DAVENPORT, IA – John Herman Soper, age 50 of Keokuk, was sentenced today, October 19, 2022, to 19 years in prison following his plea to the charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and
Ammunition. According to court documents, on October 30, 2021, law enforcement responded to a reported disturbance related to Soper threatening a person with a firearm. Officers were aware Soper had active arrest warrants and was involved in recent shots-fired incidents. Officers located Soper and searched him and his vehicle. Soper was in possession of a loaded handgun, cash, and approximately one-quarter pound of ice methamphetamine. Officers had information from numerous sources that Soper was obtaining pound quantities of ice methamphetamine. Because of his prior serious drug convictions, Soper qualified as an Armed Career Criminal and a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence applied. One of Soper’s prior convictions included a previous federal conviction for Conspiracy to Manufacture Methamphetamine. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the
announcement. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Fort Madison Police Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Keokuk Police Department, Lee County Narcotics Taskforce, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of
Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and
strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results
Janet A. Olson
Janet A. Olson, 71, of Mount Pleasant died Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Henry County Health Center.
Janet was born April 17, 1951, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Paul and Miriam (Anderson) Olson. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1970. She worked at Heatilator as a production worker. Janet loved to volunteer her time to many different causes and organizations. She loved animals, especially cats. Janet was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Janet is survived by a sister Jean (Jared) Wilson of Panama City, Florida, a brother Larry Olson of Mount Pleasant, and two nephews Brian and Eric Wilson.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Zelda Olson.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2022, at Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for the Vintage Raven Kitten Haven. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Please Use KILJ’s Back Door
Currently, the front of the KILJ building is under renovation. The front door will not be accessible during this time. Please pull around to the back of the building and use the lower level door into the basement. The stairs to the office is thru the second door on the left. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you are unable to use the stairs please call us at 319-385-8728 to make other arrangements. We appreciate your patience and understanding for the next week or more.
Early Voting in Henry County
Absentee/Early voting begins Wednesday, October 19th at the Henry County courthouse second floor to the right. It will go from now thru the day before the election Nov. 7th. The days and hours are….Monday through Friday 8-4:30. October 24th hours will be 8-5. November 4th hours will also be 8-5 and Saturday November 5th hours will be 9-5.
NOTICE OF ELECTION TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF HENRY COUNTY
In compliance with Provision 49.53 of the Code of Iowa, I, Shelly Barber, Commissioner of Elections of Henry County, State of Iowa, do hereby proclaim that on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, a General Election will be held for the purpose of electing candidates for the various offices.
Qualified electors may vote by presenting themselves along with identification on November 8, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the polling place for the Precinct of their residence as listed below:
Precinct 1 – Polling Place Wayland City Hall, 218 W Main St, Wayland – Trenton Township, Marion Township, Jefferson Township to include the incorporated cities of Wayland, Olds and the portion of Coppock within Henry County: that part of Wayne Township residents living west of James Avenue to 140th Street and south of 140th Street east to Highway 218 and south to the township line.
Precinct 2 – Polling Place Winfield City Hall, 115 N Locust St, Winfield – Canaan and Scott Townships to include the incorporated city of Winfield: that part of Wayne Township residents living east of James Avenue to 140th Street and south of 140th Street east of Highway 218 and south to the township line.
Precinct 3 – Polling Place Emergency Management Building, 900 W Washington St, Mt Pleasant Tippecanoe Township, Salem Township to include the incorporated cities of Salem and Hillsboro, Center Townships (excluding the portions of Center Township within Mt. Pleasant’s corporate boundaries) to include the cities of Rome and Westwood
Precinct 4 – Polling Place Veterans Hall 1, 300 W Monroe St, Mt Pleasant – Mount Pleasant Ward 1 as defined by city ordinance.
Precinct 5 – Polling Place Veterans Hall 2, 300 W Monroe St, Mt Pleasant – Mount Pleasant Ward 2 as defined by city ordinance.
Precinct 6 – Polling Place Veterans Hall 3, 300 W Monroe St, Mt Pleasant – Mount Pleasant Ward 3 as defined by city ordinance.
