The Final Standings for KILJ’s 2026 Bracket Challenge

Mt. Pleasant, IA- The 2026 KILJ Bracket Challenge, sponsored by The Press Box, is in the books and 11.7% of participants can claim that they picked the National Champion; yet, only Sharon Menke can call herself the champion after guessing 71.4% of the bracket correctly.

What Happened

#1 Michigan had dominated for most of the season, entering the National Championship game with a 36-3 record albeit losing in the Big Ten championship game to Purdue right before the tournament in the second year of Dusty May’s reign as head coach. Additionally, two years removed from failing to win double-digit games.

#2 UConn went 34-5 to get to their third championship game over the last four seasons and were looking for their seventh banner in program history. For head coach Dan Hurley, it was a chance to stake a claim as one of the best collegiate coaches in the history of men’s basketball. The Huskies had already faced adversity to get there, losing by 20 points to St. John’s in the Big East tournament before the madness.

The biggest piece of news before the game was the reveal that Yaxel Lendeborg for Michigan, who left the Wolverines’ Final Four victory over Arizona in the first half, was not going to have any time limits placed against him.

Being at full strength, Michigan was favored to win the game and that percentage never dipped in UConn’s favor, despite the Huskies making seven more three-pointers. Nevertheless, the Wolverines converted their field goals at a higher efficiency and went 25 of 28 from the free throw line to escape with the 2026 title in a 69-63 final.

The championship was the Wolverines second in program history and their first since 1989. Additionally, it was the Big Ten’s first national championship since Michigan State defeated Florida 26 years ago.

In terms of our brackets, there were eight brackets hoping to gather some points by the end of the night with just one bracket hoping that UConn would be the team to come out on top. Instead, the Wolverine victory allowed Menke—who will get to enjoy a meal a month from The Press Box for winning—to hop up from 3rd place into the gold medal slot.

Amazingly, Mat Wilson was the only bracket in the top 7 to not guess the correct national champion and Abbie Leichty was the only bracket to never be in the top 10 before being one of eight brackets to finish with over 200 points. Additionally, Lisa Ritchey went from 59th place to finishing in 16th place after picking Michigan to win it all.

Standings

  1. Sharon Menke: 256
  2. Matt Donnolly: 246 (Tiebreaker)
  3. Mat Wilson: 246
  4. Dan Clouer: 244
  5. Andy Krutsinger: 242
  6. Lesa Fitzpatrick: 242
  7. Abbie Liechty: 228
  8. Jakin Bunnell: 212
  9. Joseph Koller: 178
  10. Alan Buckert: 176

More

Thank you to everyone that participated in this year’s bracket challenge here at KILJ and a special thank you to The Press Box for sponsoring it! We will be back for the 2027 bracket challenge!

Becky Wilson Sworn in as Henry County Attorney

Becky Wilson has officially been sworn in as Henry County Attorney following her victory in last Tuesday’s special election.

Wilson took the oath of office earlier today, marking the start of her term serving as the county’s chief legal officer. The special election was held to fill the vacancy in the Henry County Attorney’s Office, and Wilson secured the position after earning the support of voters across the county.

As county attorney, Wilson will be responsible for prosecuting criminal cases, advising county officials on legal matters, and representing the county in civil proceedings.

Wilson said she is honored by the trust voters placed in her and is ready to get to work serving the people of Henry County. She added that her priorities include maintaining public safety, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring justice is served fairly and efficiently.

Nancy Ann Farquharson Conrad – UPDATED

Nancy Ann Farquharson Conrad, 92, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of New London, died Friday evening, March 20, 2026, at Soldiers and Sailors Park Place, Mt. Pleasant. She was born August 5, 1933, in Albany, New York to John Edward and Adelaide “Della” (Dost) Farquharson. Her mother died immediately after giving birth to Nancy and her twin, Frank. In 1938, her father married Celeste W. Wilkin, who became a mother to the twins.

