Fred Bertram

By Yorke Prough · Friday, January 19th, 2024 at 11:20 am CDT

Fred G. Bertram, 66, of Montrose, Iowa, passed away at 2:19 p.m. Thursday, January 18, 2024, at his home.

Born on November 26, 1957 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Darwin and Carolyn (Arnold)  Bertram. On June 13, 1987 he married Angie Klingler in Keokuk, Iowa.

Survivors include his wife Angela; son Ethan (Andrea) Bertram of Montrose; daughter Krista (Darin) Hoener of Golden, Illinois; his father Darwin Bertram of Montrose; five grandchildren: Brayden, Brylee, Amber, Tucker, and Allie. Also surviving are two step-brothers and one step-sister.

He was preceded in death by his mother Carolyn.

Fred was a 1976 graduate of Central Lee High School. Fred worked as a truck driver for Blomme Trucking. He enjoyed fishing and hunting.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2024 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at the Montrose Cemetery with Reverend John Simpson officiating.

A Memorial has been established in his memory.

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

Prep Bowling: Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield Split Last Night’s Match

By Slaten Swords · Friday, January 19th, 2024 at 10:49 am CDT

Mount Pleasant, IA- The two Southeast Conference foes met last night at the Iris Bowling Center for a rematch of their duel over a month ago. Despite the new location, it was a similar result with the Panthers dominating in the girls’ match and the Trojans edging out a win by 117 total pins.

The girls’ match saw Bethany Drury led the way with a two-game total of 374. She had the highest single game total of 222. Madelynn Millard finished with 286 total pins followed by Addison McGehearty and Natalie Brush as they bowled a 276 and 274, respectively.

Addison Harris was the top bowler for Fairfield with a two game total of 246 pins. After the Baker Rotation, the Panthers took match handily 2,249-1,500. The Panthers are now 4-1 in conference play.

In the boys’ match, Fairfield outpaced Mt. Pleasant by 41 pins in round one and 76 pins in round two to take the match 2,721-2,604.

Ethan Cass finished with the highest two game total and the highest game total for the match, finishing with 474 total pins and a game high of 252 pins for the Trojans.

Conner Sizemore and Alec Payne were the two leading bowlers for Mt. Pleasant last night with totals of 394 and 378, respectively. Henry Pforts had the highest single game total for the Panthers with a 220.

The Panthers are now 1-4 in conference matches, while the Trojans are 4-1.

Mt. Pleasant will take on Louisa-Muscatine on Monday, January 22nd. Fairfield will compete at the Ottumwa Bowling Invitational tomorrow.

Robert Stearns

By Yorke Prough · Friday, January 19th, 2024 at 8:50 am CDT

Robert Dwayne Gregory Stearns, 70, of Mt. Pleasant passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

No services are planned at this time and burial will be held in the Oakland Mills Cemetery at a later date.  Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.  

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Rep. Collins Pushes for Barring State Aid for Students who Endorse Terrorism

By Yorke Prough · Friday, January 19th, 2024 at 8:25 am CDT

The Iowa legislative session began on Monday, January 8th, and changes are already coming to the state. Representative Taylor Collins, District 95, Mediapolis, made headlines when he introduced House File 2077, along with Austin Harris.

HF 2077 would ensure that students who have endorsed or promoted terrorism, or the actions of a foreign terrorist organization be barred from receiving state aid to help pay for their higher education. In addition, the bill also orders that student organizations at any public institution of higher education in Iowa who have endorsed or promoted terrorism, or the actions of a foreign terrorist organization, be decertified.

In a statement, Collins said, “To ask Iowans to give their hard-earned money to people who support our enemies and want death to America, and our allies, is an egregious request,” said Collins. “We’ve made promises to our constituents to be responsible with their tax dollars, and this bill will deliver on that promise by sending a clear message to anyone in Iowa who supports our enemies.”

HF 2077 was introduced to the Iowa House of Representatives on Thursday, January 18th, and referred to the Education committee.

Upcoming SHIIP Seminar

By Yorke Prough · Friday, January 19th, 2024 at 8:24 am CDT

The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) will present the following Welcome to Medicare seminars at Great River Health locations. The seminars will cover:

  • Medicare Parts A and B benefits
  • Prescription drug benefits (Part D)
  • Medicare Advantage plans
  • Medicare supplement insurance
  • Identifying Medicare fraud, errors and abuse

The seminars will be offered at these times and locations:

Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington

Monday, February 26, 2024 – Registration deadline: Friday, February 16, 2024

Black Hawk Room

1221 S Gear Ave., West Burlington

To make a reservation, call 319-768-3342.

