Marshall Ray Coleman

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 at 9:48 pm CDT

Marshall Ray Coleman, 56, of Lowell, died Monday, April 27, 2020 in the Emergency Department at Great River Medical Center, West Burlington.

He was born April 22, 1964 in Fairfield to Gary Hubert and Gloria Kay Gideon Coleman.  On November 18, 1989 he married JoAnn Krause Campbell in Lubbock, Texas.

He attended school in Fairfield and Albia and graduated from high school in Clovis, New Mexico.

He worked for Wiley Construction in Mt. Pleasant and was a master carpenter who could build anything you put in front of him.  Marshall enjoyed golfing at Deerwood with Archie and Phil; watching football, especially the Hawkeyes; drinking beer with Chad and Mike; fishing and camping; was a cattle farmer; loved to race go-carts with his boys.

Survivors include his wife; his mother Gloria McCabe (Danny Johnston) of Big Springs, Nebraska; step-mother Kay Coleman of Fairfield; his children, Corryne Campbell of Salem, Jonathan Coleman and Stephen Coleman (Shelby Goff), both of New London; grandchildren Alaura and Stryker Sickles; and half-sisters, Terri Helterbran, Michelle Bridges and Mary Coleman.  He was preceded in death by his father; stepfather John McCabe; sister Christine Coleman and an infant brother Reginald Coleman.

According to his wishes his body has been cremated.  In keeping with the Governor’s orders during the COVID-19 health crisis, there will be no formal service.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and a memorial has been established.  Elliott Chapel, New London is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

William W. “Bill” Marley

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 at 9:47 pm CDT

William W. “Bill” Marley, 84, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, April 26, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

A memorial service for Bill Marley will be held at a later date at the First United Methodist Church, 309 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. The Reverend David Bracht-Wagner will officiate. An open visitation will be held from 9 AM to 9 PM on Thursday, April 30 at the Kimzey Funeral Home. The family will not be present during the visitation. Per rules in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, all social distancing and group size regulations will be in force. Friends may also call the funeral home at 385-2244 to have their name placed in the guest book.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the family. On line condolences may be left at www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com.

William Warner Marley was born May 31, 1935 in Fairfield, IA. He was the son of Donald Guthrie and Gladys Electra (Miksch) Marley. Bill graduated from Fairfield High School and enrolled at Parsons College. After his junior year, Bill was called to the service of his country. He was inducted into the United States Army on May 14, 1958 at Ft. Leonardwood, MO. He served in Korea and was honorably discharged on May 13, 1960 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. He was called back as a reservist with Co. B, 495 Engineer Battalion, Mt. Pleasant on Oct. 15, 1961. He was honorable discharge on August 11, 1962 at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

Bill began working for Hy-Vee Food Store in Fairfield while in high school and college. After his first discharge, he was offered at position at the Hy-Vee Store in Mt. Pleasant. It was there that he met his future wife and love of his life. On July 2, 1961 at the former Salem Methodist Church in Salem, IA, Bill was united in marriage to Rosemary Emma Hallowell.

Bill continued on with Hy-Vee as a Shift and Department manager for 40+ full-time years and nearly 50 years including his part-time employment following full time retirement. Rosemary and he also cleaned house for several families in Mt. Pleasant. Bill was a member of the First United Methodist Church. With Rosemary, they were the leaders of the Saturday Night Worship Hospitality Committee and served as Shepherds for the church, calling on those not able to get out often. He was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Lodge #8 AF & AM and the former Order of the Eastern Star Bethlehem Chapter #38. He enjoyed golfing and bowling. He bowled for teams in leagues in Mt. Pleasant, and was inducted into the Mt. Pleasant USBC Hall of Fame in May of 2013. Bill was also a bird enthusiast and loved to learn about different species of birds.

Those thankful for sharing in Bill’s life include his wife of 58 years, Rosemary of Mt. Pleasant; 4 children – Debra (Ted Stoner) Marley of Mt. Pleasant, Dawn (Ron) Walgren of Maui, Hawaii, Denise (Brian) Kirby of Mt. Pleasant and Doug (Ashly) Marley of Mt. Pleasant; a brother, the Rev. Ed (Ann) Marley of Topeka, KS and Mrs. Barb Kurtz of Fairfield; 4 grandchildren – Spencer, Kasey, Chevas (Stacey) and Tanis and a great granddaughter, Cali.

