Sports, October 8th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 6:36 am CDT

High School Volleyball

#2 Holy Trinity Catholic enjoyed their senior night with a sweep of Van Buren County by scores of 25-23, 25-21, and 25-16. Adalyn Krused led the way with 21 kills for the Crusaders. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will travel to Central Lee tomorrow, October 9th, at 7:30 pm.

Van Buren County will look for their own senior night victory tomorrow against Mediapolis at 7:30 pm.

Mediapolis had a contentious match with Burlington Notre Dame last night, but was ultimately swept 25-16, 25-21, and 26-24. Bryn Wright filled up the stat sheet for the Bulldogs, tabbing 11 assists, two blocks, and three aces in the loss. 

Burlington Notre Dame will host New London tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

West Burlington spoiled New London’s senior night, allowing just 18 points in the three sets (25-6, 25-4, 25-8). Kaylee Webb nabbed 11 kills, while Emersyn Hopkins collected six aces in the winning effort. The Falcons will head back home to take on Danville tomorrow at 7:30 pm. 

Winfield-Mt. Union defeated Highland last night in a sweep (25-15, 27-25, 25-19). The Wolves will attempt to spoil Hillcrest Academy’s senior night at 7:30 pm tomorrow. 

Wapello clipped Hillcrest Academy in straight sets last night with the help of Taeya Wagner’s 16 assists, five kills, and seven aces (25-11, 25-11, 25-13). The Arrows will make the trip to Lone Tree tomorrow at 6:30 pm.

Danville took the first set 25-23, but Central Lee ran off with the victory, winning the next three sets 25-22, 25-21, and 25-6. Three Hawks tabbed double-digit kills with Taylor Jones anchoring the squad with 13 kills and four aces. 

WACO handled business last night, sweeping Lone Tree in dominant fashion by scores of 25-8, 25-14, and 25-13. The Warriors will face off against Louisa-Muscatine on Thursday at 7:30 pm on the road. 

Columbus will travel to Highland tomorrow at 7:30 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield will travel to Oskaloosa for a tournament on Saturday, October 11th. 

High School Cross Country

Columbus will have their senior night tomorrow, October 9th, when they hold the Mike Jay Invitational with New London, WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip.

Mediapolis will host their Invitational tomorrow with Notre Dame/West Burlington, Central Lee, Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, Mt. Pleasant, and Wapello participating. 

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant will stay on the road to take on Keokuk on Friday, October 10th, at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

Mediapolis will tangle with Mid-Prairie on Friday at 7 pm on the road. 

Van Buren County will welcome Wapello to town on Friday at 7 pm. 

WACO will host Springville on Friday at 7 pm. 

Fairfield will travel to Fort Madison on Friday at 7:30 pm. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame will look to regroup for their road showdown with West Liberty at 7 pm on Friday. 

Central Lee will compete against Wilton at 7 pm on Friday on the road. 

Danville will take on Pekin on Friday at home to celebrate their senior night at 7 pm. Bear head coach Cody Thompson will be leaning on his defense for the upcoming matchup,

“Yeah, so far the toughness of our team, you know, kind of jumped off the page to me. I think they’re very physical. You know, we have a lot of talent across the board. You know, I feel we have a good balance of, you know, running the ball and passing the ball defensively. I think we played, you know, week one just West Burlington, the Nathan kid he gave us a hard time. Since that date, I feel like our defense has really bowed up and, you know, played really strong so far. The rest of the season and we’re really excited to see how they match up with Pekin’s high-powered run game and, you know, they’re an explosive offense, so you know, if our defense continues to play disciplined ball, you know it’s going to be a really exciting one.”

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will host Kirkwood Community College at 7 pm tonight.

The men’s soccer and women’s soccer teams will travel to St. Louis Community College today.

College Football

#22 Iowa State will stay on the road as they look to regroup against Colorado on Saturday, October 11th, at 2:30 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call. 

Iowa will travel to Wisconsin on Saturday for kickoff at 6:05 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call. 

This Day in Sports History

1975 – The San Antonio Spurs, then members of the ABA, defeat the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, 109-107, in the first basketball game ever played in the Louisiana Superdome.

1995 – Miami Dolphin Dan Marino breaks Fran Tarkenton’s NFL career completions record.

2018 – Boston Red Sox Brock Holt becomes the first MLB player to hit for the cycle in a postseason game during Boston’s 16-1 Game 3 rout of the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series at Yankee Stadium.

Gwendolyn K. (Shumaker) Foss

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 5:17 am CDT
Gwendolyn K. (Shumaker) Foss, 96, of Solon, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, October 5, 2025, while living at the Solon Retirement Village.

Gwen was born November 25, 1928, in Jackson Township near Salem, Iowa, the daughter of Iliff and Gladys (Hallowell) Shumaker. She was a graduate of Salem High School and Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa. In 1949, she married John F. Foss in New London. While living in Burlington, she worked at Champion Products, Standard of Beaverdale and LaMont Limited.

