2025 Iowa High School Volleyball State Championship Matches Recap

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, November 6th, 2025 at 11:09 pm CDT

Coralville, IA- The week started with 40 teams making the pilgrimage to the Xtreme Arena and after Thursday’s action only five teams stand as this year’s state volleyball champions. Overall, the matches were one-sided, except for the battle in Class 2A.

Class 5A

#1 Waukee Northwest had loss only one game this year entering the Class 5A championship bout against #2 Ankeny Centennial, but competing against one team five times in a season can stump even the most dominant teams.

At least that’s what the Jaguars thought after the match as the Wolves pulled off the dominant sweep: 25-10, 25-21, and 25-18. Avery Vogt, captain of the all-tournament team, was phenomenal, dishing out 38 assists, as her sister Logan led the barrage with 14 kills.

Waukee Northwest finished the season with 38 wins, including 37 sweeps, while the Jaguars finished 34-6, with five of the six losses at the hands of the Wolves. It was Waukee Northwest’s second state championship.

All-Tournament Team

Avery Vogt, Waukee Northwest Captian

Logan Vogt, Waukee Northwest

Leah Janulewicz, Waukee Northwest

Tatem Schmidt, Ankeny Centennial

Mya Lei-Butters, Ankeny Centennial

Isabelle Kremer, Pleasant Valley

Kaelyn Wieland, Valley

Class 4A

#2 Sioux Center collected a win in set one 25-23, #5 North Scott did the rest as they took sets two through four 25-22, 25-21, and 25-19. The Lancers leaned on Southern Illinois commit and all-tournament team captain McKenzie Moeller as she tabbed 32 kills in the match and 90 kills throughout her three at the state tournament.

Courtney Schmidt did all she could for the Warriors, amassing 18 kills in the loss with teammate Adison Brantsen also going for double-digit kills.

Addison Allen totaled 42 assists for the Lancers for a total of 137 for the tournament. This win marked the third championship for the Lancers and the second in three years.

All-Tournament Team

McKenzie Moeller, North Scott Captain

Addison Allen, North Scott

Courtney Schmidt, Sioux Center

Adison Bransten, Sioux Center

Mary Franken, Sioux Center

Averie Lower, Clear Creek Amana

Katie Scheckel, Pella

Class 3A

#5 Humboldt pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, knocking out #1 Western Christian in their 25th straight trip to the semifinals, but the Wildcats had no answers for #2 Assumption, as the Knights swept them with ease 25-20, 25-17, and 25-22.

Ellah Derrer and Erin Robbins, two senior middle hitters standing over six feet tall, stumped the Humboldt hitters, as the Knights combined for 15 block assists. Derrer, the all-tournament captain, notched 16 kills in the winning effort.

Adelynn Goodell, who played a major role in getting Humboldt their first ever win in the state tournament, led the team with 11 kills. The sophomore will look to bring the Wildcats back next season.

All-Tournament Team

Ellah Derrer, Assumption Captain

Erin Robbins, Assumption

Carsyn Kelley, Assumption

Adelynn Goodell, Humboldt

Addie Waldorf, Humboldt

Morgan Looiman, Western Christian

Addy Anthofer, Kuemper Catholic

Class 2A

In the only match that truly lived up to the billing of a state championship contest, #1 Denver nearly watched their title defense slip through their fingers, but the Cyclones hung on to win in five sets over #3 Hinton by scores of 25-22, 26-28, 21-25, 25-18, and 15-11.

Denver was nearly overwhelmed by Hinton’s Bailey Boeve, as the Blackhawk thundered home 38 kills; yet, Channing Johnson, the all-tournament captain, steadied the ship, handing out 42 assists, six kills, and 17 digs for the Cyclones’ 50th win of the season.

Boeve was three kills away from tying the Class 2A single-game tournament record set by Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont’s Molly Shafer. The Creighton commit led the tournament with 96 kills for the week.

