IOWA FARM BUREAU AWARDS $230,000 IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS TO IOWA STUDENTS 

Farm Bureau announces 116 current and future college students as scholarship recipients

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa—April 24, 2023—To support students seeking opportunities in the agricultural industry, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) has awarded scholarships to 116 students continuing their educational pursuits following high school.

“Iowa agriculture is a dynamic industry with countless opportunities. IFBF is honored to support students pursuing an education in agriculture or in one that will play a significant role in advancing Iowa’s farms and rural communities,” said IFBF Community Resources Manager Ronnette Vondrak.  “One in five jobs in Iowa is tied to agriculture, and innovation continues to bring about exciting new opportunities and career paths for the next generation.  Iowa agriculture leads the nation in production, research and innovation, and Iowa Farm Bureau is proud to support these students with a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships for the next school year as they pursue their goals and dreams.”

Twenty-seven scholarships were awarded to first-time recipients who are planning to obtain a two- or four-year degree at an accredited higher education institution. This includes community colleges and technical schools. Eligibility is based on Farm Bureau membership, academic achievement, financial need, community and extracurricular involvement and letters of recommendation. Additionally, students prepared an essay outlining their commitment to rural Iowa. These students

Argyle, Everlee Harvey, Leonard & Tonya Harvey, Iowa State University

Farmington, Nehemiah Westercamp, Steven & Christine Westercamp, Iowa State University

Sperry, Jack Myers, Chad & Joni Myers, Iowa State University

Scholarships are renewable up to four years for students who maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and are in good standing with the organization.  IFBF approved 88 scholarships for renewal in 2023.

In addition, Tinley McLain of Milton received the Daniel Johnson Memorial Scholarship, a one-time $500 scholarship award for a student residing in southeast Iowa. Johnson is a former Iowa Farm Bureau director, farmer, volunteer firefighter and school board president.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is the largest statewide, grassroots farm organization in Iowa, celebrating 100 years of creating a vibrant future for agriculture, farm families and their communities.  For more information, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.

 

 

 

 

Sports, April 25th

High School Track and Field

The Mt. Pleasant girls and boys teams will travel to compete in the Keokuk Relays today.

The Central Lee boys and girls teams will be competing at the Keokuk Relays tonight.

The boys and girls teams of WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Sigourney to compete in a meet today.

The boys and girls teams of Danville and New London will compete in the Chris Selby Invitational hosted by New London tonight.

High School Soccer

The Mt. Pleasant boys team lost to Washington last night 5-1. Jackson Newman scored the lone goal for the Panthers off an assist by Noah Lange. The Panthers will host Keokuk on April 27th.

The Mt. Pleasant girls team had a streak of 7 games in a row going to overtime against Washington snapped last night on senior night as the Panthers won 3-0. The lone senior being honored was Elly Manning and she put two goals in the back of the net. Manning talked about how that felt after the game,

“It’s so nice I mean, obviously, I just wanted us to win. I told them before the game I don’t really care personally I just said for my senior night, let’s not go into overtime, let’s get it done, 80 minutes!”

The Panthers will travel to face off against Keokuk on April 27th and Coach Stribe discussed what he’s hoping to see his from his team down the stretch,

“The last couple of games, the Burlington game the first 40 minutes, Fort Madison I think the first 60 minutes, I thought we played really really good soccer and we just kind of had that mental lapse and that’s all it takes. One minute and it’s over. Just so proud of this group to be able to see them play the full 80 minutes, get the three goals, keep the clean sheet, do all the things we know we can do. It’s definitely going to be a big confidence builder for this group and hopefully we can keep building on this.”

The WACO boys team fell to Central Lee last night 5-1. Dante Merschman had a hat trick for the Hawks. The Warriors will look to get back in the win column on April 28th against Columbus at home. The Hawks will take on Centerville on April 27th at home.

The Central Lee girls team will compete against Fort Madison tonight.

High School Golf

Winfield-Mt. Union faced off against Highland last night and the boys team came out on top 208-196. The top golfer for the Wolves was Carter Loyd with a 42 on the day. The girls team fell 235-218 to Highland with Afton Wilkerson leading the way for the Wolves. The boys team will compete in the West Liberty Invitational tomorrow and the girls team will face off against New London on April 28th.

The Mt. Pleasant boys team traveled to Fort Madison yesterday and Washington finished in 1st place as a team with Roman Roth leading the way with a score of 38. Nate Dismang led the way with a 43 and Nick Matheny followed right behind with a 44 as the Panthers finished in 3rd. The Panthers will compete at the Oskaloosa Invite today.

The Mt. Pleasant girls team will host their Invitational on April 28th.

