Wayne Hansen, 97, of Mount Pleasant, died Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at New London Specialty Care. Funeral services are pending at the Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
BREAKING: Major Accident Involving Construction Truck and Pig Hauler Causes Traffic Backup on Highway 218 North
Mount Pleasant, Iowa (KILJ) — Traffic was backed up for miles on Highway 218 North just north of Mount Pleasant Thursday morning following a serious collision involving multiple large vehicles.
The accident occurred near the intersection of 218 Northbound and 170th Street, just south of Swedesburg. The crash involved a livestock trailer, and a Construction Semi. As of now, it is unclear how the accident unfolded or severity of any injuries. Henry County EMS was evaluating one scene and Medforce Air Medical was called to the scene.
Emergency personnel from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Henry County EMS, and surrounding first responders rushed to the scene. Authorities directed traffic while crews worked to clear the roadway and assess the situation.
Motorists experienced significant delays as responders worked to clear the livestock from the roadway, and drivers are urged to avoid the area this Thursday morning or seek alternate routes until the scene is fully cleared.
Stay with KILJ for the latest updates as more information becomes available.
Sports, May 29th
High School Tennis
Fairfield’s Rumin Luo started day two of the Class 1A State Singles Tournament with a sweep of Bishop Heelan’s Easton Lubarski, sending the Trojan to the 5th place match against Tyler Grote of Sergeant Bluff-Luton. Unfortunately, Luo was outmatched, falling 6-3 in set one and 6-0 in set two to finish the tournament in 6th place.
High School Golf
The boys’ State Golf Meets for Classes 1A, 2A, and 3A are in the book and here’s how our local teams performed.
In Class 1A, Hillcrest Academy’s Liam Schrock took home the silver medal after a phenomenal second round score of 71 (-1) to finish with a two-day score of two-over par. Rowan Miller finished in 8th place with a score of 153. The duo helped the Ravens take 4th place as a team. Boyden-Hull was the team champion.
Central Lee in Class 2A collected 8th place as a team with Mylan Lowenberg leading the way with a two-day score of 162, which tied him for 30th place. Caleb Larson finished tied for 39th place with a final card of 20-over par. Columbus Catholic took the team crown by 14 strokes.
Lastly, Drew Conrad of Washington carded a 78 on day two to finish in 24th place with a score of 152. Waverly-Shell Rock won the tiebreaker over MOC-Floyd Valley for the Class 3A championship.
The girls’ Class 1A state meet will be held at American Legion Golf Course in Marshalltown with New London’s Emma Busby and Wapello’s Emmalin Marshall making the trip, starting today and concluding tomorrow, May 30th.
High School Soccer
In the girls’ Class 1A Region 3 bracket, Washington was throttled by Assumption last night 10-0. The Demons finished the season with a 9-8 record.
The Mediapolis girls’ team fell victim to Mid-Prairie’s underdog run last night as the Golden Hawks secured another 2-1 road victory. Mid-Prairie will square off against Assumption tomorrow, May 30th, at 7 pm on the road for the Regional Championship.
In the girls’ Class 2A Region 4 bracket, Fort Madison’s Ellie Hellman did all that she could, stopping 11 shots on goal but the Bloodhound offense could not generate any pressure, leading Hunter Pender to score a 2nd half goal for the Grayhounds in a 1-0 final. Burlington will travel to Xavier tomorrow at 7 pm for the Regional Championship.
In the boys’ Class 1A Substate 5 bracket, Mediapolis will make the trip to West Liberty tonight for the Substate Championship at 7 pm.
In the boys’ Class 2A Substate 5 bracket, #6 Burlington Notre Dame can punch their ticket to state tonight at home against Maquoketa at 7 pm.
The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will square off against Williamsburg on the road tonight at 7 pm for the Class 2A Substate 6 championship.
High School Baseball
Winfield-Mt. Union could not contain Burlington’s offense last night, losing 12-4 at Community Field. Parker Wilson went 2 for 3 at the plate with an RBI and a stolen base. The Wolves will take on Louisa-Muscatine tonight at 5:30 pm at home.
Mt. Pleasant’s six-run 5th inning spelled disaster for Van Buren County as the Panthers’ walked away with an 11-3 victory. Zach Newton (two doubles) and Brayton Hutson (one double) combined for three extra base hits as the senior duo tabbed three RBIs apiece. Cree Kite nabbed the lone RBI for the Warriors.
Mt. Pleasant starts a three-day home stand tomorrow, May 30th, against Muscatine at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.
Van Buren County will travel to Mediapolis tonight with first pitch at 7:30 pm.
Central Lee outlasted Fairfield last night 12-9 in an explosive display of offense. Aiden Westercamp led the Trojans with three RBIs and a double. Fairfield will hit the road on Saturday, May 31st, for the Davis County Classic.
