Sports, October 26th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, October 26th, 2023 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Football

#10 WACO will face off against #7 Don Bosco in a road matchup tomorrow, October 27th, with kickoff at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will have the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

#1 Winfield-Mt. Union will have another home matchup with Moravia making the trip at 7 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM, AM 1130, and kilj.com will have the call. 

Both Winfield-Mt. Union and WACO were set up in Pod A.

#10 Mediapolis will take on Camanche tomorrow at home with kickoff scheduled for 7 pm. Jesup and #4 Monticello is the other matchup in Pod D.

In Class 3A, Fort Madison and Assumption were placed in Pod B with the Bloodhounds traveling to take on Solon and the Knights colliding with West Delaware.

Mt. Vernon was placed in Pod C as the Mustangs will host Independence. Williamsburg will take on Humboldt at home. 

High School Volleyball

Holy Trinity Catholic had Edgewood-Colesburg out of system the entire night and stormed to a win over the Vikings in straight sets by scores of 25-17, 25-16, and 25-7 to advance to the state tournament for the 13th time in 14 years. 

Taegan Denning was terrific from the service line in the first set, which included the ace to win the set. Presley Myers had a fantastic game, leading the team in kills, blocks, and aces with three. Natalie Randolph brought the ace total to seven after tallying two of her own. Randolph battled back from a season-ending injury last year to help lead this team and she discussed the strength of this squad.

For head coach Melissa Freesmeier, it always feels like the first time when her team earns a trip to the state tournament. Holy Trinity Catholic grabbed the #3 seed and will take on #6 Don Bosco for the first round of the state tournament on October 31st at 8:25 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will have the call with the pregame show at 8:05 pm.

The other matchups for Class 1A include: #1 Ankeny Christian facing off against #8 Newell-Fonda, #4 BCLUW competing against #5 Saint Ansgar, and #2 Boyden-Hull taking on #7 St. Albert. 

West Burlington’s season came to an end against Grundy Center in the Class 2A Region 8 championship game last night in a sweep 25-19, 25-19, and 25-15. The Falcons finished with a record of 38-6. 

Cross Country

The state meet will be run at Fort Dodge with Class 1A and 4A running tomorrow, October 27th, and Class 2A and 3A competing on October 28th. 

College Football

Iowa will enjoy their bye week.

Iowa State University will be back in action this week against Baylor on Saturday, October 28th. 

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

This Day in Sports History

1982 – MLB Philadelphia Phillies Steve Carlton became the first pitcher to win four Cy Young awards.

2005 – The World Series: The Chicago White Sox beat the Houston Astros 1-0 in Game 4 at Minute Maid Park to sweep the Astros and win their first title in 88 years, the second longest championship drought in MLB history; MVP: Chicago outfielder Jermaine Dye. 

2018 – Longest World Series game by both innings and time; Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Boston Red Sox, 3-2, in the 18th inning (7 hours, 20 mins) in Game 3 at Dodger Stadium with a Max Muncy walk-off homer.

Ryan Van Auken

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, October 26th, 2023 at 6:17 am CDT

Ryan Van Auken,57 of Winfield passed away October 3,2023. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 4th from 2- 5 pm at Twin Lakes Country Club in Winfield, Iowa.

Be Aware of Fraudulent Activity in Des Moines County

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, October 26th, 2023 at 6:11 am CDT

There has been a series of fraudulent activities in Des Moines County.

Local businesses have let the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office know of a potential scam that is impacting the community. These businesses have been contacted with a request for paid advertisement on behalf of the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Department.

The Sheriff’s Department is not behind this, and they do not request advertising from the community over the phone. This needs to be considered fraudulent, and this matter is currently under investigation.

As always, if you are contacted by law enforcement and are skeptical for any reason, hang up and dial the agencies number.

Keokuk High School Introduces New Facility Full of Free Resources for Students

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, October 26th, 2023 at 6:02 am CDT

The Keokuk Caring Corner is a new facility at the Keokuk High School to support the well-being and meet the essential needs of the students. The space is designed to provide a range of resources to ensure that every student feels supported and equipped to thrive during their time at KHS, 2285 Middle Road.

The area features a washer and dryer for students to use to have access to clean clothes, available toiletries and hygiene products for personal care, weekend nutritious meal support so that no student will go hungry while not at school, and a selection of clothing.

The Keokuk Caring Corner at KHS is a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

“We believe that by addressing the basic needs of our students, we can create a foundation for academic success, personal growth, and a sense of belonging,” Nathan Harrison, KHS principal, said. “Let’s make the Keokuk Caring Corner a symbol of compassion, support, and unity within our school community.”

