Drugs and Gun Found During Traffic Stop

By Theresa Rose · Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 4:43 pm CDT

On April 17, 2023 at approximately 12:45p.m. a deputy stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation near DMC Highway 99 and 125th St. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Brandon Ray Wilson, age 48, of Sperry, IA. During the traffic stop, deputies observed Wilson to be in possession of a bag of marijuana. Wilson was detained and a search of his vehicle was conducted. Deputies located an additional bag of marijuana, a bottle containing approximately 772 grams of liquid methamphetamine, and a 9mm handgun.

Wilson was cited for traffic violations of driving under suspension, no insurance, and   speeding. He was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance 2nd offense: marijuana, possession of a controlled substance 2nd offense: methamphetamine, fail to affix a drug tax stamp, and person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons. Wilson was transported to the Des Moines County Jail.

Linda Parker (final arrangements)

By Theresa Rose · Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 4:31 pm CDT

Linda Joyce Davis Parker, 72, of Rome, Iowa died Friday, April 14, 2023 at Bickford Cottage, Burlington.

Linda was born January 8, 1951 in Ft. Madison, the daughter of Albert and Margie Fraise Young.  She was a high school graduate, took some college classes, and was of the Catholic faith.  On her birthday in 1993, Linda married Michael Ellsworth Parker in front of Justice of the Peace David McCoid.  She worked as a Head Start teacher, a bartender and house cleaner to support her family.  She was good at everything she did, including embroidery, cooking, and keeping a very clean house.

Linda is survived by her husband Michael; sons, Scott Davis of Nevada and Sean Davis of Hillsboro; daughter, Sarah McClintock of Ankeny; eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and sisters, Patty Haigh of Nauvoo, Illinois and Barb Schmitz of Olathe, Kansas.  She was preceded in death by her parents and  brother, Michael Young.

According to her wishes, Linda has been cremated and there will be no formal services.  Elliott Chapel, New London is assisting the family.  Oline condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com

“The Wesleys” Finalists Have Been Announced

By Slaten Swords · Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 11:21 am CDT

Iowa Wesleyan- The athletic department at Iowa Wesleyan will be holding the fifth annual student-athlete awards ceremony, The Wesleys, and these are the finalists for all of the categories.

The finalists for Women’s Coach of the Year are Ashley Miller for Volleyball, Steve Williamson for Basketball, Sofia Adams for Soccer, Kurt Moon for golf, Hunter Davis for Cross Country and Track and Field, Mike Hampton for Softball, and Jake Kadel for Wrestling.

For the Men’s Coach of the Year, it’s Jordan Ashton for Basketball, Kurt Moon for Golf, Blake Beaber for Baseball, Hunter Davis for Cross Country and Track and Field, MD Daniels for Football, and Jake Kadel for wrestling.

There are four nominees for Male Athlete of the Year. Henry Shannon for Basketball, Major Niccum for Football, KeRon Blackwell for Track and Field, and Logan Lucas for Cross Country and Track and Field.

The Female Athlete of the Year has five nominees. Isabell West and Kyla Moore represent the Basketball team, Lilly Garnsey for Cross Country and Track and Field, Adaugo Nwachukwu for Wrestling, and Aubrey Duncan for Golf.

Brevin Wilson, Zoi Smith, and Jakim Brock are the nominees for the Wesley Award.

The Male Newcomer of the Year finalists are Tyler Ball for Football, Pedro Ramirez for Baseball, Gacoby Jones for Basketball, and Daron Jackson for Cross Country and Track and Field.

The Female Newcomer of the Year nominees include Isabell West, Alexis Hafenstine for Volleyball, Faith Cole and Isabelle Hawley for Wrestling, and Aspyn Harrison for Softball.

The four nominees for Male Honor Athlete of the Year are Jackson Van Roekel for Baseball, Trace White for Golf, Kiel Parkhurst for Football, and Fabian Zamora for Soccer.

The Female Honor Athlete of the Year has four finalists with Brielle Baker for Basketball, Karoline Stratton for Softball, Teya Hawkins for Cross Country and Track and Field, and Jacqueline Campos for Soccer.

All teams are finalists for Team of the Year and Academic Team of the Year.

The event will be held at 7 pm at the Chapel with a reception at 6 pm on the campus lawn on April 27th.

Janet Lea Simmons

By Theresa Rose · Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 10:48 am CDT

Janet Lea Simmons, 88, of New London passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at the Klein Center in West Burlington.

Janet was born on October 7, 1934, at Crawfordsville, the daughter of Lafe and Nellie (Ross) Finke.  She was united in marriage to Floyd W. Miller. After his death, she married Bill Simmons; they later divorced.  She has been with her partner, Rande Beattie for 23 years.

Janet worked at Sylvania, Champion Spark Plug and later at M.H.I until she retired.  She was a wonderful mother and loved her family with all of her heart.  Janet enjoyed going to the casino and loved her dog, Toby.

