June 16, 2025 – June 22, 2025

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, June 15th, 2025 at 9:48 am CDT
06/16/25
Jeffrey Cole
06/16/25
Jeanette Michelson
06/16/25
Susan Sammons
06/16/25
Ellisa Vantiger
06/16/25
Gary & Jeane Schweitzer *Anniversary
06/16/25
Jim & Bev Alderson - 39th Anniversary (belated from 6/14)
06/17/25
Gaila Oschwald
06/18/25
Reese Coffman
06/18/25
Richard Watson
06/18/25
Ann Noel
06/18/25
Brian & Karen Carter
06/19/25
Jim Sefton
06/19/25
Jack Schim
06/19/26
Zane Long
06/19/25
Ryan & Victoria Frueh *Anniversary (21st)
06/19/25
David & Nancy Sutherland *Anniversary (15 yrs)
06/19/25
Belinda and Chuck Allen *Anniversary
06/20/25
Mara Hobbs
06/20/25
Matt Schim
06/20/25
Lettie Norton
06/20/25
Jim & Judy Kinney *Anniversary
06/21/25
Lucy Dingman
06/21/25
Colson McNamee
06/21/25
John Murphy
06/21/25
Kolton Gardner
06/21/25
Darrell (Toad) Thompson
06/21/25
Wendel Gardner
06/21/25
Jason Cook
06/21/25
Ben & Judy Bower *Anniversary
06/21/25
Laurie & Charlie Gotsch *Anniversary
06/22/25
Ryan Borders
06/22/25
Cam Gardner
06/22/25
Michelle Peterson
06/22/25
Dalen & Danielle Davidson
06/22/25
Jordy Bowlin (8th)
06/22/25
Charlie & Nicole Rose *Anniversary

Sports, June 14th

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, June 14th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant surrendered three runs in the bottom of the 7th inning to lose in walk-off fashion to Atlantic last night, 7-6. The Panthers will look to get back in the win column on Monday, June 16th, 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.

Winfield-Mt. Union’s five-run 7th inning extinguished Lone Tree last night 10-1. Kohlby Newsom was a home run away from the cycle as he knocked in three RBIs. 

#7 Mediapolis put away Van Buren County last night 10-4. Kayden Simmons tabbed an extra-base hit for a team leading two RBIs in the loss. 

Mediapolis will square off against Winfield-Mt. Union on Monday at home at 5:30 pm.

New London eked out a 9-8 victory last night in walk-off fashion against West Burlington. Gavin Strawhacker collected three RBIs in the winning effort. The Tigers will compete in the Brieholz tournament today in Burlington.

The Falcons will tangle with Van Buren County on Tuesday, June 17th, at 5:30 pm at home.

Fairfield lost to Chairton last night 8-4. Dayson Workman slashed an RBI double in the loss. The Trojans will travel to Burlington on Monday for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm with the top of the conference on the line.

Wapello fell to Highland last night 13-3. Wapello will face off against Calamus-Wheatland on Wednesday, June 18th, at 5:30 pm at home.

Central Lee will play in a tournament today at Hillcrest Academy.

Burlington Notre Dame will compete in the Lancer Invitational today.

Danville will host Lone Tree on Monday at 5:30 pm.

High School Softball

Danville clobbered WACO last night 15-0. The Warriors will make the trip to Highland on Tuesday, June 17th, at 7:30 pm.

Holy Trinity Catholic and Danville will compete in a tournament today at Hillcrest Academy.

West Burlington/Notre Dame handled New London last night 11-2. Madelyn Thomas notched six strikeouts in the circle and three RBIs and a double at the plate for the Falcons.

New London will take on Hillcrest Academy on Monday, June 16th, at 7 pm at home.

West Burlington/Notre Dame will travel to Cedar Rapids Jefferson today for “The Cabin” classic. 

Columbus lost 6-3 to Pekin last night, dropping their third straight contest. Lily Coil slapped an RBI double for the Wildcats. Columbus will make their way to West Branch for a tournament today. 

Wapello lost a barn burner to Highland last night 3-2. Jaden Ecklund and Kaylor Veach each had an RBI for the Arrows. Wapello will compete against Van Buren County on Monday at 7 pm on the road. 

