Marjorie L. Thomas

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, March 5th, 2026 at 9:30 am CDT

Marjorie L. Thomas, 96, of Arlington, Texas, formerly of New London, died Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Colonial Oaks Memory Care in Arlington.

Marjorie was born on September 23, 1929, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Orville and Anna (Swailes) Messer. She attended the White Oak School. In 1985, Marjorie made her home in New London and was a housewife. She was a member of Congregational-Universalist Church and the Trenton American Legion Auxiliary. Marjorie enjoyed cooking for family and friends, caring for her family and playing cards on weekends, (pitch), traveling, and watching her favorite TV show, Gunsmoke.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Anna Messer, sister Dorothy Hite, brother Pete Messer, and her husband, David S. Thomas.

Marjorie is survived by her son Dennis (Peggy) Thomas of Arlington, Texas; daughter Diane (Mike) Nye of New London; two grandchildren Marjorie and Matthew both of San Antonio, Texas; and six great grandchildren.

Graveside memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in the Burge Cemetery, New London. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Joseph’s Indian School, PO Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for Marjorie and her family. www.olsonyoderfh.com

Weekly Fuel Report March 4th, 2026

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, March 5th, 2026 at 9:25 am CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (Mar. 4, 2026) – The price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 34 cents from last week’s price and is currently averaging $2.93 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $9.46 per barrel, and is currently priced at $74.92.
  • Brent crude oil rose by $10.86 and is currently priced at $81.64.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $68.47 and Brent crude was $72.31.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.93 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices rose 34 cents from last week’s price and are up 2 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.20, up 22 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 37 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.90.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.39 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 14 cents lower than the national average of $4.04.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.13 for U87-E10, $2.49 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.98 for ULSD#2, $3.18 for ULSD#1, and $2.02 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices were up 2 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.94 MMbtu.
  • Propane prices averaged $1.61 per gallon in Iowa.
  • Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $3.22 per gallon.

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

Iowa Flags Lowered to Honor Soldiers Killed in Kuwait

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, March 5th, 2026 at 8:46 am CDT

Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff effective immediately until sunset on the final day of interment in honor and remembrance of Major Jeffery O’Brien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa. Both are Army Reserve Soldiers with the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa, and were killed in action on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. 

“Our hearts are broken by the deaths of Major Jeffrey O’Brien and Sgt. Declan Coady, two brave Iowa soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to secure freedom and peace,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “On behalf of a grateful state, Kevin and I offer our prayers and condolences for their families, and we ask all Iowans to stand united in support of our fallen soldiers and those who loved them.”   

Flags will be flown at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.   

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.   

Sports, March 5th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, March 5th, 2026 at 6:22 am CDT

Girls’ State Basketball

After three days, the semifinals are now set for the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s State Tournament as yesterday featured only one upset.

Tipping-off yesterday, #2 Rock Valley’s defense stole the show as the Rockets held #7 Regina Catholic to 13 second-half points in a 43-31 final. Both teams shot under 30% for the day with Addie McLaughlin’s game high 16 points leading the Regals. 

In the final Class 2A quarterfinal matchup of the day, #6 Treynor clawed back from a first quarter deficit to beat #3 Central Lyon, 62-50, in upset fashion. Nora Konz tabbed 20 points in the winning effort. 

#2 Rock Valley will look to avoid the upset against #6 Treynor tomorrow, March 6th, at 11:45 am.

In Class 1A, #1 Bishop Garrigan cruised to a 64-42 victory over #8 Kee Lansing as the Golden Bears buried seven three pointers. Graclyn Eastman collected 24 points and 14 rebounds for a double-double. 

#5 Dunkerton’s quick start extinguished #4 Lynnville-Sully’s perfect season and tournament run in a 60-39 victory. Ava Fueling’s 22 points helped the Raiders build a 33 to 12 lead at halftime.

#1 Bishop Garrigan will face off against #5 Dunkerton tomorrow at 1:30 pm for their semifinal showdown.

On the bottom half of the bracket, #2 Newell-Fonda’s offense overwhelmed #7 St. Ansgar to the tune of a 77-58 victory. Ellie and Quinn Sievers combined for 35 points in the winning effort. 

Lastly, #3 St. Albert, who is the defending Class 1A state champion, started their tournament run off with a win over #6 Exira-EHK, 45-37. Ava Underwood dominated the boards, collecting 17 rebounds to go along with her team high 11 points. 

#2 Newell-Fonda will take on #3 St. Albert tomorrow at 3:15 pm.

In Class 5A, #1 Johnson and #5 Ankeny will square off in the semifinals today at 10 am. In the bottom half of the bracket, #2 Dowling Catholic will take on #3 Waukee Northwest at 11:45 am.

In Class 3A, #1 Mt. Vernon and #4 Wahlert Catholic will square off today at 1:30 pm, followed by #3 Des Moines Christian tangling with #2 Maquoketa at 3:15 pm.

For Class 4A, #3 Norwalk and #2 Dallas Center-Grimes will play tonight at 5 pm. #5 Carlisle will look for another upset tonight at 6:45 pm against #1 Bishop Heelan. 

In Class 2A, #1 Hinton, who is looking to defend their state title, will take on #5 Denver in the semifinals tomorrow at 10 am.

Boys’ Postseason Basketball

For the Class 1A State Tournament, #4 Burlington Notre Dame will face off against #5 Bellevue on Tuesday, March 10th, with tip-off at 3:45 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 3:30 pm. Southeast Iowa Super Conference Player of the Year, Shay Stephens, talked about what makes this team special,

“I mean chemistry is our biggest thing. We all love each other, we’re all great friends so I think that’s the biggest thing. It ties in our defense, ties in our offense so got to have chemistry to be a good team.”

