Connie Sue Peterschmidt

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Thursday, January 8th, 2026 at 2:43 pm CDT
Connie Sue Peterschmidt, 79, of Coralville, Iowa, formerly of Montrose, passed away at 7:25 a.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Stirlingshire of Coralville.
Connie was born on December 1, 1946, in Estherville, Iowa, the daughter of Charles Kenneth and Lola Lorraine (Webber) Warrington. On October 1, 1968, she married Donald J. “Don” Peterschmidt in Fort Madison, Iowa. He preceded her in death on May 27, 2023.
She is survived by her two sons: Kurt (Christine) Peterschmidt of Coralville, Iowa, Greg (Leslie) Peterschmidt of Erwin, Tennessee; granddaughter; grandson; step-granddaughters; step-grandson; sister: JoAnne Warrington – Koehler; brother: William “Bill” Warrington, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Don and brother: Ronald “Butch” Warrington.
Connie graduated high school in Orion, Illinois. She was a homemaker, beautician and enjoyed crafts.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2026, at Greenglade Cemetery in Farmington, Iowa.
A memorial has been established in her memory.


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

Henry County Supervisors Hold First Meeting of 2026

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Thursday, January 8th, 2026 at 2:36 pm CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Monday morning at 9 a.m. for their first meeting of 2026.

The meeting opened with Board Chair Chad White addressing how meetings will be conducted moving forward under Robert’s Rules of Order. White explained that public comments will be limited to three minutes and may not disrupt meetings.

Supervisors approved the agenda and meeting minutes with several corrections before moving into department head updates.

During the Public Health report, officials noted several schools in the county are experiencing absentee rates of ten percent or higher. Residents were reminded to cover coughs, wash hands frequently, and stay home when sick to help reduce the spread of illness.

The General Assistance report highlighted services provided by The Fellowship Cup, which assisted 778 individuals during the previous month.

Assistant County Attorney Blake Vierra announced his resignation from the Henry County Attorney’s Office after five years of service. Vierra stated his decision was not related to any internal conflict and expressed appreciation for his time working in Henry County.

The Sheriff’s Office reported generating $4,297,974 in outside revenue by housing inmates from other counties. The department also reported responding to approximately 3,000 fewer calls than the previous year. Officials noted the county jail is fully staffed and the department is currently working to fill one remaining deputy sheriff position. Sheriff Rich McNamee also reminded motorists that as of January 1, using a cellphone while driving can result in a citation.

Supervisors later approved a resolution to hire Abbie Lietchy as the new Assistant County Attorney and approved a resolution allowing the County Treasurer to hold bonds for elected officials.

The board heard from Friends of Geode State Park regarding ongoing renovations to the park’s concession stand. Representatives explained the project has been completed largely through volunteer labor and support from local businesses, significantly reducing costs. The group requested additional funding from the county to complete the project. Supervisors took no action, stating the request will be considered during upcoming budget discussions.

The meeting concluded with a presentation from HUB International regarding the county’s ICAP insurance renewal. No action was taken, as supervisors said additional questions remain. The topic will be revisited at a future meeting.

Sports, January 8th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, January 8th, 2026 at 6:42 am CDT

High School Basketball

The WACO boys’ team will host North Linn, while the girls’ team will square off against Holy Trinity Catholic at home with both games taking place tonight with game one at 6 pm.

Mediapolis will continue their six-game road trip tonight with a contest against Wilton with tip-off at 6 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will stay on the road for a showdown with Van Buren County tomorrow, January 9th, with tip-off at 6 pm. 

Wapello will face off against Pekin tomorrow at 6 pm on the road. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will take on Louisa-Muscatine tomorrow at 6 pm in a road contest. 

Central Lee will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic tomorrow with game one at 6 pm. 

Columbus will compete against Lone Tree on the road tomorrow with the night starting at 6 pm.

Danville will host Mediapolis tomorrow with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

New London will make the trip to West Burlington tomorrow with the matchup set to start at 6 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will head back home to take on Fairfield tomorrow with game one at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm. Panthers boys’ head coach Eric Rawson talked about what his squad will be working on heading into their matchup with the Trojans,

“Yeah, we’re just gonna work on ourselves and getting better. And certainly handling pressure up top around the perimeter and making sure that we focus on getting paint touches and getting the ball to the block.”

Girls’ High School Basketball Rankings

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released their first rankings since winter break and their fifth of the season and Mediapolis kept their spot in the Class 3A top 15 at #10.

