Wet Weather Slows Iowa Fieldwork, but Warm Temperatures Speed Crop Maturity for Week Ending September 21st

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 at 8:16 am CDT

Wet conditions across portions of Iowa limited the number of days suitable for fieldwork to just 4.9 during the week ending September 21, 2025, according to the latest report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Despite the damp weather, warm temperatures continued to push crop development forward, allowing both corn and soybean harvests to begin in many areas of the state.

Topsoil moisture levels were reported at 3 percent very short, 18 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture mirrored those numbers closely, with 2 percent very short, 17 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus.

Corn progress remains ahead of schedule, with 95 percent of the crop dented or beyond and 66 percent matured—four days ahead of last year and two days ahead of the five-year average. The corn harvest for grain has started, with 8 percent of fields already harvested. Corn condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 19 percent excellent.

Soybeans are also moving quickly toward harvest. Nearly 89 percent of fields are now coloring, and 62 percent are dropping leaves, which is two days ahead of last year and one day ahead of the average pace. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 17 percent excellent.

Pasture conditions remain mostly favorable, with 60 percent rated good to excellent.

Producers are keeping a close eye on weather patterns as harvest activity picks up, balancing the benefits of warm temperatures with the challenges of wet soils and limited fieldwork opportunities.

Power Restored After Wapello Semi Truck Fire Involving Overhead Wires

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 at 8:14 am CDT

Many residents in Wapello experienced power outages yesterday after a semi truck incident prompted quick action from local emergency responders. The Wapello Fire Department was called to the scene of Hwy 61 and State St. where a hydraulic lift on the truck came into contact with overhead power lines, igniting a fire.

Alliant Energy was notified, and crews worked to address the situation. As of 3:40 PM on Monday, power had been fully restored to affected areas. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

KILJ will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Sports, September 23rd

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 at 6:38 am CDT

High School Volleyball

#1 Holy Trinity Catholic hosted their Classic last night with Central Lee, Columbus, Mediapolis, Danville, and Wapello making the trip, here’s some of the highlights. 

Mediapolis finished the night with a 2-2 record, defeating Central Lee (21-12, 21-15) in straight sets and sneaking past Wapello 15-10 in the tiebreaker set before being swept by Columbus (19-21, 20-22) in a hard fought match and Holy Trinity Catholic (8-21, 6-21). Bryn Wright tabbed 57 assists, while Ellah Wagenbach led the attack with 24 kills.

Danville and Holy Trinity Catholic both swept Keokuk last night as that was the first victory for the Bears over the Chiefs this season. 

The Southeast Iowa Super Conference Tournament pool play is scheduled to start on Thursday, September 25th, with Wapello, New London, Burlington Notre Dame, and WACO acting as the hosts.

The Wapello pod will see Pekin, Louisa-Muscatine, and Mediapolis facing off against one another. Over in New London, the Tigers will play host to Danville, Winfield-Mt. Union, and Holy Trinity Catholic. Burlington Notre Dame will be taking on Highland, Columbus, and Central Lee. Lastly, WACO will see Van Buren County, West Burlington, and Hillcrest Academy. 

Mt. Pleasant will host Fairfield tonight at 7:15 pm in their first official conference showdown.

High School Cross Country

Mt. Pleasant will host their invitational tonight with Fairfield, Central Lee, Columbus, Danville, Mediapolis, Holy Trinity Catholic, New London, WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union participating. 

High School Cross Country Rankings

The Iowa Association of Track Coaches (IATC) released the fifth edition of their team and individual rankings yesterday and last week’s Timm Lamb Invitational caused a bit of a mixup in the rankings.

For the Class 3A girls’ individual rankings, Avery Fedler of Mt. Pleasant moved up the rankings two spots to #3, while Fort Madison’s Avery Rump was placed at #12 to help the Bloodhounds climb the rankings to #7 as a team. 

Mediapolis was anchored by Simon Wendel and Will Schmidgall at the Timm Lamb Invitational, helping the Bulldogs finish in 2nd place as a team, which resulted in Wendel moving up to #5 in the rankings and Schmidgall catapulting to #21. However, the team tumbled a spot to #20.

Joining the boys’ Class 2A individual rankings for the first time was Notre Dame/West Burlington’s Cavin Denney, as the freshman was put at #27.

In the crowded boys’ Class 1A rankings, Columbus’ victory at the Timm Lamb Invitational helped the Wildcats stay put at #5 in the team rankings, but WACO’s performance saw the Warriors leapfrog #12 Van Buren County to #11 in the rankings. Individually, Lincoln Bainbridge for Van Buren County was ranked #6 and WACO’s Jude Dykstra was placed at #11.