His parents precede Bill in death.

Leo E. Chapuis

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 at 9:41 pm CDT

Leo E. Chapuis, 87, of New London, died April 27, 2020 at New London Specialty Care. He was born September 12, 1932 in Fairfield to Walter E. and Lucille Harriett Comingore Chapuis.  On October 3, 1959 he married Patricia Ann Bloyd in Lewistown, Illinois.  He attended country grade school, graduated from Fairfield High School and was a member of New London United Methodist Church.

Leo served in the Army and National Guard.  He worked at IAAP, General Electric, and retired from Case in 1995.  He also farmed, enjoyed going to auctions, car shows, tractor pulls, sawing wood, working in his shop and helping others.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Deanna Calhoun of Mt. Pleasant and Teresa (Tim) Coleman of Fairfield; four grandchildren, Will, Sarah, Tammy and

Leanne; five great-grandsons, Brock, Kade, Alex, Liam and Hunter; sister Edna Walls of Garland, Texas; sister-in-law Marilyn Gilpin of Lewistown and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Edward and son-in-law Norman Calhoun.

In keeping with Governor Reynolds executive order during the COVID-19 health crisis, a private family graveside service will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Kathleen Moore officiating.  A memorial has been established in his memory.  Elliott Chapel, New London is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Semi Rollover

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 at 4:24 pm CDT

On April 25, 2020, at approximately 3:14AM, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a semi rollover near the intersection of 140th Street and U.S. Highway 218.

After an investigation, it was found that a semi pulling a livestock trailer, which had a full load of pigs, was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 218. The driver, Jeffrey Thom Walker of Oelwein, Iowa, fell asleep while traveling southbound. The semi entered the median side of the roadway. Walker woke up and realized the semi was driving in the median.  Walker attempted to correct this action by re-entering the highway.  After attempting to re-enter the highway, the semi caught the lip/edge of the pavement causing the semi and trailer to roll. After the semi and trailer rolled, they detached from one another. The semi-tractor slid across both southbound lanes of traffic and came to rest in the westside ditch. The trailer came to rest in the median portion of the roadway.

Jeffrey Walker was cited for failing to maintain control of a motor vehicle.

Agencies who assisted with the semi rollover were Wayland, Olds, and Winfield first responders, and Henry County Ambulance.  Walker was transported to Henry County Health Center for suspected minor injuries.

The Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank local area farmers and other members of the public for assisting with the containment and removal of the pigs from the roadway and trailer.

Special School Board Meeting

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 at 1:41 pm CDT

Mount Pleasant Community School District School Board Meeting

Date  Tuesday, April 28, 2020   4:00 PM

Mount Pleasant Community School District:  High School Media Center

Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641

  1. Call to Order
    2.  Roll Call
    3.  Approval of Agenda
    4.  New Business
    a.      Consideration of COVID-19 Pandemic Pay Resolution    (Motion)
    b.      Consideration to Approve Graduation Requirements for Class of 2020 4-Year Cohort and
    Previous Cohorts   (Motion)
    c.       Second Semester 2019-2020 Grading Procedures (Discussion)
    i.      Class of 2020 4-Year Cohort and Previous Cohorts
    ii.      Grades 9-11
    iii.      Grades 6-8
    iv.      Grades PK-5
    d.      Tentative Graduation Ceremony Plans – Saturday, June 27, 2020 (Discussion)
    e.      Adjourn

Iowa Crop Progress and Conditions Report

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 at 1:39 pm CDT

Week of April 20-27, 2020

DES MOINES, Iowa (April 27, 2020) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly from April through November.

“Farmers across Iowa have taken advantage of the warmer weather and widespread dry conditions over the past week,” said Secretary Naig. “The state saw a substantial increase in corn and soybean acres planted, going from 2% last week to 39% with corn progress and 0% to 9% for soybean progress.”

 

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s site at nass.usda.gov/ia.

 

Crop Report

Although most of Iowa received spotty rains, there were 5.3 days suitable for field work during the week ending April 26, 2020, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. In contrast, it was mid-June before Iowa farmers had a week with 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork in 2019.

 

Topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 5 percent short, 85 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus.

 

Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 87 percent adequate and 11 percent surplus.

