Kay Miller

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 5:46 am CDT

Kay A. Miller, 88, of New London, died Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Sunrise Terrace in Winfield.  She was born December 11, 1937 in Fairfield to Verdon Wm “Bill” and Beatrice Eloise Baker Thomes.  On July 5, 1957, she married Ronald F. Miller in Ft. Madison.  He died July 10, 2001.

Kay graduated from Dallas City, Illinois High School.  While working full time and raising four children, she completed her teaching degree at Iowa Wesleyan College.  She taught fifth grade in New London for twenty-seven years.

For many years, she and Ron traveled to flea markets to sell their collection of dignified junk and antiques.  She was an avid reader and a firm believer that you shouldn’t go anywhere without a book.  She enjoyed crossword puzzles and going out to eat with her family and friends, especially if that included pie!  She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.  She took her grandchildren on many educational adventures and loved attending Broadway shows with her daughters and granddaughter.

She was a member of Chapter EV, PEO; a former member of Delta Kappa Gamma; and the retired Henry County Teachers Association.  She attended Calvary Baptist Church.

Those thankful for sharing in Kay’s life are her children Mitch (Tammy) Miller of Davenport, Kirk (Deb) Miller of New London, Marcy Vantiger of Mt. Union and Missy (Alan) Fear of Olds; ten grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and her siblings Gary (Jean Ann) Thomes of Dallas City, Illinois and Jean (Hans) Rabong of West Burlington. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and son-in-law Joe Vantiger.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, February 16, 2026 at Elliott Chapel, New London, with Pastor Matt Yaley officiating.  Friends may call after 9:00 with the family greeting friends from 10:00 until the time of the service.  Burial next to her beloved husband, Ron, will follow at Long Creek Cemetery, rural Danville.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Sunrise Terrace Activity Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Jim Swailes

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 5:42 am CDT

James Lee “Jim” Swailes, 89, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at his residence.

Jim was born on February 2, 1937, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Arthur Thomas and Erma Frances (Brownell) Swailes. He graduated from Olds High School in the class of 1956. Jim was united in marriage to Madeline Anderson on January 18, 1959, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant. Jim worked for the City of Mount Pleasant for 37 years. One could see Jim and his brother Harold at the car races most nights. He took pride in raising a large garden and keeping his yard looking perfect. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeye fan. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and going to his grandchildren’s events. Jim was a member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife, Madeline, of 67 years, his children, Michael Swailes, Jane (Rob) Kinney both of Mount Pleasant and Phillip (Chris) Swailes, of Houghton, and his grandchildren, Paige (Spencer) Newman, Justin (Jade) Swailes, Jason Swailes and Jacob (Savannah Yauk) Swailes, his great grandchildren, Brantley, Piper, Beckett, Jordyn and Jaxson, his two sisters, Janice (Jack) Murphy of Lockridge and Betty Farley of Mount Pleasant, along with several nieces, nephews and his sister-in-law, Alma (Kent) Bennett, of Mount Pleasant.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Robert Arthur Swailes, Harold William Swailes and a brother-in-law, David Farley.

The service of Requiem Holy Eucharist will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant with Reverend Carl Mann officiating. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening. Cremation will follow the service, and burial will be held at a later date in the White Oak Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant. Memorials may be directed to the St. Michaels’ Episcopal Church or to Every Step Hospice in his memory.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Jim Swailes.

February 9, 2026 – February 15, 2026

By Slaten Swords · Sunday, February 8th, 2026 at 10:28 am CDT
02/09/26
Zuma Rose
02/09/26
David Muhs
02/09/26
Byron Olson
02/10/26
Jeff Beavers
02/10/26
Joy Gilleard
02/10/26
Monica Wesley
02/10/26
Rhyan Nelson
02/10/26
Noah Miller
02/10/26
Jack & Ashley Thomas *Anniversary
2/10/26
Julie Baker
02/10/26
Tom & Marilyn Young *Anniversary
02/11/26
Jason Goody
02/11/26
Jessie Sirivath
02/11/26
Kay Milks
02/12/26
Linda Keith
02/12/26
Bill & Linda McGohan *60th Anniversary
02/13/26
Tom Young
02/13/26
Summer Martin (14th)
02/13/26
Tony Miller
02/13/26
Becky Mattson
02/13/26
Bruce & Faith Krause *Anniversary
02/14/26
Doug Kennedy
02/14/26
Mason Donnolly
02/14/26
Brady Reynolds
02/14/26
Trace White
02/14/26
Mikayla Mertens
02/14/25
Barb Lynchard
02/14/26
Pam Sefton
02/14/26
Ashley Evans
02/15/26
Brent Bradley
02/15/26
Sharon Burk
02/15/26
Rachel Remmers
02/15/26
Ada Norton
02/15/26
Bill McGohan
02/15/26
Sam Mattson
02/15/26
Ben & Judy Crile * Anniversary
02/15/26
Nick Rose
02/15/26
Adam Creager

