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Dead Fish on the Lower Des Moines River
| The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was notified on July 10 of a fish kill on the lower Des Moines River.
DNR staff from the Fisheries Bureau investigated and found an estimated 20,000 dead shovelnose sturgeon in a 60 mile river stretch from near Ottumwa to Farmington in southeast Iowa. Freshly dead fish collected on July 11 were submitted to Iowa State University for testing. The investigation began with determining the start and end of the fish kill. DNR fisheries staff collected water temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels at nine locations along the fish kill path and sampled for ammonia. Using the American Fisheries Society (AFS) guidelines, staff started counting dead fish at bridge accesses and then expanded their count to free-flowing areas. “We didn’t find low levels of dissolved oxygen or high levels of ammonia which is usually indicative of some sort of spill, so it comes down to high water temperatures coupled with the low flows that we are experiencing at present. Water temperatures are in the upper 80s and exceed levels known to cause shovelnose sturgeon mortality,” said Mark Flammang, Iowa DNR fisheries biologist. “It was also limited to shovelnose sturgeon; no other species were impacted.” Shovelnose sturgeon are relatively abundant below Ottumwa, as many of these fish move from the Mississippi River into this section of the Des Moines River during the spring and summer. “Ottumwa has one of the largest populations of shovelnose sturgeon in the world,” explains Flammang. The shovelnose sturgeon population is a unique resource in the Des Moines River. “Many of these fish are over 40 years old. It will take several years to repopulate this long-living fish,” Flammang said. This section of the Des Moines River has had sizable fish kills over the years caused by low water levels and high water temperatures, with the most recent in 2012. DNR fisheries staff partnered with Missouri Conservation to research the cause of that kill and learn more about the effects to shovelnose sturgeon populations. If you see dead or stressed fish at a lake or river, call the DNR’s 24-hour spill line at 515-725-8694 as soon as possible. Quick reporting can help DNR staff identify the cause of a fish kill and potentially stop a fish kill in progress. Media Contact: Tammie Krausman, DNR COMs Bureau Chief at tammie.krausman@dnr.iowa.gov. |
New Rules for Bikes on Henry County Fairground
Due to some close calls at the Henry County Fair, there are some new rules being enforced on the grounds regarding bikes. There will be no bicycles allowed inside buildings and no bikes are allowed on, or around, the main road after 5pm. All bikes must be put away at sundown as well. These new rules are due to witness reports. Safety is the number one concern for the fairgrounds, so please spread the word and respect the rules so that they can continue to allow bikes in the future.
Henry County Fair Bucket Calf and Rabbit Show
The 2023 Henry County Fair Bucket Calf Show was on Thursday night, and the results are now in.
Baylie Heacock goes home as the Champion of Class I. The reserve was given to Zenlynn Lee. I spoke with Zenlynn Lee after the show to learn a bit more about the fair.
For Class II, the reserve is Deegan Parker and the Champion is Hagen Loyd. A big thankyou to Margaret Carlson for donating the items for the 4H bottle lamb and bottle goat.
The Rabbit Show was earlier in the day with a whole litter of winners.
The Best Breeding Pair goes to Zenlynn Lee and Crea Lee was second, and this was the same order for the best Doe and Litter. Allie Wagner takes the cake for Best Commercial Rabbit, with Mariella McClellan as reserve. Best Fancy Rabbit goes to Morgan Meyer, who also received Best of Show Rabbit, while Quintrie Lee was the reserve for Fancy Rabbit. Zenlynn Lee won the Best Home Born and Raised, and the Best of Opposite Rabbit is awarded to Quintrie Lee. Allie Wagner won the Best Educational Project, as well as Jr. Showmanship award for grades 4, 5, and 6. Zenlynn Lee won for grades 7, 8, and 9, and Makynna Carpenter takes the crown for the senior showmanship.
Karole Miller
Karole Jane Miller, 80 of Wayland, died Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Home Health and Hospice in West Burlington, Iowa.
