Joan Marie Septer

By Theresa Rose · Sunday, September 4th, 2022 at 8:23 pm CDT

Joan Marie Septer, 92, of New London, died, September 3, 2022 at New London Care Initiatives.  She was born May 16, 1930 in Mount Pleasant, to Joseph and Ida Willey Brown.  On July 3, 1948 she married Ralph Edwin Septer in New London. Ralph died October 6, 2009.

She was a graduate of New London High School; went to beauty school; attended electrical tech classes while working at Emerson’s and graduating from nursing school at Burlington Community College.  She retired after years of working as a nurse at New London Care Center.

Joan was of the Christian faith, enjoyed camping and fishing with her husband, knitting, needlework and solving 3D puzzles.

She is survived by her son Russell (Gail) Septer of Davenport; daughter Sharon (Larry) Moore of Burlington; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Sue Moore of Burlington; two brothers, Daryl Brown of Burlington and Bill Brown of New London; and nieces and nephews.  Preceding Joan in death were her parents; husband; one son Terry Septer; brothers, Dan and Donnie; and sister, Dorothy Blanchard.

According to her wishes her body has been cremated and graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., September 8th at Brooks Cemetery, rural New London.  Pastor David Mixon will officiate.  In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse).  Online condolences can be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Fatal Crash in Lee County (updated)

By Theresa Rose · Sunday, September 4th, 2022 at 9:08 am CDT

The Iowa State Patrol reports that one teen was killed and another injured in a single vehicle crash that occurred Saturday night. At about 10:45 pm the vehicle was southbound just south of 3283 Mississippi River Road in Lee County.  The driver, who has been identified as Noah Courtney of Keokuk, failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle entered the ditch where it came to rest. According to the State Patrol neither victim was wearing a seat belt.  A fifteen year old, from Keokuk, Lucas Nye, died in the crash.  Nye was injured.

Sports, September 3rd

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, September 3rd, 2022 at 9:48 pm CDT

Mt. Pleasant Football

The Panthers fall to 0-2 on the season after a 54-20 loss to the Washington Demons (2-0). Another slow start and mistakes highlight the Panther’s first half of play. The Demons scored the first four touchdowns of the game taking a 14-0 lead after the first quarter then a 26-0 lead before Zerek Venghaus finally put the Panthers on the board with 1:44 remaining in the second quarter after an amazing play by Owen Vansickel completing a pass on 4th down to keep the drive alive. Thinking the Panthers might be able to take that momentum into halftime. Ethan Patterson connected with Evan Van Der Molen for a 21 yard touchdown less than a minute later to make the score going into halftime 33-8. 

The Panthers started the second half by driving right down the field and having Jacob Richtman connecting with Wyatt Woodsmall for a 15-yard touchdown pass. However, the Demons responded by putting up 14 points to push their lead to 47-14 heading into the 4th quarter. Each team added a touchdown in the 4th quarter with Richtman finding Hagans for a 4 yard touchdown pass after a 13 play drive and Tayven Stuart sprinting for a 35 yard touchdown run to make the final 54-20. 

Richtman now has 4 touchdown passes on the season after tossing two more in this game. Venghaus scored his first touchdown of the season and Hagans now has 2 touchdowns on the season. For the Demons, Stuart had 4 total touchdowns bringing his season total to 7 and Patterson tossed 5 touchdown passes on the game.

The Panthers travel to play Keokuk, while Washington will face off against Clear Creek Amana next Friday. 

Other High School Finals

WACO blew out HLV 60-14 after scoring the first 38 points of the game. Simeon Reichenbach started off the scoring with his only run of the day, a 27 yard rushing touchdown. The Warriors never looked back with Isaac Oswald tossing 3 touchdowns and 149 yards. They will try to keep their perfect record intact when they travel to play English Valleys next Friday.

Winfield-Mt. Union fell to Iowa Valley in a barnburner 68 to 52. Both teams moved to 2-1 on the season. The Wolves will defend their home field against the New London Tigers next Friday. Iowa Valley will play Tri-County.

The New London Tigers get their first win of the season in triumphant fashion as they blanket Tri-County 52-0 at home.

