Connie Armstrong

By Yorke Prough · Friday, December 15th, 2023 at 3:52 pm CDT

Connie Ruth Armstrong, 75, of Farmington, Iowa passed away at 12:25 a.m. Friday, December 15, 2023 at her home.

She was born on July 13, 1948, in Anson, Missouri, the daughter of Hugh and Veva (Stewart) Oilar. On May 5, 1966 she married John Armstrong in Farmington, Iowa.

Survivors include her husband: John; children: Carinda Petty, and her family: Ashlea (Heath) Horstman, and their children Dean, Grant, and Carlea; Jaimie (Adam) Stefko and their children: Kylynn, Lakelynn, and Evelynn; Wyatt (Sydney) Petty; Carrie (Patrick) MacDonald and her family, Daniel (Brittney) MacDonald, and their son Ryan, Taylor (Cody) Batterfield; Carla (Scott) Taylor and her family Allison (Quinn), Mackenzie (Jason), and Brandon; Curtis (Veronica) Armstrong and his family Joscelyn (Chance), Rebecca (Liam), and Bailey; adopted daughter Jennifer (Steve) Vorhies and her children Jordan (Dakota) Miller, Trevor, and Nick; siblings: Arny (Sandy) Oilar, Dennis (Betty) Oilar, Barbara Guthrie, and Margaret Ann (Vernon) Krebill; and sister-in-law Adella Katzenstein. Also surviving are lots of adopted children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Hugh and Veva Oilar; mother and father-in-law: Jay and Nora Opal Armstrong; great granddaughter: Kaely Mae Battenfield; and brothers-in-law: Thomas Katenzstein and Jack Guthrie.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Wayland. Connie and her husband John owned and operated John’s Food Center in Farmington for fifty years as well as the store in Bonaparte. She provided daycare for over sixty children and enjoyed helping with the Strawberry Festival.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington where the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the Farmington Baptist Church with Reverend Phillip Schmidt officiating.

Burial will be in Greenglade Cemetery in Farmington.

Memorials have been established in her memory for Farmington EMT’S, Farmington Fire or Bonaparte Fire and Rescue.

On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com. Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Fairfield Family Fight’s With Car Parts and Kitchen Knives

By Yorke Prough · Friday, December 15th, 2023 at 9:40 am CDT

On November 30th at 4:47pm, the Jefferson County Law Center received a call indicating that a group of individuals was fighting with sticks in the 800 block of West Grimes Avenue in Fairfield. Upon arrival, Fairfield Police Officers located an adult male who was bleeding from the leg. After recognizing significant injury, he was transported to the hospital.

Multiple individuals were interviewed at the scene, yet conflicting statements were given to law enforcement, making the exact facts blurry. After sorting through reports, it was determined that a disagreement among family members had taken place. A physical fight then took place, culminating in a female stabbing a male with a kitchen knife.

The female told officers that she used the knife as self-defense, after the male threw a part of a car engine at her. This claim of self defense could not be verified by law enforcement.

After medical stabilization, the male was interviewed by law enforcement. He was polite and cooperative, yet it came as a surprise when he was asked for the details surrounding the case, and he told officers “We don’t do family like that.”

The male party indicated to officers that he does now want to pursue or cooperate in criminal prosecution relating to the injuries. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Unless new and substantial information becomes made know to law enforcement, no charges will be issued from this incident.

Remember These Tips if You’re Stuck in Winter Weather

By Yorke Prough · Friday, December 15th, 2023 at 8:39 am CDT

With winter weather eventually coming, driving becomes a chore. One that you have to intensely focus on, as you attempt to navigate a slick roadway with snow attacking your line of sight. Everyone wants to make it home safely, but we also know that emergencies happen.

Thankfully, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has shared some helpful information that you should remember when in an emergency.

If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, stay focused on yourself and your passengers, your car, and your surroundings.

Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself. Do not leave your vehicle and instead stay in the shelter.

Make sure that your car is seen by putting bright markers on the antenna or windows. You can also keep your interior dome light on.

Carbon monoxide poisoning poses a real risk in a winter storm. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow, and only run your car sporadically.

What Are You Doing Here? Wisconsin Man Arrested With Multiple Charges in Burlington

By Yorke Prough · Friday, December 15th, 2023 at 8:35 am CDT

On December 14th, at approximately 12:29am, Burlington Police Officers were dispatched to the 200-blk of Valley regarding a robbery at an establishment. When officers arrived, they located a man, later identified as Taronzo Payne nearby.

Through the investigation, officers learned that a robbery had not occurred, however Payne was accused of displaying a firearm to witnesses. Two firearms were located on Payne’s person, one of which was stolen.

Payne, 39, of Waupun, WI was taken into custody on warrants out of Wisconsin and additionally charged with Public Intoxication, Theft 5th Degree, Ineligible Persons to Possess a Dangerous Weapon, and two counts of Firearm by a Felon.

