Donald W. Mathews

By Theresa Rose · Friday, May 12th, 2023 at 1:54 pm CDT

Donald W. Mathews, 73, of rural Danville, went home to be with the Lord May 4th, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Health Center Hospice house.

Born June 19th, 1949, Donald was the son of Ralph E. and Vera I. Stevenson Mathews. Don was a graduate of Danville High School class of 1967.  He also attended Burlington Junior College and Iowa State University.  Don held those school relationships in very high regard throughout his life.  From a young age Donald was deeply rooted in the Danville community.  He helped on his parents’ farm and eventually took over management when his father passed.  Recently the farm has been transferred to its fifth generation.  Don was a founding member of the Des Moines County Corn Growers and the Danville Jaycees.  Along the way he has been a member on the boards of the Des Moines County Pork Producers, the Des Moines County Farm Bureau, the Danville Mutual Telephone Company and Jaggar Cemetery.  Don started No-till farming in 1979 and spent the rest of his life promoting the benefits of progressive farming.  Conservation and providing for the next generation were always his top priority.  Don started at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant during the farm crisis and ended up staying for 25 years.

Hobbies largely took over after Don retired.  He was a member of both 3 Rivers and Big Creek tractor clubs.  He participated with numerous tractorcades and rides of all sizes across Eastern Iowa.  Don was an avid presenter at Midwest Old Threshers, cherishing his participation in the parades and daily cavalcade of power.  He was very much anticipating the 2023 reunion as Allis Chalmers is the featured tractor.  Don was a near constant presence at Danville High School events and was especially devoted to boys and girls basketball.  He took great pleasure in sharing his knowledge with the FFA chapter at school and had been a 4-H member himself.  Most importantly Don delighted in the connections and friends he made everywhere he went.

Above all, Don loved his family.  Don and Cindy were married in August of 1982 and together they raised Cora (Steve) Beltramea of Fairfield, Jessica (Justin) Boecker of Danville, and David (Alaina) Mathews of Danville.  Don and Cindy have four grandchildren.  Don always had his camera in hand, which has yielded a stockpile of memories to be shared for generations to come.  He could fix just about anything, was a constant support and had patience as wide as the day is long. His vast knowledge, tight hugs and thumbs up are already greatly missed.

A joyous celebration of life for Don Mathews is planned for May 26th (5/26/23) from 3-6 pm at Elliott Chapel in New London, family will receive friends throughout.  This date was picked specifically as no other seems more appropriate for one who so loved his Danville, Iowa (52623) community. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Hadden and Danielle at Family Medicine, the ALS clinic at the University of Iowa, and the amazingly kind SEIRMC Hospice staff, especially his nurse Dawn.

Memorials have been established at some of Don’s favorite places: Danville Station, the FFA chapter or athletic department at school, and Jaggar Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Structural Fire 214 S 10th St

By Theresa Rose · Friday, May 12th, 2023 at 1:41 pm CDT

At 5:33 PM on Thursday, May 11th, the Burlington, and West Burlington Fire Departments
responded to a reported house fire at 214 S 10th St. in Burlington. Des Moines County Sheriff’s
Department arrived first and reported the structure on fire. Burlington Firefighters arrived
within 1 minute of being dispatched to a two-story duplex with extensive fire showing from the
first-story windows of one of the apartments. An active self-rescue took place from a first-story
roof upon fire department arrival with assistance from a DMC Sheriff Officer. A box alarm was
struck calling in off-duty Burlington firefighters as well as bringing Danville and Mediapolis
firefighters closer to Burlington. The structure sustained significant heat and water damage,
with smoke throughout. The fire was extinguished at approximately 5:47 PM.

The property is owned by Dennis Wilson. The property is insured. Damage estimates are still
being assessed.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Burlington Fire Department in
conjunction with the Burlington Police Department.

Firefighters were assisted at the scene by Burlington Police, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office,
The Red Cross, and Alliant Energy. One victim was transported to SEIRMC-WB. Two animals
were rescued in the incident as well. Firefighters cleared the scene at 8:24 PM.

Crash at IA Highway 92 and L Ave

By Theresa Rose · Friday, May 12th, 2023 at 1:38 pm CDT

On May 8th, 2023, a crash between a passenger vehicle and a pickup truck occurred on IA HIGHWAY 92 and L AVE just before 1pm. The car attempted to pass a Semi-truck heading east, when a pickup truck heading the opposite way struck the vehicle. Both units came to rest north of the roadway in a field. There were three deceased and two injured due to this accident.