Precinct 7 – Polling Place Veterans Hall 4, 300 W Monroe St, Mt Pleasant – Mount Pleasant Ward 4 as defined by city ordinance.
Precinct 8 – Polling Place New London Christian Church, 2770 New London Rd, New London – Jackson and Baltimore Townships.
Precinct 9 – Polling Place New London Community Center, 103 W Washington St, New London New London Townships to include the incorporated city of New London.
Township Trustees and Clerks names appearing on the ballots are as follows:
Baltimore Township Clerk: Joseph Johnson
Baltimore Township Trustee: Write In
Canaan Township Clerk: Katie Byczek
Canaan Township Trustee: Write In
Center Township Clerk: Debbie Smith
Center Township Trustee: Stephen R. Gray
Jackson Township Clerk: Write In
Jackson Township Trustee: Write In
Jefferson Township Clerk: Dwain Alvine
Jefferson Township Trustee: Paul VonTersch
Marion Township Clerk: Write In
Marion Township Trustee: Write In
Marion Township Trustee To Fill 2yr Vacancy: Ryan Coop
New London Township Clerk: Write In
New London Township Trustee: John Fitzpatrick
Salem Township Clerk: Dan L. Wesely
Salem Township Trustee: Jon Mills
Salem Township Trustee To Fill 2yr Vacancy: Jerad Syfert
Scott Township Clerk: Patti A. Gerling
Scott Township Trustee: Brian Haymond
Tippecanoe Township Clerk: Gary E. Oldt
Tippecanoe Township Trustee: Mike Kerr
Trenton Township Clerk: Terri Bain
Trenton Township Trustee: Write In
Wayne Township Clerk: Brad Benson
Wayne Township Trustee: Allen G. Rodgers
Any voter who is physically unable to enter a polling place has the right to vote in the voter’s vehicle. For further information, please contact the County Auditor’s Office at 319-385-0756 or e-mail sbarber@henrycountyiowa.us. A sample ballot below is part of this Notice.
A public test of the voting equipment will be held at the Henry County Auditor’s Office on Wednesday November 2, 2022, at 9:30 a.m.
Sports, October 19th
High School Volleyball
The Mount Pleasant Panthers were the underdogs last night going against district foe, the Burlington Grayhounds, having lost all 5 matchups prior. However, the Panthers pulled off the upset and defeated the Grayhounds in an exhilarating 5 set match, winning by scores of 25-23, 18-25, 25-23, 10-25, and 15-7. Emma Starr had a great match, Andrea Lopreato helped tremendously in the third and fifth sets scoring the game winning point, and Jersey Beachy dominated from the service line in the fifth set. They will play Oskaloosa tomorrow at 7 pm on the road looking for another upset as Oskaloosa is ranked 12th in Class 4A.
Holy Trinity Catholic will play Sigourney, who defeated Seymour in straight sets, tonight, October 19th, at home at 7 pm.
The WACO Warriors will play North Mahaska tonight at home at 7 pm. KILJ will be covering the game with pregame at 6:45 pm.
Winfield-Mt. Union will host Wapello at home at 7 pm tonight.
Jeff Broeg will be covering the New London game tonight at 7 pm on the KILJ-AM station as they will be playing Iowa Valley.
Burlington Notre Dame plays Moravia tonight at 7 pm.
High School Football
The Mount Pleasant Panthers will travel to North Scott this Friday, October 21st, to play their season finale at 7:30 pm.
First round of the playoffs starts this week with WACO hosting Martensdale-St. Marys at 7 pm. KILJ will be on the call with pregame to start at 6:45.
The New London Tigers will be traveling to play Gladbrook-Reinbeck this Friday for their playoff game at 7 pm.
The Winfield-Mt. Union Wolves have the dubious distinction of playing Don Bosco, who is ranked 3rd in 8-man football, to start their playoff journey this Friday at 7 pm.