Funeral Services have been set for 10:00 AM, Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at the Independent Bible Church in Wayland with Pastor Ben Linville officiating. Burial will follow in the Sugar Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00PM, Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at the church. The Beatty-Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. A general memorial in the name of Karole J. Miller has been established.
Karole Jane Scarff Miller was born June 28, 1943, the daughter of J. Emil and Inez (Bishop) Scarff, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. She was raised on a farm near Oakland Mills with 3 sisters Jean Leichty, Cynthia Lollar and Thelma Crow. As a child she attended the Oakland Mills Community Church. She attended grade school at Oakland Mills and graduated high school at Mt. Pleasant High School in 1961. On June 16, 1963, she married Stan Miller at Sugar Creek Mennonite Church in Wayland, IA. She was baptized and a member at Sugar Creek. She worked at the Henry County Savings Bank in Mt. Pleasant for a number of years, then for WACO as superintendent Secretary, then for the City of Wayland as City Clerk for over 30 years. In between, she kept books for her husband’s trucking business and also worked part time for Orval Miller and Sons plumbing shop. She was an avid bowler for many years and traveled to many states for tournaments. Her average wasn’t the greatest, but that didn’t matter. She tried to grow flowers but was better at growing weeds. She enjoyed her children, grand and great grandchildren. They were a joy in her life. Her friends were so very important to her.
Survivors include her husband Stan of Wayland; three daughters, Shelley (Phil) Greiner of Washington, Julie Harbison of Wayland, and Jodie (Jeremy) Loving of Lockridge, one sister Jean (Ed) Leichty of Wayland, 7 grandchildren: Justin, Zachary, Lindsey, Ashley, Skye, Wyatt, and Hailey, 8 great-grandchildren Laci, Colbi, Ella, Cash, Knox, Kaden, Tyson, and Nova.
She was preceded in death by her father, J. Emil in 1982, mother Inez in 1972, 3 sisters: Cynthia and Thelma, and infant sister Emily Sue.
Judy Campbell
Judy Kay Campbell, 66, of Mount Pleasant went home to be with Jesus on Monday, July 10, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. She was surrounded by her beloved family as they sang “It is Well.”
Judy was born September 7, 1956, in Washington, IA, the daughter of John Dill and Frances R. (Wittrig) Hulme. She graduated from WACO High School in 1974 and continued her education at AIB Business School. On December 23, 1978, Judy was united in marriage to the love of her life, Daniel Campbell, at Harmony Bible Church near Danville. The couple made Mount Pleasant their home for more than 44 years. Judy worked as a secretary at various businesses before working 17 years as Secretary to the Business Manager at the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, retiring in 2017.
Judy was a faithful and active member of Calvary Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and served the church through her love for children by directing children’s choir and musicals and teaching Sunday School and Awana. She was a member of the Henry County Relay for Life Committee and participated in several Mount Pleasant Community Theater productions.
Judy enjoyed reading while cuddling with her sweet pup, Lily Bug. Shopping was a favorite of Judy’s; she always loved finding a good deal. She deeply loved spending time with family and friends and genuinely cared about getting to know people. Her family and friends loved her ornery personality and will never forget her wonderful hugs. Judy was a strong prayer warrior for those she loved so dearly. She was an example of a Godly woman, serving, helping, and encouraging all those around her. Her joyful, genuine, kind, and spunky spirit will be missed by all. Judy was truly a faithful and loving wife, mother, and friend.
Judy is survived by her husband, Dan; son, Scott (Jennifer) Campbell of New London; daughter, Sara Campbell of Mount Pleasant; two sisters, Joan Swift, Jalaine (Steve) Sandberg, one brother, Howard (Nancy) Hulme all of Rockford, Illinois; two brothers-in-law, Leonard (Dwanna) Schantz of Los Lunas, New Mexico, Dennis (Cindy) Campbell of Fulton, Missouri; numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Jacqueline Schantz.
