Cynthia “Cindy” Houston

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, June 8th, 2023 at 1:47 pm CDT

Cynthia “Cindy” Houston, 72, of Salem, died unexpectedly Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Henry County Health Center.

Cindy was born February 26, 1951, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Wilbur and Ruby “Arlene” (Rees) Swan. She graduated from Winfield-Mount Union High School in 1969, and went on to attend the Medical Assistant program at Southeastern Community College. Cindy married Ron Westerbeck in 1970, they later divorced. She married Jim Houston in 1990, they later divorced. Cindy lived in Florida for a number of years before returning to the Henry County communities. Cindy was a member of the Winfield Methodist Church. She worked at the John Deere store in Winfield and later in life worked as a teacher’s aide in the Winfield-Mount Union Community School District. After retirement, Cindy loved to spend her time volunteering. She could be found at the Quarter Maybe More Store in Mount Pleasant, Lewelling Quaker Museum in Salem and her favorite, reading to students at the elementary schools. She also loved spending time with family and enjoyed animals, especially cats and horses.

Cindy is survived by her son Christopher (Sarah) Westerbeck of Katy, Texas; four grandchildren, Rachel, Alex, Emma and Emily; sister Nancy (Doyle) Syfert of Salem; three nephews Jerad (Lisa) Syfert, Jake (Angie) Syfert, Joe (Nicole) Syfert all of Mount Pleasant; a niece Jamie (Jeremy) Orr of Salem; and 13 great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Richard Swan.

Memorial Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel and Crematory. Visitation will begin at 1:00, with family present to greet friends. A memorial fund has been established for Salem Fire and Rescue. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel and Crematory is caring for Cindy and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Sports, June 8th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, June 8th, 2023 at 6:35 am CDT

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant will travel to take on Keokuk tonight with first pitch at 7:30 pm.

New London came out with a win against Winfield-Mt. Union 7-5 last night. The Wolves will travel to take on Louisa-Muscatine tonight and the Tigers will face off against West Burlington today.

Danville will travel to Mediapolis tomorrow, June 9th, with first pitch at 5:30 pm.

Central Lee will take on Mediapolis tonight on the road.

Van Buren County handed Hillcrest Academy their first loss last night 6-1. Jackson Manning ripped two doubles and piled up 4 RBIs in the winning effort for the Warriors. They will take on Burlington Notre Dame today.

Mediapolis defeated Wapello last night 12-3. 

In Southeast Iowa conference (SEC) play, Washington will host Fort Madison tonight with first pitch at 7:30 pm. Burlington will travel to take on Fairfield today at 7:30 pm to conclude their series. 

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant and Keokuk finish up their series tonight at 7 pm. KILJ will be on the call with pregame at 6:45 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union defeated New London after scoring at least one run in the final 5 innings to come out with the win 8-4. The Wolves started off the scoring with a two out rally in the top of the 1st inning that allowed Anna Anderson to score on a wild pitch. Nevertheless, New London scored the next three runs including an RBI single by Morgan Jones. 

The Wolves would then out score the Tigers 7 to 1 the rest of the way as Quin Smith notched three strikeouts in the circle for her second win of the season. Anderson picked up 3 RBIs in the game including a 2-RBI double in the 6th inning that broke the game open. Shaylee Brothersen picked up an RBI for New London and Jessi Renken, Emily Weiskircher, and Kelle Milks picked up RBIs for the Wolves. New London will host West Burlington tonight and Winfield-Mt. Union will take on Louisa-Muscatine tonight at 7 pm.

Danville will face off against Mediapolis tomorrow, June 9th, at 7 pm.

Holy Trinity Catholic fell to Highland last night 4-3 in extra innings. The Crusaders will take on Van Buren County at home tonight. 

Van Buren County defeated Hillcrest Academy 15-3 yesterday. Annabell Cormier notched 3 RBIs for the Warriors. 

Mediapolis lost to Wapello last night 17-0. 

In other SEC games, Fort Madison travels to take on Washington tonight. Fairfield will host Burlington today at 7:30 pm. 

Iowa Hawkeye Track and Field

Austin West sits in 4th place in the decathlon standings with 4,266 points, just 325 points behind the leader. The Hawkeyes 4×100 meter team set a school record to secure a spot in tomorrow’s finals. 

Iowa State Track and Field

Ezekiel Rop will run in the 1500 meter final after qualifying with the 8th best time of 3 minutes and 39 seconds. The finals will run tomorrow.

This Day in Sports History

1920 – Reds’ Edd Roush falls asleep in center during long infield argument Heinie Groh goes to wake him, but the umpire ejects Roush for delay of game.

1989 – Pirates score 10 in 1st (their best inning since 1942), prompts Pirate broadcaster Jim Rooker to say he would walk from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia if the Pirates lost. The Phillies beat them 15-11 and Rooker walks at end of season.

1992 – NY Yankee pitcher Steve Howe is suspended from baseball for the 7th time and then banned. The decision was overturned with an appeal.

