Robert Daniel Brenneman

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, July 11th, 2025 at 11:46 am CDT

Robert Daniel Brenneman, 76, of Mitchellville, formerly of Mt. Union, died Saturday, July 5, 2025 at UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, surrounded by his children.  He was born July 13, 1948 in Mt. Union to Lloyd Daniel and Maxine Mae Johnson Brenneman.

He was a 1966 graduate of Winfield Mt. Union High School and attended Southeastern Community College for engineering.  He worked in industrial sales and as a product specialist for Micro Switch and Honeywell.  Bob always loved and appreciated Iowa farmland and took great pride in the legacy of the Brenneman family century farm.  A curious guy, an engineer at heart, he was always questioning things and how they worked, enjoying taking things apart and reassembling, whether it be cars or computers.  Throughout his life, he enjoyed working on cars, especially having a love for Pontiacs; computers; Sci-Fi television; talk radio; or simply working on a project in the shop.   You could say he was a memorable guy, from his salesman personality, quick wit, and storytelling ability.

He is survived by his children, Michelle (Brad) Cramblit of Altoona, Michael Brenneman of Coralville, and Marcus Brenneman of West Des Moines; three grandchildren, George, Cienna and Cheyenne Cramblit; sisters Deborah (Mike) Remick of Mt. Union and Marilyn Nichols of Winfield; and nieces and nephews.  Preceding him in death were his parents and brother-in-law David Nichols.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at Elliott Chapel, New London, with Rev. Jeff McPheron officiating.  Burial will follow at Trinity Cemetery, rural Mt. Union.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 with the family greeting friends from 10:00 until the time of the service.  The family would like to invite friends and family to the New London Community Center at 103 W. Washington, for a luncheon following the burial.  A memorial has been established and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Gladys Josephine Ranney

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, July 11th, 2025 at 11:46 am CDT

Gladys Josephine Ranney age 97 formerly of Packwood passed away in Sigourney, Iowa.

There will be a private family gathering celebrating her life at a later date.  Memorials may be made to the family and mailed to Jodi Milligan, 402 Suellen Street, Richland, Iowa 52585.  Behner Funeral Home is helping the family with arrangements.

Gladys was born March 18, 1928, in LeMars, Iowa to John and Elvina Bourne.

Gladys moved to Iowa Falls when she was younger. Later she met Donald Ranney. They married November 3, 1946 and raised their daughter Diane. They lived most of their life in Marshalltown but decided to move to Packwood to be close their daughter Diane (Lee).

Gladys loved to flower garden, bake, doing jigsaw puzzles and her word-finds. Her chocolate chip cookies never lasted long around the grandchildren. She loved working at Fannie Mae and Hallmark and spending time with family. Later in life she enjoyed her Fridays with daughter Diane when they would get their hair done at Miss Kitty’s, go shopping, and grab lunch. She enjoyed visiting with her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Left to share her memories are her grandchildren Michael (Sheila) Vokoun, Jodi (Matt) Milligan, Michelle (Mike) Hoy, Teri (Mike) Miller and Traci (Todd) Hoefler, her great grandchildren, Nathaniel, Nicholas, Neil, JJ (Addi), Josh (Tefna), Jade (Michael), Andrea, Erica, Danielle (Charles), Lee, Daphne (Chase), Rhyan and Hayden and her great-great grandchildren Garett, Graci, Ainsley, Jase, Braxton, Charlotte and soon to be Viola. Her brother Richard (Pat) Bourne and sister Eileen Ramey.

Gladys was proceeded in death by her husband Donald Ranney, her daughter Diane Stone, her parents John and Elvina Bourne, and her brother Robert Bourne.

 

Final Day to Enter 4-H Projects for Henry County Fair

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, July 11th, 2025 at 10:04 am CDT

Mount Pleasant, Iowa – Attention 4-H members and families: today, Thursday, July 11, is the absolute final day to register your projects and livestock exhibits for the 2025 Henry County Fair through Fair Entry.

