Panel rejects $1M payouts to inmates given vaccine overdoses
October 3, 2022 GMTDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A state board on Monday rejected claims for $1 million payments for 52 prison inmates who were given six times the proper dose of COVID-19 vaccines last year.
The three-member State Appeals Board, which considers state legal financial obligations, unanimously denied the claims from inmates who received the extra doses in April 2021.
Wind energy plants in Kansas, Iowa closing, could reopen
May 20, 2022 GMTHUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — The Siemens Gamesa plants in Hutchinson, Kansas, and Fort Madison, Iowa, will be shut down and most employees will be laid off this summer, company officials said Friday.
The company, which is based in Spain, said the plants could reopen if market conditions improve, The Hutchinson News reported.
Leader of Cedar Rapids-area drug ring sentenced to 30 years
March 19, 2022 GMTCEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa. (AP) — A Cedar Rapids man who investigators said led a drug trafficking ring has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
George Patrick Ashby, 62, was sentenced Friday after being convicted last year of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Siemens Gamesa lays off workers in Kansas, Iowa
February 10, 2022 GMTHUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Inc. plans to lay off workers in Kansas and Iowa because of a reduction in orders for commercial wind turbines.
The company, which manufactures wind turbines, announced Wednesday that 69 employees will lose jobs in Hutchinson, Kansas, and 121 jobs will end in Fort Madison, Iowa.
Inmate assault sends Iowa correctional officer to hospital
January 11, 2022 GMTFORT MADISON, Iowa (AP) — A correctional officer has been hospitalized after he was assaulted by an inmate at the Iowa State Penitentiary.
The Iowa Department of Corrections said staff were able to restrain the inmate after the Friday night assault.
Amtrak service returns to historic Fort Madison station
December 13, 2021 GMTFORT MADISON, Iowa (AP) — Passengers trains will begin stopping Wednesday at Fort Madison's historic station for the first time in more than 50 years.
David Handera, an Amtrak vice president, announced Friday night during an event in Fort Madison that eastbound and westbound Southwest Chief trains would begin stopping at the old station on Wednesday.
Iowa’s longest serving prison inmate dies at age 84
December 9, 2021 GMTDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A man man convicted of killing a northeast Iowa police officer nearly 65 years ago who later saw his death sentenced commuted to life in prison has died at the state penitentiary in Fort Madison, Iowa corrections officials said Thursday.
17-year-old charged with first-degree murder in Fort Madison
November 5, 2021 GMTFORT MADISON, Iowa (AP) — A 17-year-old from the southeastern Iowa town of Fort Madison is now charged in the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy.
Authorities said Thursday that Dimari D.J. Meredith was charged with first-degree murder.
17-year-old in custody in shooting death of 15-year-old
November 4, 2021 GMTFORT MADISON, Iowa (AP) — Police in the southeastern Iowa town of Fort Madison have arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old.
Fort Madison man dies after being found with stab wound
October 20, 2021 GMTFORT MADISON, Iowa (AP) — A Fort Madison man died Tuesday after being found with a stab wound in his apartment complex.
Fort Madison police were called to the apartment complex and found the man lying in an upstairs hallway, KHQA-TV reported.
Nurse who gave Iowa inmates vaccine overdoses appeals firing
July 22, 2021 GMTIOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — One of two Iowa prison nurses fired for accidentally giving dozens of inmates large overdoses of the coronavirus vaccine is appealing her termination, arguing she is “blameless" for the mix-up.
Iowa voting rights activist considers run for Iowa governor
July 12, 2021 GMTDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa voting rights activist Deidre DeJear said Monday that she is considering a run for Iowa governor.
Wondra seeks third term on FM School Board
August 10, 2017 GMTThe right fit for the school board could have been there all along.
Dr. Tim Wondra is one of six candidates looking to fill one of three seats available on the Fort Madison Community School District’s School Board at the Sept.
Anderson seeks ‘balance’ in FM school district
August 9, 2017 GMTA focal point in Gunther Anderson’s school board candidacy is balance.
Anderson is one of six candidates looking to fill one of the three seats available on the Fort Madison Community School District’s School Board at the Sept.
RiverFest begins Thursday
August 2, 2017 GMTSome things do get easier thee second time around.
Charles Craft, event co-chair for the second annual revived RiverFest, said he is finding that to be true with regard to the four-day festival that begins Thursday in Fort Madison’s Riverview Park.
Lyndy Howard Williams
July 31, 2017 GMTLyndy Howard Williams, 55, of Burlington, passed away at 5:22 p.m. Friday, July 28, 2017, at Select Specialty Hospital in Davenport.
