Prep Volleyball: Holy Trinity Catholic and New London Set to Meet in a Top 10 Matchup Tonight

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, August 31st, 2023 at 11:34 am CDT

New London, IA- There’s always a certain excitement when it’s the beginning of the season, but for #8 New London their second game of the season will have the atmosphere of a playoff match as the Tigers take on #2 Holy Trinity Catholic at home tonight.

The two teams split their matchups last season with each team getting a sweep of the other; interestingly enough, the largest winning differential in any of the sets was just 8 points. On average the sets were determined by just five points. Of course, the competitive nature of the matches makes sense since the Crusaders earned a trip to the state tournament last season, while the Tigers came up just a set short.

Nevertheless, both teams dropped a couple talented seniors from last year’s team as New London loss Emma Nye, Eliana Manning, Natalie Burden, and Camryn Lair and Holy Trinity Catholic graduated Kayla Box, Alexa Dingman, Laura Mehmert, and Brooke Mueller. The Crusaders will also be missing Reagan Holvoet due to a preseason injury.

But the Crusaders truly have not missed a step with Natalie Randolph returning from her season-ending injury from her junior season as they find themselves touting a 7-3 record after going 3-3 at the Skip Anderson Tournament at Bondurant-Farrar and an undefeated run through the Wapello tournament.

Their 5-2 offense has allowed Randolph (69 assists) and Anna Bendlage (68 assists) to feed their attackers in Mary Kate Bendlage (50 kills) and Presley Myers (52 kills). Myers 0.404 kill efficiency and 16 blocks on the season are exciting advancements for the sophomore. Additionally, Adalyn Kruse has provided some youth to this experienced squad as she has tallied 10 aces in their first 10 games.

New London had more to replace, but also bring back talented seniors in Tysann Gipple (201 kills last season) and Sophie Malott (220 kills) to attack opposing defenses. Morgan Jones, a junior, provides a reliable source on defense and on the service line for the Tigers.

While the Crusaders are running high on a four-game win streak, the Tigers fell in their first match of the season to North Mahaska three sets to one. It was competitive throughout with New London winning set one 25-22, but the Warhawks glided past the Tigers 25-18, 25-20, and 25-17 in the final three sets.

However, it’s volleyball in Southeast Iowa, so the only certainty about the game tonight is there will be a competitiveness and intensity that seems more attune to a playoff game than a late August matchup.

Christamore House Closing – Comments from Representative Collins and MP Police Chief Murray

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, August 31st, 2023 at 10:24 am CDT

The Christamore House of Mt. Pleasant has announced its closure effective Friday, September 1st, 2023. This comes after the MP Police Chief asked the community to call their representatives and ask for change. The Christamore House has caused the Police Department many problems and costs the taxpayers money due to the high number of calls coming from there. A comment from an interview with the Police Chief on August 17th reveals some of the issues coming from the family treatment center. “Mount Pleasant Police Chief Lyle Murray has contacted the Department of Human Services twice on this facility due to broken windows, broken furniture, minors climbing out of windows, fighting in the streets, assaults on staff members, and inappropriate sexual relations on campus.”

Representative Taylor Collins commented on the immediate closure in an interview, mentioning how he was thankful for the citizens who reached out to their representatives.

Mt. Pleasant Police Chief Lyle Murray gave a statement regarding the closure and how he believes it “will be good” for the community. He also thinks the taxpayers of Henry County will be thankful as well, as the constant calls for service to the Christamore House drained Police Department resources.

We are unaware of what the soon to be vacant building will eventually host, but starting tomorrow, it will no longer be the Christamore House.

Alarming Amount of Iowans Admit to Cell Phone Use While Behind the Wheel

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, August 31st, 2023 at 6:43 am CDT

During this year’s Iowa State Fair, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau partnered with the Iowa State Patrol to survey fairgoers about mobile device and seat belt use in vehicles. Iowans from nearly every county were polled and represented in the data. The results show lower seat belt use in the backseat, an alarming number of drivers holding cell phones, and broad support for hands-free legislation.