 

She graduated from Columbia High School in East Greenbush, New York, where she was a cheerleader and played field hockey. She continued her education and graduated from the College of St. Rose in Nursing in 1955 and worked at Sloan Kettering in New York City. She fondly remembered visits to her grandpa’s farm and trips to New York City.

On July 8, 1961, Nancy married Ernest Conrad, and they lived in Clinton Corners, New York where she worked in nursing. The family relocated to Iowa in 1976 and in 1984, she earned her master’s degree from the University of Iowa. She worked for 31 years as an associate nursing professor at Iowa Wesleyan College while continuing to work as a practicing nurse in several different medical establishments. Nancy was an active member of St. Alphonsus Church and after retiring from IWC as Associate Professor Emeritus of Nursing, she volunteered with many organizations in the community.

 

Nancy is survived by her children; Susan (David) Martin, Tim (Karen) Conrad, Steve (Julie) Conrad, Joe (Ros) Conrad, and Don (Kari) Conrad, grandchildren; Emma Martin LaPlant, Liv Martin, Josh Conrad, Nick Conrad, Sarah Conrad, Amelia Conrad, Elaina Conrad and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, stepmother, brother Frank and her grandson Ethan.

Memorials may be made to All God’s Creatures Animal Shelter in Mt. Pleasant or the Alzheimer’s Association.

 

According to her wishes, her body has been cremated. A celebration of her life will be held at Elliott Chapel, New London, Iowa, on May 3, 1:00pm-4:00pm.                                                                                                                                                      

 

Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Rex C. Swailes

Rex C. Swailes, 89, of Mount Pleasant, IA, passed away on Resurrection Sunday, April 5, 2026, at his home.

Rex was born September 29, 1936, in Rome, IA, the son of Simon Asbury and Eva Lucinda (Messer) Swailes. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1955. On June 8, 1958, Rex was united in marriage to Helen Carol Celley at the First United Methodist Church in Brookfield, WI. Rex was a lifelong resident of Henry County.

Rex worked in the powerhouses at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant for over 15 years. During his time in the powerhouses, he became knowledgeable about the water and wastewater treatment processes, getting certifications in both. Rex then worked for Blue Bird as a forklift operator. While at Blue Bird, he also worked part-time for Barron Environmental Testing Services where he continued consulting after his retirement.

A devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church, Rex was committed to caring for the church by serving as a deacon, by teaching, and by discipling and encouraging other men. Rex loved sharing with others his testimony of faith in Jesus Christ alone for his salvation. His relationship with Jesus was the foundation of his life. Rex loved his family deeply and particularly delighted in spending time with his grandchildren. In his free time Rex was fond of playing the guitar, even inspiring his grandson John to take up the hobby. He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and metal detecting. Rex was an avid storyteller and could come up with a story for any occasion.

Rex is survived by his son Rob (Brenda) Swailes of Cedar Falls, IA; grandchildren Sarah Swailes and John (Megan) Swailes all of Ankeny, IA; sister Becky Van Winkle of Mount Pleasant, IA; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Helen, his loving wife of fifty-eight years, his parents, a son in infancy, and sister Dona Church.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor David Strope officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be held 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Olson-Yoder Funeral Home, where the family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to Calvary Baptist Church or Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home is caring for Rex and his family. Condolences may be directed to the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com.

Mount Pleasant Community School District Public Meeting, April 8th

Notice of Public Meeting- MPEA
AGENDA
04/08/2026- 04:00 PM
Mt. Pleasant CSD- District Office
1010 East Washington Street, Suite 102

The Mount Pleasant Community School District (the District) and the Mount Pleasant Education
Association (MPEA) will be meeting at the above date and time. The District and the MPEA will
exchange proposals related to any proposed changes to the 2026-2027 Master Contract.

Jack Daryl Woodley

Jack Daryl Woodley, age 87, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away on April 5, 2026, at River Hills Village in Keokuk, Iowa, surrounded by his family.

He was born on April 4, 1939, in Eldora, Iowa, the son of Glenn and Wilma (Kiefer) Woodley.

