Plea Deal for Stolen Valor Met with Protests

By Slaten Swords · Monday, June 5th, 2023 at 10:54 am CDT

Chris Williams has a plea hearing today at the Henry County Courthouse after being charged with fraudulent practice in the second degree in 2022 after posing as a military veteran and accepting over $4,500 in a benefit motorcycle ride in Mt. Pleasant in 2020.

A small group outside the courthouse are protesting for no plea deal. KILJ spoke with Gary Ruth, who works with a non-profit to help veterans, about what happened in 2020,

“So, we did a benefit for him, raised over $5,000 for him and then we got a phone call from his aunt and uncle. He was never a veteran, never had cancer.”

Ruth went on to say that the plea deal was too lenient for an act of stolen valor,

“Now that he pleaded guilty, they want to offer him a plea deal, you know, get 5 years probation and it’s like ‘no that’s not good enough.’ First of all, you don’t pose as a veteran when you’re not a veteran and then lie about having cancer and stuff and this is not the first time he’s done that. He’s been caught in Illinois doing the same thing and out in western Iowa somewhere. So, in my opinion is the plea deal isn’t good enough.”

The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 made it a violation of federal law to falsely claim military service in the attempt to gain money, property or some other benefit by making the false claim.

Sports, June 5th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, June 5th, 2023 at 6:04 am CDT

High School Soccer

The boys’ and girls’ state tournaments are over and here are the state champions.

The girls’ Class 1A state championship featured one of the first upsets of the day as the #7 seed Bishop Heelan defeated last year’s runner-up Davenport Assumption 2-0.

The Class 1A boys’ state championship was decided in the second half when Western Christian netted two goals to defeat Grundy Center/Gladbrook-Reinbeck 2-0.

The boys Class 2A state championship needed overtime and two rounds of penalty kicks to decide the final as Gilbert took down Davenport Assumption 3-2.

In a rematch of last year’s state championship for the girls’ Class 2A state championship, Dallas Center-Grimes repeated history by defeating Waverly-Shell Rock 2-0.

In the girls’ Class 3A state championship, Johnston and Valley traded goals in the first half then no goals were scored until the second round of penalty kicks as the Dragons came out on top 3 to 2 to win the crown 2-1.

The #6 seed Iowa City Liberty handled Norwalk 5-0 to walk away with the boys’ Class 3A state championship.

Lastly, the Class 4A state championship went to Johnston after the double-overtime winner to defeat Iowa City West 3-2.

Mt. Pleasant Track

The girls’ and boys’ teams announced their 2023 Track and Field special award winners after a successful season for both teams. 

For the girls’ team, Tristan Shull earned the Panther Award. Andi Scott was the leading scorer and Ava English grabbed the Comeback Award. Rellana Van Deuren and Savannah Slobodnik were named CO-Most Improved. Lastly, Abby Carthey nabbed the Newcomer Award.

For the boys’ team, the Shuttle Hurdle team of Avin Truong, Gavin Kerr, Will Davidson, and Bryce Wilson claimed a new school record. Truong also grabbed the Most Improved award. Jacob Richtman earned the Panther Award. Davidson along with being the leading scorer also broke school records in the 110 meter high hurdles and the 200 meter dash. Lastly, Jude Dykstra nabbed the Newcomer Award.

Mt. Pleasant Soccer

The Southeast Conference announced their conference awards for the boys and the Panthers nabbed four awards. Dylan White earned 1st team All-Conference after leading the Panthers in goals with 14 on the season. Mario Carpia Segundo was named 1st team All-Conference for his defensive play.

Rudy Ruiz Motta was an Honorable Mention after saving 115 shots between the posts. Jackson Newman earned an Honorable Mention for the Panthers. 

The Panthers finished 5th in conference with a 4-10 overall record.

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant will have a home doubleheader against Keokuk tonight.

Winfield-Mt. Union will host Lone Tree tomorrow, June 6th.

Danville will take on BGM today.

Central Lee will host Danville tomorrow.

New London will look to get back in the win column against Lone Tree tonight on the road.

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant will host a doubleheader against Keokuk today.

