Gary Lee Olson

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, July 6th, 2023 at 6:24 am CDT

Gary Lee “Coffee” Olson, 73, of Houghton,Iowa, passed away at 5:57 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at the V.A. Medical Center in Iowa City.

 

Gary was born on November 2, 1949 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Mary (Chesnut) Olson. On September 29, 1979 he married Lucille Hellweg in Houghton, Iowa.

 

He is survived by his wife: Lucille, two children: Andy (Maria) Olson of Atkins, Iowa, and Lynn Olson of Newhall, Iowa, four grandchildren: Caleb, Ava, Bella, and Landon, one sister: Linda (Mike) Panther of Fort Madison, Iowa, one brother: Tom Olson of Texas, also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister: Pat Bouressa, one sister-in-law: Christine, and one brother-in-law: Dan Bouressa.

 

Gary owned and operated Gary “Coffee” Olson Construction. He was a member of the Farmington American Legion, he served on the Houghton City Council and a United States Army Veteran serving during Vietnam. Coffee enjoyed his grandchildren and attending their events, he was an avid NASCAR fan, and enjoyed drinking coffee with his friends.

 

The Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton.

 

A funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton with Father Dan Dorau officiating.

 

Burial will be in St. Johns Cemetery with full military rites presented by the Farmington American Legion Richardson – Anthony Post #231.

 

A memorial has been established to Houghton Fire and Rescue or St. Johns Catholic Church.

 

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

Queen Crowned at the Lee County Fair

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, July 6th, 2023 at 6:23 am CDT

The Lee County Fair is now in full swing with a sheep show, bingo, craft show, and bull riding that I’ve been told will happen “rain or shine.”

Of course, you can’t have a county fair without having a queen. Congratulations to Olivia Tennant, the 2023 Lee County Fair Queen. She also was awarded the title of Miss Congeniality.

The Little Miss award goes to Charlotte McDowell, the Jr Miss is Arabella McDowell, and our winner for Little Mr is Luke Wilson. Congratulations to all of them.

The 2023 Queen Contest is sponsored by Hometown Veterinary Care in New London.

KILJ will continue to bring updates from the grounds.

Weekly Fuel Report

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, July 6th, 2023 at 6:14 am CDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don McDowell
515-326-1616
don.mcdowell@iowaagriculture.gov
Weekly Fuel Report

DES MOINES, Iowa (July 5, 2023) – The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 6 cents, averaging $3.32 across Iowa according to AAA.

 

Crude Oil Summary

·        The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $2.45 per barrel and is currently priced at $72.02.

·        Brent crude oil rose $2.72 and is currently priced at $76.74.

·        One year ago, WTI crude sold for $99.50 and Brent crude was at $110.49.

Motor Fuels

·        As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.32 across Iowa according to AAA.

o   Prices held fell 6 cents from last week’s price and are $1.26 lower than one year ago.

o   The national average on Wednesday was $3.52, down 3 cents from last week’s price.

·        Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 4 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.58.

o   One year ago, diesel prices averaged $5.37 in Iowa.

o   The current Iowa diesel price is 27 cents less than the national average of $3.85.

·        Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.

·        The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.43 for U87-E10, $2.80 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.46 for ULSD#2, $2.99 for ULSD#1, and $2.52 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

·        Natural gas prices rose 1 cent at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.66/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.
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About the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Led by Secretary Mike Naig, the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship serves the rural and urban residents that call Iowa home. Through its 14 diverse bureaus, the Department ensures animal health, food safety and consumer protection. It also promotes conservation efforts to preserve our land and enhance water quality for the next generation. Learn more at iowaagriculture.gov.

 

 
 

 

Arrest Made in Burlington Shoot-out

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, July 6th, 2023 at 6:12 am CDT

An arrest was made in Burlington yesterday after shots were fired in the area of Louisa and Remey. Just after 2pm on July 5th, Treyyin Monroe Jarrel encountered another man and began shooting. The other man, who was legally carrying, returned gunfire with his handgun. No one was hit or injured, but the gunfire did strike a garage, vehicle, and house, causing damage.

As a result, Jarrel was arrested and charged with possession of firearm by felon , intimidation with a dangerous weapon, going armed with intent , two counts of aggravated assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, and reckless discharge of a firearm causing property damage.

The other man has not been charged with a crime but the investigation is on-going.

If you have any information about this crime, or any crime, call Crime Stoppers at 319-753-6835. If your tip leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a reward of up to $1000.00.

Community Action Food Bank Donations

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, July 5th, 2023 at 1:28 pm CDT

The Community Action of Southeast Iowa had a very busy June, providing food to many across Southeast Iowa. In total, over 620 food packages sent to 582 households fed 1,308 individuals. They are sure to have another busy month, and need help. The food pantry needs many items including milk, canned meats, frozen meats, diced tomatoes, cereals, fresh produce, and much more. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday. For a full list of location addresses visit https://caofseia.org/about-us/locations/

 

Sarah Mae Craig

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, July 5th, 2023 at 1:21 pm CDT

Sarah Mae Craig, 69, of Fairfield passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at the Prestige Care Center in Fairfield.

 

Sarah was born on July 31, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Edward C. & Dolores Larson.   Sarah graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in the class of 1972.  Sarah was united in marriage to Damien Craig on July 28, 1978, in Illinois.  He preceded her in death on April 1, 2017.  She had worked at various jobs.  Sarah held a 3rd Degree Blackbelt in Tae-Kwon-Do.  She enjoyed drawing, crossword puzzles and cross knitting.

 

Those thankful for sharing in Sarah’s life include her children, Dorothea “Dottie” Simmons and her husband Nathan and Everette Craig all of Mt. Pleasant, her grandchildren, Riley, Cole and Erich Simmons and Morgan Craig, three brothers, Bill Camlin of Fairfield, Ed Larson of Red Rock, and Joe Tait and his wife, Janet of Clarinda, her sister, Emma “Cookie” Horton and her husband Richard of Davenport, her brother-in-law, JP Craig, of Mt. Pleasant, her sister-in-law, Teri Camlin of Rome and many nieces and nephews.

 

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Damien Craig.

 

According to her wishes no services will be held and cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.

 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

 

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for her arrangements.

Marco A. Salazar

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, July 5th, 2023 at 1:08 pm CDT

Marco A. Salazar, 44, of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, June 29, 2023.

Services will be at a later date.  The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

Movies on Main in Washington

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, July 5th, 2023 at 8:54 am CDT

Everybody loves a classic movie, and with summer being in full swing there is no better experience than watching in the great outdoors. Main Street Washington, in partnership with their presenting sponsor Community 1st Credit Union, will be showing a free family-friendly film in Central Park in Washington on July 7th. Finding Nemo will begin at 8:30pm, so bring your lawn chair and enjoy concessions sponsored by Jacqueline Arreola LLC.