Joanne Roth

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, August 14th, 2023 at 3:23 pm CDT

Joanne Roth, 86, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Saturday, August 12, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.

The visitation and memorial services will be held at Washington Mennonite Church. Visitation 4-7 PM on Friday, August 18, 2023. Memorial service 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 19, 2023. The service will be available via Livestream at the Beatty Peterseim YouTube page. Condolences may be mailed to: Roger Roth, 2800 Coppock Road, Wayland, Iowa 52353. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Crooked Creek Christian Camp, Washington, Iowa or Hospice of Washington County. The Beatty-Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Joanne Roth was born in Newton, Kansas to Vernon and Lois (Kauffman) Roth on November 30, 1936, the oldest of eight children. In 1942, her family moved to southeastern Iowa to escape the dustbowl. Her father farmed south of Washington (now the site of Crooked Creek Christian Camp). She attended Gray School, a single room schoolhouse, later graduating from Hesston Academy and College in Kansas. Joanne took her Christian faith seriously, baptized as a young teen, and maturing in her faith while attending Hesston Academy. Joanne married Roger Roth in 1960 and worked as a legal secretary at a Washington law firm until she had children, later returning to work during tax season when her children were in high school. She loved singing and made it her mission to give her children the opportunity to study music. In her sixties, she returned to piano lessons with her teacher from childhood and was determined to overcome her lifelong fear of water by taking swimming lessons. Her travels with Roger took them to South Africa to visit their beloved exchange student, Cheryl (Joseph) Smith. They spent their winters in Sarasota, Florida connecting with Roger’s brothers and their wives and making new friends in their mobile home community and the Sarasota Community Church. After retirement from the farm east of Wayland, Joanne helped design a new home on a bluff overlooking timbered creek bottom that was part of her family’s farm.

Her faith sustained her through the tragic untimely deaths of four of her siblings: Brenda (3 years-old, meningitis), Phil (21 years-old, car accident), and Jim and Stan Roth (54 and 50 years-old, plane crash).

She had a good sense of humor, was an excellent cinnamon-roll maker, and loved creating a home. Even in her last year of life, when cognitive impairment challenged her identity as a competent homemaker, she made new friends and connections.

Joanne was Roger’s beloved wife for 63 years; loving mother to her children Kendra Landes of Iowa City, Erin Roth of Baltimore, Maryland, and Tyler Roth of Goshen, Indiana; mother-in-law to Jeff Landes, Chris Giannella, and Sarah Roth; grandmother to Katelin (Landes) Hamlin, Kelsey (Landes) Mason, Emma (Roth) Headings, Grace Roth, Matthew Roth, Tillman Giannella and Matteo Giannella, and great-grandmother to five. Joanne was an older sister to Becky Roth and Lowell Roth of Hesston, Kansas and Marci (Roth) Huxman of Moundridge, Kansas. Sister-in-law to Stan Wiens (Becky), Donna Roth Hillis (Jim), Cindi Roth (Lowell), Jan Roth (Stan), Gary Huxman (Marci). Joanne was an aunt to over twenty nieces and nephews. She was also a loyal friend and dedicated member of Washington Mennonite Church, her faith community.

Helen Elizabeth Wall

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, August 14th, 2023 at 3:22 pm CDT

Helen Elizabeth Wall, 93, of River Hills Village in Keokuk, formerly of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 12:35 a.m. Monday August 14, 2023, at River Hills Village.

Born  January 31, 1930, in Mt. Hamill, Iowa, the daughter of Jake and Mamie (Norton) Young. On May 7, 1950, she married Norman Wall in Donnellson, Iowa. He preceded her in death on October 23, 1966.

She is survived by her daughter: Janis (Bobby) Davidson of Farmington, Iowa; Son-in-law Greg Boyer Farmington, Iowa; Grandchildren: Amy Lambert, Bryan (Tammy) Case, Elisha (Jeron) Lindsay, Harley (Christie) Davidson, Luke (Alisha) Davidson, Hattie Boyer, Frank (Debbie) Boyer, Annie (Aaron) Burrow and Laramie Wall. Sixteen great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren. Brother: Fred (Judy) Young of Donnellson, Iowa and sister: Viola “Vi” (Carroll) Wilson of Fort Madison, Iowa. Also surviving is one sister-in-law Jeanette Young and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son: Larry; two daughters: Norma and Rita; three brothers: Robert, Jerome and Linus. One great grand daughter Heather. Niece Kay Junkins and nephew Kevin Young.