Jack served in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1958, where he learned the sheet metal trade that would become his life’s work. From 1969 to 1983, he owned and operated Woodley Sheet Metal. During his long career as a union sheet metal worker, he worked for various sheet metal shops and often traveled for jobs, taking him to places such as Aruba, Georgia, Las Vegas, and California. Even decades later, he could spot every run of gutter he had installed, every furnace he had changed out. Although he officially retired in 2000, he continued working for several years through his own side business, Five Star Refrigeration, where he mostly helped family and friends.

In his younger years, Jack raced motorcycles and go-karts. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, along with playing pool, archery, and golf. A gifted archer, he was a state champion bow shooter in 1974, earning him the nickname and CB radio handle “Robin Hood.” He also competed in pool at the national level. In more recent years, he spent much of his time playing cards—especially euchre, along with a little poker—often five or six days a week. He also enjoyed trips to the casino. He was a long time member of the Loyal Order of Moose and Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Jack was a social man with a quick wit and a keen sense of humor; he never met a stranger. He loved ice cream, Gunsmoke and other western television shows, and, of course, a good hand of cards. He had a natural talent for whatever he set his mind to, and he carried himself with a quiet confidence. Above all, he was someone who always kept moving forward.

He married Nancy Lee Seyb on February 12, 1960, in Lee County, Iowa; they later divorced. He married Ruth Ann “Sue” Beaty on September 29, 1969, in Kahoka, Missouri; she preceded him in death on August 15, 1983. He later married Debbie Ann Lowry on August 5, 2001; she preceded him in death on April 26, 2022.

Jack is survived by his children: Tracie Crawford of Andalusia, IL; Robert (Augusta) Woodley of Milan, IL; and Tammy (Robert) Massey of Donnellson. He was also a proud bonus dad to Bill (Erika) Tindill and Susan (Rich) Solbrig. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Justin Massey of Ames, Iowa, and Taylor (Van) Johnson of North Liberty, Iowa; two great-grandchildren, Theo and Piper Johnson; and his siblings, Patty Knight, David Woodley, and Rodney (Vera) Woodley.

He was preceded in death by his wives Sue and Debbie; his parents; his brothers, Kenneth and Ronald; and his sister, Betty Wolfe.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

A private graveside service will be held for family. A Celebration of Life will take place at Grass Roots Market & Cafe in Donnellson on Saturday, April 11, from 3-5pm.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Limited Taco Tuesdays to Support Mount Pleasant Christian School

A popular bi-weekly fundraiser is winding down for the school year in Mount Pleasant.

Mount Pleasant Christian School is reminding the community that only three Taco Tuesdays remain this season. The final dates are April 7th, April 21st, and May 5th.

The events serve as a fundraiser to support the school, with organizers offering a full menu that includes soft shell tacos, walking tacos, super nachos, taco salad bowls, as well as homemade chips and salsa. Soft serve ice cream will also be available.

Meals will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on each of the remaining dates.

Community members are encouraged to stop by, enjoy a meal, and help support local students.

Mushroom Hunting Begins in Southeast Iowa

Morel mushroom season is underway across southeast Iowa, and early reports suggest a strong start.

In the KILJ listening area, many hunters are already finding early grey morels as the spring season begins to ramp up. Morel hunting is a popular tradition in the region, drawing people outdoors each year in search of the prized wild mushrooms.

Henry County Sheriff’s Office says safety should remain a top priority when heading into the woods. Hunters are reminded to always have permission before entering private land and to wear long sleeves and insect repellent to protect against ticks and other pests.

It’s also recommended to wear bright colors, such as blaze orange, to stay visible, especially during spring outdoor seasons. And before heading out, be sure to share your location and plans with a trusted friend or family member.

Morel mushrooms are appearing early due to a combination of warm spring temperatures (hitting 50–60°F soil temperatures), sufficient moisture from recent rains, and earlier arrival of spring growth indicators like yellowing foliage.