Iowa Wesleyan University to Host Annual Career Expo

By Theresa Rose · Friday, March 10th, 2023 at 8:51 am CDT

Iowa Wesleyan University is pleased to present its spring Career Expo, which brings together the diverse businesses of Southeast Iowa and the dynamic up-and-coming workforce of the University’s students.

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, Iowa Wesleyan will be hosting the Career Expo in the Social Hall, located inside the Howe Student Activity Center. Students will have the opportunity to participate in mock interviews and network with local professionals. This event is aimed at helping IW and Southeastern Community College students who are seeking full-time employment, part-time employment, internships, or volunteer opportunities.

Businesses participating include Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services of Southeast Iowa, Burlington Police Department, Cambridge Investment Research, Chem Gro of Houghton, Inc., Community Crisis Services, Cornerstone Building Brands, Every Step Hospice, Farmers Coop Association, Great River Health, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Hope Haven Area Development Center, Innovairre, Iowa Child Advocacy Board, Iowa State Patrol, IW Advancement, Keokuk School District, KILJ Radio AM/FM, Main Street Mount Pleasant, Mount Pleasant Community Theater, Optimae Life Services, Savannah Heights, Van Buren County Hospital, Washington County YMCA, and Wayland State Bank.

Iowa Wesleyan University: As Southeast Iowa’s regional comprehensive University, Iowa Wesleyan University is a transformational learning community whose passion is to educate, empower and inspire students to lead meaningful lives and careers.

From Senator Mark Lofgren

By Theresa Rose · Friday, March 10th, 2023 at 8:44 am CDT

Dear Senate District 48

– Week 9 – 

This Week in the Senate

As follow up to our first funnel week, the ninth week of the legislative session was focused on floor debate on Monday and Tuesday and sending important bills to the House to be considered for passage. Still, several subcommittees met to begin discussion on bills sent over from the House, while committee meetings were not as prevalent this week as in past weeks.
Floor Debate Ramps Up

Floor debate increased this week. One bill that we debated was Senate File 478. I mentioned this bill last week when I highlighted Senate Study Bill 1200. Some bills that move out of committee are given a new number when they move to the floor for debate. This was one such bill. As I said last week, this bill is common-sense legislation to protect Iowans’ information that is unnecessary for an audit.

Another bill that I mentioned last week that gained a new number for floor debate was Senate File 507, formerly Senate Study Bill  1094. This bill tackles the issue of state investing based on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) performance. This bill comes about due to current concern of financial institutions boycotting and refusing to do business with certain industries based on ideological grounds and not on legitimate business purposes. The common target of these boycotts are firearm manufacturers, production agriculture, and fossil-fuels. Senate File 507 would restrict public funds from entering into contracts with businesses who engage in these boycotts.

We continue to hear from educators about the shortage of viable workforce to fill vacancies. On Tuesday the Senate passed Senate File 391 to help improve the flexibility of Iowa’s K-12 education system. A big focus of this bill was to help schools address concerns amidst labor shortages. One provision would remove the requirement for school librarians to have earned a master’s degree and allow schools to hire former public librarians to serve in this role. Of course school districts may choose to still require this designation, but this change will make it easier for schools in rural areas to find librarians to work in their schools. Another provision of the bill would allow school districts to hire a community college instructor to teach courses in science and math for grades 9 through 12. This will also help rural schools who are struggling to find instructors by making the hiring process more flexible for them. Another part of the bill is focused on helping students with high school scheduling. The bill would allow for more opportunities for students to opt out of physical education class if they are involved in other physical activities or a work-based learning program.

Protecting Children in Iowa

This week both houses of the legislature passed SF 538. This bill now makes it illegal to perform transgender surgeries or sex changes on children in Iowa. This is a very complicated issue that comes with intense emotions. The proper approach is compassionate mental health care and to let children develop naturally.

The state has a responsibility to protect its citizens, especially the children living here. Surgeries and massive amounts of cross-sex hormones have substantial and permanent consequences to children. We have begun to hear stories of adults who received these treatments and are now emotionally and physically scarred for life. This is important information to take note of when discussing public policy that will affect Iowa’s children.

