Keokuk Community School District Hosting Town Hall Meetings to Keep Public Informed

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 at 11:16 am CDT

The Keokuk Community School District is attempting to increase communication with the public by hosting a monthly town hall meeting. These are virtual and will allow the community to listen to from the comfort of their own home. The first of these will be Monday, November 6th, at 5:30pm.

This first meeting has a variety of topics planned for discussion, as updates for planned improvements to the track and field at KHS will be the focus of the November Town Hall Meeting.

Aaron Hinton, director of maintenance, Heidi Harness, KCSD Business Manager, Zach Summers, Activities Director, and Dr. Kathy Dinger, Superintendent of Schools will be on hand to share information and respond to questions.

To join the November Town Hall Meeting, go to keokukschools.org under District News.

Henry and Lee Home to Two Dangerous Stretches of Highway

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 at 10:59 am CDT

It is no surprise that highways can be very dangerous. Traffic fatalities in Iowa are more than 13 percent higher this year than the average number of fatalities over the last five years.

One of the keys to reducing fatalities and major crashes is to bring awareness to the problem. While many are aware of the dangerous stretches of roads, the number of crashes is increasing at an alarming rate. The Iowa departments of transportation and public safety are teaming up with local law enforcement partners to create safety corridors across the state.

Six sections of roadways in Iowa have been identified to be in the top 1% for all crashes and severe crashes in Iowa between 2016-2020. Two out of six are roads right here in Southeast Iowa.

U.S. 218 from Mt. Pleasant to County road J-20 (near Salem) in Henry County as well as Iowa 2 from Donnellson to U.S. 61 in Lee County.

These roads also had a higher number of single-vehicle, run-off-the-road crashes and rear-end crashes at intersections with speeding and distraction as major causes.

Iowans may notice the safety corridor marked with signs. Pavement markings in those areas have been widened to help drivers more easily see them in low-light and inclement weather. In addition, the Iowa State Patrol and local law enforcement will have an increased focus on enforcing the area. Education and communication efforts throughout the year will help remind drivers that practicing good driving behaviors can make the area safer.

“We have seen speeds and distraction behind the wheel rise and only 40 percent of those who die on Iowa’s roads are wearing a seatbelt. Unfortunately, our state’s climbing fatality rates are showing the consequences of our individual decisions behind the wheel. We all have someone who is expecting us to return from each trip safely. Creating safety corridors is just another way the DOT can help remind drivers of the role they play in making sure everyone returns home safely,” explained Scott Marler, Iowa Department of Transportation director.

“The Iowa State Patrol is committed to reducing traffic collisions, injuries, and preventable deaths on Iowa roadways. We are confident that we can accomplish these goals with collaboration, strong partnerships, and a concerted effort on traffic safety.  By working together, we can collectively and proactively address safety concerns across the state of Iowa,” remarked Colonel Nathan Fulk, Iowa State Patrol.

Sports, November 2nd

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Volleyball

In Class 1A, #3 Holy Trinity Catholic punched their ticket to the championship game last night after defeating #2 Boyden-Hull in straight sets by scores of 25-17, 25-17, and 25-21. It was a match that the Crusaders controlled from the opening serve with only four lead changes in the entire match. 

Natalie Randolph put together a triple-double performance for Holy Trinity Catholic with 11 kills, 15 assists, and 15 digs. The senior also added an ace and a block. Head Coach Melissa Freesmeier talked about how important Randolph has been to the squad. 

The Crusaders have only given up one set through their postseason run and with one more game left for the season, Coach Freesmeier knows the moment will be bittersweet. 

#1 Ankeny Christian took down #4 BCLUW in four sets last night as Carley Craighead led the team with 17 kills. Holy Trinity Catholic and Ankeny Christian will face off at 7 pm tonight with KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

Mikaela Richter will also be inducted into the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Volleyball Hall of Fame before the Class 1A championship game and for Coach Freesmeier it will truly be a special night. 

In Class 2A, #1 Dike-New Hartford made quick work of #4 Denver in straight sets. #2 Hinton also swept #3 Grundy Center 25-16, 25-21, and 25-18. 

Dike-New Hartford will search for a perfect 50-0 record in the championship game tonight against Hinton. 

In Class 3A, #1 Mount Vernon took down #4 Assumption in four sets and #3 Western Christian swept #7 Union to set up the championship game against Mount Vernon and Western Christian.  

For Class 4A, #4 North Scott pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament defeating #1 Clear Creek-Amana, who was unbeaten heading into the matchup, in straight sets with Abbey Hayes notching 20 kills. 

#2 Indianola needed five sets to take down #6 Lewis Central, but a 15-10 fifth set win will pit Indianola against North Scott today for the championship.

In Class 5A, #1 Dowling Catholic swept #4 Pleasant Valley with Mackenzie Dean tallying 15 kills in the winning effort. 

