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— A traffic stop in northeast Missouri has led to the arrest of a southeast Iowa woman.Just after 10 p.m
a Palmyra police officer pulled over a vehicle on U.S
Highway 61 for a lane violation.During the stop
the officer saw indications of possible illegal activity.During a search of the vehicle
a loaded firearm and approximately 47 ounces of suspected narcotics
was taken into custody without incident.She was charged with:
Hoadley is currently being held in the Marion County jail
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Situated on bluffs between the Des Moines and Mississippi rivers in the southeastern corner of Iowa
the small town of Keokuk is the southernmost city in the state
With a population just over 9,900 and approximately 10 square miles in area
Keokuk ranks 36th on the list of Iowa's largest cities
the city makes up for in big opportunities
EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister presented a $2 million check funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help Keokuk achieve its goal of revitalizing an abandoned carbide plant – no small feat for a small Midwestern town
this funding did not come from circumstance
Keokuk's $2 million grant was one of the largest grants offered in 2023 by EPA Region 7's Brownfields program and is a testament to years of redevelopment efforts and building local
Keokuk’s economy depended heavily on industrial manufacturing
the Elkem-Carbide plant halted operations and the site quickly fell into disrepair after the factory's closure
where it gave way to deteriorating conditions and vandalism
The Elkem-Carbide site covers approximately 79 acres and consists of over a dozen buildings used for several industrial purposes since the plant opened in the 1920s
The site now has several environmental concerns
including residual contamination from toxic materials
Although the city has made efforts to address the environmental concerns at the Elkem-Carbide site
redevelopment has not come without complications
Keokuk has engaged in revitalization efforts with Iowa state officials for over a decade to evaluate the site. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) helped with initial site assessments and worked to determine the best course of action for redevelopment. However, state resources ran out and the IDNR Voluntary Cleanup program’s Mel Pence pointed the city of Keokuk to EPA Region 7’s Brownfields program
EPA’s Brownfields program is designed to aid communities as they revitalize old and abandoned sites left empty due to environmental concerns
Brownfields is more than just a grant program
“EPA provides resources and technical assistance to help safely clean up and return these sites to productive use,” says Stan Walker
“Thanks to $1.5 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
EPA’s Brownfields program can now help more than ever before.”
Additional funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) allows the Brownfields program to assist more communities with their redevelopment efforts
making program support more accessible to communities throughout Region 7's four states
have Brownfield projects in need of redevelopment,” Walker says
“EPA is committed to helping these cities achieve their goals
but it’s up to the community to make that first step and reach out for assistance.”
Community stakeholders can contact EPA for help throughout any part of the revitalization process
even before they’re ready to clean up the site
the Brownfields program offers grant options that provide funding for the redevelopment and assessment of brownfield sites at any stage in their journey
Region 7’s Brownfields program has provided over $14 million in funding for the assessment
The first contact between EPA and the city of Keokuk came in the form of a Targeted Brownfields Assessment (TBA)
A TBA is a grant of services performed by independent contractors that a project can utilize after they have exhausted available state resources to assess potential brownfield sites
These contractors aid the community with feasibility studies to determine what is possible and viable for redevelopment; collaborate on ideas for revitalization; and offer technical resources to lead stakeholders in the right direction
There are four TBA activities and a site can access just one resource or all of them if need be
Keokuk is currently undergoing all four assessments offered by a TBA in different areas of the site
Contractors performed an initial site investigation in Keokuk that examined the Elkem-Carbide plant’s history
a full site inspection identified environmental contaminants by sampling; these two phases of investigation were followed by a hazardous materials survey and an analysis of cleanup alternatives
Keokuk’s Elkem-Carbide plant is so large that
only parts of the compound have been assessed and documented
Contractors are still working on reports to identify all the contaminants on-site
only an 8-acre parcel in the central part of the site has undergone all four TBA activities and is ready for cleanup
TBA contractors encouraged Keokuk to apply for a Brownfields Cleanup Grant
The grant application was completed by Keokuk’s environmental consultant
It took several months of planning to complete the application
but the city's efforts proved worthwhile when Keokuk received a $2 million grant from EPA Region 7’s Brownfields program to assist in cleanup activities at the Elkem-Carbide site
The Keokuk community has been very involved in the Brownfields process
she was elated to hear that the city won the grant
as the municipal government has been deeply engaged in revitalization efforts
“The grant from the EPA will let the community begin to rehabilitate the property
providing opportunities for growth,” Mahoney said
“A clean site will allow the city to eventually establish the property as a certified site for economic development
This certification will give Keokuk an edge over other sites when recruiting new business and industry.”