Iowa DNR Town Hall Meeting Scheduled in March

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, February 7th, 2026 at 8:35 am CDT

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting a series of town hall-style meetings where local staff provide updates on recently completed hunting seasons, discuss possible changes to hunting rules and regulations, and address other topics as requested.

Iowa DNR will be at Burlington Public Library, 210 Court St., in Burlington, on March 3. The meeting begins at 6 p.m.

“Part of the meeting will be devoted to discussing potential rule changes and collecting feedback as we work through the rules process.”

The meetings are open to the public and comments received during previous listening sessions have resulted in regulation changes, including modifying and removing areas closed to Canada goose hunting, establishing later goose season dates and increased bag limit, expanding the raccoon hunting and trapping season on private land, modifying Iowa’s antlerless deer quotas in north central and western Iowa, and extending the regular trapping season through the end of February.

Any person attending the public meeting and has special requirements, such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments, should contact the Iowa DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov, and advise of specific needs.

AGC Celebrate One Year!

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, February 7th, 2026 at 8:34 am CDT

It’s been almost one year since All God’s Creatures opened its doors in Mt. Pleasant, and the public is invited to a one-year birthday “pawty” at their location, 2205 E. Washington Street.  Whether you have adopted, volunteered, love animals, and want to see what All God’s Creatures is all about, stop in between 1pm and 4pm on Saturday, February 21st.  Guided tours will be available, the animals will be available, and cake and ice cream will be served.  A special raffle with tickets for one dollar each.  The prize is a custom pet portrait painting, and all proceeds go directly toward the care of the shelter animals.

The facility is a community oriented non-profit organization that serves Henry County, Iowa and surrounding communities.  Adoption, community support, and animal outreach are part of what AGC offers and is run by volunteers and a board of directors. one dollar each.  The prize is a custom pet portrait painting, and all proceeds go directly toward the care of the shelter animals.

 

MPCSD School Board to Meet 02/09/26

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, February 7th, 2026 at 6:17 am CDT

The Mt. Pleasant School District School Board will meet in regular session on Monday, February 9th at 6pm in the Media Center of the high school, 2104 S. Grand Avenue.  Items on the agenda include: a motion to set public hearing dates for the fiscal year 27 certified budget on March 23rd and April 13th, several items in the superintendent’s report along with committee updates.  This meeting is open to the public.

Carl B. Moehlman – Pending

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, February 7th, 2026 at 4:41 am CDT

Carl B. Moehlman, Associate Professor of Music and College Organist Emeritus of Iowa Wesleyan University, died Friday, February 6, 2026 at his residence.

A service of Requiem Holy Eucharist will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Sports, February 7th

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, February 7th, 2026 at 2:53 am CDT

High School Wrestling

The 2026 Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s state tournament is in the books and southeast Iowa was able to claim one new individual champion. Here’s some of the highlights from the event.

Wapellos’ #1 Clara Ball dominated her two rounds of wrestling yesterday, not surrendering a point in either match and claiming the 115-pound weight class’s state championship. It is Wapello’s first ever girls’ state champion. 

Staying with the Arrows, #2 Kenadee Helscher took home her second consecutive silver medal last night after falling in her rematch against #1 Ainsley Hemann of Osage. The senior finished the season with a 45-1 record.

Van Buren County’s Brystol Wiley snatched 8th place, while Fairfield’s Samantha Lyons and Fort Madison’s Mara Smith each placed in 6th. Lastly, Burlington’s Amaziah Twillie and Macy Peterson each yielded 7th place finishes for their respective weight classes. 

