Ruth Mae Piper, 95, of New London, died Friday, October 24, 2025, at New London Specialty Care. She was born November 1, 1929, in Dallas City, Illinois, to Harry Prescott and Esther Alma Muenzenmaier Martin. On June 3, 1951, she married Charles Edward Piper at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, and he died September 25, 1993.
Ruth was a 1948 graduate of Dallas City High School and a 1949 graduate of Burlington Beauty Academy. She worked as a nurse’s aide for over 40 years, retiring from Park Place in Mt. Pleasant. She was a member of the New London Presbyterian Church, was an avid gardener, loved flowers, yard work and antiques.
Ruth is survived by two daughters, Pam (Reggie) Williamson of New London and Jane (Greg) Hoel of Benton, Wisconsin; daughter-in-law Gerry Piper MacKaben; ten grandchildren, Staci Moore, Jess Williamson, Brittony Cummings, Piper Williamson, Nicole Maloney; Justin, Daniel, Michael, Samuel and Kurtis Edwards; twenty great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; one brother Lester Martin of Burlington and one sister Maxine Conn of Nauvoo, Illinois. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son Hal Piper; one great-granddaughter Nora Moore; and two brothers Harold and Robert Martin.
A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, November 2, 2025 at the New London Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. According to her wishes, her body will be cremated.
A memorial has been established for the New London Fire and Rescue.
Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com
William “Bill” Dorrell Jr., 78, of Mount Pleasant, died Thursday October 23, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Bill was born October 26, 1946, in Fort Madison, the son of William Francis and Margaret Dorrell. In 1968, Bill was drafted into the United States Army, serving in South Korea. Bill attended Missouri Valley College and graduated in 1974. On June 30, 1979, Bill and Cynthia Rost married in Morrison, Missouri. They moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1980, where they raised three children. Bill was heavily involved with Boy Scouts of America, beginning in childhood and throughout his lifetime. He volunteered for many years for Camp Eastman Development Association (CEDA), and recently completed the fundraising to restore Camp Eastman’s pool. Before becoming a placement specialist, Bill taught special education at MPCHS. In his spare time, Bill loved reading, playing pool, collecting scout patches, and watching Hawkeye football.
Bill is survived by his three children, Joe Dorrell of Mediapolis, Lydia “Marie” Dorrell of Charleston, SC, Anne Dorrell of St. Paul, MN; son-in-law Patrick Charbonneau of St. Paul, MN; sister Carol Goldman.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, wife Cindy, brother Dick, and sister Judy Bell.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025, at Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory. A memorial fund has been established for Camp Eastman Development Association. Condolences may be directed to www.olsonyoderfh.com
In Class 3A, Mt. Pleasant was placed in Pod C where they will travel to West Delaware for their first playoff game in 15 years on Friday, October 31st, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. Panther head coach John Bowlin stated that there’s not much to add at this point, it’s just about execution,
“But we’ll obviously work on, you know, getting healthy. We’ve been pretty lucky this year on being healthy and being able to stay out of injury bug, and you know, it’s really cleaning things up and it’s little things when you find out who you’re playing and what they do and what type of tweaks you have to do to make it work is really what we’ll be looking at.”
Solon will get to host Benton on Friday at 7 pm.
For Class 2A, Mediapolis will get a rematch against district-foe Mid-Prairie in a road showdown on Friday with kickoff at 7 pm.
In Class A, Pekin will take on North Linn at home on Friday at 7 pm in a rematch of last year’s first-round postseason matchup.
For Eight-Player, Iowa Valley will be looking to continue their undefeated season when the Tigers face off against Janesville on Friday at 7 pm at home.
Postseason High School Volleyball
In Class 1A Region 2, #4 Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Wapello in a rematch of last year’s semifinals tonight at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.
In Class 2A Region 8, West Burlington will make the trip to Regina Catholic tonight at 7 pm.
High School Cross Country
The state meets for Classes 2A and 3A are scheduled for Friday, October 31st, while Class 1A will run on Saturday, November 1st, at Fort Dodge.
