Local Sunday School Class Raises $1,150 for The Fellowship Cup Food Pantry

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 4:32 pm CDT

A local church class is making a meaningful impact in the Mount Pleasant community.

The Three-0 ~ Five-0 Class at the First United Methodist Church recently hosted a soup luncheon fundraiser to support area families in need. The event raised $1,150, which will go directly toward supporting the food pantry at The Fellowship Cup.

Ken Brown, director of The Fellowship Cup, accepted the donation on behalf of the organization. Presenting the check was class representative Jason Smith.

The funds will help stock pantry shelves and provide food assistance to individuals and families throughout the community. Organizers say they appreciate the generous support from those who attended the luncheon and contributed to the cause.

Sam Riepe Announces Candidacy for Henry County Supervisor

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 3:52 pm CDT

In a press release sent to KILJ News today, February 19, 2026, Mount Pleasant resident Sam Riepe announced his intention to run for the open seat on the Henry County Board of Supervisors.

Here is Mr. Riepe’s letter:

“This is to advise that I am a candidate for the Henry County Board of Supervisors. The election is November 3, 2026. I am a registered Democrat.

I am 55 years old and a resident of Mt Pleasant. I greatly value our communities and wish to contribute to the well-being of Henry County through public service.

I believe I have life experiences that will contribute to the work of the Board and the County. I have been a small business owner for the past ten years, and served on many local boards and organizations, including Main Street Mt Pleasant, Iowa WINs, All God’s Creatures and its predecessor The Vintage Raven Kitten Haven, which was founded by my wife Jen.

Henry County is my home and as a small business owner I appreciate the important role of local government in our daily lives. Communication, cooperation and trust among our government agencies is vital.

Teamwork with community partners such as the Chamber Alliance, Planning Commission, social services and city and township leadership builds a healthy work and home environment for our citizens.

I firmly believe the best decisions by public officials are made with frank, transparent exchange among those having an interest in issues regarding our county.

In the coming months, I hope to hear from as many citizens as possible. Thank you for your attention. I can be reached via text or phone at 512.983.7770.”

The deadline to file your intention to run for office in the November 2026 General Election is Friday, March 20 at 5 p.m. On the ballot for county openings in Henry County:

  • County Attorney
  • County Treasurer
  • County Recorder
  • Board of Supervisors – 1 seat

Henry County Supervisors Delay Action on County Attorney Vacancy

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 1:50 pm CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning but were unable to take official action after discovering the meeting agenda had not been properly posted on the courthouse bulletin board, preventing decisions from being made.

During the discussion, supervisors shared their perspectives on how to fill the vacant Henry County Attorney position. Supervisors Chad White and Marc Lindeen expressed support for calling a special election rather than making an appointment. Both stated they have spoken with residents on both sides of the issue, including supporters of Becky Wilson and Abbie Liechty, and believe that regardless of an appointment, efforts to petition for a special election would likely follow.

Supervisor Steve Detrick voiced a differing view, stating he favors making an appointment and leaving it up to those who oppose the decision to pursue the petition process required to trigger a special election.

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to reconvene Friday, February 20, at 10:30 a.m., when they are expected to decide whether to appoint a county attorney or move forward with calling a special election. Click here for the agenda.

2026 Women in Agriculture Conference “Beyond the Fields” Set for March 21st

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 7:58 am CDT

Women involved in agriculture across southeast Iowa are invited to gather next month for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration in Washington.

“Beyond the Fields” is the theme of the 2026 Women in Agriculture Conference, set for March 21, 2026 at the Jim and Evelyn Eash Banquet Room at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Washington.

The event is hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Washington County, along with the Washington County Women in Agriculture Advisory Board.

Organizers say this year’s conference is designed to equip attendees with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and inspiring stories from women shaping agriculture today.

Rebecca Vittetoe, ISU Extension field agronomist and advisory board member, says organizers are looking forward to the eighth annual conference and have assembled a strong lineup of speakers to help participants truly think “beyond the fields.”

Sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including beginning farm programs with representatives from the Farm Service Agency and the Iowa Finance Authority; estate and succession planning with Kristine Tidgren of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University; building a farm-based brand with Ashley Recknor of Purple Ribbon Beef; communication styles through the Real Colors® framework; and a personal look at farm life from Joan Maxwell of Cinnamon Ridge Farms.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the program running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The conference is open to all. Cost is $25, or $15 for students, and includes a light breakfast and lunch. The early registration deadline is March 14th. After that date, fees increase to $35, or $25 for students, with late and walk-in registrations accepted as space allows.

