Former OFD Employee Charged With Theft

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, June 7th, 2025 at 6:31 am CDT

A former Deputy Fire Chief of the Ottumwa Fire Department faces a felony charge after allegedly keeping property belonging to the City of Ottumwa for personal use.  Cory Benge, 44, has been charged with second-degree theft, a Class D felony.

Benge was employed at the Ottumwa Fire Department for 20 years, until May of 2023. According to court documents Benge came into possession of an Arson Detector Tool and an AT&T hotspot while working for the fire department. Police allege Benge did not return the items back to the city after his employment ended.  Benge is accused of keeping the two items from May 2023 to May 2025 and used them for his own personal gain. The City of Ottumwa paid the hotspot bills while it was still in use. The estimated cost of the items and the recurring monthly bills was just over $2700.00  ($2,731.97), according to court records.

A warrant for Benge’s arrest was issued on June 5th and he was taken into custody on the same day and later freed after posting bond.  Court records do not show a date for his initial court appearance.

 

Sports, June 7th

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, June 7th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Baseball

New London 10-run ruled Danville last night 13-3 to win their second straight contest. Noah Horn totaled a two RBI double for the Bears. 

New London will tangle with Wapello on Monday, June 9th, at 5:30 pm on the road. 

Danville will compete against Van Buren County on Tuesday, June 10th, at 7:30 pm at home. 

Wapello lost 11-1 to Pekin last night.

Burlington Notre Dame smacked Van Buren County last night 10-0. The Nikes will travel to Pekin at 7:30 pm on Monday.

Van Buren County will face off against Hillcrest Academy at 5:30 pm on the road. 

Central Lee popped back into the win column last night after scoring eight unanswered runs to beat West Burlington, 10-3. Brayden Wyrick smoked the ball for the Hawks with a double, a home run, and three RBIs. Caleb Bush had an RBI-double for the Falcons. 

Central Lee will take on Fort Madison today at home at 10 am.

West Burlington will square off against Mediapolis on Tuesday, June 10th, at 5:30 pm on the road. 

Mediapolis cruised past Hillcrest Academy last night 16-1. 

Fairfield was walked-off by Mid-Prairie last night in a thrilling 12-11 final. The Trojans will host Washington for a doubleheader on Monday with game one at 5:30 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union fell to Highland last night, 4-2. Trevor Phillips and Riley Kaalberg each notched an RBI in the loss. The Wolves will compete against Central Lee on Monday at 5:30 pm at home. 

Mt. Pleasant will head to Keokuk on Monday for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm. 

High School Softball

Holy Trinity Catholic has now won back-to-back games after defeating Van Buren County 7-5. The Warriors will face off against Hillcrest Academy on Monday, June 9th, at 7 pm to start off a five game road trip. 

WACO fell 26-0 to Louisa-Muscatine last night.

Mt. Pleasant and WACO will compete in the Holy Trinity Catholic tournament today.

In a battle for the top sport in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference South Division, Central Lee jumped on #15 West Burlington/Notre Dame for a 5-2 victory. Whitney Snowden finished 2 for 4 with an RBI in the loss. 

Central Lee will host Fort Madison today at 10 am.

#15 West Burlington/Notre Dame will participate in the Oskaloosa Softball Classic today. 

New London will travel to Davis County to compete in the Mustang Classic tonight.

Wapello beat Pekin last night 4-1 to end a four game skid. The Arrows will play New London on Monday at home with first pitch at 7 pm.

Mediapolis clobbered Hillcrest Academy last night 11-0. Avery Crear led the team with three RBIs, while Payton Harris slugged a two-run homer. The Bulldogs will take on Highland on Monday at 7:30 pm on the road. 

Columbus’s Jacqueline Farrier knocked home three runs in an 8-2 win over Lone Tree last night. The Wildcats will try to win their fourth straight game on Monday on the road at 7 pm.

Fairfield played two at Iowa City West yesterday for their Classic and split their matchup, losing 11-4 to Assumption and beating the hosts 5-1. Leah Helmich clubbed a triple and collected two RBIs between the two contests. The Trojans will face off against Washington at home on Monday in a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm.

Danville will travel to Louisa-Muscatine on Monday at 7 pm.