Testimonies that included research were provided in subcommittees and committees last week. Some studies were promoted by people supporting these procedures to point to an improvement in the experience of children who have undergone a gender transition procedure. Each of them being short-term studies only over a 12-month period. However, in 2016 the Obama Administration’s Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services declined to implement a national coverage for gender transition procedures under Medicare. It cited an internationally recognized 30-year study from Sweden, which showed individuals who had a cross-sex surgical procedure had a suicide rate 19 times higher than the general population. It also led to significantly higher rates of substance abuse, depression, and psychiatric hospitalizations.

Also noted was that these medical procedures are not FDA approved. In fact, during the legislative process one of the doctors who testified during the subcommittee was asked if they are FDA approved. She said they were not because the FDA typically doesn’t do clinical trials on children. Her testimony struck a chord with many as it brought to light the real risk and dangers of gender reassignment surgeries and medications on children.

Lastly, there has been discussion about the rhetoric used on this issue. Media and proponents of these procedures refer to it as transgendered or affirming care. This language obscures what is really happening during these procedures. These hormone treatments and surgeries are irreversible, dangerous, and experimental procedures performed on children and marketed as “care.”

State law prohibits children from getting a tattoo, buying alcohol, gambling, or entering into a contract because they are not equipped to appropriately understand the risks associated with those behaviors. For the same reason, gender reassignment surgeries and hormone therapies should not be available to Iowa children.

The Senate also passed another common-sense bill to provide clarity for Iowa schools and safety for children regarding bathroom access. SF 482 provides that clarity by simply stating children in Iowa school will use the bathroom, locker room, or changing room of their biological sex.

Making Government More Efficient

Many have been advocating for smaller, better government and Senate File 514,  the governor’s realignment bill, is an attempt to create just that.  This comprehensive review of how the governor’s office manages its own departments is the first in almost 40 years.  It will help us to be more in line with other states and help us to find ways we can improve services, modernize government, and bring departments with similar objectives together.

This bill will reduce our current 37 cabinet departments to 16 cabinet departments. It will also eliminate 513 currently unfilled positions, save Iowans money, and consolidate technology and departments to improve operations. In comparing Iowa to other states in the Midwest, we see that all of the states in the Midwest have fewer cabinet departments than Iowa and spend less per capita on state government than we do. Even states with comparable population and spending, like Oklahoma and Mississippi, have fewer cabinet departments and spend less per capita.

Because much has changed in our state and in our world over time, it is necessary to make adjustments to the services that our government provides. Senate File 514 looks at how our government has worked, what Iowans need, and makes necessary changes to help us become a more efficient state government. This bill has now been passed on to the Iowa House for consideration.

Cattlemen at the Capitol Day 

On Wednesday we welcomed the Iowa Cattleman’s Association in the rotunda for Cattlemen at the Capitol Day. The day included brisket breakfast burritos and great conversations. Agricultural issues including property rights, preservation of land for livestock grazing, and Phase II of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Iowa State University were topics of the day. All Iowans appreciate our high-quality, Iowa beef!

Talking with Constituents

Conversations took place again this weekend with constituents in both Muscatine and Louisa Counties. Saturday’s agenda included not one, but two legislative forums. The first was held at Muscatine Community College and the second at City Hall in Wapello.

Best regards,

Mark

Governor Reynolds announces $26.88 million in Destination Iowa projects, invests an additional $15 million for rural Iowa

By Theresa Rose · Friday, March 10th, 2023 at 8:38 am CDT

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced $26.88 million in grant funding through the final round of Destination Iowa, a $100 million investment in quality of life and tourism attractions. In recognition of the high interest in the program, Gov. Reynolds also announced an additional investment of $15 million to fund Destination Iowa applications from rural communities, including several in the KILJ listening area, that did not receive grants in previous rounds. In all, Destination Iowa awards were granted to 46 projects totaling $115 million that activated $480,265,783 in total investment.

“Destination Iowa has inspired communities in all corners of the state to dream big about projects that will bolster quality of life and attract newcomers,” Gov. Reynolds said. “The demand is so high, especially in rural areas, that I’ve extended the program to help more rural communities realize those dreams.”

IEDA opened the Destination Iowa program in May 2022 and accepted applications through December 31. Applications were scored based on eligibility, completeness, and the project’s ability to meet the program goal of creating transformational tourism attractions. Destination Iowa grants have been open to cities, counties, nonprofits and other organizations through four separate funds: Economically Significant Development, Outdoor Recreation, Tourism Attraction, and Creative Placemaking.