#3 Waukee Northwest pulled off the upset against #2 Ankeny Centennial in a five set thriller with the Wolves pulling out with a 15-11 win in the fifth set. 

Dowling Catholic and Waukee Northwest will face off for the championship today. 

High School Football

For 8-player, #1 Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to take on #7 Don Bosco for the quarterfinal round tonight. At 7 pm tonight KILJ 98.5 FM, AM 1130, and kilj.com, will have the call.

For Class 2A, #10 Mediapolis will take on #4 Monticello at home tomorrow, November 3rd.

In Class 3A, Mt. Vernon and Williamsburg will face off this Friday with the winner moving on to the semifinals.

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant girls team will host a jamboree on November 13th with four games on the slate with each game given a 45 minute time limit.

Lone Tree and Burlington will start off the night with the first game at 6 pm. Mediapolis and Keokuk will follow at 6:45 pm. Winfield-Mt. Union will take on Fairfield at 7:30 pm. Lastly, Mt. Pleasant and WACO will face off at 8:15 pm.

College Football

Iowa State University will celebrate their homecoming this Saturday, November 4th, against Kansas, as the Cyclones are locked in a four-way tie for first place in the Big 12.

Iowa will travel to face off against Northwestern at Wrigley Field this Saturday 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.

This Day in Sports History

1969 – 41-year old Detroit’s Gordie Howe picks up his 19th and final NHL hat trick as the Red Wings beat the Pittsburgh Penguins, 4-3; Howe is the oldest player to score an NHL hat-trick.

1990 – The Golden State Warriors register a 162-158 win over the Denver Nuggets at McNichols Arena. This combined 320 total points set an NBA record for most points scored by two teams in a non-overtime game.

1996 – The Miami Heat’s Pat Riley becomes the eighth coach to win 800 games in 97-95 win at Indiana; the milestone was accomplished two weeks shy of his 15th coaching anniversary, faster than any coach in NBA history.

Structure Fire in Mt. Pleasant

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 at 6:16 am CDT

There was a structure fire on Wednesday evening in Mt. Pleasant that took 18 firefighters to extinguish.

At 6:58pm on November 1st, Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was paged out for a structure fire at 200 E South St Lot 29.

Upon arrival, firefighters found flames at the southeast corner of the house. The first fire crew initiated an interior fire suppression while the second crew started an exterior suppression.

The fire was extinguished approximately 30 minutes later. The fire was contained to a single bedroom, however, the whole house sustained heavy smoke and heat damage.

Two engines, a command vehicle, brush trucks, and 18 firefighters were on scene for about an hour and a half.

This fire is currently under investigation. No one was injured as a result of the fire.

Marvin Moeller

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 at 6:04 am CDT

Marvin Gerhard “Marvie” Moeller, 87, of Houghton, Iowa, passed away at 10:34 a.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023, on the family farm.

He was born on February 16, 1936 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Albert J. and Mary (Scharpman) Moeller. On October 8, 1960, he married Dorothy Ann Kruse at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton. She preceded him in death on July 12, 1999. On December 28, 2005, he married Glenda Rose Smith – Ferguson. She preceded him in death on September 10, 2022.

Survivors include his children: Marty (Deb) Moeller, Linda (Sam) Gaylord and Laura (Justin) Cole; step-children: Kim Ferguson and Chad (Sue) Ferguson; grandchildren: Mitch (Kathryn) Moeller, Makenzie (Kameron) Cooper, Colton Thompson and Megan Thompson; great grandchildren: Beau, Pierson and Addilynn Berry, Margaret “Maggie” Moeller and Layne Cooper; brothers: Paul (Sharon Walden) Moeller and Greg (Lana) Moeller; sisters: Vera (Lonnie) Glasscock and Eileen (Robert) Barnett; sisters-in-law: Joyce Moeller and Kay Wesley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wives: Dorothy and Glenda; brothers: Dennis, Victor, Kevin, Larry and Darrell Moeller; sister: Marilyn Boecker.

Marvie was a graduate of St. John’s High School. He served in the United States Army Reserves. He was owner and operator of Marvie’s 66 Service Station in Houghton since 1959. He farmed on his family farm most all of his life. Marvie was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and was strong in his faith. He was also a member of the Houghton Knights of Columbus and the Three Rivers Tractor Club. He loved farming, restoring his antique tractors, playing cards and socializing with his friends. He also enjoyed tractor rides, having morning coffee at the Houghton Store, socializing at the Rural Life Club and spending time with his family.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Friday, November 3, 2023, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Houghton.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023, at St. John’s Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023, at St. John’s Catholic Church with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery.

Memorials have been established in his memory for Houghton Knights of Columbus.

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

Deceased Resident Result of House Fire

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 at 3:36 pm CDT

Louisa County Emergency Personnel responded to a reported house fire in Grandview. At 6:17am on Tuesday, October 31st, responders were dispatched to the 200 block of North Madison Street.

