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Articles by Pat Finan
It's why they play the game
Thank heavens for little girls! Little boys are swell, too, but a couple of girls captured my imagination this weekend as I tried to wrap my mind around the local phenomenon of Coaches vs. Cancer. One had her grandma wrapped around her finger. Mary Keefer was groping for serious words Saturday night when her 3-year-old granddaughter wandered up. Keefer’s face lit up as she picked up Berklee and lost her thought. And that’s what Coaches vs. Cancer is all about.
For what it's worth: Newspaper looks to the future
Hand-me downs and leftovers were part of growing up in a big family. But something new was found every day in our driveway. The Globe-Democrat whumped there every morning. The Post-Dispatch arrived in the afternoon. Newspapers weren’t a luxury to my dad. He didn’t care about the Joneses. He only wanted to keep up with the news. Times change, but one thing hasn’t — newspapers are still relevant. They’re also doing all they can to stay viable.
What's in your job description?
“It’s not in my job description!” A couple of times every day, I fight the temptation to mutter those words. Most folks probably feel that same strain. And a couple of times every day, a co-worker brings pages I’ve printed on our office copier to my desk. It’s not in her job description. It’s just nice. She’s gonna stop being nice - around here, at least. Katie Konrad is leaving the Journal-Express and Marion County Reminder after 18 years.
A crop to feed society's needs
The shade of an apple tree wasn’t enough to keep me cool Sunday, but it reminded me of an important story a friend once shared. It seems that an old man was planting apple trees in a field. A younger guy was passing by and stopped to watch. He couldn’t help but offer an opinion. “You crazy old man!” he shouted. “You’ll never live to eat the apples off those trees!” The old man kept digging, pausing just briefly to respond.
The things we don't talk about
We don’t know what we don’t know. Piercing experiences this past week confirmed this simple truth, pushing me to seek hope that we can make a difference in the lives of struggling young people. It began last Wednesday, as I listened to a litany of speakers share statistics and stories about teen substance abuse in Pella. Their words were compelling, but I couldn’t help but notice the woman across the aisle.
What it's all about
Even the normal was abnormal Monday. Didn’t forget my phone. Did forget my camera. Tried not to let that bother me. As I drove back home to get it, something else was missing — a few hundred golf carts and twice that many slow-moving campers. The bliss of life after Nationals went straight to my foot, and I was lucky that one of Knoxville’s finest wasn’t camped out on the VA campus. Their red and blue flashing lights would have been a very normal sight for me.
J-E's New managing editor says hello: "A new journey begins"
We pulled the U-Haul into my in-laws’ driveway 20 years ago this Sunday. My wife’s whole family helped unload our stuff on that warm August night, and a new journey began. I still joke that we’ve lived here in Knoxville 20 years, so we’re new here! What’s not new to me is newspapering. I am the new managing editor of the Journal-Express, and began work on Tuesday, Aug. 22, in this new position. But, my “news” journey began a long time ago at a young age.
Morse finally OK'd to join Knoxville City Council
— Editor’s Note: In the Aug. 17 issue of the Journal-Express, the article about Dylan Morse being appointed to the Knoxville City Council contained incorrect information. Morse was not approved to join the council at that time; he had been recommended as the leading candidate. The Journal-Express apologizes for the error. KNOXVILLE — The Knoxville City Council appointed Dylan Morse to fill a vacant council seat during a special meeting Wednesday, Aug. 23.
House finds new home in family's farming dream
ATTICA — For Mikol Sesker — and the house she’ll call home — Oct. 25 was a homecoming. Just shy of 3 o’clock on a gray Thursday afternoon, the 110-ton house emerged on the northern horizon, creeping along on the back of a massive trailer. “ OK, I see it!” shouts Jane Sesker, as her daughter’s new house grew from a speck. Sesker’s grandchildren jump around her, peering to see what she does.
Lawyers want another look at civil case
KNOXVILLE — After their motion to vacate a civil jury’s verdict against Jason Carter, his team of lawyers have filed a motion for another review. Attorneys for Jason Carter said the judge did not review all of their new evidence when making the decision to deny their motion for a new trial. In a motion filed Wednesday, Jason Carter’s attorneys outline six evidence offerings that were not reviewed by the court in their Jan.
