Sports, February 1st

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, February 1st, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Keokuk tomorrow, February 2nd, with the girls scheduled to play at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm. 

The Danville girls’ team picked up a dominant win against Van Buren County last night 70-23. The boys’ team followed suit with a 75-36 win over the Warriors. The Danville girls’ team will take on Columbus on Saturday, February 3rd, at 2 pm in the two seed game. The Danville boys’ team will travel to Mediapolis tomorrow to take on Wapello for the Southeast Iowa Super Conference shootout at 6 pm. 

The Van Buren County girls’ team will head to Pekin to face off against Wapello tonight at 6 pm. The boys’ team will take on Lone Tree at 6 pm tomorrow at New London.

The Holy Trinity Catholic girls’ team will take on Lone Tree at Southeastern Community College (SCC) on Saturday for the one seed game at 3:30 pm. The Holy Trinity Catholic boys’ team will face off against WACO in the two seed game on Saturday at 5 pm at SCC. 

The Central Lee girls’ team will take on Pekin tonight at Pekin at 7:30 pm. The Central Lee boys’ team will face off against Burlington Notre Dame tonight on the road at 7:30 pm. 

The WACO girls’ team will compete against Burlington Notre Dame at Highland tonight at 6 pm in the four seed game. The WACO boys’ team will face off against Moravia tonight on the road at 7:30 pm.

The Mediapolis girls’ team will take on Highland tomorrow at Highland at 7:30 pm. The Mediapolis boys’ team will face off against Louisa-Muscatine tomorrow at 7:30 pm at Mediapolis.

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will travel to SCC on Saturday to compete against West Burlington at 6:30 pm. 

New London will host Davis County tonight with the boys’ scheduled to play at 7:30 pm. The girls’ team will take on Hillcrest Academy tonight at 6 pm at Louisa-Muscatine.

Girls’ Basketball Regional Pairings

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has released the regional pairings for classes 1A, 2A, and 3A and here’s some of our local matchups. In Class 1A Region 7, Lone Tree will host Winfield-Mt. Union. Danville will take on Burlington Notre Dame with the Bears acting as host. The winner of the two games will compete against one another. 

In Class 1A Region 8, WACO will face off against Hillcrest Academy at home and New London will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic. All Class 1A games are scheduled to take place on February 8th at 7 pm.

For Class 2A Region 6, Van Buren County hits the road to face off against Pleasantville on February 10th at 7 pm. Columbus will host West Burlington on February 13th at 7 pm.

In Class 3A Region 5, Fairfield will take on the top seed Solon on the road and Washington will host Davis County. Both games will take place on February 10th at 7 pm.

High School Wrestling

WACO will host a tournament on Saturday, February 3rd. 

New London, Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, and Mt. Pleasant will compete at districts on February 10th.

The girls’ state tournament will begin today. KILJ will be covering 16 wrestlers at the meet and updating as the day goes on. 

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant will host West Burlington today.

Mt. Pleasant will be heading to Oskaloosa on Tuesday, February 13th, to compete in the state qualifying meet. Burlington and Keokuk will also be making the trip.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Rylee Rice of WACO and Josie Nelson for Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union were the features for last night’s episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook as they prepared to wrestle at the state tournament. Nelson talked about her mindset heading into today. Rice discussed what she thinks about when the going gets tough during a match. You can find the archived episodes on kilj.com under the “Special Programs” tab. 

College Basketball

The #3 Iowa women’s team decimated Northwestern last night 110-74. Caitlin Clark dropped 35 points and dished out 10 assists in the winning effort as three other Hawkeyes finished in double figures. Iowa will travel to Maryland on Saturday, February 3rd, at 7 pm.

The Iowa State women’s team picked up a Big 12 win last night against Oklahoma State 78-67. Audi Crooks dominated as she cashed in for 29 points and grabbed eight rebounds. The Cyclones will hit the road to take on UCF on Saturday with tipoff at 11 am. 

The #12 Iowa State men’s team will travel to Baylor on Saturday at 7 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team will look for a win at home tomorrow, February 2nd, at 6 pm against Ohio State. 

This Day in Sports History

1962 -The National League released its first 162-game schedule, including a record 421 scheduled night games, up from 318 in 1961.

1967 – The 10-team American Basketball Association (ABA) with George Mikan as Commissioner is formed and lasts 9 years; its three-point shot revolutionized the game. 

2014 – Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning becomes the all-time record-holder for MVP trophies, winning his 5th at the NFL Honors in New York; also named the 2013 Offensive Player of the Year.