Helen was a member of the Zion Mennonite Church, the Donnellson American Legion Auxiliary, The Red Hat Society, Joy Circle, The Lee County Retired School Personnel. She was a former member of the Donnellson Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder. She  was also involved in Girl Scouts for 48 years. A 1948 graduate of Donnellson High School Helen taught in in rural schools. She retired in 1993 from the postal service where she had worked for fourteen years. Helen enjoyed sewing and making crafts for her family, playing cards especially Euchre and Feathers.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Friday at the Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M.  Friday August 18, 2023 at the Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Pastor Rachael Luitjenes officiating.

Burial will be in the Evangelical Cemetery near Donnellson.

A memorial has been established in her memory for the Donnellson Fire and Rescue or the Central Lee Foundation for the Kevin Young Scholorship.

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

Richard “Dick” Larson

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, August 14th, 2023 at 3:18 pm CDT

Richard “Dick” Larson, 78, of Winfield, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023, at his home in Winfield.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the Winfield United Methodist Church.  Burial will be in the Sheridan Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to SE Iowa Regional Hospice in memory of Dick.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com. Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Winfield is caring for Dick’s family and arrangements.

Richard Dean Larson was born on August 14, 1944, in Burlington, Iowa the son of Dale and Bernadine (Bozarth) Larson.  He was a 1962 graduate of Winfield- Mt. Union High School.  Dick served in the United States Army Reserves for six years during the Vietnam War.  On January 26, 1964, Dick was united in marriage to Mary Helmerson in New London.  He was a farmer in the Winfield area his entire life.  Dick was a past member of the Winfield United Methodist Church and past president of the Winfield Co-op.  He enjoyed attending his children’s school activities, watching NFL football and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, but most of all, he dearly loved to spend time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Dick will be deeply missed by his children, Scot (Sheila) Larson of Dallas, Texas and Lisa Bata of Marion; three grandchildren, Zane Larson, Sydney Boysen and Jayci Bata; siblings, Larry Larson of Iowa City, Jeff Larson of North Richland Hills, Texas and Cindy (Bill) Finke of Winfield and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Sharon Helmerson of New London.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Mary in 2017.

 

Update on Iowa Wesleyan University Properties

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, August 14th, 2023 at 2:31 pm CDT

Iowa Wesleyan University’s closure has conjured speculation and questions as to what would happen to the surrounding buildings and property. Answers have slowly started funneling their way to the community.

A private individual, a well-known developer in Southeast Iowa, has purchased the East Hershey and West Hershey buildings along with both dorm buildings.

A different local buyer has purchased the Science Hall and Nemitz Suites; however, no information has been released on the plans for the buildings due to a non-disclosure agreement. The same local buyer is also discussing the possibility of purchasing the library, but the closing entity on the Iowa Wesleyan University has repairs to complete before closing can occur.

The City of Mount Pleasant is in conversations to purchase the white building closest to The Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities building. The City of Mount Pleasant was also planning on buying the Old Gym building, but an inspection revealed that the tuck pointing is almost nonexistent and an overwhelming presence of asbestos. Asbestos will need to be removed before anything can be done with the building, and demolition costs are estimated between $300,000 and $800,000.

Concerning the Harlan Statue and the Belle Babbs Mansfield Statue, both are set to stay on campus. If there are any unseen issues leading to the necessary movement of the statues, then the first location would be the Henry County Courthouse.

The Harlan Lincoln House has been excluded from discussions, even though it is listed as collateral on the USDA loan, due to the important historical value. Instead, the Harlan Lincoln House will be entrusted to its own 501C3 non-profit organization, spearheaded by Elizabeth Garrels.

Another important historical building on campus is Old Main, also known as the birthplace of P.E.O. Doug Moore updated that the P.E.O organization in Mount Pleasant as well as the Southeast Iowa Symphony have been able to keep their important items locked away on Campus.

The Mount Pleasant School Board meeting scheduled tonight at 6 p.m. in the high school media center will have an important topic of discussion: the consideration to approve the purchase of the Iowa Wesleyan University Practice Fields and the Central Campus. The Chapel, Howe Student Activity Center, and Old Main would all be included in the defined Central Campus.