Winfield-Mt. Union will host Lone Tree tomorrow, June 6th.

Danville will face off against Central Lee tomorrow.

Holy Trinity Catholic will take on Highland on June 7th.

New London will compete against Lone Tree tonight.

Iowa Baseball

The Hawkeyes were eliminated from the NCAA tournament yesterday after their second loss of the regional. On Saturday, the Hawkeyes lost to Indiana State 7-4 after the Sycamores scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning. Raider Tello, Sam Hojnar, Michael Seegers, and Kyle Huckstorf each collected an RBI in the game.

In this double elimination tournament, Iowa had to take on North Carolina once again yesterday. The contest took 13 innings, but the Hawkeyes scraped across a run in the top of the 13th inning off a Seegers RBI triple to win 6-5. Brennen Dorighi went 4 for 5 with 3 RBIs in the game.

The win meant a rematch against Indiana State later in the day. In another back-and-forth contest, the Sycamores would break away in the 7th inning to take the regional championship 11-8. Dorighi added 3 more RBIs to his total in the losing effort.

The Hawkeyes finished the season with a 44-16 record.

This Day in Sports History

1920 – Philadelphia Athletics’s VP Thomas Shibe denies charges that baseballs are livelier.

1981 – Astros’ Nolan Ryan passes Early Wynn as all-time walk leader (1,777).

2018 – American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. named 2017 top earning sportsperson by Forbes with $285 million.

Indiana State Rallies for 5 Runs in the 8th to Defeat Iowa

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 at 10:47 pm CDT

Terry Haute, IN- The second game of the NCAA Baseball Championship tournament did not go according to plan for the Iowa Hawkeyes as they fell to Indiana State 7-4.

Iowa would get on the board first as Raider Tello picked up his first RBI of the game on a single to right field to make the score 1 to 0 in the top of the 1st inning. Indiana St. would tie the game up with a solo home run by Adam Pottinger in the bottom of the 2nd inning.

The Sycamores and Hawkeyes would trade runs in the bottom of the 3rd with a sacrifice fly from Randal Diaz and an RBI single from Michael Seegers. The Hawkeyes would add two runs in the top of the 6th inning with an RBI double by Sam Hojnar and a sacrifice fly from Kyle Huckstorf.

After scoring a run on a bases load walk in the bottom of the 8th inning, the Sycamores had the bases loaded and two outs. That’s when Miguel Rivera and Grant Magill hit back-to-back two RBI doubles to make the score 7 to 4, the eventual final.

Connor Fenlong picked up the win on the mound for Indiana St. after 8 innings of work allowing 7 hits, 4 runs, two walks, and striking out 8. Jared Spencer pitched the last inning allowing just one walk.

Brody Brecht went 7 innings for the Hawkeyes allowing 2 runs on 2 hits, 4 walks, and 8 strikeouts. Jared Sampson was given the loss after allowing 4 runs and picking up one out on a strikeout. Luke Llewellyn grabbed the last two outs for Iowa, tallying a strikeout.

The Hawkeyes will face off against North Carolina tomorrow, June 4th, at 11 am.

Iowa High School Soccer State Champions

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 at 10:23 pm CDT

Des Moines, IA- The Iowa high school boys’ and girls’ state soccer tournaments are over and after a week full of weather delays, overtimes, and upsets here are the state champions.

The girls’ Class 1A state championship featured one of the first upsets of the day as the #7 seed Bishop Heelan over last year’s runner-up Davenport Assumption 2-0.

The Class 1A boys’ state championship was decided in the second half when Western Christian netted two goals to defeat Grundy Center/Gladbrook-Reinbeck 2-0.

The boys Class 2A state championship needed overtime and two rounds of penalty kicks to decide the final as Gilbert took down Davenport Assumption 3-2.

In a rematch of last year’s state championship for the girls’ Class 2A state championship, Dallas Center-Grimes repeated history by defeating Waverly-Shell Rock 2-0 (the exact same score from last year’s game).

In the girls’ Class 3A state championship, Johnston and Valley traded goals in the first half then no goals were scored until the second round of penalty kicks as the Dragons came out on top 3 to 2 to win the crown 2-1.