Fairfield fell to Ottumwa 22 to 16 moving the Trojans to 1-1 on the season, while the Bulldogs are now 2-0. Fairfield will look to bounce back against Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont. The Bulldogs will look to keep their undefeated season alive as they travel to play Des Moines Roosevelt. 

High School Volleyball

The New London Tigers moved into the top 15 rankings after an impressive win in straight sets over Holy Trinity Catholic. They are led by seniors Eliana Manning, who leads the team in assists, and Natalie Burden, who leads the team in kills, when they clash with another top 15 team in Burlington Notre Dame on September 8th at 7:30 pm.

Holy Trinity Catholic looks to right the ship when they face off with Burlington Notre Dame September 6th.

Winfield-Mt. Union dominated in the English Valleys Tournament on Saturday not losing a set in their four games against East Marshall, Cardinal, English Valleys, and, most impressively, WACO, which was their first loss of the season. Melina Oepping totaled 25 kills through the tournament. The Wolves next game will be September 6th against Columbus at home at 7:30 pm.

High School Cross Country

The Mt. Pleasant girl’s team participated in the Pella Dutch Cross Country Invite today and finished in sixth out of seven teams with Emma Welcher being the top finisher for the Panthers in 16th with a time of 22:16.3. Audrey Lord finished in 26th, Ella McNamee in 31st, Jayden Housh in 39th, Tatum Kane in 44th, and Nelle Peterson in 46th. The team finished with a total time of 2:08:20.8. ADM finished in first with a team time of 1:41:45.5 and had the first place finisher Geneva Timmerman who had the best time by almost two minutes, 18:16.2.

The boy’s team also competed in the Pella Dutch Cross Country Invite today. North Polk with a team time of 1:25:04, which was more than Pella but they had less total places. Zach Sporaa for North Polk had the best time with 16:06. The Panthers had a team time of 1:37:51 with their best runner being senior Ben Carthey with a 15th place finish and a time of 17:53.6. Freshman Jude Dykstra finished in 31st with a time of 18:50.5. Tyler Johnson finished in 41st, Coleman Mowery in 43rd, Locken Henderson in 46th, Jakin Bunnell in 47th, and Gavin Slagel in 49th.

The next event for both teams will be September 8th at the Fairfield Cross Country Invitational.

Iowa Wesleyan Athletics

A tough start for Volleyball as they dropped both of their games, Friday, 3-1 against Graceland University and Clarke University. Emma Lincoln had 11 kills against Graceland University and Shea Scott had 11 kills against Clarke. Today did not go much better for the Tigers, losing in straight sets against William Penn and going 3-1 against Waldorf. Bethany Williams led in kills in both games with 4 against William Penn and 6 against Waldorf. Their next game will be at home when they clash with Hannibal-LaGrange University on September 6th at 7 pm.

The men’s soccer team fell to Olivet Nazarene University 5-0 yesterday. They will look for their first win Sunday, September 4th, when both the women’s and men’s teams play against Clarke University, with the women playing at 1 pm and the men to follow at 3:30 pm.

Another close game for Iowa Wesleyan, another heartbreak for the Tigers, as they fall to Missouri Baptist 25-23 in the fourth overtime. The Tigers tied the game with 1:21 left in the fourth quarter after a 25 yard touchdown pass from Zach Chevalier to Jamarion Ferguson. Both teams scored a touchdown and a 2-point conversion in overtime, but it was the fourth overtime where the Spartans stopped the Tigers and scored on their turn. Chevalier threw two touchdowns and 250 yards with the touchdowns going to Ferguson and Damian Tanelus. Jordan Beban rushed for 125 yards on 19 carries. Gavin DePedro led the defense in tackles with 13 including two for a loss. The Tigers will be on the road next Saturday against Westminster College at 1 pm.

