MPHS InMotion Show Choir Finishes 2nd Place at First Competition of the Season

Mount Pleasant High School’s InMotion Show Choir earned a well-deserved second-place finish in the 1A/2A/3A category at “A Touch of Class,” the show choir competition hosted by Benton Community Schools last Saturday. The group delivered its first competitive performance of the season and finished the event pleased with its showing while looking ahead to continued improvements as the season progresses.

InMotion also received the Caption Award for Outstanding Costumes, recognizing the visual design and presentation of this year’s production.

The group is now gearing up to perform in front of a home crowd at the Music in Motion Show Choir Invitational, scheduled for Saturday, February 7, hosted at the Mount Pleasant High School.

Proud to bring you results and updates from the Mount Pleasant Music Department are Jason Smith Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, Gramrath Doyle Vens Insurance, 5 Star Community Credit Union, Standard of Beaverdale Home Center, Mount Pleasant Tire, the Kimzey Funeral Home, Your Dream Home Furniture & Floors, and Northeast Animal Hospital.

Alice L. Fitzpatrick

Alice L. Fitzpatrick, 79, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Park Place Elder Living in Mt. Pleasant.

Ms. Fitzpatrick, the former Alice Louise Donald, was born July 10, 1946 in Fairfield, IA. She was the daughter of Daniel Delano and Nola Vera (Pope) Donald. Alice grew up on the Family Century Farm northwest of Stockport, and attended school in Stockport. After consolidation of schools in Van Buren County, Alice graduated from Van Buren County Community High School in 1964. She attended the Park Vue College of Cosmetology in Fairfield, graduating in the summer of 1965.

On August 7, 1966 at the Methodist Church in Stockport, Alice was united in marriage to Leland Laverne McWilliams. To this union, 2 children were born, Terry and Tracy. The couple later divorced. On August 4, 1980 in Mt. Pleasant, Alice was united in marriage to Dennis John Fitzpatrick. To this union a son, Daniel Matthias “Ty” was born. Dennis preceded Alice in death on Sunday February 12, 2023 at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant. After Dennis’s passing, Alice began a courtship with Michael Vance. The couple just recently became engaged to marry.

After moving to Mt. Pleasant in the mid 1960’s, Alice began a long career as a beautician. She worked at the Colonial Beauty Shop before opening Alice’s Beauty Shop in her home. Alice then moved to A Touch Above Beauty Salon and finally at Shear Advantage until her retirement on January 1, 2008.

Alice was a devoted member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. For 20 years, she served as the Chair of the Environment and Arts Committee of the church, and was a former member of the Parish Council. Alice was a member of Chapter DD of TTT. She enjoyed being with her friends in the Wine and Tappas group. Alice found great delight participating in “Old H.A.G.’s” (Home Alone Gals) who enjoyed food and fellowship while rooting for the W.N.B.A. and Iowa Hawkeye Women’s Basketball Teams.

Those thankful for sharing in Alice’s life include her 3 children – Terry (Cyndi) McWilliams of Mt. Pleasant, Tracy (John) Dingman of St. Paul, IA and Ty (Lindsey) Fitzpatrick of Kansas City, MO; her fiancé – Michael Vance of Mt. Pleasant; 8 grandchildren – Bri (Aliya) McWilliams, Nathan (Mielye Hardersen) McWilliams, Rachel McWilliams, Emily (Isaac) Moeller, Abby Dingman, Alexa (Seth Mendez) Dingman, Sydney Fitzpatrick and Ben Fitzpatrick; a great granddaughter – Avery Moeller; a brother – Doug Donald of Ainsworth, IA and a sister – Cindy (Steve) Rada of Muscatine, IA.

Her parents, husband Dennis, former husband Leland, and brother Ed Donald precede Alice in death.

The family will receive friends from 4-7 PM on Friday, January 23rd at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 607 South Jackson Street, Mt. Pleasant. A Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 7PM at the Church.

A Funeral Mass for Alice will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 24th at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Fathers Ross Epping, Ed Fitzpatrick and Nick Adam will concelebrate the Mass. Burial will be in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Midwest Old Threshers Festival of Lights.

The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, is caring for Alice and her family. Online condolences may be directed to kimzeyfh.com.

Prep Boys’ Basketball: Burlington Notre Dame Rests at #3 in Fourth Edition of IHSAA’s Top Ten Rankings

Prep Boys’ Basketball- The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) released their fourth edition of the official boys’ basketball top 10 rankings, and an overall quiet week of play keeps the top four of each class mostly unscathed.

