Tamie J. Lange

By Lisa Grilliot · Saturday, March 28th, 2026 at 4:23 pm CDT

Tamie J. Lange, 68, of Burlington, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Mediapolis. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Dodgeville Cemetery. Following the committal services, a time of food and fellowship will be held at the Drake in Burlington. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Southeastern Renal Dialysis in memory of Tamie. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Tamaria Jean Snyder was born on January 5, 1958, in Burlington, Iowa. She was the daughter of H. Thomas and Carol Jean (Parker) Snyder. T

Tamie was united in marriage to Danny Lange in 1976 and later divorced. She later met her life partner, Jerry Stevens. Tamie was a homemaker while her children were young then worked as a teller at Valley Savings Bank, receptionist at Deery Brothers, flight attendant for American Airlines, customer service at Hy-Vee as well as FastBreak. She enjoyed being outdoors, mowing her yard, gardening and canning, but most of all, Tamie loved to be with her grandchildren and attending all their events.

Tamie will be deeply missed by her husband, Jerry Stevens of Burlington; her children, Brad (Heather) Lange of West Burlington and Adam (Suzanne) Lange of Burlington; grandchildren, Gracie (Erik) Beckman, Parker Lange, Gage Lange, Kale Lange and Garrett Lange; brother, Jess T. Snyder of Panama City, Panama and Sherry R. (Jim) Lees of Burlington.

Tamie was preceded in death by her parents, father and mother-in-law, Gerald and Darlene Stevens and brother, R. Scott Snyder.

Sports, March 28th

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, March 28th, 2026 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The Mt. Pleasant, New London, Winfield-Mt. Union, Central Lee, Mediapolis, and Danville boys’ teams will head to West Burlington for the Falcon Relays on Monday, March 30th. 

The Van Buren County boys’ team will compete in the Ruritan Relays on Monday. 

The West Burlington girls’ team will hold the Falcon Relays on Tuesday, March 31st, with Mt. Pleasant, Danville, Fairfield, Mediapolis, New London, WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip.

Wapello will host their Co-Ed Relays on Tuesday with Columbus participating. 

High School Soccer

The Mediapolis boys’ team will travel to Burlington on Monday, March 30th, at 5 pm.

The Danville boys’ team will hold their home opener on Tuesday, March 31st, at 6 pm against Mt. Pleasant. 

Columbus will take on Washington on Tuesday at 5 pm on the road. 

Burlington Notre Dame will face off on the road against Assumption at 5:30 pm on Tuesday.

High School Golf

Burlington Notre Dame will host the Nike Invitational on Tuesday, March 31st, with Mt. Pleasant, Van Buren County, Winfield-Mt. Union, along with the Danville and Central Lee boys’ teams making the trip.

Mediapolis will face off against Wapello on Tuesday. 

High School Basketball

Talent from all over the state will be heading to Dallas Center-Grimes High School for the 2026 Pizza Ranch All-Star Games today with seven local players and two coaches making the trip for the southeast Iowa squad.

On the girls’ side, the Southeast Iowa Super Conference (SEISC) will be represented by Mediapolis’ Grace Holsteen and Madison Kellogg of Winfield-Mt. Union. Holsteen was named SEISC-South Player of the Year, while Kellogg battled through injury to lead her team with 14.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Joining Kellogg will be her Wolves head coach Mendy McCreight.

Joining the pair will be Kendra Boatman of Keokuk and Mylee Stiefel of Burlington. The two have both taken home Conference Player of the Year awards during their high school careers.

On the boys’ side, Washington’s Collin Stark will be patrolling the sideline with three local players running the court. Burlington Notre Dame’s Shay Stephens, the SEISC-South Player of the Year, will be flanked by two-time Southeast Conference Player of the Year in Keokuk’s Jaxon Clark and All-Substate talent Max Griffin of Mediapolis. Clark and Stephens have each tabbed at least one season double-double, which is scoring at least 500 points and securing 250 rebounds.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team will compete in a three-game series against Iowa Central Community College on the road with game one today at 1 pm.

The softball team will host Southwestern Community College today for a doubleheader. 

March Madness

The KILJ bracket challenge, sponsored by The Press Box, is officially underway with 60 brackets submitted with the top three set to receive prizes. 

Here’s an updated look at the top 10 brackets and a recap of the first two rounds of the tournament: KILJ Bracket Challenge Standings.

Standings will be updated before the Elite 8, the Final Four, and the championship game.

College Basketball

The #2-seed Iowa State men’s team was upset by #6 Tennessee last night, 76-62, to end their tournament run at the Sweet 16. Tamin Lipsey cashed in for 18 points and dished out five assists in the loss. The Cyclones finished the season with a 29-8 record. 

