Kody Barton

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at 2:49 pm CDT

Kody Barton, 32, of Burlington, formerly of Mount Pleasant, died Monday, October 9, 2023, at his home.

Kody was born July 4, 1991, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the son of Kevin and Gina (Luko) Barton. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 2010. He worked various jobs with Hope Haven. Kody enjoyed anything to do with farming including driving tractors and combines, mowing, and tilling. He looked forward to long side by side rides with his dad while listening to country music. Kody carried a backpack with pictures, candy cigarettes, and beef jerky chew. He was known to offer up a friendly wave, an ornery laugh, and grin. Kody especially enjoyed teasing his nieces and nephews.

Kody is survived by his mother, Gina Rooks of Mount Pleasant; father, Kevin (Linda) Barton of Mount Pleasant; 5 sisters: Aimee (Eric) Sanderson of Hillsboro, Lisbeth (Vegas) Whaley of New London, Whitney (Jake) Falline of Mount Pleasant, Haley (Willy) Callaway of Stockport, Gracie Rooks of Mount Pleasant; thirteen nieces and nephews: Alexis, Silver, Lukus, Landon, Christian, Lane, Pru, Olivia, Isis, Norah, Kollyns, Oaklyn, Fallyn; and grandmothers: Shirley Luko of Mount Pleasant and Mary Detrick of Mount Pleasant. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Rex and Lavina Barton, Russell (Luke) Luko, Betty Ballard and Larry Detrick.

Funeral Service will be held 10:30 am Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory in Mount Pleasant. Burial will be in the Lambirth Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hope Haven. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Car Collision in Mt. Pleasant Tuesday Morning

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at 2:45 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Police Department were dispatched to the intersection of W. Washington St. and South White St. in reference to a two-vehicle collision.

Upon investigation, it was determined a white 2012 Chevrolet traverse owned and operated by Misty Kellogg of Mt. Pleasant was westbound on Washington St and stopped within the travel portion. The Kellogg vehicle attempted to make a left turn onto white St. The driver of the white traverse failed to see a black 2011 Honda accord, owned by Chad Zeleny and operated by Reece Coffman of Mt. Pleasant. The Zeleny vehicle was traveling east on Washington St.

A collision occurred with substantial damage to both vehicles. Misty Kellogg was transported from the scene by Henry County ambulance. Reece Coffman was later transported to Henry County Health Center by a family member.

Damage to the Kellogg vehicle was estimated at $3000. Damage to the Zeleny vehicle was estimated at $10,000.00.
Misty Kellogg was cited for failure to yield upon left turn. Mount Pleasant Police were assisted by the Mount Pleasant Fire and Rescue.

Prep Football: A Look at District Standings with Playoffs Looming

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at 1:39 pm CDT

Prep Football- The postseason for 8-Player, Class A, Class 1A, and Class 2A is a little over a week away with the regular season set to end this Friday; consequently, it’s time to take a look at the district standings and playoff hopefuls for our local teams.

In 8-Player, the district champion, district runner-up, the third-place district team, and at-large statewide bids will qualify for the playoffs. In District 6, the standings go as such:

  1. Winfield-Mt. Union (4-0)
  2. WACO (4-1)
  3. Iowa Valley (3-2)
  4. English Valleys (1-3)
  5. New London (1-3)
  6. HLV (0-4)

Winfield-Mt. Union, WACO, and Iowa Valley have clinched the playoffs with the opponents to be decided early next week.

The rules of qualification change for Classes A, 1A, and 2A with the district champion, district runner-up, district third place team, and district fourth place team qualifying for the postseason, no at-large bids.

In Class A District 5, the standings shake out as such:

  1. Lisbon (6-0)
  2. Columbus Community (5-1)
  3. Pekin (4-2)
  4. Danville (4-2)
  5. Van Buren County (3-3)
  6. Wapello (1-5)
  7. Highland (1-5)
  8. Louisa-Muscatine (0-6)

Pekin holds the tiebreaker over Danville and the Bears hold the tiebreaker over Van Buren County. So, Danville, in their first year of competition since 2016, are looking at a playoff bid, while Van Buren County will be the first team out.

In Class 2A District 5, here’s how the teams stand:

  1. Mediapolis (4-0)
  2. Mid-Prairie (3-1)
  3. West Burlington-Notre Dame (2-2)
  4. Albia (2-2)
  5. Davis County (1-3)
  6. Central Lee (0-4)

The Falcons take on Davis County and Mid-Prairie faces off against Albia. If Davis County defeats West Burlington-Notre Dame and Albia cannot win, there will be a three-way tie with each team having beat the other.

The tiebreaker would come down to the 17-point tiebreaker. This method looks at the plus and minus points of district games and divides that number by the total number of games played in district.

As it stands, Albia has a +/- of 1.50, West Burlington-Notre Dame has a -1.50, and Davis County holds a -11.25 plus/minus.

Stay tuned to KILJ as the playoff qualifiers will be announced this Friday night after the games have concluded.

