The Dickey Dispatch by Senator Adrian Dickey

The Dickey Dispatch by Senator Adrian Dickey

Good morning SD 44!

We have been out of session for a few months however a lot has happened this past week that I felt compelled to provide an update on. On Wednesday July 21, I received an email from someone who was concerned about an issue at the VA Hospital in Des Moines. They had attached a picture of the flag pole at the back entrance of the hospital and a flag, however NOT the American flag, was flying.

This bothered me greatly. I was astonished that of all places, the Veterans Administration Hospital in Des Moines was disrespecting our Veterans in this manner. I did a little investigating and found out it had been this way for the entire month of June, INCLUDING on Flag Day! These decisions by the Administration at the VA did not sit well with me. As many of you might recall, my campaign slogan has always been “Protecting what common sense looks like!” As I thought about it that evening, reinstalling the American Flag at its place at the top of that flag pole was about the closest thing to “protecting what common sense looks like” that I could think of. So that next morning, I drove up to Des Moines and reinstalled Old Glory in her correct place.

Now I did not take the “other” flag down because if I did, I probably would have been charged with theft and destruction of government property. However that was not the reason I let the other flag fly. I knew that if I removed the “other” flag, THAT would have become the issue from a media standpoint. I knew if I took the “other” flag down, the VA Administrators and the small group of people who were ok with taking the American flag down and replacing it with this “other” flag would have quickly spun the issue AWAY from what this was really about. The American flag is the most inclusive flag in the world. It symbolizes a country that does not discriminate. A country that treats all the same regardless of their sex, party, race, or religion. The American flag is known around the world as a symbol of freedom!

As I was doing this, a groundskeeper came out and asked me what I was doing and I simply said, “the right thing.” He asked if I had gotten permission from the VA administration to do this and I told him, “The only permission I needed to put the American flag up is from the men and women who come in this VA hospital every day for their treatments, and I am pretty darn sure they would be just fine with what I am doing!”

Friday morning I drove back to the VA and could not believe my eyes, the VA Administration had again taken DOWN the American flag AGAIN and just left this “other” flag flying! So this time I put up a BIGGER American flag! Again, I left the “other” flag up. However I am sure all of you would agree, flying anything at the top of a flag pole at our VA hospitals other than an American flag is simply pathetic!

As I was again doing this, two vets came out. One clapped and one teared up. He said “Thank you. You have no idea how demoralizing it was for me this morning was to walk into the VA for my treatments and to see some other flag flying and NOT the American flag!”

I drove back to Des Moines on Sunday and again on Wednesday and was proud to see that our American flag was still flying and I will continue to do so until there are no more worries that OUR American flag will be taken down.

The VA does have the American flag flying on a flag pole on the other side of the building by the front entrance. However the rear entrance is the main entrance most Veterans use as they enter the facility to receive their treatments. These men and women deserve to be welcomed into this facility by the American flag that they fought for! The VA claims that they are not out of compliance with flag etiquette however that is not the point. There is NO common sense based argument that the VA or anyone else can make for what they have chosen to do. To not fly the American flag at the top of both poles on that property is inexcusable! Some claim the VA was ordered by Washington to do this, however I obtained the memo from Dennis McDonough who is the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs. In this memo, he “encouraged” the VA hospitals to fly this “other” flag, however nowhere did the memo say that the American flag needed to be removed!

For years we have heard about the dismal approval rating that the VA Hospitals have, well this logic is a HUGE reason why! In a recent PEW survey, the US Postal Service, the CDC (THE CDC of all things with how they handled COVID), the Federal Reserve (think about how they have handled our inflation issue), and the IRS, ALL have a higher favorability rating than Veterans Affairs! And the VA administrators don’t understand why…. Geesh!

I share this with you ahead of the Fourth of July holiday as a thank you to all of the men and women who have so bravely served our country over the years. While we celebrate our country’s independence, we all need to be more appreciative of all of the GREAT things in our lives because of these men and women!

Thank you and happy birthday America!

