For May 16 – 22, 2022DES MOINES, Iowa (May 23, 2022) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented today on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. “With near-normal conditions across Iowa last week, farmers continued to make strong planting progress while dodging scattered showers and thunderstorms. Given this favorable weather pattern, corn planting is nearing completion,” said Secretary Naig. “Iowans woke up to chilly conditions on Sunday with isolated pockets of frost in northwestern Iowa. This week, however, looks to be wet with warmer temperatures showing up in the outlooks.” The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov. Crop Report Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 17 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 22 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Farmers made good progress last week with 86 percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop planted, 13 days behind last year and 3 days behind the 5-year average. Forty-seven percent of the corn crop has emerged, 1 week behind last year and 3 days behind average. Sixty-nine percent of soybeans have been planted, 12 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of the 5-year average. Eighteen percent of soybeans have emerged, 8 days behind last year and 4 days behind average. Ninety-six percent of the expected oat crop has been planted with 82 percent emerged, 9 days behind last year and 5 days behind the 5-year average. Four percent of the oat crop has headed, 3 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of average. Iowa’s first oat condition rating for 2022 was 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 60 percent good and 15 percent excellent. Five percent of the state’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed. Hay condition improved to 71 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rose to 59 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were good with most cattle now on pastures. Weather Summary Temperatures moderated across Iowa through the reporting period with slightly warmer than average conditions over portions of the state. Average temperatures were up to three degrees above normal in west-central Iowa, though near-normal or colder than average conditions were reported at stations around the periphery; the statewide average temperature was 61.7 degrees, 1.6 degrees below normal. Rainfall was widespread but below-average statewide with departures of up to an inch at several stations. Showers dissipated across central and eastern Iowa into Sunday (15th) evening with winds shifting northwesterly and skies gradually clearing. Daytime highs reached into to the mid 70s north while thicker clouds held temperatures in the 60s south. Rain totals reported at 7:00 am on Monday (16th) were generally at or below 0.10 inch with four stations in Appanoose and Davis counties measuring from 0.33 to 0.41 inch. Afternoon temperatures hovered in the upper 70s and low 80s under partly to mostly sunny skies. Clouds streamed into northern Iowa overnight as light showers formed ahead of a low pressure center transiting through Nebraska. The disturbance slowly moved through Iowa on Tuesday (17th) with stronger thunderstorms firing in the southwest where moderate rainfall was observed. Temperatures varied from the upper 50s northeast to low 80s in southeastern Iowa where the sun was shining. Most of Iowa’s stations reported measurable rainfall with 25 stations measuring an inch or more; Numa (Appanoose County) observed 1.01 inches while Logan (Harrison County) registered 2.44 inches with the statewide average coming in at 0.31 inch. Showers lingered in eastern Iowa after daybreak on Wednesday (18th) with morning lows in the low 50s north to low 60s south under cloudy skies. Clouds gradually thinned and moved out of the state through the day with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s across much of Iowa’s western two-thirds. Winds started shifting to a southerly direction as another weather system moved into the Upper Midwest; overnight temperatures stayed in the upper 50s and low 60s. Thursday (19th) saw multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms move through Iowa as a strong low pushed across Minnesota. Northern Iowa experienced showers and thunderstorms from late morning into the early afternoon hours with isolated, stronger storms forming later in the afternoon along the Iowa-Minnesota border. A third round of thunderstorms, some turning severe, fired along the low’s attendant cold front in the late night hours and early into Friday (20th). Gusty winds and one inch hail were reported in west-central Iowa where Denison (Crawford County) measured a 63 mph gust from a severe-warned thunderstorm. Moderate rainfall was observed across Iowa’s northern quarter with general totals in the 0.10 to 0.30 inch range; Storm Lake (Buena Vista County) measured 0.38 inch. A pocket of thundershowers persisted in eastern Iowa after sunrise, though it quickly dissipated by mid-morning. Another quick-moving severe-warned cell moved through Lee County around the same time dropping one-inch diameter hail and 0.35 inch of rain at Augusta’s station. Clouds hung around for most of the day as afternoon highs held in the upper 60s. A cold front dropped southeast across Iowa overnight into Saturday (21st) shifting winds to the northwest and lowering morning temperatures into the low 40s west. Daytime conditions were colder than average with highs in the low 50s over northern Iowa and low 60s in the southeast corner. Stars gradually emerged as clouds cleared through the early morning hours into Sunday (22nd) with chilly temperatures in the low 30s in western Iowa while mid 40s were recorded east. Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.02 inch in Chariton (Lucas County) to 2.49 inches in Logan. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.43 inch while the normal is 0.97 inch. Little Sioux (Harrison County) reported the week’s high temperature of 94 degrees on the 19th, 20 degrees above normal. Audubon (Audubon County) and Sioux City Airport (Woodbury County) reported the week’s low temperature of 30 degrees on the 22nd, on average 21 degrees below normal. Four-inch soil temperatures were in the low 50s northeast to mid 60s southwest as of Sunday.