Results from the survey of 1459 Iowans show cell phone use behind the wheel is prevalent with 51% of drivers admitting to always or sometimes having a mobile device in hand. Despite high usage, 85% surveyed support hands-free legislation.  Bills limiting cell phone use by mandating hands-free technology have been introduced in the Iowa Legislature since 2019, all attempts at passage have been unsuccessful.

Over 55% of Iowa’s passenger vehicle traffic fatalities are unbelted/unknown. While 91% of Iowans polled reported always buckling up when driving, only 66% always wear a seat belt in the backseat. This statistic comes on the heels of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announcing a proposed rule to require front and rear seat belt warning systems for drivers in most new vehicles manufactured in the United States. Iowa has a primary seat belt law for front seat passengers only. Passengers over 18 in rear seats are not required to wear a seat belt.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce deaths and injuries on Iowa’s roadways using federally funded grants.

Sports, August 31st

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, August 31st, 2023 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant will be traveling to face off against West Burlington tomorrow, September 1st, who is 1-0 after taking down Wapello last Friday. KILJ will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

In other Class 3A District 4 matchups, Washington will host Burlington. Keokuk will take on Pella at home and Fairfield will travel to face off against Fort Madison. 

Mediapolis will travel to take on Sigourney Keota at 7 pm.

Central Lee will compete against Cardinal at home. 

Van Buren County hosts Pekin at 7 pm.

Danville will have their first home game this week against Highland.

Winfield-Mt. Union and New London combine for a district matchup tomorrow at 7 pm. 

WACO takes on the 2-0 Iowa Valley Tigers tomorrow at home.

High School Volleyball

Mt. Pleasant will take on Albia tonight in a road matchup at 7 pm. 

New London will host Holy Trinity Catholic tonight to start their season. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will compete in the English Valleys Tournament on Saturday, September 2nd.

WACO will host Hillcrest Academy tonight.

Van Buren County will face off against Central Lee today.

Cross Country

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Pella on Saturday, September 2nd, to compete in a meet at Central College.

Danville’s first meet will be today in Ottumwa.

College Football

The University of Iowa will be hosting Utah State this Saturday, September 2nd. Cade McNamara is questionable heading into the matchup this weekend. Deacon Hill will get the start if McNamara is unable to play.

Iowa State University will be taking on the University of Northern Iowa this Saturday at 1 pm in Ames. 

Both games will be on KILJ with the Hawkeyes on FM stations and the Cyclones on the AM station at their respective times. 

The College Football Playoff was expected to expand to a 12-team format heading into the 2024 season, but with the Pac-12’s dissolution imminent for the 2024 season the expansion has been put on halt until the “dust settles.” 

The expanded model would have the six highest-ranked conference champions plus the next six highest-ranked teams, which focuses on the conference champion from each Power 5 Conference, which includes the Pac-12, then one Group 5 champion.

10 FBS commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director discussed the possibility of picking the five highest-ranked conference then the next seven highest-ranked teams, or the option of 12 at-large teams. However, no final decision was reached. 

This Day in Sports History

1894 – Phillies outfielder Billy Hamilton equals George Gore’s MLB single game stolen bases record with 7 steals in 10-8 win vs Washington Senators in Philadelphia.

1987 – The Great Potato Incident: Minor league Williamsport Bills catcher Dave Bresnahan attempts to lure an opposing baserunner off third base using a potato carved to look like a baseball. Umpire calls runner safe, and the catcher is fined $50 and released by the team.

1990 – Baseball outfielders Ken Griffey and Ken Griffey Jr. become the 1st father and son to play on the same team (Seattle Mariners), the pair hit back-to-back singles in the first inning and both scored.