 

Barbara J. Stouder

Barbara J. Stouder, 77, of Mount Pleasant, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

 

Barbara Jean Hays was born July 10, 1945, in Muscatine, Iowa, to Francis and Barbara (Westfall) Hays. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1964. Barb was united in marriage to Roger E. Stouder on September 6, 1964; they welcomed three sons, Terry, Ryan, and Rodney. Mount Pleasant was Barb’s home for the majority of her life.

 

Barb worked as a bus driver and cook for Tolson Community Action Center. She also dedicated her time to being a caregiver for those with disabilities. During her younger years, Barb loved to show horses. She also enjoyed going antiquing, attending flea markets, and knitting and crocheting. Barb also had a strong Christian faith.

 

Barb is survived by her three children: Terry (Jennifer) Stouder of Englewood, CO, Ryan (Danielle) Stouder of Washington, IA, Rodney Stouder of Fairfield, IA; six grandchildren: Katie and Tommy, Reagan and Sydney, Tristan and Troy; two nieces: Deb Campbell, Tracy Hays Owens; nephew David Campbell; brother-in-law Warren Campbell of Ankeny, IA; sister-in-law Peggy Hays of Mount Pleasant, IA; former spouse Roger Stouder of Fort Madison, IA. She is further survived by many extended family members.

 

Barb was preceded in death by her parents Francis and Barbara Hays, her sister Sharon Campbell, and her brother H. Clark Hays.

 

Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 am Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel and Crematory where the family will greet friends from 9:00 am until time of service. Chaplain Gordon Hawkins will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.  A memorial fund has been established for Tolson Community Action. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel and Crematory is caring for Barb and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Sports, June 30th

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant drubbed Fort Madison last night 15-0 after four innings. After a scoreless first inning, the Panthers jumped on Caden Barnes and the Bloodhound defense. Payton Walker started off the 2nd inning with a single, but due to the first of five errors made his way to second base. Two walks later, Ben Newton cracked a two RBI single to give the Panthers a 3 to 0 lead. Payton Hagans, Zerek Venghaus, and Newton picked up an RBI in the 2nd inning. Walker provided the highlight of the inning by hitting a 3-run moonshot to help the Panthers take a 10 to 0 lead. 

The next runs came across in the 4th inning with a two RBI double down the third baseline by Venghaus. Zack Newton tallied an RBI then the eventual game winning run on a passed ball. Venghaus picked up the win on the mound after 4 innings of work allowing only two hits, one walk, and striking out three batters. The Panthers will take on Davenport Central at home tomorrow, July 1st. 

High School Postseason Baseball

The postseason brackets have been released for all of the classifications and here’s a look at our local matchups.

In Class 1A Substate 5: District 9, New London will face off against Highland in the opening round with the first pitch taking place at 7 pm tomorrow, July 1st, at Highland. KILJ will be on the call with pregame at 6:45 pm. Burlington Notre Dame enters as the #1 seed and will take on the winner of New London and Highland on July 5th. 

In District 10 for Class 1A, Danville will face off against Sigourney tomorrow on the road. 

Shifting our attention to Class 2A, our local teams will be beating up one another to see who makes it out of Substate 5: District 10. Winfield-Mt. Union will take on Louisa-Muscatine at 5 pm and Central Lee will face off against West Burlington at 7 pm with both games taking place tomorrow.

Van Buren County garnered the top seed and a first round bye. The Warriors will compete against the winner of Winfield-Mt. Union and Louisa-Muscatine. Mediapolis also earned a bye and will take on either the Hawks or the Falcons. The second round will be played on July 5th.

In Class 3A Substate 4, Washington will take on the #2 seed Davenport Assumption at 5 pm.

In Class 3A Substate 5, we will see a Southeast Conference matchup to start off the playoffs with Mt. Pleasant hosting Fairfield at 7 pm. 

Fort Madison will travel to take on Benton and Keokuk is on the road to face off against Cedar Rapids Xavier with both games taking place at 7 pm.

Class 4A will have 8 substates and brackets of 6 teams. Each team will have an opponent for the first round with the highest winning seed getting a bye to the substate final. Burlington will take on North Scott in Substate 6 as the #4 seed.