Class 4A

Cedar Falls is the only team left undefeated in the class and are honored with the #1 spot for another week. Dubuque Senior went perfect last week but a more impressive two-point victory over Indianola for Ames had the Cyclones leapfrog the Rams for the #5 spot.

Muscatine had everything in front of them but a 63-61 road loss to Assumption last Friday ejected the Muskies out of the top ten and reinserted the 9-1 Council Bluffs Lincoln Lynxes after notching a pair of double-digit wins.

Class 3A

The top six remained constant in Class 3A with undefeated Ballard in the driver seat, Clear Lake in the passenger seat, and Storm Lake getting a captain’s seat at #3. The bottom four were tossed around after Xavier dropped a tough one to Class 4A’s #9 Linn-Mar to fall to #8 in the rankings.

Oskaloosa could be holding on for dear life after clinging to the #10 spot despite a 66-52 loss to Norwalk last week. Keokuk is knocking on the door and a Monday night showdown in Oskaloosa could decide who gets to keep a spot in the rankings. Amazingly, everyone kept their spot.

Class 2A

Unity Christian kept their spot on the thrown and Regina Catholic is still #2. All right, now what happened to Western Christian? The Wolfpack was #3 in the land a week ago with just one loss on the season. Since then, they have loss two in-a-row, including a 70-52 loss to Unity Christian. Now, they are #7 in Class 2A.

Kuemper Catholic continues their climb up the rankings, sitting at #3. #9 Aplington-Parkersburg and #10 Monticello are the new teams in the rankings after Denver loss to the Falcons 59-48 and Cascade dropped a game to Class 1A’s #8 Bellevue, 65-55.

Class 1A

There was no change amongst the top 10 with St. Edmond, MMCRU, and Burlington Notre Dame rounding out the top three. The Nikes continue to be a scary team, having knocked off one ranked opponent already and owning a 14-0 record.

While their strength of schedule might be lackluster, the Nikes are beating their opponents by an average of 28.4 points per game. The one part of their game that can be approved is defense. They have allowed more than 50 points in four of their games. In fact, their 47.9 points per game allowed ranks 31st in Class 1A.

Still, this is an offense shooting 51.3% from the floor and 68% from the free throw line. Add in Shay Stephens, who is pouring in 26.2 points per game and dishing out nearly seven assists per game and maybe you do not need a lockdown defense.

More Information

For a full look at the top ten of each class, follow this link: IHSAA Top Ten 4th Edition

Lorianne “Lori” D. Jarvis

Lorianne “Lori” D. Jarvis, 65, of Franklin, Iowa, passed away at 8:12 p.m. Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.

She was born on November 3, 1960, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Harold “Skeet” and Erma (Hellweg) Massey. On February 23, 1980, she married Michael “Mike” Jarvis at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Montrose, Iowa.

She is survived by her husband: Mike of Franklin; daughters: Jennifer (Randy) Coleman of Franklin, Sara Jarvis of Donnellson; grandson: William Jarvis; siblings: Leanne Babington, Julianne Haley, Marcianne Tabb and Robert Massey.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister: Roxianne and brother: Rudolph.

Lori was a 1979 graduate of Central Lee High School. She and her husband, Mike, owned and operated Christian Herschler Winery in Franklin. Lori was a skilled artist. She enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, cooking, bird watching, animals and most of all, spending time with her family.

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

A visitation with family receiving friends will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m. at Franklin Tap in Franklin, Iowa.

A memorial has been established in her memory.

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

Alan Lafayette Coop

Alan Lafayette Coop, 83 of Unionville, MO, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026, at his home.

Alan was born to Harold & Junia (Godwin) Coop on December 9, 1942, in Fairfield, Iowa. He received his education from Brighton High School in Brighton, Iowa, graduating in 1961 at the top of his class. After school, Alan was united in marriage to Linda Jean Boese on December 21, 1963, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. To this union came seven children: JoEllen, Duane, Heather, Lafe, Ashly, Andrea and Carrie.

Alan and Linda owned and operated G &R Auto Body Shop in Mount Pleasant, Iowa for 62 years, where he took great pride in his handiwork. He had his pilots license and enjoyed flying his airplane in his younger years. He also enjoyed surprising people with the number of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren he had, totaling 59. He always followed that up with the comment ‘all because two people fell in love’.

