Jacob Pollmeier

By Yorke Prough · Friday, June 16th, 2023 at 4:04 pm CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT – Jacob Allen Pollmeier, 13, of Mount Pleasant, died Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in a house fire at the family home.

Jacob was born November 8, 2009, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Reana Cole and Carl Pollmeier. He attended the Mount Pleasant Community School District where he just completed the seventh grade. Jacob was a big fan of anime and could often be found enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea while he watched. He loved playing video games, especially his PlayStation. Jacob never met a stranger and was a friend to all. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

Jacob is survived by his mother Reana Cole of Burlington; father Carl Pollmeier of Mount Pleasant; four siblings, Ashton Kenley, Clara Pollmeier, Joseph Pollmeier, Jamie Pollmeier all of Mount Pleasant; maternal grandmother, Ileata Kenley of Burlington; paternal grandmother, Rita Pollmeier of Mount Pleasant; paternal grandfather, Harold Pollmeier of Mount Pleasant; niece Novah Pollmeier of Mount Pleasant, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Kurt Kenley and uncle Louis Pollmeier.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday, June 30, 2023, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel and Crematory in Mount Pleasant. The family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery. There will be no formal service. A memorial fund has been established to assist the family with the expenses of rebuilding their home. A GoFundMe page has been created for Jacob’s family https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-pollmeier-family. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel and Crematory is caring for Jacob and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com 

Road Paving – June 19th

By Yorke Prough · Friday, June 16th, 2023 at 4:02 pm CDT

Jones Contracting will start paving on West Henry St. from just West of N. Broadway St. to the West starting at 6:00 A.M. +-. Trucks will be backing into the grade from the West. West Henry St. McCoy St. to Marion St. will be very congested. The paving will take most of the day.

Prep Softball Rankings: The 4th Edition of the Year Brings a New Top Team in Class 4A

By Slaten Swords · Friday, June 16th, 2023 at 12:05 pm CDT

Prep Softball- The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released their softball rankings and after a huge reshuffle last week Class 4A is the only classification to have a new top team.

In Class 1A, the top four teams remain the same with North Linn wearing the crown followed by Martensdale-St. Marys. Sigourney was upset by Cardinal last week 2-0 causing them to tumble from 5th to 8th. Newman Catholic fell five spots from 6th to 11th after losing two games in a row, 8-3 and 1-0. Collins-Maxwell was dropped from the top 15 and Griswold takes #13 spot in the rankings. The Tigers have scored 146 runs while giving up only 13 and tout a 16-0 record.

Iowa City Regina and Central Springs hold on to the top two spots, respectively, in Class 2A. Lisbon’s loss to Wapsie Valley 4-0 last week caused them to drop from 3rd to 4th. West Monona’s beat up of their competition caused them to rise the ranks from 6th to 3rd. Alburnett and Osage were dropped out of the top 15 and replaced by Sioux Central and Jessup in the #12 and #13 spots, respectively.

Class 3A had minimal movement with the top nine teams keeping their same spot from last week. Williamsburg is on top of the rankings with an 18-2 record. The #10 through #15 spots is where some slight shuffling occurred. Center Point-Urbana fell from 10th to 15th after losing 8 of their last 12 contests. Grinnell hopped up three spots from 15th to 12th. Sumner-Fredericksburg and Greene County each fell one spot to now be ranked 13th and 14th, respectively.

Shambolic is defined to be chaotic and that is the only way to describe Class 4A this week. Indianola and Norwalk spent one week in the top two spots, respectively. However, losses from Clear Creek Amana and Ankeny caused Indianola to drop down to 6th and Norwalk is now ranked 7th after losses to Burlington and Xavier. Carlisle climbed up the rankings from 5th to be the new top team with Dallas Center-Grimes now being ranked 2nd. Western Dubuque climbed up five spots from 10th to 5th. Their lone loss in their last 10 games coming against the #15 ranked team in Class 5A, Dubuque Senior. Burlington was knocked down two spots from 9th to 11th. Gilbert jumps into the top 15 with an 11-4 record as Knoxville dropped out of the top 15.

Ankeny Centennial held on to their top spot in Class 5A with a 17-2 record. Valley’s three game losing streak caused them to trip down the rankings from 2nd to 7th. Cedar Rapids Kennedy dropped from the top 15 with Iowa City Liberty jumping to the #14 spot. The Lightning picked up a key win against Valley last Saturday, 12-11.

Fellowship Cup New Truck Donations

By Yorke Prough · Friday, June 16th, 2023 at 11:07 am CDT

The Fellowship Cup has just replaced their old and unreliable truck with a new one. This truck is essential for their food bank operations, as they are able to pick up and drop off for the Quarter Maybe More Store, which is the thrift store that helps support the ministry and operations of the Fellowship cup. Due to the truck costing $65,000, donations would be much appreciated for this cause. The new truck allows them to load the truck at night, which saves them time in the morning since they can keep the load secure and dry, and also gives them a security factor which their old truck has been missing.

