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.

City of Wayland Meeting Agenda for Wednesday, January 7, 2026

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 12:20 pm CDT

The Wayland City Council will meet for an upcoming regular meeting Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at the Wayland City Hall at 7:30 p.m. The agenda includes several items from routine business and citizen input to several organizational and financial matters. This meeting is open to the public. View the full agenda here.

Henry County Board of Supervisors Weekly Meeting Agenda for Thursday, January 8, 2026

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 12:09 pm CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors will hold its next regular meeting Thursday morning, January 8th, beginning at 9 a.m. The meeting will take place at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant and is open to the public.

Agenda items include approval of claims and minutes, a department head meeting, and a weekly update from County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss. Supervisors will also consider two resolutions, including one to hire an assistant Henry County attorney and another authorizing the county treasurer to hold bonds for elected officials.

The board is scheduled to hear a presentation from Friends of Geode State Park regarding county support for the Geode Park Beach Project, as well as a presentation from Hub International on the county’s ICAP insurance renewal.

Supervisor subcommittee updates will also be discussed before adjournment.

You can view the full agenda here.

Prep Boys’ Basketball: Burlington Notre Dame at #4 in IHSAA’s First Top 10 Rankings

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 11:49 am CDT

Prep Boys’ Basketball- The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) are in their fourth year of releasing an official top 10 rankings for the current basketball season and the first one for the 2025-26 season was pushed out yesterday and one of our local teams found a spot in the top 10.

The IHSAA uses these lists as the primary tool for postseason assignments, while maintaining school and geographic considerations. Moreover, the last two editions will be following the release of the substate brackets, these rankings are to determine state tournament seeding.

Class 1A

Last year’s champion and this year’s afterthought as Madrid is nowhere to be seen on the top 10, but the team that fell to the Tigers in the semifinals sits atop the rankings in St. Edmond. The Gaels have been dominant to start the year, winning by an average of 23 points per game, including a trio of victories over teams above 0.500.

Wapsie Valley and MMCRU round out the top three, respectively, as the Royals have shown the most drastic improvement, going from nine consecutive losing seasons to 44-12 record over the last two and a half seasons, including a 7-0 mark this year.

It took Burlington Notre Dame awhile last year to get top 10 consideration, this year there are no secrets about the Nikes as they rest at #4 in the rankings. With a 9-0 record, the Nikes have produced 70 or more points in seven of their nine games and a defense that has held their last four opponents under 45 points in each contest.

Shay Stephens, a Western Illinois commit, continues to impress as he averages 27 points per game to go along with eight rebounds and six assists. He surpassed the 1,000-point plateau in a 97-43 victory over Fort Madison preceding the winter break.

Last year’s runner-up, Marquette Catholic, is sat back at #6 in the rankings despite a 7-0 start to the year, while Lynnville-Sully rounds out the list with a perfect 8-0 record. East Marshall might be a team to keep an eye on as their only loss is to an unblemished Class 2A Grundy Center, but their success is linked to the Spartans and…

Class 2A

Grundy Center currently does not hold a spot in the top 10. Last year’s champion, Western Christian is back at #4, while Unity Christian is atop the list with an 8-0 mark to start the season. The Knights love to score, averaging 74 points per game, but the defense also surrenders 50 points per game, including allowing 63 points to Spirit Lake.

#2 Treynor has been a mainstay in Des Moines, attending state 18 times in their program’s history, yet they have come up short in their last four trips to the dance after winning their sole championship in 2015. The 7-0 Cardinals have been tested against Class 1A’s #7 Bishop Garrigan and Underwood, securing road victories against each.

Regina Catholic rounds out the top three, while #6 Tri-Center is the other undefeated squad in the rankings. #10 Cascade is searching for their first 20-win season since 2017, which was the last year in a five-year run that the Cougars went to start, ending in a 2018 championship.

Class 3A

Ballard enters 2026 as the favorite for Class 3A with a 7-0 record, only #7 Solon and #8 Nevada have as many victories as the Bombers do this season without any losses. Ballard is the clear #1 team with wins over Class 4A’s #6 Waukee and Class 3A’s #6 ADM and doing so in convincing fashion with an average point differential of +25.9.

