Iowa Cattle Face Deadly Tick Disease For First Time, First Confirmed case Of Theileriosis In Southeast Iowa Herd

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, June 16th, 2025 at 9:46 am CDT

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has announced the first confirmed case of Theileriosis in Iowa cattle. The disease, caused by a parasite was detected in a herd in southeast Iowa, marking a concerning development for the state’s cattle industry.

Theileriosis infects the red and white blood cells of cattle, leading to anemia and, in severe cases, death. The disease is spread by the Asian Longhorned Tick (ALHT), a species identified in Iowa for the first time this year. Experts warn that while these ticks will remain active throughout the summer, infestations typically spike when cattle are first introduced to new pastures, where the presence of hosts triggers females to lay thousands of eggs.

Cattle infected with Theileriosis may show signs of lethargy, difficulty breathing, anemia, jaundice, ventral edema (swelling of the lower body), exercise intolerance, and in some cases, abortions. While symptoms may resemble those of anaplasmosis, younger cattle and calves tend to suffer more severe effects of Theileriosis. Combined with the stress of tick infestations, the risk of death in affected animals can increase significantly.

Veterinarians advise producers who suspect Theileria or ALHT exposure to have samples collected and submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for confirmation.

In terms of prevention, experts emphasize that insecticide ear tags alone will not provide sufficient protection against ticks. They recommend using additional measures such as backrubbers, routine applications of pour-on insecticides. In cases of increasing tick populations, avermectin pour-on treatments may offer the most effective intervention.

While Theileria and the Asian Longhorned Tick pose serious threats to cattle and other ungulates, officials reassure the public that neither presents a health risk to humans.

Cattle producers seeking guidance on parasite management are encouraged to consult their veterinarians or local extension offices as the summer grazing season continues.

Single-Vehicle Accident on Highway 27 Involves Falling Debris from Semi

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, June 16th, 2025 at 8:36 am CDT

A single-vehicle accident occurred Saturday evening on the 2700 block of Highway 27 southbound lanes after debris fell from an unidentified semi-truck. The incident took place at approximately 8:19 p.m., prompting a response from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and local fire department.

According to the report filed by Deputy Jordan Maag, 25-year-old Alejandra Villarreal of Monmouth, Illinois, was driving a 2015 black Nissan Altima when a large metal piece detached from a semi-truck traveling ahead. The debris struck the front of Villarreal’s vehicle, causing significant damage to the front end and undercarriage. The semi continued without stopping and has not been identified at this time.

Villarreal and four passengers were in the vehicle. All occupants were wearing seatbelts and reported no injuries. Emergency services were initially called due to smoke coming from the vehicle, but no fire occurred. The airbags did not deploy during the incident.

The vehicle was disabled, and Villarreal arranged for a private tow, which was en route at the time deputies cleared the scene.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident. Anyone with information about the semi-truck involved is encouraged to contact authorities.

Fairfield Man Arrested Following Early Morning Burglary and Property Damage Incident

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, June 16th, 2025 at 7:43 am CDT

Fairfield, Iowa — A Fairfield man is facing multiple charges following a violent incident in the early hours of June 13, 2025, that involved a break-in, property damage, and assaults.

According to the Fairfield Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 2:40 a.m. to the 900 block of West Harrison Avenue after receiving reports of screaming and possible fighting. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a male suspect had forcibly entered an apartment by breaking a window. The apartment belonged to a female victim who had an active No Contact Order against the suspect.

The victim managed to escape the residence and seek assistance from a neighbor. Meanwhile, the suspect continued his destructive behavior, allegedly breaking additional windows, damaging vehicles in the parking lot, and assaulting individuals nearby. Officers identified three victims in connection with the incident.

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Aaron Daniel Alvarez of Fairfield, was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Jefferson County Jail. Alvarez is being held on a $50,000 bond. He faces several charges, including:

  • Going Armed with Intent (Class D Felony)
  • Interference with Official Acts (Simple Misdemeanor)
  • Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree (Class D Felony)
  • Willful Injury (Class D Felony)
  • Harassment 1st Degree (Aggravated Misdemeanor) – 2 counts
  • Attempted Burglary 2nd Degree (Class D Felony)
  • Assault committed by a person whom a protective order is issues (class D Felony)
  • Violation of a No Contact Order (simple Misdemeanor)
  • Burglary 2nd Degree (Class C Felony)

Anyone with further information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Fairfield Police Department at (641) 472-4146.

Sports, June 16th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, June 16th, 2025 at 6:40 am CDT

High School Baseball

New London traveled to Burlington over the weekend for the Brieholz tournament and split their matchups, beating Cedar Rapids Washington 11-10 but falling to Burlington 7-6. 

