminal penalties for selling tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products to a minor include a $135 fine for a first offense, a $325 fine for a second offense and a $645 fine for third and subsequent offenses. However, handing out citations is not the intent of the I-PLEDGE program.

By partnering with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, The Keokuk Police Department hopes to educate clerks and maintain a compliant retail environment in our community. Moreover, the Keokuk Police Department pledges to help keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of Iowa’s youth.

Wapello Man Charged with 27 Counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 12th, 2024 at 11:29 am CDT

On February 9th, 2024 at 8:30AM multiple law enforcement agencies conducted a residential search warrant at 426 N Main St. in Wapello, IA. This was in reference to a 3-month investigation into the distribution and sexual exploitation of minors and collection of child pornography, after a cyber tip was sent to our office. During this investigation our office worked with the Burlington Police Investigations Unit and State of Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

As a result of this investigation and search warrant, Garyth Peck, age 22, of 426 N Main St. in Wapello was arrested and charged with (27) counts of class C felony sexual exploitation of a minor and is currently being held at the Louisa County Jail. Peck’s bond was set in the amount of $50,000 (CASH ONLY).

Assisting alongside the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office on the residential search warrant was the Burlington Police Department and the State of Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations Electronic Detection K9 unit. Investigation is on-going at this time and further charges are expected in this case.

David Bell

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 12th, 2024 at 10:42 am CDT

David Albert Bell, 63, of Bonaparte, Iowa, passed away at 6:56 p.m. Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the Montrose Health Center.

He was born on February 14, 1960, the son of Albert and Jonnine Marie (Jameson) Bell. He married Diane Wixom and they later divorced, but when his health started to decline they got back together.

David left behind Diane to cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

David served in the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of the Bonaparte American Legion Sargent – Osweiler Post #563. He worked as an electrician, a contractor, had his CDL, and was licensed in  heating and refrigeration.

His body has be entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Greenglade Cemetery in Farmington, Iowa with full military rites presented by the Bonaparte American Legion.

Burial will be at Greenglade Cemetery in Farmington.

Memorials have been established in his memory.

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

Central Lee Community School Board Meeting Agenda 02/13

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 12th, 2024 at 9:42 am CDT

CENTRAL LEE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

DONNELLSON, IOWA 52625

LOCATION: CENTRAL LEE DISTRICT OFFICE

TENTATIVE AGENDA                                                                    FEBRUARY 13, 2024

7:00 A.M.- REGULAR MEETING

  1. Roll Call
  2. Approve agenda
  3. Receive Visitors:
    1. Visitors to speak about items not on the agenda
    2. Technology Presentation
    3. Counselor Presentation
  4. Superintendent’s Report:
    1. Set Building Walkthrough Date
    2. Finance Update
    3. Legislative Update
    4. March Board Meeting – 3/12/2024 at 7:00 a.m.
    5. Set Building & Budget Board Workshop Date
    6. Vacancies
  5. CONSENT AGENDA: Motion (Exhibit I)
    1. Approve minutes
    2. Approve Financial Reports: General and Schoolhouse funds, Clearing account,

Hot Lunch account

  1. Approve prepaid bills
  2. Approve monthly bills
  3. Approve Overnight Trip:

1)    FFA Leadership Conference: 4/14/2024 – 4/16/2024

BOARD AGENDA – FEBRUARY 13, 2024 PAGE TWO

NEW BUSINESS:

  1. Approve Second Reading of Board Policies: (Exhibit _) (Motion)
    1. 13 – Responsible Technology Use & Social Networking
    2. 13R1 – Responsible Technology Use & Social Networking Regulation
    3. 07 – Student Substance Use (Updated Title)
    4. 06 – Internet Appropriate Use
    5. 06R1 – Internet Appropriate Use Regulation
    6. 08 – Artificial Intelligence in the Education Environment (New)
    7. 08R1 – Artificial Intelligence in the Education Environment Regulation (New)
    8. 01 – Depository of Funds
    9. 02 – Transfer of Funds
    10. 03 – Financial Records
    11. 04 – Governmental Accounting Practices and Regulations
    12. 1 – Budget Planning
    13. 2 – Spending Plan (Rescinded)
  2. Introduction of Board Policies 300 Series
  3. Set First Public Hearing Date for FY25 Budget – March 12, 2024 @ 7 a.m. (Motion) (Roll

Call Vote)

