Shirley L. Belknap

By Patrick Fee · Saturday, November 29th, 2025 at 4:36 am CDT

Shirley L. Belknap, 87, of Mediapolis, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.  Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Mediapolis.  Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at the funeral home.  Private family burial will be in Kossuth Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Des Moines County Fair and Mediapolis Ambulance in Shirley’s name.   Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.sandhfuneralservices.com.

Shirley L. Janssen was born on March 11th, 1938, in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of Arnold and Inez (Moehle) Janssen.  Shirley attended Mediapolis High School, where she developed a passion for basketball and was a member of the Mediapolis 6-on-6 Girls High School basketball legacy.  She graduated high school in 1956 and on June 24, 1956, Shirley was united in marriage to William “Bill” Belknap in Mediapolis. Together they farmed north of Mediapolis and raised their family.  While raising her family, she was active in the Immanuel Lutheran church and was a 4-H leader for the Mediapolis Busy Bees for many years.  In 1981, she graduated from Southeastern Community College with her LPN degree in nursing.  After her husband, Bill, passed away in 1984, she took on a major role in the family farming operation with day-to-day farm and field work.

In addition to supporting the family farm, she was an accomplished dog breeder, raising “puppies with love” that were sent to hundreds of loving homes across the United States.  Also, Shirley enjoyed toting her own fishing rod and tackle box and fishing with her kids and grandkids at her pond. She hosted the Northfield 4th of July Parade gathering for several years, and also loved going to the casino. However, the highlight of every summer was camping at and attending the Iowa State Fair for over 60 years straight.  The Des Moines County Fair also held a special place in her heart, never once missing a county fair where her children and grandchildren were showing livestock, and even beating the heat to watch her grandkids show this past summer.

Perhaps Shirley’s greatest attribute was the level of support and interest she had for her children’s and grandchildren’s activities.  She was always there with her camera taking pictures and capturing memories. When she couldn’t attend in person, she would tune in online to watch and cheer, then be quick to text with a heartfelt message filled with emojis.  She was also an avid collector of many things.  She especially enjoyed collections that were shared with her kids and grandkids.

Shirley will be deeply missed by her children, Chris (Dean) Mumme of West Burlington, Mike (Annette) Belknap of Mediapolis, Judy (Mike) Marshall of Coralville and Craig (Kelly) Belknap of Mediapolis; grandchildren, Lynn (Nick) Schaul, Travis (Chelsie) Mumme, Cody (Renee) Belknap, Dustin (Madeline) Belknap, Lance Marshall, Austin (Kim) Marshall, Stella Belknap, Scarlett Belknap and Archer Belknap; great-grandchildren, Rhett Mumme, Esme Mumme, Collin Belknap, Savannah Belknap, Georgia Belknap, Todd Belknap, Finn Marshall and Charlie Marshall; siblings, Dolores (Lawrence ) Colton of Colorado and Gerald (Lila) Janssen of Ankeny and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; sister, Loretta Kuster and brother, Bill Janssen.

Ronald D. “Ronnie” Parker

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, November 28th, 2025 at 10:45 am CDT

Ronald D. “Ronnie” Parker, 74, of Fort Madison, Iowa, formerly of Van Buren County, passed away at 5:25 a.m. Thursday, November 27, 2025 at the Madison in Fort Madison, Iowa.

He was born on October 26,1951 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Louie and Bessie (Winters) Parker. On May 9, 1971 he married Carolyn Rains in Birmingham, Iowa, they later divorced. On February 15, 1997 he married Kimberley Vickers in Bonaparte, Iowa.

Survivors include his wife Kim of Fort Madison, Iowa; four children: Lesa (Brian) Prevo of Bloomfield, Iowa, Amanda Lyons of Bloomfield, Iowa, Chris (Jamie) Scott of Mansfield, Texas, and Amanda (Jody) Dodson of West Point, Iowa; five grandchildren: Jaden Prevo, Brock Prevo, Ashton Lyons, Aiden Lyons, and Bailey Dodson; one great-grandchild Lennox Lyons; sister Bev (Dan) Medaris; and brother Rick (Lori) Parker. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and two sisters.

Ron was a 1969 graduate of Harmony High School. He owned and operated Milton Locker from 1977 to 1987, he then joined Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as Deputy for ten years, he was then elected Sheriff and retired in 2007. Ron served in the United States Army Reserves, Milton City Council, and Milton Fire Department and first responders. He founded the neighborhood watch program in Milton. He enjoyed fishing, going to yard sales, restoring cars, camping, gardening, canning, and caning chairs.

