Girls’ Basketball: Mt. Pleasant on the Road for Panthers’ First-Round Regional Contest

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 6:41 pm CDT

Mount Pleasant, IA- The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has released the brackets for classes 4A and 5A as everyone prepares for postseason basketball. Here’s how the bracket shook out for our local teams.

All eyes will be set on Class 4A Region 1 for southeast Iowa. Mt. Pleasant (4-15) will hit the road to take on Oskaloosa for the second time this season as Oskaloosa won that matchup 55-17. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

The winner of this game will take on #1 Clear Creek-Amana, who boasts a 20-0 record.

On the bottom half of the bracket, it will be a Southeast Conference matchup between Fort Madison (12-5) and Burlington (10-9). These two have traded games this season with the Grayhounds winning round one 47-39 and the Bloodhounds taking the most recent contest 58-48. Burlington is searching for their first winning record since 2010-2011.

The winner will be tasked with a road matchup against Keokuk (17-3). The Chiefs grabbed the conference crown but come off a loss against Iowa City West 53-39.

The first round will begin on February 14th at 7 pm.

A Preview of Class 1A’s First Round Regional Matchups

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 6:30 pm CDT

Girls’ Basketball- The first round of Class 1A Regionals is set to kickoff tomorrow, February 8th, at 7 pm so it seems appropriate that we preview the upcoming matchups for our local teams and look at the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s final top 15 for classes 1A, 2A, and 3A for the season.

Class 1A Region 7

On KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, it will be Danville (16-4) hosting Burlington Notre Dame (10-10). The Nikes have had a mixed bag of a season after experiencing the high of knocking Holy Trinity Catholic out of the top 15 earlier this season and taking their spot to the low of a harboring a 6-10 record.

Danville had a terrible start to the season, no mincing words. An 0-4 start and the Bears seemed to be destined to stay in hibernation for much of the season. However, the defense woke up ferociously as the Bears average 18.2 steals per game and have rattled off 16 straight wins.

It will be a battle of the guards with senior Jaeda Molle (14.4 points per game) of Danville facing off against fellow senior Lauren Krieger (17.8 points per game) for the Nikes. Danville has won both matchups this season, but Burlington Notre Dame has won 8 of the past 10.

Winfield-Mt. Union (4-14) will have the tough task of riding up to take on Lone Tree (18-3), the second-highest seed in the bottom half of the bracket. The Wolves and Lions will have to shake off the rust as they both enter the game with an albatross hanging around their neck of losing streaks (WMU-4, Lone Tree-2).

The Lions will have the advantage with a defense that generates 20.7 steals per game, while the Wolves turn it over an average of nearly 28 times per game. Madisen Kellogg, a sophomore for Winfield-Mt. Union, will have to step up and have a monster game as she nearly averages a double-double of 16.7 points per game and 9.1 rebounds per game. Lone Tree will lean on Finley Jacque’s 15. 9 points per game as a sophomore.

Winfield Mt. Union showed a lot of improvement in their second matchup against Lone Tree this season but have still been outscored 131 to 72 in the two matchups.

Class 1A Region 8

On KILJ AM 1130, 98.5 FM, or kilj.com, you can tune in to hear Jeff Broeg call the matchup down in Fort Madison between #15 Holy Trinity Catholic (18-2) and New London (1-19). The Crusaders are back in the top 15 for the second time this season after a dominant win over Lone Tree, 50-26, to claim the Southeast Iowa Super Conference crown.

Senior Mary Kate Bendlage is a problem that Southeast Iowa has not had a solution for as she’s averaging nearly a double-double a night with 21.8 points per game and 8.9 rebounds per game. Natalie Randolph has stepped up with 13.8 points per game.

New London’s lone win of the season occurred back in mid-December in a narrow 50-48 victory over West Burlington. The only time the Tigers scored over 40 points in a game this season. They’ll depend on Mylee Miller as she is the only Tiger averaging double figures at 10.1 points per game to complement her 7.2 rebounds per game.

The Crusaders have won the past 22 games in this series, outscoring the Tigers 133 to 46 in their two matchups this season.

WACO (12-9) will get to host their first-round matchup against Hillcrest Academy (6-14). The Warriors have finished the year strong with a 6-1 record in the last 7 games as the defense has not allowed an opponent to score more than 43 points in a win.