The Tigers put up three runs in the top of the 7th inning to down the Warriors as Sullivan Barron and Gage Burden each brought home three runs with Burden clocking a triple. 

The squad was unable to duplicate the results against the Grayhounds, despite Kye Reighard’s expression of power with a double, a home run, and four RBIs in the loss.

New London will take on Hillcrest Academy tonight at 7 pm at home.

Central Lee made the trip to Hillcrest Academy over the weekend for a triangular and swept the competition, destroying Keokuk 21-2 and holding off a Raven comeback to sneak away with an 8-7 victory.

Central Lee slugged their way past the Chiefs with four home runs, including two from Gage VanAusdall as he totaled seven RBIs in the win. Blake Davis finished with two home runs and three RBIs at the plate and a 10-strikeout performance against the Ravens for the win on the mound.

Central Lee will host Danville tomorrow, June 17th, at 7:30 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame was swept at the Lancer Invitational over the weekend, losing 7-4 to Cedar Falls and falling 8-1 to #8 Don Bosco. Maddox Diewold tabbed a double and an RBI against the Tigers, while Landry Haberichter slugged an RBI double against the Dons. 

Burlington Notre Dame will face off against Highland tonight at home at 5:30 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will look to get back in the win column tonight on the road in a doubleheader against Fort Madison with game one at 5:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:15 pm. Panther head coach Brent Broeker will have his two aces ready to go tonight,

“You know, they’ll be tough. They always are against us down there, you know, we’ll have our two guys on the mound. So hopefully you know… we walk into Fort Madison and sneak out two.”

#7 Mediapolis will square off against Winfield-Mt. Union tonight at home at 5:30 pm.

Danville will host Lone Tree tonight at 5:30 pm.

Fairfield will travel to Burlington tonight for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm with the top of the conference on the line.

West Burlington will tangle with Van Buren County tomorrow at 5:30 pm at home.

Wapello will face off against Calamus-Wheatland on Wednesday, June 18th, at 5:30 pm at home.

High School Softball

The Fairfield invitational finished up play over the weekend with Mt. Pleasant, Central Lee, Mediapolis, and Van Buren County having all competed. Here’s the results.

Mt. Pleasant was swept by Fairfield, 7-1, and Van Buren County, 13-1, in the doubleheader. Against the Trojans, Chaley Cook took home an RBI double, while Leah Helmick smoked a home run and tallied two RBIs at the plate along with the complete game win in the circle with four strikeouts. 

The Warriors were led by Teagan Sickles at the plate with the freshman grabbing a double and five RBIs, while Keagyn Coleman knocked home the only run for the Panthers.

Fairfield surrendered seven unanswered runs to Chariton to lose 7-3. Helmick concluded the weekend with three RBIs and two doubles. 

#15 Central Lee whacked Mediapolis 10-1. It was a complete effort for the Hawks with Olivia Day, Kenna Sandoval, Jalyn Hawk, and Aubree Bunnell each tabbing two RBIs in the win. 

Mediapolis concluded their weekend with a 5-0 loss to Albia. 

Van Buren County finished with a split, losing to Chariton 9-1. Aida Troutman slugged a triple in the loss. 

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Fort Madison for a doubleheader tonight with game one at 5:30 pm.

Fairfield will make the trip to Burlington tonight with game one of their doubleheader scheduled for 5:30 pm.

#15 Central Lee will compete against Pekin tonight on the road at 7 pm.

Mediapolis will host Holy Trinity Catholic tomorrow, June 17th, at 7 pm.

Wapello will tangle with Van Buren County tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

Holy Trinity Catholic and Danville participated in a tournament at Hillcrest Academy over the weekend and the Crusaders walked away undefeated.

Holy Trinity Catholic handled business in game one, beating English Valleys 16-1, while game two saw the Crusaders fend off a late rally by Hillcrest Academy to win 4-3. 

Danville split their weekend slate of games, defeating English Valleys 6-2 but losing 7-4 to the Ravens. 

Sadie Smith tagged a double and two RBIs in the winning effort, while Brynley Wenig clouted two doubles for two RBIs against Hillcrest Academy.

Holy Trinity Catholic will take on Highland tonight at home at 7:30 pm.

Danville will face off against Lone Tree at home tonight at 5:30 pm.

West Burlington/Notre Dame finished 1-1 at “The Cabin” Classic over the weekend with an 11-3 loss to Class 5A’s #6 Pleasant Valley and a 15-2 thrashing of Keokuk. Tannisyn Christofferson slugged a two-run shot against the Spartans, while Orayana Gonzales smacked a home run for three RBIs against the Chiefs.