Secretary Naig Encourages Fuel Retailers to Apply for Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program Grants

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, August 31st, 2023 at 5:56 am CDT

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging Iowa fuel retailers to apply for cost-share grants through the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) to upgrade fueling systems and provide consumers with greater access to higher blends of lower-cost biofuels.

The RFIP helps fuel retailers provide more consumer options for higher blends of lower cost Iowa grown biofuels by incentivizing the installation, replacement and conversion of ethanol and biodiesel dispensing and storage infrastructure. Incentives to upgrade biodiesel terminal and storage facilities are also available.

During the 2023 legislative session, Gov. Reynolds and the Iowa Legislature authorized a record $15 million for the program during this fiscal year, up from $10 million last year. This increase builds off the momentum that was established during the 2022 session when Iowa became the first state in the nation to establish an E15 access standard.

“As Iowans continue to face expensive fuel costs and unacceptably hot inflation, consumers benefit from greater access to higher blends of lower-cost biofuels,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Given the historic investment made by Gov. Reynolds and the Legislature in this grant program, there has never been a better time for fuel retailers to utilize this cost-share funding to upgrade their fueling infrastructure and help Iowans save money at the pump.”

While the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship manages the program, a board appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate determines grant allocations on a quarterly basis. The board will consider the next round of RFIP grant applications during its next quarterly meeting on Wednesday, October 11. The RFIP grant application is available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website. To be considered at the next meeting, grant applications are due to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship by the close of business on Monday, September 25.

Over the history of the RFIP program, the state has invested approximately $75 million while private industry has invested over $225 million. To learn more about the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program, visit the program’s webpage on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website.

Edwin Saltzman

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, August 30th, 2023 at 2:13 pm CDT

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edwin Junior Saltzman. Along with the sadness, however, there is the joyful knowledge that he is with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and that we will see him again. Ed passed away peacefully at his home in Bakersfield on August 20, 2023, at the age of 97.

Graveside services will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the North Hill Cemetery, north of Wayland, Iowa. Beatty-Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting with local arrangements.

Ed was born to Edwin J and Harriette Pauline (Boshart) Saltzman on March 5, 1926, in Henry County, Iowa. Ed’s mother passed away when he was 3 years old, and he spent the next few years alternately living with grandparents and various aunts and uncles. At one time, he even lived next door to a young girl named Lois Barquist, who would later become his wife. In fact, the story was often repeated about how he told his Grandma Saltzman “I’m going to marry that girl one day.” Despite being moved around from relative to relative during these years, Ed always talked about what a wonderful and blessed childhood he had, claiming that his Boshart relatives “spoiled him rotten”. At the age of 7, Ed’s father married Zola Seberg and he later moved back to live with his father and stepmother, and his brother, Dennis.

Ed attended a number of different schools while growing up, but he eventually transferred to Olds Consolidated High School, in Olds, Iowa, where he became reacquainted with Lois Barquist. Knowing she was not allowed to date until she was 16, Ed asked her out for a date soon after her 16th birthday, and the rest is history. After graduating from high school in 1944, Ed enlisted in the Army Air Corps with hopes of becoming a pilot. Ed remained stateside during World War II, serving primarily in Texas and New Mexico. After the completion of his military service, Ed moved back to Iowa with the intention of becoming a farmer like his father. His father’s desire, however, was that Ed go to college, so he enrolled in Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, majoring in Physics and graduating in 1950. After completing his first year of college Ed and Lois married on June 16th, 1947. In 1951, Ed moved to California with Lois and their 2 children, Ann and David, to work for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (later becoming NASA), located at Edwards Air Force Base. During the years from 1954 to 1965, Ed and Lois added to their family with Mary, Beth, Bill, and John. Ed spent a total of 51 years at NASA, where he considered himself lucky to have a job that he loved so much. During his tenure at NASA, Ed was involved in many different projects, but his most rewarding projects would have to be his work on the X-15 and his research on improving the aerodynamics and fuel efficiency of long haul tractor trailer rigs. Ed’s work with the X-15 resulted in many published research papers, one of which was displayed in the Smithsonian as part of their X-15 exhibit in the National Air and Space Museum. For his aerodynamic truck work, Ed was inducted in 2009 into the Space Technology Hall of Fame.