He loved the Lord Jesus, having accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at the Nazarene Church in Mt. Pleasant in January of 1964 and instilled his faith of God in his children. He was always eager to host big Sunday dinners after church and many church New Year Eve parties. Some of his past times included making his famous sweet tea and watching storms roll in, baling hay at the family farm where he had cattle, playing cards with friends and family, and he loved to grocery shop and always requested ‘brown paper bags and don’t squish the bread’.

Survivors include his wife Linda Coop of the home, seven children: JoEllen Jepson (Jeff), Duane Coop, Heather Risberg, Lafe Coop (Hannah), Ashly Hurley (Jerred), Andrea Dorsey (Ray), Carrie Hines (Chris), daughter in law Jennifer Coop, 24 grandchildren: Amanda (Kyle Davy) Jepson, Zacherey (Lindi) Jepson, Sabrina (Cale) Garrett, Chelsea (Travis) Hoyer, Mariah (Mark Nelson) Jepson, Jalyssa Jepson, Wesley Coop, Bradley Coop, Ryan Coop, Brooklyn Holbert, Mackenzie (Tyler) Munday, Raegan Coop, Cason Coop, Sawyer Coop, Bryce Koenen, Brody Hurley, Bryna Hurley, Trevor Dorsey, Mason Dorsey, Levi Dorsey, Dru Dorsey, Bo Dorsey, Carleigh Hines, Deklan Hines, 16 great grandchildren, and numerous extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Fern Jeanette, Pauline, Evelyn, Ronnie and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 am, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Thomas Funeral Home in Unionville. Burial will immediately follow at Lupton Cemetery. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the funeral from 10-11:00 am. Memorials may be given in lieu of flowers to Hospice of Northeast Missouri or Cairo Baptist Church. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com.

 

Sports, January 19th

High School Basketball

Van Buren County split their matchup with Davis County over the weekend with the girls’ team losing a tight one, 52-49, and the boys’ running away with a 68-31 victory. 

Columbus will face off against Van Buren County tonight at home with the girls’ playing at 6 pm.

The Holy Trinity Catholic girls’ team fell to Fort Madison over the weekend 62-24 as Hadley Wolfe’s nine three-pointers set a program record for the Bloodhounds. The Crusader boys’ team handled business against the Bloodhounds, winning 57-42 as Layne Rung poured in 31 points. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Van Buren County at home tomorrow, January 20th, with game one at 6 pm.

West Burlington was swept by Keokuk over the weekend with the girls’ team losing 80-49 and the boys’ team falling 65-50. The Falcons will fly to Danville tomorrow with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel to Danville tonight at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm.

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will take on Oskaloosa tomorrow with tip-off at 7:30 pm on the road. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

The Fairfield girls’ team will host Grinnell tonight at 7:30 pm, while the boys’ team will face off against Pella Christian at home tomorrow at the same time.

Burlington Notre Dame will celebrate their senior night tonight against Wapello with the night starting at 6 pm.

The WACO girls’ team will travel to Iowa Valley tonight at 5:15 pm.

Mediapolis will tangle with Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow at home with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

New London will compete against Central Lee tomorrow at home with game one at 6 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will welcome Highland tomorrow with the night beginning at 6 pm.

High School Wrestling

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team participated in the Pella Invitational over the weekend and the Panthers finished in 14th place with 39.5 points, while Burlington finished atop the standings with 184 points. Courtney Smith led Mt. Pleasant with a bronze medal finish, while Paris Phosy and Quintrie Lee each nabbed 5th place in their respective weight classes. 

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team competed at the Cascade Invitational over the weekend and captured 2nd place with 179 points. Kohen Dietzenbach, who remained undefeated, Rowan Berndt, and Colt Boyles each finished with the gold medal in their respective weight classes. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Mediapolis, Fairfield, and Van Buren County boys’ teams traveled to the Big Red Invite over the weekend and the Wildcats accumulated 295.5 points for 2nd place.

Justin Knipfer, Dakota Aney, and Bowen Thomson each totaled at least three wins on their way to a 1st place finish in their respective weight classes. 

Fairfield finished in 4th place as a team with Dain Burkhart’s 3rd place finish leading the team. Kyler Crow of Mediapolis rattled off five wins on his way to a 1st place medal in the 175-pound weight class. Lastly, Van Buren County’s Kaimrin Ellingson snatched the silver in the 144-pound weight class.

The WACO boys’ team hosted the Warrior Invite and Louisa-Muscatine took the team crown with 221.5 points, while Mt. Pleasant finished in 3rd place with 146.5 points. The Panthers had a quartet of 1st place finishers in Aven Beauchamp, Levi Evans, Lane Beckler, and Keegan Birdsell.