Fairfield hosted their invitational yesterday with Mt. Pleasant, Mediapolis, #15 Central Lee, and Van Buren County making the trip. The hosts were shutout by Cardinal last night, 5-0.

Mt. Pleasant fell to Albia yesterday 8-0. Paityn Ensminger broke up the no-hitter with a single.

#15 Central Lee defeated Chariton yesterday 6-2.

Mediapolis’ late offensive surge lifted the Bulldogs over Van Buren County in a 12-4 final. Payton Harris smoked a home run for five RBIs in the win.

The invitational will continue today.

High School Cross Country

The Mt. Pleasant Cross Country team will be starting up their optional summer runs on Monday, June 16th. 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. The runs will continue through mid-August until the cross country camp. If you have any questions, then contact Coach Murray at 319-850-0867. 

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team’s Michael Farina earned First Team All-American honors from the NJCAA for the 2025 season. Farina ranked second in the NJCAA in RBIs with 84, third in runs with 84, and seventh in hits with 88.

Additionally, Jackson Petsche was named Honorable Mention All-American. In his debut season at Southeastern, Petsche made an immediate impact, finishing with a .369 batting average. He ranked top 10 in the conference in both RBIs (69) and doubles (17), and nationally placed 15th in RBIs and 20th in doubles.

They both helped SCC finish the season with 50 wins.

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees and Clinton LumberKings had their matchup scheduled for last night postponed to today. It will be played as a home doubleheader at Community Field with game one at 5 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1870 – The all-pro Cincinnati Red Stockings suffered their first loss in 130 games.

1966 – Miami beats St. Petersburg (Florida State League) 4-3 in 29 innings. It is the longest uninterrupted game in professional baseball history.

2021 – Cristiano Ronaldo removes sponsors’ coke bottles from his press table at the European Championships, prompting the company share price to drop $4 billion.

Today is Flag Day

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, June 14th, 2025 at 6:25 am CDT

Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.  Flag Day was first observed in the late 1800s by schoolteachers around the U.S., according to the National Constitution Center, and in May 1916, President Woodrow Wilson declared June 14 Flag Day.  This day was declared a national holiday in 1949 by congressional legislation signed into law by President Harry Truman who directed the U.S. flag to be displayed on all government buildings on that day.

Area Meetings Scheduled Next Week

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, June 14th, 2025 at 6:03 am CDT

The Danville City Council will meet in regular session on Monday, June 16th at Danville City Hall.  A council work session will begin at 5pm and discussion will focus on sewer rates.  No decisions will be made during this session.  The regular session meeting will start at 5:30pm.  This meeting is open to the public.

 

The New London City Council has two meetings scheduled for Monday, June 16th.  At 6pm, the City Council will hold a joint meeting with the New London Utility Trustees.  Mowing services will be discussed.  After a recess, the New London City Council will meet.  The meetings will be held at the city office and are open to the public.

Laura Ann Becker

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, June 13th, 2025 at 12:58 pm CDT

 Laura Ann Becker, 75, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 3:09 p.m. Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Birkwood Village in Fort Madison.

She was born on January 29, 1950, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the daughter of Leonard and Margaret (Jacobsmeier) Lampe. On May 16, 1970, she married Gary Francis Becker at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point.

She is survived by her husband: Gary; three sons: Chad (Angie) Becker of Wichita, Kansas, Brian (Amy) Becker of Earlham, Iowa, Aaron (Amy) Becker of Monroe, Iowa; six grandchildren: Lyndsey, Cade, Grant, Jenna, Hannah, Kole; one great grandchild: Scottie; three sisters: Lou Ann Leveling, Lenny Kneedy, Jane Woodsmall and five brothers: Ron Lampe, Michael Lampe, Bud Lampe, Mark Lampe, Tony Lampe. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters: RoseMary Cary, Colette Moeller and Carol Wiseman.

Laura was a graduate of Marquette High School. She enjoyed being outdoors, watching birds, working with flowers, cooking, baking and laughing with family and friends. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, watching her kids and grandkids play sports or perform on stage. Laura was a caring person that always put others before herself.