She is survived by her daughter, Connie Swartzendruber, of New London, 4 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren, her sister, Bonnie Lou Gesling and her partner, Rande Beattie of New London.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents and her sons, Kerry Miller and Craig Miller.

According to her wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant. A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at a later date.

 

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

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

Sports, April 17th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 6:39 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The girls teams of Danville, Central Lee, Winfield-Mt. Union, WACO, and New London will travel to compete in the Panther Relays tomorrow, April 18th.

The WACO boys team will host the Warrior Relays with Central Lee, New London, and Winfield-Mt. Union competing at the meet tomorrow.

The boys teams of New London and Central Lee will compete at the Hawk Relays today.

The Danville boys team will compete in the Panther Relays hosted by Mt. Pleasant tomorrow.

The girls teams of Danville and Central Lee will compete in the Hawk Relays today.

High School Soccer

The Mt. Pleasant boys team will travel to take on Fairfield tonight.

The Mt. Pleasant girls team will host Fairfield today.

The WACO boys team will face off against Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow on the road.

The Central Lee girls team will take on Canton on April 20th.

The Central Lee boys team’s next game will be tomorrow, April 18th, against Hillcrest Academy.

High School Golf

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys team will compete in the Wildcat Invitational on April 18th and the girls team will compete at the Wapello Invite on April 19th.

The Mt. Pleasant boys team will travel to Washington for another SEC meet while the girls will host today.

The Central Lee boys and girls teams will face off against Burlington Notre Dame tonight at home.

Holy Trinity Catholic will host Mediapolis today.

High School Tennis

The Mt. Pleasant girls team will face off against Burlington Notre Dame today.

The Mt. Pleasant boys team will host Maharishi tomorrow, April 18th.

Iowa Wesleyan Athletics

The Tiger softball team has extended their win streak to 5 games after beating Crowley’s Ridge College twice on senior day over the weekend. In game one the Tigers had to comeback from behind after surrendering four runs in the first inning to win 8-5. Kara Krieger put the Tigers on the board in the 3rd inning after doubling home two runs to make it 4 to 2. Alexis Davis would smack her first home run of the season in the 4th inning to cut the deficit to one. Down 5 to 3 in the 5th inning, Jordan Lantz would double home a run and Ivy Geerdes would follow it up with a two RBI double to take the lead. A Nicole Shirrell RBI single and a sacrifice fly by Aspyn Harrison would give the Tigers their 8 runs. Coach Hampton talked about his team’s performance the past couple of games.

In game two, the Tigers overcame a 1 to 0 deficit to win 4-2. Kelsey Topliff doubled home a run and Gracie Jevyak tallied an RBI. Kylie Topliff would get the game-winning RBI and the insurance RBI. Ariana Wolfard would pick up the win as she went 6.1 innings allowing only two hits and striking out two. Coach Hampton talked about the eight seniors on the team after the win.

Softball seniors: Ariana Wolfard, Kelsey and Kylie Topliff, Nicole Shirrell, Alexis Davis, Julia Hill, Mia DeTolve, and Karoline Stratton.

The Tiger baseball team will be back in action tomorrow, April 18th, against Westminster College on the road.

The women’s golf team competed at the Carl Sandburg’s Invitational and came out on top by 9 strokes. Three Tigers finished in the top five as Aubrey Duncan took 2nd place as she shot a 12 over on the day. Natalie Ames and Michal Wohlleber placed in 4th and 5th place, respectively. The men’s team will travel to compete in the Verhille Invitational tomorrow.

The outdoor track and field teams will be competing in the DeBacker Invitational on April 22nd.

This Day in Sports History

1860 – Champion of England Tom Sayers and American John Heenan fight out in a brutal 2 hour, 27 minute draw near Farnborough, England; police stop fight and it’s acknowledged as the first world title bout.

1972 – Kiteman attempts to throw out the 1st ball for the Philadelphia Phillies but crashes into centerfield seats.

1976 – National League’s greatest comeback: trailing 12-1, Philadelphia Phillies beat Chicago Cubs, 18-16 in 10 innings at Wrigley Field; Mike Schmidt hits 4 consecutive Home Runs.