The ISU Extension & Outreach – Henry County office is reminding all exhibitors that no late entries will be accepted under any circumstances. Whether it’s livestock, photography, baked goods, or woodworking, if you’re planning to show at the fair, your entries must be submitted by the end of the day.

“If you’ve been holding off, now is the time,” the office urged in a recent reminder. “Have some free time today? 🍀 Use it to make sure all your projects are entered!”

The entry process is required for all 4-H participants, regardless of project type. Fair Entry helps organizers prepare judges’ materials, assign stalls and exhibit spaces, and ensure a smooth experience for youth and families during the fair.

Need help submitting? The Extension Office staff are available during business hours to assist with questions.

The Henry County Fair kicks off next week, and it promises to be another exciting showcase of hard work and creativity from local youth.

To enter your projects now, visit https://henry.fairentry.com/Fair/SignIn/22116

Don’t delay — entries close tonight!

Local Exhibitors Shine in First Rounds of Lee County Fair Swine Shows

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, July 11th, 2025 at 10:00 am CDT

The Lee County Fair’s Crossbred and Purebred Breeding Swine Show delivered a high-energy competition Thursday, featuring top-notch gilts and passionate youth exhibitors. Judges praised the depth and quality of the animals in both divisions, with local competitors rising to the top and earning major honors in one of the fair’s most competitive events.

Jaren Gerdes stole the spotlight, claiming Champion Purebred Breeding Gilt and Champion Breeding Gilt Overall—a rare and impressive double win. Judges applauded his gilt’s exceptional balance, structure, and feminine build, calling her “the kind of design you want to build a program around.” Her presence in the ring and completeness from every angle made her the clear standout.

Presley Moeller took home Reserve Champion Purebred Breeding Gilt with a well-structured female that impressed with her muscle expression and smooth movement. The judge noted her soundness and show ring composure, making her a strong contender in the division.

In the crossbred division, Brody Moeller earned Grand Champion Crossbred Breeding Gilt with a striking yellow gilt described by the judge as having a “wild turn to her rib,” powerful body, and “expensive” look. “She looks like she can raise a herd,” the judge remarked, praising her combination of style, maternal traits, and ring presence.

Jenna Schwartz secured the Reserve Champion Crossbred Breeding Gilt title with a sleek black gilt known for her structural soundness and complete build. “She’s a little more functional in her legs,” the judge commented, complimenting her clean design and practical look.

Brody Moeller also claimed the Reserve Champion Breeding Gilt Overall, capping off an outstanding day in the show ring for the Moeller family.

“This was not an easy show to sort — every exhibitor should be proud,” the judge said, recognizing the high quality and competitive spirit on display. “These are the kind of gilts that can make an impact.”

The Lee County Fair continues today with more livestock action:

  • 6:00 P.M. – Lee County Cattlemen’s Bucket Bottle Calf Show

Come out to support local youth and enjoy a full day at the fair!

Lynn E. Hitchings – PENDING

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, July 11th, 2025 at 6:47 am CDT

Lynn E. Hitchings, 82, of New London, died Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospital, West Burlington.  Arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.

Sports, July 11th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, July 11th, 2025 at 6:29 am CDT

Postseason Softball

For Class 3A Region 5, Mediapolis put up eight runs in the first inning as the Bulldogs crushed West Burlington/Notre Dame last night 10-2. Payton Harris and AvaLynn Prall each collected two RBIs in the win, while Lyndsey Kelley and Madalynn Knapp capped their careers with an RBI apiece. The Falcons ended the season with a 15-21 record. 

Mediapolis will await the winner between Assumption and Camanche as their game was paused entering the fourth inning with the Knights holding a 4-0 lead. The Bulldogs will play tomorrow, July 12th, at 7 pm.

Central Lee dominated Monticello, 11-0, and Washington walloped Midland, 22-0, to set up a rematch of last year’s regional semifinal. The Demons and Hawks will meet tomorrow at 7 pm in Washington.

In Class 3A Region 8, Fairfield was upset by Davis County last night, 6-4. Leah Helmick crushed a two-run homer in the losing effort. The Trojans ended the season with a 20-16 record. 