Carter murder trial moved to Council Bluffs
KNOXVILLE — The murder trial of Jason Carter has been moved to Pottawattamie County. District Judge Brad McCall filed paperwork Tuesday afternoon that moves the case to Council Bluffs. The move comes more than six months after McCall agreed with Carter’s legal team that media coverage of a December 2017 civil trial that found Carter liable for the killing of his mother, Shirley, makes it unlikely that he’d receive a fair, impartial trial in Marion County. The trial will begin March 4.
Event features film, talk on town's rise from racism
KNOXVILLE — When Craig Dudnick returned to his college stomping grounds to try his hand at filmmaking, he had no clue what stories he’d someday tell. “Evanston’s Living History,” a documentary of racism in a town just north of Chicago, will be shown Feb. 15 at the Knoxville Public Library to commemorate Black History Month. But the story behind that story has power of its own. Dudnick’s story begins with Viola Hillsman, the African-American woman cook at his college fraternity.
Knoxville police force adds trainers to guide recruits
KNOXVILLE — Police officers go through plenty of training before they hit the streets, and so do the cops who train them. The Knoxville Police Department not only has three new officers in training, but a few more veterans ready to show them the ropes. Officer Joel Kimpston-Burkgren is in charge of making sure trainee Sam Dykstra gets the hang of his new job. There’s a lot to learn, but public safety starts with keeping the officer safe, Kimpston-Burkgren said.
Lawmakers face flurry of constituents' questions
OSKALOOSA — Recycling, judicial appointments and access to legislative meetings were among concerns that nearly 100 people brewed up Saturday during a listening session with local legislators. State Sen. Ken Rozenboom and Reps. Dustin Hite and Holly Brink responded to constituents who slid into Smokey Row Coffee Co. for an Eggs and Issues forum on another snowy morning. Hite fielded questions about proposed changes to how judges are appointed. A lawyer himself, Hite has helped select judges.
Weather shifts Pella Christian homecoming plans
Severe cold weather that forced the cancellation of three school days also led Pella Christian High School to shift its homecoming plans to next week. Tonight's basketball games against Dallas Center-Grimes will go on as scheduled, but won't be homecoming games. Homecoming activities, which stopped early this week, will resume next Monday. The homecoming games will be played next Thursday vs. Oskaloosa.
Pella native takes one giant leap in 'Shark Tank' pitch
PELLA — If you want to develop a nose for business, it helps to sniff out the problems right in front of you. And no challenge could be more obvious than the smelly shoes of Sierra Smith’s friend. Not long ago, Smith, a Pella native, was brainstorming product ideas with friends at Harvard Business School when someone got too comfortable.
Carter murder trial moved to Council Bluffs
KNOXVILLE — The murder trial of Jason Carter has been moved to Pottawattamie County. District Judge Brad McCall filed paperwork Tuesday afternoon that moves the case to Council Bluffs. The move comes more than six months after McCall agreed with Carter’s legal team that media coverage of a December 2017 civil trial that found Carter liable for the killing of his mother, Shirley, makes it unlikely that he’d receive a fair, impartial trial in Marion County. The trial will begin March 4.
Carter murder trial moved to Pottowattamie County
KNOXVILLE — The murder trial of Jason Carter has been moved to Pottawattamie County. District Judge Brad McCall filed paperwork Tuesday afternoon that moves the case to Council Bluffs. The move comes more than six months after McCall agreed with Carter’s legal team that media coverage of a December 2017 civil trial that found Carter liable for the killing of his mother, Shirley, makes it unlikely that he’d receive a fair, impartial trial in Marion County. The trial will begin March 4.
Pella native takes one giant leap in 'Shark Tank' pitch
PELLA — If you want to develop a nose for business, it helps to sniff out the problems right in front of you. And no challenge could be more obvious than the smelly shoes of Sierra Smith’s friend. Not long ago, Smith, a Pella native, was brainstorming product ideas with friends at Harvard Business School when someone got too comfortable.
Carter murder trial will be moved to Council Bluffs
KNOXVILLE — The murder trial of Jason Carter has been moved to Pottawattamie County. District Judge Brad McCall filed paperwork Tuesday afternoon that moves the case to Council Bluffs. The move comes more than six months after McCall agreed with Carter’s legal team that media coverage of a December 2017 civil trial that found Carter liable for the killing of his mother, Shirley, makes it unlikely that he’d receive a fair, impartial trial in Marion County. The trial will begin March 4.