High School Cross Country

The Mt. Pleasant Cross Country team will be starting up their optional summer runs on June 16th. The runs are available to any 7th through 12th grader with paces and plans dependent on the level of experience. Coaches may not be present at every run as upperclassmen often lead the runs.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, the runs will begin at 6:30 am at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the runs will begin at Saunders Park by the swimming pool at 7 pm. The runs will continue through mid-August until the cross country camp. If you have any questions, then contact Coach Murray at 319-850-0867. 

High School Track

Hall of Fame coach, Dave Hutchcroft, will be hosting a hurdling clinic for any girls going into 6th through 8th grades, starting on Tuesday, June 10th. The clinic will be a total of three days with the other dates being Thursday, June 12th, and the following Tuesday, June 17th. 

The clinic days will run from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at the Mapleleaf Athletic Complex. There is no cost to participate. 

High School Soccer

The 2025 boys’ state championships commenced yesterday and three of the classes featured one-goal finishes. 

In Class 1A, West Sioux and Van Meter needed overtime to decide a champion and the Falcons fired a shot that ricocheted off the top post and deflected in the net for a 2-1 victory. 

After Bishop Heelan and Gilbert traded goals in the first half, Connor Rash scored a hat trick on a penalty kick in the 71st minute to take the Class 2A championship for Gilbert.

In the Class 3A championship game, Brice Lumley notched his first goal of the season in the sixth minute to give Urbandale a 1-0 lead over Iowa City Liberty. The J-Hawk defense did the rest, shutting out the Lightning for their first state championship since 2002. 

Valley handled business in the Class 4A championship, defeating Johnston 3-0. 

The girls’ state championship matches will be played today. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees had their five-game win streak snapped last night in a 6-3 loss to the Clinton LumberKings last night. Jalen Martinez and James Hackett smacked home runs in the winning effort. The Bees will host the rematch tonight at 6:30 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1892 – John J. Doyle of the Cleveland Spiders is the first to pinch hit in a baseball game.

1989 – The first baseball game to start outdoors and end indoors, as the Toronto Blue Jays’ stadium closed the roof during the game. They go on to beat the Brewers 4-2.

1989 – Wayne Gretzky wins his 9th NHL Hart (MVP) Trophy in 10 years.

Early Morning Accident

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, June 7th, 2025 at 6:29 am CDT

Henry County EMS and Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a traffic accident at about 6:15 this morning on Highway 34 east of Mt. Pleasant/MM 244.  A vehicle collided with a deer.

Watch Out for Young Bicyclists

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, June 7th, 2025 at 6:28 am CDT

As bike season approaches, Iowa officials urge motorists to be vigilant for young bicyclists who are often hard to spot due to their smaller size and unpredictable riding patterns.

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) emphasizes the importance of looking twice, especially at intersections, where most bicycle-related fatalities occur.

Since 2021, Iowa has seen 24 bicycle fatalities, highlighting the need for increased awareness and caution. Drivers are encouraged to scan intersections thoroughly, maintain safe distances, and avoid distractions to help prevent accidents.

 

MTPCSD School Board Meeting Next Week

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, June 7th, 2025 at 6:27 am CDT

The Mt. Pleasant Community School District School Board will meet in regular session on Monday, May 9th at 6pm.  This meeting is held in the High School Media Center at 2104 S. Grand Avenue.  This meeting is open to the public and the board agenda can be found at MTPCSD.org/board/meetings.

Mount Pleasant CSD Reviews Financial Reports and Insurance Strategy, Prepares for ISL Renewal During Finance Committee Meeting

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 3:30 pm CDT

At the June 6 Finance Committee meeting, the Mount Pleasant Community School District covered a wide range of financial topics, including its annual insurance renewal, monthly expenditures, and the future of its Instructional Support Levy (ISL).

Insurance Renewal and Risk Management

One of the meeting’s key items was a detailed presentation on the district’s insurance policies for property, casualty, and workers’ compensation. The district’s total insured property value is approximately $91 million, not including the former Iowa Wesleyan University campus.

Of particular focus was the 1% wind and hail deductible—separate from the standard $50,000 “all other perils” deductible.

One option discussed to mitigate this risk was participation in a new Storm Protection Fund, where districts pool money to cover large deductibles. The cost for Mount Pleasant to join would be $36,415 annually from the management fund. However, Superintendent John Henriksen and Finance Director Jessica Boyer decided against participation this year.

“Our buildings are spread out,” Henriksen noted. “The chance of a single storm damaging every facility is relatively low.”

The insurance presenter echoed this sentiment, explaining that many Iowa districts are now shifting from full insurance coverage to a strategy of self-insuring manageable losses while reserving insurance for catastrophic events.

Monthly Financial Review

The committee also reviewed the May financial report, scrolling through monthly expenditures across all district funds—including general, activity, and food service funds. Some notable expenses included:

The general fund closed May with nearly $9.5 million in cash, nearly identical to the same time last year. Other funds, like the Student Activity Fund, showed slight increases, while Capital Projects spending was higher due to facility upgrades.

Instructional Support Levy (ISL) Renewal Process Begins

The committee also reviewed the timeline for renewing the district’s Instructional Support Levy (ISL), which supports general fund operations. The current ISL was approved by the board in 2020 and runs through fiscal year 2026.

To maintain this funding, the board must renew the ISL for another five-year term beginning in fiscal year 2027. The process will begin with a resolution of intent at the June 9 board meeting, followed by a public hearing and final vote scheduled for July 14. The deadline to certify the intent to continue the program is April 30 of the preceding fiscal year.

Judith Ann Nelson

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 2:27 pm CDT

Judith Ann Nelson, 83, of Fairfield, IA passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield, IA with Father Ross Epping officiating.  Burial will be in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield immediately following.  A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church and will last until the time of service.  Memorial contributions in Judy’s honor may be directed to the family to be used for organizations which Judy supported and mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556.  Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Judith Ann Nelson was born on March 12, 1942, in Washington, IA, to Ernest and Mary Robinson Peiffer.  She graduated from Fairfield High School in 1960 and her journey in life took her to the Iowa School of Beauty, where she became a hairdresser. It was a profession that allowed her to touch the lives of many through haircuts and good conversation. She went on to open and operate her own salon in Fairfield for several years.

Judy married Jerry Nelson and became a loving mother with the birth of their two daughters.  Judy and Jerry later divorced but the family continued to be at the center of her world. Judy’s devotion to her family was unwavering, and she lovingly embraced the role of both mother and homemaker.

After devoting time at home, she began on a meaningful career at Parkview Care Center. There, she served as a hairstylist for over three decades where her love for all the patrons was evident.  She cherished the time spent caring for them and the friendships that were made, until her well-deserved retirement.

Judy grew her faith as a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield.  She had many talents, including being a gifted seamstress.  She found comfort working in her garden and nurturing her flowers.  Above all was the time she spent with her family, creating lasting memories they will hold dear forever.

Judy’s legacy is honored by her surviving daughter, Julie (Brett) Lisk, and her three grandchildren, Jett, Rhylie, and Torrie Lisk.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Mary Robinson Peiffer, and her daughter, Jolene Nelson.

Michael G. “Mike” Steffensmeier

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 2:26 pm CDT

Michael G. “Mike” Steffensmeier, 63, of Fort Madison, Iowa passed away at 12:50 p.m. Thursday, June 5, 2025 at his home.

He was born on February 20, 1962 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Vernon K. and Phyllis (Schierbrock) Steffensmeier.

Survivors include one brother David (Carrie) Steffensmeier of Nauvoo, Illinois; three nieces: Holly (Jonathan) Thompson, Kara Tweedy, Morgan Gonzalez; and two aunts: Betty Frey and Rita Steffensmeier. Also surviving are several great nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law: Jeanne; and nephew Adam.

Mike received his Bachelors Degree from Northeast Missouri State University. He worked for Career Builders in Atlanta, Georgia as a Technical Consultant for thirty five years, following his retirement three years ago he moved back to Iowa. Mike enjoyed coaching basketball at Holy Trinity Catholic Schools and being with his dog Blu. Mike was an avid Chicago Cubs Baseball fan.

His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for Cremation.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in West Point.

Memorials have been established in his memory for Holy Trinity Basketball.

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