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.

Jayme Boeding

By Yorke Prough · Friday, November 17th, 2023 at 11:28 am CDT

Jayme Anthony Boeding, 66, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 2:50 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City surrounded by his family.

He was born on November 10, 1957, at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Fort Madison, the son of Louis Henry and Mary Louise (Harmeyer) Boeding.

Survivors include his five siblings: John Boeding, Francis Boeding, Mary Jane  (Allan) Pranger, Marianna (Mitsugu) Mori and Flavian (Barb) Boeding; nephews and niece: Adam (Ita) Mori, Akio Mori, Kent Mori, Nathan Pranger and Leina (Naveen) Kumar. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jayme was a 1976 graduate of Marquette High School. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point. Jayme owned and operated B&C Salvage and Service. He was a “master” mechanic and also mowed for several rural cemeteries. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, cutting wood and traveling, camping and farming. Jayme was beloved by his family and friends and he will be missed by all.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m, Friday, November 24, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 24, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Apo Mpanda as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in West Point.

A memorial has been established in his memory for 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.

Mount Pleasant Athletic Booster Board Looking to Renovate the Mapleleaf Athletic Complex Locker Room

By Slaten Swords · Friday, November 17th, 2023 at 11:26 am CDT

Mount Pleasant- The 1970s saw the emergence of Disco rocking the dance floors, bell bottoms were the latest fashion, and Bill Belichick had just started his NFL coaching career in 1975 making $25 a week, it was also the last time the Mapleleaf Athletic Complex locker room was renovated. The Mount Pleasant Athletic Booster Board announced at the Panthers’ Winter Meet the Players night that they are campaigning to renovate the locker rooms.

This ambitious project has set the goal at $500,000 with the Mount Pleasant Community School District designating $150,000 toward the restoration of Mapleleaf. The Booster Board will be counting on sales from concessions and other fundraising efforts to fund this endeavor along with asking for donations.

The money would go towards new audio and visual equipment, brighter LED lighting, installation of a new non-slip flooring compared to the concrete flooring currently in use, updated bathroom facilities, and 200 brand new modern steel lockers that were exhibited last night (pictured below).

If you are interested in donating, then contact any of the Board Members: Willy Amos (amoswilly@gmail.com), Blaire Barton, Shannon Fedler, Rob Lance, Matt Schimmelpfennig, Tony Starr, or Glenn Graf.

You can check out their Facebook page by clicking this link: Mount Pleasant Athletic Booster Club Facebook

Burlington Police Department Looking for Suspicious Male in South Hill Area

By Yorke Prough · Friday, November 17th, 2023 at 9:17 am CDT

The Burlington Area Crime Stoppers are asking for the assistance of the public. For those of you living in the south hill areas of Burlington, please check your home video cameras to assist the Burlington Police Department in an investigation.

Between 3:00 and 6:00am on November 16th, a subject on foot was seen checking in vehicles and acting suspicious in the S Main St/Harrison and surround side streets area. If you view this occurring on your home cameras, please contact the Burlington Police Department at 319 671 7001.

Central Lee School Board Agenda

By Yorke Prough · Friday, November 17th, 2023 at 8:20 am CDT

FINAL MEETING OF RETIRING BOARD – Central Lee School Board

7:00 A.M.

  1. Roll Call
  2. Approve agenda
  3. Receive Visitors:
    1. Visitors to speak about items not on the agenda
  4. CONSENT AGENDA: (Exhibit I)
    1. Approve minutes
    2. Financial reports: General and Schoolhouse funds, Clearing account, Hot

Lunch account

  1. Approve prepaid bills
  2. Approve monthly bills
  3. Overnight Trip Requests:
    1. State Carpentry Competition, Des Moines, Iowa – 11/30/2023 – 12/1/2023
    2. Foods III, Chicago, Illinois – 12/13/2023 – 12/14/2023
  4. Open Enrollment Application: Denial
  1. Acceptance of Abstract of Election by Board Secretary (Motion) (Exhibit II)
  2. Recognition of Service for Retiring Board Member Kim Hasek
  3. Adjourn

