Joe Benedict

1 week ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Joe Benedict

ThursdayCommunity bingo at 2 p.m. River Hills Village, Keokuk. Everyone is invited for games, snacks, and prizes. Art in the Afternoon will take place at 4:30 p.m. at the Keokuk Public Library. This week will feature some 3D printing. Ages 8-18, contact the library to register.

1 week ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Joe Benedict

A child full of joy, Head full of curlsHeart filled with love, a gift from above. My first grandchild, Oh, my, what a blessingWe had a true bond, My heart sings a songI saw him grow up, Seems friends he did choseWere not the best, Put him to the testI prayed he'd see God, Instead he turned away. I cried night after night, God lost the fight. His life is now gone, Taken by his own hand. I had to let go, Because I loved him so. I'll see him someday, So happy and free.

1 week ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Joe Benedict

I am writing this as a Keokuk resident of thirty-two years. Our family has made the choice to homeschool our children throughout high school. This year was the first time to experience our son being dual enrolled in the Keokuk High School for the purpose of playing soccer. By no fault of his own, my son is no longer allowed to play soccer with his team in this district. My son loves his team and his coaches.

1 week ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Joe Benedict

Diamond Vogel and Keep Iowa Beautiful have announced the recipients of the 2025 Paint Iowa Beautiful grants, including two recipients in the area. Locally, the Mexican Fiesta Committee in Fort Madison and the City of West Burlington were both named recipients for the grants.

1 week ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Joe Benedict

I write to you from a unique perspective — as the parent of two players on the high school boys’ soccer team and as the spouse of the coach. I’ve had a front-row seat to the confusion and emotion surrounding the recent decision to cancel the entire season, a decision that has left many of us stunned and heartbroken. One of my sons was the last player to receive a red card of the game; he also kicked a 50 plus yard goal, likely a school record.