When the City Council approved the grant application and made it available for public comment
and other members of the public shared their comments and input on the grant application process
The public is happy to see the site remediated because it offers an opportunity for community development and will hopefully bring new jobs and production into Keokuk
“This grant is just the first step in the cleanup process
and every successful endeavor needs a first step,” Mahoney said
Although there are no definitive end-use redevelopment plans for the former Elkem-Carbide plant
the city hopes to redevelop the site for commercial use
The available infrastructure in the area surrounding the site makes the redeveloped plant a prime location for prospective businesses
With nearby access to the Mississippi River
and its designation as a former brownfield site
the community is hopeful that the revitalized plant will likely attract new industries to Keokuk
The city anticipates the first slate of developers will move into the initial cleanup site in 2026
and the rest of the 79-acre property is expected to be completely revitalized by 2035
bringing new jobs and millions of dollars in revenue to the area
Keokuk was selected for the $2 million grant option
the highest award offered by the Brownfields program
Although the city competed against other large projects in major cities
Keokuk was chosen due to the site’s potential and great need
With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
the opportunities for the future of the Elkem-Carbide site are limitless
Although Keokuk is still in the beginning stages of its brownfield redevelopment process
the city serves as an example of how small communities can benefit from the EPA Brownfields program
Small towns like Keokuk should apply for Brownfields grants because they likely have brownfield sites in need of attention
and EPA is eager to partner with communities to help them achieve their goals
KEOKUK, Iowa — A southeast Iowa man, originally charged with two firearms violations in connection with a fatal shooting last summer
the Keokuk Police Department arrested Matthew Thomas Miller
He is now charged with second-degree murder in the July 28
Police said after a very thorough and intensive investigation
they determined there were inconsistencies with Miller's account of events surrounding the fatal shooting
Miller initially said he fired a single shot from ground level near the vehicle he claimed to be in after Deck arrived on the scene and struck Miller's vehicle with his vehicle
There were no shell casings found in that area
There was a casing found in the car that Miller was in
but testing revealed the casing was not fired by the gun Miller stated he used in the incident
they noticed a second-story window was open on the residence where the crime happened
A single shell casing was found in the rain gutter next to that open window
Testing indicated this casing was fired from the firearm that Miller stated he used during the incident
The investigation eventually showed probable cause that Miller fired a single gunshot from the second-story window
Police said the act was intentional and resulted in the death of Deck without justification
Keokuk Schools Superintendent Kathy Dinger sent out a statement Tuesday evening stating that after a review of conduct that occurred against Central Lee this week
the Iowa High School Athletic Association suspended the team for two weeks and barred them from the postseason
She said that as a result of the ongoing issues and due to the negative perception the situation has brought to Keokuk High School students and its programs
the district made the decision to cancel the remainder of the season
The district said this is also the second time in three years the boys soccer team has been eliminated from postseason play due to inappropriate and unsportsmanlike behavior
The district said they hope the decision serves as a reminder of how they strive to best demonstrate and promote pride in the school community
After KHQA reached out to the school district for additional comments
officials said the statement covered everything they were able to release
KHQA also reached out to the Central Lee School District for comment
Iowa — Southeast Iowa police have arrested a man in connection with a fatal shooting that happened last summer
but the suspect is not charged with murder
The charges stem from an investigation into an altercation that led to the July 28
Deck died at the scene at 510 Morgan Street in Keokuk after a half-hour of CPR
He had suffered a single gunshot wound to the chest
that they had identified the person who fired the fatal shot
but that person’s name has not been released due to the ongoing investigation
he is now charged with possession of a short-barrel shotgun and two counts of possession of a firearm suppressor
The investigation into last summer’s shooting continues
IA — Keokuk High School senior Kelly Takorbisong was recognized Sunday as one of Iowa’s top academic students through the 2025 Governor’s Scholar program
Takorbisong was among 425 high school seniors honored at the annual event
Each student received a plaque and certificate to mark the distinction
was selected to represent Keokuk High School
She recently qualified for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) for the second consecutive year
a varsity track athlete who has qualified for the Drake Relays
and participates in several other extracurricular activities
is designed to recognize students for their academic excellence
made the decision following a notice given by the Iowa High School Athletic Association and review by officials
According to a report by Mississippi Valley Publishing
the match in question was a 9-2 loss by the Chiefs against Central Lee back on April 7
Keokuk was given four red cards for excessive play
which automatically prompts a review by the IHSAA
The IHSAA rule states that a team is barred from postseason play for accumulating four red cards over the course of an entire season
but the team does not need to be suspended from competing
“We hold our students and athletes to a high standard of conduct,” KCSD activities director Zach Summers said
“And those standards were not met this week.”
stated he was surprised by the decision made
“I was not consulted nor contacted prior to this decision being made and a letter going out to the parents,” he said
“I was somewhat confused as to how our team could be suspended by the state without our school receiving any written notification as to what rules we had violated.”