In Mt. Pleasant’s district, Fort Madison will be home against Burlington and Clinton will travel to play Iowa City Liberty, both games will start at 7:30 pm. Other area games, Fairfield celebrates senior night against Grinnell, Keokuk celebrates senior night against Solon, and Washington looks to send the seniors out on a win as they face off against West Burlington, all of these games scheduled to start at 7:30 pm.
Elementary Basketball Tournament
Mount Pleasant Christmas Holidays 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for 3rd – 8th grade boys and girls will be held on Dec 17th, 2022. For more registration details contact Coach Ronnie Ashton at 319-931-2896.
Iowa Wesleyan Athletics
The Tiger volleyball team celebrated senior night last night by having their own five set thriller with Stephens College. Unfortunately, it did not have a happy ending for Iowa Wesleyan as they fell 3 sets to 2 by scores of 13-25, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23, and 13-15. Madison Saia had a terrific game as she tallied 17 kills for the Tigers with Shea Scott and Emma Lincoln each getting 7 kills a piece. Mackenzie Springsteen led the Tigers in assists with 24 on the match. Their next game is Friday, October 21st, as they start a CAC Classic against Crowley’s Ridge College at 2 pm.
The Tiger football team will be back in action October 22nd as they travel to play Presentation College at 1 pm.
The women’s soccer team is 7-7 on the season and their next game will be Saturday, October 22nd, at Bellevue University at 5 pm.
The men’s soccer team will travel to play Graceland University Saturday, October 22nd, at 3 pm.
This Day in Sports History
1923 – Ban Johnson persuades AL owners to prohibit boxing in their parks.
1941 – 1st woman jockey in North America, Anna Lee Wiley in Mexico.
1957 – Montreal Canadien Maurice “Rocket” Richard, becomes the 1st NHLer to score 500 goals.
Regina R. “Sis” Johnston
Regina R. “Sis” Johnston, 80, of Fort Madison Iowa, passed away at 7:50 p.m. Monday, October 17, 2022, at The Madison in Fort Madison, Iowa.
She and her brother, Raymond, were born the twins of Richard Lee and Genevieve Rose (Vogel) Johnston, on December 4, 1941, in Washington, Iowa,
Survivors include one brother: Carl Johnston of West Point, Iowa; one sister: Marilyn (Maurice) Neuweg of Springfield, Illinois; two sister in-laws: Janet and Liz. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; six siblings: Ernest “Ernie”, Merrill “Francis”, Raymond, Robert, Roberta and Joseph; sister in-law: Bonnie.
Sis attended St. Mary’s Catholic High School she received her G.E.D. in 1969. She was a member of Holy Family Parish in Fort Madison and a fifty year member of the Eagle’s Club. She worked for the Sacred Heart Hospital for two years, Troy Laundry, Sheaffer Pen Co. for forty-six years, she did part time bartending for sixteen years and worked at Jacks/Shop-Ko for twenty years. Sis loved to dance and go roller skating.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 21, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point, Iowa.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 21, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Dan Dorau and Father John Stack as con-celebrants.
Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in West Point.
A memorial has been established in her memory for the Fort Madison Food Pantry.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
Two Killed on Burlington Bridge
According to the Illinois State Police two construction workers from a Burlington, IA company were struck and killed Tuesday morning after being hit by a passenger car. The workers were walking behind their stationary pickup truck and trailer, which had its yellow construction lights activated, setting construction barrels for a work zone on the Great River Bridge of U.S Route 34 westbound as it crosses the Mississippi River.
A vehicle traveling westbound struck a barrel and continued on, striking the two construction workers causing fatal injuries. The workers are identified as Pearson J. Franklin, 20-year-old of New London, IA and Andrew Whitcomb, 35-year-old of Burnside, IL.
The driver of the car, Emily Johnson, 21-year-old of Gladstone, IL, was written citations for Scott’s Law – Improper Passing of a Stationary Emergency Vehicle, Improper Use of Electronic Communication Device, and Failure To Reduce Speed To Avoid a Crash. Johnson received minor injuries as a result of the crash.