Adena Murch led Denver with 21 kills as Mylee Thurm and Bailey Mullihan each put up 14 kills in the marathon victory.

All-Tournament Team

Channing Johnson, Denver Captain

Mylee Thurm, Denver

Bailey Mullihan, Denver

Bailey Boeve, Hinton

Ellie Friessen, Hinton

Ryanne Brubaker, Grundy Center

Abby Jensen, Dike-New Hartford

Class 1A

#2 Janesville seemed poised to return to the glory days of 2013 to 2018 where the Wildcats won five championships during the span after taking set one over #1 Saint Ansgar 25-14. The Saints were unflapped as they won the next three sets 25-22, 25-19, and 25-20 for their first state championship.

Sofia Parrott did it all for Saint Ansgar as the senior put up a stat line of 38 assists, eight kills, and five digs to be named all-tournament captain. Ava Falk led the attack with 13 kills for the Saints.

Quinn Sweeney notched 12 kills, while Taylor Pollock dished out 36 assists for Janesville.

It is just the second girls’ state championship for the entire program for Saint Ansgar, as the Saints won the girls’ state track title in 2024.

All-Tournament Team

Sofia Parrott, Saint Ansgar Captain

Jacey Johnston, Saint Ansgar

Lindsay Kruse, Saint Ansgar

Quinn Sweeney, Janesville

Hayden Anderson, Janesville

Taylor Pollock, Janesville

Taylor Kipp, Dunkerton

Earl L. Wilson

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, November 6th, 2025 at 3:55 pm CDT
Earl L. Wilson, 84, of Bardstown, Kentucky, passed away, Monday, November 3, 2025, at U of L Health South Hospital.
He was born July 1, 1941, in Palmdale, California, the son of Robert and Edna (Knoll) Wilson.
He was best known for his passion of collecting antique cars and even participated in sprint car racing. He was a man who did many acts of kindness and never knew a stranger. He was a commercial pilot and a KY Colonel. He was a Special Forces Navy Veteran.
He was preceded in death by his son: Jeffrey Wilson and parents: Robert and Edna Wilson.
He is survived by his daughter: Kristene Campbell; brother: Robert Wilson; niece: Shannon and nephews: Robert, Jr. and Trevor.
A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Barlow Funeral Home in Bardstown, Kentucky.
A graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Greenglade Cemetery in Farmington, Iowa with full military rites presented by the Farmington American Legion Richardson – Anthony Post #231.
Memorial contributions may be made to Barktown Rescue.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Henry County Supervisors Hear Department Head Updates on Grants, Projects, and Receive Bids For Snow Removal

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, November 6th, 2025 at 10:51 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning, November 6, for its regular department head meeting, where officials shared updates on ongoing projects, staffing changes, and community programs across multiple departments.

Veterans Affairs

Veterans Affairs Director Roger Pittsenbarger reported a busy October, with 157 office visits and strong participation in outreach events. He attended the Senior Health Fair at the Mennonite Church to share information about veterans’ benefits. Pittsenbarger also highlighted that Iowa ranked 19th nationally in veteran expenditures last year, with $1.27 billion in VA funds distributed statewide in 2023.

He announced he will speak at two Veterans Day programs on November 11 — at Park Place Nursing Home and the Mount Pleasant VFW Hall.

Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Rich McNamee said October was “steady but slower,” with 17,633 service calls logged countywide, about 1,500 fewer than last year. The Sheriff’s Office has earned $437,784 in revenue from housing out-of-county inmates through October and is actively interviewing for three open jailer positions.

The department collected over 200 pounds of prescription drugs during the DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day. McNamee also cautioned drivers about an increase in deer-related accidents and urged residents to prepare for winter road conditions.

He closed by thanking his department’s veterans and reminding residents that the Sheriff’s mobile app offers weather alerts, inmate information, and emergency updates.

Conservation Department

Conservation Director Caleb Waters said the department has completed winterizing of county parks and facilities. Looking ahead, crews are planning for 2026 habitat projects through two major grant applications — Trees Forever and the Iowa Forest Resiliency Partnership Program, the latter potentially providing over $100,000 for restoration efforts without requiring county labor.

