Make Donating Blood Your 2026 New Year’s Resolution – Impact Life Announces Updated Eligibility Requirements

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Thursday, January 8th, 2026 at 2:49 pm CDT

Impact Life Blood Center encourages Southeast Iowans to consider giving blood, noting that eligibility requirements have recently been updated, potentially allowing more people to donate.

According to updated donor guidelines effective this month, donors must be at least 17 years old — or 16 with parental consent — weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health on the day of donation. A photo ID is required, and donors are encouraged to eat a full meal before giving blood. Several common conditions, including well-controlled diabetes, allergies, and many routine medications, do not automatically prevent donation

The updated criteria also clarify waiting periods for recent tattoos, piercings, dental work, surgeries, and vaccinations, as well as guidelines for donating after illness, pregnancy, or prior blood donations. Officials say the changes are intended to maintain safety while expanding the pool of eligible donors.

Blood centers remind residents that donated blood is critical for trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatment, and chronic illness management. Anyone unsure about their eligibility is encouraged to call 800-747-5401. You can also see a list of eligibility requirements by clicking here.

Impact Life notes that 51% of their blood donors donate just once a year. In 2026, their goal is to get every donor to donate at least twice. To meet that goal, they have boosted their donor incentives. Your first donation this year, you’ll receive $20 in donor rewards and on your second donation of 2026 you’ll receive $40. Visit impactlife.org to view upcoming blood drives near you.

Iowa Farm Bureau to Host 2026 Ag Market Outlook Meeting Series Across the State

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Thursday, January 8th, 2026 at 2:46 pm CDT

After a challenging 2025, Iowa farmers are heading into 2026 with tighter margins, higher interest costs, growing market uncertainty and some forecasts showing a 24% decrease in net farm income. To help farmers navigate those pressures, Iowa Farm Bureau will host a six-stop Ag Market Outlook Meeting Series across the state this February.

The series will examine current drivers in the grain and livestock markets and how tariffs, interest rates and price inflation are affecting ag financing decisions. Farm Bureau Financial Services will discuss 2026 crop insurance considerations, as well as risk management tools such as Livestock Risk Protection.  The session will also cover farm transition and succession planning.

Speakers will vary by location and include Carol Jensen, Luana Savings Bank vice president; Nic Klein, Central Bank agricultural lending officer; Dr. Christopher Pudenz, Iowa Farm Bureau economics and research manager; Zach Brummer, Iowa Farm Bureau farmer education program manager; Erin Herbold-Swalwell, Farm Bureau Financial Services senior counsel; and Angie Horn, Zach Hyland and Shelby Oetting, Farm Bureau Financial Servies regional crop consultants.

Meeting locations and dates are as follows:

  • Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon on Monday, Feb. 16 from 7:45 to 10:45 a.m.
  • Wall Lake Community Center, Wall Lake on Monday, Feb. 16 from 12:45–3:45 p.m.
  • Dunlap Four County Fairgrounds, Dunap on Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 9:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
  • Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 7:45–10:45 a.m.
  • Jones County Farm Bureau, Anamosa on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 12:45–3:45 p.m.
  • Cambridge Building on the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Fairfield on Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 5–8:15 p.m.

“Farmers are making decisions in an environment with a lot more unknowns than we’ve seen in recent years,” said Brummer. “Iowa Farm Bureau wants to provide farmers with a relevant look at how rising input costs, tariff volatility and global uncertainty are affecting profitability—and what steps they can take now to manage risk going into 2026.”

Registration is free for Iowa Farm Bureau members. Non-members interested in attending are encouraged to contact their local county Farm Bureau or become a member at www.iowafarmbureau.com. All meetings include a catered meal, coffee bar and educational materials. For registration assistance or additional information, contact Ashley Lennon at alennon@ifbf.org.