To register or learn more, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County office at 319-653-4811 or register online. Early registration is encouraged.

The conference is made possible through support from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Azariah and Martha Foster Heritage Endowment, Hills Bank, and other local sponsors.

Secretary Naig Invites Applications for Century and Heritage Farm Recognition as Part of Iowa’s America250 Celebrations

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 7:33 am CDT

Iowa farm families with deep roots are invited to be part of a special America250 celebration this year.

Mike Naig is encouraging eligible landowners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

The program, created in partnership with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, honors families who have owned their farms for 100 years as Century Farms and 150 years as Heritage Farms.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Century Farm Program and the 20th anniversary of the Heritage Farm Program. Since the programs began, more than 21,000 Century Farms and 2,000 Heritage Farms across Iowa have been recognized.

Families honored in 2026 will receive a certificate featuring a special America250 seal and will be recognized during a ceremony August 20th in the Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair.

To qualify for 2026 recognition, completed applications must be postmarked or received by June 1st. Applications are available on the Department’s website or by contacting the Century and Heritage Farm Program coordinator at the Department’s office in Des Moines.

MPCSD Meets with AFSCME Local 3865 to Discuss 26-27 Master Contract Proposals Today, 2/19/26

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 7:26 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community School District will hold a public meeting this afternoon to begin contract discussions with AFSCME Local 3865.

The meeting is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at the district’s Central Office, located at 1010 East Washington Street in Mount Pleasant.

District officials and union representatives will exchange initial proposals for the 2026–2027 Master Contract between the district and AFSCME Local 3865.

Stolen Firearm Recovered in Milton During Arrest

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 7:18 am CDT

According to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 1:00 p.m. on February 13, 2026 to a report of a burglary at a residence in the 100 block of East Oak Street in Milton.

Investigators say a locked door had been forced open and a firearm was taken from the home.

Later that same day, at approximately 5:00 p.m., deputies took Jagger W. Crees, 18, into custody at a residence in the 200 block of North Iowa Street. During the arrest, authorities recovered the stolen firearm.

Crees has been charged with Burglary in the Second Degree and Making a False Report to Law Enforcement.

As a reminder, a criminal charge is merely an accusation and that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sports, February 19th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 6:37 am CDT

Girls’ Regional Basketball

For Class 3A Region 5, Washington lost to Tipton last night, 55-35. The Demons touted a 12-11 record for the season. 

In Region 6, #8 Mediapolis will be playing for a regional championship on Saturday, February 21st, after dismantling Davis County last night, 76-42. The Bulldogs will travel to #6 PCM with tip-off at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

For Class 4A Region 4, Mt. Pleasant was unable to avenge an early season loss to Oskaloosa last night, falling 51-43. Paityn Ensminger cashed in for 10 points and controlled the boards for the Panthers. Mt. Pleasant finished the season with a 4-18 record. 

Burlington was unable to hold off North Scott last night, falling to the Lancers, 73-65. The Grayhounds finished the season with a 12-9 record. 

In Region 6, Fort Madison had swept Keokuk during the regular season for the first time since 2020, but proved it is hard to beat a team three times in one year as the Chiefs escaped with a 46-44 victory last night. Kendra Boatman and Halle Menke dueled for an identical 20 points. The Bloodhounds collected a 13-9 record for the season.

Keokuk will venture to #6 Central DeWitt on Saturday at 7 pm. 

In Class 2A Region 8, Danville will travel to Regina Catholic on Friday, February 20th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

High School Wrestling

The 2026 Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) opened up the state tournament last night with the opening rounds of the Class 3A tournament, which saw three local athletes from Burlington competing.

In the 132-pound weight class, #22 Roy Brown finished the day 0-2, losing by technical fall and major decision, respectively. Brown finished the season with a 27-20 record. 

In the 175-pound weight class, #17 Adrian Perez-Hall collected 19 points in his opening match for a win by technical fall, advancing to wrestle #1 Jaxon Miller of Carlisle. The Grayhound would struggle from there being pinned in the first round and losing his subsequent match in the consolation bracket by a 12-5 decision. Perez-Hall collected a 36-7 record for the season.