College Football

The Iowa Hawkeyes win their season opener in underwhelming fashion against South Dakota State, 7-3. Neither team gained 200 total yards or scored a touchdown, as the Hawkeyes defense got it done scoring two safeties. The Cyclones ran up the score against Southeast Missouri State winning 42-10. Hunter Dekkers, the quarterback for the Cyclones, had a phenomenal game throwing for 293 yards and four touchdown passes. Iowa State clashes with Iowa next Saturday in Iowa City at 3 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1904 – For the only time in Olympic Games history, there is a throw-off in the discus final after Americans Martin Sheridan & Ralph Rose tie with a best throw of 128′ 10½” in St. Louis; Sheridan wins with 127′ 10¼”

1935 – First automobile to exceed 300mph, Malcolm Campbell powers Bluebird to 301.129mph at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

2008 – The new Oklahoma City NBA franchise announces the team will be named the ‘Thunder’; reference to powerful storms in the area

September 5th, 2022- September 11th, 2022

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, September 3rd, 2022 at 1:33 am CDT
09/05/22
Timothy Carson
09/05/22
Betty Fuller
09/06/22
Zachary Parker
09/06/22
Jeffrey Ruschill
09/07/22
Peggy Hays
09/07/22
Terry and Deb Mabeus
09/08/22
Emerson Syfert
09/08/22
Peyton Syfert
09/08/22
Gordon Hackett
09/08/22
Jarod Conrad
09/08/22
Bruce & Bev Schneider Anniversary
09/09/22
Travis Brown
09/09/22
Harrison Enearl
09/09/22
Justin Gesling
09/10/22
Gregory Kinney
09/10/22
Deanna Swan
09/10/22
Chase Wilson
09/10/22
Rita Pollmeier
09/10/22
Bo Brothersen- 7 years old
09/11/22
Emily Baccam (Youngers)
09/11/22
Randy & Kathy Hites

The Tri-State Rodeo Pre-Rodeo Activities Kick Off this Weekend

By Theresa Rose · Friday, September 2nd, 2022 at 4:25 pm CDT

The 74th Tri-State Rodeo kicks off on Saturday, September 3, 2022, with 4 days of pre-rodeo activities that lead to 4 huge nights of rodeo and music inside the C.E. “Eddie” Richards Arena.

Pre-Rodeo activities include the Fort Madison YMCA Stockyard Stampede (5K), Pee Wee Barrels, a Chili Supper, Lil’ Spurs Rodeo, Little Miss Rodeo & All Around Cowboy, a Pancake Breakfast, Pulled Pork Dinner, and the Special Kids Rodeo. Entry to the pre-rodeo activities requires the purchase of a Rodeo Button ($5), which can be purchased at many area businesses, including the rodeo ticket office.

Rodeo activities include 4 Nights of world-class rodeo competition, including the CINCH Chute-Out, Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie Down Roping, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding. Musical performances on Jack Daniel’s Main Stage by Aaron Watson, Flo Rida, Jordan Davis, and Trace Adkins, as well as after-Party shows in the Bud Light Stockyard by NATU Band and Devin Clemons Band. Also, the Tri-State Rodeo Parade is one of the largest and finest parades in the Tri-State area, with over 1,000 horses and riders! There will be food and drink vendors, retail vendors, and many interactive activities as well! Tickets are required for each night and include admission to all scheduled events for that day (including the rodeo and concerts both).

Each rodeo night will be hosted by 4x Pro Rodeo Announcer of the Year, Boyd Polhamus, and 10-time PRCA Clown Of The Year Justin Rumford. 15x PRCA Rodeo Act of the Year, The One Arm Bandit – John Payne, is bringing his one-of-a-kind show to the arena each night as well!

A full list of activities, a schedule, and more can be found at www.tristaterodeo.org.

Parking is available at the arena, but during the rodeo (September 7 -10th), there will also be shuttle busses running regularly from Connection Bank, Cobblestone Inn & Suites, Baxter Sports Complex, and Quality Inn & Suites. Busses will run 5PM – 12AM on Wednesday & Thursday and 5PM – 2AM on Friday & Saturday. The shuttles and parking at pickup spots is a free service offered through the rodeo.

The Cowboy Channel will also be onsite all 4 nights of the rodeo streaming the Fort Madison event LIVE for the world to see on The Cowboy Channel + App!

Attendees are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets and buttons in order to cut back on lines at the ticket office during the rodeo. Tickets for the Tri-State Rodeo are on sale now and available at www.tristarerodeo.org or the rodeo ticket office. Tickets and buttons will also be available on the night of every event (unless sold out).