He was born on May 3, 1962, in Orange County, Calif., to Howard and Mary Lambright Williams.
Neva L. Peak
July 31, 2017 GMTNeva L. Peak, 87, of Fort Madison, and formerly of Table Grove, Ill., passed away at 8:45 p.m. Friday, July 28, 2017, at her home.
She was born on Oct. 28, 1929, in Doddsville, Ill., to Henry and Faire Prather Warrington.
Fred Harold Doty
July 27, 2017 GMTFred Harold Doty, 96, of Fort Madison, died at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at his home.
He was born Oct. 23, 1920, in Iowa, a son of Warren and Sophie (Winkler) Doty.
FM man facing drug, weapon charges
July 27, 2017 GMTA Fort Madison man was arrested Wednesday on felony and misdemeanor drug charges by the Lee County Narcotics Task Force.
Leonard Joseph Frantz Jr.
July 17, 2017 GMTLeonard Joseph “Joe” Frantz Jr, 94 years, of Fort Madison, died at 9 a.m. Friday, July 7, 2017, at the Fort Madison Community Hospital in Fort Madison.
He was born Dec. 23, 1922, in Aurora, Ill., a son of Leonard Joseph Sr.
Mary Jo Boeding
July 17, 2017 GMTMary Jo Boeding, 74, of West Point, passed away at 10 p.m. Saturday, July 15, 2017 at the West Point Care Center.
She was born Aug. 26, 1942 in Fort Madison, the daughter of Leo and Letha (Wenke) Weidmann.
Fort Madison High School ends baseball season
July 17, 2017 GMTFAIRFIELD — Ryan Steffensmeier had the only hit for the Fort Madison High School baseball team in its 16-1 loss Friday night in a Class 3A district game at the Trojans’ diamond.
The game went just four innings and ended a long season for the young Bloodhounds at 1-32.
Gas line erupts; area temporarily evacuated
July 6, 2017 GMTConstruction workers apparently struck a gas line while working on the 15th Street road project about 1:30 Thursday afternoon.
The Fort Madison Fire Department and Fort Madison Police Department responded and evacuated the area from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Council approves cash, TIF for Boulders Inn
July 6, 2017 GMTThe Fort Madison City Council moved its regular meeting from Tuesday so that council members could spend the Fourth of July holiday with their families, but the following day it was right back to work for the panel.
Fort Madison man wins $30,000 in lottery scratch game
July 6, 2017 GMTJohn Mix of Fort Madison win a $30,000 lottery prize, the 28th of 91 top prizes in the Iowa Lottery’s “Bonus Crossword” Scratch game.
Mix bought his winning ticket at Hy-Vee, 2606 Ave. L, in Fort Madison.
YMCA’s Kindermusik begins July 10
July 6, 2017 GMTFort Madison YMCA Kindermusik second summer session will start July 10.
The Summer Kindermusik program will be with licensed Kindermusik instructor Hannah Fehseke.
There will be four programs available for children from new born to 4 year olds.
Jean A. Schneider
July 5, 2017 GMTJean A. Schneider, 86, of Fort Madison, passed away at 3:25 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, 2017, at The Madison.
She was born on April 27, 1931, in Lewis County, Mo., to Hugh and Naomi Cain LaVelle. She married Robert C.
FMHS softball team wins Northeast Tournament title
July 3, 2017 GMTGOOSE LAKE — Kamryn Bailey went 5-for-11 in three games for Fort Madison High School, which won the Northeast High School tournament Saturday by taking all three games.
Bailey, Lex Schmidt and Chayse Lowney all made the all-tournament team.
Bryan K. Brookhart
June 29, 2017 GMTBryan Keith Brookhart, 41 of Kahoka, Mo., passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill.
He was born August 14, 1975 in Iowa City. He was the son of Mark Brookhart and Theodora Rose Swartz.
Glen Wayne Howell
June 22, 2017 GMTGlen Wayne Howell, 89, of Fort Madison, passed away at 2:20 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at the Clark County Nursing Home in Kahoka, Mo.
He was born on May 8, 1928, on a farm north of Luray Mo., the sixth of nine siblings to Victor and Imogene Dietrich Howell.
Wrestlers compete at Loras camp
June 16, 2017 GMTA group of 15 wrestlers from the Fort Madison Kids Wrestling Club took part in the Iron Sharpens Iron Wrestling Camp this past week at Loras College in Dubuque.
A total of 16 clubs took part in the camp, which ran Monday through Thursday, and Fort Madison finished fifth in team duals competition.
Fort Madison will host King Kat tourney in August
June 16, 2017 GMTA boat load of fish will win a lucky fisherman a boat load of money.
When Cabela’s King Kat Tournament Trail makes a stop in Fort Madison on Aug. 11 and Aug. 12, the stakes will be high for fishermen who plan to travel to the area to take part in the event.
FMCH makes list of 100 Great Community Hospitals – again
June 14, 2017 GMTFor a fourth year, Fort Madison Community Hospital has been named by Becker’s Hospital review to the 100 Great Community Hospitals list.
The hospitals included on this list are recognized for quality, patient satisfaction and overall excellence.
Amarillo opens Music in the Park series
June 13, 2017 GMTOn Friday, June 23, if you are a fan of classic cars, enjoy music of the 50s and 60s and soft country sounds, as well as great food in a beautiful historic park setting, Old Settlers Park at Fourth Street and Avenue E in Fort Madison is the place to be.
Society and Commission selling park-to-park signs
June 5, 2017 GMTDuring a recent Fort Madison City Council meeting, Mayor Brad Randolph proclaimed May as National History Preservation Month.
According to the document read by Randolph, historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth and sustainable development, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character while enhancing livability.
FM library summer program kicks off Wednesday
June 5, 2017 GMTIf you are interested in a few library activities this summer, this week is the perfect time to sign up.
The Fort Madison Public Library started its summer reading program Tuesday, one for children, one for teens ages 13-18, and another for adults.
City Band begins season Sunday
June 2, 2017 GMTThe Fort Madison City Band will perform their first concert of the season at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 4, in Fort Madison’s Central Park.
Lisa Knipe, the Fort Madison Middle School Band Director, will direct the band.
Fidget gadget: tool or toy?
June 2, 2017 GMTTapping your fingers on a desk. Tapping a pencil on a desk. Twirling your hair.
All are ways that people fidget.
But use a three-leaf clover propeller device that users can spin around and around to presumably help them focus — and add 25 classmates — and what has become a highly popular stress-reliever/toy becomes a distraction.
Hesse Seventh Street Market Place opens
June 2, 2017 GMTDowntown Fort Madison has suffered the loss of a couple of bedrock businesses in the past several months. The Fort Madison Chamber of Commerce has been working to bring people in but to no avail. But just when things for small businesses in the area started looking bad, along comes the Hesse Seventh Street Market Place.
Doloros “Dodie” Jerome
June 1, 2017 GMTDoloros “Dodie” Jerome of Fort Madison passed away Feb. 4, 2017.
Born Feb. 8, 1931, she was the only child of Frank and Margaret Gantz. Dodie was raised near Packwood.
She attended Parsons College in Fairfield, where she met and married Wilson “Bill” Jerome on Feb.
Others would love to visit just like we did
June 1, 2017 GMTI would like to share with you and your readers my recent delightful experience while visiting your locality the weekend of Mother’s Day, May 14. I confess that, as a native Iowa from the northwestern county of Pocahontas, the only thing I knew about Fort Madison was that it had a penitentiary.
Fort Madison library offers more than books
May 26, 2017 GMTThe library of today is more than just books. Much more.
At the Fort Madison Public Library, one can, of course, find books to fit all needs and all interests. Books of history; mystery; geography; religious theology; mythology; romance; war; fiction; non-fiction; government; financial; how-to books; self-esteem readings; biographies; autobiographies; parenting; grandparenting.
Two inducted into FMHS Alumni Hall of Honor
May 26, 2017 GMTPrior to the Fort Madison Senior Awards Ceremony, Fort Madison High School administrators recognized two alums at the 4th Alumni Hall of Honor reception Tuesday night.
The Hall of Honor recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves based on career accomplishments, community service, personal and/or academic excellence and dedication to lifelong learning to mention a few.
Derek Jeremiah Bowden
May 26, 2017 GMTDerek Jeremiah Bowden, 42, of Fort Madison, passed away at 5:43 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at Fort Madison Community Hospital.
He was born on Dec. 22, 1974, in Sioux City, to Kirk Palmer and Debra Jo Schuur, but was raised by Willie Bowden.
Virginia Carson
May 26, 2017 GMTVirginia “Maxine” Carson, 85, of Monticello, Georgia, and formerly of Fort Madison, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at Jasper Memorial Hospital in Monticello.
She was born on July 6, 1931, in Leon, to Heston and Beatrice Martin Ivins.
