Darrel Becker

By Yorke Prough · Friday, September 15th, 2023 at 6:02 am CDT

Darrell Wayne Becker, 65, of West Point, Iowa, loving husband, father, and friend passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday September 13th surrounded by his family.

Darrell was born the son of Leo and Elizabeth “Betty” (Freesmeier) Becker on June 16th, 1958, in Fort Madison, Iowa. As a young boy he helped on the Freesmeier family dairy farm, spent time with his dad and brothers detailing and repairing cars in the auto body shop, and playing basketball with neighborhood friends. His first job was working at the gas station in West Point. He graduated from Fort Madison High School in 1976.

He met the love of his life, Karen at a wedding and asked her to dance. They married on May 5th 1984, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point, Iowa. They enjoyed traveling, music, and 41 years together. Family meant more to him than anything. He always looked forward to holidays and reunions with the Becker, Freesmeier, McKneeley, and Garrels families.

Little did he know, his career and skills would take him near and far. Over his life span Darrell worked at Exide, Case, Stuke Plastics, and he retired from Siemens-Gamesa. He was trained in Denmark and then went on to train others in Canada and China.

Darrell was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, and Buffalo Bills football fan. Darrell was a walking sports statistician and could give you stats on a team or any athlete. Darrell also gave back to the community. He was a Knights of Columbus member, St. Mary’s Fall Festival chairman, West Point Sweet Corn Festival chairman, and former West Point Community Club president. He also donated his time to Marquette and Holy Trinity Catholic Schools.

Above all, Darrell was an authentic, hard-working, and friendly person. No one was a stranger and he always had a smile on his face.

Darrell is survived by his wife: Karen (Garrels) Becker; two daughters: Aleena (Aaron) Garr and Mallory (Kevin Lopez) Becker; mother: Elizabeth “Betty” Becker; siblings: Roger (Rita) Becker, Ronnie (Deb) Becker, Sharon (Dale) Menke, Susan (Scott) Strothman, and Sandy (Stan) Seager. As well as his wife’s side of the family: Sherri (Jerri) Hite, Cindy Garrels, Kenny (Sandy) Garrels, John (Sue) Garrels, and many nieces and nephews.

Darrell was preceded in death by his father: Leo Becker; sister-in-law: Lori Becker; brother-in-law: Dave Garrels, and nephew: Travis Hite.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point, where a Knights of Columbus rosary will be recited at 1:30 p.m. and a Christian wake service will be held at 3:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 18, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, West Point.

Memorials have been established in his memory for West Point Fire and Rescue, West Point Public Library Foundation or Holy Trinity Catholic School Foundation.

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

Flags to Fly at Half-Staff for Police Officer

By Yorke Prough · Friday, September 15th, 2023 at 5:58 am CDT

Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, September 15, 2023, in honor and remembrance of Kevin Cram of the Algona Police Department who was shot and killed in the line of duty on September 13th. Cram was attempting to arrest a suspect when he was killed. Cram was a 10-year veteran of Iowa law enforcement, a husband, and a father. He was just 33 years old.

“Officer Kevin Cram died a hero, protecting his community and upholding the rule of law. Kevin and I are praying for his family, the Algona Police Department, and all the law enforcement officers in Kossuth County,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “As flags are lowered across the state, Iowans honor Officer Cram’s legacy and stand united with his brothers and sisters in uniform. We will never forget his service and sacrifice.”

Flags will be flown at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Prep Volleyball: #3 Holy Trinity Catholic Stays Put While West Burlington Moves Up to #10

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, September 14th, 2023 at 2:53 pm CDT

Prep Volleyball- The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released their fourth edition of the volleyball rankings. All the classifications kept the same top three teams and only six total teams were dropped from the top 15.

Ankeny Christian is still on top in Class 1A followed by North Tama and Holy Trinity Catholic, respectively. The Crusaders are riding a seven-game winning streak as the Southeast Iowa Super Conference tournament will begin play next week. The first team to fall in the rankings was AGWSR as they went from 7th to 8th, but St. Albert had the furthest drop from 8th to 12th as they have lost three straight matches to Fremont-Mills, Red Oak, and Kuemper Catholic. Riverside has now loss to Griswold twice this season causing the Bulldogs to be knocked out of the top 15 with the Tigers vaulting into the top 15 at the #14 spot.

In Class 2A, the top five teams kept their spot and Ridge View’s tumble from 6th to 9th was the only move in the top 9. Dike-New Hartford and Hinton are the top two teams, respectively, and remain undefeated. Treynor is ranked 6th but also undefeated. Despite no teams falling out of the top 15, the #10 through #15 spots were scrambled about. West Burlington touts an 18-2 record and keep moving up the rankings as the Falcons soared from 13th to 10th. Regina Catholic, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, and Aplington-Parkersburg went from #10, #11, and #12, respectively, to #13, #14, and #15, respectively.

Western Christian is the top team in Class 3A with Mount Vernon and Des Moines Christian coming in at #2 and #3. Assumption jumped up two spots from #7 to #5 in the rankings. Center Point-Urbana loss to #8 Solon dropped the Stormin Pointers from 6th to 9th. The Linn-Mar Invitational was not kind to Anamosa as the Blue Riders finished the tournament 0-4 and dropped them out of the top 15 from the #9 spot. Mid-Prairie went from unranked to #10 after wins against ranked teams Regina Catholic and #3 in Class 5A Ankeny. #15 Roland-Story replaced Forest City in the top 15.