The Falcons will compete against Louisa-Muscatine at home at 7 pm.

Columbus’s Kennedy Woepking slugged a home run for two RBIs to beat Iowa Valley 5-4 at the West Branch tournament over the weekend before losing 13-6 to the hosts. The Wildcats will host Wapello tomorrow at 7 pm.

New London will take on Hillcrest Academy tonight at 7 pm at home.

WACO will make the trip to Highland tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

High School Cross Country

The Mt. Pleasant Cross Country team’s summer runs are underway until their camp in mid-August. The runs are available to any 7th through 12th grader with paces and plans dependent on the level of experience. Coaches may not be present at every run as upperclassmen often lead the runs.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, the runs will begin at 6:30 am at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the runs will begin at Saunders Park by the swimming pool at 7 pm. If you have any questions, then contact Coach Murray at 319-850-0867. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees had a rough weekend, losing all three of their contests. The Bees were swept in their home doubleheader on Saturday against the Clinton LumberKings, 3-2 in game one and 11-6 in game two before losing to the Quincy Doggy Paddlers in walk-off fashion last night 7-6. Mason Schwalbach and Kooper Schulte each finished the weekend with two RBIs.

The Burlington Bees will remain on the road tomorrow, June 17th, against the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp with game one at 7:05 pm.

The LumberKings concluded their weekend with a Brytton Clements walk-off RBI double in the 10th inning to beat the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes last night 7-6.

The LumberKings will travel to the Quincy Doggy Paddlers tomorrow at 6:30 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1909 – Jim Thorpe makes his pro baseball pitching debut for Rocky Mount (ECL) with 4-2 win, this will cause him to forfeit his Olympic gold medals.

1975 – NBA Milwaukee Bucks trade Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Walt Wesley to L.A. Lakers for 4 players.

1989 – In the 88 previous U.S. Opens, there had only been 17 holes-in-one, then Doug Weaver, Mark Wiebe, Jerry Pate, and Nick Price each got a hole-in-one on the par-three, 160-yard sixth hole.