New London squashed Keokuk last night 11-1 as eight Tigers collected at least one RBI in the textbook definition of small ball with no extra base hits. Gage Burden and Owen Nehring tag teamed the no-hitter, but issued 10 combined walks.
West Burlington will compete against New London at home tonight at 5:30 pm.
Burlington Notre Dame will travel to Central Lee tonight at 7:30 pm.
Danville will take on Highland tonight at 5:30 pm on the road.
Wapello will look to right the ship against Hillcrest Academy tonight at 5:30 pm on the road.
High School Softball
Mt. Pleasant took a 4 to 2 lead over Central Lee in the 2nd inning after notching five hits, including a two-RBI single for Saige Burchett. But, Central Lee’s offense proved too powerful as the Hawks flew away with the victory, 9-5. Carley Pezley led the Hawks offense with two RBIs on three hits.
Mt. Pleasant will host Mid-Prairie at 7 pm tomorrow, May 30th.
Central Lee will square off against Holy Trinity Catholic tonight at 7 pm at home.
Holy Trinity Catholic swept Keokuk in dominant fashion last night 15-6 in game one and 15-4 in game two.
Fairfield won their season opener last night against Van Buren County 7-5. Leah Helmick and Lancey Norris each picked up two RBIs in the effort. The Trojans will compete in a doubleheader tonight against Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont at home with game one at 5:30 pm.
Van Buren County will tangle with Mediapolis tonight on the road with first pitch at 7 pm.
West Burlington/Notre Dame played the role of the cardiac kids last night, scoring seven-runs in the top of the 7th inning before allowing two runs in the bottom half of the inning to eventually close the door on a 12-11 victory over West Liberty. The Falcons will compete against New London at home tonight at 7 pm.
Wapello will travel to Hillcrest Academy tonight at 7 pm.
Columbus will host WACO tonight at 7 pm.
Danville will take on Highland tonight at 7:30 pm on the road.
Southeastern Community College
The baseball team’s season came to end in the consolation semifinals yesterday at the hands of East Central Community College in a 13-4 final. Owen Sikkink collected two RBIs in the loss. The Blackhawks finished the season with a 50-15 record.
Prospect League
The Burlington Bees fell to the Normal CornBelters last night 9-5 on the road. Kooper Schulte continued his hot start to the season with an RBI and a double. The Bees will get their rematch tonight at 6:30 pm.
The Clinton LumberKings lost a tight one last night 7-6 to the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes. The LumberKings will look to avenge their loss tonight against the Lucky Horseshoes at 6:30 pm.
This Day in Sports History
1922 – The US Supreme Court rules organized baseball is a sport and not a business and thus not subject to antitrust laws.
1971 – Indianapolis 500: Defending champion Al Unser Sr. becomes the first and only driver to win the race on his birthday as he led for the final 83 laps.
1977 – Indianapolis 500: A. J. Foyt became the first driver to win the Indy 500 four times. Janet Guthrie also became the first female to qualify and compete in the race.
Michael A. Chrissinger
NOW ONLINE! 2025 Henry County Fair Book
The 2025 Henry County Fair Book is now available online!
Whether you’re preparing exhibits, planning your visit, or just looking for key dates and details, the digital fair book has everything you need.
📅 Important Dates, Entry Deadlines, and Event Info
📖 Full Digital Fair Book Access
🔗 Click here to view: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/henry/county-fair
Stay informed and get ready for another exciting year at the Henry County Fair!
Margaret M. Triska
Margaret M. Triska, 92, of Salem, died following a brief battle with cancer on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Margaret was born March 12, 1933, in Salem, the daughter of Walter G. and Mary L. (Hudson) Elmore. She attended the Salem schools. On September 16, 1950, Margaret was united in marriage to Richard L. Triska, at the Salem Friends Church. The couple made their home in the Salem community and raised three daughters. Margaret worked at Salem Elementary School, and later at Kramer’s Convenience Store. She was a devoted member of the Gospel Peace Baptist Church, formerly known as the Salem Congregational Church. Margaret loved attending church, and serving others in any capacity. She also treasured the time she spent with family. Margaret enjoyed tending to her yard and mowing the lawn.
Margaret is survived by two daughters, Susan (Bill) DeWolf of Mount Pleasant, Teresa (Chuck) Kramer of Salem; eight grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; and two brothers Wayne Buck Elmore of Omaha, NE, Larry Elmore of Franklin, NC.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Richard; daughter Bonnie Pickard; infant son James Triska; and four sisters Beverly Lyle, Patsy Smith, Mary Lou Stewart, and Miriam Francis.
Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Gospel Peace Baptist Church in Salem, with Pastor Aaron Helterbran officiating. Burial will follow in the Salem East Cemetery. Visitation will be held 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at the Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established for Gospel Peace Baptist Church, and the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Margaret and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Kenneth Lee Rich
Kenneth Lee Rich, Jr., 79, of Mt. Union, died Sunday, May 25, 2025 at his home. He was born in Burlington on February 6, 1946 to Kenneth Lee, Sr and Bonnie Jean Ried Rich. On February 18, 1984, he married Rosalee Bell Stuart. She died August 28, 2002.
He was a graduate of Burlington High School. He worked as a machinist and in fabrication for JI Case Company for thirty-seven years, retiring in 2001. Kenneth loved being outdoors and took immaculate care of his beloved acreage. He enjoyed motorcycle rides, driving his jeep with the top off, and boating.
Survivors include his daughters Kendra (Eric) Knottnerus of Ainsworth and Kori Rich of New London; step daughter Gidget (Andy) Crossett of Mt. Pleasant; stepsons Tony (Sharon) Stuart of New London and John (Sharon) Stuart of Danville; thirteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; sisters Marcia Gaines of Fairfield and Kelly (Mark) Ripperger of Burlington; brother Tony (Liz) Rich of Burlington; brother-in-law Ron Hummer of Burlington; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; son Keith Rich; sister Teri Hummer; and brother-in-law Mort Gaines.
The family will greet friends from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Elliott Chapel, New London. A committal of his ashes next to his beloved wife, Rosie, will follow at Trinity Cemetery, Mt. Union. Memorials have been established for the American Cancer Society and Alzheimer’s Research. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Sports, May 28th
High School Tennis
Fairfield’s Rumin Luo started off the Class 1A State Singles Tournament breezing past Isaac Jackson of Audubon 6-2 in set one and 6-1 in set two to advance to the semifinals. Unfortunately, the Trojan was upset by Parker Stroh of Columbus Catholic, losing the third set by tiebreaker. Luo skipped past Leif Lundberg of Clear Lake in the 5th place bracket, setting up a matchup in the consolation semifinals today against Easton Lubarski of Bishop Heelan.
High School Golf
The boys’ Class 1A state championship teed off yesterday and Hillcrest Academy’s Liam Schrock sits in 3rd place after shooting a 75, just four strokes behind the leader. Rowan Miller carded a 76 (+4) as he is tied for 4th place and looking to end up on the podium. As a team, the Ravens are in 7th place with a score of 338. The championship will conclude today.
Central Lee is tied for 7th after day one of the boys’ Class 2A state championship at Gates Park Golf Course with a team score of 325. The Hawks are led by Caleb Larson’s 18-hole score of 79, which leaves him tied for 20th individually, and Mylan Lowenberg’s card of 81, which places him tied for 27th place. The championship will conclude today.
Washington’s Drew Conrad had the top of the podium to himself early on in the course but cooled off as the day progressed, turning in a 74, which is tied for 15th. The championship will conclude today.
The girls’ Class 1A state meet will be held at American Legion Golf Course in Marshalltown with New London’s Emma Busby and Wapello’s Emmalin Marshall making the trip, starting tomorrow, May 29th, and concluding on Friday, May 30th.
High School Soccer
In the boys’ Class 1A Substate 5 bracket, Danville was defeated by West Liberty 10-0 last night.
The Mediapolis boys’ team smacked Central Lee last night 5-0, peppering the goal with 16 shots on goal. The Bulldogs will travel to West Liberty tomorrow, May 29th, for the Substate Championship at 7 pm.
In the boys’ Class 2A Substate 5 bracket, #6 Burlington Notre Dame was able to fend off Assumption last night in a 2-1 final. The Nikes can punch their ticket to state tomorrow at home against Maquoketa at 7 pm.
A tense atmosphere at East Lake between two Southeast Conference foes was quickly nullified by a Brandon Veloz goal on a mad scramble in the first two minutes of the game for Mt. Pleasant, eventually leading to a 2-0 win for the Panthers over Fairfield when Asa Rose headed in a second half goal. Veloz could not ask for a better group of teammates to play with on the pitch,
“It’s a blessing, honestly. I moved from first season here, you know, doing things that we’ve never done in this school before. I’m just happy, thankful to God for all my teammates, I’ve been able to spend this time with and just enjoy this season and hopefully continue this run.”
The Panthers will square off against Williamsburg on the road tomorrow at 7 pm for the Substate 6 championship. Head coach Rocco Russo talked about what his team will be leaning on heading into the big game,
“Our defense 100%, I mean Aiden, humble, Abraham, Cass, Cohen Cass, and Jackson Newman. Those guys don’t get any stats on bounds, but you know, without those guys, I mean, we’re not much of A soccer team. Those guys are solid back there. And I mean, our goalkeeper Zach is the real deal. You know, he’s really good. He’s been putting in working. It’s his turn to shine.”
