At 12:29 PM Thursday August 25, the Burlington and West Burlington Fire Departments responded to Sunnyside Elementary School, at 2040 Sunnyside Avenue in Burlington, for smoke being reported in classrooms. Burlington firefighters arrived at 12:33 PM to find the fire alarms activated and the school already evacuated. Firefighters did find light smoke in the classrooms in the northeast corner of the building. Firefighters located the issue in a mechanical room in the building’s mezzanine. The investigation revealed that an outside contractor, repairing a leak in a copper line on the building’s HVAC units, unknowingly ignited a small amount of insulation going into the air handling system. When the system was turned on it pushed smoke into the classrooms. The building’s fire alarm system activated at the same time the teachers reported the smoke. The smoldering insulation had been extinguished prior to the firefighter’s arrival. Firefighters ventilated the affected area before allowing student to return to the building. Students returned to the building in approximately 25 minutes. Twelve Burlington firefighters responded to the call and were assisted by two West Burlington firefighters responding on automatic aid. Burlington Police and school maintenance also assisted at the scene. Firefighters cleared the scene at 1:07 PM. There were no injuries.
Sports, August 26th
Mt. Pleasant Football
The Mt. Pleasant Panthers football season starts tonight on the road against the Fairfield Trojans. The Panthers are looking to avenge their 1-8 season last fall with senior quarterback Jacob Richtman leading the offense. KILJ will be on the call with Coach Bennett and I heading to Fairfield. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 pm.
High School Football
Today marks week 1 for high school football and here’s the preview of the night ahead, WACO will be at home as they clash with Springville at 7 pm. WACO made it to the Quarterfinals last fall, and they tout a very talented team this year with seniors Isaac Oswald and Simeon Reichenbach. They both showed out in the teams Week Zero matchup as Oswald tossed three touchdown passes, while Reichenbach did him one better, running for three touchdowns and receiving one.
Winfield-Mt. Union will be traveling to face off against the Moravia Mohawks with kickoff set for 7 pm. The Wolves will be leaning on Cam Buffington as he rushed for 275 yards and 5 touchdowns last Saturday in their Week Zero matchup against Audubon. The Mohawks defeated the New London Tigers last Friday in a close game, 38 to 26.
The New London Tigers originally did not have a game scheduled for this Friday as Calamus-Wheatland had to cancel their Varsity season, but the Tigers will now be traveling to play Clarksville High School this Friday. The game is scheduled for 7 pm.
Additionally, Keokuk will be defending their home turf against Fort Madison at 7:30 pm, while Washington faces off against Burlington at the same time, and Mediapolis will face off against Wapello at home.
High School Volleyball
The Mount Pleasant Freshman Volleyball team split their games yesterday in their visit to Ottumwa. In their first game against Davis County, they lost both sets, 21-17 and 21-14. But they responded by easily dispatching the host team Ottumwa, 21-9 and 21-3. The Varsity team lost both matches to Ottumwa and Davis County in straight sets. The scores against Ottumwa were 25-13 and 25-24, while the Davis County scores were 25-13 and 25-12. The next game for the Varsity will take place tomorrow as the travel to compete in the Grinnell Tournament.
Winfield-Mt. Union defeated Keokuk without much problem in 3 sets: 25-14, 25-13, and 25-17. Bradie Buffington led the Wolves in kills with 12, with Audrie Gipple and Keely Malone each added 7 kills. Malone added 27 assists to her stat line, while Lily Freeman set the pace with 3 blocks. Keetyn Townsley added 22 digs. The Freshman/Sophomore and JV teams both won their games as well. The 1-0 Wolves will compete in the West Branch tournament tomorrow.
Iowa Wesleyan Fall Sports
Volleyball and Football begin tomorrow, August 27th, for the Tigers as Volleyball will have a double header against Monmouth College and Knox College at 10:30 am and 12 pm, respectively, while the Tigers will get their football season under way against Tabor College at 1 pm. It is the first ever meeting between the two teams. The game will be broadcasted on KILJ. Head Coach, MD Daniels, talked about what he hoped to see out of his players in tomorrow’s matchup:
“I tell you what, finishing games. You know that’s one thing we talked about coming into this fall camp is finishing, you know. We were in a lot of games last year but we could never finish games. So, finishing games, extreme amount of effort and physical toughness. You know, we focused on those things this fall camp being as physical as possible. So, we try to make practice as hard as possible so that on Saturday we just go have fun.”
The Women’s soccer team home opener is, tomorrow, August 27th against St. Mary of the Woods. Last year’s Women’s team was the first Iowa Wesleyan team to make it to the postseason in their return to the NAIA.
The Men’s team lost their season opener 1-0 to St. Ambrose yesterday. A handball led to a penalty kick that gave the Fighting Bee’s their winning goal. The Tigers outshot the Fighting Bees, with Francisco Javier Saldana leading the team in shots. The Tigers next opportunity will be August 31st, when they travel to play William Penn University at 7:30 pm.
This Day in Sports History
1939 – The first televised major league baseball games were shown. The event was a double-header between the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers.
1947 – Don Bankhead became the first black pitcher in major league baseball.
1961 – The International Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto opened.
Daily Jail Count
In the interest of keeping Henry County residents informed, the Henry County Sheriff’s office has requested KILJ post the daily jail count. During the jail referendum campaign it was publicized that the jail would be able to house additional inmates from surrounding counties and this would generate revenue for Henry County.
