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.

Christmas Tree Pickup in Mount Pleasant

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 at 9:29 am CDT

The City of Mount Pleasant has announced that they are now able to pickup Christmas Trees from residences. The Public Works Department is caught up after all of the snow and adverse weather, so they are able to make this happen. If you have a Christmas Tree you would like to part with, contact City Hall at 319 385 1470.

Sports, January 31st

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield always make for a great matchup and last night was no exception with the Panthers girls’ team fending off the Trojans for a 56-54 victory. Free throws were the name of the game as Mt. Pleasant converted 23 from the line, 13 of which were contributed from Juliana Burns. The senior led the Panthers with a career high 23 points and was a force on the glass. Head Coach Curt Watson knows the win was a total team effort.

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team defeated Burlington last night 72-61, in large part due to the superhuman effort of Payton Hagans as he cashed in 23 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter to take down the Grayhounds. The Panthers will travel to Keokuk on Friday, 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 their 14th straight victory last night against West Burlington 65-40. The Bears will face off against Van Buren County tonight with game one at 6 pm. 

Holy Trinity Catholic celebrated their senior night with a sweep of Central Lee last night with the girls winning 59-21 and the boys taking down the Hawks 64-38. Taylor Jones led the Hawks in the girls’ game with 10 points. On the boys’ side, the Crusaders saw two records fall. Conner Gehling collected his 117th career block to set a new Holy Trinity Catholic record and Adam Sobczak set the career assist mark at 346. Luke Hellige led the team with 25 points. Owen Swan led the Hawks with 11 points. 

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

The WACO girls’ team picked up a 45-42 win last night against Lone Tree. The Warriors will compete against Burlington Notre Dame at Highland tomorrow, February 1st, at 6 pm in the four seed game. The WACO boys’ team will face off against Moravia tomorrow on the road at 7:30 pm.

The Mediapolis girls’ team dominated last night against Van Buren County, winning 73-23. Hanna Wagenbach scored 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to finish with a double-double. The Mediapolis boys’ team won 73-39. The Mediapolis girls’ team will take on Highland tomorrow at Highland at 7:30 pm. 

The Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team could not keep up with Highland last night as the Wolves lost 49-32. The boys’ team will travel to SCC on Saturday to compete against West Burlington at 6:30 pm. 

New London was swept by Burlington Notre Dame last night with the girls falling 71-27 and the boys losing 73-38. The Tigers will host Davis County tomorrow with the girls’ game scheduled for 6 pm and the boys to follow. 

High School Wrestling

#18 Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union faced off against #14 Solon in the first round of the Class 2A Regional Duals and fell 38-28. Picking up wins by fall was Ty Scorpil, Russel Coil, Dakota Aney, and Jacob Nelson. Kason Dopler scored four points with a win by major decision. Solon then loss to #2 Mt. Vernon to send the Mustangs to the state duals meet on Saturday, February 3rd. 

WACO competed in a triangular today and defeated Lone Tree, 64-11, and tied with Van Buren County, 36-36. Against Lone Tree, Deacon Bird and Louden Huisenga won by fall, while Lane Bachman took his match by major decision. In their dual against Van Buren County, Gage Samo won his match by fall. For Van Buren County, Korbin Camp, Tyler Stoltz, Kaimrin Ellingson, Maddix Kite, Ethan Lamma, and Elijah Westercamp won by fall. 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 tomorrow, February 1st, with the morning session starting at 10 am. 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 tomorrow, February 1st.

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

Tune in tonight for this week’s episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook where we focus on two of our local state bound wrestlers in Rylee Rice of WACO and Josie Nelson of Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union. The episode will be on KILJ 105.5 FM or kilj.com at 6 pm.

College Basketball

The #5 Iowa women’s team will face off against Northwestern tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

The Iowa State women’s team will compete against Oklahoma State tonight at 6:30 pm at home. 

The #12 Iowa State men’s team will travel to Baylor on Saturday, February 3rd, at 7 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team was unable to stop Indiana last night with the Hawkeyes losing 74-68. Payton Sandfort scored 26 points and Tony Perkins put up 22 points in the effort. The Hawkeyes will look for a win at home on Friday, February 2nd, at 6 pm against Ohio State. 

This Day in Sports History

1920 – Quebec Bulldogs center Joe Malone sets an NHL record with 7 goals in a 10-6 win against the Toronto St. Patricks at the Quebec Arena. 

1923 – The Montreal Canadiens beat the Hamilton Tigers 5-4 at the Mount Royal Arena, Montreal; first penalty-free game played in NHL history. 

1991 – Denver Nuggets Michael Adams becomes the shortest NBA player to get a triple-double at 5’10.