Mary McCormick

Mary Ann McCormick, 95, of Mount Pleasant, died Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Addington Place in Mount Pleasant.

Mary Ann Katherine McKeever McCormick was born September 8, 1928 in Fort Madison, Iowa the daughter of Oscar Patrick McKeever and Dorothy Ann Muerhoff McKeever. She married Miles “Gene” McCormick of Mount Pleasant on November 24, 1956 at Sacred Heart Church in Fort Madison. The couple lived on their farm near Mount Pleasant for 44 years and then moved to their current home in Mount Pleasant.

She was active in her church and belonged to the Saint Alphonsus Alter and Rosary, the A & R quilt group, and the Ladies for Charity. She also volunteered at Henry County Health Center where she was a member of the Auxiliary. Mary Ann loved to shop, quilt and was a wonderful cook. She and Gene also enjoyed traveling.

She is survived by her husband, her daughter Cindy (David)Anderson of Olds, her son Dan (Ronotta) McCormick of Mount Pleasant, and her grandchildren Amanda (Tyler) Sargent, Armand (Sarah) McCormick, Tyler Burden, Angelina (David) Bucheit, nine great-grandchildren with one on the way and many nieces and nephews. Mary Ann was proceeded in death by her parents, her sister, Evelyn Stevens, and her brothers Francis, Tom, Jim, Oscar and Don.

Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, September 30 at 10:30 am at Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant. Father Paul Connolly and Father Ed Fitzpatrick will con-celebrate. Visitation will be held Saturday from 9 to 10 am at the church before the services. Inurnment will follow in the Saint Alphonsus Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, Iowa Chapter, for Dementia Research. The Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory is caring for Mary Ann and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Former President Donald Trump to Speak in Ottumwa October 1st

The 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, will deliver remarks at a Team Trump Iowa Commit to Caucus Event in Ottumwa, Iowa on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 2:30PM CDT.

Doors open at 11:30am with a Commitment Kick Off.  Trump is expected to deliver remarks at 2:30pm.

General Admission tickets are available at https://event.donaldjtrump.com/events/45th-president-of-the-united-states-donald-j-trump-to-deliver-remarks-at-team-trump-iowa-caucus-commitment-event-in-ottumwa

 

Single Vehicle Accident Near Rural Trenton

There was a single vehicle accident with injury in the 1800-grid of Franklin Avenue near rural Trenton. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched at approximately 6:48pm on September 26th.

Upon arrival, they found the motor vehicle had left the roadway to the left and entered a timber area. This was due to driver related factors and actions.

Identified as the driver was Craig Wibstad, 74, of Trenton. Injuries were sustained, and they were medically transported from the scene. An incident citation of Failure to Maintain control was issued. Along with a state accident report completed form this motor vehicle accident.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was assisted with this incident by Henry County EMS, Mount Pleasant Fire Department, Iowa State Patrol, and community members.

Dirt Bike and Go-Cart Collide Head On

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a multiple vehicle accident with injuries just after midnight on September 23rd. At 12:47am, the HCSO arrived at the 2500-grid of 130th St near Winfield and found a dirt bike and go-cart had collided head on in the roadway. This was due to driver related factors and minimum, or no equipment lighting in use.

Injuries were sustained to the driver of either vehicle. Cody Parker, 33, and Ashely Egley, 33, both of Winfield, as well as one other occupant were medically transported from the scene.

This is believed to be and is being handled as an alcohol related accident and is still currently under investigation. Incident charges and/or citations are pending. A state accident report was completed for this motor vehicle accident.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was assisted with this incident by Henry County EMS, Winfield first responders, Winfield Police Department, and community members.

Weekly Fuel Report – Gas Prices Continue to Fall

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 15 cents, averaging $3.67 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $1.53 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $92.63.
  • Brent crude oil rose $1.96 and is currently priced at $95.74.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $78.50 and Brent crude was at $85.97.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.67 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices fell 15 cents from last week’s price and are up 4 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.83, down 5 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 2 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.31.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $4.71 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 26 cents less than the national average of $4.57.
  • Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.56 for U87-E10, $2.94 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $3.32 for ULSD#2, $3.82 for ULSD#1, and $2.52 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Propane prices averaged $1.50 per gallon (last week’s report).
  • Home heating oil prices averaged $3.86 per gallon (last week’s report).
  • Natural gas prices rose 18 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.93/MMbtu

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

Build Iowa’s Future Design Challenge Provides K-12 Students Unique Opportunity

The Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Department of Education announced the second round of the Build Iowa’s Future Design Challenge. This provides a unique opportunity for K-12 students to create innovative projects, connect to careers and compete for up to $1,000 in prizes for their schools. Community Colleges for Iowa, Master Builders of Iowa (MBI) and Pella Corporation are sponsoring the challenge awards.

The Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning and the Home Builders Association of Iowa (HBA of Iowa) are hosting this challenge. They will provide a framework for professional project development as well as resources for participating schools.

“The Build Iowa’s Future Design Challenge is a great opportunity to unleash new creativity, helping Iowa students connect what they learn in the classroom to the workplace while exploring careers in the trades and other fields,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “We want all students, regardless of where they reside in the state, to have opportunities that develop innovation, problem solving and teamwork as well as awareness of the many great jobs available right here in Iowa.”

“Every student should have access to multiple pathways to post-secondary success,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “Experiential learning opportunities like the Build Iowa’s Future Design Challenge empower students to leverage math and science in real-world scenarios, while cultivating their creativity and problem-solving skills. We are excited to see students across Iowa applying their knowledge and exploring these in-demand careers.”

“With approximately 7.5 million construction jobs projected nationwide by 2026, and ongoing industry expansion, we want students to explore those opportunities for great-paying jobs. This project makes that introduction in a creative way,” said HBA of Iowa Executive Officer Jay Iverson. “Our members are excited to see what students are able to come up with.”

“The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council is always on the lookout for strengthening our partnership with allies of like mission and goals,” said Jeff Weld, executive director of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council within the Iowa Department of Education. “The design challenge is a perfect match in that regard and we’re honored to support the event.”

Who can participate:
Elementary and middle school students can participate in the Iowa Home Design Challenge by constructing a model home using toy plastic construction bricks, wood blocks or other materials of their choice. High school students can participate in the Iowa Dream and Design Challenge, which involves conceptualizing and designing a project that could improve the quality of life in their community. High school students will seek feedback on the project’s feasibility from people who would be impacted, and create a design based on their findings. Construction is not a requirement of this opportunity, but great engagement by communities may encourage high school students to take the project further.

Application process:
Teachers are invited to submit a form letter of intent to participate on the Clearinghouse website by Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Submission of the form letter by the deadline is required. In early May 2024, three awards – $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $300 for third place – will be made to schools in each of the K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade bands for projects scored and selected by reviewers. Outstanding designs may be shared on Clearinghouse and HBA of Iowa websites and through other publications and events.

A flyer can be found at this link. Learn more about the design challenge: https://clearinghouse.futurereadyiowa.gov/challenge.

Mary McCormick – Pending

Mary Ann McCormick, 94, of Mount Pleasant, died Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Addington Place in Mount Pleasant. Funeral services are pending at Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory.