Sports, March 12th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, March 12th, 2026 at 6:36 am CDT

Boys’ State Basketball

The Iowa High School Athletic Association’s (IHSAA) state tournament has completed all of its quarterfinal matchups and even has a championship matchup scheduled after yesterday’s competition. 

In Class 2A, #1 Kuemper Catholic’s hot start led to the Knights dispatching #8 Union Community to tip-off the day, 70-54. Griffin Glynn tallied 24 points in the victory.

Another quick start but a better finish gave #4 Treynor the 57-48 edge past #5 Grundy Center. Alec Lovely netted 21 points for the Cardinals. 

#1 Kuemper Catholic will face off against #4 Treynor tonight at 5:30 pm in the semifinals.

On the bottom half of the bracket, #2 Unity Christian was able to rally from a 10-point halftime deficit to beat #7 Western Christian, 70-64. Tyce VanDonge went off for 28 points. 

#3 Regina Catholic demolished #6 Aplington-Parkersburg, 76-54, as Will Litton tallied 21 points in the victory. 

The semifinal matchup between #2 Unity Christian and #3 Regina Catholic is scheduled for 7:15 pm tonight.

Class 3A featured an all-time classic last night to decide the championship matchup. 

#1 Ballard nearly watched their 14-point fourth quarter lead disappear as #5 Carroll went on a 21 to 9 run to end the game, but it was not enough with the Tigers falling, 57-55. Evan Abbott’s 19 points led the winning effort.

A buzzer-beater, two overtimes, and 142 combined points. The final game of yesterday’s slate saw #2 ADM survive the thriller against #3 Storm Lake, 72-70. Hudson Lorensen scored 38 points, but Trey Bryte nailed the lay-up as time expired to send it to overtime and hit the two game-winning free throws in double overtime. 

The Class 3A championship between #1 Ballard and #2 ADM is scheduled for tomorrow, March 13th, at 1 pm.

In today’s action, the Class 4A semifinals will lead off the day with #1 Cedar Falls facing off against #4 Dowling Catholic at 10:30 am, while #6 Johnston will attempt another upset at 12:15 pm against #2 Waukee.

In Class 1A, #4 Burlington Notre Dame will look to knock off #1 St. Edmond today at 2 pm in the semifinals. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 1:45 pm. Nike head coach Dan Kies is hoping to continue their success from behind the three-point arc,

“I mean, it’s one of those things. We’ve got Shay, obviously, and then we’ve got Griffin. Payne can knock down threes, Tatum can knock threes down, Kellan can knock down threes, Eli can knock down threes. I don’t think he hit one today, but they’ve all got confidence to shoot it. So, the big thing there is knowing, hey, trust each other. When they’re doubling, Shay, or trying to triple, whatever, find a spot, get open. And he trusts his teammates, you know, so that’s a big thing.”

#6 Marquette Catholic will look to continue their Cinderella story when they take on #2 MMCRU today at 3:45 pm.

Girls’ High School Basketball

The Iowa Girls Coaches Association released the All-State teams yesterday and three of our local players found a spot on their respective teams.

In Class 3A, Grace Holsteen of Mediapolis earned 2nd Team All-State honors. The Southeast Iowa Super Conference South Division Player of the Year led the Bullettes in scoring with 16.3 points per game to go along with 3.3 assists per contest. Additionally, her leadership helped usher Mediapolis back to the state tournament for the first time in 11 years.

Over in Class 4A, Keokuk’s Kendra Boatman took home 1st Team honors, while Mylee Stiefel of Burlington claimed a spot on the 2nd Team. Boatman, the two-time Southeast Conference Player of the Year, led the conference in points, assists, and steals per game. Stiefel averaged 24.4 points and 4.3 assists per game, as both marks ranked behind Boatman. The Grayhound did lead the conference in three pointers made per game.

High School Track and Field

The IATC Indoor Track Championships will start today at Iowa State University with Classes 3A and 4A competing, while Classes 1A and 2A will run tomorrow, March 13th.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team will travel to Delgado Community College on Saturday, March 14th. 

The softball team will take on St. Louis Community College on Monday, March 16th, for a road doubleheader.

College Basketball

The #7 Iowa and Iowa State women’s teams will see their postseason fate determined on the Selection Sunday Show on March 15th at 7 pm.

The Iowa men’s team advanced to the third round of the Big 10 tournament after dropping 50 second half points to beat Maryland, 75-64. Cooper Koch led the effort with 19 points. The Hawkeyes will face off against Ohio State at 11 am today.

The #7 Iowa State men’s team trounced Arizona State in their second-round matchup in the Big 12 Tournament yesterday, 91-42. The 49-point victory is the largest in Big 12 Tournament history. Milan Momcilovic hit four three pointers for a game high 21 points. The Cyclones will take on #16 Texas Tech today at 11:30 am.

This Day in Sports History

1881 – Andrew Watson makes his Scotland debut as the world’s first Black international football player and captain.

2020 – The 2020 NCAA men’s basketball tournament is canceled over concerns of the spread of COVID-19; first time ‘March Madness’ not held since it began in 1939; women’s tournament also canceled.

2023 – PGA Players Championship, TPC at Sawgrass: Scottie Scheffler becomes the third golfer, after Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, to hold the Masters and Players titles at the same time.

Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities Board Approves Audit, Reviews Utility Projects

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, March 12th, 2026 at 6:19 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities Board of Trustees met Tuesday, February 24th, at the utilities conference room on North Adams Street.

During the meeting, trustees approved the Fiscal Year 2024–2025 Independent Auditor’s Report, presented by Dan Montgomery of Forge Financial and Management Consulting. The audit received an unmodified opinion, indicating the utility’s financial statements were found to be accurate and in compliance with accounting standards. Copies of the report will be available at the Mount Pleasant Public Library, City Hall, and the utilities office.

The board also approved $1.33 million in bills and payments and accepted the January financial report presented by Accounting Supervisor Jody Fuller. Fuller also discussed banking accounts, previewed a potential budget amendment, and shared information regarding electric and water rates with General Manager Nate Lucas.

Trustees received updates on several ongoing projects, including the Cedar Lane Well Number Seven and water distribution system project, the Advanced Metering Infrastructure project, the water treatment maintenance project, the Hoaglin Drive overhead-to-underground improvement project, and the transmission system power supply project.

Utility crews reported continued work on the Winfield Avenue road project, while the water department continues installing new AMI and ERT metering devices. Officials also noted that ImOn has completed its underground infrastructure build-out in the community, and Windstream has begun installing new telecommunications infrastructure.

During January, the utility experienced three electric outages and two water main breaks, and crews installed two new electric services. The utility also continues to search for a replacement journeyman lineman after a previous job offer was declined.

The board entered a closed session with legal counsel to discuss litigation related to wholesale power supply before returning to open session and adjourning.

The next regular meeting of the Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities Board is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 at 1 p.m.

Old Threshers Announces 2026 KILJ Stage Entertainment Lineup

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 5:45 pm CDT

The Midwest Old Threshers Reunion has announced its lineup of entertainment for the KILJ Stage during the 2026 Labor Day weekend celebration in Mount Pleasant.

Kicking off the weekend on Thursday, September 3 will be Jimmy Fortune. Fortune is a Country Music Hall of Fame member best known for his time with The Statler Brothers. During his career, he wrote and performed several of the group’s biggest hits including “Elizabeth,” “Too Much on My Heart,” and “My Only Love.”

Friday night, September 4, will feature rising country artist Cooper Alan. Known for blending traditional country sounds with modern style and humor, Alan built a large following on social media before breaking onto the national country music scene. His viral songs and energetic performances have helped make him one of the genre’s fastest growing young artists.

Taking the stage Saturday, September 5, is Tyler Farr. The Missouri native is known for his gritty vocals and chart topping hits including “Redneck Crazy,” “Whiskey in My Water,” and “A Guy Walks Into a Bar.” Farr has earned multiple platinum singles and is known for his high energy live shows.

Closing out the weekend on Sunday, September 6, will be Dylan Scott. Scott has become one of the most popular voices in modern country music with number one songs including “My Girl,” “Nobody,” and “New Truck.” His blend of emotional storytelling and contemporary country sound has earned him widespread success on country radio.

The Midwest Old Threshers Reunion will take place over Labor Day weekend in Mount Pleasant. Tickets and additional information are available at oldthreshers.com.

Ronald Dee Coberley

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 3:53 pm CDT

Ronald Dee Coberley, 83, of New London, died Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center following a short illness.  He was born October 27, 1942 to Aven and Kathryn Beck Coberley and grew up in Danville where he was actively involved in music and sports and was president of the Danville class of 1961.

A graduate of Drake University with a Bachelors and Masters Degrees in music education, Ron was hired by the New London School district in 1966 as band director, and served in that role more than 40 years.  Ron built one of the most recognized small school music programs and marching bands in Iowa, routinely garnering top ratings at state music contests.  For much of his career, more than half of the students enrolled at NLHS participated in band, and Ron directly educated over 1,000 different students in music over his forty years.  He provided opportunities for students to perform across the US on band trips.  Ron was instrumental in establishing New London school musicals with the vocal and drama departments, providing students with the opportunity to create their own version of popular musicals of the time.  In recognition of his dedication to the band program in New London, the auditorium was named in his honor.

After retirement, Ron assisted with the music programs in Mt. Pleasant and Burlington schools.  He was active in multiple community organizations and established a long-standing Summer Concerts in the Park series which included ice cream socials and was a popular community gathering activity.  Ron enjoyed playing in, and directing, the Burlington Municipal Bands in recent years.  He was a member of the New London United Methodist Church and Methodist Men and served as choir director and a Trustee.

Ron was a great father and grandfather supporting his children and grandchildren in all their activities and was an avid Iowa State Cyclones follower.  He enjoyed creative woodworking, but most of all loved providing music and music opportunities for schools and communities whenever given the chance.

Ron is survived by his wife Claudia (Young) who he married July 7, 1962 at the Danville Methodist Church; children Mark (Denise) Coberley of Ames and Pam (Jim) Mann of Houston; four grandchildren, Kylee (Justin) Welch, Mackenzie (Sean) Coberley-Sorensen, Braden (Kylie) Mann, and Beau Coberley; two great-grandchildren Grayson and Harper Welch, with a third on the way; sister Barb (Coberley) Byrd; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the Ronald D. Coberley Auditorium at New London High School with Pastor David Mixon officiating.  Inurnment will be held at Long Creek Cemetery, rural Danville, immediately following the service.  Visitation will begin at noon on Friday at Elliott Chapel where the family will receive friends from 4:00 -7:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for New London Dollars for Scholars or Burlington Municipal Band.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Washington Man Arrested After Shots Fired Incident

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 1:38 pm CDT

A Washington man was arrested on multiple felony charges Saturday after shooting a firearm into a highway and a second was trespassed following the incident.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a civil issue at approximately 10:22 p.m. The caller stated shots had been fired near 260th Street and Ginkgo Avenue. Deputies arrested 49-year-old Erik Strand of Washington on multiple charges including: going armed with intent, a class D felony; assault while participating in a felony, a class D felony; intimidation with a dangerous weapon, a class C felony, and reckless use of a firearm, a simple misdemeanor.

According to Washington County Communications, in addition another individual was trespassed following the incident.

According to court records, “deputies spoke with the victim who stated that he was sitting on the side of the roadway at Ginkgo and 260th, attempting to locate his children” who were possibly at a nearby residence. He tried to also contact a female at that home. During this time, he was approached by Strand who was in a vehicle.

Conflicting stories outline that three shots were fired; the victim said the gun was pointed at him, and then shot into the ground. The claim from Strand alleges that he fired the shots into the air, in an attempt to scare him away. Strand stated the victim did not display any weapons and both individuals were in their vehicles.

Deputies located two casings and two slugs in the roadway where the incident occurred in rural western Washington County. The firearm was located at the residence and seized by authorities. The shots were fired less than 200 yards from an occupied residence.

An initial appearance for Strand was held Monday.

Western Illinois Threshers Set Dates for 59th Annual Show

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 1:14 pm CDT

The Western Illinois Threshers are preparing for their 59th annual summer show.

The event will take place Friday through Sunday, August 7th through the 9th, at the organization’s grounds located about two miles north of Hamilton.

Plans for this year’s show were discussed during the group’s recent annual meeting, where several directors and officers were also elected.

Chosen to serve three-year terms on the board of directors are Ed Hartweg, Raymond Siegrist, and Jeremy Buckert. Other board members include Mark Weirather, Buck Cameron, Justin Sewell, Matthew Starr, Ken Buckert, and Kyle Buckert.

Officers elected for the coming year are Mark Weirather as president, Ken Buckert as vice president, Ed Hartweg as secretary, and Matthew Starr as treasurer.

This year’s featured tractor line will be International. The spotlight tractor will be a 1961 560 Wheatland International owned by Les and Candy Harnetiaux. The featured truck will be a 1928 International owned by Larry Buckert of Warsaw, and the featured garden tractor will be a Cub Cadet M-100.

Several giveaways are also planned during the show. A Farmall B tractor will be awarded at the end of the event, along with a handmade quilt, farm toys, and other prizes.

During the meeting, members also heard updates on the Bolton Barn project and the Western Illinois Shortline Railroad.

In addition to planning the August show, the organization is also preparing to host local school children at the thresher grounds in May for a field day focused on learning about farming and life in earlier times.

Grease Spill in Mount Pleasant Disrupts Traffic

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 11:05 am CDT

Traffic in downtown Mount Pleasant has been disrupted following a grease spill on the east side of the town square.

Witnesses say the spill happened near the intersection of Main and Washington streets when a dumpster fell from a sanitation truck, spilling grease across the roadway.

The slick mess has forced crews to block off part of the intersection while cleanup work takes place.

City workers are currently on scene working quickly to remove the grease and make the roadway safe for drivers. The slippery conditions created a potential hazard for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Motorists traveling through the downtown area are being asked to use caution and expect delays until the cleanup is complete and the road can be reopened to traffic.

Mount Pleasant City Council Special Session Thursday, March 12 at Noon

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 10:59 am CDT
The Mount Pleasant City Council will meet in Special Session on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at City Hall, 307 E Monroe in the City Administrator’s Conference Room at 12:00 p.m. The Council will discuss the following items but no official action will be taken at this meeting.
A G E N D A
1. Roll Call.
2. Approve agenda.
3. New Business
a) Motion to go into closed session pursuant to:
• Chapter 21.5(1)(i) of the Iowa Code, to evaluate the professional competency of an individual(s) whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session; and
• Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(a) “[t]o review or discuss records which are required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a condition for that governmental body’s possession or continued receipt of federal funds.”
4.  Motion to return to open session.
5.  Adjourn to meet in regular session on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.