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.

Prep Softball: Second Edition of the IGHSAU Rankings Puts Two Local Teams in the Top 15 for Class 3A

By Slaten Swords · Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 11:53 am CDT

Prep Softball- The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) released the second rankings of the 2025 season and the first of the regular season and after nearly two weeks of action two of our local teams find themselves in the top 15 for Class 3A.

Class 5A

#2 Waukee Northwest’s 7-4 loss on the tail end of a doubleheader showdown against #7 Waukee caused the Wolves to lose the top spot in the rankings. Taking over that top spot is undefeated Pleasant Valley. The Spartans are not just winning games, they are pulverizing opponents.

Through their first seven contests they have outscored their foes 101 to 11 with three double-digit shutouts laced within the schedule. One of their doubleheader sweeps included Class 4A’s North Scott that comes into this week ranked 3rd.

Cedar Rapids Kennedy has the (dis?)pleasure of being ranked 8th this week despite starting the year 0-4, though their opponents were some stiff competition that we’ll see later on in the article.

Indianola was kicked out of the top 15 and replaced with Urbandale at #12.

Class 4A

One of those teams that kept Kennedy winless through the first four games was #1 Xavier. The Saints currently tout an ERA of 1.64 for the young season behind senior Braylen Conlon who has tabbed a 5-0 record with 49 strikeouts for an ERA of 0.30.

North Polk was ousted from the #1 slot after falling to Ames 1-0 on the penultimate day of May. The Comets have since rattled off four straight victories. Some undefeated teams in the top 15 include: #4 Norwalk, #5 Dallas Center-Grimes, #8 Clear Creek-Amana, and #14 Grinnell.

#11 Bondurant-Farrar and #14 Grinnell are the new kids on the block after #13 Pella and #14 Burlington were knocked out the rankings.

The Grayhounds have been a contender for the past 10 seasons with their height of their success coming in 2018 with 31 wins. However, last year’s Regional Championship lost might be the closest they come to state for at least another year.

After over a decade of dominant pitching, including an ERA under 2.00 last season, in most part due to senior Saydee Plummer, the Grayhounds currently tout an ERA over 4.00 for the first time since 2014 at 4.95. It could also be their first year of posting an ERA in the 5s since 2014.

Class 3A

Williamsburg kept their seat atop the standings but #2 Wahlert Catholic, who also beat Kennedy, is nipping at their heels at #2 followed by Assumption. Missouri Valley had quite the climb in the rankings, going from unranked to #7 with an 8-1 record.

#9 Washington gained a spot in the rankings after a solid 7-1 start to the season with their lone loss coming against Clear Creek Amana 5-4 to begin the season. The Demons, who have swatted down by Burlington the last couple years for the conference crown, swept the Grayhounds on Monday night, 9-6 in game one and 13-1 in game two.

Leighton Salazar and Alyvia Anderson are leading the charge offensively for Washington with 0.481 batting averages with Anderson sporting a 0.852 slugging percentage with a team-leading four doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs.

This was a tough week to be ranked in Class 3A with four teams getting knocked out of the top 15: #6 Benton, #12 West Lyon, #13 Center Point-Urbana, and #14 West Marshall.

Replacing the three other teams will be #11 Sumner-Fredericksburg, #14 West Delaware, and #15 West Burlington/Notre Dame.

The Falcons are 6-1 heading into a big game against 7-1 Central Lee tonight with early claims for the Southeast Iowa Super Conference South Division on the line as they are both 3-0 against fellow south opponents.

West Burlington/Notre Dame’s only loss was a 3-1 affair against Class 2A’s #3 Louisa-Muscatine. Offense has been the flight pattern for the team for the past couple of years with eight players hitting at least 0.300, including Whitney Snowden clouting 0.526 at the plate.

Orayana Gonzalez’s 1.42 ERA is also good enough to keep the Falcons in any game that the offense has an off day.

Class 2A

Van Meter is ranked #1 after a 7-1 start to the season. Now, for the calamity that ensued in the other 14 spots. Durant shot up eight spots in the preseason rankings to be ranked #2 with a big highlight win against #3 Louisa-Muscatine, 2-1.

The reason West Lyon was kicked out of Class 3A’s top 15 is because the 8-0 squad is at #5 in their new class. Exira-EHK/Audubon and Lisbon are joined at the hip as they both fell four spots to enter this week at #6 and #7, respectively.