Armed Robbery Suspect Apprehended in Fort Madison

By Yorke Prough · Friday, January 19th, 2024 at 8:23 am CDT

On January 17th, Shaukim Uriah Redd, age 30, of Fort Madison, was taken into custody for his involvement in the November 7th Armed Robbery at Hardee’s at 1431 Avenue H. His identity as the perpetrator was established by physical evidence recovered by detectives at the scene. Redd’s arrest followed a traffic stop in connection with a report of an unrelated theft of liquor that had just occurred from a convenience store.

In relation to the earlier robbery, criminal charges levied against Redd included: Robbery in the
1st degree (class B felony), Burglary in the 1st degree (class B felony), and Going Armed with
Intent (class d felony). Redd had also been sought on escape warrants, and four counts of Theft (aggravated misdemeanors) for separate theft investigations being handled by the police department. The investigation into Redd’s activities is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.

Redd was transported to the Lee County Jail and incarcerated pending an initial court appearance. The public is reminded that persons charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Governor Reynolds Open Letter Regarding Improving Special Education

By Yorke Prough · Friday, January 19th, 2024 at 8:21 am CDT

Governor Kim Reynolds released the following open letter to the state of Iowa: 

 

If there’s an issue Iowans are most passionate about, it’s undoubtedly about our kids. As a grandmother of 11, ranging in age from pre-school to high school, I understand. There’s nothing more important than our children. 

 

It’s why so many of my policy priorities as governor have focused on building strong families and elevating education for every student. This year is no exception.  

 

In fact, students are the very focus of my education policy this legislative session. Whether it’s raising teacher salaries or improving literacy, my priority is ensuring every child has the advantage of a quality education to help them reach their highest potential.  

 

That includes students with disabilities who receive special education services—and it’s why I’m proposing to reform Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs). 

 

Fifty years ago, regional AEAs were created to serve children and students with disabilities. These services are critical. From early interventions for infants and toddlers to speech therapy for K-12 students, AEAs will continue to offer the guidance and reassurance families need and the support teachers rely on.   

 

Over the years, AEAs have expanded well beyond the scope of special education, providing a wide array of other offerings for teachers, schools, and districts. These range from athletic coaching certification, cybersecurity, and classroom book sets, to providing graphic design and printing. In fact, only about one-third of the services AEAs list today are focused on supporting children with disabilities.  

 

As the AEAs expanded their services, the outcomes of students with disabilities declined. Over the last 20 years, Iowa’s fourth grade students with disabilities have consistently performed below the national average when compared to students with disabilities in other states. In the last five years, fourth and eighth graders with disabilities have ranked 30th or lower on nine of 12 national reading and math assessments. 

 

Despite consistently poor outcomes, under the current system schools are forced to send their state and federal money for special education services directly to the AEAs. Iowa is the only state in the nation that operates this way. 

 

If we don’t do something different, we can simply expect more of the same. That’s not good enough for our children, and it’s why I’m proposing a change. 

 

Under my bill, AEAs will continue providing special education services as they do now, including Early ACCESS and Child Find. But state and federal special education funds will be controlled by Iowa’s public school districts. I’m also proposing schools get their share of AEA funding for education services. 

 

With control of these funds, schools will determine what’s best for their students. If they like the services from their AEA, they can continue to use them exactly as they do today. Or they could choose to use the services of a neighboring AEA. They can also go outside the AEA system and partner with other districts to share services or contract with another accredited provider. Or they can spend more on special education teachers and put the funds right into the classroom. This legislation puts control in the hands of those who work directly with students every day. 

 

And to ensure the AEA system is held accountable and results for students with disabilities improve, the Iowa Department of Education will provide meaningful oversight of special education. 

 

AEAs play an important role in our state and that will continue. But their role should be entirely focused on students—not maintaining a system. We don’t need the AEAs to be all things. We need them to be one thing: the state’s premier provider of special education services.  

Sports, January 19th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, January 19th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

Mt. Pleasant will hit the road to face off against Fort Madison tonight at 6:20 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:05 pm. 

Danville will square off against Burlington Notre Dame tonight with the girls scheduled to start the night at 6 pm on the road. 

WACO had their games against Sigourney postponed last night. Make up dates will be announced at a later time. The Warriors will host Columbus tonight with the girls playing at 6 pm. 

Winfield-Mt. Union’s matchup against Pekin last night was canceled. The Wolves will take on Wapello tonight at 6 pm. 

Van Buren County versus Cardinal was canceled last night due to the weather. 

