Sports, November 14th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant girls team hosted a jamboree last night with four games on the schedule.

Despite Megan Stiefel not playing for Burlington, the Grayhounds took down Lone Tree 26-19 due to great defense and transition offense. 

Keokuk and Mediapolis competed in the highest scoring game of the night with the Chiefs winning 32-19. Keokuk had a strong half court offense, but Mediapolis supplied consistent pressure with their full court press. Mediapolis and Danville will compete on November 21st at 6 pm. 

In the third game of the night, Fairfield got the better of Winfield-Mt. Union 26-15, as both young squads show flashes of promise. The Wolves will face off against New London on Friday, November 17th, at home. 

In the last game of the night, Mt. Pleasant forced a couple of turnovers and utilized their speed to beat WACO 23-14. Abby Carthey will be leading the offense this season and did an excellent job last night, scoring a game high 10 points. Kynlee White was a nice addition to the team as she capitalized in transition with five points, while Myah Starr nailed a three pointer.  

WACO will start their season against Pekin on November 21st in a road matchup. Mt. Pleasant will open their season with a road matchup against Pella on November 21st. 

High School Football

For 8-player, Bishop Garrigan and Bedford will compete for the state championship Thursday, November 16th, at 9:30 am. 

In Class A, Woodbury Central and West Hancock will face off Thursday at 1 pm.

The Class 1A championship game will be played Thursday at 4 pm against MFL MarMac and defending champion Grundy Center. 

For the Class 2A championship, Central Lyon/George-Little Rock and Van Meter will compete on Friday, November 17th, at 10 am.

For Class 3A, Williamsburg and Bishop Heelan will face off on Friday at 1 pm for the championship.

For Class 4A, Western Dubuque and Lewis Central will play Thursday at 7 pm.

Ankeny and Southeast Polk will compete for the Class 5A state championship on Friday at 7 pm.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Tune in to KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, tomorrow night at 6 pm for a new episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook. Hear from some of the local basketball coaches as they preview their respective season. 

College Football

Iowa State University will take on Texas this Saturday, November 18th, at home.  

Iowa will host Illinois on 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.

College Basketball

The Iowa State men’s team’s next game will be at home in a matchup with Grambling State on 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 face off against Kansas State at home on Thursday, November 16th, at 7:30 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team will take on Creighton at 9 pm tonight.

This Day in Sports History

1964 – Detroit Red Wings Gordie Howe sets a then-NHL record 627th career goal.

1993 – Don Shula becomes the coach with the most wins in NFL history.

2018 – New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom wins the NL Cy Young Award; his 10 wins are the fewest ever by a Cy Young winner in a non-strike-shortened season; MLB-leading 1.70 ERA; 29 consecutive start streak longest in MLB history.

Iowa Wesleyan Purchase Seemingly Grows Closer for MPCSD School Board After Meeting

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 at 6:18 am CDT

The Mt. Pleasant Community School Board met in regular session on Monday, November 13th.

During the Superintendents report, the looming question of “what next” regarding Iowa Wesleyan property was brought up. As of Sunday, November 12th, the due diligence period has ended, and the attorneys are meeting to discuss a closing date for the 1.135-million-dollar purchase of “central campus.”

Reports from last night show that HOWE Hall, Student Union, and the Chapel, would cost the board just shy of 50 million dollars if they were to construct those buildings new. Of course, those buildings sit vacant, and the board is looking to purchase them for a fraction of the price.

For the practice field, the board is currently researching the best avenue for constructing a 6ft fence, and then building a 15-20ft netting on top. This is to prevent soccer balls from getting into neighboring lawns.

The board also discussed the possibility of building a traffic control light at the intersection of S Grand Avenue and E Harvest Drive, which is the entrance to the Highschool. This has been tabled for the time being as they perform more research and discussion.

Beaverdale Road Closure

By Yorke Prough · Monday, November 13th, 2023 at 8:10 am CDT

The Des Moines County Engineer has announced the closure of Beaverdale Road between 150th St and Lynx Road. This closure will begin on Tuesday, November 14th, at 8:00am for culvert repair. This is a quick process, and the road will only be closed for two full days. On Thursday, November 16th by 3:30pm, the road will be reopened, weather permitting.