Waters reported continued fundraising success for Jared’s Park, an inclusive playground at Oakland Mills. More than $60,000 has been raised in four months, supported by a $10,000 Henry County Health Center Foundation grant and a $95,000 equipment match.

He also noted a record turnout of over 200 people for the department’s annual night hike and announced that campground reservations will soon transition to a new CivicPlus online system to improve user experience.

Treasurer’s Office

Treasurer Kellie Sloan said October marked a return to normal business following property tax season. Delinquent notices were mailed to 596 property owners, with 2.64% of payments still outstanding.

Motor vehicle transactions generated $620,000, with $30,800 retained by the county. The Driver’s License Station handled 374 renewals, including 32 out-of-county customers.

Public Health

Public Health Director Katie Reuter reported a busy vaccination season, administering 700 doses to over 400 residents through 26 clinics in October. The department also completed school vaccination audits and continues compliance checks at local daycare facilities.

Reuter shared that Iowa’s Public Health Realignment Initiative is back on track, with possible implementation in July 2026. She clarified that local public health departments will remain independent, not becoming state-run entities.

General Assistance funding remains tight due to federal restrictions, though $500 will be directed to the Fellowship Cup for local food support.

Emergency Management

Emergency Management Coordinator Walt Jackson attended trench rescue training near Chicago and has begun reviewing his draft budget with staff before submission.

Secondary Roads

County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss said crews are preparing gravel roads for winter and wrapping up fall brush and seeding work. The 235th Street Bridge project west of Mount Pleasant will close December 1, with reconstruction expected to continue through next fall. Detours and speed limit adjustments along Old Highway 34 are under discussion.

Recorder’s Office

Recorder Lynnae Buffington reported that the county’s digitization project is nearly complete, with supervisors’ minutes from 1861–2023, along with survey and plat records, now available online. Additional estimates are being collected to scan historical survey books still stored in the office.

Planning and Zoning

Planning Director Joseph Buffington noted upcoming zoning board meetings, including proposals for a 290-foot cell tower southwest of Highway 218 and a new substation west of Franklin Avenue to meet growing electrical demand.

He also reported that the 911 Board is recommending a name change for a short segment of Benton Avenue to improve emergency response coordination.

Auditor’s Office

Auditor Robin Detrick thanked staff for managing a smooth city and school election earlier this week. Results will remain unofficial until the canvass on November 12.

She also announced that budget worksheets will soon be distributed to departments, with the Compensation Board meeting forthcoming.

Snow Removal Bids Opened

Supervisors opened bids for the county’s snow removal contract, which covers six separate locations. The bidding process was briefly clarified after earlier confusion regarding publication and posting procedures.

Two bids were received:

  • M&B Lawn Care submitted individual bids for each of the six locations, specifying the timing and frequency of snow removal.

  • JBC provided a single combined bid covering all six sites, along with proof of liability insurance.

Supervisors took both proposals under advisement, planning to review details before making a final decision next week.

Sports, November 6th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, November 6th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

Postseason High School Volleyball

The state championship matches for all five classes are now set after an action packed semifinal round, which saw a pair of #1 teams fall. 

Class 5A led off the day and it was a breeze for #1 Waukee Northwest and #2 Ankeny Centennial as the Wolves swept #5 Ankeny and the Jaguars took down #6 Valley in straight sets with the closest set decided by five points. The pair get ready to meet for the fifth time this season today at 10 am for the Class 5A state championship.

In Class 4A, #1 Clear Creek Amana was on the wrong end of an upset for the third straight season, as #5 North Scott won the 5th set after a five-point rally to sink the Clippers 15-13. Averie Lower tallied 19 kills in the loss. #2 Sioux Center will be attempting to win its first championship today at 12:15 pm after sweeping #3 Pella in large part due to Courtney Schmidt’s 10 kills.