The #6 seed Iowa City Liberty handled Norwalk 5-0 to walk away with the boys’ Class 3A state championship.

Lastly, the Class 4A state championship went to Johnston after the double-overtime winner to defeat Iowa City West 3-2.

Sandie Hook

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 at 9:58 pm CDT

Sandie Hook, 75, of Wilton, passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at her home. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello. Memorial Services for Sandie will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 5, 2023 at the funeral home. Private family burial will be held in the Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to assisted with the backpack program and school supplies of children within school districts of Wapello, Wilton, West Liberty and Wayne Community Schools. Sympathy notes may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Sandra Elizabeth Grimm was born on November 19, 1947 in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of Clyde and Frances (Zogelman) Grimm. Sandie was a 1966 graduate of Wapello High School, graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso where she received her Bachelor’s degree and obtained her Administration License from Drake University. She began her teaching career in 1972 at Louisa-Muscatine schools, taught several years at Wapello Community Schools, was principal at Wayne Elementary in Corydon and retired as principal of Central Lee Elementary School. Sandie spent a total of 37 years in education. She was a member of Wilton St. Mary’s Catholic Church. More than anything Sandie enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren; she also enjoyed reading, puzzles and watching Little House On The Prairie.

Sandie will be deeply missed by her children, Andrea (John) Martinez of Fruitland and Michael (Kristy) Hook of Wilton; grandchildren, Jacob, Sarah, Samantha and Matthew Martinez, Meggan, Catie, Nathan and Collin Hook; siblings, Cheyrel (Mike) McConahay of Russell, Iowa and Keith Grimm of Wapello; sister-in-law, Cindy Grimm of Letts and nieces and nephews.

Sandie was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dick Grimm.

Danville City Council Meeting Agenda for June 5th

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 at 9:22 pm CDT

AGENDA

Order of business, regular session

Danville City Council, Danville City Hall

NOTE: The regular session may be conducted electronically

as allowed by Iowa Code 21.8

Citizen comments: Comments must be directed to the subject under consideration. The presiding officer shall rule on the relevance of the citizen comments. Citizens making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks may be barred by the presiding officer from further comment before the Council during the meeting.

  1. Call to order 6:00 p.m.
  2. Accept or amend the agenda.
  3. Open forum: A time set aside to receive comments from the public regarding city business. The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public on any subject pertaining to City business, including items on this agenda. You are asked to state your name and address for the record and to limit your remarks to five minutes in order that others may be given the opportunity to speak. The Order of Business is at the discretion of the Chair. No action will be taken.
  4. Discussion and action on providing the city attorney a firm direction to proceed with the vacation of West Plank Road, to give notice and notify of Robertson’s offer. Action by Council.
  5. Discussion and action on Resolution 2023-10 wages for city employees for 2023/2024.
  6. Discussion and action on Resolution 2023-12 obtaining a credit card from the Danville State Bank.
  7. Fire Chief/Building Inspector report – action by council if needed.
    1.  Approval, if needed, of building permits and/or report as presented.
  8. City Electrician report.
    1. Approval of report if needed.
  9. Public Works written report.
    1. Discussion on making various concrete repairs throughout the community. Action if needed.
    2. Approval of the written report as presented.
  10. Approval of consent agenda.
    1. Council minutes of May 15, 2023.
    2. April 2023 financial reports
    3. Payment of bills.
  11. Council reports and correspondence.
    1. Review of fiscal year end balances both budget and financially. Action if needed.
    2. Setting of starting time for the June 19, 2023 council meeting. Action if needed.
  12. Adjournment. The next regular session of the Danville City Council is scheduled for Monday, June 19, 2023, Danville City Hall followed by the joint meeting of the Danville City Council, Danville & Pleasant Grove Township Trustees, starting at 6:30 p.m..