Dial was among those who received a red card during the contest along with three of them going to captains for Keokuk
This is the second time in three seasons Keokuk has been barred from postseason play
They received five red cards two years ago under then-head coach Austin Berquam
Dial stated he would resign “if that is what it takes to keep the season,” adding that he does not expect to return to the team
DANA BECKERDana Becker has been a sports writer in Iowa since 2000
Dana resides in northcentral Iowa and started as a writer with SB Live Sports in 2022 focused on the state of Iowa
Along with providing coverage of football and wrestling
He began writing for High School on SI in 2023
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Iowa (KHQA) — A Keokuk woman has been taken into custody after stealing a Keokuk police squad car
The department reported an individual came to the police department around 11:35 p.m
the subject went to the back of the police department and gained access to a fully marked patrol car
The subject drove the vehicle towards Fort Madison on Highway 61
where the Lee County Sheriff's Office and Fort Madison Police Department were notified immediately
A Fort Madison police officer attempted to stop the vehicle at approximately 11:47 p.m.
where a pursuit ensued north on Highway 61 before the vehicle turned around and drove back to Keokuk
The driver entered the city limits of Keokuk
where the pursuit would eventually end near Oakland Cemetery after the vehicle was disabled
was arrested and was charged with 1st Degree Theft
Interference With Official Acts Causing Injury
and two counts of 5th Degree Criminal Mischief
Plowman was taken to a medical facility to be treated for minor injuries prior to being held in the Lee County Correctional Center
An officer received minor injuries during the chase
but was not required treatment at a medical facility
Keokuk Police Chief Zeth Baum commemorated the Fort Madison Police Department
and LeeComm Dispatch Center for providing valuable resources and assistance during this event
The Keokuk Police Department encourages the public to contact the department with any additional information regarding this event
KHQA LOCAL SPORTS COVERAGE FOR TUESDAY APRIL 29TH
PAYSON SEYMOUR 16
HIGHLAND 9
Devin Vogler: Steal Home on Receiving Error to Walk It Off
Ally Lefringhouse: 2 Run Home Run to lead off 8th Inning
CENTRAL 13
Iowa — A southeast Iowa man is facing charges following an investigation into a shots fired call last month.Around 9 p.m
police in Keokuk responded to the riverfront between Victory Park and the George M
Verity for a report of possible gunshots being fired.When officers arrived
they began interviewing bystanders.It was discovered that two masked people had approached a car on foot from the passenger side
One was carrying what appeared to be a firearm
There was reportedly a verbal altercation and as the car attempted to leave
it was struck in the rear driver's side by a dark colored SUV
at least one shot was believed to be fired in its direction
No injuries were reported.Officers were able to obtain video of the incident and identify one of the persons involved as Brandon M
Dye was located in the 800 block of Morgan Street on Sunday
His cash-only bond is set at $50,300.Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Keokuk Police Department at 319-524-2741
the LeeComm dispatch center at 319-372-1310 or Lee County Crime Stoppers at 319-376-1090
Iowa (KHQA) — A Keokuk man is facing charges after allegedly assaulting someone on January 20th
Keokuk Police Department said at 10:39 a.m
officers were dispatched to a fast-food restaurant on 1407 Main Street for a report of an assault
was arrested for assault with bodily injury
Investigators said the arrest stems from an assault that happened early that day at a home in the 500 block of North 10th Street
Palmisano is being held in Lee County jail
Iowa — Keokuk police are asking for the public’s assistance after a man was found injured Sunday night on Morgan Street
officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Morgan Street around 9:31 p.m
on April 20 for a report of a person needing medical assistance
A preliminary investigation suggests a group of individuals fled the area before police arrived
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Keokuk Police Department
Residents living nearby are also asked to check any surveillance footage from that night and share anything that may aid in the investigation
by John Garlock - KTVO and Daily Gate City
Iowa — A southeast Iowa city official has been terminated following his weekend arrest for suspicion of driving while impaired
The Daily Gate City newspaper reports that
the Keokuk City Council voted unanimously to terminate City Administrator Emmanuel Bellegarde
Bellegarde was arrested by Keokuk police early Saturday on charges of operating while intoxicated (OWI) and marijuana possession
Bellegarde had just been Keokuk city administrator since November 2024
Iowa — An overnight fire did major damage to a Keokuk apartment complex
The blaze at the Highlyn Apartments at 203 Washington Street in Keokuk was reported around 2 a.m