In Class 4A, the top eight teams remained the same with Clear Creek Amana the clear favorite touting a 21-0 record. Ballard and Dallas Center-Grimes flipped spots with the Bombers now ranked 9th and the Mustangs in 11th. Bishop Heelan jumped five spots from 15th to 10th, while Sioux Center fell from 10th to unranked. Charles City rounds out the list after being unranked last week.

Class 5A had no movement in the top 12 spots with Dowling Catholic sitting on top in the rankings followed by Ankeny Centennial and Ankeny, respectively. Muscatine moved up one spot from 14th to 13th. Iowa City High and Dubuque Hempstead were kicked out of the top 15. Taking their spots at the #14 and #15, respectively, was Council Bluffs Lincoln and Waukee.

Henry County Health Center Invests in Integrated Electronic Health Record

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, September 14th, 2023 at 1:09 pm CDT

Henry County Health Center (HCHC) will convert to the Cerner electronic health record system on October 1, 2023. This will align HCHC with Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington and Fort Madison, enabling all three campuses and clinics to use one system to enhance patient safety and efficiency.

“This was an important investment as we continue to grow as a health system.  By integrating HCHC’s electronic health record system into Cerner, we will be able to provide better continuity of care leading to improved safety.  This will facilitate communication between the three campuses, clinics and the care teams,” commented Shane Tapper, Great River Health System Vice President for Informatics. “Patients will now have one record that includes all of their health information from care received across the health system.”

This project involved a significant commitment of resources. “We had a team of employees throughout the organization dedicated to working on this project.  The amount of effort and commitment they have put forward has been amazing,” explained HCHC CEO Teresa Colgan. “As we prepare to go live on October 1, we ask our patients to please allow for extra time when registering and recognize that our associates are becoming familiar with the new system. We want to make sure we capture your information accurately and provide you with the very best service and care possible. We thank you for understanding.”

The conversion to one electronic health record system means patients will have access to all of their health information for care received at all three hospital locations as well as the clinics.  Patients who had a patient portal account through HCHC will be notified on how to set up a new patient portal account. A patient portal account allows patients to view and monitor their health information and test results, contact their care team, manage their appointments and request prescription refills.

Jimmie Beckman – Pending

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, September 14th, 2023 at 11:24 am CDT

Jimmie R. (Jim) Beckman, 84 of rural Mt. Pleasant passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023 at his home. Funeral arrangements are pending at the Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.

WACO Homecoming Court and Festivities

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, September 14th, 2023 at 10:25 am CDT
Back Row: Reece Oswald, Chase Waterhouse, and Colton Leichty Front Row: Halle Shelman, Haley Hughes, and Marie Farmer

The WACO 2023 Homecoming Court has been announced. Reece Oswald, Chase Waterhouse, and Colton Leichty are the candidates for the King. Meanwhile, the Queen candidates are Halle Shelman, Haley Hughes, and Marie Farmer.

Beginning at 7:00pm on Wednesday the 20th, Boom Night activities will be taking place at the High School’s Bob Hilmer Court. The coronation of the King and Queen will take place during this. There will also be Boom Boom Volleyball and Powder Puff Football.

On Friday, September 22nd, the homecoming parade will start at 4:30pm on Main Street, followed by the junior high and varsity football vs Easton Valley. The Homecoming Dance will take place after the game.

Bike A Trail Event on September 27th

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, September 14th, 2023 at 10:06 am CDT

The Des Moines County Conservation is hosting a special event that will provide an opportunity to view a beautiful trail. Mark your calendars for September 27th, from 9:00am-12:00pm as you will have the opportunity to bike through the Flint River Trail.

Located in Burlington, this is a great way to meet other people and exercise as well. The starting point is at the Flint River Trail parking lot, but the Des Moines County Conservation Department encourages participants to gather at the Starr’s Cave parking lot at 8:30am. The naturalist will then lead a caravan to the starting point.

This 8-mile out and back ride allows a great trip of scenic beauty along the Flint River Trail. This route is mostly flat, but there is no shade. Participants may leave at any time and are not required to finish the trail. Helmets are mandatory during this ride.

This event is free to attend, but registration is mandatory so we can prepare accordingly and arrange bikes for those who need them. We have a limited number of bikes available. To register, simply call the Starr’s Cave Nature Center at 319-753-5808.

https://www.flintrivertrail.org/

https://www.desmoinescounty.iowa.gov/conservation/parks/flint_river_trail/

2023 MP Marching Band Invitational Schedule of Events

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, September 14th, 2023 at 9:15 am CDT

6:15 pm   Mt. Pleasant Middle School   ex

6:30 pm  Tipton High School  1A/2A

6:45 pm  Wapello High School  1A/2A

7:00 pm  Central Lee High School  1A/2A

7:15 – 7:30  judges’ break

7:30 pm  Fort Madison High School  3A

7:45 pm  West Liberty High School  3A

8:00 pm  Keokuk High School  3A

8:15 pm  Oskaloosa High School  3A

8:30 – 9:00 pm judges’ break

9:00 pm  Western Dubuque High School  4A

9:15 pm  Ottumwa High School  4A

9:30 pm  Muscatine High School  4A

9:45 pm  Quincy High School (Illinois)  4A

10:00 pm  Mt. Pleasant High School  ex

10:15 pm  Awards