June 4, 2023 – June 11, 2023

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 at 9:04 am CDT
06/04/23
Easton Stewart (belated)
06/04/23
Robin Shiree Burden (belated)
06/05/23
Vern & Carolyn Dorothy - 74 years!!
06/06/23
David Wesely
06/06/23
Bill & Jodi Morrison 36 years anniversary
06/06/23
Lisa & Kevin Clark 25th anniversary
06/07/23
Denise Fett
06/07/23
Mary Manning
06/07/23
Melinda Huisinga
06/07/23
Becky Johnson
06/07/23
Tryson Oliver
06/07/23
Nancy Sutherland
06/07/23
Cory & Katie Westphal Anniversary (15)
06/08/23
Nikolas Coble
06/08/23
Kathleen Rauenbuehler
06/08/23
Sherry Rila
06/08/23
Janet & Seth Lee
06/09/23
Leia Hill
06/09/23
Mike Donnolly
06/09/23
Victor Cerini
06/09/23
Ava Lowery
06/09/23
Mary Sue Nichols
06/10/23
Carol Butterbrodt
06/10/23
Jeff Johnson
06/10/23
Kevin Roth
06/10/23
Johnny Ledbetter
06/10/23
Ray and Crystee Stigge /Anniversary
06/11/23
Betty Moore

Sports, June 3rd

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 at 12:57 am CDT

High School Soccer

The girls’ state semifinals were upset central yesterday and here’s the results. In Class 1A, Gilbert took down the #1 seed Des Moines Christian 1-0 and the #7 seed Bishop Heelan defeated Assumption 4-1. Gilbert and Bishop Heelan will square off today.

Waverly-Shell Rock and Dallas Center-Grimes each snuck by their opponents 1-0 to advance to the championship game today for Class 2A.

In Class 3A, Valley pulled off the upset on Waukee Northwest 3-1. They will take on Johnston today after they defeated Dowling Catholic.

The boys’ state championship will also be taking place today and here are the matchups. In Class 1A, GCGR will face off against Western Christian.

Assumption will take on Gilbert in Class 2A.

Norwalk and Iowa City Liberty are looking to continue their Cinderella stories today for Class 3A.

Lastly, Iowa City West will face off against Johnston for the Class 4A crown.

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant will have a home doubleheader against Keokuk on Monday, June 5th.

Winfield-Mt. Union will host Lone Tree on June 6th.

West Burlington handled Danville last night 16-4. Hayden Vandenberg smacked a home run and tallied 4 RBIs in the winning effort for the Falcons. The Bears will take on BGM on June 5th.

Central Lee will host Danville on June 6th. 

New London fell to Burlington Notre Dame last night 8-1 in their conference matchup. The Tigers got on the board first in the 3rd inning due to some errant pitching by Hunter Shipley causing Nick Powell to score on a wild pitch. The Nikes would strike in the 5th inning with 7 runs coming in to score. Isaiah Crow notched a double and 3 RBIs in the inning. Caden Schwenker tallied 2 RBIs and Lucas Johnson along with Jaxon Salder grabbed an RBI each. Shipley pitched 6 innings striking out 11 batters to pick up the win. The Tigers will take on Lone Tree on June 5th on the road.

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant will host a doubleheader against Keokuk on June 5th.

Winfield-Mt. Union fell to Hillcrest Academy 16-12 last night. Keely Malone went 2 for 5 with 4 RBIs including a two-run homer. The Wolves will host Lone Tree on June 6th.

Danville will face off against Central Lee on June 6th.

Holy Trinity Catholic defeated New London last night 13-0. The Crusaders will take on Highland on June 7th and the Tigers will compete in the Mustang Classic today.

Iowa Baseball

The Hawkeyes fended off the North Carolina comeback attempt to win 5-4. Sam Hojnar picked up a 2 RBI double in the winning effort for the Hawkeyes as Marcus Morgan pitched 5 innings and tallied 5 strikeouts. They will take on Indiana State tonight.

This Day in Sports History

1932 – Future Baseball Hall of Fame first baseman Lou Gehrig first to hit 4 consecutive HRs in a MLB game; NY Yankees beat Philadelphia A’s, 20-13 at Shibe Park.

1989 – Sportscasting legend Vin Scully broadcasts 23 innings in two different cities in one day.

2018 – Golden State guard Stephen Curry breaks Ray Allen’s NBA Finals record for most 3-pointers with 9 in the Warriors 122-103 Game 2 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.