Keokuk Firefighter John Symmonds said the building consists of 12 apartments
The cause of the fire is still under investigation
but Symmonds said it appears to have started in one of the apartments
He said two units have extensive fire damage
and all of the apartments likely have smoke and water damage
Symmonds said the entire roof eventually collapsed
Eighteen personnel from the Keokuk Fire Department battled the blaze in the bitterly cold conditions
The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced tenants
Iowa — A Keokuk man wanted for multiple warrants was taken for treatment following an early morning weekend chase and crash.Just before 1 a.m
a Keokuk police officer noticed several traffic violations by a pickup traveling between the 1400 and 1100 blocks of Main Street
but the driver of the truck turned off Main Street and took off.Authorities chased the driver down several streets before he lost control
and then continued east where the vehicle left the roadway.It then went over the bluff near 4th and Orleans.The driver was ejected and found underneath of the truck
An officer pulled the driver from under the vehicle and took him to the top of the bluff for medical treatment
had multiple warrants for his arrest from other jurisdictions
at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City
the son of Anthony and Pasqualina (Rapagnani) Cetta
He graduated from Cardinal Stritch High School in Keokuk in 1968
and graduated from Northeast Missouri State University in 1972
he was united in marriage to Trudith “Trudy” V
Tony was employed by the Burlington Northern Railroad for almost forty years
He served his community through Toys for Tots and will always be remembered for his strong work ethic
and the love and care he showed to everyone around him
Tony is survived by three children: Tony (Becky) Cetta
and Tavin and Aidric Poole; two step-grandchildren: Bella and Kane Cruz; four sisters: Mary (Gary) Glover
Patty Bencivenga and Judy Cetta (Bruce Hennen); and his special cousin Joe Rapagnani
Tony is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Trudy
Tony’s life will be celebrated with a visitation from 10 am to 12 pm (Noon) on Friday
A graveside service will be held at 12:30 pm on Friday
A funeral procession to the graveside will leave the funeral home directly following the visitation
Iowa (KHQA) - The Keokuk Police Department arrested a man accused of soliciting what he reasonably believed to be an underage female for a sexual relationship via the internet
sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of methamphetamine
the Keokuk Police Department was contacted by a law enforcement agency outside of their jurisdiction in reference to assisting an active investigation that led them to the City of Keokuk
Through the investigation authorities said it was determined that Fuller arranged to meet who he believed to be a minor female at a pre-determined location in Keokuk for a sexual relationship
Fuller was also arrested on a warrant from another jurisdiction
He was transported to the Lee County jail to await an initial court appearance
Police said the successful outcome of this investigation was a result of multiple law enforcement agencies working in collaboration
The public is encouraged to contact the Keokuk Police Department with any additional information regarding this event
You can reach the department through its social media page
by calling the LeeComm Dispatch Center at 319-372-1310
by calling the Keokuk Police Department directly at 319-524-2741 or coming to the police department in person at 1222 Johnson Street in Keokuk
This article was written by Steve Smith
This article was published in When Minor League Baseball Almost Went Bust: 1946-1963
The 1955 Keokuk Kernels roared to a record of 92-34, a .730 winning percentage. They won the Three-I League by 22 games over second-place Waterloo.5 The team breezed through the playoffs
defeating Peoria three games to none and Burlington three games to one
Led by Three-I League batting champion and future major-league catcher Russ Nixon
Jim “Mudcat” Grant (19-3) headlined the pitching staff
Of the 17 players assigned to Keokuk at the end of spring training
A key to the team’s success was that this core group stayed together virtually the entire campaign
as 13 of the players on the Opening Day roster spent the entire season with Keokuk
Of the 24 players who appeared on the Keokuk roster for 1955,12 were identified in the first dispatch from Indianville
The team was scheduled to leave Indianville on Friday
The team would sleep Sunday during the day
workout at Joyce Park that would be open to the public
The 1955 baseball season opened at Joyce Park on a chilly Monday night as the Kernels took on the Terre Haute Huts
A brief pregame ceremony began with short speeches by Krueger and Burress
Keokuk Mayor Hubert Schouten threw out the first ball to starting pitcher Wally Harr
The Keokuk Municipal Band played the national anthem
while the National Guard Company of Keokuk raised the flag and fired a series of flares into the sky
Harr induced the next batter to ground out but then issued a walk
and Dick Camilli’s double to the leftfield fence scored the run
