AJ Becker

By Theresa Rose · Thursday, August 25th, 2022 at 10:08 am CDT

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)

By Theresa Rose · Thursday, August 25th, 2022 at 5:56 am 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.

Dean Baas

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 at 3:37 pm CDT

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.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 at 3:35 pm CDT

On August 24th, 2022, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of possible stolen vehicle from the 2600 grid of Henry Jefferson Avenue.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office found that a 1999 Chevy S10 was removed from a residence and drug from the scene.  After observing the evidence of the removal, the sheriff’s office continued to investigate and the vehicle was found in the 3300 grid of 175th Blvd., rural Lockridge.

Heath Michael Krabill, 44, Lockridge was arrested and charged with Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony) and Trespass (Serious Misdemeanor).

Details of Domestic Assault Arrest

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 at 10:27 am CDT

On August 20, 2022, at approximately 1:14AM, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a domestic disturbance in the 1100 Grid of Delaware Ave. south of Wayland, Iowa. After an investigation, it was determined that Cori James Miller (32 years of age), of Wayland, Iowa, did assault a family member while threatening/displaying a weapon. Cori Miller was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the Henry County Jail without incident where he was later charged with Domestic Abuse Assault Display or Use Weapon – First Offense, an Aggravated Misdemeanor, and Harassment – Second Degree, a Serious Misdemeanor. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office assisted with this incident.

CARNEGIE MUSEUM ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER HERITAGE FARM  

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 at 9:03 am CDT

The Carnegie Historical Museum in Fairfield, Iowa announces the Heritage Farm of the month for September 2022.  The Mary Carol Shafer Fish Family will be honored at the Carnegie Museum.  Their ancestors purchase the first 40 acres in 1869 and it has grown to 188 acres. Andreas Shaffer – great-great grandfather, Jacob Shafer – great grandfather, Eli E. Shafer – grandfather, Edward Shafer – father and Mary Carol Shafer Fish and husband Jack Fish are the current owners. Mary and brother, Rick Shafer, will be the family representatives for this honor.

This is the fourth month that the Carnegie Historical Museum has been highlighting the farms in Jefferson County which have been recognized by the Iowa Farm Bureau as being in the same family for 150 years plus.   It is our hope to carry this forward into 2023 and recognize all 14 farms, which have received this status at the state level.

The Fairfield First Friday on September 2, 2022, beginning at 6:00 p.m. will allow interested patrons of the Museum to come and view the new display of the of the Shafer/Fish Heritage Farm.   A dedicated display case will be available for viewing on the third floor of the museum for the month of September.  The Mary Shafer Fish and Rick Shafer will be doing a video-taping on Friday, August 26, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. on the second floor of the Carnegie Museum at 112 South Court Street.   The public is welcome to attend and meet the family at that time. Please take time to come and learn about the history of these farms and what they mean to Jefferson County, Iowa.

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Vote for ISP Cruiser

By Theresa Rose · Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 at 9:00 am CDT

The Iowa State Patrol is looking to find it’s way into the 9th annual American Association of State Troopers Best-Looking Cruiser contest. The public is encouraged to cast their vote for the Iowa State Patrol cruiser by this Thursday, August 25. The top 12 states receiving votes in the contest will have their photo included in the 2023 AAST Cruiser Calendar.

Proceeds of calendar sales will benefit the American Association of State Troopers Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to dependents of member troopers.

The AAST calendar contest rewards creative and impactful photo submissions in an effort to help promote the lives and work of State Troopers across the country. This year, renowned Des Moines-based photographer Mirza Kudic photographed an Iowa State Patrol Dodge squad car featuring the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.

CAST YOUR VOTES TODAY: One vote may be cast from each electronic device. Votes are being collected through Thursday, August 25, at Noon (5:00 p.m. EST) through this free Survey Monkey link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bestlookingcrusier2021

Currently, the Patrol sits at 21st place with 4,478 votes, and needs at least to surpass 11,200 votes to earn a spot in next year’s calendar.

Let’s Go Iowa!

Sports, August 24th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 at 7:58 am CDT

Mt. Pleasant Football

The Mt. Pleasant Panthers football season starts this Friday on the road against the Fairfield Trojans. The Panthers are looking to avenge their 1-8 season last fall with Junior Payton Hagans looking to lead the team. 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 on Thursday, 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.

Winfield-Mt. Union Volleyball

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released their preseason rankings for volleyball and Winfield-Mt. Union snuck onto the list in the Class 1A rankings. The Wolves went 22-11 last fall and lost only two players to graduation.

The team returns four All-Conference selections in Bradie Buffington, Keely Malone, Melina Oepping, and Keetyn Townsley. Buffington led the Wolves with 192 kills, Malone followed with 157. Oepping set the hitters up with 526 assists and Townsley kept the ball alive with 458 digs. The Wolves start their season tomorrow, August 25th, at Keokuk.

High School Football

A preview for this week of football, WACO will be at home this Friday 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.

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.

The Men’s and Women’s soccer teams officially released their schedules yesterday, August 23rd. The Women’s home opener is August 27th against St. Mary of the Woods, and the Continental Athletic Conference tournament is scheduled for October 14th and 16th.for both the Men’s and Women’s teams. 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 tomorrow, August 25th, on the road to face off against St. Ambrose University.

This Day in Sports History

1963 – John Pennel pole-vaulted 17 feet and 3/4 inches becoming the first to break the 17-foot barrier.

2007 – The NFL suspended quarterback Michael Vick (Atlanta Falcons) for his involvement in dogfighting.