Other Class 1A matchups include: #1 St. Edmond facing off against #8 Woodbine, #2 MMCRU taking on #7 Boyden-Hull, and #6 Marquette Catholic looking to upset #3 Bishop Garrigan.

Southeastern Community College

The men’s basketball team advanced to the Region 11 championship game after defeating Marshalltown Community College last night, 78-73. Prophet Fields had a big night, scoring 21 points, as the Blackhawks finished the night 20-25 from the free throw line. SCC will travel to Indian Hills Community College on Saturday, March 7th, at 7 pm.

The baseball team will compete tomorrow, March 6th, with another matchup against Southwest Mississippi Community College. 

The softball team will take on Black Hawk College tomorrow in a doubleheader. 

College Basketball

The Iowa State women’s team will take on Arizona State tonight in their first Big 12 tournament game tonight at 5:30 pm. 

The #9 Iowa women’s team earned the double bye and will get ready for action in the Big Ten tournament tomorrow, March 6th, at 5:30 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will square off against #3 Michigan tonight at 7 pm at home for their senior night.

The #6 Iowa State men’s team will look to bounce back on Saturday, March 7th, at 1 pm at home.

This Day in Sports History

1955 – Second ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament: North Carolina State beats Duke, 87-77.

1973 – Yankees pitchers Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson became the centerpiece of media attention after the two decided to swap wives. The bizarre trade took place in the summer of 1972 before it was made public ahead of the 1973 season.

1985 – NHL New York Islanders Mike Bossy is the first to score 50 goals in 8 straight seasons.

Christine L. Brotherton

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at 4:41 pm CDT
Christine L. Brotherton, 75, of Argyle, Iowa, passed away at 11:55 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the Kensington in Fort Madison.
She was born on October 12, 1950, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Louis R. and Bessie Jane (Richey) Smith. On May 22, 1971, she married Melvin Brotherton in Argyle, Iowa. He preceded her in death on July 15, 1977.
She is survived by her two children: Denise (Jon) Kemper of Montrose, Iowa, Chad  (Wednesday) Brotherton of Argyle, Iowa; grandchildren: Lee (Kyla) Kemper, Austin (Anna) Kemper, Chance Shannon, Chase (Rachel) Brotherton, Cassidy (Tracy)Mason; great grandchildren: Keeley, Parker, Lexi, Baylor, Savannah, Ava, Elijah, Madilynn, Myatt; four siblings: Stephen (Patsy) Smith, Kathy Smith, Penny (Jeff) Mitchell, Peggy (Kevin) Smith Stickle; brother-in-law Paul (Ruth) Brotherton; and sister-in-law Glenna Brotherton. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and  husband Melvin.
Christine was a graduate of Central Lee High School. She worked as a hair stylist at Hair  -N- Now Reflections in Keokuk. She was a member of Argyle Presbyterian Church, where she was involved with the Joy Sunday School class and choir. She was an active helper with Vacation Bible School, and was a former session member. Christine was a member of the Red Hat Society, Arrowhead Bowling League, and the Tuesday Crafters at the First Baptist Church in Keokuk. She enjoyed bowling, cross stitch, sewing, crafting, flower gardens, her grandchildren, and vacationing with her family attending the Iowa State Fair.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2026 at the Argyle Presbyterian Church in Argyle with Reverend John Simpson and Pastor Tony Keefe officiating .
Burial will be in Argyle Memorial Gardens in Argyle.
A memorial has been established in her memory for the Argyle Presbyterian Church.

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

Marvin R. Timmerman – Pending

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at 4:36 pm CDT

Marvin R. Timmerman, 78, of Mt. Union, died Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

 

 

New London Municipal Utilities Board to Meet Thursday

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at 3:49 pm CDT

The New London Municipal Utilities Board of Trustees will hold its regular meeting Thursday, March 5th at 1:00 p.m. at the New London City Office. The meeting will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the call to order and roll call of trustees.

During the meeting, board members will hear reports from officers, committees, the treasurer, the utility foreman, and the New London City Council. Trustees will also consider approval of the consent agenda, which includes minutes from previous meetings, payment of claims, approval for Utility Clerk Kasi to attend the Utility Clerks Conference in Ankeny April 8th and 9th, and refrigerator rebate requests for Nick and Tracy Lair.

Under old business, the board will discuss and consider updates to the utilities’ three year projects plan. New business includes possible reinvestment of water and electric funds into certificates of deposit, discussion of an end of life strategic plan for the Vensys 1.5 megawatt Model 82 wind turbine, and potential amendments to service and installation fees outlined in the New London Municipal Utilities service rules.

The board will also announce its next regular meeting scheduled for April 2nd at 1:00 p.m. at the City Office.

 

Mount Pleasant School Board Site and Policy Committees to Meet Thursday

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at 3:48 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community School District will hold a Site and Policy Committee meeting on Thursday, March 5th at 5:00 p.m. at the District Office, located at 1010 East Washington Street, Suite 1021. The meeting is open to the public.

School officials will review several facility, budget, and policy items during the meeting. Under the Site Committee agenda, members will discuss the proposed FY27 Buildings and Grounds project list, along with a proposed floor plan for the Central Office. The committee will also review notes from the February 18th School Improvement Advisory Committee meeting and examine potential Phase 1 and Phase 2 general fund budget reductions.

The Policy Committee portion of the meeting will include the first reading of School Board Policy Series 600, which addresses the district’s education program. Committee members will also consider an update to the 2025–2026 school calendar.

In addition, the committee will review two overnight trip requests. One request is for students attending the State Science Fair in Ames on March 26 and 27, and the other is for students participating in the State FFA Convention in Ames from April 19 through 21.

Community members and patrons are encouraged to attend the meeting to stay informed on district planning, policy updates, and upcoming student activities.