Three consecutive walks by Harr forced in the second run of the inning before Bob Newton fanned to end the inning
The Kernels scored their first run of the season in the second inning on a single by Bob Stephens and an error by Terre Haute second baseman Sam Davis
Both teams scored runs in the fourth before the Kernels scored four in the bottom of the sixth for a 6-3 lead
Manny Fierro came on to pitch the final four innings
allowing only two runs while the Kernels added three for a final score of 9-5
The following evening right-hander Bill Dailey pitched a five-hitter and struck out 11 in a 5-1 victory over Terre Haute
Enrique “Hank” Izquierdo led the offense with a home run
and shortstop Bob Pedigree had his second three-hit game
Attendance for game two of the series dropped to 329
Keokuk did not have another crowd that exceeded 1,000 until August
Keokuk beat Terre Haute again the following night to sweep the opening series
then lost two of three to Evansville before embarking on its first road trip
Keokuk was immediately hit by the injury bugaboo
Left fielder Gordy Coleman underwent an emergency appendectomy on May 2 and missed the next 27 games
Right fielder Mitchell June was in the hospital with an infection that developed after he slid during the Terre Haute series
Keokuk headed to Peoria tied for the league lead with Evansville
Catcher Russ Nixon suffered a shoulder separation in Peoria on May 7 and missed 23 games
The only other catcher on the roster was Armando Flores
handled the catching duties while Nixon was on the disabled list
By the middle of May, the Kernels stood at 8-8 and in fourth place. The Indians sent Bob Truss from the Class-A Reading farm club as a short-term replacement for Coleman.10 Then
Dick Hofleit was sent to Keokuk from Spartanburg
returning Truss to Reading after he played 11 games for the Kernels
who had been released from the Army in April 1955
had played only a few games with Spartanburg
He would be the primary right fielder for the remainder of the season
the infield was a constant for manager May
Once Gordy Coleman recovered from the appendectomy
Coleman would hit .349 with 16 homers and 77 RBIs
he took over center field from Billy Williams
With Dick Hofleit arriving from Spartanburg to take over right field
the trio of Coleman-June-Hofleit manned the outfield for the remainder of the season
the Kernels went on a 10-4 run and climbed to second place by May 31
taking over first place for good on June 15
A 26-8 record in July left them 63-27 on July 31
The Kernels clinched the Three-I League pennant on August 21 with a 14-4 victory over the Burlington Bees before 541 fans at Joyce Park
Only twice during the season did Keokuk lose four consecutive games
He had played the 1954 season with Winston-Salem of the Carolina League
Izquierdo was able to catch and play any of the infield or outfield positions
By a vote of the fans, he was named Keokuk’s most popular player for the season and received a wristwatch. In 1999 Izquierdo recalled: “My year with the Kernels ended with our team being champions. When I left Keokuk I felt like a champion myself, not only because of the championship but because of the way the people made me feel, they were a very special group of fans.”14
The Kernels started the season with seven pitchers: Jim Grant, Wally Harr, Lev Spencer, Bill Dailey, Manny Fierro, Bob Yanen, and Dick Hemmerle.15 They ended the season with seven
The only roster change on the pitching staff occurred on June 2 when Hemmerle was sent to Class-C Sherbrooke and Bobby Locke was sent to Keokuk from Class-A Reading
had made three starts and five relief appearances for Keokuk
After his departure no left-hander threw a pitch for Keokuk for the remainder of the season
he won six in a row before losing his second game
Grant won the next two before losing at Peoria when the Kernels were shut out 5-0
He then won 11 in a row to end the season and followed up with two wins in the playoffs
when Grant pitched a three-hitter against Cedar Rapids
Manny Fierro and Wally Harr provided solid relief pitching as well as the occasional start
who had played in the minors from 1949 to 1952 but spent the next two seasons in the military
a 24-year-old Californian who was in his sixth minor-league season
The Kernels pitching staff had 68 complete games
The Three-I League all-star team was announced by league President Hal Totten on August 26
was named to the first team as the utility player
Left fielder Gordy Coleman was the only other Kernel named to the first team
Bill Dailey and Mudcat Grant were named as right-handed pitchers
On the third team were Steve Jankowski at second base and right-handed pitcher Bob Yanen
Pinky May was named the manager of the year. Steve Jankowski reflected on May’s managerial style: “Pinky May was a very easygoing manager, but strict when it was necessary. He was a very smart baseball man. I felt very confident while playing with the ‘55 team. You could count on the guys to come up with the big play.”20
and Bobby Locke were named honorable mention
The only man on the roster not given all-star recognition was pitcher Wally Harr