The seventh round of Destination Iowa funded the following 10 projects. For the additional $15 million, IEDA reviewed applications already submitted by rural communities, defined as 30,000 residents or fewer that are not adjacent to communities of 30,000 or more residents.

Final awards made from the original $100 million allocation:

The Dubuque Art Museum was awarded $8,000,000 toward the construction of a new museum and a 10,000-square-foot outdoor sculpture garden. The award represents 20% of the total project investment of $39,931,512.

The Dickinson County Conservation Board was awarded $3,500,000 to develop the new Sherwood Forest Park on the former site of The Inn at Okoboji resort. The award represents 35% of the total project investment of $10,013,197.

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines was awarded $3,280,000 for major upgrades including a new Big Cat Conservation exhibit and an expanded seal and sea lion facility. The award represents 18% of the total project investment of $18,000,000.

The City of Cedar Rapids was awarded $3,000,000 toward the LightLine Loop project in the Czech Village and NewBo District. The award represents 16% of the total project investment of $19,255,775.

The City of Dubuque was awarded $3,000,000 for the addition of an open-air amphitheater on Schmitt Island. The award represents 19% of the total project investment of $15,442,961.

The City of Marshalltown was awarded $2,000,000 for the Linn Creek District development and creative placemaking efforts. The award represents 32% of the total project investment of $6,251,115.

Story County Conservation was awarded $1,500,000 to pave a portion of the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail east of Ames, connecting to Nevada and Maxwell. This award represents 31% of the total project investment of $4,819,000.

The India Heritage & Cultural Center was awarded $900,000 toward expanding the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center near Madrid. The award represents 23%of the total project investment of $3,976,023.

The Putnam Museum and Science Center in Davenport was awarded $900,000 toward an expansion project. The award represents 23% of the total project investment of $3,965,449.

The African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids was awarded $800,000 toward major renovations at the museum and the reinstallation of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-inspired “Trumpet” sculpture and garden. The award represents 17% of the total project investment of $4,827,339.

Awards made from the additional $15 million:

The Southeast Iowa Sports Commission was awarded $2,500,000 to develop the Ottumwa SportsPlex Development Project. The award represents 23% of the total project investment of $10,737,449.

The Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association was awarded $500,000 to improve and enhance existing campground facilities at the Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association grounds. The award represents 38% of the total project investment of $1,312,525.

Jasper County Conservation was awarded $550,000 for the Jasper County Conservation Environmental Education Center. The award represents 25% of the total project investment of $2,204,509.

The City of Denison was awarded $4,500,000 for the Crawford County Wellness and Recreation Center. The award represents 24% of the total project investment of $18,643,000.

America’s First Great Dam Foundation was awarded $115,000 for the 1913 Hydro-Electric Turbine Visitor Center project in Keokuk. The award represents 38% of the total project investment of $303,325.

Wapello County was awarded $500,000 for improvements and enhancements to the Pioneer Ridge Park Campground. The award represents 40% of the total project investment of $1,260,975.

The Clayton County Conservation Board was awarded $345,000 to modernize and enhance the Osborne Welcome Center and Campground. The award represents 40% of the total project investment of $862,500.

The City of Treynor was awarded $800,000 for a multi-phase park and recreation project. The award represents 31% of the total project investment of $2,577,455.

Jefferson County was awarded $450,000 for improvements and enhancements to the Jefferson County Prairie Ridge Campground. The award represents 39% of the total project investment of $1,166,430.

The City of Dayton and the Dayton Community Club were awarded $800,000 for improvements to the Dayton Oak Park Trails Rodeo and Events Center. The award represents 34% of the total project investment of $2,372,703.

The City of Keosauqua was awarded $300,000 for the Lower Des Moines Water Trail. The award represents 32% of the total project investment of $950,249.

The Stanton Community Foundation and Montgomery County were awarded $850,000 for the Stanton Area Trail Project. The award represents 35% of the total project investment of $2,456,110.

Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji was awarded $185,000 for the Art Smart Children’s Interactive Gallery project. The award represents 25% of the total project investment of $749,303.

Osceola County Conservation Board was awarded $200,000 to expand the Willow Creek Campground. The award represents 40% of the total project investment of $500,000.