Clear Lake and Xavier are placed at #2 and #3, respectively, in the rankings, though #5 Pella might be able to climb their way higher up the ladder after trouncing #9 Knoxville 81-54 last night. It was the Panthers’ first regular season loss since February 8th, 2024.

Next installment might have two new teams earning a spot in the top 10 after #10 Wahlert Catholic dropped their third contest last night in their last four games. A disappointing development after starting the year 3-0.

Class 4A

Valley is experiencing the ruthlessness that is high school sports after winning the title last year the Tigers are currently 0-8 with the second hardest schedule in the state. Most likely meaning that there will be a new champion in Class 4A.

Cedar Falls appears poised to take that position after defeating #2 Waukee Northwest 74-69 last Friday in a battle of the unbeatens. Luckily for Cedar Falls that’s as difficult as their schedule gets.

As for #3 Dowling Catholic, their resolve will be challenged. A 9-0 start that includes a win over #6 Waukee, #8 Des Moines Roosevelt, and Class 3A’s #3 Xavier, the Maroons will have to play #2 Waukee Northwest twice, Waukee again, and tough matchups against Norwalk and Urbandale.

A team to keep your eye on is #4 Muscatine. So far, the Muskies are undefeated but will be tasked with 6-1 Bettendorf tonight, who was the state runner-up two years ago, and will have to play #9 Pleasant Valley, who they beat 46-40 before winter break, in early February. Their schedule is not well respected but the team should be.

Traffic Violation Stop leads to Arrest in Burlington

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 10:44 am CDT

The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office reports an early New Year’s Day arrest following a traffic stop in Burlington.

According to deputies, just after midnight on January 1st, a vehicle was stopped at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and Mount Pleasant Street for traffic violations. The driver was identified as 39-year-old Jeremy Elisha Boyle of Burlington. A license check showed Boyle was driving with a suspended license.

During a consent search of the vehicle, deputies located methamphetamine and Clonazepam pills. Boyle was arrested for driving under suspension and two counts of possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense. He was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.

Authorities remind the public that all charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Craig Eugene Kongable

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 10:39 am CDT

Craig Eugene Kongable, 65, of Mount Union, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant, surrounded by his family, following a courageous and extensive battle with COPD.

Craig was born on September 29, 1960, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Max and Wilma (Anderson) Kongable. He was a 1979 graduate of Winfield–Mount Union High School and spent his life rooted in the Winfield-Mount Union community he loved.

Known to all the locals as “Kid,” Craig was a man of hard work, steady loyalty, trust, caring, and had a great sense of humor. He was quietly dependable and consistently looked out for those he cared about.

Craig was a lifelong farmer and worked for 33 years at Dan’s Plumbing & Heating in Winfield, having started there while in high school until the business closed. Outside of family and friends, his greatest joy was working on the farm and tinkering with equipment. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, attending the Knoxville National Sprint Car Races, and a good Blackjack hand. As a kid, he enjoyed fishing, riding dirt bikes, and some hunting with his brothers — though recollections are that they weren’t very successful. He also had simple pleasures, including a fond love for Blooming Onions from Texas Roadhouse, which always brought a smile.

One of the most meaningful relationships of Craig’s life was with Kara Rene Davis, his high-school sweet-heart, first wife and later his fiancée. Their bond endured over time, and Kara remained the love of his life until her passing from breast cancer December 15, 2014.  Kara’s mother, Evelyn Davis, held a special place in Craig’s heart and is forever his mother-in-law.

Craig was deeply appreciative of the compassionate care he received from the Winfield first responders, staff at Sunrise Terrace Care Center and EveryStep Hospice, whose kindness and support meant a great deal to both Craig and his family.