#5 Humboldt surprised everyone yesterday as the Wildcats, in just their second ever appearance to the state tournament, knocked out #1 Western Christian, who was seeking their 23rd state title appearance in the last 25 seasons, in five sets. Adelynn Goodell was unstoppable with 21 kills in the win. #2 Assumption stands in Humboldt’s way, as the Knights took down Kuemper Catholic in four sets. The Class 3A championship is slated for 2:30 pm today. 

Over in Class 2A, #1 Denver’s bid for a second consecutive state championship is still alive after Channing Johnson tabbed 43 assists, 11 kills, and 14 digs in a four set victory over #4 Grundy Center. The Cyclones will face off against #3 Hinton for the Class 2A championship at 4:45 pm today after the Blackhawks defeated #2 Dike-New Hartford in four sets. 

Lastly, Class 1A featured a pair of sweeps as #1 Saint Ansgar will tangle with #2 Janesville tonight at 7 pm as the Wildcats will be looking for their first state championship since winning five in a span from 2013 to 2018. 

Postseason High School Football

For Class 3A Pod B, Solon will host Winterset tomorrow, November 7th, at 7 pm.

For Class 2A Pod C, Mid-Prairie will take on Van Meter tomorrow at 7 pm. 

For Eight-Player Pod D, Iowa Valley will face off against Audubon at home tonight at 7 pm for their quarterfinal matchup. 

Southeast Iowa Playbook

The fall sports season is wrapping up for our local teams, so we took a look back at the last three months to relive some of the highs and lows to start the 2025-2026 school year. If you missed last night’s episode, then follow this link: Fall Sports Season Review

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team was swept by Iowa Central Community College last night in the Region 11 championship. The Blackhawks finished the season with a 26-19 record. 

The women’s basketball team will host Black Hawk College at 5 pm on Wednesday, November 12th.

The men’s basketball team will host the Midwest Classic tomorrow, November 7th, with game one at 7 pm.

College Football

Iowa State will make the trip to TCU on Saturday, November 8th, at 2:30 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

#20 Iowa will host #9 Oregon on Saturday at 2:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call.

College Basketball

The #21 Iowa women’s team will host Evansville on Sunday, November 9th, at 2 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will stay at home tomorrow, November 7th, in a matchup against Western Illinois at 6 pm.

The #14 Iowa State women’s team throttled Southern University last night 85-58. Audi Crooks collected her first double-double of the season, cashing in for 29 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in the winning effort. The Cyclones will remain at home when they take on Sacred Heart on Sunday at 1 pm.

The #16 Iowa State men’s team will face off against Grambling State tonight at 7 pm at home.

This Day in Sports History

1869 – First collegiate football game, Rutgers defeated Princeton 6-4. 

1974 – Dodger Mike Marshall becomes the first relief pitcher to win the Cy Young Award.

1995 – Art Modell officially announced the Cleveland Browns were moving to Baltimore, Maryland.

MPCSD Site/Policy Meeting Agenda 11.6.25

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, November 6th, 2025 at 5:02 am CDT
11/6/2025, 5:00 PM
Site and Policy Committee Meeting

SITE COMMITTEE

  1. 1. PEO Memorial Building Demolition Contract Review
  2. 2. Van Allen Elementary and Lincoln Elementary Roof Repair Proposals
  3. 3. Ag Ed Greenhouse Update
  4. 4. 400 E. Madison Property Sale Update
  5. 5.2025 – 2027 Snow Removal Bid
  6. 6. Activity Center Walking Track

POLICY COMMITTEE

  1. IASB Delegate Assembly – Aaron Williamson
  2. First Reading of School Board Policy Series 400 Employees
  3. 11th/12th i JAG Fundraiser
  4. National Honor Society Fundraiser
  5. MS Fundraiser

The meeting is open to the public and patrons are welcome.