The YMCA of Washington County was awarded $750,000 for an Indoor Aquatic Center. The award represents 10% of the total project investment of $7,689,975.

Marshall County Conservation was awarded $400,000 to improve and further develop the Green Castle Recreation Area Campground. The award represents 34% of the total project investment of $1,160,000.

The City of Muscatine was awarded $1,000,000 for the Muscatine Indoor Sports Complex. The award represents 25% of the total project investment of $4,000,000.

 

The City of Fort Madison was awarded $250,000 for the Fort Madison River Landing project. The award represents 11% of the total project investment of $2,256,317.

 

Funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. For more information on the Destination Iowa program, visit iowaeda.com/destination-iowa/. Funding for this program has been made available through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

From Rep. Taylor Collins

By Theresa Rose · Friday, March 10th, 2023 at 8:35 am CDT

To the People of House District 95

 

You would think that the pace at the Capitol may have slowed a bit this week but now that bills have moved out of committee, we are now considering many bills on the House floor.

 

University of Iowa Caves, Taxpayers Will Not Pay Cost of Settlement

Shortly after it was announced that the University of Iowa had settled yet another lawsuit that would cost the state millions, the House Appropriations Committee which I serve on acted swiftly to introduce a bill that would ensure the state would no longer pay for the costs of these settlements, and that instead, the University would take responsibility for such costs. The three person subcommittee which was held this morning, Thursday, March 9th, was an interesting one – because when we called the subcommittee to order the University of Iowa was then prepared to announce that they would pay the cost of the settlement entirely, and that the taxpayer would not foot the bill. Sometimes getting things done in Des Moines doesn’t always mean a bill must be signed into law by the Governor, but instead, you just have to apply a little pressure where needed!

 

House Votes to Protect Children

On Wednesday, March 9th, the House voted 58-39 to approve Senate File 538. The bill prohibits puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender surgery from being administered to any child under the age of 18 in Iowa because of the lack of conclusive evidence and the potential for long-term, irreversible side effects.

A paper published in the International Review of Psychiatry states that 80% of those seeking clinical care will lose their desire to identify with their non-birth sex. According to the American College of Pediatricians, studies show that 80-95 percent of children who experience gender dysphoria will accept their biological sex by late adolescence. The British Medical Journal recently published an article which finds the practice of youth gender-transitions cannot be considered evidence-based. The Society for Evidence Based Gender Medicine (SEGM) states “England and Sweden, stopped or announced the intention to stop transitioning youth as routine medical practice. This change in treatment approach came about following each country’s own independent systematic reviews of evidence.” SEGM also wrote the newly emerging evidence has led “Finland to update its guidelines in 2020, sharply curbing provision of such treatment to youth and limiting it to exceptional cases.” Additionally, countries like France, Australia and New Zealand have also made changes aimed at safeguarding youth.

The evolving medical data shows that so-called gender affirming surgeries and treatments and pharmaceutical interruptions of normal sexual development do not provide long-term therapeutic relief for children involved in this care, and that is why House Republicans took action.

 

Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation Curriculum Now Restricted

This week, the House passed a bill to prohibit any classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in K-6th grade. We send our kids to school to learn reading, writing, math and science. This bill will allow teachers to use their time on those topics and leave discussions on social issues to the parents. Teachers should teach and parents should parent. This bill was amended to make clear that this is not about limiting all discussion around LGBTQ Iowans. It is to prohibit instruction, curriculum, or promotion of these topics in school. Students with same-sex parents or teachers in a same-sex marriage would not be limited from talking about those relationships.

 

Removing Sexually Explicit Materials from Schools

This week the House also passed a bill to remove sexually explicit material from Iowa school libraries. This bill requires that all books in school libraries must be age appropriate and expands the definition of age appropriate in code to include what is NOT age appropriate. Age appropriate does not include any material with descriptions or visual depictions of a sex act. I still cannot believe that this is a bill we need to pass. But unfortunately, books that contain images or passages of exactly the sexual acts have been found in Iowa schools, especially in the metros.

 

Rural Emergency Hospital Legislation Advances

This week, the House passed Senate File 75, a bill to license Rural Emergency Hospitals in Iowa, 97-1. This is a priority bill of the Iowa House Republicans to ensure access to emergency care in rural areas. Federal law created this designation in 2020, and has allowed this new hospital designation to begin January 1, 2023. In order for the state to allow a hospital to convert to a Rural Emergency Hospital, the state must license these facilities as a health care facility that maintains a 24-hour emergency room, but does not include acute inpatient care.