In the girls’ Class 1A Region 3 bracket, Assumption will take on Washington tonight at 7 pm.
The Mediapolis girls’ team will host Mid-Prairie tonight at 7 pm.
In the girls’ Class 2A Region 4 bracket, Fort Madison will square off against Burlington on the road tonight at 7 pm.
High School Baseball
West Burlington outlasted Winfield-Mt. Union last night 9-7. Garret Bence notched three RBIs for the Falcons, while Graham Haines batted in two runs for the Wolves.
West Burlington will compete against New London at home tomorrow, May 29th, at 5:30 pm.
Winfield-Mt. Union will square off against Burlington tonight at 6 pm at Community Field.
Mt. Pleasant could not stop Clear Creek Amana’s offense last night in a 14-1 thumping. Zach Newton tabbed the lone RBI for the Panthers.
Van Buren County will face off against Mt. Pleasant tonight at 5:30 pm at home.
Fairfield and Moravia went to extra innings last night after the Trojans scored three runs over the last three innings to tie the game at 6; nevertheless, the Mohawks would walk them off in the ninth inning to win 7-6. Luke Konczal nabbed two RBIs in the loss.
Central Lee will compete against Fairfield tonight at 7:30 pm on the road.
Mediapolis and New London needed 11 innings before the Bulldogs could finally push across the winning run to end the game 4-3. Gavin Menke-Bailey tabbed two RBIs in the losing effort. Mediapolis will tangle with Wilton tonight at 7 pm on the road.
Burlington Notre Dame started the season off with a 6-1 win over Danville last night. The Nikes will travel to Central Lee tomorrow at 7:30 pm.
Danville will take on Highland tomorrow at 5:30 pm on the road.
Wapello will look to right the ship against Hillcrest Academy tomorrow at 5:30 pm on the road.
High School Softball
New London fell to Mediapolis last night 9-2. Payton Harris collected five RBIs off of two home runs and a triple at the plate. The Bulldogs will face off against Van Buren County tomorrow, May 29th, at 7 pm at home.
Columbus held off Wapello last night, 6-2. The Arrows will travel to Hillcrest Academy tomorrow at 7 pm.
Columbus will host WACO tomorrow at 7 pm.
Mt. Pleasant’s Paityn Ensminger slammed a two-run homer to get the Panthers on the board first but they were unable to sustain that momentum, losing 11-3 to Oskaloosa last night. Mt. Pleasant will stay on the road tonight to take on Central Lee at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.
Central Lee continued their offensive prowess from a season ago, handing Van Buren County a 9-1 loss. Jalyn Hawk and Kenna Sandoval each hit home runs, while Marie Young tabbed four RBIs.
Fairfield will face off against Van Buren County tonight at 7 pm on the road.
WACO lost to Highland last night 10-0. The Warriors will travel to Winfield to square off against New London tonight at 7:30 pm.
Holy Trinity Catholic defeated Danville last night 8-1. The Crusaders will tangle with Koekuk tonight at 5:30 pm on the road.
Danville will take on Highland tomorrow at 7:30 pm on the road.
West Burlington/Notre Dame will square off against West Liberty tonight at 7 pm.
Southeastern Community College
The baseball team avoided disaster yesterday, as Trey O’Neil was able to pitch his way out of a no outs, bases loaded jam in the top of the ninth inning to beat Kellogg Community College 8-4. Abrahan Rios tabbed three RBIs in the win, bringing his World Series total to four. The Blackhawks will compete against East Central today at 3 pm with the winner advancing to the semifinals.
Prospect League
Kooper Schulte, the former SCC ballplayer and New London native, put on a show for the Burlington Bee fans last night in a 12-4 victory over the Quincy Doggy Paddlers in the home opener. Schulte went perfect at the plate, hitting for the cycle, while notching 5 RBIs in the dominant performance. The Bees start their four-game road trip tonight against the Normal CornBelters at 6:30 pm.
The Clinton LumberKings shutout the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp last night 7-0 to start the season off right at home. The trio of Jaqson Tejada, Jake Weissenberger, and Jackson Bruno allowed only six hits in nine innings of work, while striking out 10. The LumberKings now hit the road to compete against the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes tonight at 6:30 pm.
This Day in Sports History
1742 – The first indoor swimming pool opens (Goodman’s Fields, London).
2000 – Indianapolis 500: reigning CART champion Juan Pablo Montoya leads for 167 laps to cruise to victory; first rookie winner since Graham Hill in 1966.
2006 – Barry Bonds hits his 715th career home run, passing Babe Ruth on the MLB all-time list.