On the girls’ side of the rankings, Van Buren County ascended five spots in the rankings to #6 after taking the gold and silver in their two meets last week. Lastly, WACO’s Josie Dykstra clung on to rankings as she fell eight spots to round out the top 30.

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant will look to bounce back against Washington on Friday, September 26th, at home at 7:30 pm for their Homecoming. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

West Burlington/Notre Dame and Central Lee will both be looking to get back in the win column at 7 pm on Friday with the Hawks acting as the hosts.

Columbus will host New London on Friday at 7 pm.

Van Buren County will travel to Pekin on Friday at 7 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will square off against Iowa Valley on Friday at 7 pm at home. 

Mediapolis will celebrate their Homecoming on Friday at 7 pm against Wilton.

Wapello will host North Cedar on Friday at 7 pm.

WACO will hit the road to take on Belle Plaine on Friday at 7 pm.

Fairfield will host Solon on Friday at 7:30 pm.

High School Girls’ Tennis

Fairfield will square off against Camanche at home tomorrow, September 24th.

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will play Indian Hills Community College tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

The men’s soccer team will host Marshalltown Community College tomorrow, September 24th.

The women’s soccer team will travel to Iowa Lakes Community College on Saturday, September 27th.

College Football

Iowa will look for an upset against #11 Indiana on Saturday, September 27th, at 2:30 pm at home. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call.

#14 Iowa State will host Arizona on Saturday at 6 pm fresh off a bye week. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

This Day in Sports History

1984 – Sparky Anderson is the first manager to win 100 games in both leagues.

1988 – Jose Canseco is baseball’s first to steal 40 bases and hit 40 home runs in a season.

1992 – Manon Rheaume becomes the first woman to play in any of the major North American sports leagues when she plays goalie for the first-year Tampa Bay Lightning in a preseason game against the St. Louis Blues.

Second Death Reported in Marshalltown Legionella Outbreak

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 at 5:26 am CDT

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed a second death linked to the Legionella outbreak in Marshalltown. The individual, an elderly adult with multiple underlying health conditions, died on September 18.

To date, 71 cases of legionellosis have been reported, including two deaths. Investigators continue to identify cooling towers as the most likely source of the outbreak, though laboratory testing has not yet confirmed a direct source. All business centers in the affected area with cooling towers have completed disinfection procedures.

“We are encouraged to see fewer new cases reported recently,” said Dr. Robert Kruse, State Medical Director. “Our teams remain engaged with building owners on disinfection and it will take additional time to know if this decline reflects successful remediation.”

Health officials urge anyone who lives, works, or has spent time in north central Marshalltown and is experiencing a cough, fever, or other pneumonia-like symptoms to contact their health care provider and ask about Legionella testing.

The Marshall County Health Department, Iowa HHS, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to investigate potential sources and work with local businesses on remediation and prevention efforts.

Zella Bernice Thompson

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 at 5:24 am CDT

Zella Bernice Thompson, 88, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Parkview Care Center in Fairfield.

Visitation for family and friends will be 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield.

Funeral services celebrating her life will follow at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield. Memorials may be made to EveryStep Hospice.

Lorna Payne

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, September 22nd, 2025 at 4:37 pm CDT

Lorna Elaine Payne, 94, of Mount Pleasant died unexpectedly Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Henry County Health Center.

Lorna was born July 22, 1931, the daughter of Wilmer and Lura (Payne) Nelson. On July 24, 1950, Lorna was united in marriage to Birdsell Allen Payne in Red Lodge, Montana. They made their home in the Mount Pleasant community where she worked for Sheaffer Pen, Emerson Electric and cleaned the bowling alley. Lorna was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and enjoyed talking with people and sharing her faith. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, flowers, bird watching and loved the color purple. Lorna loved spending time with family and friends.

Lorna is survived by her son Terry (Cheryl) Payne; three grandchildren, Jenine Payne, Erik (Andrea) Payne, Aaron Payne all of Mount Pleasant; and a brother Wayne Nelson of St. George, Utah. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son Randy, and four siblings, Eileen Stark, Dorrel Nelson, Norma Barnes and Alan Nelson.