Raceway Tire to rebuild after snow takes down roof
KNOXVILLE — There’s always plenty of noise at Raceway Tire & Exhaust, but some unique sounds early Wednesday afternoon stirred a sick feeling in store manager Arvin Vander Linden. “We started hearing a couple of strange things going on,” he said. “Then we figured it out. The popping got louder all the time. Then it got to be quite obvious.” What became obvious was the effect of too much snow on the roof at 209 S. Lincoln St. “It’s kind of like a shotgun going off,” Vander Linden said.
Nutrition plan stirs debate between county, seniors
KNOXVILLE — Tensions simmered Tuesday as Marion County leaders and older residents debated an overhaul of the county’s senior nutrition plan. County Public Health Director Kim Dorn and Board of Supervisors Chair Mark Raymie explained a plan they say will more effectively serve people most in need. Dorn unpacked statistics showing declining regular use at congregate dining sites, including the Knoxville and Pleasantville senior centers.
Nutrition plan stirs debate between county, seniors
KNOXVILLE — Tensions simmered Tuesday as Marion County leaders and older residents debated an overhaul of the county’s senior nutrition plan. County Public Health Director Kim Dorn and Board of Supervisors Chair Mark Raymie explained a plan they say will more effectively serve people most in need. Dorn unpacked statistics showing declining regular use at congregate dining sites, including the Knoxville and Pleasantville senior centers.
Cost to find new top cop among 2020 budget needs
KNOXVILLE — Tucked among the bland details of the city’s budget proposal Monday was a unique cost of doing business: Knoxville will have to search for a new top cop. Police Chief Dan Losada will retire in the spring of 2020, and the city will need to hire a consultant to find candidates to replace him. “Law enforcement’s a bit of a specialty position,” Losada said after the City Council met Monday in a “just the facts” tone. “I don’t expect that most of them know what makes a good police leader.
Pella snow ordinance goes into effect at 10 p.m.
The Pella snow ordinance goes into effect at 10 tonight so that city crews can clear snow. Vehicles parked in city streets, alleys and city lots will be ticketed. The ban remains in effect until further notice.
Famed magician Flom coming to KPAC on Jan. 31
KNOXVILLE — Justin Flom’s greatest trick might be escaping his father’s career path. Instead of following those paternal footsteps as an insurance salesman, Flom was inspired by his dad’s magical hobby. The Floms built magic tricks in their garage in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and performed them far and wide at county fairs and churches. “I grew up jumping in and out of magic boxes from the age of two years old,” Flom says.
UPDATE: Missing teen found safe in south Texas
PELLA — Liberty Boley, a 14-year-old Melcher girl who had been missing since Monday afternoon, has been found safe in south Texas. Department of Human Services staff in both Texas and Iowa are arranging her return home. Marion County Sheriff Jason Sandholdt said early Friday afternoon that he couldn’t release details about how Boley got to Texas or who she was with, saying that would interfere with the criminal investigation into the case. No charges have been filed, he said.
Pella gets first glimpse at future facility needs
PELLA — An architect gave Pella leaders a peek at potential solutions to the city’s growing needs for facilities Tuesday night. Most city buildings won’t be adequate for Pella in 2040, but Brian Bergstrom offered a glimpse into the future and suggested some first steps. The city’s community center rose to the top of priorities identified in a needs assessment led by the firm Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.
Town's teamwork key to kicking cancer, coach says
KNOXVILLE — After raising more than $500,000 over 10 years of Knoxville’s Coaches vs.Cancer event, Jim and Angie Uitermarkt focus on a value that makes his varsity girls a success on the basketball court: teamwork. “Angie and I make a great team in life in general, and that leads to us working so well together on this,” Uitermarkt said amid the busy run-up to Saturday’s 11th annual effort. Coaches vs.
UPDATE: Missing teen found safe in south Texas
KNOXVILLE — Liberty Boley, a 14-year-old Melcher girl who had been missing since Monday afternoon, has been found safe in south Texas. Department of Human Services staff in both Texas and Iowa are arranging her return home. Marion County Sheriff Jason Sandholdt said early Friday afternoon that he couldn’t release details about how Boley got to Texas or who she was with, saying that would interfere with the criminal investigation into the case. No charges have been filed, he said.