Pinky May was honored with a day at the end of the season. May recalled the day some years later: “The ballclub in a generous gesture presented me with a fine Hereford heifer and helped in the transportation of her to our farm in Indiana.”21
The season wrapped up with a 9-4 Labor Day victory over Burlington
allowing the Kernels to face Peoria in the first round of the Shaughnessy playoffs beginning on Wednesday
Tuesday was a day off for the Kernels on but not off the field
A championship banquet was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall
C.R. “Doc” Logan, the master of ceremonies, welcomed Mike McNally, director of the Cleveland Indians farm system, Steve O’Neil, assistant to Cleveland general manager Hank Greenberg, and Laddie Placek, chief of the scouts for the organization.23 All three remained in Keokuk to attend the opening game of the playoffs on Wednesday.24
as he pitched Keokuk to a 6-1 complete-game victory
Mudcat Grant pitched Keokuk to a 12-3 complete-game victory
allowing all three runs in the seventh inning
(Only one run was earned.) Attendance for the first two games was 719 and 688
The series moved to Peoria on Friday night
and the Kernels finished off the Chiefs with a 9-7 victory
Keokuk bolted to a 9-3 lead after seven innings
only to see Peoria add four runs in the final two innings on three home runs
Keokuk met the fourthplace Burlington Bees in the first game of the championship series on a chilly Sunday evening at Joyce Park
The Bees touched four Keokuk pitchers for 18 hits in a 16-6 Burlington victory
The Daily Gate City reported that more Burlington fans were on hand than Keokuk fans
They walloped the Bees 14-1 as Bill Dailey pitched a complete-game victory
This was the final home game of the season at Joyce Park
The concession stands made things even more enjoyable for the 598 fans at the game
Beer was sold at 10 cents a bottle and the Swift Company gave all the ice cream left in the freezers to the children attending the game
They finished the series with 18-9 and 13-9 wins to take the Three-I championship and the $1,250 that went with it
The $1,250 was split among the team members
Mudcat Grant’s Experience with Racism in Keokuk
Grant concluded: “From a baseball point of view
my time in Keokuk was very successful.” He went on to describe the significant challenges faced by the African American players on the team:
Believe me, the racial thing was a brutal psychological war between me and the people out to bury me. … From the time the Keokuk team photographer said, “You black boys do strange things to the lighting,” I was ready to explode. I thought once I signed a pro contract I’d be able to eat where I wanted, or live peacefully like any other human being. It wasn’t to be.18
The 1955 Keokuk Kernels tied a league record for most games won in a season with a 92-34 record.25 Their winning percentage (.730) and their lead (22 games) were both league records. The team led the league in batting (.292), runs (813), hits (1,277), and fewest opponents’ runs scored (531). Seven of the players went on to play in the major leagues.26
But the team was not successful at the box office. Keokuk finished seventh out of the eight teams in the league with a home attendance of 39,179.27 Keokuk was able to field a Class-B franchise for the 1956 and 1957 seasons but dropped to the Class-D Midwest League for the 1958 season
Poor attendance continued to bedevil the franchise
In midseason of 1962 the Keokuk franchise folded and moved to Dubuque
Professional baseball has never returned to Keokuk
STEVE SMITH is a retired CPA who has been a SABR member since 2000
His primary passion is researching the baseball history of his hometown
where in his youth he attended many minor-league games
near the Tampa Bay Rays’ spring-training site in Port Charlotte
This article was edited by Cathy Kreyche and fact-checked by Ray Danner
Sources for this chapter include the Daily Gate City of Keokuk
and the players’ correspondence with Shane Etter
1 Merrill “Pinky” May is the father of former major-league catcher Milt May; Indianville
was the spring-training base for the Cleveland Indians’ minor-league players
2 May joined the Navy after the 1943 season and never made it back to the big leagues
3 “Spring Training Roster of Kernels Narrowed to 36 Players,” Daily Gate City (Keokuk
4 “100 Best Minor League Teams,” Baseball Reference, BR Bullpen, last edited August 4, 2012, https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/100_BestMinorLeagueBaseballTeams
5 The Three-I League included teams from Illinois
6 The Sporting News
7 “Lions Tell Burress Play Ball,” Daily Gate City
8 Dick Hofleit to Shane Etter
9 Steve Smith
“An Encounter with Joe Morgan” (unpublished)
10 Robert Maley Truss
11 Handcock had played in the Negro Leagues and was recommended to Cleveland by Larry Doby while barnstorming with Roy Campanella’s all-stars
12 “Club to Arrive in Keokuk Next Sunday; Season Opens Tuesday,” Daily Gate City
13 “Hank Pitches
Plays First in Circus Contest,” Daily Gate City
14 Enrique Izquierdo correspondence with Shane Etter
15 Richard Bruce Hemmerle
16 African Americans Billy Williams and Leroy Handcock were with the team briefly early in the season