For a full breakdown of yesterday’s action, follow this link: Championship Recap

The boys’ district wrestling meets are scheduled for February 14th.

High School Basketball

Mt. Pleasant was swept by Keokuk last night with the girls’ team losing 62-44 and the boys’ team falling 58-48. Kynlee White scored 11 points in the girls’ game, while Ryan Helling led the boys’ team with 14 points. The Panthers will look to bounce back against Ottumwa on Monday, February 9th, with the girls’ playing at home and the boys’ tipping-off on the road with both start times at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call for the boys’ game with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

The Fairfield boys’ team lost to Burlington 72-39 last night. The Trojans will host Mid-Prairie on Monday at 7:30 pm.

The Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team have now won two straight after pulverizing Cedar Valley Christian last night, 60-15. The Wolves end the regular season with a 3-18 record. 

Southeast Iowa Super Conference Shootout

The boys’ #3 through #8 seeds competed in their SEISC shootout competitions last night and here’s how everything played out. 

#8 New London sprinted past Lone Tree last night 71-54 to finish the regular season with a 5-16 record. 

In the #7-seed contest, Van Buren County snuck past Highland last night 76-69. The Warriors will compete against Twin Cedars on Monday at 7:30 pm. 

The Danville boys’ team hung on to defeat Wapello last night, 66-62, to snatch the #6-seed game. The Bears will host Davis County on Tuesday, February 10th, at 7:30 pm.

In the #5-seed showdown, Holy Trinity Catholic clobbered Columbus last night 72-41. The Crusaders will face off against Clark County on Monday at 7:30 pm at home.

Columbus will tangle with Cardinal on the road at 7 pm on Monday. 

In a defense slugfest, West Burlington defeated WACO, 49-31, in the #4-seed game. The Warriors will look to bounce back against Wapello at home on Tuesday at 7:30 pm. 

West Burlington will travel to Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday for a doubleheader starting at 6:15 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6 pm.

Lastly, Central Lee completed the South Division sweep with a 56-44 victory over Pekin last night in the #3-seed contest. The Hawks will travel to Davis County on Thursday, February 12th, at 7:30 pm.

On the girls’ side, Highland and Mediapolis will face off for the conference title today at 2:30 pm at Highland, while Danville will compete with Lone Tree to lead off the day at 1 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will hold the #1 and #2 seed games tonight for the boys’ teams, with Mediapolis clashing with Winfield-Mt. Union at 6 pm and the conference title going to either the Nikes or Hillcrest Academy at 7:30 pm.

High School Bowling

The girls’ state meet is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10th, through Thursday, February 12th, in Waterloo. Keokuk will be competing as a team, while Mt. Pleasant’s Shyann Smith will bowl as an individual along with Keokuk’s Allison Sapp, Jaelynn Ketterer, and Josie Sapp.

The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) released the state qualifying meet assignments for the boys’ teams and Central Lee will host West Burlington, while Fairfield will travel to Monticello in Class 1A.

 In Class 2A, Clinton will play host to Burlington, Keokuk, and Mt. Pleasant.

Both meets are scheduled for Monday, February 16th, at 10 am.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will host Kirkwood Community College today with tip-off at 1 pm.

The men’s basketball team will continue the home stand today at 3 pm against Triton College. 

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will travel to North Iowa Area Community College for the District Championships on February 15th. 

College Basketball

The Iowa State women’s team will travel to Utah tonight at 6 pm.

The #10 Iowa women’s team made a late run but ultimately fell to Minnesota last night, 91-85. Ava Heiden scored 24 points in the losing effort. The Hawkeyes will host Washington on Wednesday, February 11th, at 6:30 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will head back home to play Northwestern tomorrow, February 8th, at 2 pm.

The #7 Iowa State men’s team will take on Baylor at home at 1 pm today. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will have the call.

This Day in Sports History

1969 – Diane Crump becomes the first woman jockey to compete at a major US racetrack.

2005 – Britain’s Ellen MacArthur becomes the fastest person to sail solo around the world, taking 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes, and 33 seconds. 

2021 – Sarah Thomas becomes the first woman to referee a Super Bowl in Tampa Bay, Florida.