Two Hospitalized Following Two-Vehicle Collision at intersection of Winfield Avenue and North Grand Avenue

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 at 8:12 pm CDT

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — Two people were transported to Henry County Health Center Wednesday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Winfield Avenue and North Grand Avenue.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to the scene at 4:17 p.m. on May 21. According to authorities, the collision occurred when Lori Ballard, driving a white 2013 Ford Escape southbound on North Grand Avenue, failed to obey the flashing red traffic light at the intersection. As Ballard entered the intersection, her vehicle struck a gray 2018 Honda Pilot traveling eastbound, driven by Faye Schultz.

Both vehicles were rendered inoperable due to the impact.

Emergency medical personnel transported two individuals from the scene to Henry County Health Center. The extent of their injuries has not been publicly released.

Ballard was cited for failure to obey a flashing circular red light.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Henry County EMS, Mount Pleasant Fire Department, and Breuer’s Towing.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

Prep Girls’ Soccer: Penalty Kicks End Mt. Pleasant’s Season at East Lake

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 at 2:02 pm CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- There is always a lesson to be learned from a loss, even in a lopsided one. Last night’s Class 1A Region 3 quarterfinal 2-1 loss for Mt. Pleasant at the hands of Mid-Prairie has a lesson, but one that will not satisfy any member of the Panther squad: losing sucks.

The 8-5-1 Panthers have had one roadblock after another this season after a slew of injuries sidelined key players such seniors Charice Auwerda and Tori Wilson. Nevertheless, the team was healthy and ready for the opportunity to host a postseason contest.

Mid-Prairie had a rough middle-section of the season, losing eight of their 11 contests where scoring goals was the main issue, collecting just seven goals in 11 games. Nevertheless, the Golden Hawks had just dispatched Wapello 8-0 the night before to start off the Region 3 bracket.

While the two were gearing up to face off against one another, there was a third-party ready to help or hinder whomever in its path with no bias, the weather. Sitting at a comfortable 60 degrees Fahrenheit at gametime, the consistent 20 mph wind gusts had the crowd reminiscing on the weather of days yore.

And for the first half, the Panthers were also dreaming of better conditions as Zoey Curtiss lobbed a ball through the air, getting lost in the wind found the back of the net to put the Golden Hawks up 1 to 0.

One of the key developments for this team from early on in the season according to Mt. Pleasant head coach Chris Davis was how to play when trailing. The Panthers’ response was a furious offensive attack in the second half.

Multiple corner kick opportunities, passes to the slot, and mishits populated the second half for the Maroon and Gold, who was desperately trying to find the back of the net as time slipped away.

77 minutes of game time had passed before Mattisyn Wenke got the ball to captain Charice Auwerda and the Iowa Central Community College commit slithered her way through the defense and delivered a perfect pass to Brianna Leonardo, who deflected it into the back of the net to tie the game with 2:40 remaining in the second half.

The final 160 seconds ran off without much fanfare. The teams were heading to extra time.

The first extra period saw the Golden Hawks control the tempo, but it did not translate to any clean shots. Another 10 minutes were added to the clock for a second extra period. Mt. Pleasant controlled the tempo, but it did not translate to any clean shots.

To penalty kicks we go. It was time for attacker versus goalie. Senior captain Eli Heaton, who had saved 80.2% of shots this season, taking on Niva Helmuth, a junior who had kept out 84.9% of opposing opportunities.

First Kicks: Heaton makes the save. Senior Sonya Simon goes top shelf for the goal. 1-0 Panthers.

Second Kicks: Kyla Karnes connects for Mid-Prairie, but so does Addison Peck for Mt. Pleasant. 2-1 Panthers.

Third Kicks: Zoey Curtiss scores for the Golden Hawks, while Mt. Pleasant sails their shot. 2-2 tie.

Four Kicks: Samantha Wunderlich finds the back of the net, as does Bizzie Richtman. 3-3 tie.

Fifth Kicks: Meadow Flynn puts the pressure on by netting her shot, but Auwerda responds to keep the game alive. 4-4 tie.

Sixth Kicks: No good from either team. 4-4 tie.

Seventh Kicks: No good from either team. 4-4 tie.

Eight Kicks: No good from either team. 4-4 tie.

Ninth Kicks: No good from either team. 4-4 tie.

Tenth Kicks: No good from either team. 4-4 tie.

We are now back to the top of the order with the option now available to pick who you want to get the chance.

Eleventh Kick: Lydia Beachy scores for Mid-Prairie and Helmuth stymies the Panthers chance. 5-4 Mid-Prairie wins in upset fashion.