As of May 12, the names of the passengers are now available. The deceased are as follows. William Stewart, age 52, of Tipton. Jean Munanga, 41, of Palatine, Illinois, and Mireillie Mulanga Muluila, 45, also of Palatine, Illinois.

The injured are Lori Stewart, 51, of Tipton, and Musong Kizaba, of Palatine, Illinois. Both were transported to the University of Iowa Hospital.

This accident remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol.

Sports, May 12th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, May 12th, 2023 at 6:03 am CDT

High School Track and Field

Mt. Pleasant hosted the state qualifying meet last night and here are the automatic qualifiers for the girls team. To automatically qualify you must be a top two finisher in your event. Andi Scott finished in 2nd place in the 100 meter dash with a time of 13.14 seconds. The 4×200 meter relay team of Kynlee White, Bailey Jalas, Courtney Raub, and Andi Scott won the event with a time of 1 minute and 46.74 seconds. Lastly, Ava English won the shot put with a toss of 37 feet 3 inches.

For the boys team, Will Davidson won the 110 meter hurdles with a time of 14.48 seconds and the 400 meter hurdles with a time of 54.12 seconds. Avin Truong took the long jump with a leap of 22 feet 8.5 inches. The team of Gabe Feldmann, Jacob Richtman, Isaac Rynders, and Ben Carthey grabbed 2nd place in the 4×800 meter relay. Lastly, the 4×110 meter shuttle hurdle team of Bryce Wilson, Truong, Davidson, and Gavin Kerr won with a time of 1 minute and 0.59 seconds.

For Class 1A, to automatically qualify the competitor must finish in 1st place for the event.

WACO hosted their state qualifying meet last night as Winfield-Mt. Union, Danville, and New London were also in competition. For the girls team of WACO, Zoey Dennler grabbed a 2nd place finish in the 400 meter hurdles with a time of 1 minute and 11 seconds.

For the WACO boys’ team, Simeon Reichenbach took 2nd place in the 110 meter hurdles with a time of 15.42 seconds. The 4×200 meter relay team of Braden Spain, Isaac Oswald, Mason Miller, and Clayton Miller won with a time of 1 minute and 33 seconds. The 4×110 meter shuttle hurdle team of Oswald, Mason Miller, Louden Huisenga, and Reichenbach grabbed 2nd place with a time of 1 minute and 3 seconds. Lastly, Oleh Shtefanchuk tossed the discus 164 feet 10 inches to win the event.

The automatic qualifier for the girls team of Winfield-Mt. Union was the 4×100 meter shuttle hurdle team of Josie Nelson, Keyreana Sharar, Tessa Huston, and Keetyn Townsley with a time of 1 minute and 9 seconds and a 1st place finish.

Gabriel Hemsworth for the boys team of Winfield-Mt. Union notched one individual automatic bid as he placed 2nd in the 400 meter dash and 1st in the 400 meter hurdles. Kohlby Newson took 2nd place in the 800 meter run with a time of 2 minutes 3 seconds. The Wolves qualified two relay teams. The 4×400 meter relay team of Sheaden Adams, Hemsworth, Ty Scorpil, and Newsom. The 800 sprint medley team of Caleb Giese, Abram Edwards, Cam Buffington, and Hemsworth. The team of Lane Genkinger, Edwards, Scorpil, and Newsom took 2nd in the distance medley. Lastly, Buffington won the long jump with a leap of 21 feet 7.5 inches.

For the Danville girls team, Alaina Gourley won the 400 meter dash and the 800 meter run. The 4×400 meter relay team of Miya Orbiana, Jaeda Molle, Kamryn Sherwood, and Gourley took 2nd place. The same team took 2nd place in the 4×800 meter relay. Molle and Orbiana joined Taylor Jones and Kenna Furnald in the 800 sprint medley to capture 2nd place. Macie Wagner joined Furnald, Orbiana, and Molle to take 2nd in the distance medley. Furnald also took 2nd place in the long jump with a leap of 15 feet 11.25 inches.

AJ Bonnesen won the 1600 meter run and the 3200 meter run for the Danville boys team. The 4×400 meter relay team of Noah Horn, Kessler Whaley, Spencer Nelson, and Ashton McCane finished in 2nd place. Horn and Nelson joined Jackson Shacklett and Bonnesen to win the 4×800 meter relay. Drake Nicholson, Jaden Bauer, Ayden Doyle, and McCane took 2nd in the 800 sprint medley.

