October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Provides Many Opportunities to Support

By Yorke Prough · Friday, September 29th, 2023 at 6:21 am CDT

With the fall season officially here, the Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) is excited to announce their activities and events calendar for the month of October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month. October will be filled with opportunities to support victim-survivors within their 8-county service area.

DVIP’s 9th annual Shop for Safety will be held at the Hy-Vee’s of Washington, Mount Pleasant, Burlington, & Fort Madison on October 4th from 4-7pm. Each year, this event fills their shelter pantry for 6 months with all donations going directly to women, children, and families. Shopping List items include: gift cards, diapers, paper towels, hygiene items, toilet paper, dish soap, laundry soap, tylenol and ibuprofen, and cleaning supplies. To view the full list of items, visit the Top Needs List on our website at dvipiowa.org/top-ten-needs

“We are so pleased to be continuing Shop for Safety in our southern counties, and we are grateful for the support our communities have given us over the course of its 9 year run,” says Alta Medea, Director of Community Engagement for DVIP. “In the past 5 years, DVIP has served 38% more victim-survivors in this area of our service region. It is vital for us to meet the increased need and continuously provide the best possible resources across all 8 of our counties.”

To donate or volunteer, visit our website at dvipiowa.org

Join DVIP in giving back to emergency service providers. DVIP will be hosting a baked goods drive which will give back to the EMTS, firefighters, and police and sheriff’s departments who serve victim-survivors in all 8 service counties. Please join DVIP in preparing a little sweet treat for all these public safety officials do for victim-survivors. If you would like to donate baked goods, please contact 319-359-9353 by October 6th.

Did you know that purple is the national color used to represent those most vulnerable in your communities? On October 20th, join your communities by wearing PURPLE to support Victim-Survivors. Be sure to share your photos with DVIP on social media & use the hashtag #PurpleForAPurpose, and tell us why YOU wear purple.

The DVIP works hard to serve its communities with the goal to end domestic violence in all its forms. Violence by an intimate partner is the single greatest cause of injury to women. Trauma and its impact on women, men, and children has been well documented as a significant public health concern. For over 40 years, DVIP has partnered with the community to support victims/survivors and provide safety solutions and life-changing resources. Violence against women, men, and children happens every day. 1 in 4 women, 1 in 7 men, and 1 in 15 children will be affected by intimate partner abuse in their lifetime.

About the Domestic Violence Intervention Program: DVIP provides comprehensive services to victim-survivors of intimate partner violence. For over 40 years, DVIP has offered support, resources, and safety to individuals in an eight-county service region which includes Cedar, Des Moines, Henry, Iowa, Johnson, Lee, Van Buren, and Washington counties. DVIP’s services include a 24/7/365 hotline, shelter, safety planning, advocacy, trauma-informed counseling, emergency pet programs, and more. Individuals who need help should call their hotline at 1-800-373-1043.

Panther Marching Band to Compete Twice on Saturday

By Yorke Prough · Friday, September 29th, 2023 at 6:10 am CDT

The Mt. Pleasant Panther Marching Band will travel to Cedar Rapids this weekend for two competitions. In what will be a busy Saturday for the highschoolers, they will be heading to both competitions looking for honors.

At 10:30am, the band will perform at the Bands Across the Prairie competition at Prairie High School. They will then travel across town for a 4:15pm performance at Kingston Stadium in the Five Seasons Invitational.

The Mt. Pleasant High School Panther Marching Band will have two more competitions before the curtain closes on what has been a great season. Competing in Kahoka, Missouri on October 7th and heading to Davenport for a performance at Brady Street Stadium for State Marching Band Festival on October 14th.

Jean Tweed

By Yorke Prough · Friday, September 29th, 2023 at 5:55 am CDT

Jean Percilla Tweed, 76, of New London, formerly of Mt. Pleasant and North Liberty, died Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Henry County Health Center Emergency Department.  She was born November 24, 1946 in Middletown, Connecticut to Russell and Elinor Baker Capen.  On May 28, 1967 she married Charles Ullum Tweed in Middletown.  He died November 5, 2021.