In the Class 4A Region 3 bracket, Mt. Pleasant fell to Oskaloosa last night 10-2. Chaley Cook had a phenomenal game, collecting a pair of hits, including her first career solo home run. The Panthers finished the season with a 6-30 record. 

Fort Madison moved past Keokuk last night 8-2. Laci Gathers clapped a two-RBI double in the victory. Keokuk ended the season with a 3-30 record. The Bloodhounds will travel to square off against Norwalk tomorrow at 7 pm.

Burlington was eliminated by Maquoketa last night 11-8. The Grayhounds finished the season with a 13-14 record. 

For Class 1A Region 1, Holy Trinity Catholic versus Seymour has been postponed for tonight. The game will be played at either Seymour at 5 pm or Centerville at 7 pm tomorrow, July 12th, depending on the field conditions. 

Postseason Baseball

New London will act as the home team against Pekin for the District 10 Championship tomorrow, July 12th, at 7 pm at Sigourney High School. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

Moving to Class 2A Substate 4 District 7, #5 Mediapolis will host Durant tomorrow at 7 pm.

Over in Class 2A Substate 5 District 9, Central Lee will venture back to Chariton tomorrow to face off against the Chargers at 7 pm.

For Class 3A Substate 5, Washington will face off against Assumption tonight at 7 pm.

In Substate 6, Mt. Pleasant will square off against Fairfield today at 1 pm on the road. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call. Panther head coach Brent Broeker talked about the opportunity that sits in front of his squad,

“Yeah, I was talking to the coaching staff earlier today, you know, they beat us by 14 the first game, they beat us by 8 the second game, they only beat us by one at their place last time we played them. So, you know, we’re making progress. We just gotta, you know, get that, get that big hit when we need it.”

Keokuk will travel to Pella at 5 pm tonight.

Fort Madison versus Xavier has been postponed to tomorrow at noon.

For Class 4A Substate 3, Burlington grabbed the #4-seed and will hit the road to compete against the #3-seed Muscatine today at 3 pm.

Mt. Pleasant Summer Camps

Mt. Pleasant will be hosting Panther Hoopla: A Southeast Iowa Basketball Camp from July 16th through the 18th. Coaches will work with the campers in a fun and challenging environment, filled with drills, player development, and competitive games.

The morning session is for 6th through 8th graders, and it runs from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. The afternoon session will go from 1 pm to 3 pm for 3rd through 5th graders.

Check out this link for other local summer athletic camps: School Summer Camps

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees have won their past three contests after smacking the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes last night 16-6. Kooper Schulte clocked a double for two RBIs, while Owen Nowak led the squad with six RBIs as he hit a grand slam to start the game. The Bees will stay on the road, looking to sweep the Lucky Horseshoes tonight at 6:30 pm.

The Clinton LumberKings had their matchup against the Quincy Doggy Paddlers postponed last night. The two will duel in a doubleheader tonight in Quincy with game one at 5 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1900 – Charlotte Cooper beats Hélène Prévost to become the first female Olympic tennis champion and the first individual female Olympic champion in any sport.

1914 – Future Baseball Hall of Fame slugger Babe Ruth makes his MLB debut as a pitcher for Boston Red Sox; earns a 4-3 win against the Cleveland Naps at Fenway Park.

1985 – Astros’ Nolan Ryan is the first to strike out 4,000.