Rural Emergency Hospitals receive different reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid than other hospitals, based on the federal law. This includes quarterly payments from the Centers of Medicaid & Medicaid Services and an additional five percent increase to reimbursement for health care services. Keokuk Hospital recently closed in Lee County. This bill would allow for that hospital to reopen as a Rural Emergency Hospital, and this bill waives the requirement for a certificate of need for that hospital.

 

Another Strong Revenue Month for Iowa

State revenue collections continued at a strong pace in February, according to the Legislative Services Agency. Tax collections for February were 5.7 percent higher than February 2022, with an additional $35.7 million being paid to the state. This increase includes January’s implementation of the 2022 tax reform law. For the first eight moths of the fiscal year, state revenue has grown by 4 percent. This is well ahead of the 1.9 percent reduction forecasted by the Revenue Estimating Conference.

Personal income tax payments to the state were down compared to February of last year, but a decline would be expected with the tax cut going into effect. The 2022 law was projected to lower Iowans tax liability by $50 million in February. So the fact that actual personal income tax payments only fell by $18.3 million shows that Iowa’s economy is still performing well.  For the year, personal income tax payments are up 4.7 percent over FY 2022. This is well ahead of the REC’s forecast of a decline of 3.5 percent.

Sales tax collections for the month were down by $84.2 million, with the cause being change in sales tax deposit dates that began at the start of Fiscal Year 2023. Most sales tax payments from retailers now happen at the end of each month, with some collections not being credited in the state’s accounting system until the start of the next month.

February is always a slow month for corporate income tax payments, and this February was no different. The state collected $10 million in corporate income tax, which is a decline of $4.1 million. As with personal income tax, corporate income tax rates were reduced on January 1, so payments are likely to not meet last year’s high levels.

The continuing strong revenue picture should have an impact on the next meeting of the Revenue Estimating Conference. The forecasting group will meet on Friday, at 11 am to revise their projections for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024 and will make an initial forecast for state revenue in Fiscal Year 2025. The meeting will be in the Supreme Court chamber and can be viewed on the Legislative Services Agency’s YouTube page:

 

Legislative Forums

I want to thank everyone who came out to my forums in Muscatine and Wapello this last weekend. The forums were both very well attended, and the questions were engaging!

Sincerely,

Rep. Taylor Collins
Iowa House District 95

Hai Hinh

By Theresa Rose · Thursday, March 9th, 2023 at 5:03 pm CDT

Hai Phuoc Hinh, 59 of Mt. Pleasant, IA lost his battle to metastatic bladder cancer on March 8, 2023.

Hai was born on December, 10th 1963 in Rach Gia, Vietnam, 5th child to Hinh Vi Phong and Ly Lang.

Hai made his home in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa after fleeing the communist Vietnam. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1983, then attended Indian Hills Community College. He was united in marriage to Shirley Unternahrer of Wayland on June 29, 1985.

Hai worked for Old Threshers, Motorola, Celestica and was still employed by FedEx when he passed. Hai had also worked second jobs at Riverside Casino and then Hy-Vee, as well as odd jobs while in high school.

Hai enjoyed wood working, traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Hai is survived by Shirley Unternahrer of Wayland, IA and their six children: Levi Hinh of Wayland, IA, Tricia Hinh of Wayland, IA, Matthew Hinh of Wayland, IA, Lidia Hinh (Thomas Rauen) of Austin, MN, Elijah Hinh of Wayland, IA, MaymeLorene Hinh (Cody Jones) of Austin, MN, and six grandchildren: Keelyn, RyleeAnn, Savannah, Isabella, Charlie, and Gordon. Surviving sisters include Hinh Kim Tient of Vietnam, Hinh Kim Loan and husband Le Tri Hung of Vietnam, Hinh Ngoc My of Vietnam, Hinh Ngoc Van and husband Than Trong Ngoc of Vietnam, brother Khanh Hinh and wife Kyungsook Hinh of Minneapolis, MN, and “adopted” sisters, Deb Turley Schmidt of Mt. Pleasant, IA and Brenda Turley Jenkins (Bob) of Rosemont, MN, many members of his FedEx family and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Hai was proceeded in death by his parents, Hinh Vi Phong and Ly Lang, his brother-in-law Nguyen Bao, and “adopted” parents Leo and Billie Turley.