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Iowa Wesleyan University Enhances Opportunities with Rock Island Arsenal
Iowa Wesleyan University and Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) officers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last month. This MOU provides flexibility to active duty military members, veterans, and their families who may be seeking a college degree.
The MOU was signed by Colonel Todd J. Allison, Garrison Commander, and Dr. DeWayne Frazier, University Provost, accompanied by the IW Online staff. Dr. Frazier said, “Iowa Wesleyan has long supported the U.S. armed forces; we are pleased to continue this important work with the Rock Island Arsenal. We are proud of our collaboration through the MOU with the Arsenal on making education more accessible and attainable for the individuals employed at the facility.”
Highlights that will serve the troop as they work toward their educational goals include:
- Reduced tuition rates for undergraduate classes: over 40% discount for Active Duty, and 30% discount for veterans, civilian employees of the RIA, and military spouses or dependent.
- Reduced tuition rates for Master of Arts classes: over 50% discount for Active Duty and 30% discount for veterans, civilian employees of the RIA, and military spouses or dependents.
- Additional tuition discount rates for Active Duy Military members seeking a Master of Education degree.
- Flexibility for soldiers and civilian employees when mission requirements interrupt student progress.
RIA Education Services Specialist, Mary Hansarik, stated, “Through Army Continuing Education System, the Rock Island Arsenal U.S. Garrison and Iowa Wesleyan University have partnered to provide postsecondary academic programs and courses to the Arsenal population. The Memorandum of Understanding provides a discounted tuition rate for Soldiers, adult Family Members, and Department of the Army Civilians affiliated with the Arsenal.”
Dr. Frazier added, “We are thankful for the partnership and the small role we can play to support our soldiers and their dependents.”
Clara “Ella” Thompson Burns (final arrangements)
Clara “Ella” Thompson Burns, 92, Bonaparte, died on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 12:50 p.m. at Van Buren County Hospital in Keosauqua. In accordance with her wishes her body has been cremated. A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Bonaparte Baptist Church, with Pastor Mark Caston officiating. Visitation will open at 2:00PM with family present from 5:00 to7:00PM Tuesday May 31, 2022 at Pedrick Funeral Home in Keosauqua. Burial will be at the Bonaparte Cemetery immediately following the service. Memorial contributions in Ella’s memory to the Bonaparte Baptist Church may be left at the church or mailed to the family at 411 Jackson Street, Bonaparte, Iowa 52620. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com
Ella was born February 25, 1930 to George Roy Thompson and Clara Ethel Dorson Thompson in rural Keosauqua. After the death of her mother at the age of 12 she went to live with her maternal grandparents, Otto and Clara Dorson in rural Milton graduating from Milton High School. She married Dean Brown Burns May 29, 1947 in Cantril, Iowa and moved to Bonaparte. Dean died February 25, 2006. Ella was an avid reader, enjoyed bowling and golf. When she was nine years old she was taught by her mother to play the piano and organ. Ella was asked by Gerald Harlan to play the piano at the Bonaparte Baptist Church in April of 1953. The church later purchased its first organ in November of 1954. She was a fixture behind the organ keyboard for nearly 68 years. Ella worked at the Fairfield Glove Factory in Bonaparte for a short time before going to work in the office at Corry’s Machine and Tool in the mid 50’s. She worked there for 16 years before moving to the Record-Republican newspaper for a couple of years. She later worked in the bookkeeping department at Riverside Plastics for 19 years before retiring on November 4, 1996. She is survived by a son, Kenneth and his wife Astrid of Fairfield; a daughter, Shirley and her husband Steve Shriver of Bonaparte; grandchildren, Benjamin Burns of Redding, California; Joshua Burns of Spokane, Washington; Heather Benedict of Shelton, Washington; Jennifer Rowe of Willard, Missouri; Megan Lynn of Bowling Green, Kentucky; Scott Bartholomew and Andy Bartholomew, both of Keosauqua; 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her mother, father, step-mother, Geneva McCash, a grandson, Michael Bartholomew, three sisters, Juanita Meyer, Alice Louise McCumber and infant Alberta Ruth Thompson.