Mount Pleasant Ordinance Committee Meeting Wednesday, November 12

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, November 6th, 2025 at 4:51 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Ordinance Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at

9:00 a.m. at City Hall in the City Administrators’ Conference Room.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Continue Discussion on Regulations Regarding Amplified Sound (Chapter 14-69)

3. Discuss Hazardous Waste and Fire Department Service Fees Ordinance

4. Discuss Amending Agreement with All God’s Creatures for kittens

5. Discuss Amending Ordinance on Animal/Fowl Limiting Number of Pets

6. Discuss Ongoing Nuisances

7. Open Forum

8. Adjourn

Russell R. Sandy

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 at 10:52 am CDT
Russell R. Sandy, 88, of Mount Pleasant, died Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Russ was born on July 27, 1937, in Sandoval, IL, the son of Adrian and Gudruda Sandy. He was saved and then baptized at Sandoval Baptist Church on March 27, 1955. He then graduated from Sandoval High School that May. In November, he was married to Donna Sechrest of Salem, IL. They later divorced. Russ worked several jobs throughout his lifetime, but his main career was institutional food sales. If you were to ask him what his most rewarding job was, he would tell you it was being a paraeducator at an elementary school until he officially retired. On July 5, 1987, Russ was united in marriage to Diana Flack, in Kansas City, MO. The couple made their home in Olathe, KS, prior to moving to Mount Pleasant in 2014. While in Olathe, Russ was extremely active in their church, having also served as an ordained deacon in prior churches. Russ had three things that he absolutely loved: serving the Lord, his family, and working with his hands. His hobbies included wood carving, leather work, and stained glass. He could always be found finding something to fix or tinker with. Russ attended Calvary Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant.

Russ is survived by his wife Diana; four children Mark Sandy of Lee’s Summit, MO; Lisa (Jerry) Toops of Wayland, MO; Scott (Karen) Colstrom of Osage City, KS; Todd (Suzanne) Colstrom of Gardner, KS; grandchildren John (Nadia) Sandy, Jason (Ashlee) Sandy, Brian Sandy, Brandi (Cody) Kreisel, Brittany (Joseph) Nigro, Tanner (Ashlee) Toops, Tara Toops, Tucker Toops, Megan (Andrew Zeserman) Colstrom, Max Colstrom, Ava Colstrom; great grandchildren John, Daniela, Kaylee, Wyatt, Jacob, Mikaela, Colton, Easton, Clara; great great grandchildren Charlotte, Elliot; sisters-in-law Charlene Woods, Elaine Woods, Ramona Sandy, Susan (Stephan) Eiermann, Paula (Bruce) Doyle, and brother-in-law Jim Delehanty.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Wilma Jean (Stan) Leith, Jim Woods, Raymond Woods, Phil Sandy, Bev Wiseman, Jolynne Harling; and sister-in-law Ann Delehanty.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staffs of the Hospice House and SE Iowa Regional Medical Center for the excellent care of Russ and the family.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the Floral Hills Cemetery in Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association – Iowa Chapter. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for Russ and his family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com

State Corrects Posting Error in New London School Board Election Results

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 at 10:39 am CDT

UPDATE (10 a.m.) — Henry County Auditor Robin Detrick has confirmed that the discrepancy in the New London School Board election results was due to a data entry error at the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office.

According to Detrick, communication with the Secretary of State’s Office Wednesday morning clarified that the state office had incorrectly entered the New London School Board results on the Iowa election website. The mistake has since been corrected, and the official online results now reflect the accurate numbers as originally submitted by Henry County.

Henry County’s official totals for the Director At-Large race are as follows:

  • Kyle Helmerson – 367 votes (41.10%) ✅

  • Jessica Boyer – 321 votes (35.96%) ✅

  • Josh Housman – 205 votes (22.96%)

Based on these results, Helmerson and Boyer have been elected to the New London School Board.

Detrick emphasized that the county’s results were accurate from the beginning and that the issue stemmed from the state’s data entry process, not local reporting.

KILJ News will continue to monitor and report any additional updates related to Tuesday’s election results.