Gwen is survived by two sons, Kip F. (Deena) Foss of Solon, Rick M. (Rhonda) Foss of Salem; five grandchildren, Kari (Joe) Pyle, Shana (Tyler) Streeter, Lacey Myers, Cassie (Joel) Swailes, JD (Cassie) Foss; nine great grandchildren, Isaac and Owen Pyle, Ted and Lila Streeter, Kaden Harper, Preslee and Adele Swailes, Mackson and Maverick Foss; and a sister Charlotte Bailey of Independence, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ronald Shumaker, and sisters, Joyce VanDorin and Darlene Owens.

According to her wishes, her body will be cremated and there will be no visitation or service. Burial will be at a later date in the Salem East Cemetery in Salem. Memorials may be directed to the Salem Crew Library, 107 E Cherry Street, Salem, Iowa 52649 or the Solon Public Library, 320 W Main Street, Solon, Iowa 52333. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Gwen and her family. www.olsonyoderfh.com 

Ernst Honors Staats Awards of Henry County as Small Business of the Week 

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 5:15 am CDT

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, has named Staats Awards of Henry County & Mount Pleasant as her Small Business of the Week. Throughout the 119th Congress, Senator Ernst is recognizing one standout small business from each of Iowa’s 99 counties. 

“For over 100 years, Staats Awards has been helping Iowans and communities nationwide celebrate achievement, truly taking top honors as a leader in the awards and recognition industry,” said Ernst. “From ribbons and rosettes to trophies and plaques, Staats deserves a standing ovation as one of the most respected names in their field.” 

Founded in 1898 by E.G. Staats, the Mount Pleasant-based business is now owned by the Patten and Webster families. Staats Awards provides a wide range of recognition products and promotional materials for fairs, livestock shows, organizations, and businesses. Their distinctive trophies and ribbons have long been a fixture at the Iowa State Fair and at countless community events, schools, corporations, and exhibitions across the country. 

With a team of more than 20 employees, Staats continues to uphold its motto, “Small Town Values, World Class Quality.” The company’s dedication to craftsmanship, customer service, and community pride has made it a trusted partner in recognizing achievement and inspiring excellence for over a century. 

Crystal Renee Amendt,

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 5:05 am CDT

Crystal Renee Amendt, 55, a resident of Libertyville, passed away Monday, October 6, 2025 at home with her family by her side.

A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to The Hope Lodge or the family and sent to 105 Jefferson St. Libertyville, Iowa 52567.

Crystal was born November 25, 1969 in Fairfield, the daughter of Lloyd and Iona “Midge” (Vogt) Greiner. She married Shane Amendt, June 7, 2001 at Jefferson County Park.

Crystal worked for Community Childcare for many years and last worked at Casey’s in Fairfield, where she made many new friends.

She enjoyed reading, diamond painting, trips to Costco, sitting outside watching birds, and traveling with her family to Colorado.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Shane; daughters, Mikaela (Dylan Guest) Amendt of Ottumwa and Morgan Amendt of Fairfield; siblings, Jim (Lori) Greiner and Colette Greiner, both of Fairfield; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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

Iowa FFA Foundation Opens Scholarship Applications for 2026 

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 at 6:38 am CDT

The Iowa FFA Foundation has officially opened applications for its annual scholarship program, providing financial support to students pursuing education and careers in agriculture. 

Students involved in FFA are encouraged to apply for a wide range of scholarship opportunities designed to recognize leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to the future of agriculture. 

Applications must be submitted by January 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST. 

The Iowa FFA Foundation’s scholarship program connects student success with the generosity of sponsors and donors who believe in investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders. To learn more and apply, visit www.iowaffafoundation.org/scholarships.aspx 

Warm, Dry Weather Keeps Iowa Harvest Moving 

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 at 6:37 am CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (Oct. 6, 2025) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says warm and dry conditions have allowed corn and soybean harvest to progress quickly across the state. 

“Showers early this week may briefly pause harvest, but the moisture will help reduce dust and fire risk,” said Naig. “With above-average temperatures expected through mid-October, harvest should continue at a strong pace.” 

According to State Climatologist Justin Glisan, Iowa experienced summer-like weather last week, with temperatures 12 to 16 degrees above normal and an average of 72°F. Rainfall was scarce statewide, with only a few locations reporting light precipitation. 

Muscatine recorded the week’s high temperature at 93°F, while Osage and Spencer saw lows of 41°F. Windy and dry conditions late in the week raised fire concerns, though only minimal rainfall was reported across western Iowa. 

Sports, October 7th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 at 6:37 am CDT

High School Volleyball

Day one of the Southeast Conference (SEC) is in the books and Washington finished the night undefeated as they look to repeat as conference champions, sweeping Mt. Pleasant, Fort Madison, and Keokuk. Burlington also went undefeated as they look to redeem their loss from last year’s championship game. 

Fairfield finished the night with a 2-1 record, defeating Keokuk (25-18, 25-15) and Mt. Pleasant (25-15, 25-22) in straight sets, while falling to the Grayhounds in a sweep (18-25, 15-25). Elyse Setterstrom collected 18 kills for the night, while Faith Jones tabbed 57 assists and five aces. The SEC tournament will continue on Monday, October 13th, at Keokuk.

Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield will travel to Oskaloosa for a tournament on Saturday, October 11th. 

#2 Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Van Buren County at 7:30 pm at home tonight.

Burlington Notre Dame will travel to Mediapolis tonight at 7:30 pm. 

New London will square off against West Burlington tonight at 7:30 pm at home for their senior night. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will host Highland tonight at 7 pm.

Wapello will tangle with Hillcrest Academy at home tonight at 6:30 pm.

Central Lee will take on Danville tonight at 7:30 pm on the road. 

WACO will host Lone Tree tonight at 7 pm.

Columbus will travel to Highland on Thursday, October 9th, at 7:30 pm. 

High School Cross Country

Wapello and Fairfield participated in the Hillcrest Academy Invitational last night and it was the Washington boys’ team that grabbed the team title with 53 points. The Fairfield boys’ team finished in 6th place with 170 points as they were led by Clae Cass’s 27th place time of 19 minutes and 54 seconds. Wapello’s Will Parsons finished in 41st place.

On the girls’ side, Fairfield grabbed 5th place with 103 points as Alex Jo Steward anchored the Trojans with a time of 22 minutes and 57 seconds, which was good enough for 16th place. Kenadee Helscher turned in a 33rd place time of 24 minutes and 37 seconds for Wapello. 

Columbus will have their senior night on Thursday, October 9th, when they hold the Mike Jay Invitational with New London, WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip.

Mediapolis will host their Invitational on Thursday with Notre Dame/West Burlington, Central Lee, Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, Mt. Pleasant, and Wapello participating. 

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant will stay on the road to take on Keokuk on Friday, October 10th, at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

Mediapolis will tangle with Mid-Prairie on Friday at 7 pm on the road. 

Van Buren County will welcome Wapello to town on Friday at 7 pm. 

WACO will host Springville on Friday at 7 pm. 

Fairfield will travel to Fort Madison on Friday at 7:30 pm. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame will look to regroup for their road showdown with West Liberty at 7 pm on Friday. 

Central Lee will compete against Wilton at 7 pm on Friday on the road. 

Danville will take on Pekin on Friday at home to celebrate their senior night at 7 pm. 

High School Football Rankings

The Iowa High School Athletic Association updated their top 10 lists for Classes 2A, 1A, A, and Eight-Player, while releasing the first RPI rankings for Classes 5A, 4A, and 3A for the season, and one of our local teams found their way into the top 10. 

In Class 5A, Waukee Northwest’s take down of two top 10 teams placed the Wolves atop the list, while Xavier sits atop the Class 4A rankings with a win differential of 25 points per game. Burlington’s 5-1 start has the Grayhounds ranked #13.

In Class 3A, Clear Lake owns the #1 spot above fellow undefeateds West Delaware and Solon. Mt. Pleasant, fresh off a 61-0 dismantling of Fort Madison, was ranked 9th in the RPI with a 5-1 record. The Panthers have averaged over 200 rushing yards over their last three contests. For the other District 4 opponents: Keokuk and Washington sit at #21 and #22, while Fairfield is at #28 and Fort Madison is ranked at #34.

Kuemper Catholic is still #1 in Class 2A, West Lyon is on top of the Class 1A rankings, Class A’s MMCRU kept their #1 ranking, and Bishop Garrigan is the favorite in Eight-Player.

For a full breakdown of our local teams, follow this link: IHSAA Football Rankings: Week 6

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will host Kirkwood Community College at 7 pm tomorrow, October 8th. 

The men’s soccer and women’s soccer teams will travel to St. Louis Community College tomorrow.

College Football

#22 Iowa State will stay on the road as they look to regroup against Colorado on Saturday, October 11th, at 2:30 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call. 

Iowa will travel to Wisconsin on Saturday for kickoff at 6:05 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call. 

This Day in Sports History

1916 – Georgia Tech, coached by John Heisman, defeats Cumberland, 222-0; the most lopsided score in the history of US college football.

1984 – Walter Payton passes Jim Brown as the NFL’s career rushing leader.

2012 – New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees breaks Johnny Unitas’ NFL record for consecutive games with a TD pass at 48 when he connects with Devery Henderson in Saints 31-24 win over San Diego at the Superdome.

Burlington Trailways Still Rolling Strong: Continuing Tours, Charters & Shop Services 

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 at 6:36 am CDT

BURLINGTON, Iowa – Despite recent rumors, Burlington Trailways is not closing. The company remains open and active, proudly serving Southeast Iowa and the Midwest with its tours, charters, and vehicle repair services. 

Earlier this year, Burlington Trailways ended its longtime intercity “line run” routes—the daily bus service connecting towns like Burlington to major cities. While that chapter has closed, the company continues operating as a family-owned, independent business, not affiliated with Jefferson Lines. Jefferson simply adjusted its own routes to serve some former Trailways stops. 

Travel and Charter Services Continue
Trailways Travel still offers exciting group tours and dependable charter bus rentals for schools, churches, and organizations. Travelers can subscribe for tour updates at www.TrailwaysTravel.com