Osage jumped up four spots to get into the top 10, while #6 West Monona, #11 Hudson, #14 Treynor, and #15 Pleasantville were all ejected from the top 15.

#11 Wilton, #14 Cascade, and #15 Hinton filled up the empty slots.

Class 1A

Wayne and Clarksville are both undefeated and sit at #1 and #2, respectively. Martensdale-St. Marys tumbled all the way down the rankings from #2 to #9 after going an unassuming 3-2 to start the year.

Wapsie Valley’s 7-0 start to the year resulted could not go unnoticed as they jumped into the rankings after #14 Central City was kicked out. Additionally, #14 Sigourney is still undefeated and looking to defend their state championship.

More

For a full look at the rankings for all five classes, follow this link: Week 1 IGHSAU Rankings

Garbage Pickup Day in Salem to Change Starting July 2025

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 8:55 am CDT

Salem residents should prepare for a change in their waste collection schedule starting in July 2025. Wemiga Waste has announced that beginning Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025, garbage will be collected on Wednesdays instead of the current day.

To accommodate the transition, there will be no garbage pickup on Monday, June 30th, ensuring a smooth start to the new Wednesday collection routine.

Residents are also reminded that Des Moines County curbside recycling will continue to operate on its current schedule, with pickups occurring every other Monday.

Wemiga Waste thanks the community for their cooperation as this scheduling adjustment is made.

Mt. Pleasant Christian School Enrollment Open for 2025-2026 School Year

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 8:54 am CDT

Mt. Pleasant Christian School Enrollment Open for 2025-2026 School Year

Enrollment is now open for the 2025-2026 academic year at Mt. Pleasant Christian School, an accredited K-12 Christian school committed to providing a faith-based education grounded in academic excellence.

Families considering private education are encouraged to apply soon, as the enrollment period is underway and applications for the state’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program — commonly referred to as vouchers — will close on June 30. Mt. Pleasant Christian School proudly accepts ESA funds to help make private education more accessible for Iowa families.

The school offers a nurturing, Christ-centered environment that supports students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Those interested can begin the enrollment process by visiting the school’s website at www.mtpleasantchristian.com. Additional information is available by calling the school office at 319-385-8613.

Early applications are encouraged as space may be limited in some grade levels.

George Fredrick Septer

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 8:39 am CDT

George Fredrick Septer, 83, of Salem passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living Center in Mount Pleasant.

 

George was born on July 26, 1941, in Salem, the son of Roy and Carlotta (Gumbo) Septer.  He was united in marriage to Doris Hourihan on November 28, 1959, in Salem.  George was a very caring, hardworking and generous person.  He worked at the Fort Madison Correctional Facility for 30 years, owned and operated Subs and Suds in Burlington, and for 25 years owned and operated George’s Concessions.

 

Those thankful in sharing in his life include his wife of 65 years, Doris, of Salem, his children, Mike Septer, of Ottumwa and Lora (Charlie) Meierotto of Pilot Grove, his four grandchildren, Susan, George, Mitch and Trisha and his two great grandchildren.  

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Ralph Septer and Dale Septer, and one sister, Shirley Guzman.

 

A Celebration of George’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant.  Burial will be held at a later date in the Salem South Cemetery.  According to his wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant.  A memorial has been established in his memory.   

 

 

 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

 

Murphy Funeral Home of Mount. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Rear-End Collision at Washington and Adams Sends One to Hospital

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 7:33 am CDT

On the evening of June 5, 2025, at approximately 6:40 p.m., the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of East Washington Street and South Adams Street.

According to authorities, a 2016 Ford Escape driven by Adrien Alberis of Mount Pleasant was stopped at a red light, facing east in the 100 block of East Washington Street. Behind the Ford Escape, a 2018 Hyundai Elantra driven by Sara Woodall of Burlington failed to stop in time, resulting in a rear-end collision.

The impact caused extensive damage to the Hyundai Elantra, which was deemed a total loss. The Ford Escape sustained functional damage but remained drivable.

Following the investigation, Sara Woodall was cited for Failure to Stop in Assured Clear Distance under Iowa Code section 321.285. She was assessed at the scene by Henry County Emergency Services personnel and subsequently transported to the Henry County Health Center for treatment of her injuries.