For a full breakdown of who will be running at state, follow the links:
The volleyball team handled business over the weekend at the Madison College tournament, sweeping Elgin Community College and Bryant & Stratton College. Maddie Jones tabbed 39 assists and four aces across the two matches. The Blackhawks will close out the regular season with a home match against Central Community College on Wednesday, October 29th, at 7 pm.
The men’s soccer team will host Central Community College in the Region 11 semifinals on Wednesday.
College Football
The Floyd of Rosedale stayed in Iowa’s possession after the Hawkeyes demolished Minnesota over the weekend 41-3. Defense and special teams propelled the team as Zach Lutmer returned a 34-yard pick six and Kaden Wetjen dashed past the Golden Gophers for a 50-yard punt return touchdown–the fifth return touchdown of his career, tying Tim Dwight for most combined return touchdowns in program history. The Hawkeyes are on a bye week.
Iowa State had #10 BYU on upset alert for a half, but were outscored 24 to 3 in the second half to fall to the Cougars, 41-27. Carson Hansen rumbled his way to 152 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the losing effort. The Cyclones will host Arizona State on Saturday, November 1st, at noon. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.
This Day in Sports History
1995 – The contract is signed to finalize the Cleveland Browns’ move to Baltimore.
2004 – World Series: Boston beats St. Louis, 3-0, in Game 4 at Busch Stadium to sweep the Cardinals and win the Red Sox their first title since 1918; MVP: Boston outfielder Manny Ramirez.
2021 – Cleveland Guardians men’s roller derby team files a lawsuit seeking to block the MLB Cleveland’s name change.
A single-vehicle crash on Highway 27 in Lee County sent five people to the hospital Saturday morning.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash occurred around 9:05 a.m. on October 26, 2025, near mile marker 9 on the northbound side of Iowa 27.
A 2010 Chrysler Sebring driven by 29-year-old Amanda M. Hufnagle of Union Grove, Alabama, was traveling north when the vehicle drifted onto the left shoulder. Hufnagle overcorrected, causing the vehicle to slide across the northbound lanes before entering the east ditch, where it overturned and came to rest on its wheels facing southeast.
Five occupants, including Hufnagle and four passengers — 32-year-old Nathan T. Oden and three juveniles aged 11, 5, and 3, all from Union Grove, Alabama — were transported by Fort Madison Ambulance to Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Fort Madison Campus with injuries.
The report noted that one of the juvenile passengers was ejected from the vehicle during the crash.
The Iowa State Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and 911 Communications, Donnellson Fire and Rescue, Fort Madison Ambulance, and Lee County Hospital personnel. The crash remains under investigation.
Vince Mahoney, 93, of Mount Pleasant, died Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Silver Palms.
Vincent David Mahoney was born on December 22, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Vincent Patrick and Hannah (Flynn) Mahoney. Vince grew up in Carlin, Nevada, following his graduation from high school, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nevada. He received a Foundation of Science grant to attend Michigan State University, where he earned a master’s degree in science. Some may call it fate that he met his future wife Betty, who had also received the same grant. He was called to serve his country during the Korean War in the Army Signal Corps from 1954-1956. Vince returned to earn a PhD in English from the University of California, Berkeley.
On June 22, 1963, Vince was united in marriage to Betty Bollin in Carthage, Illinois. The couple moved to Mount Pleasant in 1969. Vince attended the University of Iowa to earn a PhD in American Literature, and a minor in Physics. For the next 35 years Vince was a dedicated professor at Iowa Wesleyan University, finishing his career after 13 years as the Education Department Head in 1996. Vince would say his biggest accomplishment was training over 300 grade school teachers, and watching them become great educators.
Betty and Vince took pride in helping to take care of the Pleasant Lawn One Room Schoolhouse at Old Threshers. During the reunion they enjoyed hosting spelling bees and teaching children about what it would have been like to attend school there. Vince loved to read science and physics books and filled the margins with notes and corrections he felt should be made.