Henry County Sheriff’s Office Kicks off Coloring Contest

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Thursday, January 8th, 2026 at 2:45 pm CDT

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is inviting young artists to take part in a new community coloring contest.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office Coloring Contest is open to children of all ages, with age groups divided into 0 to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 12, and ages 13 and older. Participants can enter for a chance to win a retired K9 Axel stuffed dog along with other Henry County Sheriff’s Office swag.

Completed coloring pages can be dropped off at the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Entries must be submitted by February 6th. Winners will be selected from each age group.

The contest is designed to encourage creativity while giving kids a fun way to connect with local law enforcement. Parents and guardians are encouraged to help younger children complete and submit their entries before the deadline.

You can download the printable coloring page by visiting henrycounty.iowa.gov/sheriff/ or by visiting this story on kilj.com under the news tab. (spoken)

OR

Click here to download the printable coloring page.

 

Connie Sue Peterschmidt

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Thursday, January 8th, 2026 at 2:43 pm CDT
Connie Sue Peterschmidt, 79, of Coralville, Iowa, formerly of Montrose, passed away at 7:25 a.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Stirlingshire of Coralville.
Connie was born on December 1, 1946, in Estherville, Iowa, the daughter of Charles Kenneth and Lola Lorraine (Webber) Warrington. On October 1, 1968, she married Donald J. “Don” Peterschmidt in Fort Madison, Iowa. He preceded her in death on May 27, 2023.
She is survived by her two sons: Kurt (Christine) Peterschmidt of Coralville, Iowa, Greg (Leslie) Peterschmidt of Erwin, Tennessee; granddaughter; grandson; step-granddaughters; step-grandson; sister: JoAnne Warrington – Koehler; brother: William “Bill” Warrington, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Don and brother: Ronald “Butch” Warrington.
Connie graduated high school in Orion, Illinois. She was a homemaker, beautician and enjoyed crafts.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2026, at Greenglade Cemetery in Farmington, Iowa.
A memorial has been established in her memory.


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

Henry County Supervisors Hold First Meeting of 2026

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Thursday, January 8th, 2026 at 2:36 pm CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Monday morning at 9 a.m. for their first meeting of 2026.

The meeting opened with Board Chair Chad White addressing how meetings will be conducted moving forward under Robert’s Rules of Order. White explained that public comments will be limited to three minutes and may not disrupt meetings.

Supervisors approved the agenda and meeting minutes with several corrections before moving into department head updates.

During the Public Health report, officials noted several schools in the county are experiencing absentee rates of ten percent or higher. Residents were reminded to cover coughs, wash hands frequently, and stay home when sick to help reduce the spread of illness.

The General Assistance report highlighted services provided by The Fellowship Cup, which assisted 778 individuals during the previous month.

Assistant County Attorney Blake Vierra announced his resignation from the Henry County Attorney’s Office after five years of service. Vierra stated his decision was not related to any internal conflict and expressed appreciation for his time working in Henry County.

The Sheriff’s Office reported generating $4,297,974 in outside revenue by housing inmates from other counties. The department also reported responding to approximately 3,000 fewer calls than the previous year. Officials noted the county jail is fully staffed and the department is currently working to fill one remaining deputy sheriff position. Sheriff Rich McNamee also reminded motorists that as of January 1, using a cellphone while driving can result in a citation.

Supervisors later approved a resolution to hire Abbie Lietchy as the new Assistant County Attorney and approved a resolution allowing the County Treasurer to hold bonds for elected officials.

The board heard from Friends of Geode State Park regarding ongoing renovations to the park’s concession stand. Representatives explained the project has been completed largely through volunteer labor and support from local businesses, significantly reducing costs. The group requested additional funding from the county to complete the project. Supervisors took no action, stating the request will be considered during upcoming budget discussions.

The meeting concluded with a presentation from HUB International regarding the county’s ICAP insurance renewal. No action was taken, as supervisors said additional questions remain. The topic will be revisited at a future meeting.

Sports, January 8th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, January 8th, 2026 at 6:42 am CDT

High School Basketball

The WACO boys’ team will host North Linn, while the girls’ team will square off against Holy Trinity Catholic at home with both games taking place tonight with game one at 6 pm.