National Crash Responder Safety Week

By Yorke Prough · Monday, November 13th, 2023 at 7:57 am CDT

You see flashing lights up ahead. What do you do? According to the Iowa Department of Transportation and the Iowa State Patrol, the best thing to do is move over if possible, or slow down as you pass the scene.

The professionals who respond to crashes and other incidents on Iowa’s highways are using National Crash Responder Safety Week, Nov. 13-17, to remind everyone to watch for flashing lights ahead to “Protect Those Who Protect You.”

If you are involved in a traffic crash, you’ll likely be relying on various trained professionals to ensure you and everyone else at the scene are as safe as possible. To keep everyone safer on the road, states across the country have enacted Move Over Laws to encourage motorists to either move over or slow down, if moving over is not possible, when they come up on a crash scene. In Iowa, our Move Over Law states that you should move over or slow down whenever you come upon any vehicle with flashing lights. National data shows that nearly 30 percent of people are unaware of these laws.

When a crash happens, the priority is to make sure all victims are quickly treated and out of harm’s way because many vehicles do not slow down or move over. But there is also work to do to document and clean up the scene and restore the flow of traffic as quickly as possible to get you on your way. Those who come to your rescue are more successful when all the responders work together in a coordinated way. Crash Responder Safety Week is in place not only to remind you that you should move over or slow down but also to highlight the benefits of coordination training for first responders.

Col. Nathan Fulk, Chief of the Iowa State Patrol said, “It is essential that our troopers know how to coordinate with all parties at the scene so we can treat those who may need help and get traffic flowing again. Our troopers investigate the crash and work with the Iowa DOT, local firefighters, our towing partners, and others to clear the crash scene as quickly as possible to reduce the likelihood of additional crashes. These secondary crashes often occur due to drivers paying more attention to the initial crash scene than to the task of driving.”

Sports, November 13th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, November 13th, 2023 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Football

The Class 2A semifinals took place over the weekend with Van Meter defeating Monticello 35-21 and Central Lyon/George-Little Rock getting the best of Spirit Lake 28-14. 

Van Meter was led by Ben Gordon’s 208 yards rushing and four touchdowns, while the Lions were led by Reece Vander Zee’s 170 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Central Lyon/George-Little Rock and Van Meter will compete on Friday, November 17th, at 10 am. 

For Class 3A, Williamsburg enacted their revenge against Solon over the weekend by taking down the Spartans 45-14. Derek Weisskopf was surgical, tossing for 366 yards and four touchdowns in the win. Bishop Heelan was able to hold on late for the upset win over Creston 16-13. Ricky Feauto rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown in the win. Williamsburg and Bishop Heelan will face off on Friday at 1 pm for the championship. 

For 8-player, Bishop Garrigan and Bedford will compete for the state championship Thursday, November 16th, at 9:30 am. 

In Class A, Woodbury Central and West Hancock will face off Thursday at 1 pm.

The Class 1A championship game will be played Thursday at 4 pm against MFL MarMac and defending champion Grundy Center. 

For Class 4A, Western Dubuque and Lewis Central will play Thursday at 7 pm.

Ankeny and Southeast Polk will compete for the Class 5A state championship on Friday at 7 pm.

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant girls team will host a jamboree tonight 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’s 45-13 victory over BYU showcased their unstoppable offense that put up 443 total yards. Abu Sama led the rushing attack with 110 yards and two touchdowns while Rocco Becht found Jaylin Noel in the endzone twice. The Cyclones will take on Texas this Saturday, November 18th, at home.  

Iowa shutout Rutgers over the weekend 22-0 for their 8th win of the season. The Hawkeye defense allowed only 127 total yards. Deacon Hill threw for 223 yards and a score in the winning effort. The Hawkeyes will host Illinois on 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.

College Basketball

The Iowa State men’s team was led by Tre King’s and Keshon Gilbert’s 16 points apiece in their 86-55 win over Idaho State yesterday. The Cyclones’ next game will be at home in a matchup with Grambling State on November 19th at noon. 

The Iowa State women’s team was outscored 22 to 4 in the second quarter in their loss to Drake yesterday 85-73. Audi Crooks led the Cyclones with 23 points, while Taylor McAulay posted 27 points for Drake. The Cyclones will host Southern on November 20th at 6:30 pm.

The #3 Iowa women’s team took down the University of Northern Iowa yesterday 94-53 in a record breaking performance for Caitlin Clark. Her 24 points surpassed Megan Gustafson as Iowa’s all-time scoring leader with 2,813 career points. Clark also collected 10 rebounds and 11 assists. The Hawkeyes will face off against Kansas State at home on Thursday, November 16th, at 7:30 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team will take on Creighton at 9 pm tomorrow, November 14th. 

This Day in Sports History

1875 – Harvard and Yale compete in the first college football contest with uniforms. 

1954 – The first Rugby League World Cup, Parc des Princes, Paris: Great Britain beats France, 16-12; Man of The Match: Great Britain second rower Don Robinson.

1964 – Bob Petit (St Louis Hawks) becomes the first NBA player to score 20,000 points.

Keokuk High School Senior Citizen Christmas Dinner

By Yorke Prough · Monday, November 13th, 2023 at 6:10 am CDT

The Keokuk High School will host the 36th annual Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner sponsored by the KHS students and staff at noon on Dec. 5 at the First Christian Church, 3476 Main Street.

The salt free holiday dinner is prepared and served by students from The National Honor Society, Student Council, Special Education classes and the Food Service staff.  Band and choir students will provide the entertainment and “Konnection Kids” will help with decorating.

There will be a bus service provided by the school district’s Transportation Department to and from the church. Buses will leave from River Terrace at 11:20 a.m., from Mississippi Terrace at 11:25 a.m., and from Hotel Iowa and Heritage Center at 11:30 a.m.

In 2022, more than 400 senior citizens took part in the dinner.  Keokuk citizens, 60 years of age or older, may call the Keokuk High School 319-524-2542, extension 3 to make reservations.

Fire in Movie Theater

By Yorke Prough · Monday, November 13th, 2023 at 5:59 am CDT

Moviegoers were put in a frenzy on Sunday afternoon as a fire started at Westland Theater in West Burlington. Reports suggest the popcorn machine caught fire and forced all to evacuate. Burlington Fire Department responded on Auto Aid and one ambulance was needed for burns.

Elizabeth Harvey

By Yorke Prough · Sunday, November 12th, 2023 at 9:13 am CDT

Elizabeth L. “Betty” Harvey, 92, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 12:40 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the West Point Care Center.

She was born on April 1, 1931 near Hamilton, Illinois, the daughter of Marie (Mitze) and Alvin Buckert. On September 11, 1954 she married Francis M. “Frank” Harvey at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Keokuk, he preceded her in death on December 6, 1997.

Survivors include her five sons: Jim (Margie) Harvey of Neenah, Wisconsin, Don (Patty) Harvey of Montrose, Jerry Harvey of West Point, Tom Harvey of West Point, and Pat Harvey of West Point; one daughter Pam (Chad) Kesselring of Montrose; grandchildren: Jeff (Catherine) Harvey, Mindy (Justin) Gloede, Katie (Marcus) Schneider, Tyler (Shelly) Harvey, Eric (Lauren) Harvey, Travis Harvey, Ashley (Micheal) Pilcher, Leah (Kurt) Adams, Abby (Collin) Eaves, Rylie (Keiten Benner) Kesselring, Brittany (Andy) Topel, Karley Harvey, and Danica Douglas ; 18 great grandchildren including one baby girl on the way; one brother Larry (Cheryl) Buckert of Warsaw; Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two daughters-in law Karla and Kara Harvey; three brothers: Bob, Russell, and Fred Buckert; and two sisters: Joyce Hartweg and Linda Moore.

Betty worked at Heatilator in Mount Pleasant where she later retired. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church , St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society, The American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and a former member of St. Ann Circle Daughters of Isabella.

She enjoyed the holidays, playing cards, decorating for the holidays, spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren, spending time with her family, watching Hallmark Christmas shows, annual Christmas cookie baking, and spending time with her friends.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point, where the family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m. A parish Rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. and a Christian Wake Service at 6:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 16, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials have been established in her memory for West Point Fire and  Rescue or Western Illinois Old Threashers.

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