Hawkeyes Ranked #25 in AP Preseason Football Polls

By Slaten Swords · Monday, August 14th, 2023 at 11:50 am CDT

NCAAF- The preseason AP top 25 for college football has been released and Georgia is the heavyweight favorite coming into the season according to the coaches and now the media.

Michigan, Ohio State, and Alabama make up the rest of the top four, respectively. The SEC still touts the most top 25 teams with a total of six: Georgia, Alabama, #5 LSU, #12 Tennessee, #22 Ole Miss, and #23 Texas A&M.

Big Ten and Pac-12 are next on the list with five teams apiece. USC is the highest ranked team for the Pac-12 as the Trojans are ranked 6th. Iowa was not ranked in the coaches’ poll but are ranked #25 in the AP poll with a stout defense and an offense led by Michigan transfer Cade McNamara.

The Big 12 has four teams and the ACC locked in with three teams. Kansas State is the highest ranked team for the Big 12 at #16 and Florida State is ranked 8th for the ACC. Notre Dame is the only Independent school ranked at #13. Lastly, Tulane is ranked #24 as the only American Athletic Conference school.

Notre Dame and Navy will have the first game of the season on August 26th at 1:30 pm as the Midshipmen and Fighting Irish square off in Dublin.

AGENDA FOR NEW LONDON CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, August 14th, 2023 at 8:42 am CDT

AGENDA FOR NEW LONDON CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 14TH, 2023 – MONDAY EVENING – 6:00 P.M. CITY OFFICE – 112 W. MAIN ST.

1. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR MEETING: Mayor Kirk Miller
2. ROLL CALL: Travis Benz, Brad Helmerson, Dan Berner, Scott Campbell and January Benjamin
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. INVOCATION: Kirk Miller
5. REPORTS:

  • a. Police Dept.
  • b. Fire Department (1)
  • c. Public Works (2)
  • d. Parks & Recreation
  • e. Utilities (3-6)
  • f. Child Care
  • g. Mayor

6. OPEN FORUM:
7. CONSENT AGENDA:

  • a. Approve minutes of previous meetings (7-11)
  • b. Accept Clerk’s Financial Reports (12-14)
  • c. Approve Payment of Claims (Handout)
  • d. Approve liquor license for Woobies (15-16)

8. OLD BUSINESS:

  • a. Approve the engagement agreement with Ahler’s & Cooney regarding the commercial
    development east of the baseball diamonds (17-20)

NEW BUSINESS:

  • b. Approve pay estimate #2 for Hickey Contracting for the Division St. Paving & Storm
    Sewer (21)
  • c. Approve advertising for the full-time equipment operator position in the Public Works Department (22)
  • d. Discuss and take action on Ryan Wilka’s request to extend the deadline or get paid for his unused vacation (23)
  • e. Discuss and take action on Rober & Cynde Lemley’s request for a refund for sewer services provided from watering the grass at their property at 500 S. Pine St. (24-25)

9. MEETINGS:

  • a. Public Works Committee, August 16th, 2023 at 6:30 A.M., Shop at WWTP
  • b. Public Safety Committee, August 16th, 2023 at 6:30 P.M., City Office
  • c. Regular City Council Meeting, September 11th, 2023 at 6:00 P.M., City Office

10. ADJOURNMENT

NEW LONDON CITY COUNCIL – OPEN FORUM NOTICE
The Open Forum portion of the New London City Council meeting is a time where the public is allowed to speak.
This is a courtesy that is extended to you. During this portion of the meeting the following guideline will be in
effect:
1. Upon being recognized by the Mayor, please stand if possible, and state you name and address for the record.
2. Unless you are a scheduled, approved organization making a presentation, you will have 3 minutes to
respectfully express your thoughts. Guest organizations will be under the discretion and management of the
Mayor as the presiding officer.
3. Understand that no formal motions or actions will be taken on items during this time. Your concerns may be
forwarded to the appropriate committee for further considerations and/or discussion.
4. All comments and discussion will remain respectful in nature to all parties.
5. Similar topics will be acknowledged, and forwarded to the appropriate department. However, repetition of
topics will be limited.
6. Any deviation from these guidelines will end you allotted time and you will be asked to be seated. Failure to
abide by these guidelines may lead to removal from the meeting at the order of the Mayor and possibly
charges of disorderly conduct if so warranted.
7. Your involvement on agenda items will be limited to the presentation of factual material as determined by the
Mayor. This the Council’s time for dealing with matters and will not include public opinions or question and
answer time; this is done during Public Hearings.