Vince was a member of the National Association of Teachers of Science, National Council of Teachers of Math, and Retired Teachers Organization. Additionally, Vince was a Master Gardener. Vince was a member of the Mount Pleasant Kiwanis Club since 1961, where he served as club secretary for 36 years, club president, and Lieutenant Governor of Division 18. Vince was a faithful member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.
Vince is survived by a brother Patrick (Gail) Mahoney; brothers-in-law Ed (Dixie) Bollin, Harry (Melody) Bollin; sister-in-law Emily Eckhardt; nieces and nephews Kevin Mahoney, Kathleen Logue, Michael Mahoney, Jeanine Mahoney, Randy (Chris) Eckhardt, Jeff (Dawn) Eckhardt, Marcie (Brian) Gaylord, Kayla (Willie) Carnes, Scott Bollin, Wayne (Lori) Bollin, Grant (Shani) Bollin; and many great nieces and nephews.
Vince was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, brother and sister-in-law David and Doris Mahoney, brother-in-law Dale Eckhardt, sister-in-law Janet Bollin and niece Michelle Mahoney.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 30, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Rev. Ross Epping will celebrate the Mass. Military Rites will be conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard. Burial will be in the Durham Cemetery in Durham, Illinois, at a later date. Visitation will be 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 29, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory. A prayer service will begin at 4:30 p.m. and the family will be present to greet friends following until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, and Midwest Old Threshers for the Pleasant Lawn School. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for Vince and his family. Condolences may be made at www.olsonyoderfh.com
Haven Ann Nichting, born September 29, 2025. Passed away at the University of Iowa Hospital, October 24, 2025. She lived three amazing weeks filled with love, family and friends.
She was the beloved daughter of Kolby and Danelle Nichting and little sister to Vera Nichting. From the moment she was born to the moment she passed away in mom’s arms she knew nothing but love.
She showed everyone her strength and perseverance. She was quickly named Goldy Locks in the hospital because everything had to be perfect and if she didn’t like it she would let you know. She fought the hard fight and gave us time to spend with her.
Haven is survived by her parents Kolby and Danelle Nichting, and older sister Vera Nichting. Grandparents, Steve and Cindy Nichting, Ivy Mcdowell (Percy Ware), and Scott Morris (Jaclyn Renee). Great Grandparents Robert and Elizabeth Wollam, David and Lisa McDowell and Tammy Pichardo. Aunts and Uncles, Teresa Morris (Ben Pezley), Kelli and Brandon Corbin, Kevin and Shelby Nichting, Jennifer Wollam (Matthew Klocke), Kelli and Kyle Penfield, Michelle and Daryn Parker, Stephanie and Josh Vantrump, Jacque McDowell and Tabitha Calderon. Cousins: Kinnley, Greyson, and Emberly Nichting. Steven, Oliver, AnnElaine(Ellie) Zachmeyer. Mayson, Aybel, Brandon, and Brooklynn Corbin. Kirsten and AJ Jeberg. Jacey and Jackson Fett. Kylee, Kynlee, and Kayden Penfield. Dayne and Dawysn Parker. Addyson Frakes. Cearsen, Draven, and Behern Vantrump. Alyssa Sosa. Haven is also survived by many great aunts, great uncles, and extended cousins. She was preceded in death by Great Grandma Nancy Prevett.
Public visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory. A private funeral service will be held. A general memorial fund has been established. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Haven and her family. www.olsonyoderfh.com
Prep Football- The 2025 regular season is officially in the books and each class has been whittled down to 16 teams left fighting for a chance to lift the coveted Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) state championship. Here’s our local team’s matchups.
All matchups are slated for Friday, October 31st, at 7 pm.
Eight-Player
Iowa Valley kept their undefeated season alive without expending much energy, smearing Moravia to a 64-0 final—it was 35-0 at the end of the first half. Nolan Kriegel slashed the Mohawk defense for 145 rushing yards and five total touchdowns.
The Tigers will attempt to avoid being ousted from the round of 16 for the fourth consecutive year when they host Janesville. The Wildcats avenged a one-possession loss against Riceville earlier in the season with a 44-34 victory in round one.
