Mt. Pleasant Football with Four All-State Academics

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 at 4:46 pm CDT

Mt. Pleasant- The Panther football team had four members named to the Football Academic All-State team. To make the team the student-athlete must be a senior starter, have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or better at the end of their junior year, and the Head Coach must recommend them. From left to right in the picture, Zerek Venghaus, Bowen Davis, Bryce Wilson, and Zach Frazier all earned the honor.

Zerek Venghaus was the leading rusher for the Panthers last season finishing with 340 yards, averaging 4.1 yard per carry. Venghaus also rushed for 5 touchdowns and caught 12 passes for 118 yards. Additionally, he was very active defensively as he finished the season with 33 total tackles.

Bowen Davis rushed for 104 yards last season and caught 9 passes for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns. Nevertheless, most of his work was done on the defensive side, as he led the Panthers in tackles with 52including 3.5 for a loss and he had a fumble recovery.

Bryce Wilson started the season at linebacker and finished the year tied for fifth on the team in total tackles with 28.5 including 4.5 for a loss. Wilson also added a fumble recovery to his stat sheet.

While there are no specific stats kept for offensive linemen, Zac Frazier was the starting center for the Panthers and helped make holes for the running backs to total 703 yards on the season with 10 rushing touchdowns and gave Jacob Ricthman time to throw for 14 touchdowns and 1,749 yards. Defensively, Frazier also had a fumble recovery.

James Carlsen Brock

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 at 11:08 am CDT

James Carlsen Brock, 59, of Houghton, Iowa, passed away at 10:34 a.m. Friday, December 30, 2022.

He was born on February 7, 1963, in Fairfield, Illinois, the son of Carlsen and Marjorie (Wilson) Brock. On December 7, 2002, he married Cheryl Vernice Fulton at Saint Augustine Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa.

He is survived by his wife: Cheryl; daughter: Claire Brock; brother: Jerry Brock; brothers-in-law: Mark (Karen) Fulton, Scott Fulton, Brett (Martha) Fulton and Todd Fulton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law: Alva and Shirley Fulton.

Jim was a 1981 graduated of Fairfield High School. He attended McKendree University and graduated with a bachelors degree in psychology and theology. Jim was a member of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Houghton, Iowa and the Houghton Knights of Columbus Council #3905. Jim lived in Fairfield, Illinois, until moving to Iowa in 2006. He spent several years providing counseling in mental health. When moving to Iowa he worked at MHI in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, until shortly before it closed. He worked at the American Ordnance Ammunition Plant for the past ten years. Jim enjoyed traveling with his family, watching Star Wars with his daughter, spending time with the family dog “Eddie”, tending to his garden and canning the produce he grew (mainly jams, salsa and limed pickles).

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2023, at Saint John’s Catholic Church in Houghton, where the family will receive friend from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A Knights of Columbus rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m. and a Christian Wake service will be held at 6:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Saint John’s Catholic Church in Houghton, with Father Joseph Phung as celebrant.

Burial will be at Saint John’s Cemetery in Houghton.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to his daughter Claire’s college fund.

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

Henry County Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 at 11:07 am CDT

AGENDA

January 5, 2023

Approve Agenda

Approve Minutes

Approve Claims

9:00 Monthly Department Head Meeting

Approve Resolution #1-2023 Master Matrix Construction Evaluation

Other County Business as time allows

Supervisors Sub-Committee Updates

 

Official Crash Details Released

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 at 9:43 am CDT

On December 27th, 2022, at approximately 12:50 p.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Old Highway 34.  An investigation at the scene, determined a 2006 Grey Ford F-150 driven by Bodie Rodgers, 48 of Mount Pleasant, was traveling south bound on Franklin Avenue and collided with a 2020 Kia Nitro, driven by Sara LeBlanc, 60 of Mount Pleasant.

The investigation determined the Kia was traveling west on Old Highway 34 and came to a stop then proceeded into the intersection.  The F-150 was south bound on Franklin Avenue at the same time the Kia entered the intersection.  The impact sent both vehicles into the southwest ditch with the F-150 coming to rest on its side.

Both drivers of the vehicle were transported from the scene via ambulance.  Mr. Rodgers was cited for failure to wear safety belt, failure to prove security against liability (no insurance) and operating a non-registered vehicle. Mrs. LeBlanc was cited for failure to obey a stop sign and yield the right of way.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Mount Pleasant Police Department, Mount Pleasant Fire Department, Henry County EMS, and Henry County Secondary Roads Department.

 

 

4-H FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES IOWA 4-H SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2023

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 at 9:41 am CDT

The Iowa 4-H Foundation announces the 2023 scholarship programs for 4‑H’ers attending or planning to attend college fall 2023.  The current scholarship program offers 90 scholarships worth $100,000.

The various awards range in amounts from $250 to $5,000.  Some of the scholarships are open to students pursuing any field of study, while others are open to students pursuing specific degrees in agriculture, food and nutrition, ag business, animal science, and journalism.  Former Iowa 4-H’ers and current 4-H’ers graduating from high school are eligible applicants.

The majority of the scholarships will be awarded to students attending Iowa State University.  Some scholarships are also available to students planning to attend another Iowa Regent University, Iowa private college, or Iowa community college.

There is an online application form to apply for all 90 scholarships applicants select.  It can be found at  www.iowa4hfoundation.org/scholarships.  Recommendation letters are also done online.

All applications must be completed online no later than March 1, 2023.