The Bulldogs are 10-0 to start the season behind a defense that nearly averages as many steals, 20, as they do points allowed, 27.8. Moreover, they are the best three-point shooting team in the class at 35.9% from behind the arc, which is five-percentage points higher than second place. Grace Holsteen leads the way with 16 points per game. 

High School Wrestling

Fairfield will dual Keokuk tonight at home.

The WACO and Wapello boys’ teams will face off at Lone Tree in a meet tonight. 

Mt. Pleasant will participate in a meet tonight at Iowa Valley.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will host a triangular tonight with Columbus in attendance. 

The New London boys’ team will travel to HLV for a triangular tonight. 

The Mediapolis boys’ team will compete at the Washington Meet tonight.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Mediapolis, Van Buren County, Mt. Pleasant, and WACO girls’ teams will wrestle at the Highland Invitational tomorrow, January 9th. 

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant will hold a triangular tonight.

Fairfield will host Burlington on Monday, January 12th.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team fell to Marshalltown Community College last night 54-49. Trinity Barrett scored 13 points in the loss. The Blackhawks will face off against Iowa Western Community College at home on Saturday, January 10th, at 1 pm.

The men’s basketball team will host Indian Hills Community College on Saturday at 7 pm.

The women’s wrestling team will compete at the Lakeland Scramble on Sunday, January 11th.

College Basketball

After a 14-0 start to the season, the #11 Iowa State women’s team has dropped back-to-back games, losing to Cincinnati last night 71-63. Audi Crooks collected a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. The Cyclones will host West Virginia on Sunday, January 11th, at 2 pm.

The #14 Iowa women’s team will travel to Indiana on Sunday for tip-off at 4 pm.

The #19 Iowa men’s team will square off against Illinois at home on Sunday at 11 am.

The #3 Iowa State men’s team is off to their best start in program history (15-0) after taking down Baylor last night 70-60. Tamin Lipsey went off for 24 points, while Joshua Jefferson was a force with 19 points and 17 rebounds. The Cyclones will face off against Oklahoma State on Saturday, January 10th, at 3 pm at home.

This Day in Sports History

1945 – The University of Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team sets an NCAA record by holding Arkansas State to 6 points in a 75-6 win.

1955 – Georgia Tech ends Kentucky’s 129-game home basketball win streak. 

1984 – The Executive Committee of the NCAA votes to expand the championship basketball field to 64 teams starting in 1985.

Sports, January 7th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

Danville swept New London last night with the girls’ team clobbering the Tigers 82-5 and the boys’ team sneaking away with a 56-49 final. Alaina Gourley exploded for 35 points in the winning effort. 

Danville will host Mediapolis on Friday, January 9th, with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

New London will make the trip to West Burlington on Friday with the matchup set to start at 6 pm.

West Burlington hosted Burlington Notre Dame last night and the girls’ team extended their win streak to three games after defeating the Nikes 56-33, while the #4 Notre Dame boys’ team clipped the Falcons, 79-46. 

Burlington Notre Dame will stay on the road for a showdown with Van Buren County on Friday with tip-off at 6 pm. 

The WACO girls’ team outscored Wapello 15 to 7 in the fourth quarter to clutch out a 53-51 victory, despite 19 points for Annaka Greiner. The WACO boys’ team got back in the win column with a big fourth quarter of their own, outscoring Wapello 21 to 3 for a 58-43 final. 

Wapello will face off against Pekin on Friday at 6 pm on the road. 

The WACO boys’ team will host North Linn, while the girls’ team will square off against Holy Trinity Catholic at home with both games taking place tomorrow, January 8th, with game one at 6 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union split their matchup with Pekin last night with the girls’ team losing 36-25 and the boys’ team slipping away with a 50-45 victory. Suttyn Schlee had seven points for the girls’ team. The Wolves will take on Louisa-Muscatine on Friday at 6 pm in a road contest. 

The Central Lee boys’ team handled Van Buren County last night, 78-56. The Hawks will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic on Friday with game one at 6 pm. 

Mediapolis swept Holy Trinity Catholic last night with the girls’ team winning 62-21 and the boys’ team taking their game 55-37. Bryn Wright led the Bulldogs with 17 points, while Elizabeth Griffin put up seven points. Will Luttenegger and Max Griffin each knocked in 16 points for the Bulldogs and Jack Ragar scored 14 points for the Crusaders. Griffin passed the 1,000-career point plateau. 

Mediapolis will continue their six-game road trip tomorrow with a contest against Wilton with tip-off at 6 pm.