Houses move Habitat's mission in different ways
PELLA — They’re no longer next-door neighbors, but two houses recently moved from Independence Street will open new doors to Habitat for Humanity’s mission in Marion County. The house formerly at 704 Independence St. was moved Friday to 130 Brook Circle. It will play a more traditional Habitat role. Once it’s set on its foundation and fixed up a bit, the three-bedroom, one-bath house will become home to a low-income family paying a zero-interest loan.
Houses move Habitat's mission in different ways
PELLA — They’re no longer next-door neighbors, but two houses recently moved from Independence Street will open new doors to Habitat for Humanity’s mission in Marion County. The house formerly at 704 Independence St. was moved Friday to 130 Brook Circle. It will play a more traditional Habitat role. Once it’s set on its foundation and fixed up a bit, the three-bedroom, one-bath house will become home to a low-income family paying a zero-interest loan.
Pella gets first glimpse at future facility needs
PELLA — An architect gave Pella leaders a peek at potential solutions to the city’s growing needs for facilities Tuesday night. Most city buildings won’t be adequate for Pella in 2040, but Brian Bergstrom offered a glimpse into the future and suggested some first steps. The city’s community center rose to the top of priorities identified in a needs assessment led by the firm Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.
Senior nutrition proposal focuses on neediest, Dorn says
KNOXVILLE — While a discussion next Tuesday on proposed changes to the Marion County’s senior nutrition has the potential for turbulence, the plan’s designer said she hopes county supervisors and senior citizens alike understand its focus on helping those most in need. “Change is so hard, but that doesn’t mean change is bad,” said Kim Dorn, director of Marion County Health Department. Dorn said that supervisors challenged her to find a better way to spend county money more effectively.
Coaches vs. Cancer activities postponed to Thursday
KNOXVILLE — The Coaches vs. Cancer activities and basketball games set for Saturday night have been canceled due to severe winter weather. The varsity girls and boys and games against Chariton will be played Thursday. Girls coach Jim Uitermarkt, who leads the annual effort, said Friday night that most activities will go on as usual Thursday. The silent auction will begin right after school lets out. The alumni basketball games won’t be played Thursday but might be made up at a later date, he said.
Senior nutrition plan focuses on neediest, Dorn says
KNOXVILLE — While a discussion next Tuesday on proposed changes to the Marion County’s senior nutrition has the potential for turbulence, the plan’s designer said she hopes county supervisors and senior citizens alike understand its focus on helping those most in need. “Change is so hard, but that doesn’t mean change is bad,” said Kim Dorn, director of Marion County Health Department. Dorn said that supervisors challenged her to find a better way to spend county money more effectively.
UPDATE: Missing teen found safe in south Texas
KNOXVILLE — Liberty Boley, a 14-year-old Melcher girl who had been missing since Monday afternoon, has been found safe in south Texas. Department of Human Services staff in both Texas and Iowa are arranging her return home. Marion County Sheriff Jason Sandholdt said early Friday afternoon that he couldn’t release details about how Boley got to Texas or who she was with, saying that would interfere with the criminal investigation into the case. No charges have been filed, he said.
Houses move Habitat's mission in different ways
PELLA — They’re no longer next-door neighbors, but two houses recently moved from Independence Street will open new doors to Habitat for Humanity’s mission in Marion County. The house formerly at 704 Independence St. was moved Friday to 130 Brook Circle. It will play a more traditional Habitat role. Once it’s set on its foundation and fixed up a bit, the three-bedroom, one-bath house will become home to a low-income family paying a zero-interest loan.
Corps warns people to stay off ice at Lake Red Rock
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Red Rock is warning visitors to stay off the ice. Recent warm and cold weather, along with rain and snow, decrease the stability of ice conditions. Ice on reservoirs is extra dangerous due to the water constantly moving beneath the ice's surface. The reservoir's water level fluctuates daily causing the ice to weaken. The Corps encourages people to use extreme caution along the shoreline and not go out onto the ice.
Corps warns people to stay off ice at Lake Red Rock
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Red Rock is warning visitors to stay off the ice. Recent warm and cold weather, along with rain and snow, decrease the stability of ice conditions. Ice on reservoirs is extra dangerous due to the water constantly moving beneath the ice's surface. The reservoir's water level fluctuates daily causing the ice to weaken. The Corps encourages people to use extreme caution along the shoreline and not go out onto the ice.