The first round for Class 3A and 4A will take place on July 7th.

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant fell to Fort Madison last night 17-4. Saige Burchett and Ella McNamee each picked up two hits in yesterday’s contest with McNamee tallying a double and an RBI. Coach Beason thanked the seniors: Jersey Beachy, Jayden Housh, and McNamee, for all of their work and sacrifice as the Panthers look to finish the year strong. Mt. Pleasant will compete in the Rick Doran Classic tomorrow, July 1st.  

High School Postseason Softball

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released the postseason brackets for all the classifications and here’s the matchups for our local teams.

In Class 1A Region 8, New London will travel to face off against Holy Trinity Catholic and Wapello will host Winfield-Mt. Union with both games taking place tonight at 7 pm. KILJ will be on the call for the Crusaders and the Tigers with pregame at 6:45 pm.

In Class 2A Region 7, Van Buren County earned a first-round bye. The Warriors will take on the winner between Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont and Pella Christian on July 5th at 7 pm at home.

In Class 2A Region 8, Danville will travel to take on Durant at 7 pm tonight. Mediapolis will face off against Louisa-Muscatine on the road on July 5th at 7 pm.

Central Lee and Washington will square off on July 6th at Washington and West Burlington will host Fairfield on July 6th with both games taking place at 7 pm for Class 3A Region 8.

In Class 4A Region 6, Mt. Pleasant and Keokuk will compete in a conference matchup at Joyce Park on July 6th at 7 pm. Knoxville will host Fort Madison with the winner taking on Burlington at 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 swept the Lucky Horseshoes in their home doubleheader last night 6-4 in game one and 3-1 in game two. Tanner Holland led the Bees with 2 RBIs in game one after finishing 2 for 4. 

Chase Golden picked up the win in game two, striking out 5 batters in 2 innings of relief work. The Bees will travel to face off against the Quincy Gems tonight. 

The Clinton LumberKings smacked the Rockabillys last night 13-6. Gavin Brzozowski smacked two doubles on the day, notching 3 RBIs. Dylan DeButy clobbered a home run and tallied 2 RBIs. The LumberKings will look to do it again tonight against the Rockabillys. 

This Day in Sports History

1934 – Detroit radio executive George Richards pays $7,952.08 to buy NFL’s Portsmouth Spartans; moves team to Detroit and rebrands it to ‘Lions.’

1982 – New Jersey NHL franchise officially named Devils by fan vote; based on the legend of the Jersey Devil, a creature that allegedly inhabited the Pine Barrens of South Jersey.

1994 – US Ice Skating Federation bars Tonya Harding for life.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

The 4th of July is a time for celebration, full of backyard cookouts, pool parties, and fireworks. The buzz of a drink is not needed to feel the thrill of summer holiday festivities but if you do indulge, plan for a sober ride home. The Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is partnering with local law enforcement for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement campaign July 1-5. The primary goal of the increased law enforcement presence is to prevent tragedies previously seen around the July 4th holiday.
Annually, about one-third of all traffic fatalities are alcohol/impaired related. In Iowa last year, 57% of the July 4th holiday weekend traffic fatalities were alcohol related*. There are plenty of options to help impaired drivers get home safely; designate a sober driver, schedule a taxi/ rideshare, or use your community’s sober ride program. A few dollars spent on a ride is a lot cheaper than an OWI, which can cost thousands of dollars.

“We want people to enjoy the holiday and to celebrate responsibly,” says GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes. “Drunk driving endangers those behind the wheel, their passengers, and other people on the road. Our law enforcement partners know how to spot an impaired driver and will not hesitate to pull them over. If you’re going to drink, plan for a sober ride.”

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.
Find graphics to support our message here.

Rick Jason Boley

Rick Jason Boley, 45 years old, of rural Hillsboro, passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family, who held his hands and told him he was loved beyond measure- and he died knowing he truly was. Not far away was Rick’s faithful furry, companion, Ellie, who rarely left Rick’s side since they had adopted her.