A private family graveside service will be held in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall, 6760 Hunt Rd, Burlington. The family will be present to greet friends prior to the service beginning at 2:00. The Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory is caring for Lorna and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

Prep Cross Country: Mt. Pleasant’s Avery Fedler Back in the IATC’s Weekly Top Three

By Slaten Swords · Monday, September 22nd, 2025 at 1:47 pm CDT

Prep Cross County: The Iowa Association of Track Coaches (IATC) released the fifth edition of team and individual rankings and seven of our local teams are still ranked, while three local runners found their way into the top 30 that were previously unranked.

Class 3A

Fort Madison swept the Timm Lamb Invitational, which saw both teams win the meet by nearly 30 points. For the boys’ team, despite Riley Tripp outpacing Washington’s Andrew Rees by four seconds at the meet, resulting in the senior being ranked #28 for the first, the team remained at #18.

Avery Rump’s impressive 1st place time of 18 minutes and 55 seconds placed the Bloodhound at #12 in the rankings, one spot up from last week. Additionally, with all five runners completing the race in the top 10 for scoring runners, the girls’ team climbed from #11 last week to #7 this week.

Washington’s Iris Dahl’s personal victory over Addison Rump reinserted her into the top 30 at #22 and knocking Rump in a bit of revenge. Additionally, Mt. Pleasant’s Avery Fedler did not run last week and since absence makes the heart grow fonder, she moved back up to #3 in the individual rankings.

Class 2A

Mediapolis’ team loss to Columbus, despite placing two in the top five, did no favors for their team rankings as the Bulldogs clung on to the top 20 at #20. However, the individual performances of silver-medalist Simon Wendel (16 minutes and 17 seconds) and 5th place finisher Will Schmidgall (16 minutes and 54 seconds) did see both runners move up in the individual rankings.

Wendel move up five spots to #5 and Schmidgall catapulted up seven spots to #21. The individual rankings also saw a newcomer in Notre Dame/West Burlington’s Cavin Denney. The freshman finished in 7th place at the Timm Lamb Invitational with a time of 17 minutes and 7 seconds, which was less than a minute away from several ranked runners in the area.

Class 1A

The Southeast Iowa Super Conference remains heated on the boys’ side as Columbus showed how teamwork delivers as Ryan Villa was the only runner to finish in the top 10, yet the Wildcats won with a 20-point cushion at the Timm Lamb Invitational. Yet, for the dominant win, the Wildcats remain at #5.

The WACO boys’ team usurped the #11 spot in the rankings, while Van Buren County slid back to #12. Van Buren County’s position most likely saved by their 2nd place performance at the Lighted Links meet in Ottumwa.

Surprisingly, despite Jude Dykstra besting Lincoln Bainbridge at the Timm Lamb Invitational with a time of 16 minutes and 22 seconds, as Bainbridge’s fastest time of the week was still 17 seconds slower than Dykstra, it is Bainbridge who is now ranked #6 and Dykstra moving back to #11, a fall of four spots.

Lastly, the Van Buren County girls’ team continued to stake their claim as the best in the area, gliding up five spots in the rankings to #6 after winning gold at the Timm Lamb Invitational and snatching silver at the Lighted Links meet, losing to Iowa City West, who is ranked #19 in Class 4A.

The team is consistently led by the trio of Kayley Snowgren, Adalyn Snowgren, and Rylee Philips, who all typically find spots in the top 15 at least.

WACO’s Josie Dykstra hung on to the rankings for another week as the sophomore turned in a time of 20 minutes and 25 seconds at the Timm Lamb Invitational, the third-fastest time of the meet. Dykstra tumbled eight spots to round out the top 30.

Up Next

If the weather cooperates, look for a lot of these runners to cross paths tomorrow, September 23rd, at the Mt. Pleasant Invitational.

Peggy Lee Wilson

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, September 22nd, 2025 at 1:41 pm CDT

Peggy Lee Wilson, 83, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025 at her home.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 26, 2025 at Forest Home Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant. Memorials may be made to the family. Behner Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Peggy was born May 12, 1942 in Mt. Pleasant, the daughter of William A. and Ruth Leah (Lasley) Robinson. She married Ronald P. Wilson, September 23, 1961. He preceded her in death September 25, 2000.

Peggy was a homemaker and also worked at Mayn’s Grocery in Fairfield and the Fairfield Glove Factory. She enjoyed crocheting, needle point, and spending time with her son, Shawn.

Those left to honor her memory include her son, Shawn Wilson of Anoka, Minnesota; sisters, Patricia Johnson of Burlington, Audrey Worley of Keokuk, and Sally Manley in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Larry Robinson.

Online condolences may be made to the family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.