The New London boys team will face off against Winfield-Mt. Union on April 28th.

The Central Lee girls and boys teams will take on Danville on April 27th.

High School Tennis

The Mt. Pleasant girls team lost to Fort Madison yesterday 6-3. Bethany Drury and Audrey Richmond picked up all the wins for the Panthers as they won their singles matches and combined to win their doubles match 8 to 1. The Panthers will travel to Fairfield on April 27th.

The Mt. Pleasant boys team continue to stay undefeated on the year as the Panthers shut down Fort Madison 9-0 yesterday. Tim Cam shutout his opponent in both sets with Phoenix Watson, Elliot Cook, and Jake Ensmiger shutting out their opponent in one set. The Panthers will host Fairfield on April 27th.

Iowa Wesleyan Athletics

The Tiger softball team’s next game will be a doubleheader against Viterbo University today on the road. Alexis Davis was named Continental Athletic Conference Hitter of the Week. Davis went 7 for 8 in their doubleheader against Waldorf, which included a grand slam in the first game as she concluded the weekend with 5 RBIs.

The Tiger baseball team will take on Missouri Baptist University today.

The men’s golf team’s next competition will be at the Continental Athletic Conference championships on May 1st. The women’s team will compete in day two of the Mount Mercy Invitational today.

The outdoor track and field teams will compete at the Drake Relays tomorrow, April 26th.

This Day in Sports History

1950 – Chuck Cooper becomes the 1st African American to be drafted into the NBA (for Boston Celtics).

1981 – Seattle Mariners MLB manager Maury Wills is suspended for 2 games after ordering Kingdome grounds crew to enlarge batter’s boxes by one foot.

1989 – Penguin Mario Lemuix tied NHL playoff record of 4 goals in 1st period.

 

 

Gov. Reynolds Issues Disaster Proclamation for Mississippi River Counties 

DES MOINES — Today, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for 10 counties in response to flooding along the Mississippi River. The governor’s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of flooding in Allamakee, Clayton, Clinton, Des Moines, Dubuque, Jackson, Lee, Louisa, Muscatine, and Scott counties. 

 

Also today, Gov. Reynolds instructed the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) to activate the State Emergency Operations Center in Johnston in order to coordinate the state’s response activities. HSEMD is working with county emergency management, state, and federal partners to monitor conditions and provide resources to those areas impacted by flooding. 

 

Iowans who live along the Mississippi River are urged to prepare for possible flooding by having a plan to evacuate if necessary, packing an emergency kit with supplies for several days, staying informed about flood forecasts for their communities, and following information and guidance issued by local officials. 

 

For more information about flood safety and preparedness, visit ready.iowa.gov/floods. 

Alexis Davis’ Last 5 Games Leads to Conference Hitter of the Week Honors

Iowa Wesleyan- The Tiger softball team has been putting up runs on the board as they have averaged nearly 7 runs per game in their last five contests. A big reason for that has been the bat of Alexis Davis as she has been named Continental Athletic Conference Hitter of the Week. This honor only includes her last two games, but Davis has a 5-game hitting streak going and that deserves attention as well.

Davis earned the honor for her efforts in the Tigers doubleheader against Waldorf University last weekend. Davis went 7 for 8 over the two games, which included a grand slam in the first game as she concluded the weekend with 5 RBIs. The ball has simply looked like a grapefruit for Davis at the plate lately.

She went 11 for 18 at the plate with two home runs and two doubles while knocking in seven runs and scoring three runs herself in the past five games. That is a batting average of 0.611 and a slugging percentage of 1.056 meaning that she is averaging over one base per at bat during this five-game stretch. Simply put, Alexis Davis is a very good hitter.

Davis is currently batting 0.347 on the season with two home runs, seven doubles, two triples, and 17 RBIs this season. The Tigers are undefeated in conference play at 4-0 and 13-22 overall on the season. Their next game is road doubleheader tomorrow, April 25th, against Viterbo University with game one at 12 pm.

Single Vehicle Crash Sunday Morning

On Sunday, April 23, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a motor vehicle rollover accident with unknown injuries in the 1400 Grid of Highway 218. The driver and sole occupant, Timothy Goetsch (20) of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, was operating the motor vehicle when he lost control, swerved into the median ditch, flipped, and eventually came to rest, right side up. Timothy did not complain of injury but had some blood on his person and was examined by ambulance personnel. Timothy refused transport via ambulance and was released from the scene to his family.