Central Lee will travel to take on Van Buren County tonight at 6 pm. 

The Holy Trinity Catholic girls’ team clobbered West Burlington last night 60-15. In the boys’ game, the Crusaders were unable to defeat the undefeated Falcons as they fell 61-45. Luke Hellige put up 21 points in last night’s effort. The Crusaders will celebrate their homecoming tonight against New London with the girls leading off the night at 6:30 pm. 

Mediapolis will face off against West Burlington tonight at home with the girls’ playing at 6 pm. 

High School Girls’ Basketball Rankings

The latest edition of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s basketball rankings had Keokuk sneak into the top 15 for Class 4A at the #15 spot. This is the first time the Chiefs have been ranked this season as they are 11-1 on the year with a perfect conference record. Kendra Boatman leads the team in scoring with 19.4 points per game and steals with 4.8 per game. 

High School Wrestling

The WACO boys’ team’s match last night was postponed due to weather. The triangular against Van Buren County and Lone Tree will be made up on Tuesday, January 23rd. The Warriors will compete at a tournament tomorrow, January 20th, at Belle Plaine. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team had their triangular against Pekin and Louisa-Muscatine canceled yesterday. The Wildcats will host a meet tomorrow. 

New London rescheduled their meet last night against Highland and Mediapolis to January 22nd. The Tigers will travel to Louisa-Muscatine tomorrow for a tournament. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team took on Fairfield last night in a dual and fell to the Trojans 57-18. Picking up points for the Panthers was Ramzy Davis, Sawyer Fulton, and Lane Beckler as he took down Ajay Klett by fall in the 126-pound weight class. In other matches, Cael McCabe defeated Landon Beckler by fall in the 106-pound weight class and Carter Moore got the better of Payton Walker by an 8-4 decision. On the girls’ side, Paris Phosy and Katana Phangchanthong each picked up wins by fall for the Panthers. The boys’ team will compete at an invitational tomorrow at Williamsburg. The next competition for the girls’ team will be at Alliant Energy Power House for the state qualifying meet on Friday, January 26th. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will participate in a tournament hosted by Louisa-Muscatine tomorrow.

The WACO girls’ team will travel to Colfax-Mingo for a meet tomorrow.

In other SEC duals, Fort Madison defeated Keokuk, 60-24, and Washington got the better of Burlington, 42-30, on the boys’ side. On the girls’ side, Fort Madison took down Keokuk, 42-12. 

Reminder that IAwrestle has their fan vote open until today at noon for the Dan Gable Mr. and Ms. Wrestler of the Year Awards in coordination with Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association. Kaiden Dietzenbach of Burlington Notre Dame is one of the 15 finalists for Class 2A. Dietzenbach is currently 19-1 on the season according to Trackwrestling and ranked 5th in the 132-pound weight class by FloWrestling.

For a full list of the finalists and where you can vote, follow the link: 2024 Dan Gable Mr. and Ms. Wrestler of the Year Award 

High School Bowling

The Mt. Pleasant girls breezed past Fairfield last night 2,472 to 1,500, but the boys’ team was narrowly defeated by the Trojans 2,721 to 2,614. The Panthers will take on Louisa-Muscatine on Monday, January 22nd. 

College Basketball

The #2 Iowa women’s team will face off against #18 Ohio State on Sunday, January 21st, at 11 am in a road matchup. 

The #24 Iowa State women’s team will look to rebound on Wednesday, January 24th, against Kansas in a road matchup at 6:30 pm. 

The #24 Iowa State men’s team will stay on the road to take on #19 TCU tomorrow, January 20th, at 1 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team’s will look to knock off #2 Purdue tomorrow at 1 pm in a home matchup. 

University of Iowa

The search is over as the University of Iowa announced that Beth Goetz will be the new Director of Athletics after serving in the role of interim since August 2nd. She will be the 13th athletics director in program history. Goetz was named the 2022 NCAA Division I FBS Nike Executive of the Year by Women Leaders in College Sports along with being recognized by the Indianapolis Business Journal as one of the publication’s 2021 Women of Influence. 

Goetz agreed to a five-year deal as she is the first woman to be the head athletics director at Iowa. 

This Day in Sports History

1903 – French newspaper L’Auto announces a new 5-stage, long distance bicycle race, “Tour de France.”

1974 – Notre Dame beats UCLA, 71-70 in South Bend, Indiana to end Bruins’ NCAA-record 88-game basketball win streak.

2013 – Lance Armstrong admits to doping in all seven of his Tour de France victories.