For the New London boys team, Rylan Martin won the 800 meter run and took 2nd place in the 1600 meter run. The 4×100 meter relay team of Boden Pickle, London Franklin, Kade Benjamin, and Brigham Porter grabbed 2nd place. Martin replaced Benjamin in the distance medley team that won the event. Lastly, Benjamin won the high jump with a leap of 6 feet 6 inches.

The state track meet will begin competition on May 18th and run through the 20th. KILJ will be bringing live results throughout those days for our local teams.

High School Soccer

The Mt. Pleasant girls team lost on the road to Burlington Notre Dame 6-3 last night. Charice Auwerda added on to her conference lead in goals with now 21 on the season. Elly Manning netted the other goal as they both notched assists. The Panthers will travel to take on Ottumwa on May 15th to end the regular season.

The Mt. Pleasant boys team lost to Burlington Notre Dame last night 4-1. Axel Noriega Ruiz scored the goal while Dylan White nabbed the assist. The Panthers will take on Solon for the first round of the Class 2A Substate 5 postseason contest on May 15th.

The WACO boys team fell to Sigourney last night 2-0. The Warriors will compete in the SEISC Tournament today and tomorrow.

The Central Lee boys team will face off against Hillcrest Academy on May 15th for the first round of the Class 1A substate.

The Central Lee girls team will compete in the Class 1A Region 3 contest against Mid-Prairie on May 17th.

High School Golf

The Mt. Pleasant girls team will compete in their Regional meet on May 17th at Xavier.

The boys teams of New London and Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Brown Deer course in Iowa City on May 16th for their District meet.

For the girls teams, New London will host the Regional today with Winfield-Mt. Union also in competition.

High School Tennis

The Mt. Pleasant boys team will take on Marion in their Substate meet today.

The Mt. Pleasant girls team will compete against Davis County in the Regional meet tomorrow, May 13th.

Iowa Wesleyan Athletics

The North Star Athletic Association conference meet for the outdoor track and field teams will conclude today.

This Day in Sports History

1955 – Chicago Cub Sam “Toothpick” Jones is the first African-American to pitch a no-hitter, winning 4-0 over Pittsburgh Pirates, at Wrigley Field, Chicago.

1970 – Ernie Banks hits his 500th home run.

1979 – Chris Evert’s 125-match winning streak on clay comes to an end.

Wilma J. Wellman

By Theresa Rose · Thursday, May 11th, 2023 at 4:52 pm CDT

 

Wilma J. Wellman, 78, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 4:45 a.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

Born February 28, 1945, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Philip and Helen (Greiner) Schwartz. On June 25, 1966, at Saint Mary of the Assumption in West Point, Iowa, she married Marvin B. Wellman.

She is survived by her husband: Marvin; three children: Kerry (husband Kenny) Cooper of Fort Madison, Chris (wife Cory) Wellman of Springfield, Illinois and Kim (husband Mike) Fullenkamp of Donnellson; grandchildren: Kole and Kameron (MaKenzie) Cooper, Caleb, Kendall and Cade Wellman and Gage and Shaylin Fullenkamp; great grandchild: Layne Cooper and sister: Judy (Glenn) Neuweg of Kirksville, Missouri. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister: Mary Ellen Williams and brother: Nick Schwartz.

Wilma was a member of the St. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, Holy Family Parish in Fort Madison, where she taught CCD. She graduated from Saint Mary’s High School. Wilma retired as the executive secretary for Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Mount Pleasant. She enjoyed sewing, working in her flower gardens and her cats. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Her body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

Family will will meet with friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m Monday, May 15, 2023, at Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 15,  2023, at Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point, with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

Burial will be at a later date in Calvary Cemetery. A memorial has been established in her memory for P.A.W. Animal Shelter or West Point Fire and Rescue. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com. Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements.

High School Girls Soccer: Rankings Remain Calm as Postseason Draws Near

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, May 11th, 2023 at 1:40 pm CDT

Prep Girls Soccer- The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) released their 7th rankings of the year the week before postseason soccer is set to begin for Class 1A. Despite how chaotic the rankings have been, this week experienced very little movement.