His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation. A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, Iowa with Reverend Earl Beal officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established in his memory for Bonaparte Cemetery Association. Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Linda M. Andrew

By Patrick Fee · Friday, November 28th, 2025 at 8:35 am CDT

Linda M. Andrew, 76, of Mt. Pleasant, died Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant, surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Andrew, the former Linda Marie Lott, was born January 14, 1949 in Waterloo, IA. She was the daughter of Ransom Ray and Cora Omega (Cordry) Lott. She was raised and attended school in Waterloo, graduating from Waterloo West High School in 1967. She attended the former Gates College (a business school in Waterloo, now Hawkeye Community College). On August 24, 1968 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, Linda was united in marriage to James “Jim” Dale Andrew.

Linda and Jim made their home in Wayne, Nebraska, while Jim completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Wayne State College. During that time, Linda worked at an egg production facility in nearby Wakefield, NE. After Jim’s graduation, the couple moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1969 where Jim had accepted a position with the Mt. Pleasant Community School District.

In Mt. Pleasant, Linda first worked at the former Iowa Wesleyan College Bookstore. She then worked at the former Motorola Company plant in Mt. Pleasa

nt. For 29 years, Linda was the Administrative Assistant to the head of the Research and Development Department of the Heatilator Fireplace Manufacturing Company. She retired in 2011.

Linda was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant. She played softball and bowled on local teams in Mt. Pleasant. While at home, she loved to raise vegetables in her large garden and canning the abundance of her produce. She was also a very avid reader who loved to listen to Neil Diamond and Whitney Houston. Linda devoted many hours to being a “coach’s wife”, attending an untold number of school sporting events and assisting the teams in many ways.

Those thankful for sharing in Linda’s life include her husband of 57 years, Jim of Mt. Pleasant; 2 children – Chuck (Jenni) Andrew of Mt. Pleasant, and Becky (Craig Wildeboer) Andrew of Holland, IA; 2 brothers – Bob Lott of Denver, IA and Larry Lott of Dike, IA; sisters–in-law Vivian Lott of Volga, IA and June Andew of West Des Moines, IA; brother-in-law William Andrew of West La Fayette, IN; grandchildren – Courtt Andrew, Bailey Andrew, Cameron (Olivia) Edwards, Jessi Andrew and Dalton Wildeboer; a great granddaughter – Joa Edwards, and a host of many other family members.

Her parents, sister Winnie Buttke, brother Don Lott, brothers-in-law Earl Buttke, and Larry Andrew and sisters-in-law Janice Lott and Josie Lott precede Linda in death.

Friends may call to sign the register from 12-7 PM on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The family will not be present on Saturday. The family will receive friends from 12-2 PM on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church, 309 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. A memorial service to celebrate Linda’s life will be held at 2PM on Sunday at the church. The Rev. Court Fischer, Senior Pastor, will officiate. Linda’s family cordially invites friends and family to a luncheon in the church’s Fellowship Hall immediately following the memorial service.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the family for decisions to be made in the future. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

Sports, November 28th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, November 28th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will attend a scrimmage at Kirkwood Community College today with a matchup against Columbus Catholic. Wolves head coach Klay Edwards is ready to see who will be able to step up and carve out a spot in the starting lineup, 

“Yeah, really excited. You know, when you’re running into each other for two weeks straight, you know, sometimes they get a little frustrated or chippy with each other. So it’s, yeah, they’re ready to get into some live action against other teams and especially come next week, you know, when the games count, you know, we’ll use our scrimmage for what it is, a scrimmage and try to find who looks good and who’s going to help us out. But you know we’re really excited and chomping at the bit to open up next Tuesday with Louisa-Muscatine.”

The WACO boys’ team will scrimmage at Washington tomorrow, November 29th. Warrior head coach Chayse Roth discussed what his team has been working on heading into the regular season,

“We’ve really tried to focus on our half-court offense. That always is something that takes a while, especially when you have a new team with some new faces, they’re not as familiar with each other on that offensive end of the floor. So, with our press, we’re trying to force a lot of turnovers and get some easy points that way. So, defense has really been our focus trying to get our press figured out trying to figure out a way where we can get some of those easy baskets in transition off steals, things like that and then our offense will come here in the next few weeks. I know it’s going to be a little bit of, you know, trial and error and we have to fail sometimes on offense before we learn what we can and can’t do, so that offense will come here in the next few weeks for sure.”

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.

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 host the Broadway Classic tonight with a showdown against Lincoln Trail College at 7 pm.

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

College Football

Iowa will travel to Nebraska today to end the regular season with kickoff at 11 am. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call.

Iowa State will face off against Oklahoma State tomorrow, November 29th, at 11 am. 

College Basketball

The #11 Iowa women’s team will take on Fairfield on Sunday, 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 will compete in a tournament starting today at 10 am in a matchup against Maquette.