CENTRAL LEE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING JUNE 17TH

By Hayden Douglas · Sunday, June 15th, 2025 at 6:36 pm CDT

CENTRAL LEE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
DONNELLSON, IOWA 52625
HIGH SCHOOL COMMONS
TENTATIVE AGENDA JUNE 17, 2025
7:00 A.M.
1. Roll Call
2. Approve agenda
3. Receive Visitors:
a) Visitors to speak about items not on the agenda
b) Recognize Retirees: Meagan McCoy, Tom Boeck, Neal Weirather, Brad Weber
c) 7-12 Athletics Presentation
4. Superintendent’s Report:
a) Teacher of the Year – Tracy Madsen
b) Employee of the Year – Lori Boyer
c) Newcomer of the Year – Sydra Nelson
d) The Chris Gray Award – Tom Boeck, Brad Weber, and Neal Weirather
e) Bus Driver of the Year – Scott Weirather
f) July Board Meeting Date – 7/8/2025 – 7:00 a.m.
g) Online School Registration – Opened 6/3/2025
h) Finance Update i) Final Legislative Update
j) Vacancies
6. CONSENT AGENDA: Motion (Exhibit I)
a) Approve minutes
b) Financial Reports: General and Schoolhouse Funds, Clearing account, Hot Lunch account
c) Approve prepaid bills
d) Approve monthly bills
e) Approve/Deny open enrollment applications
f) Overnight Trips Request:
a) St. Louis, MO June 19-22, 2025 – Science Student Participation in Stockholm Junior Water Prize Competition
7. Approve bills: Give Superintendent and Board Secretary authority to pay bills as
allowed by balance of 2024-2025 budget with prepaid listing at July board meeting.
(Motion)
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Set Hot Lunch Prices for 2025-2026 (Motion) (Exhibit II)
2. Approve First Reading of Board Policy 407.2 – Licensed Employee Contract Release (Motion) (Exhibit III)
3. Second Reading of Board Policy 400 Series (Motion)
4. Class of 2025 Activity Account Distribution to Student Activities Account (Motion)
5. Approve Lee County Hazard Mitigation Plan (Motion) (Exhibit IV)
6. Approve Interfund PPEL Transfer Board Resolutions (Motion) (Exhibit V)
● PPEL Fund pay off initial “loan” from Sales Tax to PPEL for bus purchase in FY 2022-2023 out of PPEL Fund
● Reissue “loan” from Penny Sales Tax Fund to PPEL
7. Approve Student Board Representative for FY2025-2026 School Year (Motion)
8. Approve FY2025-2026 TLC Positions (Motion) (Exhibit VI)
9. Approve FY 2025-2026 Administrative and Management Contracts (Motion) (Exhibit VII)
10. Approve AEA 2025-2026 Agreements (Motion) (Exhibit VIII)
(a) Special Education Funds Transfer Agreement
(b) Educational Services Agreement
11. Approve 28E Agreement for Shared Athletic Programs: (Motion) (Exhibit IX)
a) Keokuk Community School District – Boys’ and Girls’ Bowling
12. Approve 28E Agreement for SRO Agreement 2025-2026 (Motion) (Exhibit X)
13. Approve 2025-2026 Athletic Pass Pricing (Motion) (Exhibit XI)
14. Approve Non-Certified Pay Structure Updates (Motion) (Exhibit XII)
15. Approve Banking Agreement with PGSB (Motion) (Exhibit XIII)
16. Approve – Proposal for Skid Loader for Maintenance Staff (Motion) (Exhibit XV)
17. Resignation: (Motion)
a) Alexis Clark – Elementary Teacher
b) Jamey Sue Smith – High School Teacher
c) Ethan Stewart – Assistant Band Director
d) Kirsten Sharp – Special Education Associate/Head Girls Soccer Coach
e) Bridget Morrison – Middle School Girls Track Coach
f) Andrew Orton – 8th Grade Boys Basketball Coach
g) Robert Bryant – Assistant Football Coach
h) Tyler Bryant – Assistant Football Coach/MS Baseball Coach
i) Kritter Hayes – Middle School Football Coach
18. Contract Approvals: (Motion)
a) Jared Woolverton – Maintenance Assistant (Effective – May 12, 2025)
b) Eric Larson – Daytime Custodian (Effective – May 19, 2025)
c) Gina Howard – Daytime Custodian (Effective – June 2, 2025)
d) Aaron Hand – Van Driver 2025-2026
e) Drake Drish – MS Volleyball 2025-2026
f) Olivia Johnson – 4th Grade Elementary Teacher 2025-2026
g) Danielle McGraw – Afterschool Coordinator 2025-2026
h) Jackie Ball – District Cook 2025-2026
i) Samantha Walljasper – District Cook 2025-2026
19. Transfer Approvals: (Motion)
a) Jay Baldwin – Assistant Boys Basketball to Assistant Girls Basketball
b) Christina Ball – MS Volleyball to Assistant HS Volleyball Coach
20. Board Reports
21. Closed Session – Evaluation of the Superintendent – Per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i)
22. Approve Superintendent Contract
23. Adjourn

William “Bill” Tolander

By Hayden Douglas · Sunday, June 15th, 2025 at 6:22 pm CDT

William “Bill” Tolander

William Oscar “Bill” Tolander, 91, of rural Winfield, died Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Washington County Hospital in Washington, IA.

Bill was born July 31, 1933 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He was the son of Harold Leslie Eugene and Prudence Irene (Abrahamson) Tolander. Bill graduated from Olds High School.

After graduation, Bill was called to the service of his country. He was inducted into the United States Army on October 15, 1953 at Ft. Des Moines, Iowa. He served in the 271st Infantry Regiment. Bill was honorably discharged on September 2, 1955 at Ft. Dix, New Jersey.

Upon his discharge, Bill continued his education at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. Bill studied music, primarily vocal music, as he developed his rich and deep bass voice. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music.

Upon his graduation, Bill moved to New York City. He was a paid soloist in church choirs, and sang for a variety of other music (including a couple of off-Broadway) shows and events, often with his sister Donna. He also worked at a men’s clothing store. It was in New York City that he met and married Sylvia Cohen in 1959. In 1960, the couple returned to Iowa where Bill began to farm the Family Century Farm. A successful farmer, Bill received an award from Farm Bureau for being the first farm in Iowa to achieve 200 bushels per acre of corn.

In the summer of 1997, Bill was united in marriage to Marjorie Louise McCarty Coleman.

Bill was a member of Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Olds American Legion Post. Bill served the church in various offices, and was always a fixture at the annual Smorgasborg, where he would serve tables and sing in the group of church members that sang songs in Swedish. With the American Legion, Bill worked often at the Legion’s Pancake House at the Midwest Old Thresher’s Reunion.

Music was always very close to Bill’s heart. He was a bass in the Swedesburg Lutheran Choir, and in various music groups in the area. He performed in numerous plays, musicals and skits throughout Southeast Iowa. He was often called upon to sing for weddings and funerals. When time permitted, Bill and Marjorie traveled to many interesting destinations.