She was a member of the Congregational Universalist Church in Mt. Pleasant where her husband served as Minister.  Jean received her BA from Grinnell College and worked as a caregiver, was a homemaker, and also loved working at the Harlan House in Mt. Pleasant.  She enjoyed reading and writing poetry, all genres of music especially classical, loved to paint, enjoyed the outdoors, whether camping or in the mountains, most especially the Grand Tetons.  She loved time spent with her daughters and grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughter Heather (Bill) Schlarbaum of New London; four grandchildren, Hunter, Angelica, Joshua, and Caleb; one sister Marion Engstrom of Delaware; and her niece Laura and nephew Eric.  She was preceded in death by her husband, and her daughter Ellise Capen Tweed on July 19, 2022.  According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and a private graveside service will be held at a later date where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband and daughter.  Cards and memorials may be sent to Heather Schlarbaum at 104 E. Madison, New London, Iowa, 52645.  Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Illegal Drug Use in Mediapolis, Man Arrested

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, September 28th, 2023 at 3:22 pm CDT

The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office received information of illegal drug use in August 2023. An investigation began with detectives from the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office and Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force in and around Mediapolis and Des Moines County.

As a result, a residential search warrant was obtained and executed at 110 Maple Drive, Mediapolis.

Bradley Michael Miller, age 39, of Mediapolis, IA was placed under arrest for the following:

– Gathering where controlled substances used, D felony.

– Possession of firearm by prohibited person, D felony.

– Possession of ammunition by prohibited person, D felony.

– Possession of a controlled substance 1st offense, methamphetamine, serious misdemeanor.

– Possession of drug paraphernalia, simple misdemeanor.

The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office and Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force was assisted by the Burlington Police Department and the West Burlington Police Department.

Prep Volleyball: Holy Trinity Catholic Ranked #3 in the 6th Edition of the IGHSAU’s Volleyball Rankings

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, September 28th, 2023 at 2:43 pm CDT

Prep Volleyball- The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) released their sixth edition of the volleyball rankings and only six total teams were dropped from this week’s rankings.

In Class 1A, Ankeny Christian remained on top of the rankings with a 23-3 record for the season, but Boyden-Hull jumped up the rankings from #4 to #2. Holy Trinity Catholic saw their 18-game winning streak come to an end against West Burlington in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference championship game. Moreover, this resulted in the Crusaders falling back to the #3 spot. North Tama has gone 2-2 in their last four games resulting in the Redhawks falling down the rankings from #3 to #6. Don Bosco and Griswold fell out of the top 15 with Central City and Gladbrook-Reinbeck rounding out the top 15.

Dike-New Hartford is a perfect 29-0 on the season and rightfully ranked #1 in Class 2A. Hinton and Grundy Center rank right behind at the #2 and #3 spot, respectively. Sumner-Fredericksburg and Denver continuing their dance between the #4 and #5 spot. Beyond some small movements throughout the list, no teams were dropped from the top 15. West Burlington rounds out the rankings with a 28-4 record.

The top seven remained the same for Class 3A with Western Christian holding on to their top spot. Mid-Prairie jumped up one spot from #9 to #8 as the Golden Hawks have tallied off eight straight wins, which includes a victory over Class 2A’s #12 Wilton. Mid-Prairie will be tested tonight against formerly ranked #15 Tipton. Solon fell from #8 to #11 in the top 15. MOC-Floyd Valley took over the vacancy at the #15 position with an 11-8 record on the year.

Class 4A followed a similar script as Class 3A with the top six teams keeping their same spot with Clear Creek-Amana touting a perfect 29-0 record. #2 Indianola and #3 ADM have only lost a combined three games. North Polk’s championship win at the Ballard Invitational and their win over then-ranked #9 Ballard caused the Comets to shoot up the rankings from #11 to #7. Ballard bounced to #11. Knoxville was knocked out of the top 15. Pella, despite defeating North Polk in the pool play of the Ballard Invitational, was dropped from the top 15. Carlisle and Glenwood entered the rankings at the #13 and #14 spots, respectively.

Dowling Catholic, Ankeny Centennial, and Waukee Northwest make up the top three, respectively, for Class 5A. Linn-Marr has dropped two games in-a-row to #3 Waukee Northwest and #12 Dubuque Hempstead, last week they were unranked, resulting in the Lions falling from #9 to #14. Iowa City Liberty was the only team dropped from the top 15 as the Lightning have dropped six of their last eight games.

Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation Hosting Vaccination and Microchip Clinic

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, September 28th, 2023 at 11:15 am CDT

Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation is hosting a low-cost Microchip and Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, October 7th from 11:00a.m. – 2:00p.m.  The clinic will be held at the Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation, 1986 Gear Avenue in Fairfield.  No appointment is necessary.