The Ravens have picked up two wins at the end of the season to help snap a 6-game losing streak. Teams have found a way to shut off their offense with the most points the Ravens have managed to score in a loss is 42 (three times).

WACO has won both matchups this season by narrow margins of just six and seven. But this has been a trend since 2014 as the Ravens haven’t won in the past 12 games. Senior Emma Wagler will lead the Warriors with 12.8 points per game, while Claire Withrow, a sophomore, will look for an upset as she averages 14.3 points per game.

Nevertheless, as any coach will tell you a game is not won on paper, so we will find out tomorrow night who will advance to keep their state tournament hopes alive.

Highschool Speech Team Results from Large Group

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 2:40 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Speech Team had 4 teams compete at the district Large Group competition recently.

 

Ensemble Acting received a I rating (advanced to State): Sarai Sanchez, Madeleine Smith, and Abbey Perry

 

Reader’s Theatre received a II rating: Izabelle Mathews, Hailey Parrot, Bethany Drury, Lexi Murphy, Delania Hourihan, and Katherine Tansey.

 

Improv received a II rating: Sarai Sanchez, Hailey Parrot, and Izabelle Mathews

 

Short Film received a I rating (advanced to state) Moroni Sanchez, Katherine Tansey, and Madeleine Smith.

 

After the State competition the Short Film group was invited to All-State on February 17th!

A huge congratulations to these students who have put in many hours and effort along the way. Good luck to those on the 17th for All-State.

Deloris Watznauer

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 1:57 pm CDT

Deloris Nadine Watznauer, 93, of Fort Madison, Iowa, passed away at 12:45 a.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the West Point Care Center in West Point.

She was born on August 12, 1930 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Harry and Anna (Moncrief) Davolt. On June 25, 1949, she married Floyd Leo Watznauer in Fort Madison, Iowa. He preceded her in death on April 26, 2023.

She is survived by her son: Randy (Judy) Watznauer of Fort Madison, Iowa; daughter: Rhonda (Duane) Burkhardt of Carlisle, Iowa; several nieces, nephews and sister-in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Floyd; five sisters: Evelyn Taylor, Laura Ewing, Deloma LaFontaine, Ruth Freeman, Mary Hughes; six brothers: Harry, Harold, John, Floyd, James and Raymond Davolt.

Deloris was a 1948 graduate of Fort Madison High School. She worked at Sheaffer Pen Co., Blue Grass Dairy, Fisher Pharmacy and Easter Foods. She was a member of Holy Family Parish in Fort Madison. Deloris enjoyed reading, traveling, playing cards, watching the Chicago Cubs and most of all, spending time with her family.

Her body has been entrusted to Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Fort Madison, Iowa.

Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Fort Madison.

Memorials have been established in her memory for Compassus Hospice or PAW Animal Shelter.

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

Milton Dean Bass

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 1:55 pm CDT

Milton Dean Bass, 84, a resident of Birmingham, passed away Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at his home.

Friends may call after 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 14th at Faith Christian Outreach Center in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Monte Knudsen officiating. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Birmingham. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Christian Outreach Center or Birmingham Fire Agency.

Dean was born February 6, 1940 in Burlington, the son of Leo and Maxine (McMillan) Bass. He served his country in the United States Army. Dean married Sandra Pool, August 28, 1966 at Zion Bible Church in Douds.

Dean worked as a machinist for John Deere Ottumwa Works for 30 years. He enjoyed camping, landscaping, horticulture, spending time outdoors, and going out to eat. Always up for an adventure, he enjoyed making their yearly trip to Branson, Missouri. Dean was active citizen in Birmingham, giving his time and service on the city council and as fire chief. He will be remembered in Birmingham for his beautiful flowers at their home and as an expert in outdoor illumination.

Those left to honor his life are his beloved wife, Sandy; children, Dion Bass of Birmingham, and Mindy (Scott) Keehner of Staunton, Illinois; granddaughters, Kylee and Kolbie Bass, and Koral and Korryn Keehner; sister, Janet (Jim) Zeitler of Milton; brother, Duane (Mary) Bass of Ottumwa; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and nephew, Rusty Bass.