FM woman leads authorities on 16-mile pursuit and hits patrol car
April 28, 2017 GMTHAMILTON, Ill. – A Fort Madison woman fled a traffic stop, led police on a 16-mile pursuit, and rammed a patrol vehicle early Friday morning in Hancock County, Ill.Hamilton, Ill., Police Chief Nick Jamerson said a Hamilton officer conducted a traffic stop at approximately 2:40 a.m.
Charlene Gale Warner
April 28, 2017 GMTCharlene Gale Warner, 61, of Fort Madison, passed away at 7:17 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at The Madison.
She was born on April 18, 1956, in Fort Madison, to Harry S. and Betty J. Holland Staub.
Lee Grafton Young
April 28, 2017 GMTLee Grafton Young, 84, of Fort Madison, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at Trinity Medical Center in Rock Island, Ill.
He was born on Oct. 24, 1932, in Oklahoma City, OK, to Aubrey and Marjorie Lovelace Young.
Music to their young ears
April 28, 2017 GMTAmy Mason doesn’t need to see the research of the benefits of music for a person’s mental health. She’s seen the benefits up close.
It’s been well established by scientists that listening to, playing and hearing music to music has positive effects on the brain.
Central, FMHS boys run at Mediapolis
April 26, 2017 GMTMEDIAPOLIS — Heading into the prestigious Drake Relays, Central Lee High School’s 4x100-meter relay team beat its previous best time by a half second Tuesday at the Mediapolis Invitational.
But that was just one of the high points for the Hawks, according to Coach Derek Merk.
Public invited to meet new FMHS coaches
April 25, 2017 GMTFort Madison High School will host a Meet the Coaches event for new football coach Tony Shiffman and new volleyball coach Kent Bailey this Friday at 3:30 p.m. at the FMHS Media Center.
Shiffman is coming to Fort Madison from Clarksville, Tenn.
Air quality cited for LCHD evacuation
April 25, 2017 GMTPotential health issues “related to air quality” are being cited by officials as the reason for evacuating Lee County Health Department employees from their offices at 2210 Ave. H last week.
LCHD employees have been temporarily relocated to the North County Office Building in Fort Madison.
Fundraiser planned for Sheriff’s K-9 unit
April 25, 2017 GMTA raffle is being held as a fundraiser for the Lee County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 project. Chances are being offered by the Lee County K-9 Association on a Shindaiwa multi-tool trimmer ($620 value), donated by Armstrong Tractor LLC, Donnellson.
100 volunteers clean up the acts of others
April 24, 2017 GMTYou don’t need a degree in Environmental Science to know this fact:
Volunteers sought for FM Community Cleanup
April 20, 2017 GMTThe Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce is coordinating a volunteer community effort designed to remove litter and debris from parks, recreational areas, shorelines and waterways, while inspiring generations of environmental stewards.
FM woman nabbed by drug task force
April 18, 2017 GMTA Fort Madison woman was arrested Thursday on misdemeanor drug charges by the Lee County Narcotics Task Force.
Shawna Virgil, 42, 2637 Ave. I, is charged with maintaining a drug house, an aggravated misdemeanor; two counts of possession of a controlled substance (clonazepam and marijuana); and possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor.
Braden is a united county man
April 18, 2017 GMTI’ve been reading some people’s opinions about “North Lee” v. “South Lee” regarding the appointment of Ross Braden as Lee County Attorney, and the now upcoming election.
Ross has deep roots in Keokuk, Fort Madison and West Point, with friends in the surrounding areas as well.
P.A.W. plans trivia night and more
April 17, 2017 GMTCommunity groups are rallying around Fort Madison’s no-kill animal shelter to help it raise the $18,000 to replace a failing septic system.
Within the last week, Lee County Bank employees donated $510 raised from a bake sale and a fellow local nonprofit organization, Lights, Camera, Action, Inc.
FMMS students plant 64 trees along new trail
April 14, 2017 GMTFort Madison Middle School students plant 64 trees along the new trail near the west-end Fort Madison Community School District property Thursday morning.
About 45 students from the Student Council and National Honor Society did some community service yesterday.
Harvestville preps for FM move
April 13, 2017 GMTDONNELLSON — When Jimmy and Hitomi Wendorf purchased the Hesse building, calling it the Hesse Seventh Street Market Place, the idea was to fill the ground floor with several unique businesses. One of these is Harvestville Farms.
Setting the record straight on claims made in County Attorney race
April 13, 2017 GMTI wish to respond to the letter written by Kendra Abfalter, and I would ask that Mr. Boddicker’s supporters keep this campaign honest. Unfortunately, his supporters feel misleading the public is the way to get votes to go their way.
Emily Jacobsmeier
April 13, 2017 GMTEmily Jacobsmeier, 80, of Davenport, and formerly of Ft. Madison, passed away at 5:11 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf.