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

A visitation will begin at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. that evening. A Christian wake service will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025, at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in West Point.

A memorial has been established in her memory.

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

Parkview Home of Wayland Achieves Rare Deficiency-Free Survey in Annual State Inspection

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, June 13th, 2025 at 10:18 am CDT

Parkview Home in Wayland is celebrating a significant achievement this week after earning a Deficiency Free Survey during its annual inspection conducted by DIAL — the Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing. The survey, which took place June 10-12, 2025, is a rigorous review process required for every nursing home in Iowa and across the United States.

The inspection team evaluated Parkview Home for compliance with numerous federal and state regulations that ensure residents receive high standards of care. These regulations cover critical areas such as dignity, health, safety, and quality of life. Inspectors observed practices, reviewed records, and interviewed staff and residents to assess whether the facility met all requirements.

Achieving a deficiency-free survey is a rare accomplishment — only about 10% of nursing homes nationwide are able to meet every standard without a single citation. To do so, a facility must demonstrate full compliance with all Skilled Nursing Home federal and state requirements.

Parkview Home’s staff and leadership are proud of this recognition, which highlights their commitment to providing quality care to residents in a safe and respectful environment.

This honor reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire team at Parkview Home, and underscores the facility’s mission to deliver excellence in senior care in the Wayland community.

Great River Health Launches Free Durable Power of Attorney Support, Notary Services for Community Members

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, June 13th, 2025 at 9:00 am CDT

West Burlington, Iowa — Great River Health is offering a new, no-cost service aimed at helping individuals take charge of their healthcare decisions through advance directive planning. The organization announced it is now providing free assistance with Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) for Healthcare forms, as well as access to certified notary services for anyone in need.

This initiative is designed to empower individuals to clearly communicate their healthcare wishes in the event they are unable to speak for themselves.

While many people are unfamiliar with the process or unsure how to begin, Great River Health is working to remove those barriers by providing 30-minute appointments with trained volunteers. These volunteers are not only equipped to guide patients through the form but are also certified notaries, making it easier for the documents to be completed and validated in one sitting.

Appointments can be scheduled in two ways:

This community-focused program is part of Great River Health’s ongoing commitment to patient advocacy and informed healthcare planning.

Mildred “Millie” Irene Henry Jones

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, June 13th, 2025 at 7:47 am CDT

Mildred “Millie” Irene Henry Jones, of Richland, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2025, at the age of 99.

Millie was born on March 19, 1926, in Monroe County, Tennessee, the daughter of Bob T. and Ada (Bivens) Henry. She began her education in a one-room schoolhouse in Antioch and later attended Friendsville Academy in Friendsville, Tennessee. Her passion for learning led her to Marion College in Indiana, where she earned a teaching degree in 1955. While attending college, Millie played on the basketball team and sang in the college choir.

After graduating, she began teaching fourth grade in Swayzee, Indiana. Soon after, Millie answered a call from the Friends United Meeting to serve as a teacher for missionary children in Kenya, East Africa—a mission that lasted three and a half years.

Upon returning to the United States, Millie was introduced to Robert B. Jones, son of Bruce and Addie Lincoln Jones. They were married on September 12, 1964, and made their home on a farm near Pleasant Plain, where they raised two sons, Evan and Calvin.

Millie was deeply involved in her community and faith. She was a dedicated member of the Pleasant Plain Friends Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, board member, and active participant in the United Society of Friends Women on both local and international levels. Committed to education, she also served two terms on the Fairfield School Board.

Millie’s sense of humor, vibrant personality, and faith in God shone through in all aspects of her life. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, traveling, and sporting events.

Millie is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Bob; her sons, Evan and Calvin Jones (Renee Buchholz); sisters-in-law Janet Jones and Emma Jean Henry; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Wilker, Ray, Vestal, Rex, and Calvin Henry; and her sisters Voreta Henry and Annie Kirkland.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Plain Friends Church, with Pastor Stan Bauer officiating. The family will receive visitors starting at 10:00 a.m. Burial and a dinner will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Pleasant Plain Friends Church or The Lord’s Cupboard.  Friends may leave online condolences or join the webcast at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.