The #9-seed Iowa men’s team will look to continue their Cinderella story tonight at 5:09 pm against #3 Illinois with the winner advancing to the Final Four.

This Day in Sports History

1891 – First world weightlifting championship won by Edward Lawrence in London, England.

1933 – First SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament: Kentucky beats Mississippi State, 46-27.

1975 – NHL Washington Capitals win their first game on road after 37 straight road losses.

2026 Tri-State Rodeo Entertainment Announced for September 9-12

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, March 27th, 2026 at 8:00 pm CDT

The Tri-State Rodeo Operating Committee is thrilled to unveil the star-studded entertainment lineup for the 78th Annual Tri-State Rodeo, coming to Fort Madison, Iowa, September 9–12, 2026. This year’s celebration promises bigger thrills, world-class talent, and unforgettable nights you won’t want to miss.

Celebrated as one of the nation’s top five large outdoor rodeos since 2000, the Tri-State Rodeo made history with its induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2025. Get ready for electrifying action as the Tri-State Rodeo and the Jim Baier Chute Out bring the world’s most elite rodeo athletes to center stage!

Bobby Holtkamp, Chairman of the Tri-State Rodeo, shared, “Each year, we pull out all the stops to deliver an experience that’s bigger, bolder, and more thrilling than ever before. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time guest, 2026 promises the kind of excitement you’ll be talking about for years to come!”

Alongside four adrenaline-charged rodeo nights, the Tri-State Rodeo is turning up the excitement with four evenings of show-stopping national entertainment on the Great River Health Stage. And the party doesn’t stop there—each night will keep the energy soaring with electrifying live bands inside the Bud Light Stockyard!

Kicking off the excitement on Wednesday, September 9, the Tri-State Rodeo proudly welcomes chart-topping American country sensation, Niko Moon! His debut single, “Good Time,” shot straight to #1 on country radio, and his infectious, feel-good tracks keep climbing the charts, spreading positive vibes and unforgettable energy wherever they’re played. But Niko’s talents don’t stop at performing, he’s penned eight #1 hits and over 40 major cuts for superstars like Morgan Wallen, Avicii, Dierks Bentley, Pitbull, Zac Brown Band, Rascal Flatts, and more.

Headlining on Thursday, September 10, is Wynonna. Wynonna’s 1992 self-titled solo debut catapulted her to stardom, building on her legacy with The Judds. A five-time Grammy winner and multi-platinum artist, she’s become a powerhouse in American music. Her iconic hits—like “No One Else On Earth” and “I Saw The Light”—and her unforgettable voice have made Wynonna a true country superstar.

Friday, September 11, 2026, features Parker McCollum. Parker McCollum is a country music superstar known for his authentic sound and powerful performances. Named an ‘Artist to Watch’ by top industry outlets like Rolling Stone, Billboard, and CMT, he’s sold out major venues nationwide. McCollum’s award-winning hits—including “Burn It Down,” “Pretty Heart,” and “To Be Loved By You”—have earned him multiple ACM and CMA honors, cementing his status as one of country’s hottest artists.

The Great River Health Stage will closeout on Saturday, September 12, with Brantley Gilbert. Brantley Gilbert, a pioneer of country’s rock-and-rap style, is a multi-Platinum, award-winning artist with over 8 billion streams and seven No. 1 hits, including “Bottoms Up” and “Country Must Be Country Wide.” Known for his fierce independence and high-energy shows, Gilbert has toured with legends and continues to shape the future of country music.

Every night explodes with a thrilling lineup of rodeo events, all brought to life by our legendary announcer, Boyd Polhamus. The excitement continues with the return of Cervi Championship Rodeo as our top-tier stock contractor, and we’re amping up the fun with John Harrison joining as our rodeo clown, Barrelman, and specialty act in 2026. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping finale on Friday and Saturday nights, a spectacular, sky-filling drone show lighting up the arena!

Keep the party going inside the Bud Light Stockyard, where four nights of unforgettable after-parties await! Dance the night away to high-energy performances by The Boys, Brody Vancil & the Burners, and two show-stopping nights with The Bobby Ford Band.

Don’t wait—tickets for the Tri-State Rodeo go on sale Friday, April 3, at 8 AM! Secure your spot at www.tristaterodeo.org or call the Tri-State Rodeo Box Office at (319) 372-2550. One ticket unlocks access to heart-pounding rodeo action, electrifying concerts, and the hottest after-parties of the year!

About Tri-State Rodeo: In 1948, C.E. (Eddie) Richards brought the Rodeo to the Tri-State area, a tradition that has continued yearly, as Fort Madison is home to the best rodeo on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Great Lakes Circuit. Thousands of people flock to the Fort Madison area every year, starting Labor Day weekend, for a week of action-packed entertainment and events. Since 2000, the Tri-State Rodeo has been named one of the nation’s top five large outdoor rodeos and continues to rank first among rodeos in the Great Lakes Circuit. In 2001, it ranked 43rd among the nation’s more than 700 sanctioned PRCA events. No other rodeo east of Kansas City, Missouri, is ranked higher. The Tri-State Rodeo continues to attract the nation’s top cowboys, with competition spread over four nights the first week in September, and big-name musicians headlining the Wednesday – Saturday night performances.

2026 Rodeo Week – Activities Calendar

Saturday, September 5
YMCA Rodeo Stampede 5K (Registration begins at 7AM)
Pancake Breakfast (6:30AM – 10AM) sponsored by Fareway at Tri-State Rodeo Grounds.
Special Kids Rodeo – Pre-registration is required to ensure a t-shirt is on hand. Forms will be available on www.tristarterodeo.org.

Sunday, September 6
Chili Supper (5PM – 7PM) sponsored by Fareway at Tri-State Rodeo Grounds.

Monday, September 7
Little Spurs Rodeo (10AM) – Registration forms will be on www.tristaterodeo.org and select local businesses. Registration opens at 8:30AM.
Pork Dinner (5PM – 7PM) sponsored by Hy-Vee at Tri-State Rodeo Grounds.
Lil Miss Rodeo and All-Around Cowboy (6:30PM) in the C.E. “Eddie” Richards Arena.

Tuesday, September 8
Pee Wee Barrel Race (5:30PM) in the Saddle Club Arena behind the C.E. “Eddie” Richards Arena.

Wednesday, September 9 – Jim Baier’s Chute Out
Tri-State Rodeo Competition Jim Baier CHUTE OUT (Gates 5PM | Performance 7PM)
The Great River Health Stage Entertainment: Niko Moon (Immediately following the Rodeo Competition)
Bud Light Stock Yard Entertainment: The Boys (Immediately following The Great River Health Stage show)

Thursday, September 10 – Connection Bank’s Family Night
Tri-State Rodeo Competition (Gates 5PM | Performance 7PM)
The Great River Health Stage Entertainment: Wynonna (Immediately following the Rodeo Competition)
Bud Light Stockyard Entertainment: Brody Vancil & The Burners (Immediately following The Great River Health Stage show)

Friday, September 11 – Josh Denning & Associates-Ameriprise Financials’ Military Night
33rd Annual Tri-State Rodeo Golf Tournament (8:30AM Registration / 9AM Tee off) Sheaffer Memorial Golf Course
Tri-State Rodeo Competition (Gates 5:30PM | Performance 7:30PM)
The Great River Health Stage Entertainment: Parker McCollum (Immediately following the Rodeo Competition)
Bud Light Stockyard Entertainment: The Bobby Ford Band (Immediately following The Great River Health Stage show)

Saturday, September 12 – Sullivan Auctioneers Big Iron / Cinch’s Saturday Night Finale
Grand Rodeo Parade (9:30AM) – Travels down Avenue G in Fort Madison, Iowa.
Tri-State Rodeo Competition (Gates 5:30PM | Performance 7:30PM)
The Great River Health Stage Entertainment: Brantley Gilbert (Immediately following the Rodeo Competition)
Bud Light Stockyard Entertainment: The Bobby Ford Band (Immediately following The Great River Health Stage show)

Sunday, September 13
Lion’s Club Fly-In Breakfast (7AM – 11AM) – Fort Madison Municipal Airport

IAAP to Resume Operations Monday, 3/30/26

By Lisa Grilliot · Friday, March 27th, 2026 at 7:28 pm CDT

The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown, Iowa will resume operations on Monday, March 30th following a precautionary pause on March 12. Experts conducted a safety review to plan the safe removal of lead azide. The pause was initiated by the U.S. Government to allow a team of experts to conduct a thorough safety review and ensure safe storage of lead azide. American Ordnance LLC employees are returning to the site to resume work.

Lead azide is a chemical compound used to make munitions that must be disposed of safely, according to the Joint Munitions Command. “The Army will implement a multi-step plan to neutralize and dispose of the lead azide,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Nosse, commander of the plant. Employees will return to production lines after completing a safety review and implementing all required safety protocols.

The community will be informed when the disposal method for lead azide is planned.

 

Water Quality Funding Sparks Discussion at Fairfield Legislative Briefing

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Friday, March 27th, 2026 at 5:00 pm CDT

Water quality once again took center stage during a legislative briefing in Fairfield.

Diane Rosenberg, executive director of Jefferson County Farmers and Neighbors, raised concerns about the future of Iowa’s water quality sensor network, which provides real-time nitrate monitoring. In a question submitted to lawmakers, Rosenberg asked whether the state would support restoring funding for the Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research by allocating one million dollars annually from the Groundwater Protection Fund. Current funding for the program is set to expire July first.

Representative Helena Hayes acknowledged the funding is ending but noted that some local governments, including Polk County, have stepped in to help temporarily. She also encouraged residents to take individual steps to improve water quality, such as installing in-home filtration systems.

Senator Adrian Dickey pointed out that the Walton Foundation has taken on funding responsibilities and questioned whether the state should continue a program initially supported by a private entity. He added that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources already conducts extensive water testing and said the state currently spends about 46.5 million dollars annually on water quality efforts.

Representative Jeff Shipley expressed support for maintaining access to water quality data, emphasizing that government has a responsibility to provide that information. He also noted additional concerns, including pollution from microplastics.

Following the forum, Rosenberg noted that many of the current funding efforts are only temporary. She said counties like Polk and Johnson have agreed to help fund the sensors, but only for a limited time if state funding is not restored.

Rosenberg stressed that the sensors play a critical role for smaller municipal water systems by providing nitrate readings every 15 minutes, allowing communities to respond quickly if levels become unsafe.

She added that maintaining access to reliable water data is essential for public health and warned against losing both the investment and the protections the system provides.

Iowa DOT Warns of Text Scam Targeting Drivers

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Friday, March 27th, 2026 at 4:00 pm CDT

The Iowa Department of Transportation is warning Iowans about a new wave of fraudulent text messages claiming drivers owe money for unpaid traffic violations or tolls.

Officials say the messages appear to come from the Iowa DOT or a state “DMV,” and often include a link directing recipients to make a payment. However, the messages are scams designed to steal personal and financial information.

The Iowa DOT emphasizes that it does not send text messages requesting payment or personal information. Any official payment requests are handled through mail or secure online transactions initiated by the customer.

It’s also important to note that Iowa does not have toll roads, making any message referencing unpaid tolls an immediate red flag.

Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency, threatening additional fees, license suspension, or other penalties if payment is not made right away.

State officials urge anyone who receives one of these messages not to click on any links or respond. Instead, report the message as spam and delete it.

If you’re unsure whether a message is legitimate, officials recommend contacting the Iowa DOT directly using verified contact information.

Henry County Attorney Special Election Early Voting Continues: Over 800 Ballots Cast, Friday 3/27/26

By Lisa Grilliot · Friday, March 27th, 2026 at 3:38 pm CDT

The Special Election for Henry County Attorney is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31st.  Two candidates are on the ballot: Abbie Liechty, current Assistant Henry County Attorney and Becky Wilson, Winfield Attorney.  Early voting for this election began on March 16th and Henry County voters can continue early voting through Monday, March 30th at the Auditor’s Office.  As of 2:30pm Friday, March 27, 806 voters had cast their ballot.  (The last Henry County special election saw a total of about 300 early votes.)

On Tuesday, all polling locations will be available for voters starting at 7:00am.  (Your polling location can be found HERE.)  The polls close at 8:00pm; be listening to KILJ for live preliminary results and updates from this the election as they become available.  KILJ Radio is your station for election coverage: listen live or find information at KILJ.com.

 

Mount Pleasant Fire Department Pancake Breakfast Set for April 4th

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Friday, March 27th, 2026 at 2:00 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Fire Department is inviting the community to come out and support its annual pancake breakfast fundraiser next weekend.

The breakfast will be held Saturday, April 4th, from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the fire station. This long-standing tradition is held each year on the Saturday before Easter.

Those attending can enjoy hot pancakes, fresh whole hog sausage, along with milk, coffee, and orange juice. The event is a free will donation, with all proceeds going directly toward supporting the department.

Last year, the breakfast served approximately 800 people, highlighting strong community support for local firefighters.

Funds raised help supplement the department’s operating needs and allow for the purchase of essential equipment. In past years, donations have helped provide items like boots and gloves for firefighters.

This year, the department is hoping to invest in training tools known as “Rescue Randy” mannequins, including both adult and child-sized versions. These are used to simulate real-life rescue situations, helping firefighters practice removing victims from structures or safely transporting patients at accident scenes.

The department is also working toward a long-term goal of replacing its John Deere side-by-side, which is frequently used during grass fire responses and in situations where emergency crews need to reach injured individuals in hard-to-access areas, such as wooded terrain or local trails.

The Mount Pleasant Fire Department is made up of 26 volunteer firefighters, including five officers. On average, the department responds to around 150 calls each year and completed more than 800 hours of training in 2025 alone.

Officials say fundraisers like the pancake breakfast play a critical role in helping the department continue providing essential services and maintaining the equipment needed to keep the community safe.

Residents are encouraged to stop by, enjoy a good meal, and support their local firefighters.