 

Rick was born on January 9, 1978, to David and Sandy (Kerr) Boley. As a little boy, Rick loved spending time with his grandpa, Hillis Kerr at his Phillips 66 Gas Station in Farmington and following his grandpa, Dale Boley, around the farm. It is no wonder that he chose diesel mechanics and farming for his future! Rick graduated from Harmony High School in 1996 and from Indian Hills Community College in 1998. He worked for JJ Nitching Company for 13 years before opening his own business. With Rick’s incredible work ethic, Boley Repair quickly became a successful business.

 

Rick married his high school sweetheart, Heather (Taylor) Boley on June 26, 1999. Heather was six months older than Rick and he enjoyed teasing her about their age difference for the next 24 years. Together, Rick and Heather welcomed three beautiful daughters, Jaelyn, Kaedyn and Adisyn all of whom brought him endless joy; he took immense pride in his daughters and considered them his greatest accomplishments. Rick could often be seen proudly watching his girls from the sidelines or bleachers at softball, basketball, and volleyball games.

 

Rick’s looming stature, gentle, deep voice, warm smile and charming personality made him both memorable and loved by those who were blessed to know him. He had a vast knowledge of farming, cows and diesel mechanics, but it was his perspective about life in general that made him both easy and enjoyable to talk with. Rick had an incredible, witty and often sarcastic sense of humor and often took great pleasure in coming up with funny nick names for people and playfully teasing his loved ones. Over the years, coercing Rick into vacations was not always easy; he hated to leave the farm for any amount of time and he had a hard and fast rule he tried to live by: “never go to the same place more than once,” because he knew there were so many beautiful places yet to be seen.

 

In 2019, with immense courage, Rick faced a diagnosis of ALS and did everything possible to slow the progression of the disease to allow him more time with his family. He never wavered in his commitment to fight the debilitating disease as it progressed despite the pain he would endure both physically and emotionally.

 

They say that life is made up of two dates and a dash and that you should always make the most of the dash. Rick absolutely did!

Rick is survived by his wife, Heather; daughters Jaelyn, Kaedyn and Adisyn; his parents, David and Sandy Boley, brothers Brian (Susan) and Christopher Boley (Libby) ; brother-in-law, Jason (Natalie) Taylor; mother-in-law, Carol Taylor; nephews, Justin and Mason Boley; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Rick was predeceased by his grandparents, Hillis and Joan Kerr, Dale and Verda Boley; and his father-in-law, Larry Taylor.

 

Rick’s family is incredibly thankful for the wonderful care he received from Every Step Hospice and for standing by his decision to remain in his home, in the care of his family and to the multitudes of friends and family members that sent meals, offered prayers and provided a few hours of respite. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations go to Rick’s three daughters to be used for their education. Cards may be sent to 32564 165th St, Hillsboro.

 

A memorial service will be held at Hillsboro Baptist Church on Sunday, July 9th at 1pm. The family invites all friends to attend a casual celebration of life from 3-5 pm at the Hotel Manning in Keosauqua, following the memorial service.

 

On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com. Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Kodi Lee Moeller

Kodi Lee Moeller, 16, of rural St. Paul, Iowa, a vibrant and cherished soul, left us far too soon on Saturday, June, 24th, 2023. Her unexpected passing in a tragic car accident has left a void in the hearts of all who knew her. Though her time with us was short, the positive impact she made on the lives she touched will be forever remembered and will have a continual presence.

 

She was born on March 1st, 2007, in Fort Madison, Iowa. Kodi was a remarkable 16 year-old girl with a brilliant mind, athletic and musical talents, integrity, and a heart full of compassion and drive. She pushed herself to her fullest potential and was a shining example of determination and perseverance. She was always striving for excellence in everything she pursued, making her a leader and role model for her friends and family.