MP Music Department Alumni Invited to Special Performance

By Yorke Prough · Friday, December 15th, 2023 at 8:33 am CDT

The Mt. Pleasant Community High School Alumni and Friends Pep Band and Choir is inviting anyone who has ever played for the Mt. Pleasant Music Department to a special performance next Tuesday. That’s right, the band and choir will perform the Star Spangled Banner and other tunes at the Panther girls and boys basketball games on the 19th of December.

You have the chance to dust off your old instrument and sing to your heart’s delight once again, with panthers of all ages. Come and enjoy the basketball game, meet new friends, and reconnect with old ones.

If you plan to attend, please reach out to Mr. Creager at the Middle School if you need supplies or an instrument. Alumni will gather at the Mt. Pleasant High School at 5:45pm on Tuesday, December 19th, to “practice.” Come cheer on the panthers!

Thelma Kruse

By Yorke Prough · Friday, December 15th, 2023 at 8:11 am CDT

Thelma J. Kruse, 92, of Hillsboro, Iowa, passed away at 11:59 a.m. Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at her home.

She was born on October 13, 1931, in Salem, Iowa, the daughter of Bernard and Cecilia (Moeller) Stukerjurgen. On October 2, 1954, she married Sylvester Kruse at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton.

Survivors include her husband: Sylvester; four children: Edward (Patty) Kruse of Hillsboro, LeAnn (Ben) Lund of Johnston, LouAnn (Gary) Nichting of Mt. Pleasant, and JoAnn (Joe) Adam of Fairfield; eleven grandchildren; twenty eight great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; two brothers: Ron (Carol) Stukerjurgen of Houghton and Leroy (Carrol) Stukerjurgen of Sun City, Arizona; three sisters: Justine (Ray) Conrad of Tempe, Arizona, Agatha Rudy of Solon, and Lucille Damhorst of Carbon Cliff, Illinois. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers: Omer and Don Stukerjurgen.

Thelma was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, Circle Eight Square Dance Club, and a euchre card club. She tended to the flower gardens at St. John’s Catholic Church for thirty-five years, she enjoyed her flowers, gardening, canning, square dancing, and playing cards.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Monday, December 18, 2023, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Houghton, where the family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A parish rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. and a Christian wake service will be held at 5:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Houghton with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

A memorial has been established in her memory for St. John’s Catholic Church or St. John’s Cemetery.

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

Ron Kaska

By Yorke Prough · Friday, December 15th, 2023 at 8:10 am CDT

Ron Kaska, age 87, of Mount Pleasant, died Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Addington Place.

He was a beloved husband, “Dad”, father-in-law, “Grandpa”, brother, and friend.   He was a man of great faith, who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Ron was born September 11, 1936, in East Pleasant Plain, Iowa, the son of Frank and Helen (Zaharris) Kaska, the 10th of 13 siblings. He graduated high school from West Chester High School in 1955. Ron proudly served our country in the United States Air Force from 1955-1956. On August 27, 1960, Ron was united in marriage to Linda Shaw at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Ron was a well-respected tile and marble setter for over 50 years. He was devoted to his work and wanted every job completed to the very best of his ability.

Additionally, he was a member of the Brick Layers and Allied Craft Workers Association, Local 10. Ron was known as a kind, honest and hard-working man.  He was dedicated to his family and his community.  In his free time Ron enjoyed golf, the Iowa Hawkeyes, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, yard work, and time with his grandchildren.  He was a committed member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church where he served on the Building and Grounds Committee, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was responsible for completing the beautiful Baptismal Font in the sanctuary.

Ron is survived by his wife Linda; three children, Dana (Rick) Lamm Richter of St. Louis, MO, Todd Kaska of Dallas, TX, Tony (Kris) Kaska of West Des Moines; eight grandchildren Abbey (Elijah) House, Haley Lamm, Sox Lamm, Molly (Tim) Anderson, Tyler (Megan) Kaska, Jacob Kaska, Adam Kaska, Madison Kaska; and five great grandchildren, Noah, Judah, and Finley House, Macy and Tinsley Anderson; brother Walter Kaska of Morrison, CO; and sister Connie Staebell of Denver, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers Ardell, Lawrence, Ernest, Cletus, Galen, and Merle; four sisters Marion Pohlit, Marcella Greiner, Kay Swain, and Clarabelle Durian.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 16, 2023, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Father Paul Connolly as celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Service will be livestreamed on Powell Funeral Homes Facebook page and at www.powellfuneralhomes.com. The visitation will be held 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 15, at Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory. The family will be present to greet friends beginning at 4:00 p.m. Memorial funds have been established for EveryStep Hospice, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and Care Giver Relief Fund. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Ron and his family.