 

 

Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted in Memory of Mike Orris by Washington County Fair Association

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 at 9:36 am CDT

Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted in Memory of Mike Orris by Washington County Fair Association

The Washington County Fair Association started an endowment fund with the Community Foundation of Washington County in 2019 to provide for an annual scholarship.  The third scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to a member of the graduating Class of 2023 who has been a participant in Washington 4H or FFA for 4 years.

Mike Orris, a long-time community member, veteran and volunteer member of the Washington Fair Board for 50+ years passed away in the summer of 2019 at the age of 92.  “They don’t make volunteers like Mike anymore,” said Fair Board member, Jarrod Horning.  “He has had a huge impact on our organization over the past 50+ years.”
The Fair Association approached Mike’s family to create this fund, and they were immediately onboard with the idea.

“The Community Foundation is uniquely capable of creating a fund such as this,” said Executive Director, Millie Youngquist. “Our whole purpose is to create permanent endowment funds that continue providing money to support local non-profits and their causes.  We are especially honored to create a fund in the memory of such a community leader and volunteer.”

Donations of any amount to this fund qualify for the Endow Iowa tax credit, a program giving donors a state tax credit of 25% of the amount of their donation.  Individuals interested in making a donation to this fund may donate by writing a check to: The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, writing “Mike Orris Memorial Scholarship Fund” in the memo line, and mailing it to: The Community Foundation of Washington County, Attn: Millie Youngquist, 831 South 13th Ave., Washington, IA 52353.

Scholarship application forms are available on the Fair Association website: washingtoncountyfairia.com.  Applications will also be available from area high school guidance counselors, FFA advisors and at the Washington County Extension Office.   Applications are due on
Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

Daily Jail Count

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 at 9:34 am CDT

Henry County Jail

In the interest of keeping Henry County residents informed, the Henry County Sheriff’s office has requested KILJ post the daily jail count. During the jail referendum campaign it was publicized that the jail would be able to house additional inmates from surrounding counties and this would generate revenue for Henry County.

 

Date:   01-04-2023______

 

   23_    Henry County Inmates

 

   44     Out of County Contract Inmates              

 

  67       TOTAL

Sports, January 4th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

Winfield-Mt. Union swept the night against Hillcrest Academy with the girls’ continuing their undefeated streak crushing the Ravens 63 to 4. Bradie Buffington had a stat sheet stuffer of a night leading the Wolves in points with 22 while grabbing 8 rebounds and collecting 4 steals. Melina Oepping aided the winning effort by scoring 17 points. The boys’ team followed that up with their own decisive win over the Ravens, 59-42. Abram Edwards and Cam Buffington both finished with a double-double as Edwards had 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Buffington scored 14 points and nabbed 14 boards. The Wolves will travel to take on Lone Tree this Friday, January 6th, with the girls’ team starting at 6 pm and the boys to follow.

The WACO Warriors also took care of business last night against Louisa-Muscatine. The girls’ team led by Ellah Kissel’s 14 points and Grace Coble’s 10 points cruised to a 38-19 victory despite being down 12 to 8 after the first quarter. The boys’ team won by 33 points in the 66-33 clobbering of the Falcons. Eleven members of the Warriors scored in the game with Hunter Hughes leading the team with 21 points. WACO will travel to play Pekin this Friday with the girls’ scheduled to start at 6 pm.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will play Fort Madison at home this Friday. The boys’ team will be on the road to play the Bloodhounds with KILJ on the call with pregame at 7:15 pm. Coach Rawson knows this will be a tough conference matchup.

The New London Tigers will be hosting Burlington Notre Dame on Friday with the girls starting at 6 pm and the boys to follow.

Danville will host West Burlington January 6th with the girls starting at 6 pm and the boys to follow. The girls’ team goes into the break 5-5 on the season while the boys’ team touts a 7-2 record.

The Holy Trinity Catholic Crusaders will have to wait until January 6th to host Central Lee with the girls going at 6:30 pm. For the Crusaders, the girls’ team is 4-4 and the boys’ team is 3-6 heading into winter break. The Hawks girls’ team is also 4-4 with the boys’ team 2-7 after their last win over Columbus 68-46.

High School Wrestling

The Mt. Pleasant boys team will be back in action January 12th when they travel to face off with Washington. The girls team will compete at the Highland Tournament January 6th.

High School Bowling

The Mt. Pleasant Panthers girls and boys teams next competition will be tomorrow, January 5th, against Washington at the Iris Bowling Center.

Iowa Wesleyan Athletics

The men’s basketball team, now 14-1 and rocking a 13-game winning streak, will have to wait until January 6th to compete against Crowley’s Ridge College for a CAC Classic. Coach Ashton knows that this team still has not hit their peak.

The women’s basketball team will look to get Coach Williamson his 275th career victory at Iowa Wesleyan January 6th at the Northern New Mexico Classic against Crowley’s Ridge College.

The women’s wrestling team will be back in action January 6th and 7th for the NWCA Multi-Division National Duals Championship.

The men’s wrestling team will wrestle at Central Methodist University on January 10th.

The Tiger’s next indoor meet will be the Dutch Athletics Classic on January 14th.

This Day in Sports History

1975 – New Orleans Jazz set a then NBA record (with 24-second shot clock) by scoring only 20 points in the first half of a 111-89 loss in Seattle; unwanted record stands for nearly 25 years.

1977 – Mary Shane hired by Chicago White Sox as first woman TV play-by-play announcer.

2000 – A day after accepting the head coaching position at the New York Jets, Bill Belichick resigns and moves to the New England Patriots.