Documents Uncovered at Iowa Wesleyan Cause Community to Panic

By Yorke Prough · Monday, November 20th, 2023 at 6:06 am CDT

The closing of a business can impact many individuals in multiple different ways. The closing of a college that has been a staple in a small community for over 180 years? That can be devastating.  Iowa Wesleyan closed its doors for good in May, and as expected, it has taken many creative brains to help resident’s move on.

One way they did that is my opening up the college to “community days” which granted people the opportunity to enter some of the historical buildings one final time and walk around, reminiscing on days gone by. It is not that community members were only allowed to walk around. No, they were allowed to take home a souvenir to keep.

These community days yielded great success, with many returning to their homes with items that benefited them. Some took home mattresses, other desks, and few were lucky enough to become the new owner of a filing cabinet. Issues arose, however, when it was discovered that private information had been stored inside.

The problem is being attacked by the authorities, and it seems like this scary situation is soon to be resolved. Mt. Pleasant Chief of Police, Lyle Murray, commented “It’s being addressed and resolved. Everyone has been cooperative and helping.”

One of the great brains who has been working tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition for a town now without a college, Doug Moore, also offers words of reassurance. “They have been recovered. That’s all for now.” The people can rest knowing that the proper measures are being taken to protect these documents.

Arson in Winfield

By Yorke Prough · Monday, November 20th, 2023 at 6:01 am CDT

The Winfield Police Department responded to a house fire on Saturday, November 18th, at 4:56pm. After investigation by the State Fire Marshall, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Winfield Police Department, an arrest was made.

Matthew W. Hesseltine of Crawfordsville was arrested and charged with Arson, Theft, Trespass, and Criminal Mischief. Reports suggest that the house, located at 100 Block N Olive St, was empty as the owner passed away earlier this month.

Mt. Union Fire and Rescue, Olds Fire and Rescue, Winfield Fire and Rescue, and Winfield Fire Department also responded to help fight this fire.

November 20, 2023 – November 26, 2023

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, November 19th, 2023 at 4:48 pm CDT
11/20/23
Patricia Carson
11/20/23
Logan Dingman
11/20/23
Emily Jacobs
11/21/23
Marlin Ford
11/21/23
Michelle Krogmeier
11/21/23
Jo Wiegel
11/21/23
Makenzie Church
11/22/23
Melissa Crew
11/23/23
Rachel Litwiller
11/23/23
Rick Williamson
11/23/23
Alicia Whalen
11/23/23
Traci Spenner
11/24/23
Martha Mabeus
11/24/23
Kirk McPheron
11/25/23
Chad Fraise
11/25/23
Kathy Moothart
11/25/23
Mike & Kathy Moothart *Anniversary
11/25/23
Marilyn Scott
11/25/23
Kirsten Smith
11/25/23
Steve Murphy
11/25/23
Oden Rose
11/26/23
Larry Crill
11/26/23
Sam Reipi

Prep Wrestling: District Assignments for Postseason Wrestling

By Slaten Swords · Sunday, November 19th, 2023 at 1:03 pm CDT

IHSAA– The Iowa High School Athletic Association released the district assignments for the upcoming season. The board also approved changes to individual postseason by expanding the state tournament to 24 qualifiers for weight class in each classification and eliminating sectional tournaments. 

In Class 1A, WACO, New London, and Wapello will be competing in district 12, which will be hosted by Wilton. 

Van Buren County will be wrestling in district 8, hosted by Pleasantville. 

For Class 2A, Fairfield will be hosting district 3 with Burlington Notre Dame, Keokuk, Mediapolis, and Mt. Pleasant all competing.

Washington will be wrestling in district 12, which is hosted by Williamsburg. 

For Class 3A, Burlington and Fort Madison will be wrestling at Bettendorf for district 2. 

For Class 1A and Class 2A, the top two place-winners at each weight class will advance to state and for Class 3A it will be the top three place-winners. The district tournaments are scheduled for February 10th.

Change of Location for SEISO’s KIDSYMPHONY Concert at 2 pm in Mount Pleasant

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at 9:45 am CDT

The Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra wants to alert concertgoers to a change in location for this afternoon’s KIDSYMPHONY. Rather than at the Chapel Auditorium, the 2 pm concert will take place at the First United Methodist Church at 309 North Main Street in Mount Pleasant today, Saturday, November 18.

KIDSYMPHONY! “Peter and the Wolf” is a concert for families and is bigger & better than ever! This 45 minute concert features music from Star Wars & Disney’s Encanto. Fun, interactive and educational! Tickets are $5 for adults-Kids are FREE! The show starts at 2:00pm at the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street in Mt. Pleasant!

Sports, November 18th

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Football

For the Class 2A championship, Central Lyon/George-Little Rock was three yards away with less than ten seconds to go for the game winning touchdown, but the Van Meter defense came up with the big stop to win 24-21. Austin Baumhover tallied two total touchdowns in the winning effort. The Bulldogs have now won four state championships, including three straight. 

For Class 3A, Williamsburg’s defense won the day, shutting Bishop Heelan out 20-0. Derek Weisskopf threw for 150 yards and two touchdowns in the winning effort, while the defense allowed only 154 total yards. This is the Raiders first state championship.  