There will not be any services.

Charlotte May Loges

By Theresa Rose · Thursday, March 9th, 2023 at 3:53 pm CDT

Charlotte May Loges, 88, of the Kensington, formerly of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 5:40 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Burlington, Iowa.

Charlotte was born on May 25, 1934 in Fort Madison, Iowa the daughter of Ray and Ethel (Anderson (Hasenclever). On March 6, 1956, she married Maurice Loges in fort Madison, Iowa. He preceded her in death on August 19, 2016.

Survivors include her one son: Ronald (Janice) Loges of Donnellson; one grandson: David (Nicole) Loges and two great grandchildren: Blake and Anna.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father: Clarence Poe; husband: Maurice and four sisters.

Charlotte was a member of the Zion Mennonite Church in Donnellson. She enjoyed time spent with family, cooking, baking, growing flowers and NASCAR.

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

A private family graveside service will be held Monday, March 13, 2023 at the Zion Mennonite Cemetery.

Burial will be at Zion Mennonite Cemetery, rural Donnellson, Iowa.

A memorial has been in her memory for Zion Mennonite Cemetery.

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

 

Historic Season for Tiger Basketball

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, March 9th, 2023 at 1:35 pm CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- The season might be over for both Iowa Wesleyean men’s and women’s basketball teams but what a year it has been for both teams as Head Coach for the women’s team, Steve Williamson, broke Olan Ruble’s win total midway through the season and first year Head Coach for the men’s team, Jordan Ashton, led the Tigers to their first top-25 ranking since the 2010-2011 season. Here is a look at the high points for the season.

In November, the men’s team were starting to hit their stride having won 7 games in a row before running into the #13 William Penn Statesmen at Ruble Arena. Despite the ostensible mismatch, the Tigers went on a 13 to 0 run in the second half to take a commanding lead. The Statesmen would cut it close but be unable to recover as Iowa Wesleyan pulled off the upset 85-81 to extend their win streak to 8 games.

On the women’s side of things, Isabell West, a transfer from Murray State, was named Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) Women’s Basketball Player of the Week after her phenomenal performance against College of the Ozarks in a 68-65 thriller in December. In this back-and-forth contest at Ruble Arena, West would put up 35 points in the contest and pull down 12 rebounds in the winning effort. Her 35-point performance was 4 points short of Brittany West’s record, her sister, set a season ago in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament.

Fast forwarding to January, Head Coach Steve Williamson finally broke Olan Ruble’s career victory mark at 275 games after defeating Crowley’s Ridge College 68-37. The win was also Williamson’s 353rd career win as this is his second stint with the Tigers and in his first year he claimed the CAC championship and CAC Coach of the Year.

On the men’s side of things, the Tigers found themselves ranked #25 in the midst of a 15-game winning streak and being led by Henry Shannon who was averaging 13.5 points per game. This was the first time the Tigers had been ranked since the 2010-2011 season. They would improve to #23 by the end of the month as they had improved their win streak to 18 games and a 19-1 record on the season. The Tigers would win two more games to bring the program’s longest winning streak to 20 games.

In February, Isabell West was again named CAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week as she was helping the team ride an 11-game winning streak to the end of the season. In her two games that week against Crowley’s Ridge College and Northern New Mexico College she tallied 41 points and 19 rebounds as well as shooting 9 of 10 from the free throw line against Northern New Mexico College. Later in the month, Kyla Moore would take home her own CAC Player of the Week as shed averaged 25 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3 assists over her two games against Baptist Bible College and Trinity Christian College. Moore was also 18-20 from the free throw line over the two-game span. The Tigers would then capture the 1 seed for the CAC tournament as they were looking to repeat as champions. They would succeed in that mission as they came back from behind against Haskell Indian Nations to take it 64-59. West secured a double-double with 25 points and 14 rebounds in the win.

In terms of conference awards, Kyla Moore captured 1st Team All-Conference. Breanna Wendland took home 2nd Team All-Conference. Brielle Baker was recognized as the Champion of Character. Steve Williamson was named CAC Coach of the Year for the 2nd year in a row. Lastly, Isabell West took home three awards in 1st Team All-Conference, Newcomer of the Year, and Player of the Year as she averaged 18.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.