Conference Matchup Coincides with Senior Night for Mt. Pleasant Girls Soccer Tonight

SEC Girls Soccer- East Lake Park will be the destination tonight as the girls’ soccer for Mt. Pleasant will be battling a tough Washington team on senior night for the Panthers. Elly Manning is the lone senior for this young Panthers squad as she looks for revenge against the Demons for their 3-2 loss back on April 6th.

The Panthers had a 2 to 1 lead entering the second half as Charice Auwerda and Tori Wilson were able to find the back of net with Aurora Hummell and Kiera Frazier collecting assists on the plays. Angeline Anderson and Ruby Witthoft would score for Washington forcing overtime where the Demons would win the shootout 3 to 1.

Mt. Pleasant will be anchored by Auwerda with 12 goals on the season and Manning netting 8 goals on the season. Eli Heaton will look to stop the Demon attack of Giselle Marcelino, Nicoll Torrijos, and Anderson.

Game time will be at 4:30 pm tonight, April 24th.

Helen Hennies

Helen Hennies, 104, of Fort Madison, Iowa died peacefully on April 21, 2023,  after being blessed with a long, sweet life.

She was born on February 22, 1919, in rural Lee County, Iowa, the third child of Grover and Hazel (Grimm) Rohdy. She taught in a country school for two years before marrying Howard Hennies in 1940.

Helen was a proud farmer’s wife who wrapped her family in love. She served hearty meals, ironed the bedsheets, and made sure the candy jar was always full. She had a twinkle in her eye and an infectious chuckle, and doled out nuggets of wisdom like sweet treats. She was a talented seamstress who specialized in beautifully crafted bridal and formal gowns, her quilting skills were legendary. In her later years, she traded her sewing and quilting needles for books. She was partial to love stories, though none could compare to the bond she shared with her beloved Howard, whom she had been patiently waiting to see again.

Helen is survived by her children: David (Mary) Hennies of Arlington, Minnesota, and Deanna (Don) Reynolds of Argyle, Iowa and Marceline, Missouri; her six grandchildren: Erinn Lind of Gilbert, Arizona, Shannon Brownell of Chicago, Illinois, Megan (Jason) Fox of Omaha, Nebraska, Michael (Rachel) Hennies of St. Louis, Missouri, Sarah Mader (Brian) of Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, and Angela (John) Davies of Stillwater, Minnesota; and eleven cherished great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving sisters: Jeane Grossman and Betty Jury, who were her faithful companions and bingo partners in her final years.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband: Howard; her parents: Grover and Hazel Grimm Rohdy; her brothers: Dale, Robert, Charles, and Don Rohdy; her sister: Ruth Hennies, and her great-grandsons: Jacob and Lucas Hennies.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Helen’s beautiful life on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at the United Church of Christ in Donnellson. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. with Tony Keefe officiating and a reception at the church following burial at Primrose Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Donnellson or the Donnellson Public Library.

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

Henry County Health Center Diabetes Education February events

Mount Pleasant, Iowa, [April 19, 2023] – Henry County Health Center’s Diabetes Education is hosting the following classes in the month of May.

Tuesday, May 9– Diabetes Support Group, 2-3 p.m., Suite 25 – Take a deeper dive into diabetes topics that interest you and connect with others. This month’s topic is “Reduce Stress: How it affects blood sugars,” with special guest speaker Chasity Lange

Thursday, May 11 – Annual Review Course, 1-3 p.m., Suite 25

Call HCHC Diabetes Education at 319-385-6518 by noon on Tuesday, May 9, to reserve your spot. The day of class, register at the HCHC Registration Desk before proceeding to the class. The program is open to anyone who has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and has completed the 10-hour diabetes classes.

Thursday, May 18– CGM Support Group, 2-3 p.m., Suite 25

Monday, May 22 – Diabetes Group Class – this diabetes education class open to anyone who has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The class is 8:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Suite 25. There is a fee; however, many insurance plans cover the program. Directions will be given when you call HCHC’s Diabetes Education Center at 319-385-6518 to register by Friday, May 19.

Topics include meal planning; exercise; personal goals; eye disease; glucose monitoring; foot, skin and dental care; complications of diabetes; explanation of diabetes; medications; and behavior modifications. There will be time for questions.

The purpose of the program is to provide people who have diabetes and their families the latest information regarding the disease and to help them become aware that diabetes education is a lifelong process.

The HCHC Diabetes Education Center has earned Iowa State Certification. It has also been awarded Recognition from the American Diabetes Association, which assures that it has met the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. HCHC’s Diabetes Education team offers Certified Diabetes Educators through the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators.

HCHC is prepared and committed to caring for you and your loved ones. No youth under the age of 14 are allowed to enter Henry County Health Center unless the child is a patient coming for an appointment. Please remember to cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home when ill.