 

Iowa farmers planted over one-third of the expected corn crop during the week ending April 26, for a total of 39 percent planted.

 

Soybean planting got underway with 9 percent of the expected crop planted, 10 days ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of the average.

 

Only 20 percent of Iowa’s expected oat crop remains to be planted, with just 22 percent of the oat crop emerged.

 

Pasture condition rated 1 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 54 percent good and 10 percent excellent. Cattle have been moved onto pastures in some areas. Warmer and drier conditions improved livestock conditions.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Assists Pork Producers

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 at 1:36 pm CDT

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Assists Pork Producers Impacted by Meat Processing Plant Closures

DES MOINES, IOWA (April 27, 2020) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced several initiatives underway to assist Iowa pork producers impacted by meat processing plant closures related to COVID-19.

“The disruptions at the meat processing facilities have a ripple effect on the entire livestock industry and food supply chain,” said Secretary Naig. “We are working to get Iowa livestock producers the technical and financial resources they need as they look at all options to market and care for their animals.”

State-Level Resources Coordination Center

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has launched a Resources Coordination Center (RCC) to provide technical resources to pork producers impacted by meat processing plants that are running at limited capacity or have shut down.

The RCC brings public and private resources together to explore every option to help producers harvest livestock and meet the protein needs of Iowans. However, livestock farmers may need to explore euthanasia as a last resort to prevent animal welfare issues. Through the RCC, the Department is working with the Iowa Pork Producers Association, the Pork Industry Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to provide technical assistance to impacted pork producers. Additional details will be released in the coming days.

Coordination with USDA-APHIS

The Department last week requested technical and financial assistance from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The requested financial assistance would help livestock producers recover a portion of the euthanasia and disposal costs they may incur due to disruptions in the supply chain.

“We appreciate USDA’s announcement on Friday to launch a coordination center to help bring needed resources to the states,” said Secretary Naig. “We will continue to work with our federal partners to implement solutions that meet the needs of Iowa livestock producers.”

Meeting Protein Needs of Iowans

Through “Pass the Pork,” the Department is working with the Iowa Pork Producers Association to help Iowa pig farmers donate pigs to Iowa food bank feeding programs. Local meat processors are extending their hours of operation to process and package the pork donations to help meet the growing demand for food bank and food pantry resources. Iowa food banks are getting the pork into the hands of those in need.

“At a time when Iowa pig farmers face market challenges and supply chain disruptions, they continue to look for opportunities to help those in need,” said Secretary Naig. “We are proud to partner with Iowa pig farmers, food banks, and meat processors to ensure all Iowans have access to a locally produced, high-quality protein source.”

Iowa Leaders Urge Assistance to Support Pork Producers

By Theresa Rose · Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 at 1:35 pm CDT

Iowa Leaders Urge ‘Immediate Assistance’ from Administration to Support Pork Producers
DES MOINES, Iowa (April 27, 2020) – In a letter to Vice President Mike Pence – the head of the White House Coronavirus Task Force – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley along with Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig are asking for additional support from the administration for the state’s pork producers.

The Iowa leaders write in part, “While the announcement by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service that they are standing up an incident command is helpful and the Interim Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides useful steps for protecting workers, we urgently request the additional following resources and authorities, including invoking the Defense Production Act, that will be required to keep Iowa pork production viable:

  • Packing plant operations: …Worker safety is paramount, and the packing industry is doing everything it can to ensure it and follow local, state and federal recommendations. We urge you to utilize every authority available to keep plants open, and to re-open closed facilities as soon as it is possible to do so safely.
  • Humane euthanasia of hogs: We ask that resources, including and in addition to those announced by APHIS, be deployed to assist in the humane euthanasia of animals. Resources are critically needed both on farm and in harvest facilities not currently producing food to safely, humanely and efficiently depopulate animals.
  • Indemnity: …We strongly urge that farmers are indemnified for their euthanized hogs, including costs associated with depopulation and environmentally sound disposal, to help preserve Iowa’s pork industry. Pork producers also need protection through legal immunity from attempts by activist organizations to penalize producers who are required to take these actions to protect the welfare of their animals.
  • Mental health assistance: …Mental health assistance is important to all affected, but producers who must euthanize animals cannot be forgotten. Providing mental health assistance to farmers, veterinarians and others involved in the difficult decisions and processes around euthanizing and disposing of animals is imperative.”