17 Jim “Mudcat” Grant with Tom Sabellico and Pat O’Brien
The Black Aces: Baseball’s Only African-American Twenty-Game Winners (Chula Vista
18 Edward Kiersh
Where Have You Gone Vince DiMaggio (New York: Doubleday
19 Steve Jankowski to Shane Etter
20 Jankowski to Etter
21 Pinky May to Shane Etter
22 Enrique Izquierdo to Shane Etter
23 Logan
was a member of the Keokuk Baseball Association Board of Directors
24 Greenberg was scheduled to attend the dinner and game but was called to New York for a meeting with Commissioner Ford Frick
25 In 1912 Springfield won 92 games in a 137-game season
26 Izquierdo
27 Burlington led the league in attendance with 91,946
Keokuk finished seventh with an attendance of 39,179
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(KHQA) — Two men have been charged with Failure to Assist - Resulting in Death
who died in August of 2024 after multiple falls
Keokuk Police Officers were dispatched to the intersection of 8th and Concert streets for a report of a male lying on the ground with injuries
Three officers arrived at that location at 3:32 a.m
The Lee County Ambulance Service arrived on the scene at 3:33 a.m
Finch would be transported from the scene to a medical facility via ambulance at approximately 3:58 a.m
Finch succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the medical facility
Officers contacted the Criminal Investigations Division of our department and requested detectives respond to the scene
An agent from the Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation was also requested to assist with this investigation
The area was canvassed for potential witnesses and evidence
video surveillance from multiple locations was obtained for review
and possible evidence was collected for further processing
There was no evidentiary indication that the injuries to Mr
Video surveillance in the 600 block of Main Street shows Mr
Finch walking westbound with an unsteady gait
Finch is captured on surveillance walking north in the 10 block of 9th Street
Finch is alone on these surveillance videos and does not appear to have injuries
detectives became aware of a short video of Mr
falling down headfirst into the concrete multiple times
the individual that posted the video came to the police department on their own and voluntarily provided an interview after learning of Mr
Another party that was with him while they encountered Mr
Finch accompanied this individual to the police department
Each individual provided separate accounts of the interaction
which were consistent and indicated that no physical assault took place between them and Mr
The subject that posted the video stated that he did so in poor judgment
The individual also admitted to picking Mr
Finch’s wallet up off the ground and taking a sum of money out of it
These accounts were corroborated by two independent witnesses that detectives located and interviewed
These witnesses were driving by the area at the time and observed the interaction
The accounts were also partially corroborated by surveillance video that was obtained from the area
Officers became aware of a social gathering taking place in the 800 block of Concert Street during the timeframe of this event
as well as individuals that attended the gathering
Over 15 individuals were identified as witnesses or potential witnesses throughout this investigation
All parties were cooperative and provided formal or informal statements in regard to the event
No information was received consistent to individuals hearing or seeing an assault take place
There were no significant inconsistencies discovered within the information received
Some of the potential witnesses had no relevant information regarding the event
An autopsy was completed by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner
Finch received his injuries from multiple falls
which would be consistent with eyewitness accounts of the event
The autopsy report does not rule out the possibility of other causes for the injuries
The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma in the setting of intoxication with other significant contributory health factors
two individuals have been charged with crimes
was charged with Failure to Assist-Resulting in Death
The Keokuk Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family
and the Iowa Department of Public Safety provided valuable assistance during this event
The Keokuk Police Department encourages the public to contact the police department with any additional information regarding this event through our social media (Facebook Messenger)
the LeeComm Dispatch Center (319-372-1310)
calling our department directly (319-524-2741)
or coming to the police department in person (1222 Johnson Street
Iowa (KTVO) — What is often a terrifying topic of nightmares for many people became reality for a southeast Iowa woman this week
Violet (who asked that we not reveal her last name)
Thursday to use the bathroom in her apartment when she made a horrifying discovery
said she screamed and ran to her living room to call 911
The dispatcher sent Keokuk Police Officer Zach Mullin to rescue Violet from her nightmare-like situation.