Sports, August 14th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, August 14th, 2023 at 6:25 am CDT

Preview for High School Football

Mt. Pleasant will be hosting Fairfield to begin the season on August 25th with John Bowlin leading the squad in his first season with the Panthers. 

Danville and Van Buren County will be competing in the same district in Class A with the Bears taking on Lynnville-Sully and the Warriors facing off against Central Lee.

In 8-man football, Winfield-Mt. Union begins their season against Central City. New London will travel to take on Easton Valley. Lastly, WACO’s week one matchup will be Fremont-Mills on the road. 

Preview for High School Volleyball

Mt. Pleasant’s first game of the season will be a road trip to Burlington on August 21st, but the Panthers will scrimmage WACO tonight. Head Coach Logan Wall told her squad that this year is a clean slate but effort and intention is a must for the upcoming season.

New London’s first game of the season will be a home matchup against Holy Trinity Catholic on August 31st. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will host Keokuk to start the season on August 24th. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will be participating in a tournament on August 26th hosted by Bondurant-Farrar to start their season. Head Coach Melissa Freesmeier believes that her Crusaders have made strides towards being a more complete team over the offseason.

WACO will host their own tournament on August 21st. Van Buren County will also be competing in the tournament. 

Central Lee will begin their season on August 26th with their own tournament starting at 9 am.

Upcoming Meet the Player Nights

Mt. Pleasant will be hosting their “Meet the Panthers Night” on August 18th at the Mapleleaf Athletic Complex; the only exception being the volleyball team will scrimmage at the high school at 4 pm. Introductions will begin at 7:15 pm starting with the Cheerleaders followed by Cross Country, Volleyball, and then Football. A cheer performance will lead into a run-through for the Panther football team.

Winfield-Mt. Union’s “Meet the Players” night will be August 21st at 7 pm.

Hawkeye Athletics

The Iowa Women’s basketball team is participating in an outdoor exhibition game for the first time in program history against DePaul on Sunday, October 15th, at 3 pm. There are two ticket options: $20 for the rain or shine ticket, which will allow the fan to attend the game if it must be moved inside, or the $10 option ($5 for students and youth) that covers only Kinnick stadium seating. 

The general public will have an opportunity to buy tickets on Thursday, August 17th, at 9 am. Iowa Women’s Basketball season ticket holders will get first dibs tomorrow, August 15th, at 9 am and I-Club contributors and football season ticket holders will get a chance on Wednesday, August 16th, at 9 am.

This Day in Sports History

1959 – The first American Football League meeting is held in Chicago; charter memberships handed to Dallas, New York, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles and Minneapolis-Saint Paul; ‘AFL’ named following week.

1964 – LA Angels pitcher Bo Belinsky is suspended after a hotel room fight with elderly Los Angeles Times sportswriter Braven Dyer.

2016 – Jamaican star Usain Bolt wins coveted Olympic 100m gold medal in 9.81 seconds at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics – first man to win the event three times.

Agency man arrested after high speed chase and altercation with deputy resulting in injuries

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, August 14th, 2023 at 6:22 am CDT

An Agency man has been arrested after allegedly leading Wapello County deputies on a high-speed chase, fleeing a traffic stop, and assaulting a deputy.

According to the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy stopped a Chevy Trailblazer in the 10000 block of River Road just before 8:10 PM on Wednesday due to expired tags. According to court documents, the vehicle’s driver, 42-year-old Kevin Cantu, was traveling 90 mph in a 35 mph zone and did not have a license. The chase entered Ottumwa’s city limits before coming to a halt at a house on South Davis St.

Cantu attempted to flee the pursuing deputy on foot but was restrained until the Ottumwa Police Department arrived on the scene.

The deputy allegedly hurt his left hand, right forearm, and left knee during the altercation.

According to court filings, a loaded handgun with a removed serial number fell from Cantu’s pants as he got up.

Cantu was arrested and transported to the Wapello County Jail where he has been charged with Eluding, three counts of possession or custody of a handgun by a felon, driving with a suspended license, and interference with official acts. Cantu’sbond has been set at $16,000.