This matchup is confined to Pod D with the winner taking on the winner between (7-2) Montezuma and (9-0) Audubon.
Class A
In Pod B, Pekin is on the heels of their 2014 season that saw the Panthers finish the season 11-1, as they are still undefeated through nine weeks. Much like 2014 and even last year for that matter, Pekin will be hosting North Linn.
The Panthers are 2-0 against the Lynx in those two playoff games, winning 62-13 back in 2014 and a narrow 28-20 victory last season as Will Adam totaled 192 yards and two touchdowns. That experience has been flipped to the Lynx side this season, but Nolan Glick has been nearly unstoppable with 1,368 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns along with a pick-six.
Pekin beat Earlham 42-7 in round one, while North Linn pounded Columbus 59-14. The winner will advance to play eight (7-2) West Fork or (9-0) Saint Ansgar.
Class 2A
Nothing like a district matchup to spice things up in postseason, as Mediapolis will venture north to Wellman to face off against Mid-Prairie for the second time this season. In the first showdown, the Golden Hawks flew away with a decisive 62-21 final.
The most impressive part of that performance was the lack of offense needed for Mid-Prairie. The defense force five takeaways and scored two touchdowns of their own, while their special teams returned an 80-yard kick for a touchdown.
The connection between Quincy King and Gannon Gunn has been deadly as they pair have combined for 592 yards and four touchdowns. Additionally, Parker Holsteen has found his stride, gaining 900 yards and scoring 16 touchdowns on the ground. The problem? 16 interceptions.
King had a nice game against Centerville to pull off the 28-13 upset with 171 yards and two passing touchdowns with only one interception. Additionally, the defense came ready to play with three takeaways on their own and nine tackles for loss.
It took Mid-Prairie some time, but the Golden Hawks finally took flight in the second half, outscoring North Fayette Valley 21 to 6 in the second half to win 34-19. Overall, the Golden Hawks own an 8-5 record over Mediapolis since 2008, having won four of the last six.
The duo was place in Pod C and will play either (7-2) Van Meter or (7-2) Roland Story in the quarterfinals.
Class 3A
It has been 15 years, but Mt. Pleasant is back in the playoffs for the 18th time in their program’s history after executing their second double-digit second-half comeback in their last three weeks, taking down Fairfield 25-22 after trailing by 16 at the half. Panther head coach John Bowlin knows how much the win means for the community,
“Absolutely, just super happy with how much these guys work and how much they want it. You know, so, when they work as hard as they do, that makes you want it more and they show up every day ready to go. And now we got a new season to play and that’s just super exciting for, you know, not just them, the staff as well, just the hard work put in paying off. And, you know, we got great support all year. So, let’s keep it going.”
(Picture taken by MPTV-CloseUp)
The Panthers will have to keep it rolling against West Delaware, who was the consensus #1 team in Class 3A last week before losing to Clear Lake in their district championship. Its not the first time this pair has met in the postseason, in fact, its not even the second time.
The duo met in back-to-back years, 1993 and 1994, and engaged in two hotly contested games with West Delaware winning 24-19 in 1993 in the semifinals, while the Panthers won in the quarterfinals in 1994 27-21 in overtime, which at the time was just the 33rd postseason game to go into overtime.
The Panther defense will be tested again, this time against the #2 rushing team in Class 3A. Add in a defensive unit that has held their opponents to just 13.9 points per game and the Panthers will have their hands full on Friday night. KILJ105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.
Pod C will be awfully competitive with a district matchup pinning last year’s champion, Wahlert Catholic, against Central DeWitt, who boats one of the best quarterbacks in the state in Hudson Krukow. The Golden Eagles won their regular season match 17-12.
Mt. Pleasant fell to Central DeWitt 49-27, while West Delaware defeated Wahlert Catholic 27-20 back in week four.
More Information
For a full look at the round of 16 matchups for all five classes, follow this link: Round of 16 Matchups
William “Bill” Dorrell Jr., 78, of Mount Pleasant, died Thursday October 23, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Vince Mahoney, 93, of Mount Pleasant, died Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Silver Palms.