Weekly Fuel Report

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, June 8th, 2023 at 6:20 am CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (June 7, 2023) – The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 4 cents, averaging $3.37 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $5.74 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $68.82.
  • Brent crude oil fell $5.59 and is currently priced at $72.84.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $100.28 and Brent crude was at $125.53.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, May 31, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.37 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices fell 4 cents from last week’s price and 89 cents lower than one year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.58, up 2 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 3 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.70.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $5.16 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 25 cents less than the national average of $3.95.
  • Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.43 for U87-E10, $2.83 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.50 for ULSD#2, $3.04 for ULSD#1, and $2.56 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices fell 23 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.31/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.

TWO Residents turn 100 on the same day in Wayland, IA

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, June 8th, 2023 at 6:19 am CDT

It’s a great achievement to celebrate your 100th birthday, but the celebration is twice the size when TWO people turn 100 on the same day! Parkview Home in Wayland has two residents turning 100 years old on the same day, June 22nd. Betty Messer and Mary Olson also share their birthday with another resident turning the young age of 89 years. With so much to celebrate, you are invited to the party at 102 North Jackson Street in Wayland, IA beginning at 3 p.m. The families request no gifts, if you have any questions call Ron Semler at Parkview Home in Wayland at 319-256-3525.

Stephanie Myers

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 at 4:34 pm CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT – Stephanie Gertrude Myers, 75, died Sunday, June 4, 2023 at her home in Mount Pleasant.

Stephanie was born January 14, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Earl and Elizabeth (McGurr) Daggett, Sr. She graduated from high school and then served her country in the United States Marine Corp. Stephanie moved to Fort Madison in 1978, and work as a correctional officer for the Iowa State Penitentiary for 16 years. She moved to Mount Pleasant in 2010.

Stephanie is survived by three children: Linda (Greg) Fangman of Waterloo, John (Laura) Myers of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Mark (Kim) Myers of Lockridge; two granddaughters: Megan and Emily Fangman; and two grandsons: Jonathan and Brock Myers. She was preceded in death by her parents and six brothers and sisters.

According to Stephanie’s wishes her body has been cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel and Crematory is caring for Stephanie and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Cecil Menke

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 at 4:32 pm CDT

Cecil Menke, 94, of Sartell, Minnesota, formerly of West Point and Carroll, Iowa, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023, at the VA Healthcare System in St. Cloud. Minnesota.

He was born on July 9, 1928, in rural Salem, Iowa, the son of Bernard G and Elizabeth M. (Bentler) Menke. On May 3, 1952, he married Luella Mary Steffensmeier at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point, Iowa. She preceded him in death on December 3, 2021.

Survivors include his four children: Bernard Menke of Sartell, Minnesota, Kris Menke of Sartell, Minnesota, Greg (Mardelle) Menke of Urbandale, Iowa and Marlene (Eric) Grindland of Sartell, Minnesota; three grandchildren: Joel Menke, Trevor (Taylor) Grindland and Kia (Tanner) Bechtold; one great grandchild: Oliver Lane Grindland; three siblings: Marvin (Rita) Menke of St. Paul, Iowa, Edna Spiekermeier of Fort Madison, Iowa and Marilyn Watznauer of West Point, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Luella; sisters and brothers: Cecilia Bucking ham, Lawrence Menke, Arnold Menke and Benita Coons.

Luella and Cecil, along with their four children moved to Carroll, Iowa in May of 1966 and started a hardware store. They sold the hardware business in 1985. He was a realtor and high school development director. Cecil was a member of the American Legion and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed collecting and refurbishing old tractors and trucks.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Joseph Phung as celebrant.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, West Point, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in his memory for St. Francis Xavier Schools in Sartell, Minnesota or Holy Trinity Schools in West Point, Iowa.

Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Beware of Utility Phone Scam

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 at 1:42 pm CDT

The Mt. Pleasant Municipal Utilities has been notified that customers have received automated phone calls requesting payment on their Utility bill, threatening disconnection of service. This is a scam. Do not give any information to the caller.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call 319-385-2121 (24 hrs.).

Mobile Home Fire in Burlington

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 at 1:26 pm CDT

At 2:14 AM Wednesday June 7, 2023 the Burlington and West Burlington Fire Departments responded to a reported mobile home on fire at 601 S. Roosevelt Avenue, Lot 19, in Burlington. Firefighters arrived at 2:22 AM to find flames showing from underneath the mobile home. Firefighters worked to contain the fire to underneath the center section of the mobile home, however the fire did burn through the floor and into south wall. The fire was fully extinguished by 5:00 AM
The mobile home, owned by Robert Tabb, was not occupied. Damages are still being assessed, but are likely to exceed the value of the mobile home. There is no insurance.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Burlington Police and Fire Departments and is considered suspicious.
Firefighters were assisted at the scene by Burlington Police and Alliant Energy. Firefighters cleared the scene at 5:40 AM. There were no injuries.