Between The Fellowship Cup and The Quarter Maybe More Store, 18,219 hours have been volunteered. 8,677 hours were volunteered for Henry County RSVP at places like Henry County Health Center, Old Threshers, local schools, giving rides to seniors and disabled individuals, and more. $13,200 were given back to the community to the Childcare Center, Refuge House, and Youth for Christ. Of course, the Fellowship Cup also spends their summers ensuring that no child goes hungry by preparing summer sack lunches to those who usually rely on a meal at school.

If you would like to support, please send donations by check to The Fellowship Cup at 203 N. Jefferson St, or donations can be made online at www.thefellowshipcup.org. If you have any questions, please contact the executive director, Ken Brown at 319 385 3242 or director@thefellowshipcup.org.

 

Old truck pictured below.

Colorado Peaches – Youth for Christ

By Yorke Prough · Friday, June 16th, 2023 at 11:01 am CDT

While Georgia peaches have been an absolute hit over the last few years in the Southeast Iowa community, Youth for Christ organization will not be selling them this summer. Due to a late spring frost in Georgia, around 90% of the peach crop was ruined, leaving farmers devastated.

While those in this region may not be able to get their hands on any Georgia peaches, Youth for Christ will be once again selling peaches from Colorado. Preorders will begin in July with peaches being sold in August and September. You can find delicious Colorado peaches sold from the organization at Midwest Old Threshers, which is running August 31st-September 4th at the Old Threshers grounds in Mount Pleasant. The sale of peaches helps directly to impact the kids that Youth for Christ works with, and they are so appreciative of the support of the community.

Youth for Christ/USA (Charter Member Profile) - ECFA.org Fresh Peaches From Colorado

Ukrainian Refugee Resettlement in SE Iowa

By Yorke Prough · Friday, June 16th, 2023 at 8:53 am CDT

“On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 6PM Bob Bartles of World Relief will be at First Presbyterian Church of Mount Pleasant to discuss ways to assist Ukrainian refugee resettlement in SE Iowa.

Families from Ukraine have a special refugee status called humanitarian parole. Once the family acquires a sponsor and has been vetted by the government, they can come to the US and seek employment immediately.

This meeting will inform those interested in supporting these very deserving families how to get involved—including the option of sponsorship.

Find out more about how you can help on Wednesday, June 21st, at 6PM at First Presbyterian Church of Mount Pleasant (902 S Walnut St).”

 

Over 20 million Ukrainian Refugees have fled their homeland and searched for shelter in other countries since February 24th, 2022. It was on this day that Russia invaded and occupied parts of Ukraine, a move that saw the Russo-Ukraine (2014) war escalate. This, in turn, has caused Europe to face its’ largest refugee crisis since World War II. While 8 million have fled to neighboring countries, an estimated 5-6 million Ukrainians are currently internally displaced.

Although Iowa is relatively small, the state could play a large role in this crisis. Potential sponsors need to prove that they can financially support them during their stay.

“The first step in the Uniting for Ukraine process is for the U.S.-based supporter to file a I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, with USCIS. The U.S. government will then vet the supporter to ensure that they are able to financially support the individual whom they agree to support.

For more information on Uniting for Ukraine, see the DHS webpage.”

According to multiple sources, over 200,000 Ukrainian refugees have come to the United States since February 2022. Most refugees are granted a two-year period of shelter through humanitarian parole before needing to renew.

Through the World Relief organization, Bob Bartles, along with his wife, became sponsors of a Ukrainian family. You now have the chance to meet Bob, who is the leader of the refugee resettlement agency (World Relief) and learn more about this program on June 21st, 6pm, at the First Presbyterian Church of Mount pleasant.

https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/sites/default/files/research/fact_sheet_uniting_for_ukraine.pdf

 

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/biden-administration-allows-ukrainians-who-fled-war-to-stay-in-u-s

 

https://hhs.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/BRS_Uniting_For_Ukraine_web.pdf

Uniting For Ukraine - April 2022

4-H Livestock Judging Workouts

By Yorke Prough · Friday, June 16th, 2023 at 6:16 am CDT

Washington County 4-H has had both state and national level success in the livestock judging project area.  All 4-H’ers are invited to be a part of this project for one or all of the practice sessions this summer.

 

This project allows livestock exhibitors to learn more about each of the large animal species or to become more of an expert in the species they show.   It is a great place for beginning showman to meet others who show.  It is a great project for 4-Hers who live in town and aren’t able to show livestock but want to work with them and learn more about how livestock is evaluated for market.