The men’s team entered the CAC tournament as the #2 seed and almost on the wrong end of an upset in the opening round against Haskell Indian Nations. Nevertheless, Henry Shannon would tip the ball in at the buzzer to end up taking the game 67-65. After skating past Washington Adventist University, the Tigers would be matched up against the team that ended their win streak, the Florida College Falcons. This rematch would go the Tigers way 70-66 as Joey Brown IV splashed 5 three-points in the contest to end the game with 19 points. Gacoby Jones was named CAC Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament with Joey Brown IV, Henry Shannon, and Hakeem Odunsi were named to the CAC All-Tournament team. This was men’s first time winning the conference championship since 2011.

In terms of conference awards, Henry Shannon was named 1st Team All-Conference as he averaged 13.1 points per game and 1.5 blocks per game as a freshman. Gacoby Jones earned honorable mention All-Conference honors along with Joey Brown IV. Jones averaged 11.7 points per game and Brown averaged 10.3 points per game. Additionally, in his first year at the helm, Jordan Ashton took home CAC Coach of the Year as he led the team to a 24-2 regular season record and a #23 ranking after the program finished 12-19 last season.

The women’s team would claim the 15th seed in the NAIA National Tournament and finish the season with a 23-7 record. The men’s team would earn the 7th seed in the NAIA National Tournament and finish the season with a 27-3 record.

Sports, March 9th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, March 9th, 2023 at 6:37 am CDT

High School Basketball

The Class 1A state championship is set for Friday with Grand View Christian, looking for their 4th state championship, going against North Linn, the defending champions, at 1 pm.

Central Lyon will take on Pella Christian today in the Class 2A semifinal with the winner taking on the winner between Roland-Story and Western Christian on Friday at 3 pm.

Bondurant-Farrar, who is coached by Travis Evans, an Iowa Wesleyan graduate and grandson of Mt. Pleasant coach Bob Evans, is looking to continue the undefeated season against North Polk in the semifinal round for Class 3A, while Xavier will be facing off against Bishop Heelan. The championship game will take place tomorrow at 5 pm.

Class 4A had the biggest upset of the tournament as the 8th seed Pleasant Valley took down the #1 Cedar Rapids Kennedy 57-45 to face off against Valley in the semifinal today. Waukee will take on Waukee Northwest tonight. The championship game will be tomorrow at 7 pm.

High School Track and Field

The girls’ will be participating in the IATC Indoor Championships today and the boys’ will be competing tomorrow.

Youth Basketball

March Madness 5 on 5 Basketball Tournament held at Iowa Wesleyan University for 5th – 8th grade girls and boys will take place on March 18th and 19th. Please contact Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jordan Ashton for more details at 319-385-6307 or visit www.infosports.com.

Iowa Wesleyan Athletics

The women’s basketball team’s season ended with a 23-7 record and as Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) champions. Head Coach Steve Williamson talked about how proud he was of his team. The men’s basketball team finished the year 27-3 and as CAC champions.

The women’s wrestling team will be competing in the 2023 NAIA Women’s Wrestling National Championship which will take place tomorrow, March 10th. Head Coach Jake Kadel talked about his eleven wrestlers that will be competing at the meet.

The Tiger baseball team faced off against the University of South Carolina Beaufort yesterday and fell 18-3. The Sand Sharks scored quickly and often as they put up 10 runs in the bottom of the 4th inning. Julian Figueroa continued his excellent two game stretch as he has gone 6 for 8 with 5 RBIs over the past two games including a home run and a double. Riley Rankin and Sage Bonner added an RBI apiece in the contest. The Tigers will take on Fisher College tomorrow at 2 pm.

The Tiger softball team will take on Suffolk University today.

Head Coach for the Track and Field teams for Iowa Wesleyan, Hunter Davis, will be joining us on Tiger Nation this morning at 9 am.

This Day in Sports History

1904 – Brandon’s Lester Patrick becomes 1st hockey defenseman to score a goal.

1979 – MLB Commissioner Bowie Kuhn orders baseball to give equal access to female reporters.

1993 – Pittsburgh Penguins begin NHL record 17 game winning streak.