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF THE NEW BOARD

  1. Call to Order & Roll Call (by Board Secretary)
  2. Oath of Office to New Board Members (by Board Secretary)
  3. Election of Board President (Motion) (by Board Secretary)
  4. Election of Vice President (Motion) (by Board President)
  5. Establish Meeting Date, Time & Location: (Motion)
  6. Name of Official Publication: Ft. Madison Daily Democrat (Motion)
  7. Designation of Legal Counsel: Ahlers & Cooney Law Firm (Motion)
  8. Superintendent’s Report:
    1. Final Enrollment Certified Count
    2. Special Education Certified Count
    3. Finance Update
    4. Next Board Meeting – December 12, 2023 @ 7 a.m.
    5. Staff Holiday Event – Monday, November 20 (5-7 p.m.)
    6. Strategic Plan Progress Update
    7. Iowa School Performance Profiles
    8. Legislative Update

NEW BUSINESS

  1. Board’s Check Signing Authorization for President & Superintendent: (Motion)
  2. Board Resolution to Define Operating Rules and Practices that will be followed by the new Board: (Motion) (Exhibit III) (Roll Call Vote)
  3. Recommend the Board of Directors by motion to authorize the Board Secretary to issue warrants when said Board of Directors is not in session as per 279.20 Code of Iowa.

A separate invoice list of prepaid warrants will be presented to the board monthly.

This motion is reviewed and re-approved yearly during the re-organizational meeting. (Motion)

  1. SBRC Approval: (Motion) (Exhibit IV)
    1. Special Education – $176,725.21
    2. Enrollment Growth – $62,269.20
  2. Give approval for Superintendent and Board Secretary to pay Hot Lunch Bills upon proper documentation and approval from the Food Service Director. (Motion)
  3. Mid-Term Graduate Applications: (Motion) (Exhibit V)
  4. Review and Approve Teachers Moving on Salary Schedule: (Motion) (Exhibit VI)
  5. First Reading of Board Policies: (Motion) (Exhibit VII)
    1. 01 – Equal Employment Opportunity
    2. 01 – Student Conduct
    3. 01R1 – Student Suspension
    4. 02 – Expulsion
    5. 08R1 NEW! – Student Threats of Violence and Incidents of Violence Regulation
    6. 3R1 – Reconsideration of Instructional and Library Materials Regulation
    7. 05R1 – Financial Metrics
  6. Introduction of Board Policies 200 Series
  7. Approve Increasing Food Service Substitute Pay from $10.00 to $11.50 per hour (Motion)
  8. Approval of Tuition Reimbursement Agreement for High School Teacher for Concurrent Enrollment (Motion) (Exhibit VII)
  9. Approval of Retirements Effective End of 2023-2024 Per Licensed Employee

Retirement Policy No. 407.3 (Motion)

  1. Julie Kropf – Instructor
  2. Paul Kropf – Instructor
  3. Kyle Van Ausdall – Instructor
  4. Kim Myers – Instructor
  1. Transfers: (Motion)
    1. Kayla Schwartz – 9-12 Success Coordinator to First Grade Teacher
    2. Scot Fransk – 9-12 Business Teacher
  2. Resignations: (Motion)
    1. Stephanie Ferris – Teacher Associate
    2. Brian Wells – Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach
  3. Contract Approvals: (Motion)
    1. Melissa Jacobs – Eighth Grade Girls’ Basketball Coach
    2. Hollie Weber – LEGO League Sponsor & Future Problem Solvers Sponsor
    3. Nicole Smith – Full-time Bus Driver
    4. Rodney Tweedy – Substitute Bus Driver
  4. Board Reports
  5. Adjourn (Motion)

After the board meeting, the Central Lee School Board will visit the Central Lee Trades Program at their construction site in Franklin, IA. The board will visit Mr. Schau and his trades students.