  1. Approve First Reading Board Policy No. 411.2 Classified Employee – Qualifications, Recruitment, Selection (Motion)
  2. Approve Updated Bus Driver Handbook Language (Motion)
  3. Approve Moving Middle School to Grades 5-8 for 2024-2025 School Year (Motion)
  4. Approve 28E Tennis Sharing Agreement with Ft. Madison Community School District (Motion)
  5. Approve/Reject Construction Bids for High School Science Classroom Renovation (Motion)
  6. Approve/Reject Construction Bids for District Office Construction (Motion)
  7. Approve/Reject Walk-In Cooler Bid for Nutrition Department (Motion)
  8. Approve FY2023-2024 Midterm Graduate Request (Motion)
  9. Approve Unused Accumulated Sick Leave/Personal Leave, Contract Pay Out Request prior to June 30, 2024: (Motion)
    1. Kim Myers
    2. Paul Kropf
  10. Resignation: (Effective End of FY 2023-2024) (Motion)
    1. Sydni Foecke – Middle School Math Teacher
  11. Volunteer Contract Approvals: (Motion)
    1. Paul Kropf – High School Golf
    2. Brian Wells – High School Baseball
    3. Manny Sandoval – High School Baseball/Softball
    4. Jerry Simmons – High School Softball
    5. Hollie Weber – High School Track
    6. Amy Fogarty – High School Track
  12. Contract Approvals: (Motion)
    1. Tony Johnson – Middle School Boys’ Track Coach
    2. Todd Herdrich – High School Assistant Baseball Coach
    3. Jonny Swanson – At Risk/PE Teacher (FY2024-2025)
    4. Jordan Burdette – MS Math Teacher
  13. Transfer (FY2023-2024): (Motion)
    1. Liza Alton – Director All School Play to Co-Director All School Play
  14. Board Reports
  15. Adjourn (Motion)

Information on School Safety Bills

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 12th, 2024 at 9:36 am CDT
Iowa House Republicans Release School Safety Bills

 

(DES MOINES) — Iowa House Republicans have released two bills to address school safety.

House Study Bill 692 focuses on infrastructure. The bill includes a number of policies such as:

  • Schools are required to complete a comprehensive review of their school safety and emergency response plans and submit this review to law enforcement before the 2024-2025 school year.
  • Creates a fund to install radios capable of accessing the Statewide Interoperable Communications System in all school buildings that don’t currently have them.
    • This radio system helped law enforcement coordinate their response to the shooting at Perry High School.
  • Implement firearm detection software in three schools of different sizes through a pilot program.
  • Establishes a task force to create recommended school safety standards in building code.
  • Beginning in 2026, schools would be required to meet these school safety standards before using any SAVE funds on athletic facility projects.

Representatives Cater Nordman (R-Panora) and David Young (R-Van Meter) worked to develop this legislation.

“The tragic events in Perry brought school safety to the forefront of this legislative session,” said Nordman. “The heartbreak I saw throughout the Perry community serves as my motivation to work hard to craft effective legislation to keep our students and staff safe in school. I believe this bill will have a real impact on school safety and I am determined to see it cross the finish line.”

“This is common-sense legislation we can take action on to help increase school safety,” said Young. “Our kids and teachers deserve the gold standard when it comes to safety in our schools. Right now these school safety building standards do not exist. But we can fix this and give our students, staff, and parents the safety they deserve.”

House Study Bill 675 focuses on personnel able and ready to protect students in the event of an emergency. Policies in this bill include:

  • Schools with enrollment over 8,000 students shall employ at least one school resource officer or private security officer. This bill also creates a grant program to match funds to help schools fund these positions.
  • Creates a new permit that allows a school employee to carry weapons. The requirements for this permit are strictly prescribed and extensive.
    • This course must include one-time, in-person legal training and annual medical training and communication training.
    • The Department of Public Safety shall implement a required, annual live scenario training and quarterly live firearm training for permitted school employees.

Chair of the Public Safety Committee Phil Thompson (R-Boone) has taken the lead on this piece of legislation.

“The fastest way to respond to a school shooting is to have armed personnel on site, trained and available to respond at a moment’s notice,” Thompson said. “With this bill, we create a new permit with a strict training regimen that will result in more men and women in school buildings ready to respond to keep students safe. I’m proud of the work we’ve put in to find real solutions that will make our schools safer and looking forward to leading this legislation through the Iowa House.”

HSB 692 is currently in the Appropriations committee. HSB 675 is in the Public Safety committee and has a subcommittee scheduled for Monday at 12:30 PM.
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988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Number

By Yorke Prough · Monday, February 12th, 2024 at 8:28 am CDT

988, the suicide and crisis lifeline number, recently reminded everyone of 5 steps you can take to help those that are in crisis.

1.) Ask: Are you thinking about suicide? How do you hurt? How can I help?

2.) Be there: In person or on the phone. Show support. Listen. Keep promises to connect.

3.) Help keep them safe: If the person in crisis is suicidal, details matter. Do they have a plan, or ideas about timing or method? You can call 988 to support their crisis care.

4.) Help them connect: When someone is in crisis, connecting them with ongoing support can help establish a safety net. Remind them they can call, text, or chat 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.

5.) Follow up: After the immediate crisis is over, check in with your friend.

Always remember that you can be a lifeline for someone who is in crisis. Remember 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline number.