The Columbus girls’ team fell to Louisa-Muscatine last night, 61-28. The Wildcats will compete against Lone Tree on the road on Friday with the night starting at 6 pm.

Fairfield split their matchup against Centerville last night with the girls’ team falling 52-35 and the boys’ team claiming the 64-50 victory. 

Mt. Pleasant will head back home to take on Fairfield on Friday with game one at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm.

High School Wrestling

Wapello hosted a boy/girl dual last night with Fairfield in attendance and the Trojan boys’ team ended the night 1-2 with a 45-27 victory over Wapello, while the girls’ team for the Arrows took down Fairfield 39-18 to finish the night 1-2. 

Cael McCabe, Dain Burkhart, and Alex Hudson finished the night undefeated for Fairfield, while Grayson Nagle and Cohen Wolford of Wapello went unblemished for the night. On the girls’ side, Wapello’s Kenadee Helscher continued her undefeated season, while Clara Ball also went perfect for the night. Fairfield’s Kendra Allison collected two victories on the night. 

Fairfield will dual Keokuk tomorrow, January 8th, at home.

The WACO and Wapello boys’ teams will face off at Lone Tree in a meet tomorrow. 

Mt. Pleasant will participate in a meet tomorrow at Iowa Valley.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will host a triangular tomorrow with Columbus in attendance. 

The New London boys’ team will travel to HLV for a triangular tomorrow. 

The Mediapolis boys’ team will compete at the Washington Meet tomorrow.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Mediapolis, Van Buren County, Mt. Pleasant, and WACO girls’ teams will wrestle at the Highland Invitational on Friday, January 9th. 

High School Bowling

West Burlington/Notre Dame will travel to West Central today.

Mt. Pleasant will hold a triangular tomorrow, January 8th.

Fairfield will host Burlington on Monday, January 12th.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will square off at home against Marshalltown Community College tonight at 5:30 pm.

The men’s basketball team will host Indian Hills Community College on Saturday, January 10th, at 7 pm.

College Basketball

The #11 Iowa State women’s team will attempt to right the ship tonight against Cincinnati on the road at 5:30 pm.

The #14 Iowa women’s team will travel to Indiana on Sunday, January 11th, for tip-off at 4 pm.

The #19 Iowa men’s team suffered a road upset at the hands of Minnesota last night, 70-67. Bennett Stirtz collected 21 points in the effort. The Hawkeyes will square off against Illinois at home on Sunday at 11 am.

The #3 Iowa State men’s team will take on Baylor on the road tonight at 7 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will have the call.

This Day in Sports History

1899 – Walter Camp publishes his first All-American football team in Collier’s.

1927 – The Harlem Globetrotters play their first game in Hinckley, Illinois.

1972 – The LA Lakers defeat the Atlanta Hawks 134-90 for their 33rd straight win. The longest winning streak in major professional sports.

Melvin B. Jennings

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 8:01 pm CDT

Melvin B. Jennings, 94, of Coralville, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at his home in Coralville.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. at the Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services in Winfield.  Memorial services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will be held at the Winfield-Scott Township Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Washington County Hospice in memory of Melvin.  Online condolences may be left at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Melvin Burdell Jennings was born on June 3, 1931, in Louisa County, Iowa, the son of Clarence Albert and Margurite (Marion) Jennings.  He was a graduate of the Wyman High School.  Melvin proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War being stationed in France.  He was a farmer in the Winfield area his entire life.  Melvin was a member of the Winfield Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder, served on the Board of Directors for the Sunrise Terrance Care Facility and was also a member of the Winfield V.F.W. and American Legion and the church bowling league.  Melvin raised Duroc hogs, showing them at many local fairs and also the Iowa State Fair and other state fairs.  He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed boating on Table Rock Lake, bird watching, his rose gardens, woodworking, golfing, bowling, listening to music, reading and his car, but most of all spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren.

Melvin will be deeply missed by his wife of 70 years, Jane of Coralville; his children, Kevin Jennings of Quaqueston, Iowa and Kyle (Adrienne Publicover) Jennings of Walnut Creek, California and five grandchildren, Margaret, Ben, Jacob, Alec and Clare.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Connie Green and one brother, Myron Jennings.