Fire Prevention Week Cooking Tips

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at 10:59 am CDT

Did you know? The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is due to unattended cooking. During Fire Prevention Week, there are many tips to help you stay alert and prevent fires.

The National Fire Protection Association warns you to “cook with caution” as there are many ways that fires can break out. Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, stay away from the stove. Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. Turn off the stove if you step away for even a minute.

Check on your food consistently and stay in your home while the stove or oven is being used. Make sure to set a timer to remind you when your food is ready. Of course, keep all flammable items, such as food packaging and oven mitts, away from the stove top.

If you do happen to have a small grease fire on the stove top, quickly cover the pan with a lid, turn off the heat, and wait until it is completely cooled to remove the lid. If a fire occurs in the oven, turn off the heat and keep the door closed!

If you have any doubts about fighting the fire, don’t. Leave the residence and immediately call 911 once you are outside and safe. Close the door on your way out to help contain the fire.

For more tips and information during Fire Prevention Week, visit www.NFPA.org

Prep Cross Country Rankings: Two Ranked Teams Heading Into the Southeast Conference Meet

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at 10:52 am CDT

Prep Cross Country- The Iowa High School Track and Field and Cross Country has released their penultimate team rankings for the season and here’s how our local teams shake out.

In Class 3A for the boys, Washington moved up one spot on the rankings to 7th as the Demons are led by fourth ranked runner in senior Micah Rees. Fort Madison fell back a spot in the rankings from #15 last week to #16 this week.

On the girls’ side for Class 3A, Washington moved back a spot while Fort Madison gained a spot in the rankings to have the two Southeast Conference (SEC) rivals in back-to-back spots with the Demons in 17th and Bloodhounds in 18th. Avery Rump of Fort Madison is still positioned as the second-best runner in Class 3A; moreover, Paetyn Wiegland joined the rankings at the #28 slot for the Bloodhounds. The Demons are anchored by Iris Dahl the #9 runner in Class 3A.

The two teams will clash in the SEC meet on Thursday, October 12th.

Mediapolis improved four spots in boys’ Class 2A as the Bulldogs are now ranked 13th overall. A big reason for their success is Solomon Zaugg and Owen Schmidgall, the two runners are ranked #4 and #6, respectively.

For boys’ Class 1A, Danville climbed the ladder to be ranked in the top ten at #8. Carter Fesler is ranked #27 and Jackson Shacklett is #30 in the individual rankings for the Bears.

Lincoln Bainbridge of Van Buren County moved up the rankings as well on the individual side from 22nd to 17th in Class 1A.

For girls’ Class 1A, Danville went from unranked last week to #18 after a strong performance at Southeast Iowa Conference meet last week.

Henry County Conservation Monthly Meeting on Wednesday

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at 8:29 am CDT

The Henry County Conservation Board will hold their October 2023 Board meeting on Wednesday, October 11th, 2023, at 4:30 pm. The meeting will be held in the Oakland Mills Conference Room due to the threat of rain in the afternoon.

Items on the agenda will include South-Shore Sanitation System Update, Renovation of Animal Area, REAP Assembly Meeting, Director Update, and Naturalist Reports.

Please contact the conservation department if you have any questions, 319-986-5067.

 

Central Lee Community School District School Board Meeting Today

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at 8:27 am CDT

CENTRAL LEE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

DONNELLSON, IOWA 52625

DISTRICT OFFICE

TENTATIVE AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING

7:00 A.M.

  1. Roll Call
  2. Approve agenda
  3. Receive Visitors:
    1. Visitors to speak about items not on the agenda
    2. Amy Fogarty – Nutrition Report
    3. Kindergarten Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report:
    1. Enrollment Update – 10/10/2023
    2. IASB Board Convention – 11/16/2023
    3. Strategic Plan Update
    4. District Goals Update
    5. Facility Projects Update
    6. November Board Meeting – 11/14/2023 @ 7 a.m.
    7. Vacancies
  5. Consent Agenda (Motion) (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 Trips:
  1. Varsity Girls’/Boys’ Cross Country to Ft. Dodge, Iowa – 10/28/2023
  2. High School Girls’ Volleyball Team to Coralville, Iowa – 10/30/2023 to 11/2/2023
  3. Iowa State Dance/Drill Team to Des Moines, Iowa – 11/30/2023 to 12/1/2023
  4. National FFA Convention, Indianapolis, Indiana – 10/31/2023 to 11/3/2023
  5. FCCLA Fall Leadership Rally, Ames, Iowa – 10/17/2023 -10/18/2023
  6. f) Open Enrollment Applications: Approve/Deny

NEW BUSINESS

  1. Second Reading of Board Policy No. 505.5 – Graduation Requirements

(Motion) (Exhibit II)

  1. Approve Early Retirement Plan (Motion) (Exhibit III)
  2. Approve District Highway Sign Replacement (Motion) (Exhibit IV)
  3. 2023-2024 SBRC Allowable Growth – At Risk (Motion)
  4. Title 1 Application Submitted
  5. Approve Employee Handbook Modifications (Motion) (Exhibit V)
    1. Alternative Movement to the Step & Lane for Teachers w/ Alternative Licensure