Assistance at the scene was provided by the Mount Pleasant Fire Department, Henry County Emergency Services, and Breuer Towing & Recovery.

Southeast Iowa Fishing Report

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 7:27 am CDT

Big Hollow Lake
Water temperature is 73 degrees. Black Crappie – Fair: Find crappie on the edge of the flooded timber on the south side of the lake in 9-10 feet of water up a foot or so off the bottom.  Bluegill – Fair: Some are starting to sneak back onto the spawning beds; many are still out in 6 to 7 feet of water.  Use a worm and slip bobber to clear the water so you can  vertically jig over top of them. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass have recovered from the spawn.  The bigger the bass the farther they are back in the trees.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
Recent rains are forecast to keep the river levels stable until middle of next week before falling again. Channel Catfish – Good: Try cut bait in the backends of the sandbars or stink baits behind brush piles.

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is 72 degrees. Water clarity is 7 feet.  Black Crappie – Fair: Try slow drifting or vertically jigging over the habitat and in about 12-16 feet of water.  Bluegill – Fair: Find bluegills out in deeper water 10-14 feet down in the trees. They might come back in to continue the spawn as the water continues to warm.

Lake Darling
Water temperature is 71 degrees. Water clarity is good at 50-60 inches. The water has a green tint; it’s starting to clear again. Black Crappie – Fair: Look for crappies down by the dam in brush piles in deep water out from the high rip-rap bank or on the rock pile field on the ends of the dam. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill fishing slowed with most bedding areas vacant.  They may start to come in as the water warms into the 70s.  Anglers are catching most in 6-8 feet of water.

Lake Geode
Water temperature is 73 degrees. Water clarity is 6 feet. Black Crappie – Good: Find crappies in the habitat in 8 to 19 feet of water; try vertically jigging. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are starting to return to the spawning beds after a brief break.  Use a worm and bobber or a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are looking for young bluegills and crappies to feed on.

Lost Grove Lake
Water temperature is 68-70 degrees.  Curly-leaf is still in good health; hasn’t started the summer die back yet. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill fishing has slowed. They should start to move back on to the beds as the water warms back up. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are cruising the shallows feeding on the young bluegills; use crankbaits or topwater baits.

Railroad Lake
Minnows can’t be used as bait. Black Crappie – Slow: Work the brush piles in the middle of the lake; use small jigs. Bluegill – Excellent: Try worm and bobber and small jigs fished a few yards out from shore. Channel Catfish – Slow: Catfishing has slowed with falling water temperatures. Largemouth Bass – Good: Use nightcrawlers rigs and assorted artificial baits.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
River levels were slowly dropping; forecast to start to rise again with recent rainfall. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfishing with stink baits and cut baits had started to slow, but should pick up with the rising water. It’s time to try nightcrawlers again.

For more information on the above lakes and rivers call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.

 

Sports, June 6th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 6:47 am CDT

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant’s unorthodox offense led the Panthers to their first conference win of the season, beating Washington 9-3. A Briar Bender RBI single in the 4th inning opened up the game for errors and walks as the Panthers took a 5 to 3 lead all while only registering one hit at the time. Payton Walker, Brayton Hutson, and J.C. Sitar each notched two RBIs. Walker picked up the win on the mound in 6 innings of work, he struck out nine Demons. 

Mt. Pleasant will head to Keokuk on Monday, June 9th, for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm. 

Danville fell to West Burlington last night 6-3. Caleb Bush collected two RBIs for the Falcons, while Alex Holtkamp clubbed a home run on his way to three RBIs for the night in the losing effort. 

Danville will square off against New London at 7 pm tonight on the road. 

New London snapped Burlington Notre Dame’s six-game winning streak over the Tigers last night in a thrilling 10-9 finish that saw the Nikes score three runs in the bottom of the 7th inning. Seven Tigers tabbed an RBI as Riley Raines had a two-RBI double to lead the way. 

Burlington Notre Dame will make the trip to Van Buren County tonight at 7 pm.

Van Buren County clobbered Pekin last night 14-3 as the Warriors worked 13 walks in the win. Aidan McEntee led the offense with two RBIs.

