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.

Successful Emergency Response Drill at New London Community Schools

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 at 10:44 am CDT

The New London Community School District took part of a successful emergency response drill on Wednesday. The cooperation displayed by everyone was of utmost importance in order to have a successful drill.

The purpose of this drill was to ensure that students and staff are prepared for any emergency situation. The students and staff practiced exiting the buildings or remaining in their classrooms with their teachers.

This successful drill could not have happened without the support and collaboration of the New London Police Department and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

Prep Bowling: Mt. Pleasant Falters in Final Conference Showdown of the Season

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 at 10:36 am CDT

Keokuk, IA- Mt. Pleasant competed against Keokuk in their final conference showdown of the year; unfortunately, the Panthers were blanked by Chiefs as the girls lost 2,658 to 2,255 and the boys fell 2,902 to 2,389.

The top bowler for the girls was Bethany Drury with a two-game total of 338 and a game high 184. Addison McGehearty was consistent with games of 164 and 161 as Natalie Brush tallied the third highest score for Mt. Pleasant at 307 total pins.

Keokuk’s Sophia Rule was unstoppable with a two-game total of 451 as that was the highest mark reached in either match.

In the boys’ match, Henry Pforts was the top bowler with a game high of 192 and a two-game total of 349. Alec Payne (312), Conner Sizemore (307), and Titus Renon (300), all broke the 300-mark in their two-game totals.

Keokuk saw Justin Clifford and Chase Hemann break the 400-plateau with Hemann hitting 414 and Clifford clipping 406.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team finished 5-2 in conference matchups and the boys finished with a 1-6 conference mark.

Mt. Pleasant will host West Burlington tomorrow, February 1st, at the Iris Bowling Center, while Keokuk will travel to Fairfield for another conference skirmish against the Trojans tomorrow.