Michael Martin (final arrangements)
Michael “Mike” Robert Martin, 74, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of New London, died Monday, May 23, 2022, at University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City. He was born in Des Moines, January 31, 1948 to Robert Milton and Vera Myrtle Otto Martin.
He was a 1966 graduate of Burlington High School. On December 21, 1970 he married Donna Rae Wilson in Ft. Madison.
Mike worked in manufacturing and as a security guard for West Liberty Foods. He was a diehard Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes fan; enjoyed target shooting; attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events; and loved watching Sci-Fi programs on TV, especially “Supernatural”.
Survivors include his wife of Mt. Pleasant; daughter Wendy (Mike) Neal of North Liberty; son Randy (Gwen) Martin of Mt. Pleasant; four grandchildren, Jessica, Gunnar, Jennifer, and Martin (Kendra); and one sister Judy Topp of South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Elliott Chapel, New London with Pastor Nathan Cooper officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am with the family receiving friends beginning at 10:00 until the time of the service. According to his wishes his body has been cremated and inurnment will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established for New London Fire and Rescue. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Sports, 5.24.22
We will soon have a new voice here at KILJ in the sports department. Parker Testa will be joining our team as the new Sports Director on June 6th. Parker is originally from Indiana, and attended Wright State University in Fairborn, Ohio. With a deep love for all sports, but especially baseball, we are excited for his leadership in our sports department as we start the new season!
Baseball
The New London Tigers enjoyed a 15-1 win over the West Burlington Falcons last night racking up 7 runs in the 3rd inning alone.
Tonight the Winfield-Mt. Union boys high school baseball team will enjoy a homefield advantage against the Louisa Muscatine Falcons at 7 p.m.
The Mount Pleasant boys high school baseball team is gearing up to face Clear Creek-Amana this Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Panthers will enjoy a home field advantage against the 1 and 0 team.
The New London boys high school baseball team will also head to the field this Wednesday in Mediapolis at 7 p.m.
Softball
The Winfield-Mt. Union Wolves secured their first win of the season over Lone Tree in a close game of 6-5.
The West Burlington Falcons gained their first win over New London last night with a final score of 11-1.
Tonight the Winfield-Mt. Union lady wolves softball team will meet the Louisa-Muscatine Falcons on the field in Winfield at 7 p.m.
The New London girls high school softball team will return to the field this Wednesday in Mediapolis at 7 p.m. while Mount Pleasant girls high school softball will face Central Lee with a homefield advantage on Wednesday also at 7 p.m.
Golf
The Washington girls golf team will be returning to the state tournament after finishing first overall at the Class 3A Region 3 final in Oskaloosa. The demons shot a 361 to secure their first-place finish.
The New London girls golf team will also be returning to the state tournament after securing a 351 which is the top score in any Class 1A tournament.
The Girls State golf meet here in Iowa will take place this Thursday and Friday with New London participating in the 1A division in Marshalltown and Washington will be participating in the 3A division just North of Adel, IA. We wish both teams the best of luck as they represent our region at the State Tournament again this year.
