Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

The 4th of July is a time for celebration, full of backyard cookouts, pool parties, and fireworks. The buzz of a drink is not needed to feel the thrill of summer holiday festivities but if you do indulge, plan for a sober ride home. The Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is partnering with local law enforcement for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement campaign July 1-5. The primary goal of the increased law enforcement presence is to prevent tragedies previously seen around the July 4th holiday.
Annually, about one-third of all traffic fatalities are alcohol/impaired related. In Iowa last year, 57% of the July 4th holiday weekend traffic fatalities were alcohol related*. There are plenty of options to help impaired drivers get home safely; designate a sober driver, schedule a taxi/ rideshare, or use your community’s sober ride program. A few dollars spent on a ride is a lot cheaper than an OWI, which can cost thousands of dollars.

“We want people to enjoy the holiday and to celebrate responsibly,” says GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes. “Drunk driving endangers those behind the wheel, their passengers, and other people on the road. Our law enforcement partners know how to spot an impaired driver and will not hesitate to pull them over. If you’re going to drink, plan for a sober ride.”

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce deaths and injuries on Iowa’s roadways using federally funded grants.
Find graphics to support our message here.

Rick Jason Boley

Rick Jason Boley, 45 years old, of rural Hillsboro, passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family, who held his hands and told him he was loved beyond measure- and he died knowing he truly was. Not far away was Rick’s faithful furry, companion, Ellie, who rarely left Rick’s side since they had adopted her.

 

Rick was born on January 9, 1978, to David and Sandy (Kerr) Boley. As a little boy, Rick loved spending time with his grandpa, Hillis Kerr at his Phillips 66 Gas Station in Farmington and following his grandpa, Dale Boley, around the farm. It is no wonder that he chose diesel mechanics and farming for his future! Rick graduated from Harmony High School in 1996 and from Indian Hills Community College in 1998. He worked for JJ Nitching Company for 13 years before opening his own business. With Rick’s incredible work ethic, Boley Repair quickly became a successful business.

 

Rick married his high school sweetheart, Heather (Taylor) Boley on June 26, 1999. Heather was six months older than Rick and he enjoyed teasing her about their age difference for the next 24 years. Together, Rick and Heather welcomed three beautiful daughters, Jaelyn, Kaedyn and Adisyn all of whom brought him endless joy; he took immense pride in his daughters and considered them his greatest accomplishments. Rick could often be seen proudly watching his girls from the sidelines or bleachers at softball, basketball, and volleyball games.

 

Rick’s looming stature, gentle, deep voice, warm smile and charming personality made him both memorable and loved by those who were blessed to know him. He had a vast knowledge of farming, cows and diesel mechanics, but it was his perspective about life in general that made him both easy and enjoyable to talk with. Rick had an incredible, witty and often sarcastic sense of humor and often took great pleasure in coming up with funny nick names for people and playfully teasing his loved ones. Over the years, coercing Rick into vacations was not always easy; he hated to leave the farm for any amount of time and he had a hard and fast rule he tried to live by: “never go to the same place more than once,” because he knew there were so many beautiful places yet to be seen.

 

In 2019, with immense courage, Rick faced a diagnosis of ALS and did everything possible to slow the progression of the disease to allow him more time with his family. He never wavered in his commitment to fight the debilitating disease as it progressed despite the pain he would endure both physically and emotionally.

 

They say that life is made up of two dates and a dash and that you should always make the most of the dash. Rick absolutely did!

Rick is survived by his wife, Heather; daughters Jaelyn, Kaedyn and Adisyn; his parents, David and Sandy Boley, brothers Brian (Susan) and Christopher Boley (Libby) ; brother-in-law, Jason (Natalie) Taylor; mother-in-law, Carol Taylor; nephews, Justin and Mason Boley; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Rick was predeceased by his grandparents, Hillis and Joan Kerr, Dale and Verda Boley; and his father-in-law, Larry Taylor.

 

Rick’s family is incredibly thankful for the wonderful care he received from Every Step Hospice and for standing by his decision to remain in his home, in the care of his family and to the multitudes of friends and family members that sent meals, offered prayers and provided a few hours of respite. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations go to Rick’s three daughters to be used for their education. Cards may be sent to 32564 165th St, Hillsboro.

 

A memorial service will be held at Hillsboro Baptist Church on Sunday, July 9th at 1pm. The family invites all friends to attend a casual celebration of life from 3-5 pm at the Hotel Manning in Keosauqua, following the memorial service.

 

On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com. Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Kodi Lee Moeller

Kodi Lee Moeller, 16, of rural St. Paul, Iowa, a vibrant and cherished soul, left us far too soon on Saturday, June, 24th, 2023. Her unexpected passing in a tragic car accident has left a void in the hearts of all who knew her. Though her time with us was short, the positive impact she made on the lives she touched will be forever remembered and will have a continual presence.

 

She was born on March 1st, 2007, in Fort Madison, Iowa. Kodi was a remarkable 16 year-old girl with a brilliant mind, athletic and musical talents, integrity, and a heart full of compassion and drive. She pushed herself to her fullest potential and was a shining example of determination and perseverance. She was always striving for excellence in everything she pursued, making her a leader and role model for her friends and family.

 

Kodi, was a beloved daughter to Dusty and LeAnn (Schinstock) Moeller and a big sister to: Korben, Kaylee, and Kolten. She was also survived by her devoted grandparents: Bob and Sandy Moeller and Mike and Donna Schinstock, as well as her great grandmother: Florence Menke. Also surviving are aunts and uncles: Pat and Maggie (Moeller) Jones – children Taylor, Carter, Zoey, Cooper, Jeff and Carrie (Schinstock) Snider – children Robbie and Alison, Scot and Angie (Schinstock) Fransk – children McKenna, and Beckett. Kodi’s extended family (including friends) and her boyfriend: Drew share in the pain of her passing.