Ankeny started the scoring in the Class 5A championship, but it was Southeast Polk who could not stop scoring, winning 49-21. C.J. Phillip was unstoppable, rushing for 148 yards and five touchdowns with Connor Moberly tossing for another two scores. The Rams have now won three straight state championships. 

Your other 2023 state champions are Bishop Garrigan for 8-player, West Hancock for Class A, Grundy Center for Class 1A, and Lewis Central for Class 4A.

Girls’ High School Basketball

Mt. Pleasant will open their season with a road matchup against Pella on November 21st. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will have the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

Mediapolis and Danville will compete on November 21st at 6 pm. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will start their season 1-0 after a strong defensive effort against New London last night, winning 39-26. Madisen Kellogg led the way with 20 points for the Wolves. New London will host Calamus-Wheatland on November 21st at 6 pm. 

Central Lee will host Winfield-Mt. Union today at 3:30 pm. 

WACO will open up conference play against Pekin on November 21st in a road matchup. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will travel to Keokuk to take on the Chiefs today at 1 pm. 

High School Wrestling

The Mt. Pleasant and Columbus girls’ teams will be traveling to Wilton today for a tournament. 

WACO’s girls’ team will compete in a tournament today at BGM. 

Wrestling District Assignments

The Iowa High School Athletic Association released the district assignments for the upcoming season. The board also approved changes to individual postseason by expanding the state tournament to 24 qualifiers for weight class in each classification and eliminating sectional tournaments. 

In Class 1A, WACO, New London, and Wapello will be competing in district 12, which will be hosted by Wilton. 

Van Buren County will be wrestling in district 8, hosted by Pleasantville. 

For Class 2A, Fairfield will be hosting district 3 with Burlington Notre Dame, Keokuk, Mediapolis, and Mt. Pleasant all competing.

Washington will be wrestling in district 12, which is hosted by Williamsburg. 

For Class 3A, Burlington and Fort Madison will be wrestling at Bettendorf for district 2. 

For Class 1A and Class 2A, the top two place-winners at each weight class will advance to state and for Class 3A it will be the top three place-winners. The district tournaments are scheduled for February 10th. 

College Football

Iowa State University will take on Texas tonight at home with the pregame show at 5 pm.

Iowa will host Illinois today at 2:30 pm. 

For the Hawkeye broadcast, tune in to KILJ 105.5 FM. For the Cyclone broadcast, tune in to KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130.

College Basketball

The Iowa State men’s team’s next game will be at home in a matchup with Grambling State tomorrow, November 19th, at noon. 

The Iowa State women’s team will host Southern on November 20th at 6:30 pm.

The #2 Iowa women’s team will attempt to bounce back against Drake tomorrow at 6 pm at home. 

The Iowa men’s team got back in the win column last night defeating Arkansas State 88-74. Ben Krikke led the winning effort, scoring 25 points on 10 of 14 shooting. The Hawkeyes will face off against Oklahoma on Thursday, November 23rd, at 2 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1980 – Despite missing 45 games, George Brett wins AL MVP.

1987 – Cubs Andre Dawson is the first player from a last-place club to win an MVP.

1991 – The Auburn men’s basketball team is placed on a two year probation for recruiting violations and is not eligible for postseason play for the 1991-92 season.

Active Fire South of Mt. Pleasant

By Yorke Prough · Friday, November 17th, 2023 at 2:53 pm CDT

KILJ was alerted of a fire at 214 W Corry Court in Mt. Pleasant around 2:00pm on Friday, November 17th. The initial fire was fought by firefighters and cleared. Then, at 3:13pm, the fire started again and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was called in. The Mt. Pleasant Municipal Utilities were aware of a power outage south of town.  Power has been restored to this area.  Mt. Pleasant Utilities reports that a varmint got into the transformer, caused some sparks that ignited  the tires and flammable materials at the bottom of that pole.

 

HCHC Exceeds Funding Goal for New Safety Vests

By Yorke Prough · Friday, November 17th, 2023 at 2:48 pm CDT

Donors to Henry County Health Center Foundation recently made a significant impact on the safety of Henry County EMS.

Mark Hempen, HCHC Foundation Director, is announcing the purchase of Enhanced Multi-Threat Safety Vests for each member of the EMS team.  The vests are bullet, stab and strike resistant.  Also, HCHC Foundation funded the purchase of additional safety plates to be inserted into the vests.

“The response to this project has been overwhelming,” Hempen said.  “EMT’s and paramedics frequently respond to potentially dangerous situations.  These vests provide them with an extra level of safety so they can give lifesaving support without hesitation. We are sincerely grateful to the many individuals, businesses, clubs and organizations that have stepped forward to show their support for the EMS staff by contributing to this project.”

The EMS Vest Campaign ended last week and due to the generosity of contributors, has exceeded the goal.  According to Hempen, “HCHC Foundation will be using the remaining funds to purchase vests for any new EMS team members as they come on board, and to buy chest and back plates for the vests as needed.”

To find out more about a gift to HCHC Foundation, please contact Mark Hempen at mhempen@greatriverhealth.org or call 319-385-6541.