 

Kodi, was a beloved daughter to Dusty and LeAnn (Schinstock) Moeller and a big sister to: Korben, Kaylee, and Kolten. She was also survived by her devoted grandparents: Bob and Sandy Moeller and Mike and Donna Schinstock, as well as her great grandmother: Florence Menke. Also surviving are aunts and uncles: Pat and Maggie (Moeller) Jones – children Taylor, Carter, Zoey, Cooper, Jeff and Carrie (Schinstock) Snider – children Robbie and Alison, Scot and Angie (Schinstock) Fransk – children McKenna, and Beckett. Kodi’s extended family (including friends) and her boyfriend: Drew share in the pain of her passing.

 

She was preceded in death by her great grandparents: John and Zita Schinstock, John and Mary Pollmeier, Ernie and Sally Moeller, and Leroy Menke.

 

Kodi would have been an upcoming Junior at Central Lee High School. She was an active and passionate individual who thrived in multiple school and community activities. Not only was she at the top of her class academically, she also participated in volleyball, basketball, track, FFA, Future Problem Solving & 4-H. She was a member of the student SOAR Team and National Honor Society. She also blessed others with her talents playing the piano. With her busy schedule, she was still able to find time to help on the family farm and worked at Quality Plus Feeds in St. Paul. Through these activities, she cultivated valuable skills, built lifelong friendships, and had a lot of fun.

 

In every aspect of her life, Kodi radiated warmth, kindness, and compassion. Everyone who knew Kodi believed she was going to make a positive impact in the world. Her family and friends were all proud to have known and loved her. As we mourn the loss of Kodi, let us also celebrate the immense joy she brought to our lives.

 

May her spirit guide us and remind us to cherish every moment and embrace the love that surrounds us.  Rest in peace, dear Kodi.  You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

 

To celebrate the remarkable life of Kodi, a visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Central Lee High School. A Christian wake service will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the school.

A parish rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 3, 2023, at St. James the Less Catholic Church in St. Paul with a Mass of Christian burial to follow at 10:30 a.m. with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

Burial will be at St. James Cemetery, St. Paul.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials to be made in her honor to the Central Lee Foundation.

Prep Softball: Final Rankings of the Season for Class 1A and 2A

Prep Softball- The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released their final rankings for the season for Class 1A and 2A and here’s some of the rankings.

In Class 1A, Martensdale-St. Marys moved up one spot from the preseason rankings to finish as the top team with a 22-4 record. North Linn catapulted up three spots to 2nd with Southeast Warren, the preseason favorite coming in at 3rd. Five teams fell out of the top 15: Collins-Maxwell, Woodbine, Highland, West Central Valley, and St. Ansgar. Collins-Maxwell had the biggest fall as they started the season ranked 7th. The new teams in the top 15 were Wayne, Logan-Magnolia, Earlham, Griswold, and Exira-EHK. Wayne started the year unranked but finished as the 5th best team in Class 1A with an 18-8 record. Logan-Magnolia was in Class 2A last season.

Iowa City Regina started the year as the top team and remained as the top team finishing with a 24-7 record. Van Meter jumped up two spots from 4th to finish in 2nd. Central Springs stayed locked in 3rd from season’s start to end. Class 2A also had four teams drop out of the top 15: Logan-Magnolia (classification change), Cardinal, Akron-Westfield, and South Hardin. Entering the top 15 was Missouri Valley (8th), Sioux-Central (11th), Waterloo Columbus Catholic (14th), and Waspie Valley (15th).

The postseason gets underway tomorrow, June 30th, for Class 1A and 2A.

Weekly Fuel Report

Weekly Fuel Report
DES MOINES, Iowa (June 29, 2023) – The price of regular unleaded gasoline held steady, averaging $3.38 across Iowa according to AAA.Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $2.98 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $69.57.
  • Brent crude oil fell $3.08 and is currently priced at $74.02.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $109.78 and Brent crude was at $123.01.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Thursday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.38 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices held steady from last week’s price and $1.24 lower than one year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.55, down 3 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 2 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.62.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $5.42 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 25 cents less than the national average of $3.87.
  • Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.43 for U87-E10, $2.79 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.45 for ULSD#2, $2.97 for ULSD#1, and $2.59 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices rose 7 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.65/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.