Craig will be deeply missed by his parents, Max and Wilma Kongable of Mount Union; brother, Kevin (Lisa) Kongable of Mount Union; sister-in-law, Shelly Kongable of

Winfield; step-son, Benny (Meredith) Lee of Mount Pleasant; step-grandchildren, Lucas and Logan Lee; nieces and nephews, Alissa (Casey) Herrick, Janessa (Trent) Hoekstra, Kaleb (Hannah) Kongable, Sophie Kongable, and Jacob (Arianna) Kongable; great-niece and nephews, Jonas Hoekstra, Emersyn and Easton Herrick; Uncle, Terry Anderson of Geneseo, Illinois; and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; aunt, Dixie Anderson; brother, Kenny Kongable; and his fiancée, Kara Davis.

The Memorial Service and Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the Winfield First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. with family present at 5:00 p.m. and the Memorial Service beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Winfield First Responders in memory of Craig Kongable. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  The family asks that, in remembering Craig, others honor his life by quitting—or choosing never to begin—smoking or vaping.

 

Mt. Pleasant Youth Wrestling Club Snatches Gold at the AAU’s Winter National Championships in Omaha

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 10:12 am CDT

Omaha, NE- The Mt. Pleasant Youth Wrestling Program produced a pair of All-Americans during their preseason trip to Des Moines. This past weekend they sent six wrestlers to Omaha to participate in AAU’s Winter National Championship, which saw the club decorate the trophy room.

Cooper Mason and Karter Ettinger both put together two great matches but fell just short of their goals, while Kolton Kruger started his weekend out with a pin in his first match, unfortunately he fell in the next two matches ending his run for the podium.

In the 8U 80-pound division, Damian Manning broke out onto the scene and sprinted his way to the finals but lost his two matches of the tournament to claim 3rd place. Head coach Nick Ettinger is excited for the future of Manning,

“Damian’s future is bright, as he grows into his athleticism and ability he will continue to do very well in wrestling, it’s been a pleasure to travel with him and watch him get better as we go!”

Kenai Mason was looking to improve upon his 7th place finish at the preseason nationals and worked his way into the semifinals. Unfortunately, Mason would be sent to the 5th place match after losing to the eventual 3rd place winner. Despite the setback, Mason would snatch the 5th place medal for the 10U 90-pound division.

“Kenai continues to face adversity head on, in life and in the practice room” said coach Ettinger. “His maturity and ability in comparison to a few months ago is more than remarkable. Kenai is a great wrestler, a great role model, and a great teammate. Our team is very proud of him!”

All that was left for the club was to win a title and that rested on Kamden Ettinger’s shoulders. It was clear he was not satisfied with taking 4th place at the preseason national championships, attending four to five practices a week between Mt. Pleasant Youth Wrestling Club, DC Elite South, DC Elite Lone Tree, and MPYWC’s Premier Program Iron Panther Wrestling to make sure previous mistakes were not repeated.

Ettinger made quick work of his competition to earn his way to the semifinals prompting a thriller where he was able to sneak away with an overtime takedown to move on to the finals. Not only was it a chance to make all the hard work worth it but also a shot at redemption, as a year ago his championship hopes were foiled at the Tulsa finals.

Ettinger did not waste his shot as he clinched an impressive 5-0 shutout victory to claim the National Championship. For coach Ettinger, this was a special victory,

“There’s a lot of things I can say about Kamden and why he’s different but what always sticks out the most is his willingness to work hard. He is always ready to work way past discomfort with the goal of being the best wrestler ever. Kamden met Spencer Lee this fall in Iowa City and made sure to let him know his goal is to be better than Spencer himself. While we all laughed and understand that’s a lofty goal, my hope is that his hard work produces his goals in the future. He’s a kind kid, a great student, and an amazing athlete! His mom and I couldn’t be prouder that he is bringing this title back to Mount Pleasant and his team!”

It has been a collaborative effort all the way from the high school varsity boys’ head coach Anthony Blint to the parent volunteers and everyone that has committed time to the Mt. Pleasant Youth Wrestling Club, they continue to see a return on their investment with record-breaking seasons and a continuance of high-level performance on the mat.

The future is bright for wrestling in Mt. Pleasant.