 

Participants gain many life skills through judging.  They learn to understand livestock body structure, be an articulate and confident speaker, work with a team, make decisions, and defend decisions with reasons.

 

Livestock judging workouts have been set on the following dates, at the following locations.  All 4-H and FFA members interested in livestock judging are encouraged to attend.  No prior experience is needed.  This is open to all 4-H members.  Workouts begin traditionally at 6:00 p.m.  Youth and parents are welcome to attend all, but not required.  4-H Livestock Judging coaches are Dustin Ford, Ted Greiner and Chad Younge.

 

These workouts are also very valuable to showman as well.  Youth can learn more about what the judge expects out of each species in the show ring.

 

  • June 19 sheep · Ted Greiner,  25517 330th Ave, Keota
  • June 25 heifer & steers · Lyle & Steph Sexton, 1752 Willow Ave, Ainsworth
  • July 10 swine · Shane Brinning, 2264 Ginkgo Ave, Keota
  • July 17· Livestock Judging Contest, 12:30 p.m. at the Washington County Fair. Check in at main show ring.

 

For more information, please contact the Washington County Extension Office, 319-653-4811.

Sports, June 16th

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, June 16th, 2023 at 6:08 am CDT

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant handed Burlington their first conference loss on the season in a 9-7 win at Mapleleaf. The Panthers scored the first 7 runs of the game and had an 8 to 1 lead entering the 6th inning. The Grayhounds rallied for 2 runs in the 6th inning to make it 8 to 3. A leadoff triple from Payton Hagans led to a sacrifice fly from Zerek Venghaus making the new score 9 to 3.

That’s when Burlington decided to make things interesting and score 4 runs in the top of the 7th inning cutting the lead down 9 to 7. The Grayhounds had the bases loaded with two outs when Hagans struck out the last batter for the win. Ben Newton picked up the win on the mound allowing only 1 run with 3 strikeouts in 5.2 innings of work. The Panthers will face off against Fairfield at home in a doubleheader on June 19th.

Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to face off against Highland tonight.

New London will take on Highland on June 19th.

Van Buren County was able to force extra innings after scoring two runs in the bottom of the 7th inning, but Central Lee walked away with the 6-5 win in the 8th inning. Taylor Sprouse went 2 for 4 with 4 RBIs in the losing effort. The Warriors will take on Danville on the road tonight. The Hawks will face off against West Burlington today.

In Southeast Iowa conference (SEC) play, Washington walked it off against Fairfield scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th inning to win 9-8.

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant battled against the #9 team in Class 4A, Burlington, but came up short losing 5-2. Emma Starr and Addison Clark each tallied an RBI in the loss. The Panthers will take on Wilton tomorrow, June 17th.

Central Lee will host West Burlington tonight.

New London handled Mediapolis last night 13-1. Anna Ford had the lone RBI for the Bulldogs. The Tigers will take on Cardinal tomorrow. The Bulldogs will face off against Winfield-Mt. Union on June 19th.

Danville lost to Holy Trinity Catholic last night 13-2. The Bears will face off against Van Buren County tonight. The Crusaders will travel to play Hillcrest Academy on June 19th.

Winfield-Mt. Union fell to Columbus Junction last night 15-0. Quin Smith had the lone hit for the Wolves with a single. The Wolves will face off against Highland tonight on the road.

In SEC games, Fairfield stopped the sweep defeating Washington 10-3. Lilly Bergren led the Trojans with 5 RBIs. Fort Madison had a 7th inning rally to force extra innings and the Bloodhounds came out on top over Keokuk 13-12.

Mt. Pleasant Cross Country

The Mt. Pleasant Cross Country optional summer runs will start up Monday, June 19th. The runs will be led by upperclassmen as coaches may not be present for every run. The practices are open to runners from 7th to 12th grade.

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 picked up a much needed win over the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp yesterday 9-8. Hawkeye turned Bee, Coy Sarsfield tallied two RBIs in the contest. The Bees take on the Cape Catfish tonight.

Clinton is now on a 5-game winning streak after taking down the Danville Dans 9-3 last night. Parker Shupe smacked a three-run homer for the LumberKings. Clinton faces off against the Lafayette Aviators tonight.

This Day in Sports History

1909 – Jim Thorpe makes his pro baseball pitching debut for Rocky Mount (ECL) with 4-2 win, this will cause him to forfeit his Olympic gold medals.

1975 – NBA Milwaukee Bucks trade Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Walt Wesley to L.A. Lakers for 4 players.

1989 – In the 88 previous U.S. Opens, there had only been 17 holes-in-one, then Doug Weaver, Mark Wiebe, Jerry Pate, and Nick Price each got a hole-in-one on the par-three, 160-yard sixth hole.