A Mt. Pleasant squad that featured seven seniors, including the most decorated player in Panther history Charice Auwerda, had been kicked out of the postseason in the most excruciating of ways.

For coach Davis, the shock was palpable amongst the team,

“This team is probably the best team we’ve had in a while. Unfortunately, half of them are seniors. This is an unfortunate way to go out end of the season. They put their heart into it and fought back the entire game from being one down and I can’t be any prouder.”

It’s the ultimate dichotomy of sports, while one side gets to feel the greatest of joys of knocking off a tough opponent the other has the unenviable task of trying to put together the pieces. A team left knowing they gave it their all, but only themselves to comfort one another.

There’s always a lesson to learn from a loss. Perhaps, the lesson of this game is to lean on your teammates or to enjoy each and every moment. The prevalent one will most likely be: losing sucks.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors Address Road Work, County Debt, and Alternative Energy Overlay District Ordinance in Lengthy Weekly Session

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 at 11:53 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors held its regular meeting Thursday morning, covering a range of issues from road maintenance and infrastructure updates to bonding and debt service strategy from the counties financial advisor. Supervisor Marc Lindeen called the meeting to order.

Road Maintenance and Permits

County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss provided a comprehensive update on maintenance efforts, highlighting that recent rainfall had been both a challenge and an opportunity. Blading crews have been active, using the moisture to reshape roads throughout the county. Seeding efforts on Quincy Avenue and 35th Street were completed, though the team anticipates a return visit due to heavy rain.

Spot rock hauling was underway in muddy areas, and new signs were installed at the Quincy and 35th intersection. Mowing resumed after a brief weather delay.

On Hickory Avenue, plans are in place to start a major culvert replacement on Tuesday next week. The project involves removing a box culvert and adjacent pipe, and is expected to last about a week—weather permitting.

Construction Progress and Rock Crushing

Hotchkiss noted that Norris Asphalt made good progress on construction sites before the recent rain. Topsoil work is finished and seeding is the next step, contingent on ground conditions. Some erosion control measures, such as removing silt fencing and reclaiming steel posts, are ongoing.

Old Highway 4 saw the placement of a rock interlayer, which held up well under intense rain. While the contractor has temporarily moved operations, seal coating is expected in a few weeks.

Bonding & Debt Capacity Presentation

Heidi Kuhl of Northland Securities presented a detailed overview of Henry County’s general obligation debt and bonding capacity. The county’s total taxable valuation has grown steadily over the past five years, with average annual increases of 6% in total valuation and 2% in taxable value—impacted by changes in state-set rollback rates.

Henry County’s legal debt capacity currently stands at $92 million, with just $6.6 million in outstanding debt—primarily from the 2018 jail bond—leaving the county at only 7% of its legal limit.

Kuhl emphasized that the county is in a strong position to take on new projects if needed. The debt service levy for FY2025 is $0.64 per $1,000 of valuation, projected to drop slightly next year due to valuation growth.

Kuhl concluded by sharing interest rate charts, legal borrowing guidelines, and tips for planning future capital improvements.

Supervisors Review Revisions to Energy Overlay Ordinance

The Board then turned to the second reading of the proposed Alternative Energy Overlay District ordinance, a complex regulatory framework designed to guide the permitting and oversight of solar and wind energy projects in the county.

Planning officials and legal counsel walked the supervisors through a page-by-page review of the ordinance draft, which included updates in terminology, section references, and key policy areas such as fire suppression systems, noise compliance, and property value guarantees.

Several updates focused on ensuring clarity and consistency in language across solar and wind energy provisions, particularly in application requirements and setbacks. A notable change increased the required setback distance for wind turbines to 1.5 times their height.

Discussion also touched on escrow and bonding practices to ensure financial security for road repairs and public infrastructure. The Board acknowledged the complexity of balancing developer flexibility with the county’s need to protect assets and recover costs.

The ordinance remains in draft form, with additional readings and possible revisions expected in the coming weeks.

The Board is expected to revisit the sheriff’s legal counsel request during future meetings. A third reading of the alternative energy ordinance is anticipated, possibly accompanied by additional public input.

For questions or to obtain a copy of the updated ordinance draft, residents can contact the Henry County Planning Office or access materials online once posted.

Henry County Sheriff Rich McNamee Renews Request For Outside Legal Counsel

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 at 11:32 am CDT

Sheriff McNamee appeared before the Board of Supervisors for the third time in recent months, reiterating his request for the county to approve funding for outside counsel, citing a conflict of interest within the County Attorney’s Office and inadequate legal representation during official proceedings.