Those thankful for sharing in Bill’s life include his wife Marjorie; 4 sons – Gregory Tolander and his wife Janet of Roseville, CA, Aaron Tolander and his wife Shari of Winfield, Stuart Tolander and his wife Theresa of Yucca Valley, CA and Matthew Tolander of West Hollywood, CA; a brother, Wayne Tolander and his wife Nancy of Burlington, IA; 4 grandsons – Jared (Kim), Jacob (Lydia), Conner and Mitchell Tolander and 4 great granddaughters – Zenley, Penelope, Charlotte and Kennedy Tolander. Also surviving are Marjorie’s children, Randy Coleman and his wife Chris, Wes Coleman and his wife Barb, Diane Glass and Karen Miller and her husband Mike, along with their children and grandchildren.

Bill is preceded in death by 3 sisters – Donna Zuk, Louise Unkrich and Joanne Dawson.

A funeral service for Bill will be 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 19, at the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church in Swedesburg. The Reverend Mark Youngquist will officiate. Burial will be in the Swedesburg Lutheran Cemetery with graveside military honors conducted by the Iowa Military Funeral Honors Detail. Friends may call from 12 Noon to 7PM on Wednesday, June 18, at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family is not planning to be present at any specific time.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

Danville City Council Meeting June 16th

By Hayden Douglas · Sunday, June 15th, 2025 at 6:06 pm CDT

Agenda

Monday, June 16, 2025

Order of business

Danville City Council, Danville City Hall

NOTE:  The regular session may be conducted electronically

as allowed by Iowa Code 21.8

Citizen comments:  Comments must be directed to the subject under consideration.  The presiding officer shall rule on the relevance of the citizen comments.  Citizens making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks may be barred by the presiding officer from further comment before the Council during the meeting.

Work Session starting at 5:00 P.M.

  1. To discuss sewer rates and funding of the WWTP. No action will be taken during work session. 

Regular session, City Council

  1. Call to order, 5:30 P.M.
  1. Accept or amend the agenda.
  1. Open forum: A time set aside to receive comments from the public regarding city business.  The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public on any subject pertaining to City business, including items on this agenda.  You are asked to state your name and address for the record and to limit your remarks to five minutes in order that others may be given the opportunity to speak.  The Order of Business is at the discretion of the Chair.  No action will be taken.

 

  1. Action on May 2025 Sheriff’s Report.
  1. Discussion and action on Resolution 2025-22 updating the City Employee Manual.
  1. Discussion and action on Resolution 2025-24; establishing wages for city employees for 2025/2026.
  1. Discussion and action on Resolution 2025-25, transferring of funds for the fiscal year end.
  1. Discussion and action on Resolution 2025-23, retirement payout of Sue Rogers.
  1. Building Inspector/Fire Chief Report
  2. Action on Report as Presented.
  3. Discussion on LOSAP
  1. Public Works Report
  2. Action on Written Report as Presented.
  1. Approval of consent agenda.
  2. Council minutes of June 2, 2025.
  3. Payment of bills.
  1. Council reports and correspondence.
  2. Authorization to allow Caitlin to attend City/County Health Care Plan meeting June 18, 2025.
  1. Setting of date and time for public hearing on amending the sewer rates.
  1. Adjournment.

Next regular session of the Danville City Council will be on,

Monday, July 7, 2025 starting at 5:00 p.m…

Tammie Jo Barber

By Hayden Douglas · Sunday, June 15th, 2025 at 6:05 pm CDT

Tammie Jo Barber, 56, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, June 12, 2025 at her home.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. A celebration of Tammie’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to the family in care of the funeral home at 203 S. Main St. Fairfield, Iowa 52556.

Tammie was born July 21, 1968 in Fairfield, the daughter of Randy and Jeannine (Smith) Barber. She married Herbert Wells. He preceded her in death May 30, 2024.

Throughout her life, Tammie worked at Wal-Mart, Sizzlin’ Sams, McDonalds, and as an aid at St. Mary’s Preschool.

Tammie was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Cubs fan. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, cross stitch, watching game shows, NASCAR and professional wrestling. Tammie was a kindhearted person who made friends easily. She was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister and aunt. Above all, she loved her family.

Those left to honor her memory include her daughter, Samantha Barber of Iowa City; grandson, Cyrus Muno; parents, Jeannine (Tom) McCleary of Fairfield and Randy Barber; sisters, Courtney (Clint) Parker of Fairfield, and Tina Barber-Matthew of Colorado; a special aunt and caregiver, Aunt Lori; two nieces and three nephews.

Online condolences may be made to Tammie’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.