WACO had Ian Maize and Harley Larrimore capture 1st place as the Warriors claimed 5th place as a team. Killian Kelly of New London snatched 4th place to lead the team, while Wapello’s Cohen Wolford and Grayson Nagle finished in 2nd place in their respective weight classes. 

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Fairfield on Thursday, January 22nd.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will head to Louisa-Muscatine on Thursday for a triangular.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will duel Wapello on the road on Thursday.

Van Buren County will host a triangular on Thursday with WACO making the trip.

New London will welcome Mediapolis on Thursday for a triangular.

The Wapello girls’ team will host a triangular tonight.

The WACO, Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Fairfield, Wapello, and Mediapolis girls’ teams will compete at the Louisa-Muscatine Invite on January 24th.

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant will host Fairfield on Thursday, January 22nd.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team fell to Kirkwood Community College over the weekend, 94-42. The Blackhawks will square off against Iowa Central Community College at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, January 21st. 

The men’s basketball team lost to Triton College, 77-71. Trevan Krumrei led the team with 20 points in the effort. The Blackhawks will head back home on Saturday, January 24th, to take on Marshalltown Community College at 7 pm.

College Basketball

The #19 Iowa State women’s team fell to Oklahoma State, 86-58. Audi Crooks and Jada Williams each collected 15 points. The Cyclones will search for answers on Wednesday, January 21st, at home at 6:30 pm against Cincinnati. 

The #11 Iowa women’s team collected a ranked victory last night, defeating #15 Michigan State 75-68. Hannah Stuelke and Ava Heiden were unstoppable, combining for 42 points in the win. The Hawkeyes will travel to Maryland on Thursday, January 22nd, at 5 pm.

The Iowa men’s team hurdled Indiana over the weekend, 74-57. Bennett Stirtz and Tavion Banks were the dynamic duo in the victory as Banks tabbed 26 points behind Stirtz’s 27 points. The Hawkeyes will host Rutgers tomorrow, January 20th, at 7:30 pm.

The #2 Iowa State men’s team dropped their second consecutive game, falling to Cincinnati 79-70. Milan Momcilovic’s 34 points were not enough to come out on top. The Cyclones will compete against UCF tomorrow at home at 6 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1903 – French newspaper L’Auto announces a new 5-stage, long distance bicycle race, “Tour de France.”

1974 – Notre Dame beats UCLA, 71-70 in South Bend, Indiana to end Bruins’ NCAA-record 88-game basketball win streak.

2013 – Lance Armstrong admits to doping in all seven of his Tour de France victories.

January 19, 2026 – January 25, 2026

01/19/26
Griffin Humphreys
01/19/26
Ella Rogers
01/20/26
Malia Goody
01/20/26
Brenda Mohrfeld
01/20/26
Tessa Burden
01/20/26
Curtis Dunn
01/20/26
Cody And Becca Neil (Anniversary)
01/21/26
Gary Dustman
01/21/26
Jerry Banz - 90
1/21/26
Deb Kempker
01/21/26
Seleta Thomas
01/22/26
Nathaniel Burden
01/22/26
Emma Roth
01/22/26
Deb Thompson
01/23/26
Roger Graber
01/23/26
Jason Rich
01/23/26
Dave Towne
01/23/26
Rick Connop
01/23/26
Barney Sefton
01/23/26
Amanda Reynolds
01/24/26
Lauren Allender
01/24/26
Allison Jacobs
01/24/26
Rick & Ann Thomas *Anniversary
01/25/26
Kenna Bodenham

Sports, January 17th

High School Basketball

Mt. Pleasant was swept by Burlington last night with the girls’ team losing 56-39 and the boys’ team falling 67-51. Paityn Ensminger led the girls’ team with 15 points, while Noah Lange and Aiden Humble each put up 14 points for the boys’ squad. 

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel to Danville on Monday, January 19th, at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm.

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will take on Oskaloosa on Tuesday, January 20th, with tip-off at 7:30 pm on the road. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

Fairfield dropped both games to Fort Madison last night with the girls’ team getting clobbered 62-30 and the boys’ team allowing the Bloodhounds to collect their first win of the season in a 62-52 final. 

The Fairfield girls’ team will host Grinnell on Monday at 7:30 pm, while the boys’ team will face off against Pella Christian at home on Tuesday at the same time.