Site and Policy Committee Meeting Agenda February 1st

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, February 1st, 2024 at 6:15 am CDT

Site and Policy Committee Meeting | 02/01/2024 – 05:00 PM

Mt. Pleasant CSD – Central Office | 1010 East Washington Street, Suite 102

POLICY COMMITTEE

  1. Proposed Participation in American Heart Association Kids’ Heart Challenge Fundraiser
  2. HS Student Council Fundraiser
  3. Second Reading of Board Policy Series 500 Student Personnel
    1. Board Policy 502.02 Use of Tobacco or Any Controlled Substance
  4. Use of District Facilities – RAGBRAI July 2024
  5. Review 2023-2024 School Calendar
  6. Review Proposed 2024-2025 School Calendar

SITE COMMITTEE

  1. Chapel Repairs Update
  2. Bus Garage/Central Receiving/Buildings and Grounds Facility Update

Girls’ Wrestling: Opening Round State Tournament Matchups

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 at 5:08 pm CDT

Coralville, IA- The Girls’ Wrestling State Tournament in Coralville at Xtream Arena is set to start tomorrow, February 1st, with the morning session scheduled to begin at 10 am. KILJ will be covering 16 wrestlers at the meet tomorrow and here’s their season record and opening round matchup.

In the 100-pound weight class, Kenadee Helscher (25-13) of Wapello grabbed the 26th seed and will face off against the #7 seed Olivia Hernandez of Bettendorf.

#11 Hailey Kemper of Fort Madison enters the tournament with a 25-4 record, and she will wrestle the #22 seed Sophia Calpito of Charles City.

Highland’s Angelina Roling (23-5) will take on the #21 seeded Jackee Rodriguez-Acosta of Southeast Polk as the #12 seed in the 110-pound weight class. Rylee Rice’s 25-10 record grabbed her the #29 seed, which places the WACO Warrior against the #4 seed Kate Seery of Linn-Marr. They will look to displace last year’s champion Jasmine Luedtke (33-0) of Ottumwa (33-0).

Fort Madison’s Mara Smith (30-5) will take on #23 Lelia Wedgwood of BCLUW-SH as the #10 seed in the 125-pound weight class.

#17 Ashlee Farrier of Mid-Prairie enters the tournament with a 26-4 record and is tasked with taking on #16 Brielle Parke of Linn-Marr in the 130-pound weight class.

The 135-pound weight class will feature #21 seed Ellie Brenneman (27-11) of Mid-Prairie facing off against #12 Morgan Strief of Bettendorf. Pekin’s Hailey Pedrick grabbed the #25 seed with a 24-8 record, and she will compete against #8 Kaydence Boom of Wilton.

#19 Josie Nelson (30-7) of Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union will take on #14 Riley Weiler of Central Lyon/George-Little Rock in the 140-pound weight class.

The 145-pound weight class will feature two members of the Southeast Conference. Shariah Hart (27-12) of Burlington grabbed the #24 seed and she will take on #9 Lauren Rodgers of Woodward-Granger. #22 Jalyiah Gardner of Keokuk has returned to state with a 25-3 record, and she will face off against #11 Taya Hollingsworth of BCLUW-SH.

Lecet Quiroz (14-13) of Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union will have the toughest opening matchup of the day as she will take on the #1 seeded Skylar Slade (43-0) of Southeast Polk in the 155-pound weight class as the #32 seed.

Tatum Wolford of Wapello also comes into the tournament with an undefeated record of 37-0 as she is the #8 seed. She will take on #25 Kelsey Knief of Bellevue.

In the 170-pound weight class, Ellie Callahan of Mid-Prairie took the #30 seed with a 22-14 record, and she will compete against #3 Grace Britten of S.W.A.T Valkyrie. Additionally, #15 Samantha Lyons (22-4) of Fairfield will battle with #18 Kynnedy Gunderson of Iowa Falls-Alden.

Lastly, Kiara Rodriguez (20-10) of Burlington touts the #18 seed and will face off against #15 Savannah Sistad of Highway 34 in the 235-pound weight class.

More Information Still to Come on RAGBRAI

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 at 3:48 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance discussed the 51st RAGBRAI, which will see thousands of cyclers ride through Mount Pleasant in July. Not only is Mount Pleasant part of the route, but it is also an overnight stop. That’s right, many people will be staying in our town on Friday, July 26th, before they take off for Burlington for the final leg of their ride.

Rachel Lindeen, the Executive Vice President, spoke with us on Wednesday. She wants the public to be aware of what is happening and constantly in the know. As of right now, there are very few details known about RAGBRAI. The route is not released until April. Lindeen mentioned how members of the Chamber are meeting with RAGRBAI representatives at the beginning of February to uncover additional details.

We will ensure to update our listeners of any new information surrounding this big event as new details are made known.

James Meierotto

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 at 3:30 pm CDT

James J. “Jim” Meierotto, 97, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 7:35 a.m. Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at the West Point Care Center in West Point.