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

This Day in Sports History

1929 – Chicago fullback Ernie Nevers sets an NFL record for most points scored in a single game with all 40 in the Cardinals’ 40–6 rout of the Chicago Bears; Nevers scored an NFL record six touchdowns and four extra points.

1975 – Bobby Orr plays his last game for the Boston Bruins.

1981 – Alabama’s Paul “Bear” Bryant becomes the winningest coach in college football history when the Rolling Tide beats Auburn 28-17 in the Iron Bowl. It’s Bryant’s 315th career victory, surpassing Amos Alonzo Stagg for most wins.

Winter Storm Warning in Effect 9pm Tonight – NWS

By Patrick Fee · Friday, November 28th, 2025 at 5:34 am CDT

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM CST SUNDAY… Heavy snow is expected for the KILJ listening area.  25 MPH Gusting winds will contribute to difficult travel conditions, especially on Saturday. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions are available at 511ia.org or by calling 511.

 

 

Sports, November 27th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, November 27th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

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.

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.

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.

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will attend a scrimmage at Kirkwood Community College tomorrow, November 28th, with a matchup against Columbus Catholic.

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.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Last night’s episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook featured two head boys’ basketball coaches from the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North Division in WACO’s Chayse Roth and Winfield-Mt. Union’s Klay Edwards, as they discussed their respective teams entering the new season.

If you missed last night’s episode, then follow this link: SEISC-N Boys’ Basketball Coaches Episode

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 host the Broadway Classic tomorrow, November 28th, with a showdown against Lincoln Trail College at 7 pm.

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will duel Ellsworth Community College on December 3rd at home.

College Football

Iowa will travel to Nebraska tomorrow, November 28th, to end the regular season with kickoff at 11 am. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call.

Iowa State will face off against Oklahoma State on Saturday, November 29th, at 11 am. 

College Basketball

The #11 Iowa women’s team throttled Western Illinois last night 86-69. Four Hawkeyes finished the night in double figures, as Ava Heiden collected a 15 point/10 rebound double-double. Iowa will take on Fairfield on Sunday, November 30th, at home at noon.

The Iowa men’s team won the Acrisure Classic last night 59-46 over Grand Canyon. Isaia Howard chased in for a game-high 19 points in the victory. The Hawkeyes 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 will compete in a tournament starting tomorrow, November 28th, at 10 am.

The #15 Iowa State men’s team squashed Syracuse yesterday 95-64 to finish 3-0 at the Players Era Tournament. Milan Momcilovic led the way with 34 points off of six three-pointers. The Cyclones will host Alcorn State on Wednesday, December 3rd, at 7 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1952 – The only win ever for the NFL’s Dallas Texans (1-11) as they beat the Chicago Bears 27-23 at the Rubber Bowl in Akron, Ohio. 

1960 – Gordie Howe becomes the first NHL player to score 1,000 points.

1966 – In the highest-scoring NFL game, Washington defeats the New York Giants 72-41.

Iowa DNR: 100 Years of Pheasant Hunting

By Patrick Fee · Thursday, November 27th, 2025 at 6:26 am CDT

Pheasant hunting has been as much a part of the Thanksgiving holiday for generations of Iowans, as cranberries and stuffing.

The Iowa DNR offers an apprentice license that allows someone to give hunting a try under the supervision of an adult mentor without completing hunter education. This license may be purchased twice in a lifetime before the individual is required to complete a hunter education course.

According to the Iowa DNR, Iowa’s pheasant population is at a 20-year high, with state wildlife experts forecasting hunters to potentially harvest the highest number of roosters since 2007. Last year, more than 77,400 hunters harvested over 460,000 roosters, providing an estimated economic impact of nearly $170 million in Iowa.

The Iowa DNR and Pheasants Forever are celebrating 100 years of pheasant hunting in Iowa. The first season was held Oct. 20-22, 1925, when 13 counties in north central Iowa were opened to pheasant hunting. Hunters were allowed a three-rooster limit, for a half-day of hunting. An estimated 75,000 hunters participated.

Information on places to hunt, the August roadside survey results and more is available online by clicking the 100 Years of Pheasant Hunting graphic at www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey.

 

MPPD & Public Works Gearing up for Snow

By Patrick Fee · Thursday, November 27th, 2025 at 6:24 am CDT

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department along with MP Public Works are gearing up for the weekend weather! With snow in the forecast, this is a reminder to all residents of Mt. Pleasant that ALL vehicles need to be moved every 24hours on city streets and in city parking lots. Public Works will need to be able to move the snow on city streets and in parking lots. Parking tickets will be issued for those violators.