Burlington Notre Dame handed New London two lopsided losses with a 59-20 final in the girls’ game and a 79-45 thumping in the boys’ contest. 

New London will compete against Central Lee on Tuesday at home with game one at 6 pm.

Central Lee split their matchup against Danville last night with the girls’ team losing 47-41 and the boys’ team running away with a 55-41 victory. Alaina Gourley cashed in for 26 points for the Bears in the win. 

Burlington Notre Dame will celebrate their senior night on Monday against Wapello with the night starting at 6 pm.

The Wapello girls’ team knocked off Lone Tree 56-48 as Annaka Greiner collected a 17 point/11 rebound double-double in the effort, while the boys’ team fell 68-60 to the Lions in overtime. 

The Van Buren County defense was no match for Mediapolis as the girls’ team fell to the Bulldogs 73-22 and the boys’ team lost 72-37.

Van Buren County will head to Davis County today at 4 pm for the Fox River Rivalry showdown.

Mediapolis will tangle with Burlington Notre Dame on Tuesday at home with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

The Holy Trinity Catholic boys’ team defeated West Burlington last night 59-51 behind Layne Rung’s 25 points, while the Falcon girls’ team flew away with a 60-26 victory over the Crusaders. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will compete against Fort Madison today with the girls’ playing first at 2:30 pm.  

West Burlington will host Keokuk today with the afternoon tipping-off at 3 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union was swept by Hillcrest Academy last night, as the girls’ team lost a 43-40 nailbiter and the boys’ team was outdone in a 62-42 final. Suttyn Schlee led the Wolves with 14 points. Girls’ head coach Mendy McCreight was pleased with the effort shown by her squad.

Winfield-Mt. Union will welcome Highland on Tuesday with the night beginning at 6 pm.

The Columbus girls’ team fell to Highland last night 54-30. The Wildcats will face off against Van Buren County on Monday with the girls’ playing at 6 pm.

The WACO girls’ team will travel to Iowa Valley on Monday at 5:15 pm.

High School Wrestling

The WACO and Mediapolis girls’ teams competed at the Mid-Prairie Invitational last night and the Bulldogs snatched 12th place with 42 points, while the Warriors finished with 40 points for 14th place. Annabelle Hedges claimed 3rd place for Mediapolis, while Emory Davis and Makayla Morrison led the Warriors with each taking 4th place. 

The WACO, Fairfield, Wapello, and Mediapolis girls’ teams will compete at the Louisa-Muscatine Invite on January 24th.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union and Mt. Pleasant girls’ teams will travel to Pella Invitational today.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will wrestle at the Cascade Invitational today. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Mediapolis, Fairfield, and Van Buren County boys’ teams will compete in the Big Red Invite today. 

The WACO boys’ team will host the Warrior Invitational today with Mt. Pleasant, New London, and Wapello making the trip. 

The Wapello girls’ team will host a triangular on Monday, January 19th.

High School Bowling

Fairfield will head over to the Ottumwa Invitational today.

Mt. Pleasant will host Fairfield on Thursday, January 22nd.

The State Qualifying Meet sites and assignments were released yesterday and here’s where our local teams will be heading on Monday, February 2nd. 

Central Lee and Fairfield will bowl at King Pins at West Burlington for Class 1A. Over in Class 2A, Mt. Pleasant and Burlington will make the trip to Clinton, while Keokuk will head to Ballard. 

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will travel to Kirkwood Community College today at 1 pm.

The men’s basketball team will play Triton College today at 3 pm on the road. 

College Basketball

The #19 Iowa State women’s team will travel to Oklahoma State tomorrow, January 18th, at noon.

The #11 Iowa women’s team will square off against #15 Michigan State tomorrow at home at 7 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will tangle with Indiana today at 1 pm on the road. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call.

The #2 Iowa State men’s team will look to restart their win streak with a road showdown against Cincinnati today at 1 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

This Day in Sports History

1970 – Sporting News names Willie Mays as Player of the Decade for the 1960s.

1988 – AFC Championship, Mile High Stadium, Denver: Denver Broncos beat Cleveland Browns, 38-33; features infamous “The Fumble”, Browns’ Earnest Byner fumbles at the Denver 3-yard line with 1:12 remaining resulting in the loss.

2012 – LeBron James becomes youngest player in NBA history to record 20,000 career points during the Miami Heat’s 92-75 victory over Golden State; James, 28 years, 17 days old, passed Kobe Bryant, 29 years, 122 days old.