McNamee explained that he had traveled to Des Moines on April 10 at the request of the Iowa Attorney General’s Office to provide a deposition regarding the certification status of a former Henry County deputy. During the deposition, he said he was informed that the Attorney General’s staff did not represent him and that he would need legal counsel—either from the county or privately retained.

Despite prior rejections of his request for outside counsel, McNamee emphasized the burden the ongoing matter has placed on him personally, saying: “I mortgaged my home to pay for legal expenses on a county matter.”  However, he clarified that he is not currently requesting reimbursement for past expenses—only approval of future legal representation, specifically from Ellis Law Firm, at county expense.

The Board did not make an immediate decision.

Delbert “Duke” Moser – PENDING

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 at 8:20 am CDT

Delbert “Duke” Moser, 86, of New London and formerly Burlington and Kingston, died Wednesday, May 21, at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House, West Burlington.  Arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.

Sports, May 22nd

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 at 6:40 am CDT

High School Track

The State Track and Field meet is scheduled to start today and run through Saturday, May 24th, in Des Moines. KILJ will be keeping track of 16 local teams, providing updates and results throughout the three-day event. For a full list of our local state qualifiers’ heat assignments and times, follow this link: Heat Assignments and Times

High School Tennis

The Fairfield boys’ team fell to Pella 5-1 yesterday in their Substate 8 championship contest. Rumin Luo picked up the lone win for the Trojans. Fairfield ended the season with a 14-1 record. 

High School Golf

The girls’ Class 1A Region 5 final commenced yesterday and Wapello’s Emmalin Marshall finished as the medalist for the field, carding an 82 and punching her ticket to the state meet. The Arrows took 4th place with a score of 405.

New London finished in 6th place with a team score of 421, but Emma Busby shot an 85 for the 18-hole course, snatching the last spot for an individual state qualifier as she grabbed 4th place. 

Kinlee Brown’s 17th place score of 101 led Columbus as the Wildcats finished in 7th place. Holy Trinity Catholic’s Elizabeth Griffin and Winfield-Mt. Union’s Kellee Milks each carded a 102 to tie for 19th place. 

For Class 1A Region 4, Sophia Jirak of Van Buren County ended her junior season with an 18th place score of 101. 

The girls’ Class 1A state meet will be held at American Legion Golf Course in Marshalltown, starting on Thursday, May 29th, and concluding on Friday, May 30th. 

The Mt. Pleasant, Burlington Notre Dame, and Fairfield girls’ teams made the trip to Edmudson Golf Course yesterday for their Class 3A Region 3 final and the Panthers led the trio with an 8th place team score of 441 followed by Fairfield in 9th place with a 446. The Nikes took 11th place with a 456. 

Mt. Pleasant’s Sophia Walderbach carded a 95 to grab 12th place. Ella Bentler of Fairfield scored a 101 for 23rd place, while Notre Dame’s Emersyn Hopkins collected a 25th place score of 103. 

The boys’ Class 1A state golf meet will take place at South Hills Golf Course in Waterloo on Tuesday, May 27th, and Wednesday, May 28th.

Central Lee will contend for the boys’ Class 2A state championship starting Tuesday at Gates Park Golf Course in Waterloo.

Washington’s Drew Conrad will tee off on Tuesday at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls for the boys’ Class 3A state meet.

High School Soccer

In the girls’ Class 1A Region 3 bracket, Mt. Pleasant and Mid-Prairie needed 11 penalty kicks last night to decide the winner and it was the Golden Hawks who mounted the upset in a 2-1 final. The Panthers put together quite the effort to get there after allowing a first half goal, they went scoreless for 77 minutes. Yet, Charice Auwerda weaved her way through the defense and found Brianna Leonardo in front of the net for the game tying goal. Head coach Chris Davis knows this loss will sting,

“This team is probably the best team we’ve had in a while. Unfortunately, half of them are seniors. This is an unfortunate way to go out at the end of the season. They put their heart into it and fought back the entire game from being one down and I can’t be any prouder.”

Fairfield was shutout by Assumption last night 12-0. The Knights will take on Washington on Wednesday, May 28th, at 7 pm at home after the Demons defeated West Liberty 1-0.

The Mediapolis girls’ team will get to host Mid-Prairie next Wednesday at 7 pm after sneaking past Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union last night 1-0. 