New London School Board Meeting Agenda

By Theresa Rose · Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 6:12 am CDT
Board of Directors – Regular Meeting *Amended Agenda
04/17/2023 06:00 PM
Central Office
Board Room
106 W. Wilson St., New London, IA
The Mission of the New London Community School District, through the combined resources of school, home and community, is to guide, challenge and motivate life-long learning in an environment that fosters individual success, mutual respect, pride and personal accountability.
1. Welcome
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Public Hearing – FY24 Proposed Budget
a.  FY24 Proposed Budget – Action Item
4. Public Forum
5. IASBO Executive Director – Scholarship Presentation
6. Approval of Agenda
7. Approval of the Consent Agenda
a. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
b. Financial Reports
c. Claims
8. Board Business
a. America’s Farmers Grow Communities $5,000 Grant – Action Item
b. School Resource Officer – Discussion Item
c. G.O. Bond Project: Pavement Rework & Unsuitable Soils – Action Item
d. 2023-24 Property, Casualty & Worker Compensation Insurance – Discussion Item
e. 2023 Seniors for Graduation – Action Item
f. Sharing Agreement with Great Prairie AEA for Social Worker Services – Action Item
g. Consider Bids for Concrete Projects – Action Item
h. Opaa! Food Service Management Extension Agreement – Action Item
9. Reports
a. Student Ambassador
b. Superintendent
c. Board
10. Personnel
a. Resignation
a. Tina Mullin, High School Social Studies Teacher
b. Jena Watts, 2nd Grade Classroom Teacher
c. Anissa Nelson, ESL Teacher
d. Cassidy Schmidt, Assistant HS Volleyball Coach
e. Cassidy Henle, Assistant MS G Basketball Coach
f. Brady Schmidt, Head MS Wrestling Coach
g. Brady Schmidt, Head MS Football Coach
h. Brady Schmidt, Groundskeeper
b. Appointments
a. Jill Parker, 4th Grade Classroom Teacher
b. Cory Reid, Co-NHS Sponsor
c. Jackie Housman, Co-NHS Sponsor
d. Donna Carlson, K-12 Teacher-Librarian
e. Austin McBeth, Assistant High School Baseball Coach
f. Paula Bliven, MS Track Meet Clerk @ $75
g. Damon Loyd, Volunteer High School Softball Coach
11. Board Development
a. IASB Summit on Student Success – April 27-28, 2023
b. Follow-up to IASB Work Session
12. Exempt Session to Discuss Negotiations
13. Closed Session Pursuant to Iowa Code, Section 21.5 to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.
14. Adjourn
New London Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age (except students) national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, socioeconomic status, disability, religion or creed in admission or access to, or treatment in, its programs/activities or in its hiring and employment practices.

WACO School Board Meeting Agenda

By Theresa Rose · Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 6:10 am CDT

WACO Community School District
Regular Board of Education Meeting
Tentative Agenda
WACO Board Room
WACO Junior/Senior High
Wayland, Iowa
Monday April 17, 2023
5:30 pm
I. Call to Order—Roll Call
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Recognition of Visitors –
IV. Review WACO Mission Statement—The mission of the WACO Community School
District is to develop responsible, productive citizens who view learning as a life-long
process. WACO’s educational environment encourages continuous improvement,
problem-solving, measurable outcomes, and community involvement.
V. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes
b. Financial Reports
c. Bills for Payment
d. Open Enrollment-Khloe Looney (2), Gabriella Davis (3) MP to WACO, Gracie
Wood (9) Fairfield to WACO
e. Personnel- Resignations: Jenny Pasch, 2nd Grade; Julie Klett, HS SPED, Laurie
Miles, Student Council Sponsor, Schyler Sterna, Girl Wrestling Coach.
VI. Communications
a. Public Forum
VII. Old Business
a. Approval of Second Reading, 501.10R1 – 502.05
VIII. New Business
a. Approval of 2023-2025 WEA Agreement
b. First Reading, 502.06 – 502.10
c. Approval of 2021-2022 Audit Report
IX. Administrative Reports
a. Principals: Elementary and High School
b. Superintendent

X. Board Reports/Comments
XI. Adjourn

April 17th, 2023 – April 23rd, 2023

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, April 16th, 2023 at 9:16 am CDT
04/17/23
Jerry Barker
04/17/23
Janis Rankin
04/17/23
Carson Ryon
04/18/23
Nicole Keaster
04/18/23
Bruce Hucker
04/18/23
Jennifer Bell
04/18/23
Wyatt Schroeder
04/18/23
Doug Harrison
04/18/23
Blake Stein - 18 (golden birthday)
04/19/23
Heather Cole
04/19/23
Jane Dotson
04/19/23
Ruth Hagist
04/19/23
Anders Horn
04/19/23
Kynlee White
04/19/23
Sue Kingery
04/20/23
Carson Bagles
04/20/23
Samantha Liechty
04/20/23
Haiden Duffy (12)
04/21/23
Alexander Achen
04/21/23
Kathy Alexander
04/21/23
Brent Broker
04/22/23
Sally Olson
04/22/23
Mitch Anderson
04/22/23
Sam Beatty (Golden Birthday)
04/22/23
Jane Briggs
04/23/23
Sharon Davis
04/23/23
Scott Augsburger
04/23/23
Mary Bixler
04/23/23
Lori Johnson-Vick
04/23/23
Judith Kinney
04/23/23
John Klopfenstein
04/23/23
Janis Roach
04/23/23
Mark Kimzey
04/23/23
Keith Lockard