KILJ Announces New Sports Director
KILJ Radio is pleased to announce that June 6 Parker Testa is joining our staff as sports director. Parker comes to the KILJ airwaves from Ohio where he has been the sports director at WWSU in Dayton. Parker said, “I’m super excited to be joining the KILJ team and the Mount Pleasant community. When I was in Mount Pleasant during the interview process, I got a great sense of community pride and as a person who takes a lot of pride in where I come from, that is very admirable . I cannot wait to get started and look forward to being involved in the Mount Pleasant community and Southeast Iowa!” Parker has been broadcasting various sporting events for Wright State University as well as hosting a weekly sports talk show.
David Heaton
David A. Heaton, 49, of Mount Pleasant, died Sunday, May 22, 2022, at his home.
David was born July 12, 1972, in Mount Pleasant, the son of David and Carmen (Crawford) Heaton. He attended Mount Pleasant High School where he was a Rotary exchange student to South Africa during his junior year, and graduated in 1991. David earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Luther College as well as sang in the prestigious Nordic Choir. He received his teaching certification from Iowa Wesleyan University. David worked for the Minneapolis National Lutheran Choir. He taught junior high and middle school social studies in West Liberty and Durant. David then began teaching abroad, traveling to Guayaquil, Ecuador and Cartagena, Colombia to teach American history. He was currently teaching social studies at Danville middle school. David was an avid reader and choral music was his passion.
David is survived by his parents David and Carmen Heaton of Mount Pleasant; sister Mary and Ben Carrick of Omaha, Nebraska; a niece and nephew Sophie and Patrick Carrick and aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Ward and Jean Heaton and Philip and Viola Crawford.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, May 27, 2022, 1:00-6:00 pm, with family greeting friends from 4:00-6:00 pm. A memorial fund has been established for the Iowa Wesleyan University Choir. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Gary Sanders
Gary J. Sanders, 77, West Point, Iowa died Monday, May 16, 2022. He was born November 14, 1944, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Paul John and Rosina Elizabeth (Bentler) Sanders. On November 22, 1969, he married Victoria Elizabeth Fedler at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point.
Gary was a 1964 graduate of St. Mary’s Catholic School in West Point. He went to bricklaying school in Storm Lake, Iowa. He was a developer, hobby farmer, and owner of Gary Sanders Masonry. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Pheasants Forever, former board member of Fort Madison Bowling Association, and inductee into the Fort Madison Bowling Association’s Hall of Fame. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, St. Louis Cardinals fan, and a fan of everything that involved his children and/or grandchildren. He enjoyed bowling, hunting, trap shooting, driving his UTV, spending time outside and spending time with his family. He rode RAGBRAI for many years with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Vickie Sanders of West Point; five children: Steve (Dara) Sanders of West Point; Brad (Cara) Sanders of West Point; Pamela (Eric) Merschman of West Point; Rodney (Shana) Sanders of West Point; Kimberly (Dylan) Maki of Juno Beach, Florida; 10 grandchildren: Logan Sanders, Anaka Sanders, Mya Merschman, Kaleb Sanders, Ella Sanders, Dante Merschman, Lauren Sanders, Mason Sanders, Bianca Sanders, and Skyler Sanders; granddog, Monster Maki; six siblings: Kenneth (Judy) Sanders of St. Paul, Iowa; Leroy (Joyce) Sanders of Houghton; Donald (Becky) Sanders of West Point; Gregory Sanders of West Point; Vera Morgart of Davenport, Iowa; Patricia (Thomas) Brodar of Delphi, Indiana; brother-in-law, Howard Fedler of West Point; sisters-in-law, Jane Fedler of Fort Madison and Diane Sanders of Donnellson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Douglas, brother Carl Sanders, brothers-in-law, Conrad Fedler and William “Bill” Morgart, and niece Julie Morgart Sarra.
His family will greet friends from 9:30 – 10:45 am Thursday, May 26, 2022 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, West Point. Mass of Christian Burial will follow and begin at 11:00 am Thursday, May 26, 2022 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, West Point, with Reverend Dennis Hoffman as Celebrant. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, West Point. A memorial has been established for Lee County Conservation and Lee County Pheasants Forever, contributions may be sent to the Barr-Holtkamp Funeral Home, 412 Ave C, P.O. Box 247, West Point, Iowa 52656. Barr-Holtkamp Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sanders Family. An online guest book may be found at www.barrholtkampfuneralhome.com