Date: 08-25-2022______
24 Henry County Inmates
53 Out of County Contract Inmates
77 TOTAL
More Easily Accessible Local Homes Needed For Midwest Old Threshers
Midwest Old Threshers Reunion is in need of more individuals with easily accessible homes to open their homes for the “local In-Home Stay Program.” According to the program’s coordinator, Lori Shoultz, the current list has been exhausted. Many visitors are still looking for a place to stay during the 2022 Midwest Old Threshers Reunion on September 1 through 5. Homeowners interested in opening their homes to an Old Threshers visitor should contact Lori Shoultz at 309-791-7689.
Sports, August 25th
Mt. Pleasant Football
The Mt. Pleasant Panthers football season starts tomorrow, August 26th, on the road against the Fairfield Trojans. The Panthers are looking to avenge their 1-8 season last fall with senior quarterback Jacob Richtman leading the offense. KILJ will be on the call with Coach Bennett and I heading to Fairfield. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 pm.
Mt. Pleasant Volleyball
The Panthers will be participating in a volleyball tournament today, August 25th with the host school being Ottumwa. The other school that will be in attendance is Davis County.
The Panthers first home game will be September 1st against Albia. The game will start at 7 pm.
High School Football
A preview for this week of football, WACO will be at home tomorrow, August 26th, as they clash with Springville at 7 pm. WACO made it to the Quarterfinals last fall, and they tout a very talented team this year with seniors Isaac Oswald and Simeon Reichenbach. They both showed out in the teams Week Zero matchup as Oswald tossed three touchdown passes, while Reichenbach did him one better, running for three touchdowns and receiving one.
Winfield-Mt. Union will be traveling to face off against the Moravia Mohawks with kickoff set for 7 pm. The Wolves will be leaning on Cam Buffington as he rushed for 275 yards and 5 touchdowns last Saturday in their Week Zero matchup against Audubon. The Mohawks defeated the New London Tigers last Friday in a close game, 38 to 26.
The New London Tigers originally did not have a game scheduled for this Friday as Calamus-Wheatland had to cancel their Varsity season, but the Tigers will now be traveling to play Clarksville High School this Friday. The game is scheduled for 7 pm.
Additionally, Keokuk will be defending their home turf against Fort Madison at 7:30 pm, while Washington faces off against Burlington at the same time, and Mediapolis will face off against Wapello at home.
Iowa Wesleyan Fall Sports
Volleyball and Football begin this Saturday for the Tigers as Volleyball will have a double header against Monmouth College and Knox College at 10:30 am and 12 pm, respectively, while the Tigers will get their football season under way against Tabor College at 1 pm. It is the first ever meeting between the two teams. The game will be broadcasted on KILJ. Head Coach, MD Daniels, will be a guest on today’s Tiger Nation.
The Women’s soccer team home opener is August 27th against St. Mary of the Woods. Last year’s Women’s team was the first Iowa Wesleyan team to make it to the postseason in their return to the NAIA.
The Men’s team will have to wait until September 4th to play in front of their home fans when they clash with Clarke University. They start their season today, August 25th, on the road to face off against St. Ambrose University.
Hunter Education Class
The State is once again offering a local Hunter’s Education Class. The class will be held tonight and Saturday.
This Day in Sports History
1922 – Cubs beat Phillies 26-23 in highest scoring major-league game
1985 – Dwight Gooden became the youngest pitcher to win 20 major league baseball games in a season.
AJ Becker
Andrew James (AJ) Becker of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of Stamford, CT passed August 20, 2022. He was born on August 25, 1987, the son of Lori Alberts and James M. Becker, Jr. He is survived by two brothers and a sister; Dillon J. Becker (28) and Cameron R. Becker (31) of Scottsdale, AZ; and Grace A. Becker (5) of Mt. Pleasant, IA. Grace and AJ were immediate favorites together despite their age difference. AJ is the Grandson of Robert and Delores Alberts of Burlington, IA and was predeceased by his paternal grandparents J. Milton Becker and Bernice Becker, also survived by Candice R. Becker, Bonus Mom.
AJ graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 2006, and graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a degree in microbiology. Following graduation he accepted a job as a scientist for Henkel Company, a division of Dial Corp, located in Connecticut. He rose to the position of Senior Scientist with the company.
AJ was the definition of a great big brother, loving son and best friend. He was passionate and excelled in about everything he did. He loved playing or listening to music, his friends, movies, Marvel, Star Wars, and Sci-Fi. He was a proficient golfer and avid Comic book collector. He was a walking trivia king of pretty much anything. His infectious laugh, famous ½ smile and bear hug- will be missed.
A memorial mass will be held Sunday, August 28, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Alphonsus Church. A reception celebrating his life will be held thereafter at Splitz, 300 S. Iris St., Mt. Pleasant, IA. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for MPCSD Foundation – Music Department and PAW Animal Shelter in Fort Madison. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel is caring for AJ and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Marilyn S. Jones (final arrangements)
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.
Dean Baas
Dean C. Baas, 72, of Mount Pleasant, died Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at his home.
A Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 am Saturday, August 27, 2022, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, with Rev. Paul Connolly as celebrant. Interment will be in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery with Military Rites by the Henry County Honor Guard. Visitation will be held Friday from 2:00-6:00 pm at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel where family will greet friends from 4:00-6:00 pm. A memorial fund has been established for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The Olson-Powell Chapel is caring for Dean and his family.