AJ Fuhrman with The Crossing donated personal hygiene items and connected KHS with a donor for the washer/dryer combo for the project. The KHS administration, teachers and staff hope to ensure that every student has the resources they need to thrive and have an ongoing commitment to the well-being of the students.

The Keokuk Caring Corner will be open for use by KHS students starting Monday, Oct. 30.

Craig Coppage

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, October 26th, 2023 at 5:55 am CDT

Craig Charles Coppage, 53, of Claremore, Oklahoma, passed away on May 25, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Craig was born on May 15, 1970 to F. Greg Coppage and Dianna Adam Coppage in Ft. Madison, Iowa.

He graduated from Fort Madison High School where he excelled at sports, particularly cross country, track and baseball. His performances at state cross country meets were the highlights of his high school years. He was forever proud of being a Bloodhound.

Craig earned his Mechanical Engineering Technology degree at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK. During college, he worked at Eskimo Joe’s and Zio’s restaurants where he loved cooking and interacting with people. Many of his lifelong friendships were made during these years.

Ever loyal, the OSU Cowboys became one of his favorite teams to follow. His career centered around problem solving mechanical issues with school bus production in Tulsa. Craig followed the Dallas Cowboys, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Iowa Hawkeyes religiously. An ideal weekend for Craig would be cooking and watching the game with friends and family. Only “deer camp” with his dad and friends might top a sports weekend.

Yet Craig’s biggest love in life was his children. They are truly what kept him going. He wanted to create an adventurous childhood for them and hosted many sleepovers, Halloween parties, and days cruising in the boat on Oologah Lake. Like any of his beloved Louis L’Amour novels, he wanted to be the hero in their lives.

Craig is preceded in death by his father, Greg Coppage. Craig is survived by his children, Kennedy Coppage and Adam Coppage, his mother, Dianna Coppage, his sisters, Deb and Laura (Wes Rettig) Coppage, six nieces and nephews, and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Calvary Cemetery, in West Point, Iowa, with Deacon Michael Linnenbrink officiating.

Craig will be greatly missed for his big heart and his sense of fun and adventure. The only consolation in losing him too soon is knowing that he is at peace.

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

Ruth Klopfenstein

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, October 25th, 2023 at 12:19 pm CDT

Ruth L. Klopfenstein, 91, of Winfield, passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Sunrise Terrace in Winfield.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Winfield United Methodist Church.  Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church.  Burial will be in the Winfield Scott Township Cemetery.  Following the committal service, a time of food and fellowship will be held at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Winfield Public Library or the Winfield Historical Society in memory of Ruth.  Online condolences may be left at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  The Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Winfield is caring for Ruth’s family and arrangements.

Ruth LaVon Johnson was born on November 22, 1931, in Spirit Lake, Iowa the daughter of Frank Hassel and Elsie Marie (Mennen) Johnson.  She was a 1949 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School.  On June 14, 1953, Ruth was united in marriage to Joseph Klopfenstein.  She worked at the CounTreeStore.  Ruth was a member of the Winfield United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years, T.T.T., Quilt Club and was also a 4H Leader.  She enjoyed quilting, sewing, reading, bird watching and listening to music, but most of all she loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ruth will be deeply missed by her husband, Joseph of Winfield; children, Paul Micheal (Carrie) Klopfenstein of Winfield, Rex Wayne Klopfenstein of Golden, Colorado, Betty Jo (Gary) Metz of Parker, Colorado and Sara Ann (Timothy) Tuschen of Omaha, Nebraska; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren and one sister, Donna Conaway of Mt. Pleasant.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, one child at birth and three sisters, Helen Clawson, Alice Woodsmall and Hazel Weaver.

Diesel Prices Skyrocket in Iowa – Weekly Fuel Report

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, October 25th, 2023 at 11:44 am CDT

The price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 1 cent, averaging $3.30 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $4.64 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $83.56. Brent crude oil fell $3.30 and is currently priced at $88.05. One year ago, WTI crude sold for $85.32 and Brent crude was at $91.76.

Motor Fuels

As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.30 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices rose 1 cent from last week’s price but are down 24 cents from a year ago. This is 24 cents lower than the National Average of $3.54, which is down 4 cents from last week.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa shot up 42 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.68. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $5.22 in Iowa.

The current Iowa diesel price is 16 cents higher than the national average of $4.52.

Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.

The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.25 for U87-E10, $2.56 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $3.15 for ULSD#2, $3.69 for ULSD#1, and $2.33 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

Propane prices were up 1 cent with a statewide average of $1.55 per gallon. Home heating oil prices rose 50 cents, with a statewide average of $4.37 per gallon. Natural gas prices rose 28 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.38/MMbtu

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