Mullin bravely picked up the reptile and removed it from Violet’s apartment
Police said they don’t believe the snake got in through the plumbing
but they think it came from another apartment in the complex
It’s unclear how it made its way from its rightful apartment into Violet’s bathroom
The snake was taken to Keokuk Animal Services until its owner can be located
the son of Wayne and Mary Ruth (Monical) Riter
He graduated from Keokuk Senior High in 1967
he was united in marriage to Carole Ann Johns in Keokuk
Jack worked several places throughout his employment years
some of which included Keokuk Police Department
Vermillion Trucking and Henniges Automotive
He was a member of First Baptist Church in Wayland
and was Fire Chief for the Wayland Fire Department for years and served on the Kahoka Rescue Squad
In his younger years he was an excellent bowler and baseball player
He could often be found fishing in the Des Moines River
Jack is survived by his wife Carole Riter of Keokuk; his daughter Misty (Tony) Arrowood of Keokuk; his son Thad Riter of Kahoka; three grandchildren: Abby (Brett) Wrieden
all of Keokuk; great-grandchild Jade Wrieden of Keokuk and one on the way; his twin sister Jeanne (Steve) McMahan of Des Moines; his brother Jeff Riter of Keokuk; his brother-in-law Donnie (Susan) Johns of Keokuk; and several nieces
Jack is preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law Larry Johns
Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday
Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 11 am to 1 pm at the funeral home directly before the service
Memorials may be directed to the Wayland Fire Department or the Elks Lodge #106
at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison
the son of George and Bernice (White) Dietrich
he was united in marriage to Shirley Bonser in Keokuk
Dan was known for his strong work ethic and handyman skills
Electro Metals and Stone Container for many years
He also worked construction and used those skills while working on his rental properties
and choir member at First Christian Church in Keokuk and also attended the Cowboy Church in Wayland
He enjoyed working on his cars and watching old TV shows
especially old westerns featuring John Wayne
Dan proudly served his country for twelve years in the National Guard and was a member of American Legion Post #41
Dan’s family will always remember his deep love for them
his leadership of the Boy Scouts and the time he spent with them
Dan is survived by his wife Shirley of Keokuk; five children: Dustie (Leyla) Dietrich
Dwayne (Ex-wife Tiffany) Dietrich and Doneal (Herlyn) Dietrich
thirteen great-grandchildren; two sisters: Pat Filtz and Betty Nokes
his sister Linda Lewis and four brothers: Charles
A memorial service will be held at 12 pm (Noon) on Wednesday
with visitation on Wednesday from 10 am to 12 pm (Noon) directly before the service
Memorials may be directed to the family in care of Shirley Dietrich
(KHQA) — The Keokuk community is asked to come forward with any information regarding the death of a man that occurred after a standoff with police
Keokuk Police Officers were dispatched to 1527 Johnson Street in reference to a disturbance
leaving Helmick as the sole known occupant
Officers received information that Helmick had access to a firearm and had made threats directed towards law enforcement
Officers attempted to make contact with Helmick for a significant period from outside the home but
There was a brief period in which Helmick may have left the residence
Officers were not able to observe anything indicating that Helmick was still in the residence after that period of time
In order to avoid possible escalation of the incident
and no ongoing threat to the public or individuals in the home
Officers did not force entry into the residence
Officers would leave the scene after approximately two hours
Officers would be called back to 1527 Johnson Street in reference to the discovery of a deceased male
An update with the cause of death will be released after a full autopsy is completed
and the Keokuk Fire Department also contributed resources to this investigation
The Keokuk Police Department encourages the public to contact the police department with any additional information regarding this event
Those with information can reach the police department through their social media (Facebook Messenger)
the LeeComm dispatch center (319-372-1310)
son of the late Emil and Flossie Haisch Gabel
Dale was a 1950 graduate of Keokuk High School
He served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict as a Seabee
Dale worked for the US Postal Service as a mail carrier
Dale enjoyed watching sports especially the Hawkeyes and Cardinals
drinking coffee with friends and visiting with his family
especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren
He dearly missed his wife Nellie who he loved to tell stories about
He was preceded in death by his wife Nellie; six brothers
his son Robert Arpino and daughter-in-law Mary Arpino and a great grandson Simon Arpino
He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law
Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 pm
with family meeting friends from 5 to 7 pm on Monday
A private family burial will be held at National Cemetery in Keokuk
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Iowa Firefighters Memorial in Coralville