WMU September School Board Meeting

By Theresa Rose · Friday, September 2nd, 2022 at 3:30 pm CDT

WINFIELD – MT. UNION COMMUNITY SCHOOL

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

TENTATIVE AGENDA ~ LIBRARY, W-MU 6:00 p.m. ~ September 14, 2022

  1. Call to Order
  2. Roll Call
  3. Public Comment
  4. Consent Agenda

D1.  Minutes, Bills, Financial Reports

D2.  Personnel Hirings/Resignations

  1. Reports

E1.  Building Reports

E2.  Superintendent Report

  1. General Business

F1.  Karr Tuckpointing Presentation

F2.  Consider Offering Girls Wrestling

  1. Adjournment

Marilyn S. Jones,

By Theresa Rose · Friday, September 2nd, 2022 at 3:27 pm CDT

Marilyn S. Jones, 92, of Mount Pleasant, formerly of Marshalltown, Iowa,  passed away Friday, August 19, 2022, at Park Place Elder Living, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.  Marilyn May Stump was born September 9, 1929 in Selma, Iowa, daughter of Joe Walker Stump and Mary Willa Michael Stump.  She married John A. Jones on November 20, 1947 at her family’s home.

Marilyn was graduated from Selma High School as salutatorian.  After working for Sheaffer Pen, she moved with her new husband to Marshalltown, Iowa, where they lived for nearly 70 years.  While raising her family of three children, she worked as a salesperson and in office management, including being on the administrative team at Marshalltown’s Wolfe Eye Clinic.  She was also very successful in furniture sales, interior decorating, and as a realtor.

John and Marilyn were charter members of Hope United Methodist Church in Marshalltown.  She held multiple offices in the Marshalltown Order of the Eastern Star, Central Chapter.  Both John and Marilyn worked diligently, promoting the Chapter by traveling around the state.  They also took a lead in maintaining the entire masonic building, a five-story, historic landmark across the street from the central square.  They prepared and served meals for various organizations.  After moving to Mt. Pleasant, the couple was part of the Presbyterian Church.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Martha (Duane) Wiley of Mount Pleasant, sons Roger (Kathleen) Jones of Modesto, CA, and Allen Jones of Cedar Falls.  Grandson Benjamin Wiley lives in Indialantic, FL; and granddaughter Michelle Wiley (Peter) Mirakian lives with her husband and sons Joe and Daniel in Olathe, KS.  Marilyn’s brother, Joe (Dixie) Stump resides in the family home in Selma, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by sister Margaret, brother Michael, and her husband of 70 years, John.

Kimzey Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant is assisting the family with arrangements.  Plans are made for a 10:00 AM service, followed by time for visiting at the Presbyterian Church, 902 S. Walnut, Mt. Pleasant, on Thursday, September 8.  Then another time for visitation and remembrance on September 9 at 10:00 AM at First Methodist Church, Marshalltown, 202 W. Main Street, Marshalltown, Iowa.  Interment will be at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.

Those considering an expression of sympathy can direct memorials to EveryStep Hospice, 118 N. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, IA, 52641, or the charity of their choice.

Sec. Pate partners coaches to encourage Iowans to ‘get in the game’ for November election

By Theresa Rose · Friday, September 2nd, 2022 at 3:22 pm CDT

The head football coaches at the University of Iowa, Iowa State, Northern Iowa and Drake are encouraging Iowans to “get in the game” for the November 8 general election. Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is partnering with Kirk Ferentz, Matt Campbell, Mark Farley and Todd Stepsis to promote voter participation this fall. The four head coaches will appear in radio, TV, social media and digital ads, encouraging Iowans to #BeAVoter. Radio ads will run during each school’s game broadcasts.

“This is a nonpartisan effort to reach out to all Iowans in a unique way and inspire them to fulfill their civic duty by voting,” Secretary Pate said. “My thanks to Kirk Ferentz, Matt Campbell, Mark Farley and Todd Stepsis for stepping up and helping us promote the #BeAVoter initiative. They are great ambassadors for our state and will hopefully convince all eligible Iowans to make their voices heard by casting a ballot.”

Each video ad features a coach giving a locker room-style pep talk about the importance of voting and having a game plan for casting a ballot. The viewer or listener is encouraged to visit VoterReady.Iowa.gov, a one-stop-shop for state election information. Iowans can use the site to register to vote, download an absentee ballot request form, track its status, and find information about voting deadlines and requirements.

The partnership between Secretary Pate and the football coaches was developed through Learfield, which owns the athletics multimedia rights for the four schools