 

Carol (Boese) Garrett

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 7:30 pm CDT

Carol (Boese) Garrett, 95, of Wayland, passed from this life on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Parkview Home in Wayland. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Finley Chapel south of Wayland. Burial will follow at Finley Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, from 5 – 7 PM at the Finley Chapel. A memorial fund has been established for the Finley Cemetery and Parkview Home. The Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Carol Jean was born on January 10, 1930, on a farm a quarter of a mile south of Wayland, the daughter of Albert and Anna (Steffen) Boese. She graduated from Wayland High School in 1949. Carol worked as a bookkeeper in the Boshart Feed Store and at the Wayland State Bank. On June 17, 1956, she was united in marriage to Dale D. G

arrett at Finley Chapel. They lived on the same farm all their married life, until moving into Wayland in 1992. Carol was a regular attendee at the Wayland Coffee Club. She loved sewing, quilting, working outside with flowers, and working in the garden.  Dale and Carol enjoyed playing cards, square dancing, traveling to Europe, Alaska and interesting places in the United States.

Survivors include three sons; Thomas Garrett of Turner, Oregon, Curt (Tina) Garrett of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Mark (Karen) Garrett of Wayland, Iowa, one daughter; Beth (David) Wirka of Wahoo, Nebraska, nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Carol in death were her parents, her husband Dale, sister Alberta Miller, and brother Arley Boese.

Betty Joan Vickers

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 7:24 pm CDT

Betty Joan Vickers, 91, of Bonaparte, IA passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Van Buren County Hospital.  As were her wishes, cremation has taken place.  A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.  Memorial contributions in Betty’s honor may be directed to the Bonaparte Cemetery Association, Bonaparte EMS, or to T.N.R (Trap, Neuter, Release) program that was important to Betty.   Memorials may be mailed to P.O. Box 75, Bonaparte, IA 52620.  Friends may share memories and leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Betty Joan Vickers entered this life on January 29, 1934, in Keosauqua, IA, the daughter of Elmer and Alena Bartholomew Green.  She was raised by her mother and her stepfather, Glenn Gares and attended country school as well as Bonaparte School before marrying the love of her life, Bill Vickers.  Betty became a mother at an early age and loved that role.  The family followed Bill’s work in the papermills, traveling to Arizona and Georgia.  The family eventually moved back to Bonaparte to a farmstead that Betty and Bill had purchased.   As the children grew older Betty entered the workforce at the Glove Factory and also managed the hardware store in Bonaparte.

Betty was the kind of person who never met a stranger and never knew an enemy.  She was affectionately known as “Grandma Betty” to everyone in the Bonaparte and surrounding area.  She not only supported her family, but also her community and was recognized for her service as the recipient of the Mainstreet Award in Bonaparte.

Not only was she kind to all people but also to all animals.  She had a special place in her heart for her dogs and enjoyed walks with them on her property.  She always did her part to keep Bonaparte beautiful, picking up litter whenever she came across it.  She will be deeply missed by her family and the many friends she made along the way.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her husband; Bill Vickers; two siblings, Joe Green and Vivian Green; a son-in-law, Mike Shriver and a great granddaughter, Lindsay Grace Shriver.

Left to share her story are her three children; Bethany (Gene) Pratt of Bonaparte, IA, Tamera Shriver of Bonaparte, IA, and Troy (Liz) Vickers of Blue Eye, MO; eleven grandchildren, many great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren with one on the way, her faithful cat, Alice, as well as many extended family and friends.

 

James Eugene Martindale

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 1:43 pm CDT

James Eugene Martindale, 61, of Donnellson, passed away at 12:06 p.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026, at OSF Hospital in Peoria, Illinois.

He was born on September 8, 1964, in Canton, Illinois, the son of Charles and Donna (Spangler) Martindale. He married Nancy Corbin. They later divorced.

He is survived by his daughter: Danielle Martindale of Donnellson, Iowa; son: Michael Martindale of Donnellson, Iowa; four grandchildren: Tavius, Serenity, Freya, Aurora; mother: Donna (Fred Wilson) Hollingsworth of Donnellson, Iowa; father: Charles (Kathy) Martindale of Lewiston, Illinois; two brothers: Richard Martindale of Donnellson, Iowa, Jay (Heather) Pritchard of West Point, Iowa; three sisters: Charlene Martindale – Markley of Smithfield, Illinois, Caitlin Martindale of Lewiston, Illinois, Celsey Martindale – Young of Peoria, Illinois and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; step-father: John Hollingsworth and brother: Kevin Martindale.

James served in the United States Army. He enjoyed karaoke, mushroom hunting, rock finding, playing pool, antique collecting and most of all, being with his family.

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

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

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