William Knox

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 at 3:46 pm CDT

William Lane Knox, 94, of Mt. Pleasant, died peacefully with his family at his side on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at his residence.

William ‘Bill” Knox was born August 21, 1929 in Moline, Illinois to Esther(Terry) and Earl Knox. He grew up on a farm near Joy, Illinois the youngest of three boys.  His family moved to Aledo, Illinois where he graduated from high school. One of his biggest joys was attending Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, earning his way by being a busboy throughout high-school.

Bill married Marilyn Wakeland on August 4, 1951 and then worked for Contel Telephone Company, retiring in 1992.  

Bill was a member of Community of Christ church and was ordained as an elder, becoming a much beloved pastor of several congregations. Camping and volunteering at Camp Nauvoo at Nauvoo, Illinois was his passion and  he was a longtime member of Camp Nauvoo Board.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years and three children, Debbie Batey(Todd), Kevin (Cindy), Kelly Manning (Jack), his son in law, Bret McFarlin (Teva), seven grandsons and 11 great grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his parents, two brothers and his dear daughter, Kathleen McFarlin.

A service will be held in the spring at Camp Nauvoo.

A memorial has been established for Outreach International and Camp Nauvoo and may be sent toKimzey Funeral Home at 213 N. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 52641 who is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

We thank many friends and family and especially Everystep Hospice who lovingly cared for him and his family.

Beth Owen

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 at 3:40 pm CDT

Beth Lynne Owen, 64, of Milton, FL and formerly of Ft. Madison, IA, died Saturday, December 2, 2023 in Milton from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, is assisting  Beth’s family with local arrangements.

On-Line condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com

Beth Lynne Carpenter was born March 20, 1959, in Cleveland, OH. She was the daughter of Charles and Marcia (Stubing) Carpenter. Beth was united in marriage to Bobby Porter. The couple later divorced. On October 11, 1998, Beth was united in marriage to Alan “Buck” Owen. Mr. Owen died in 2004.

Beth loved to play pool. She played on several pool leagues for many years. She was especially fond of going to pool tournaments. Beth also loved riding her motorcycle and attending bike rallys. She was a member of District 18 ABATE of Iowa. Her true passion, however, was being among her family and friends. She enjoyed socializing with the many people she met. She never knew a stranger. Once you met Beth, you would remember her as she would definitely remember you.

Those grateful for sharing in Beth’s life include her children – Robert (Casey) Porter of Kearney, MO, Janeene (Ray Simmons) Porter of Salem, IA and Jeremiah (Rayna Buckner) Porter of Keokuk, IA; 5 siblings – Donna Ford of Ohio, Michael Neargardner of Lakewood, OH, Amy (William) Kuhn of Elyria, OH, Barbara (Craig) Roshaven of Ft. Worth, TX and Lydia (Ron) Huffman of Milton, FL; 9 grandchildren – Nicholas porter, Triston Surratt, Dezirae Porter, Ethan Porter, Ryan Simmons, Raelyn Simmons, Essance Smeltser and Eylissa Smeltser as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband Alan, sister-in-law Helen Neargardner and sister Daphne Lindsey precede Beth in death.

Gasoline and Diesel Prices Fall Again – Weekly Fuel Report

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 at 3:18 pm CDT

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 4 cents, averaging $2.87 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $7.02 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $70.17.

  • Brent crude oil fell $7.08 and is currently priced at $75.21.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $74.25 and Brent crude was at $79.92.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.87 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices fell 4 cents from last week’s price and are down 22 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.22, down 3 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 10 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.97.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $4.72 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 20 cents lower than the national average of $4.17.
  • Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $1.95 for U87-E10, $2.19 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.47 for ULSD#2, $2.82 for ULSD#1, and $1.92 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

Propane prices rose 1 cent with a statewide average of $1.56 per gallon.

Home heating oil prices fell 19 cents, with a statewide average of $3.32 per gallon

Natural gas prices fell 15 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.67/MMbtu

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

New London Municipal Utilities Agenda

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 at 3:05 pm CDT

NEW LONDON MUNICIPAL UTILITIES – AGENDA FOR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
DECEMBER 7TH, 2023 – THURSDAY AFTERNOON – 1:00 P.M. – NEW LONDON CITY OFFICE

1. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR MEETING Chairman Robert Byczek

2. ROLL CALL: Jerry Wilhelm, Craig Nelson, Jodi Jackson, Jean Westerbeck, and Robert Byczek

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

4. OPEN FORUM

5. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approve minutes of the previous meetings (1-4)
b. Accept Treasurer’s report (5-12)
c. Approve payment of claims (Handout)

6. OLD BUSINESS
a. Discuss and take action on purchasing street light banners (13)

7. NEW BUSINESS
a. Approve a chairperson for 2024 (14)
b. Approve a chairperson pro tem for 2024 (14)
c. Approve committee appointments for 2024 (14)
d. Discuss the damage claim from Windsteam for 313 S. Cottonwood St. (15-21)
e. Discuss the basis of cost charges for labor, equipment and materials (22-23)
f. Update on purchasing a new locator for water and underground electric
g. Utility Board Meeting, January 4th, 2024 at 1:00 PM, City Office

8. REPORTS
a. Foreman’s Report – Dave Ford (Handout, 24)
b. Council Minutes (25-30)

9. ADJOURNMENT

James Settles

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 at 2:22 pm CDT

James A. “Jimbo” Settles, 77, of Fort Madison, Iowa, passed away at 5:40 a.m. Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at the Clark County Nursing Home in Kahoka, Missouri.

He was born on November 26, 1946, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Samuel Dewey and Etta Mae (Case) Settles. On May 10, 1969, he married Phyllis Hammer at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Franklin.

Survivors include his wife: Phyllis; sons: Sean (Lindsay) Settles of Fort Madison, Pete (Chrissy) Settles of West Point, Iowa and Jon (Emily) Settles of Columbus Junction; grandchildren: Katlynn (Cody) Mason, Rodric (Elizabeth) Settles, Danen, Jarrett, Tanner, Tauren, Tate, Paul and Eve Settles; great grandchildren: Brooke, Luke, Kane, Dakota and Beckham; step-great grandchildren: Bristol and Berkley; sister: Carol (Terry) Durbin of Bella Vista, Arkansas. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two half sisters and one half brother.

James was a 1965 graduate of Fort Madison High School. He attended Burlington Junior College and the University of Hawaii. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. James worked as a millwright at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. He was a member of the Burlington Eagles Club, Burlington Disabled American Veterans and the Fort Madison Vietnam Veterans of America. He enjoyed tinkering on cars, racing and watching westerns.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point.

A private family graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023, at St. Peter’s Cemetery in rural Franklin with full military rites presented by the Fort Madison Veteran’s Honor Guard.

Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery, rural Franklin.

A memorial has been established in his memory for the 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.

Two Accidents in Lee County on Tuesday Due to Slick Roads

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 at 9:13 am CDT

With slick roads all over Southeast Iowa on Tuesday, it was expected that there would be an increase of drivers losing control of their vehicles. Lee County was no exception. A vehicle was traveling North bound on Highway 61 near the 2500 block when the driver lost control due to the road conditions. The driver struck a bridge support and guard rail. The vehicle sustained functional damage and was driven away from the scene. The driver did not report any injuries at the time of the incident. No visual damage was observed to the overpass where the incident occurred.

A second, unrelated accident, occurred on Highway 16 near the 2800 block. Similarly, the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to enter the North bound ditch. The driver over corrected, causing the vehicle to overturn and come to rest on the wheels facing Southwest. The vehicle had to be towed from the scene after suffering disabling damage. No injuries were reported at the time of this incident.

 

Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities Meeting Agenda

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 at 7:52 am CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT MUNICIPAL UTILITIES Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

Board of Trustees: Budget Work Session:
Dan McCabe, Chairman 1:00 P.M. Thursday
Harvey Ungerman December 7th, 2023
David George Utility Office
Lori White
Michelle Rosell

AGENDA

I. CALL TO ORDER.
A. Roll call.
B. Approval of Agenda.

II. FINANCIAL & OPERATIONS
A. Review & Approval of MOU with Ameren regarding transmission source 1. Review – Executive Session – Personnel & Legal.
a) (Executive Session pursuant to Section 22.7(3) and 388.9 of the Code of Iowa for legal purposes).
2. Approval for General Manger to sign MOU with Ameren

III. OTHER BUSINESS.
A. Other Business, Unscheduled for Consideration by Board of Trustees.

IV. ADJOURNMENT.

Female Shot by Child in Burlington Late on Tuesday

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 at 6:48 am CDT

*UPDATE 2:19pm 12/06/23*

On December 5, 2023, at approximately 9:59 p.m., Burlington Police Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 1000 Blk of Elm St., in Burlington, for an unresponsive female. Upon arrival Officers located a deceased female victim who appeared to have suffered a single gun shot wound.

The facts and circumstances surrounding this case are still under investigation. An autopsy is scheduled for December 6, 2023 and no further details will be released at this time.

The Burlington Police Department believes there is no immediate threat to the community in regards to this incident.

The Burlington Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is being assisted in the investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

 

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Preliminary reports suggest that a small child got a hold of a firearm and shot a female on Tuesday night in Burlington. The Burlington Fire Department and Burlington Police Department officers responded to the scene on the south side of Burlington.

It sounds as if the female was shot in the chest. The ambulance cleared the scene without transporting to the hospital, and the Burlington Fire Department turned it back over to the police after clearing the scene around 10:35pm.

KILJ will have more information on this story later.