This clinic is open to the public; offering micro-chipping by a licensed veterinarian for $25, which includes free registration of the chip.  Microchips are small, rice-sized chips that are implanted in the “scruff” between your pet’s shoulder blades. If your pet is lost, veterinary clinics and animal shelters can painlessly scan your pet and contact you.

Rabies vaccinations, as well as yearly vaccinations for both dogs (DA2PP, Bordatella) and cats (FVRCP), are also being offered for only $15 each.  Dog toenail trims for $15 and cat toenails $10.

They ask that you please bring your dogs on leashes and place your cat in a carrier for this event.

All proceeds benefit the animals and programs of Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation. www.noahsark.org

Paul Clawson

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, September 28th, 2023 at 10:08 am CDT

Paul Ervin Clawson age 94, originally from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, passed away September 7, 2023, at Prestige Centre in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. A memorial service was held for Paul at The Clark Family Funeral Chapel in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

A burial ceremony and inurnment of ashes will take place at Oakland Mills Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on October 5, 2023, at 1 p.m. Paul and Gloria Clawson’s ashes will be inurned together. Gloria, Paul’s wife, passed away on November 30, 2010. Paul and Gloria were married on October 16, 1994, in Reno, Nevada. Gloria passed away in North Fort Myers, Florida, where Paul and Gloria had spent a happy 16 years.

Memorial contributions in Paul E. Clawson’s name may be made to the American Legion Post 58, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where Paul was a lifetime member. Send donations to: American Legion, Post 58, C/O: Post Commander, Mr. Dean King, 300 West Monroe Street, Mt. Pleasant, IA, 52641-2111.

Paul was born April 19, 1929, son of the late Samuel and Reba Clawson. Paul proudly served as a radio engineer in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, he worked in the Chicago Aerial Industry in Melrose Park, IL and Barrington, IL. He was later self-employed in electronic sales.

Paul started a family with Vera Clawson in Illinois and raised two sons. He was a Cub Scout leader, a Little League Coach, Little League President and an Elder at St. Matthew Church in Barrington, IL.

Paul and Gloria were blessed to find each other and shared a special love. They enjoyed fishing, golfing, swimming, riding bikes, playing cards, going out to eat, theater, shelling on Sanibel Island, traveling, and, most of all, spending time with family and friends.

Paul is survived by his children: Steven (Robin, deceased) Clawson of Boca Raton, FL, David (Diane) Clawson of Elkhorn, WI; step-children: Larry Visner and Suzanne Canevello of Grand Haven, MI, Jeff (Susan) Visner of Eagle River, WI, Sandra (Gregg) Smith of Amboy, WA, Bob Howell of Mt. Pleasant, MI, Ted Visner of Remus, MI, Kathy Smith of Remus, MI, Mike (Paula) Visner of Eagle River, WI; grandchildren: Christopher (Natalie) Clawson, Allison Visner, Raymond (Josie) Visner, Jason (Rachel) Visner, Jessica Visner, Ashley (Elly) Schaaf, Nick (Jill) Visner, Lexi Visner, Matthew Visner, Ross Howell; great-grandchildren: Charlie Clawson, Emerie Clawson, Caden Visner, Aldyn Visner, Katie Visner, Luke Oliver Visner. Paul is survived by his sister: Evelyn (Ben, deceased) Breazeale of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Beverly and Russell (daughter and son of Evelyn and Ben); Dennis (son of Ralph), and a dear friend, Faye Adams, deceased.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Clawson, parents, Samuel and Reba Clawson, brother, Ralph Clawson, and other cherished family members and friends.

All who knew Paul and/or Gloria are welcome to attend the burial service at Oakland Mills Cemetery on Thursday, October 5, at 1:00 p.m. An Air Force Honor Guard, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion joint honors contingent will be present to honor Paul’s military service.

The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Crisis Averted As Driver Successfully Maneuvers Vehicle After Wheel Falls Off

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, September 28th, 2023 at 8:39 am CDT

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the 3000 blk of Hwy 61 for a one vehicle accident on September 27th, at 11:58am. Deputies made contact with the driver, identified as Haley Hieatt.

Haley told deputies that she was traveling southbound on Hwy 61 when her driver’s side front tire fell off the vehicle. It began to roll down the highway. She decided to enter a ditch in an attempt to avoid striking other motorists.

Haley proceeded to tell deputies that she was wearing her seat belt, driving at the posted speed limit, and was uninjured. Her vehicle sustained damages to the front driver’s side from where the tire came off the vehicle as it was going down the highway. The airbags did not deploy.

Haley’s car was towed from the scene.