Lastly, #11 Owen Difederico was on the wrong end of two upsets in the 190-pound weight class, falling in two lopsided decisions. He finished with a 28-12 record for the season.

Classes 1A and 2A are scheduled to start today with KILJ keeping tabs on 29 local wrestlers. One of them being Mt. Pleasant’s Levi Evans. The first Panther state qualifier in the past six years and he’s looking to represent the program with dominance,

“I really just want to wrestle as hard as I can, and I want to place at state this year. I want to make the top 10 and show that even though I’m the only one from Mount Pleasant that made it, I still can wrestle.”

To listen to the full interview, follow this link: MP’s Levi Evans

For a full look at everyone’s first round matchup and seeding, click on this link: Local First Round Matchups 

Boys’ District Basketball

In Class 1A Substate 5 District 9, #4 Burlington Notre Dame will host Danville tonight at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

Holy Trinity Catholic will travel to Pekin tonight for tip-off at 7 pm.

In Class 2A Substate 5 District 9, West Burlington will fly to Central Lee tonight at 7 pm.

In Substate 5 District 10, Mediapolis will search for their first victory over Mid-Prairie since 2011 tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

In Class 3A Substate 4, #5 Mt. Pleasant will venture to #4 Davenport Assumption for their first round matchup on Monday, February 23rd, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

Substate 5 houses the rest of our local teams with #8 Fairfield traveling to #1 Pella. #4 Burlington will host #5 Washington, while #3 Keokuk will take on #6 Fort Madison at home for a pair of Southeast Conference clashes. 

High School Bowling

Keokuk’s Chase Hemann will compete in the Class 2A individual state tournament on Wednesday, February 25th.

College Signing

Mt. Pleasant’s Kellen Kohorst signed his letter of intent yesterday to play football at St. Ambrose University and follow the family tradition of getting his degree in education.

Kohorst discussed what went into the decision to become a Bee,

“You know, I just wanted to look at culture and overall, like the university as itself. It had a lot of just values that I really liked, and I appreciated. And you know, I had an older brother that went there, so comfortability, and then Payton [Walker] last year went there. So, it was just a super comfortable place, felt at home, not too far away from home, and it was just really comfortable, and I really enjoyed my time up there.”

Kohorst was named 1st Team All-District offensive line this past season, as the Panthers clinched a berth to the postseason for the first time since 2010. While he enjoyed the ride, he hopes that success becomes contagious,

“I mean, it was awesome. It kind of started with, you know, before the first game even just being named captain was something that I thought was really cool and special. And then, you know, just, you know, you string together, you go 3-0. That’s the first time we’ve been 3-0 in quite a while. And then, you know, just keeping that together and just going 1-0 every week. And you know, you get to the spot where you’re in the playoffs for the first time in 15 or so years. And, you know, it’s something that we liked right now, but we hope that even for future generations, future teams, that they continue to build off that to where we’re state champions.”

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team fell to Marshalltown Community College, 48-45. Ariana Aguilar touted a 13 point/10 rebound double-double in the loss. The Blackhawks will travel to Northeast Community College on Saturday, February 21st, at 1 pm.

The men’s basketball team let Highland Community College slip away last night, losing 67-65. Brady Martin scored 18 points in the effort. The Blackhawks will host Moberly Area Community College on Saturday at 7 pm.

College Basketball

The Iowa State women’s team rejoiced Addy Brown’s return to the lineup with a dominant 90-64 thrashing of Arizona State last night. Audi Crooks bullied her way to a double-double, scoring 28 points and securing 12 rebounds. The Cyclones will look to upset #12 TCU on Sunday, February 22nd, at 3 pm on the road. 

The #13 Iowa women’s team will stay on the road to play Purdue tonight at 6 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will travel to #24 Wisconsin on Sunday for their 3rd straight ranked opponent with tip-off at 3 pm.

The #6 Iowa State men’s team will travel to BYU on Saturday, February 21st, at 9:30 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will have the call.

This Day in Sports History

1946 – New York Giants outfielder Danny Gardella is the first major leaguer to announce that he is jumping to the “outlaw” Mexican Baseball League for a fee of $10,000.

1965 – The NFL adds a 6th official – the line judge.

1996 – Charles Barkley (Phoenix Suns) got his 10,000th career rebound. He became only the 10th NBA player to reach 20,000 points and 10,000 rebounds in a career.