Two Vehicle Accident in Keokuk, Iowa

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, July 31st, 2023 at 1:32 pm CDT

The Lee County Sherriff’s Department responded to a two-vehicle crash in Keokuk Sunday, June 30th. Sarah Sparrow was travelling northbound on highway 218 at approximately 60 miles per hour when she was struck by Candie Davis’s car.

Davis was cited for failing to yield to the vehicle on the right and for failing to wear a seatbelt. Sparrow had minor cuts and bruises on her legs, while Davis was transported by EMS after stating that she could not feel the left side of her body.

No other injuries were observed and both vehicles were towed due to the damage.

Single Vehicle Accident in Lee County due to Medical Emergency

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, July 31st, 2023 at 1:17 pm CDT

Sunday, July 30th the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single vehicle accident operated by Melanie Davis of Burlington, IA. Davis was traveling south in the 1700th block of HWY 61 when she had a medical issue and passed out. The vehicle continued into the west ditch and through a cornfield coming to a stop when it struck a culvert in the north ditch of 175th street. Davis was transported to the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center. No injuries were reported at the scene due to the accident.

Doris Wellington

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, July 31st, 2023 at 1:10 pm CDT

Doris Wellington, age 80, of Mount Pleasant, died Monday, July 31, 2023, at her home. Funeral services are pending at Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory.

Lee County Accident HWY 218 and HWY 61

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, July 31st, 2023 at 11:24 am CDT

On Friday, July 28th Lee County Sherriff’s Department responded to a two-vehicle collision at HWY 218 and HWY 61. James Wilsey of Keokuk, IA sustained front passenger damage, while Dakota Nichols of Carthage, IL sustained damage to rear driver’s side of the vehicle. Nichols was waiting to make a right turn onto HWY 61 when he had to stop for a vehicle and was struck in the rear by Wilsey. It was determined when deputies arrived Wilsey, and the passenger had switched seats after the collision. It was determined Wilsey has a suspended driving status. Wilsey was cited for failure to stop in assured distance and driving under suspension. No injuries were observed or mentioned at the time of the accident.

Shirley J. Simkin

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, July 31st, 2023 at 11:12 am CDT

Shirley J. Simkin, 88 of Tucson, Arizona passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at her home in Arizona.

A private family burial will take place in the Salem South Cemetery.  According to her wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Swimming Not Recommended at Bonnifield Lake in Fairfield

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, July 31st, 2023 at 10:26 am CDT

Based on the most recent water quality tests finding higher than normal bacteria levels, swimming is not recommended at Bonnifield Lake in Waterworks Park located in Fairfield. Tests are conducted weekly, and the city will provide an update on Friday.

Shots Fired in Keokuk

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, July 31st, 2023 at 8:45 am CDT

According to a post by the Keokuk Police Department, At 4:59pm yesterday, Officers responded to a call for service in which the reporting party stated shots were fired. This is believed to be a targeted incident and there was not an ongoing threat to the general public.

Sports, July 31st

By Slaten Swords · Monday, July 31st, 2023 at 6:27 am CDT

High School Baseball Award Teams

In Class 2A, Van Buren County had three individuals make the Iowa Baseball Coaches Association Southeast District 1st Team. Lucas Fett, a junior, earned the honors as a second baseman with a 0.378 batting average on the season with two home runs and 21 RBIs. 

Taylor Sprouse was nominated as a pitcher after finishing with a 6-2 record on the season with a 2.33 ERA that saw him notch 60 strikeouts in 51 innings of work.

Lastly, Jackson Manning earned a spot as a utility player. The senior clobbered the ball as he finished the season with a 0.522 batting average, tallied 15 doubles, 4 triples, 2 home runs, and a state leading 60 RBIs. He was an efficient reliever with a 1.40 ERA with three saves on the year and a 2-0 record. Additionally, Manning was named 1st Team All-State Academic. 

In Class 3A, Mt. Pleasant had two players named to the 2nd Team for the Southeast District. Ben Newton’s 1.36 ERA with 37 strikeouts helped his cause for the pitcher slot. Zerek Venghaus was named a utility player after his 0.372 average at the plate with 14 RBIs. He also clinched three wins on the mound with a 3.03 ERA. 

Tate Allen was named to the 1st Team for Fairfield with his 0.323 batting average and 5-2 record on the mound. Tallon Bates earned a spot on the 2nd Team. Ethan Patterson for Washington and Brenton Hoard for Keokuk also made the 2nd Team.

High School Softball Award Teams

The Iowa Girls Coaches Association released their All-State and District teams and here are some of our local teams starting with All-State as these players also made their respective All-District Team. For Class 3A, Leighton Salazar of Washington made the 2nd team with Coty Engle, Fairfield, and Ella Greiner, Washington, earning a spot on the 3rd team.

Class 4A was headlined by Burlington’s 8th grade powerhouse Kylee Hill as she earned a spot on the 1st Team. Saydee Plummer secured a spot on the 2nd Team for the Grayhounds. 

For the Class 1A Southeast District Team, Mary Hellige of Holy Trinity Catholic earned a spot as she was the ace for the Crusaders. Annabelle Cormier of Van Buren County earned a spot for Class 2A. In Class 3A, Shanna Buford made the All-District team for Central Lee and Lauren Summers made the list for West Burlington. 

Mt. Pleasant Cross Country

On Mondays and Wednesdays, runs will begin at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre at 6:30 am.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, runs will start at 7 pm at Saunders Park by the swimming pool.

The runs will continue throughout the summer until the middle of August. If you have any questions, reach out to Coach Murray at 319-850-0867.

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees had a rough weekend as they lost 15-0 against the Quincy Gems on Saturday then had their game canceled yesterday against the Thrillville Thrillbillies. The Bees managed just four hits against the Gems. They will look to get back in the win column tonight in a home doubleheader matchup against the Thrillbillies. 

The Clinton LumberKings never had the lead against the Thrillbillies on Saturday as they fell 11-4. Will MacLean, Jeremy Conforti, Nick Meyer, and Paul Vossen each tallied an RBI in the losing effort. The LumberKings will take on the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp in a doubleheader tonight.

This Day in Sports History

1961 – 31st MLB All Star Game (2nd of the year), Fenway Park, Boston: First tie in history; called due to rain after 9 innings with the score, 1–1.

1981 – Mid-season strike by MLB players ends after 50 days causing cancellation of 712 games; players and owners come to an agreement on free agent compensation. Resulted in the year being split into halves with the Cincinnati Reds missing the playoffs despite owning the best record because the Reds did not finish in first place in either half of the season.

2007 – Boston Celtics obtain former MVP and 10-time All-Star Kevin Garnett in a 7-for-1 deal with Minnesota Timberwolves; then the NBA’s biggest ever trade for one player.