Lee County Fair 2025 Goat & Sheep Results

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, July 11th, 2025 at 5:32 am CDT

Meat Goat Show Results

Champion Purebred Breeding Goat – Tanner Snaddt

Reserve Champion Purebred Breeding Goat – Tessa Cale

 

Champion Breeding Goat – Ella Weisinger

Reserve Champion Breeding Goat – Eliza Weisinger

3rd Overall Breeding Goat – Brystol Gerdes

4th Overall Breeding Goat  – Cade Wilson

5th Overall Breeding Goat – Adalynn Lampe

 

Champion Dairy Goat – Carrigan Carroll

 

1st Place Rate of Gain – Holden Pezley

2nd Place Rate of Gain – Teagan Cale

 

Champion Market Goat – Ella Weisinger

Reserve Champion Market Goat – Ella Weisinger

3rd Overall Champion Market Goat – Blake Mohrfeld

4th Overall Champion Market – Macyn Lampe

5th Overall Champion Market – Adelyn Lampe

 

Advanced Showmanship – Macyn Lampe

Senior Showmanship – Blake Mohrfeld

Intermediate Showmanship – Tessa Cale

Junior Showmanship – Eliza Weisinger

Sheep Show Results

Champion Hair Breeding Ewe – Johnathen Seyb

Champion White Face Breeding Ewe – Reid Schmitt

Champion Speckled Face Breeding Ewe – Madison Hassman

Champion Black Face Commercial Ewe – Brady Adams

 

Champion Home-Raised Breeding – Avery Steffensmeier

Reserve Champion Home Breeding – Aiden McDowell

 

Champion Commercial Ewe – Brady Adams

Reserve Champion Ewe – Emma Lyle

3rd Overall Champion Commercial Ewe – Presley Moeller

4th Overall Champion Commercial Ewe – Johnathen Seyb

5th Overall Champion Commercial Ewe – Reid Schmitt

 

1st Place Rate of Gain – Jonathan Seyb

2nd Place Rate of Gain – James Seyb

 

Champion Derby Lamb – James Seyb

Champion Hair Market Lamb –Johnathen Seyb

 

Champion Hair Market Lamb – James Seyb

 

Champion White Face Market Lamb – Madison Hassman

Champion Speckled Faced Market Lamb –Parker Ellis

 

Champion Market Lamb Lightweight – Macyn Lampe

Reserve Champion Market Lamb Light weight -Emma Lyle

Champion Market Lamb Middleweight – Adelyn Lampe

Reserve Champion Market Lamb Middleweight-Emma Lyle

Champion Market Lamb Heavyweight – Emma Lyle

Reserve Champion Market Lamb Heavyweight – Brody Moeller

 

Champion Home Raised Market Lamb –Avery Steffensmeier

Reserve Champion Home Raised Market Lamb –Aiden McDowell

 

Champion Market Lamb – Adelyn Lampe

Reserve Champion Market Lamb – Emma Lyle

3rd Overall Market Lamb – Brody Moeller

4th Overall Market Lamb – Emma Lyle

5th Overall Market Lamb – Emma Mohrfeld

 

Champion Pen of 3 – Arabella McDowell

 

Champion Advanced Showmanship – Macyn Lampe

Champion Senior Showmanship – Parker Ellis

Champion Intermediate Showmanship – Brady Adams

Champion Junior Showmanship –Lauren Schwartz

         

One Dead in Fatal Collision at County Roads G52 and W66 Intersection

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, July 11th, 2025 at 5:16 am CDT

Louisa County, Iowa — One person has died following a two-vehicle crash late Wednesday morning at the intersection of County Road G52 and W66.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 11:51 a.m. on July 10, 2025. A 2011 Chevrolet HHR was traveling southbound on W66 when it stopped at the stop sign at the G52 intersection. Investigators say the vehicle then failed to yield and entered the path of a westbound 2019 Freightliner semi-tractor traveling on G52.

The semi struck the driver’s side of the Chevrolet, causing both vehicles to leave the roadway. The semi came to rest partially in the southwest ditch, while the Chevrolet ended up on the south shoulder of G52, just west of the intersection.

The driver of the Chevrolet, whose identity is pending release, was killed in the crash. Authorities confirmed the individual was wearing a seatbelt. The body was transported by Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral Services.

No other injuries were reported at this time. The driver of the semi, operated by TriState Envelope Corporation of Reading, Pennsylvania, was not immediately identified.

The crash remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol. Mincer’s and Brewer’s towing services removed the vehicles from the scene. No hazardous materials were involved.

Further details will be released as they become available.