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

Rachel Helen Palmer

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 10:26 am CDT

Rachel Helen Palmer, 92, of Farmington, Iowa, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, January 7, 2024, at her home in Farmington. Rachel had been suffering with dementia for a number of years and was unable to attend church so on this Sunday, it was surprisingly special for her to finally be in church with her departed loved ones and her redeemer, Jesus Christ.

She was born on February 16, 1931, in Charlotte, Iowa, the daughter of Edward John and Ellen Sophia (Schelin) Vance. Rachel grew up on a farm near DeWitt until 1947, when her parents bought a farm in Farmington, Iowa, where she finished her high school years and graduated as valedictorian of her class.

On December 10, 1950, she married Raymond Guy Palmer, Jr. at the First Baptist Church of Farmington, Iowa. He preceded her in death on October 25, 2008.

Together, Ray and Rachel bought a farm where she lived until her passing. She raised chickens and milked eight cows until her son began school. She then started working outside the home for Sheaffer Pen Corporation, Ortho Fertilizer Plant and Eagle Summit Childcare along with other jobs. Rachel enjoyed working in her flower beds and gardens. She also loved her cats, dogs, horses and cattle. Rachel loved her family dearly and was always a dedicated helper in times of need, even when her nephews asked for her trademark apple pies. Rachel was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wayland, in Wayland, Missouri and she sang in the family’s Blue Grass Gospel group.

She is survived by her son: Gary (Judy) Palmer of Farmington, Iowa and several nieces, nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Ray; two brothers: Edward and Robert Vance; sister: Ellen Boyer; brother-in-law: Phil Alarie; sister-in-law: LaVerna and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington with Pastor Dan Deatrick officiating.

Burial will be at Greenglade Cemetery in Farmington.

A memorial has been established in her memory.

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

Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk – Superbowl Reminder

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 10:24 am CDT

Whether you are rooting for the 49ers of the Chiefs for this year’s Superbowl, this is your reminder to be responsible on the roads.

U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 7, which includes Iowa, is teaming up with local law enforcement to remind football fans everywhere that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. Whether you’re hosting a viewing party or attending one, everyone has an important job: Help keep drunk drivers off the road so we can all make it home safely on game night.

When you drink and drive, the ones who lose are you and those you put in danger. In 2021, there were 13,384 people killed in drunk-driving crashes. Even if there aren’t any deaths resulting from a crash caused by drinking and driving, a crash could cause you, someone you love, or a total stranger to suffer serious injuries. There are also consequences in addition to crashes, including expensive fines and attorney fees, jail time, and losing your driving privileges.

If you’re hosting a party for this year’s Super Bowl, prepare plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for your guests and the designated drivers. Ask your guests to designate their sober drivers in advance. Remind drinking guests that they have a long evening ahead of them, and encourage them to pace themselves, eat food, and drink plenty of water.

Another important reminder: Never serve alcohol to minors. If an underage person drinks and drives, the person who provided the alcohol can be held liable for any damage, injury, or death caused by the underage driver.


If you’re planning to be a designated driver, know that you’re the night’s MVP. Commit to a sober evening. If you are attending a party or are at a bar or restaurant, enjoy the food, the company, and the non-alcoholic drinks. If someone you know has been drinking and tries to drive, intercept their keys, and help them get home safely.
There are many options to help impaired drivers get home safely, such as designating a sober driver or calling a taxi or rideshare. If available, use your community’s sober ride program. While driving, if you suspect there is a drunk driver on the road, always contact your local law enforcement agency.

It’s simple: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. If you drive drunk, you lose. Commit today to refrain from drunk driving. For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

Free FAFSA Help for MPCHS Students

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 10:16 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community High School is offering a Free Help with your FAFSA night at the end of February.

This event takes place in the media center from 5:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, February 27th. Students must bring their laptops and a cellphone. A parent needs to accompany their child. Please bring your Social Security Number for both student and both parents if married or remarried with names as shown on ssn cards. You must know your date of birth and email address, and students need to bring their drivers license if they have one. You must bring your 2023 taxes.

Students and parents must have a FSA ID before they can complete a FAFSA application.

Create FSA ID https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

If you have questions please contact our school counselor Mrs. Sasha Steele – sasha.steele@mtpcsd.org