Outside of his work life, Ed was always active and he loved the outdoors and hiking. Of particular note was his love of the Grand Canyon, which he described as his favorite place on Earth. He participated in many hikes to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with NASA friends and family members, and participated in 3 rafting trips through the canyon. What is especially noteworthy was his hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, a distance of 9.5 miles, when he was 86 years old, and his almost 300 mile canyon rafting trip when he was 93. Ed also loved to write poetry under the pen-name of Edwin Allen Poo, and he often talked about how much pleasure was gained from using the creative part of his brain. After the passing of Lois in 2013, Ed became involved with a group of friends that he referred to as “the geezers” or “the liar’s club”, and greatly enjoyed their weekly breakfast meetings and occasional field trips. A recent highlight of Ed’s life was his participation in May of 2022 of an Honor Flight to Washington DC. Aside from two “Rosie the Riveters”, Ed was the oldest World War II veteran on the trip and he felt honored to have served his country and to have accompanied other Kern County veterans on the flight.

Ed was preceded in death by his high-school sweetheart, Lois, his brother Dennis, and his son John. He is survived by the following children and their spouses: Ann and Steve Slimp, David and Linda Saltzman, Mary and Richard Larson, Beth and James Rothfuss, Bill and Lucy Saltzman and Janet Saltzman. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 2 nephews 4 nieces, and many cousins.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Alan Cartmell, Alan Thomas, PA, the staff from CBCC, Hoffmann Hospice, and Tara Hager, RN, for providing such excellent care to a much beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations in Ed’s name be made to one of the following charitable organizations: Kern County Cancer Foundation, Hoffman Hospice, or Honor Flight Kern County.

Washington Couple Found Guilty of Sex Abuse and Expolitation

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, August 30th, 2023 at 2:12 pm CDT

A Washington County jury returned a total of seven guilty verdicts on August 29th, in the cases against Deven Cornelius Gregory, 45, and Karolla Andrea Gregory, 47. The trial began last Tuesday, August 22 and concluded with closing arguments a week later. The jury delivered its verdict early Tuesday afternoon and found the defendants guilty as charged on all accounts.

Devin Gregory was found guilty of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, both Class C felony offenses, as well as two counts of Supplying Alcohol to Person Under the Legal Age. Karolla Gregory was found guilty of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree and two counts of Supplying Alcohol to Person Under the Legal Age.

On August 29th, 2022, officers executed a search warrant at the Gregory residence in response to allegations of the couple enticing a minor into their home, supplying alcohol, and later committing or aiding and abetting sexual abuse. The couple was indicted in District Court in September of 2022.

After the trial, Assistant Washington County Attorney Shane McChurch recognized the efforts of those involved. “All credit to the Washington Police Department for their diligent investigation, the St. Luke’s Child Protection Center, and especially the victim, whose bravery and strength in seeing this case through to the end cannot be overstated. The defendants were remanded to the custody of the Washington County Jail to await sentencing, which has been scheduled for November 3, 2023.

Weekly Fuel Report August 30th

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, August 30th, 2023 at 1:40 pm CDT

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 4 cents, averaging $3.60 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $3.22 per barrel and is currently priced at $81.07.
  • Brent crude oil rose $3.03 and is currently priced at $85.26.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $91.64 and Brent crude was at $99.34.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.60 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices fell 4 cents from last week’s price and are up 9 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.83, down 2 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 14 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.25.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $4.94 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 19 cents less than the national average of $4.44.
  • Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.64 for U87-E10, $3.08 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $3.31 for ULSD#2, $3.82 for ULSD#1, and $2.48 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices rose 21 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.74/MMbtu.
  • We will continue reporting retail heating oil and propane prices in Iowa in September.
  • Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.