 

She was preceded in death by her great grandparents: John and Zita Schinstock, John and Mary Pollmeier, Ernie and Sally Moeller, and Leroy Menke.

 

Kodi would have been an upcoming Junior at Central Lee High School. She was an active and passionate individual who thrived in multiple school and community activities. Not only was she at the top of her class academically, she also participated in volleyball, basketball, track, FFA, Future Problem Solving & 4-H. She was a member of the student SOAR Team and National Honor Society. She also blessed others with her talents playing the piano. With her busy schedule, she was still able to find time to help on the family farm and worked at Quality Plus Feeds in St. Paul. Through these activities, she cultivated valuable skills, built lifelong friendships, and had a lot of fun.

 

In every aspect of her life, Kodi radiated warmth, kindness, and compassion. Everyone who knew Kodi believed she was going to make a positive impact in the world. Her family and friends were all proud to have known and loved her. As we mourn the loss of Kodi, let us also celebrate the immense joy she brought to our lives.

 

May her spirit guide us and remind us to cherish every moment and embrace the love that surrounds us.  Rest in peace, dear Kodi.  You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

 

To celebrate the remarkable life of Kodi, a visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Central Lee High School. A Christian wake service will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the school.

A parish rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 3, 2023, at St. James the Less Catholic Church in St. Paul with a Mass of Christian burial to follow at 10:30 a.m. with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

Burial will be at St. James Cemetery, St. Paul.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials to be made in her honor to the Central Lee Foundation.

Prep Softball: Final Rankings of the Season for Class 1A and 2A

Prep Softball- The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released their final rankings for the season for Class 1A and 2A and here’s some of the rankings.

In Class 1A, Martensdale-St. Marys moved up one spot from the preseason rankings to finish as the top team with a 22-4 record. North Linn catapulted up three spots to 2nd with Southeast Warren, the preseason favorite coming in at 3rd. Five teams fell out of the top 15: Collins-Maxwell, Woodbine, Highland, West Central Valley, and St. Ansgar. Collins-Maxwell had the biggest fall as they started the season ranked 7th. The new teams in the top 15 were Wayne, Logan-Magnolia, Earlham, Griswold, and Exira-EHK. Wayne started the year unranked but finished as the 5th best team in Class 1A with an 18-8 record. Logan-Magnolia was in Class 2A last season.

Iowa City Regina started the year as the top team and remained as the top team finishing with a 24-7 record. Van Meter jumped up two spots from 4th to finish in 2nd. Central Springs stayed locked in 3rd from season’s start to end. Class 2A also had four teams drop out of the top 15: Logan-Magnolia (classification change), Cardinal, Akron-Westfield, and South Hardin. Entering the top 15 was Missouri Valley (8th), Sioux-Central (11th), Waterloo Columbus Catholic (14th), and Waspie Valley (15th).

The postseason gets underway tomorrow, June 30th, for Class 1A and 2A.

Weekly Fuel Report

Weekly Fuel Report
DES MOINES, Iowa (June 29, 2023) – The price of regular unleaded gasoline held steady, averaging $3.38 across Iowa according to AAA.Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $2.98 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $69.57.
  • Brent crude oil fell $3.08 and is currently priced at $74.02.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $109.78 and Brent crude was at $123.01.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Thursday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.38 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices held steady from last week’s price and $1.24 lower than one year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.55, down 3 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 2 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.62.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $5.42 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 25 cents less than the national average of $3.87.
  • Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.43 for U87-E10, $2.79 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.45 for ULSD#2, $2.97 for ULSD#1, and $2.59 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices rose 7 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.65/MMbtu
  • We will continue reporting retail heating oil and propane prices in Iowa in September.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Changing of the Future Land Use in Mount Pleasant

The Henry County Supervisors met on Tuesday, June 29th. A decision over the Changing of the Future Land Use Map in Comprehensive Plan drew many visitors, and much discussion was had.

8 acres of a residential zone on the west side of Hickory Avenue is now in the process of changing to an industrial zone, as a new concrete plant plans to begin operations there. This was passed by the Board of Supervisors, and now will go back to the Planning and Zoning to determine the outcome. Another public hearing will be planned for the month of July, and the date is not certain yet. KILJ will continue to update the public as new information becomes available.

High Speed Pursuit in Mount Pleasant

“A deputy sheriff stopped a subject for speeding in the 3000 grid of US 218/27.  As the deputy exited his squad unit and approached, the subject fled at a high rate of speed, northbound.  The subject crossed the highway, continuing at a high rate of speed, northbound in the southbound lanes of travel.  The subject eluded officers for several more miles and attempted to enter the city of Mt. Pleasant, at exit 42 (near Krusen Motors). The pursuit continued in the extreme east side of Mt. Pleasant and ended southbound on the northbound exit of exit 42.”

The subject has been identified as Jemere Jackson, 20, of Ottumwa. He was taken into custody and arrested, charged with Eluding, Reckless Driving, OWI-Drugs, Speeding, Driving on Wrong Side of Highway, and Driving Under Suspension.

Muscatine Man Sentenced to 136 Months

A Muscatine man was sentenced on June 23, 2023 to 136 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Mackenzie Jacob Belnap, 31, was identified by law enforcement as a distributor of “ice” methamphetamine in eastern Iowa. In May 2022, a package linked to Belnap was intercepted by federal authorities. The package contained nearly a pound of methamphetamine and was shipped to Iowa from California. In all, Belnap was responsible for more than 4,500 grams of ice methamphetamine.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Belnap will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.