He was born on November 3, 1926, in rural West Point, Iowa, the son of John Christ, Jr. and Gertrude (Stuekerjurgen) Meierotto. On August 8, 1953, he married Elizabeth Bernadine “Betty” Mansheim at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fort Madison. She preceded him in death on January 18, 1967. He later married Wilma Pauline (Winke) Boeding. She preceded him in death on January 10, 1998.

Survivors include his four daughters: Vera Hoppe of Wahoo, Nebraska, Carol (Chris) Sanders of Morton, Illinois, Teresa (Mark) Panther of West Point, Iowa, Paula (Ron) Mallicoat of North Brook, Illinois; two sons: William (Joyce) Meierotto of West Point, Iowa, Jerry Meier of Llisle, Illinois; step-son: Robert (Patricia) Boeding of Fort Madison, Iowa; eighteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren and sister-in-law Dixie Meierotto of West Point, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives: Betty and Wilma; sister: Helen Baxter and brother: Carl Meierotto.

Jim was a 1944 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. He was a lifelong farmer, working hard first on his family farm then his own. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, the West Point Knights of Columbus, he served on the Calvary Cemetery Board and was a past township trustee. Jim was a proud American Red Cross blood donor. He enjoyed arrowhead hunting after Spring plowing and driving country roads to see how tall the corn was growing. He also enjoyed friendly card games with refreshments and he especially appreciated a cup of coffee and conversation with his many friends at various coffee clubs. The grandkids loved his two different colored eyes and being treated to ice cream cones. His family was of utmost importance to him.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in West Point.

A memorial has been established in his memory for Calvary Cemetery or West Point Fire and Rescue.

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

Lester Strunk

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 at 3:26 pm CDT

Lester Walter Strunk, 75, of rural Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 12:39 p.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison. 

He was born on November 24, 1948, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Frank Adam and Laverne (Nolte) Strunk. On May 21, 2005, he married Christine Jeffers on their farm near Donnellson.

He is survived by his wife: Christine; children: Stacey (Jeremy) Good of Burlington, Elizabeth (Gabe) Orth of Burlington, Sara Mills of Mt. Pleasant, Jenel Wesselink of Burlington; John Robert (Sarah) Howell of Mt. Pleasant; daughter-in-law: Kimberly Strunk of Dallas City, Illinois; twenty-two grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; siblings: Melvin (Jo) Strunk of Donnellson, Dorothy (Dennis) Copeland of Copperas Cove, Texas, Willis (Sheila) Strunk of Rockford, Ohio, Alice (Ben) Milander of Reno, Nevada, Louise Ballard of Fort Madison and Dennis Strunk of Fort Madison. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son: Brian; brother: Marvin and brother-in-law: Ronnie Ballard.

Lester was a 1968 graduate of Fort Madison High School. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He farmed all his life and worked at J.I. Case Company for thirty years. Lester was a member of the Donnellson American Legion Gillaspey – Moodie Post #474, the Southeast Iowa Beekeepers Association and he volunteered at the Donnellson Library and Lee County Speedway. He enjoyed gardening, being around his hound dogs and his beloved cat “Tipper”. Most of all, Lester enjoyed spending time with family and friends at everyone’s happy place “the farm”.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Pastor Mary Hart officiating.

Burial will be at Oakland Sand Cemetery in Vincennes, Iowa, with full military rites presented by the Donnellson American Legion.

Memorials have been established in his memory for the Donnellson American Legion or PAW Animal Shelter.

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

Teenager Arrested for Robbery in Burlington

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 at 11:02 am CDT

A teenager was arrested in Burlington on Monday due to his involvement in a robbery. According to the Burlington Police Department, at 9:12pm on January 29th, officers were dispatched to the 600 block of McKinley Avenue for a robbery. During investigation, it was found that a firearm was involved, and the person of interest was identified as 16-year-old Rashon Thomas.

The next day, detectives with the police department placed Thomas under arrest and charged him with Robbery 1st Degree.

The facts and circumstances surrounding this incident remain under investigation.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Mt. Pleasant FFA Attends 39th Legislative Symposium

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 at 10:57 am CDT

Members of the Mt. Pleasant High School FFA spent the day on Tuesday in Des Moines at the Legislative Symposium. Seven members, as well as the instructor Mr. Martin, had the chance to ask questions to their state senator and representatives.

More than 700 high school students from 118 schools visited the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines on January 30th. Here, they visited with legislators, exhibited skills that they have learned in the agriculture classroom, and learned the importance of citizenship. This was all part of the 39th Annual Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium and FFA Day at the Capitol.

During the morning, FFA members gathered at the Downtown Embassy Suites and enjoyed a brief message from Lt. Governor Adam Gregg, who then presented the FFA Week Proclamation. The proclamation officially declares February 17-24 FFA Week in Iowa.

The morning program provided opportunities for FFA members to hear from Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, about the importance of agriculture in Iowa and abroad. Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President, Brent Johnson, then delivered a message about the importance young agriculturalists can play in the agriculture industry.