(w/o a four year degree)

  1. Nurse Compensation – TSS Langauge for “Professional Recognition Certificate” from BOEE
  1. Approval of UMB Bank Bond Schedule Direct Payment/Direct Deposit via ACH (Motion)
  2. Transfer: (Motion)
    1. Debra Moore – Cook to Substitute Cook Effective 9/19/2023
  3. Contract Approvals:
    1. Audrey Roscum – Cook
  4. Resignations: (Motion)
    1. Carter Colby – Teacher, JV Boys’ Basketball Coach, Assistant High School Track Coach
    2. Melissa Jones – Cook
  5. Volunteer Contract Approval: (Motion)
    1. Cody Swan – High School Basketball Coach
  6. Board Reports
  7. Adjourn (Motion)

Sports, October 10th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant will celebrate Senior Night this Friday, October 13th, against Fort Madison. KILJ will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm, kickoff at 7:30 pm.

In other Class 3A District 4 matchups, Keokuk will travel to Assumption and Mt. Vernon will host Washington.

Fairfield will host #4 Solon this Friday. 

Danville will look to get back in the win column and spoil Columbus’ senior night this Friday. 

Van Buren County will travel to take on #5 Lisbon at 7 pm. 

West Burlington-Notre Dame will host Davis County this Friday. 

#10 Mediapolis will end the regular season against Central Lee on the road at 7:30 pm. 

New London will end the season this Friday against English Valleys. 

#1 Winfield-Mt. Union will face off against HLV this Friday at home at 7 pm.

High School Football Rankings

The Iowa High School Athletic Association released their rankings yesterday and here’s some key movement and a look at our local teams. 

In 8-Player, #1 Winfield-Mt. Union and #10 WACO held their positions, but Gladbrook-Reinbeck fell from the #2 spot after losing to Clarksville 38-36 last week. Clarksville now ranks 4th and Gladbrook-Reinbeck is back in 6th.

In Class A, Previously unbeaten #9 Lake Mills fell to #3 West Hancock 41-0 last Friday, leaving room for Starmont, whose only loss came against North Linn, to take the #9 spot. 

In Class 1A, Wilton hopped up to the #5 slot after defeating #7 West Branch 21-17. Treynor and South Hamilton reentered the top ten at the #9 and #10 spots, respectively.

Mediapolis kept their #10 ranking in Class 2A after dismantling Davis County 42-7. No teams were knocked out of the top ten.

Class 3A had a shakeup in the RPI rankings after Solon defeated Williamsburg 21-14 last Friday. Clear Lake is now the #1 team followed by Creston, the only two teams undefeated in Class 3A. Solon and Williamsburg rank #3 and #4, respectively. Mount Vernon jumped up one spot to #7 after Humboldt’s loss. 

Gilbert’s 38-7 loss to Bondurant-Farrar sent the Tigers from #1 to #8 in the RPI and elevated the Bluejays from #6 to #4. ADM is now the top team in Class 4A followed by Western Dubuque and Lewis Central. 

Class 5A had muted movement in the top ten with Southeast Polk and Dowling Catholic still battling to end their season with a perfect record. Waukee fell three spots to #8 after their 38-0 loss to Southeast Polk.

High School Volleyball

Mt. Pleasant will be competing in the second round of the Southeast Conference tournament today.

Winfield-Mt. Union will look to claim the SEISC North Championship on their senior night when they clash with Wapello tonight.

WACO will take on Highland tonight on the road. 

Mediapolis will compete against #14 West Burlington today.

Van Buren County will travel to Wilton for the quarterfinal round of regionals on October 18th. 

Danville will face off against New London tonight at home.

Central Lee will play tonight against Burlington Notre Dame for their senior night. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will compete in the Mediapolis Tournament on October 12th. 

Cross Country

Mt. Pleasant will be competing in the Southeast Conference (SEC) meet on October 12th. 

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Tune in to KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, tomorrow night at 6 pm for the Southeast Iowa Playbook. Our special guest this week is Mikaela Richter, volleyball superstar, a coach for the Holy Trinity Catholic volleyball team. 

College Football

The University of Iowa will hit the road to take on Wisconsin this Saturday, October 14th.

Iowa State University will face off against Cincinnati this Saturday at 11 am.

For the Hawkeye broadcast, tune into KILJ 105.5 FM and the Cyclone broadcast will be on 98.5 FM and AM 1130. 

Beau Freyler earned his first Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honor after tallying 11 tackles and two interceptions in the Cyclones win over TCU. He is the third Cyclone to receive a Big 12 weekly honor this season. 

This Day in Sports History

1916 – In Game 3, Charlie Ebbets becomes the first owner to raise the price of World Series grandstand seats to $5. (Up from $3)

1960 – Ron Stewart of Ottawa rushes for a CFL single game-record 287 yards.

1976 – Greece’s 98 year-old Dimitrion Yordanidis, is the oldest man to compete in a marathon; he finishes in 7 hours and 33 minutes.