She was born on Nov. 2, 1936, in Fort Madison, to Manuel and Sara Pabon Cangas.
Lola J. Brown
April 12, 2017 GMTLola J. Brown, 85, of Montrose, died Monday, April 10, 2017, at the Fort Madison Community Hospital, Fort Madison.
She was born on Aug. 26, 1931, in Fairbault, Minn., the daughter of William and Joy Shepard Wulf.
Two nabbed by drug task force
April 12, 2017 GMTA Fort Madison man and a Warsaw, Ill. man face misdemeanor drug charges after being arrested by the Lee County Narcotics Task Force in separate incidents.
Plea deal reached in attempted murder case
April 12, 2017 GMTThe trial of a Fort Madison man charged with two counts of first degree attempted murder was over before it began Tuesday morning.
John Huss, 29, Fort Madison, was to begin Tuesday at the North Lee County Courthouse in Fort Madison.
Thanks to those cleaning up our city
April 12, 2017 GMTI would like to thank al, people involved in the roadside cleanup on March 24. The area cleaned was X32, from Airport Road to the Highway 61 Bypass.
Thanks to Mike Linnenbrink, the students and teachers from Holy Trinity, Stacy Weber, Craig Burch and Scott Edwards from the Lee County Sheriff’s Department and Lee County Supervisor Don Hunold.
Huss attempted murder case over
April 11, 2017 GMTEven before the first degree attempted murder trial of John Huss, 29, Fort Madison, began Tuesday morning, it was over. After a delay in the trial selection, Judge Michael Schilling announced to the jury pool that attorneys on both sides of the case had reached a plea deal concerning the case and released the 50 possible jurors.
FM man charged with going armed with intent
April 11, 2017 GMTA Fort Madison man was arrested Sunday and charged with going armed with intent, a class D felony.
According to Police Chief Tim Sittig, William Kenneth Lloyd King, 24, 1615 37th St., Fort Madison, was apparently arguing with family members and things went from bad to worse.
FMAAA announces winners in high school competition
April 11, 2017 GMTThe Fort. Madison Area Arts Association unveiled winners of the Annual High School Competition at the reception Saturday.
Lee County Bank is the sponsor for this month’s show. Viewing available all month long Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.
Boddicker has experience
April 11, 2017 GMTI retired last February after almost 40 years as Lee County Attorney. Before retiring, I recommended my First Assistant, Clinton Boddicker, to the Board of Supervisors to be appointed to finish out the balance of my unexpired term.
Pamela Sue Geertz
April 7, 2017 GMTPamela Sue Geertz, 61, of Muscatine, passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at her home.
A graveside service will be held at noon Saturday, April 8, 7, at Memorial Park Cemetery. Chaplain Scott Minteer will officiate.
Classes, new businesses planned for Hesse building
April 7, 2017 GMT“I wish I could make that.”
“How did she think to combine those two flavors?”
And how many times have you spoken or heard those words, or that sentiment expressed, while enjoying a unique dish by a professional chef?
FMHS, Central run at Keokuk Relays
April 7, 2017 GMTKEOKUK — Fort Madison High School and Central Lee competed in the Keokuk Relays boys track meet Thursday at Calvert Stadium.
Fort Madison finished second behind Rushville-Industry 151-105. Warsaw beat Central for third, 84-74, in the seven-team meet.
Paula P. Patino
April 5, 2017 GMTPaula P. Patino, 95, of Springfield, Ill., passed away at 1:15 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Pleasant Hill Village.
Paula was born on March 5, 1922, in Fort Madison, the daughter of Ladislao M.
Paula Sue (Barnes) Ayres
April 5, 2017 GMTPaula Sue (Barnes) Ayres, 66, of Fort Madison, passed away on March 31, 2017, at her home, in Homosassa, Fla.
Visitation will be held at McCurdy Funeral Home in Lockhart, Texas 3-5 p.m. Saturday with the funeral service to follow at 5 p.m.
LULAC planning Fun Run/Walk
April 5, 2017 GMTThe LULAC will have its second annual 5K Fun Run/Walk, as part of its Cinco de Mayo celebration, at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 5.
The registration deadline is Friday, April 7. Day-of-the-race registrations are welcome, but will not be guaranteed an event t-shirt.
City officials move forward with putting YMCA in charge of pool
April 5, 2017 GMTCity officials are going to move forward with turning operations of the Fort Madison Municipal Pool over to the YMCA, but they gave the green light only after a lot of discussion Tuesday night at the Fort Madison City Council meeting.