UPDATE: Missing teen found safe in south Texas
KNOXVILLE — Liberty Boley, a 14-year-old Melcher girl who had been missing since Monday afternoon, has been found safe in south Texas. Department of Human Services staff in both Texas and Iowa are arranging her return home. Marion County Sheriff Jason Sandholdt said early Friday afternoon that he couldn’t release details about how Boley got to Texas or who she was with, saying that would interfere with the criminal investigation into the case. No charges have been filed, he said.
Teacher's resignation draws chorus of concern
PELLA — Michelle Chaplin’s resignation as vocal music teacher at Pella High School was accepted Monday night, but only after 20 people spoke in support of her. Chaplin, who also directs the school’s show choirs and other extracurriculars, announced that she’d step down during a Jan. 10 event involving choir members and their families.
Town's teamwork key to kicking cancer, coach says
KNOXVILLE — After raising more than $500,000 over 10 years of Knoxville’s Coaches vs.Cancer event, Jim and Angie Uitermarkt focus on a value that makes his varsity girls a success on the basketball court: teamwork. “Angie and I make a great team in life in general, and that leads to us working so well together on this,” Uitermarkt said amid the busy run-up to Saturday’s 11th annual effort. Coaches vs.
Goodwill store to close Feb. 24
KNOXVILLE — Goodwill of Central Iowa announced Tuesday that it will close its Knoxville store Feb. 24. Goodwill said decreasing sales and donations and increasing transportation costs drove its decision. Goodwill has been in Knoxville since 1999. The store hasbeen at 1302 N. Lincoln St. since 2011. It employs five full-time workers and two part-timers. The store, a leased space, will stop accepting donations Feb. 3.
Seniors convince board to return graduation to gym
KNOXVILLE — Graduation ceremonies will return to the Knoxville High School gymnasium in May after senior class leaders swayed the district’s school board Monday night. The Class of 2018 graduated from the air-conditioned comfort of the Knoxville Performing Arts Center after temperatures near 100 degrees stirred health concerns about holding commencement in the gym. But while KPAC offered 68 degrees of coolness, it also seats about 700, so each graduate could invite only six guests.
County under winter storm warning
A state DOT plow camera shared this image late Saturday morning along Highway 92 near Tracy. A state DOT plow camera shared this image late Saturday morning along Highway 92 near Tracy. Marion County is under a winter storm warning until 6 p.m. One to four more inches of snow are expected through Saturday afternoon, bringing snowfall totals to five to nine inches. Most area roads are snow-covered as state Department of Transportation and county plows work to keep up with the snowfall.
Groups bark up city's tree for help
PELLA — Proponents of three diverse projects made pitches to get their efforts into Pella’s budget plans during a City Council work session Tuesday night. Council members hinted at support of a dog park, the surfacing of a road near a church and the creation of a playground for people living with special needs. Council members walked carefully through talk of a partnership with the Pella Dog Park Association to build a four-acre site where dogs can play, with most saying they support it.
Nutrition program overhaul plan concerns seniors
VILLE — Older Marion County residents are hungry for details about proposed changes to the county’s senior nutrition program. Nearly 50 of them met Friday at the Knoxville Senior Center to voice frustration and develop their response to a plan that county leaders say would better serve those most in need. The impact of the county’s plan on congregate meal facilities and Meals on Wheels delivery drew the greatest concern.
County nutrition program overhaul concerns seniors
KNOXVILLE — Older Marion County residents are hungry for details about proposed changes to the county’s senior nutrition program. Nearly 50 of them met Friday at the Knoxville Senior Center to voice frustration and develop their response to a plan that county leaders say would better serve those most in need. The impact of the county’s plan on congregate meal facilities and Meals on Wheels delivery drew the greatest concern.
Cops' cacophony is music to city leaders' ears
KNOXVILLE — City Hall buzzed Monday after three new officers were sworn in to serve the Knoxville Police Department. Shortly after Mayor Brian Hatch gave the oath to Amber Santoro, Brandon Hills and Sam Dykstra, their friends and family spilled out of the City Council chambers to congratulate them, and it got a little loud. Hatch struggled to be heard as he moved on with more mundane agenda items. Police Chief Dan Losada sat nearby, not inclined to arrest anyone for disturbing the peace.
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