Mediapolis blanked Central Lee last night 6-0. The Hawks will attempt to bounce back tonight on the road against West Burlington with first pitch at 5:30 pm.

Mediapolis will take on Hillcrest Academy tonight on the road with gametime at 5:30 pm.

Wapello lost to Louisa-Muscatine last night 10-5. Wyatt Marlette knocked in three of the team’s runs. Wapello will face off against Pekin tonight at 5:30 pm on the road. 

Fairfield remained atop the Southeast Conference after sneaking past Fort Madison last night 2-1. Carson Elmore claimed seven on the mound in five innings for the Trojans. Fairfield will travel to Mid-Prairie tonight at 7 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will play Highland tonight at 5:30 pm at home.

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant could not stop #9 Washington last night, losing 9-0. Paityn Ensminger broke up the no-hitter bid with a single. The Panthers will compete in the Holy Trinity Catholic tournament tomorrow, June 7th. 

New London was shutout by Holy Trinity Catholic last night 8-0. The Tigers will host Danville tonight at 7 pm.

Holy Trinity Catholic will travel to Van Buren County tonight at 7 pm.

Danville had no answer for #15 West Burlington/Notre Dame, falling 8-0. Faith Gibb collected three RBIs and a double for the Falcon offense, while Orayana Gonzalez pitched the complete game shutout with four strikeouts. 

#15 West Burlington/Notre Dame will battle for SEISC-South supremacy tonight at home against Central Lee with first pitch at 7 pm.

Van Buren County slugged Pekin last night 11-3. Ashlynn Huff smacked two doubles for four RBIs in the winning effort. 

Wapello lost to Louisa-Muscatine last night 7-0. The Arrows will travel to Pekin tonight at 7 pm.

Mediapolis lost to Central Lee last night in extra innings, 2-1. Payton Harris took the loss in the circle, despite pitching all 8.1 innings and generating four strikeouts. 

Mediapolis will continue their road stand tonight at Hillcrest Academy at 7 pm.

Columbus outpaced Hillcrest Academy last night in a 14-12 final. Jacqueline Farrier logged three RBIs in the win for the Wildcats. Columbus will take on Lone Tree tonight at 5:30 pm on the road. 

Fairfield trounced Fort Madison last night 13-4 after a 10-run sixth inning. Lilly Bergren clocked a two-run home run in the effort. The Trojans will compete in the Iowa City West Softball Classic today with their game one opponent being Assumption. 

WACO will face off against Louisa-Muscatine tonight 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 hurdles 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 girls’ State Championship matchups are set for tomorrow, June 7th, as two of the teams are looking to finish the season without a loss. 

In Class 1A, unbeaten Denver took down Hudson 2-1. The Cyclones will square off against Assumption after the Knights defeated Bishop Heelan 1-0. Their game will be at 11:30 am.

For Class 2A, #1 Waverly-Shell Rock will look to knock off the defending champions, #2 Dallas Center-Grimes at 5:30 pm. The Go-Hawks downed ADM 3-1, while the Mustangs shutout Xavier 2-0. 

The Cinderella story continued for #7 Linn-Mar in Class 3A after defeating #3 Ankeny Centennial last night 2-1. #1 Waukee Northwest will await them in the championship at 2:30 pm after taking down #4 Waukee last night 1-0. 

The 2025 boys’ state championships will conclude today.

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees keep finding a way to win after an extra inning walk-off last night lifted the Bees past the Quincy Doggy Paddlers, 6-5. Griffen Bushnell was the hero of the game as he slapped the RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning to score Caleb Seibers. 

The Clinton LumberKings split their doubleheader last night against the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes, losing game one 7-2 and taking game two 3-0. The LumberKing pitching staff in game two allowed only six hits and struck out eight as JC Dermody collected the win on the mound. 

The Bees will host the LumberKings tonight at 6:30 pm. Community Field will be shooting off fireworks at the conclusion of the game.

This Day in Sports History

1923 – Edgar Wallace became the first British radio sports reporter, when he made a report on The Derby for the British Broadcasting Company, the newly founded predecessor of the BBC.

1971 – Willie Mays hits all-time record 22nd extra inning home run. 

2018 – LeBron James eclipses Michael Jordan’s record (109) for most 30-point games in NBA playoff history in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 110-102 Game 3 Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors.