Sports, August 10th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, August 10th, 2023 at 6:39 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. 

Winfield-Mt. Union’s senior heavy lineup excites Head Coach Scott McCarty as his team looks to bring Winfield-Mt. Union back to the playoffs. 

Preview for High School Volleyball

Mt. Pleasant’s first game of the season will be a road trip to Burlington on August 21st to take on the Grayhounds in Logan Wall’s first game at the helm for the Panthers. 

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. 

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.

Iowa Hawkeye Athletics

Kaleb Johnson, the Hawkeye’s sophomore running back, is on the watchlist for the Doak Walker Award, which is given to the top running back in the nation. Johnson rushed for 779 yards and six touchdowns in his freshman season, which broke the Iowa freshman mark for rushing yards and earned him All-America honors. Shonn Greene was the last Hawkeye to win the award, back in 2008.

Caitlin Clark has been named a finalist for the AAU James E. Sullivan Award. This comes on the heels of a legendary season for Clark who earned Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year, the Honda Cup, and Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year. The public can vote once a day for this award just by clicking Here. 

This Day in Sports History

1901 – Chicago White Sox Frank Isbell strands a record 11 base runners. 

1944 – Braves Red Barrett throws only 58 pitches to shut out Cincinnati Reds 2-0. Sets an unofficial major league record for the fewest pitches thrown in a nine-inning game.

1971 – Twins’ Harmon Killebrew is 10th to amass 500 Home runs and added his 501st.

Weekly Fuel Report

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, August 10th, 2023 at 6:30 am CDT

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 1 cent, averaging $3.80 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $2.92 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $83.91.
  • Brent crude oil rose $2.36 and is currently priced at $86.94.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $91.67 and Brent crude was at $97.18.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.80 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices fell 1 cent from last week’s price and are up 16 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.83, up 1 cent from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 4 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.05.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $4.77 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 17 cents less than the national average of $4.22.
  • Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.87 for U87-E10, $3.31 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $3.17 for ULSD#2, $3.70 for ULSD#1, and $2.54 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices rose 36 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.93/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.

2023 Henry County Health Center Foundation Grant Opportunity

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, August 10th, 2023 at 6:14 am CDT

The Parkview Home in Wayland received a grant from the Henry County Health Center Foundation. This grant provided $1,000 towards the purchase of new dining chairs. Parkview Home was able to match the funds with other Grants to purchase the new chairs. The HCHC Foundation seeks to enhance the health and well-being of Henry County individuals and families by generating financial resources to groups and organizations with a specific health related project.

The Foundation will fund projects in six health related priority areas: 1) Science and Technology, 2) Health Education, 3) Health Programming, 4) Workforce Development, 5) Workforce Recruitment and 6) Capacity Building.   Those seeking funds should submit Letters of Intent to HCHC Foundation by dropping off a copy of the letter at the Health Center, 407 S White St, Mt Pleasant, or by emailing Foundation Director Mark Hempen at MHempen@greatriverhealth.org. Letters of Intent should include organization information, project information and dollar amount requested. If the Foundation determines the program or project meets eligibility requirements, the applicant will receive an invitation to submit a full grant application.

Consideration for funding will be given to proposals which closely align with the Foundation’s mission, have the potential to achieve both the objectives of the applicant organization and program goals of the Foundation, and have the potential for long-term impact and sustainability in the community.   For additional details please contact HCHC Foundation Director, Mark Hempen at 319-385-6541, or mhempen@greatriverhealth.org.

Kristina Gina Collora Pearson

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, August 10th, 2023 at 5:56 am CDT

Kristina Gina Collora Pearson, age 30, of Wellman, passed unexpectedly Monday, August 7, 2023, surrounded by loving family at the University of Iowa Hospital as a result of an automobile accident.

Kristi was born July 29, 1993, in Iowa City IA, the daughter of Sam and Judi (Conrad) Collora, the youngest of 5 siblings who affectionately called her “Babo”. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 2012, and continued her education at the University of Iowa.

Kristi was an expert at climbing trees. She was good at finding four-leaf clovers. She was passionate about all critters, while her Cataheeler puppies were her pride and joy. She was a talented artist, a fiercely loyal friend, an amazing gift-giver, and an incredible caretaker.

Kristi was bright and bold and strong and determined and scrappy and accomplished and talented and beautiful and incisively witty. She had farm-girl knowledge applied with abundant creativity and a work ethic uncommonly rivaled. She deeply loved her partner, family, and friends and was exceptional at showing up to help whenever and wherever she was needed. Her spirit was a truly undimmable light.

Kristi is survived by her parents, Sam and Judi Collora of Mount Pleasant; partner Chris Brown of Wellman; three sisters Gina (Mark) Burns of Mount Pleasant, Maria (Joel) McCaw of Iowa City, Theresa (Flint) Ory of Cumming, Georgia; brother Sammy (Melanie) Collora of rural Germanville; nieces and nephews, Tyler (Courtney) Davis, Jaden Davis, Bowen Davis, Ramzy Davis, Cole Burns, Cayla Burns, Cole White, Brianna White, AJ White, Dayton McCaw, Brennen Ory, Becket Ory, Rousseau Ory, and Collins Collora; and great niece Marlie Davis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 14, 2023, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Father Joseph Phung and Father Paul Connolly will serve as co-celebrants. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery; she will rest beside her beloved Grandma Geezer. Visitation will be held for extended family from 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. and for the public from 1:30 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, at Mount Pleasant High School with the family present. Rosary will begin at 5 p.m. A memorial fund has been established to assist Chris Brown with his recovery. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Kristi and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Sports, August 9th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, August 9th, 2023 at 6:26 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. 

One of the big players to look out for Winfield-Mt. Union will also be one of their senior leaders, Cam Buffington. The University of Iowa commit will cause defenses to focus most of their attention on him, but Head Coach Scott McCarty highlighted some other names you should expect to see this fall.

Preview for High School Volleyball

Mt. Pleasant’s first game of the season will be on a road trip to Burlington on August 21st to take on the Grayhounds in Logan Wall’s first game at the helm for the Panthers. 

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. 

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.

College Conference Rumors

After the Pac-12 lost five teams last week to other conferences, the ACC presidents talked about the potential of adding Stanford and Cal, two of the four remaining teams in the conference, to the mix. 

The matter was not put to a vote as the conference continues to evaluate the finances that would have to go into the deal. Schools would need to make a decision by the August 15th deadline whether they will move conferences or not for the 2024 season.

The ACC has not participated in most of the deals that have preceded this potential move as Texas and Oklahoma will move to the SEC, and the Big Ten and Big 12 added four schools all within the last couple of months.

This Day in Sports History

1936 – Jesse Owens is part of the American 4 x 100 meter relay team that wins gold in a then-world record time (39.8) at the Berlin Olympics; his 4th gold medal of the Games.

1963 – New York Met pitcher Roger Craig’s NL record-tying 18-game losing streak ends with a complete game 7–3 win over the Chicago Cubs at the Polo Grounds in New York.

2012 – Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt wins the 200 meter dash at the London Olympics in 19.32 seconds to become first to win 100/200 meter dash double in back-to-back Olympics.

Two Vehicle Accident in Mount Pleasant

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 8th, 2023 at 1:15 pm CDT

On Monday August 7th,  just before 5 p.m., the Mount Pleasant Police Department was dispatched to the intersection of North Jefferson Street and West Monroe Street for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Upon investigation it was determined that 2012 Honda CRV operated by Susan Clark of Mount Pleasant, was stopped at the stop sign in the 100 block of North Jefferson Street at the intersection of West Monroe Street facing south. A 1988 Chevrolet S10 operated by Matthew Keiser of Burlington, was traveling southbound in the 100 block of North Jefferson Street directly behind the Honda CRV. The Chevrolet S10 failed to stop in an assured clear distance and caused a rear end collision with the Honda CRV. The damage the Honda CRV sustained is estimated to be in excess of $5,000.00. The damage the Chevrolet S10 sustained is estimated to be in excess of $1,000.00. Matthew was cited for failure to stop in assured clear distance and no valid driver’s license. No injuries were reported to Law Enforcement.  The Mount Pleasant Police Department was assisted by Newberry towing and recovery.

Lane closure on Mississippi River bridge near Keokuk until Friday, Aug. 11

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 8th, 2023 at 1:13 pm CDT

If you are driving on westbound U.S. 136 from Illinois into Iowa near Keokuk in the next few days you need to be aware of a lane closure at the Mississippi River bridge that may slow down your trip. Construction crews will be repairing erosion and pavement damage near the bridge caused by recent rains and flooding. You may want to consider taking another route if possible.

Darlene “Dar” Moffett

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, August 8th, 2023 at 1:01 pm CDT

Darlene “Dar” Moffett, 76, of Salem, died Monday, August 7, 2023, at her home after a 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Dar was born March 31, 1947, in Dubuque, Iowa. She was the daughter of Charles and Adelia (Atkinson) Adams. She graduated from Auburn High School in Rockford, IL, in 1965. On August 27, 1966, Dar was united in marriage to Mike Moffett (Salem, IA) in Rockford, IL. The couple made their home in the Burlington, Mount Pleasant and Salem communities. Dar worked in the mental health field at locations in Burlington and Mount Pleasant. She enjoyed gardening, picking berries, canning, and showing horses. Mike and Dar volunteered as foster parents. Dar was active in the Burlington High School booster club and Horse Futurities.

Dar was known as “Mom” to so many of her kids’ friends. You never know who would be at the house to eat or sleep. Mike and Dar loved taking road trips together to watch their grandkids play sports all over the United States and if they couldn’t make the trip, they would be cheering them on by watching live streams of games at home.

Dar is survived by her husband Mike; son Erik (Amy) Moffett of Denmark; two daughters Traci (Craig Lewis) Johnson of Bates City, MO, Nikki (Tyrus) Czeschin of Vestavia Hills, AL; seven grandchildren Aubrey and Ava Moffett, Gabe and Zane Czeschin, Kelsey (Clinton) Davis, Brayden and Blake Johnson; one great grandson Crew Davis; brother Dale (Vicki) Adams of Rockton, IL, Donna (Joe) Kowalewski of Rockford, IL, Glen Higgenbotham, Peg Johnson; in laws Merritt (Dee) Moffett of New London, Mark (Linda) Moffett of Mount Pleasant, and Beverly Sloan of Eldon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Tate Czeschin, brother Buzzy Adams and sister Charlene Adams, brother-in-law Jerry Sloan, brother-in-law Roger Newbold, and sister-in-law Joan Newbold.

Funeral service will be 11:00 am Friday, August 11, 2023, at Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory in Mount Pleasant. Mr. Brad Gillis will officiate. Burial will be in the Salem East Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1-6 pm Thursday, August 10, 2023, at the Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory. The family will be present to greet friends beginning at 4:00 pm. A general memorial fund has been established. www.powellfuneralhomes.com