Funeral service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant. Rev. Matthew Reno and Rev. Leonard Schantz will officiate. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2-7 pm on Friday, July 21, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church where family will greet friends from 5-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to assist with medical and funeral expenses. The Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory is caring for Judy and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Sports, July 14th
High School Postseason Baseball
In Class 1A, Burlington Notre Dame snatched the #4 seed and the Nikes will face off against Lisbon on July 17th at 1:30 pm. KILJ will be on the call with the pregame show at 1:15 pm from Carroll.
Kingsley-Pierson comes into the tournament as the favorite with a 27-2 record. Lynnville-Sully presents a challenge as the #2 seed with just one loss on the season. Powerhouse, Remsen St. Mary’s is looking to avenge their runner-up finish in last year’s tournament as the #3 seed.
In Class 2A, Van Buren County will take on West Lyon on July 18th at 1:30 pm in Carroll as the #5 seed. KILJ will be on the call with the pregame show at 1:15 pm.
Beckman Catholic enters as the top seed and they will take on Pella Christian. Cascade will compete against Woodward-Granger. Underwood and Williamsburg will play the last game of the day at 7 pm. There will be no repeat champion as Van Meter was upset by the Eagles in the Substate Championship.
Western Dubuque will attempt to repeat as Class 3A state champions after grabbing the top seed in the tournament. Marion’s high scoring offense enters as the #2 seed with North Polk, who was ranked 2nd in the last Coaches Rankings, earning the #3 seed.
In Class 4A, after Ankeny Centennial, the #1 team according to the last Coaches Rankings, was knocked out by Ames in the substrate championship, Johnston enters as the favorite with a chance to repeat as state champions. However, the Dragons did lose to Ames and Southeast Polk on the season. They would not meet until the championship game.
High School Postseason Softball
In the Class 1A state tournament, Sigourney grabbed the #7 seed and will face off against North Linn in the first round on July 18th at 7 pm.
Martensdale-St. Marys is the #1 seed with North Linn taking the #2 seed in the tournament. Both teams fell in the semifinal round last year.
Regina Catholic is looking to repeat as the Class 2A state champions as they grabbed the #1 seed. Van Meter grabbed the #2 seed with their 34-5 record.
In Class 3A, Williamsburg has been the top team for the entire season and continue to hold on to that top spot as they take on Albia in the first round. However, Assumption is looking to usurp the Raiders while avenging their loss in the championship game last season.
Winterset has a long way to travel to attempt to repeat as Class 4A champions with the Huskies entering as the #7 seed. North Polk is the favorite, grabbing the #1 seed.
Lastly, in Class 5A, the #1 seed Ankeny Centennial will look to take down last years champion Waukee Northwest, who is the #3 seed for the tournament with a 31-11 record.
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 put together a valiant effort, but fell to the Johnstown Mill Rats last night 11-10. Keanu Spenser and Jaden Hackbarth each smacked a home run with Spenser leading the team with 4 RBIs. Mason Schwalbach tallied three RBIs while notching two doubles. The Bees and Mill Rats will square off tonight in a rematch.
The Clinton LumberKings were defeated by the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes last night 9-7. Casen Neumann slapped a double and finished with 2 RBIs in the losing effort. The LumberKings will face off against the Alton River Dragons tonight on the road.
This Day in Sports History
1974 – Billy Martin is the first AL manager to be ejected by an umpire from two games in one day.
1987 -The MLB Rookie of the Year Award is renamed to honor Jackie Robinson.
1951 – CBS televises the first sporting event in color: the Molly Pitcher.
HSCO Potentially Providing Deputy for New London CSD
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is in discussions with the New London Community School District over the possibility of a School Resource Officer being hired for the schools. This officer would be part-time for the 2023/2024 school year, with the role of 20 hours a week. The plan is for the officer to then become full time for the 24/25 school year, and every year after that.
The hours logged at the school would be paid for by the school district. After visiting other school districts that currently have an SRO in place, superintendent of the New London Community School District Chad Wahls, believes that this officer would help with many issues. They could even train staff and help set up and facilitate programs, such as D.A.R.E.
There will be more discussion and plenty of paperwork, as everyone will need to agree. KILJ will continue to update as they have more information on this.