The Burlington Notre Dame girls’ team will start their Class 2A Region 4 postseason journey tomorrow, May 23rd, on the road against Clear Creek Amana at 7 pm.

In the boys’ Class 1A Substate 5 bracket, Danville will take on (14-1) West Liberty on Tuesday, May 27th, at 7 pm in a road showdown.

The Central Lee boys team will travel to Mediapolis on Tuesday at 7 pm.

In the boys’ Class 2A Substate 5 bracket, #6 Burlington Notre Dame will take on Assumption on Tuesday at 7 pm at home.

It will be a Southeast Conference battle in the boys’ Class 2A Substate 6 semifinals as Mt. Pleasant will get to host Fairfield on Tuesday at 5 pm. 

High School Baseball

Fairfield pulverized Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont last night, 16-0, as eight Trojans tabbed at least one RBI. Zandrik Allison collected a team-leading four RBIs, while Luke Konczal clobbered two doubles for three RBIs. Fairfield will travel to Moravia on Tuesday, May 27th, at 5:30 pm. 

Wapello had no answer for BGM last night in a 13-0 loss. Kinnick Richenberger snatched three bases in the effort. Wapello will host Wilton tomorrow, May 23rd, at 5:30 pm.

Mt. Pleasant started the game off hot, pushing across three runs in the top of the 1st inning, but Grinnell remained consistent throughout the game and downed the Panthers 13-3. Zach Newton smacked a two-RBI double in the losing effort. Mt. Pleasant will look for a win in their home opener tonight against Cardinal with first pitch at 7 pm.

Van Buren County will travel to Keokuk tonight at 7:30 pm.

West Burlington will stay at home for their matchup against Louisa-Muscatine tomorrow at 5:30 pm.

Mediapolis will face off against New London on the road at 5:30 pm on Tuesday.

Central Lee will compete against Fairfield on Wednesday, May 28th, at 7:30 pm on the road.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Last night was our last episode of the 2024-25 season of the Southeast Iowa Playbook and our special guest was Mt. Pleasant baseball head coach Brent Broeker. He thought Grayson Lowery could take the biggest step in his development this year and that appears to be the case after the sophomore logged an RBI in last night’s contest against Grinnell.

If you missed last night’s episode, then follow this link: Mount Pleasant Episode

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team is heading back to Enid, Oklahoma for the third straight season after nabbing the #7-seed as an at-large bid in the NJCAA DII World Series. The Blackhawks will start their postseason journey on Saturday, May 24th, at 10 am against the #10-seed Kellogg Community College, who is on a 17-game win streak after winning the Great Lakes District Championship. 

This Day in Sports History

1911 – Boston pitcher Cliff Curtis lost his 23rd game in a row, dating back to 1910, still the all-time record for consecutive losses by a pitcher.

1987 – Canadian Rick Hansen completes his ‘Man in Motion’ world tour in a wheelchair at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium, raising money for spinal cord research.

2003 – In Fort Worth, Texas, Annika Sörenstam becomes the first woman to play the PGA Tour in 58 years.

Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility Hosts “We’ve Got Your Back” Event to Support Foster Children

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 at 4:43 pm CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa – The Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility (MPCF) hosted their8 “We’ve Got Your Back” event—an initiative aimed at bringing hope, dignity, and a touch of comfort to children entering the foster care system.

In collaboration with Four Oaks Foster Care, the event saw MPCF staff and incarcerated individuals work side by side to pack backpacks and duffle bags filled with essential items for children who are in or entering foster care. Each bag included hygiene products, clothing items, blankets, and more—simple yet meaningful items meant to ease the transition for children in difficult circumstances.

The effort came from Incarcerated Inmates donating their own money, staff donations, families and fundraisers. Some were able to donate several dollars, while some were able to donate the last pennies they had during event. All that donated, were honored during Wednesdays even.

Dozens of bags were assembled during today’s event, with participants expressing a deep sense of pride and purpose. Organizers say the act of giving, particularly from those who may have experienced hardship themselves, brought a shared sense of healing and humanity.

 

MPCF officials hope to continue and expand this initiative in the future, with the goal of involving more community partners and reaching even more children across Iowa.

For more information about the program or future events, contact the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility administration.

Margaret (Margie) Carolyn Courtney Curtis

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 at 3:37 pm CDT

Margaret (Margie) Carolyn Courtney Curtis, passed away at the age of 77, February 5, 2025, in Keota, Iowa.

A celebration of Margaret’s beautiful life will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield.

The family will greet friends from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

A full obituary may be viewed at www.behnerfh.com.