Upon arrival at 6:23am, a Louisa County Deputy was unable to make entry due to excessive heat and smoke. Soon after, Grandview firefighters arrived to fight heavy smoke and fire in the front part of the residence.

Further investigation found a deceased resident along with the family’s two dogs inside of the home.

The fire scene was handed over to the State of Iowa Fire Marshal’s office to complete the investigation. The cause of the fire and the cause of death are both pending results from the state evidence lab and the state medical examiner’s office. No foul play is suspected.

The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office along with the following agencies assisted on this day; Grandview Fire Department, Letts Fire Department, Wapello Fire Department, Wapello Ambulance Service, Columbus Junction Fire Department, Louisa County Ambulance, Fruitland Fire Department, Muscatine Fire Department, Muscatine Communications Department, State of Iowa Fire Marshall Office, Iowa Division of Criminalistics Lab and State of Iowa Medical Examiner Office.

Iowan’s Happy as Gas Prices Fall

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 at 3:08 pm CDT

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 11 cents, averaging $3.19 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by 89 cents per barrel over last week, currently priced at $82.67.
  • Brent crude oil fell $1.40 and is currently priced at $86.65.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $88.37 and Brent crude was at $95.12.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.19 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices fell 11 cents from last week’s price and are down 37 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.46, down 8 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 17 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.51.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $5.17 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 6 cents higher than the national average of $4.45.
  • Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.15 for U87-E10, $2.43 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.97 for ULSD#2, $3.44 for ULSD#1, and $2.20 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Propane prices were down 1 cent with a statewide average of $1.54 per gallon.
  • Home heating oil prices fell 46 cents, with a statewide average of $3.91 per gallon
  • Natural gas prices rose 17 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.55/MMbtu

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

Prep Girls Basketball: Mount Pleasant Hosting a Jamboree

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 at 3:03 pm CDT

Mount Pleasant, IA- Fall sports are slowly coming to an end for the 2023 season and making way for winter sports. Mount Pleasant will be leading the charge by hosting a jamboree on November 13th, so teams can see some action against other competition outside of inter-squad scrimmages.

Games are slated to last 45 minutes with four games on the schedule.

Starting off the night at 6 pm will be Lone Tree facing off against Burlington. The Lions bring back most of their lineup from last season that featured only one senior starter, Riley Krueger. Finley Jacque was the leading scorer last season as a freshman, shooting 38.5% from 3-point land.

Burlington ended their 40-game losing streak in their season opener last season in large part due to freshman Mylee Stiefel’s play. Stiefel led the team in scoring, field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, and free throw percentage all while missing three games last season.

Mediapolis will follow that matchup at 6:45 pm with the Bulldogs facing off against Keokuk. The Bulldogs are looking to build on their 20-4 record last season that saw them atop the SEISC-South with only one conference loss. However, they will look to replace 3-point threat Payton Bush and dominant post player Liz Lane.

Haley Steffener and Hanna Wagenbach, this year’s senior leadership, should be able to handle the responsibility as last year’s third and fourth team leading scorers, respectively.

Keokuk won the SEC conference last season with their only conference loss coming against Mount Pleasant. The Chiefs are primed to repeat the honor as they graduated only one starter from last season’s team, Kayde Martin. Kendra Boatman will look to lead the team after her star performance in her freshman season.

The penultimate game of the night at 7:30 pm will be against Fairfield and Winfield-Mt. Union. The Trojans graduated just one senior, Ashlyn Lisk, as last year’s junior heavy squad will be feature an almost all senior starting lineup led by Savannah Hollander.

Winfield-Mt. Union represented southeast Iowa at the state tournament last year after rolling off 19 straight wins to begin the season. However, the Wolves will almost be starting over in Wendy McCreight’s second season at the helm after graduating all five of their starters: Keely Malone, Bradie Buffington, Melina Oepping, Keetyn Townsley, and Anna Anderson.

Mount Pleasant and WACO will end the night at 8:15 pm. The Panthers finished last season with an 11-12 record with a 6-3 record in SEC play. Nevertheless, Mount Pleasant will have to replace Andrea Lopreato, who averaged a double-double for the past two seasons, Tristian Shull, Kate Schimmelpfennig, and Mackenzie Musselman.

Andi Scott will have to be the leader for the Panthers, as she was a constant source of energy for Mount Pleasant last season but saw her season end prematurely after a late season injury.

WACO enjoyed an 18-5 record last season with senior Ellah Kissell leading the way with 510 points on the season. The Warriors will be without her services along with Grace Coble, Katie Leichty, and Natalie West.

Emma Wagler and Marie Farmer will be the two returning starters for the Warriors and look for the seniors to lead this team that will have six upperclassmen.

Mount Pleasant’s season will officially begin on November 21st at Pella. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will have the call when the Panthers meet the Dutch.