Des Moines Christian, Nevada, and Davenport Assumption hold on to the top three spots, respectively, for Class 1A. All of the movement was in the bottom half of the top 15 with Denver and Center Point-Urbana moving up one spot each to be the new #8 and #9 teams, respectively. Hudson tumbled from #8 to #10 after losing to Denver on penalty kicks. Panorama almost tumbled out of the top 15 after losing to Des Moines Christian in penalty kicks and falling to Tri-Center 3-2. The Panthers are now ranked 15th. Anamosa is the only team to fall out of the top 15 after losing to West Liberty 3-2. Pella Christian jumped into the #13 spot with a 10-4 record.

Class 2A saw the 6th through 11th spots scrambled, but no movements otherwise. Waverly-Shell Rock is the top team with an undefeated 13-0 record. Dallas Center-Grimes and North Scott slide into the #2 and #3 spots, respectively. Spencer fell from 6th to 8th after losing 2-1 to then ranked 11th now ranked 9th Bondurant-Farrar. North Polk and ADM moved up one spot each to cover the 6th and 7th spots in the rankings. Marion and Lewis Central fell back one spot each to cover for Bondurant-Farrar’s two spot upward movement. Burlington clung on to the #15 spot to round out the list.

In Class 3A, there was only one change in the rankings. Iowa City High was ranked 14th a week ago, but now find themselves unranked after losing 7-0 to Linn-Mar last week. Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln reclaimed their spot in the top 15 by taking the Little Hawks #14 ranking. Waukee Northwest still holds the top spot with a 12-1 record.

May 15th marks the first round for Class 1A regional play. The first round of regional play for Class 2A and 3A will be on May 19th.

Mediapolis will Send 3 Bulldogs to District Golf

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, May 11th, 2023 at 11:12 am CDT

Boys Sectional Golf- The Sectional round of high school boys golf is in the books, and these are our local teams and individual qualifiers for Districts.

In Class 2A, Mediapolis had three individual qualifiers from their meet hosted by Mid-Prairie. Grant Hinton, Jacob Grier, and Jonathan Ford each shot an 83 for the Bulldogs with Hilton nabbing 4th place.

The Bulldogs will host their District meet at Heritage Oaks Golf Course on May 15th at 10 am.

In Class 3A, Mt. Pleasant traveled to Washington for their Sectional meet, but the meet marks the end of the Panthers season. Washington took 1st place with a 322-score followed by Oskaloosa and Pella. These three teams advanced since Washington was the host and finished 1st or 2nd.

Brennan Ulik of Fort Madison and Max Weaton of Fairfield were the individual qualifiers as they both shot an 81 for the course. The Roths of Washington grabbed 1st and 2nd place, respectively, as Roman finished in 1st place with a 76 and Rajan finished with an 80. Aj Hoekstra of Pella took 3rd with a round of 80. Ulik rounded out the podium.

Pella will host the District meet at Bos Landed on May 15th at 10 am.

New London and Winfield-Mt. Union Golf Advance to Districts

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, May 11th, 2023 at 10:52 am CDT

Boys Sectional Golf- The Sectional round of high school boys golf is in the books, and these are our local teams and individual qualifiers for Districts.

In Class 1A, Wapello hosted the Sectional Meet and dominated the competition finishing in 1st place by twenty strokes 345 to 365. New London grabbed the runner-up position and Winfield-Mt. Union claimed 3rd place with a score of 367. Danville and Holy Trinity Catholic rounded out the group of seven.

Since Wapello hosted and finished in either 1st or 2nd place, the third-place team also qualifies for Districts; so, the Wolves grabbed the last spot.

Casey Short of Wapello was the gold medalist after edging out Mason Shelledy of New London in a tie breaker as they both shot an 84. Wapello also had the 3rd and 4th best golfers on the course in Cooper Garrison and Codder Malcolm, respectively. New London had one more golfer in the top ten in Weston Miller as he grabbed 8th place with a score of 89.

Carter Loyd was the top golfer for Winfield-Mt. Union as he shot an 89 and took 6th place. Andrew Brown and Nicholas Sparrow rounded out the top ten for the Wolves as they both finished with a 91.

The two individual qualifiers from the meet were Grant Watson of Columbus Junction, 5th place with an 87, and Peyton Yeggy of Highland Riverside, 11th place with a 92.

The District meet will take place on May 16th at Brown Deer in Iowa City with tee off at 9 am.