Mediapolis will continue their six-game road trip tonight with a contest against Wilton with tip-off at 6 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will stay on the road for a showdown with Van Buren County tomorrow, January 9th, with tip-off at 6 pm. 

Wapello will face off against Pekin tomorrow at 6 pm on the road. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will take on Louisa-Muscatine tomorrow at 6 pm in a road contest. 

Central Lee will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic tomorrow with game one at 6 pm. 

Columbus will compete against Lone Tree on the road tomorrow with the night starting at 6 pm.

Danville will host Mediapolis tomorrow with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

New London will make the trip to West Burlington tomorrow with the matchup set to start at 6 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will head back home to take on Fairfield tomorrow with game one at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm. Panthers boys’ head coach Eric Rawson talked about what his squad will be working on heading into their matchup with the Trojans,

“Yeah, we’re just gonna work on ourselves and getting better. And certainly handling pressure up top around the perimeter and making sure that we focus on getting paint touches and getting the ball to the block.”

Girls’ High School Basketball Rankings

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released their first rankings since winter break and their fifth of the season and Mediapolis kept their spot in the Class 3A top 15 at #10.

The Bulldogs are 10-0 to start the season behind a defense that nearly averages as many steals, 20, as they do points allowed, 27.8. Moreover, they are the best three-point shooting team in the class at 35.9% from behind the arc, which is five-percentage points higher than second place. Grace Holsteen leads the way with 16 points per game. 

High School Wrestling

Fairfield will dual Keokuk tonight at home.

The WACO and Wapello boys’ teams will face off at Lone Tree in a meet tonight. 

Mt. Pleasant will participate in a meet tonight at Iowa Valley.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will host a triangular tonight with Columbus in attendance. 

The New London boys’ team will travel to HLV for a triangular tonight. 

The Mediapolis boys’ team will compete at the Washington Meet tonight.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Mediapolis, Van Buren County, Mt. Pleasant, and WACO girls’ teams will wrestle at the Highland Invitational tomorrow, January 9th. 

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant will hold a triangular tonight.

Fairfield will host Burlington on Monday, January 12th.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team fell to Marshalltown Community College last night 54-49. Trinity Barrett scored 13 points in the loss. The Blackhawks will face off against Iowa Western Community College at home on Saturday, January 10th, at 1 pm.

The men’s basketball team will host Indian Hills Community College on Saturday at 7 pm.

The women’s wrestling team will compete at the Lakeland Scramble on Sunday, January 11th.

College Basketball

After a 14-0 start to the season, the #11 Iowa State women’s team has dropped back-to-back games, losing to Cincinnati last night 71-63. Audi Crooks collected a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. The Cyclones will host West Virginia on Sunday, January 11th, at 2 pm.

The #14 Iowa women’s team will travel to Indiana on Sunday for tip-off at 4 pm.

The #19 Iowa men’s team will square off against Illinois at home on Sunday at 11 am.

The #3 Iowa State men’s team is off to their best start in program history (15-0) after taking down Baylor last night 70-60. Tamin Lipsey went off for 24 points, while Joshua Jefferson was a force with 19 points and 17 rebounds. The Cyclones will face off against Oklahoma State on Saturday, January 10th, at 3 pm at home.

This Day in Sports History

1945 – The University of Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team sets an NCAA record by holding Arkansas State to 6 points in a 75-6 win.

1955 – Georgia Tech ends Kentucky’s 129-game home basketball win streak. 

1984 – The Executive Committee of the NCAA votes to expand the championship basketball field to 64 teams starting in 1985.

Sports, January 7th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

Danville swept New London last night with the girls’ team clobbering the Tigers 82-5 and the boys’ team sneaking away with a 56-49 final. Alaina Gourley exploded for 35 points in the winning effort. 

Danville will host Mediapolis on Friday, January 9th, with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

New London will make the trip to West Burlington on Friday with the matchup set to start at 6 pm.

West Burlington hosted Burlington Notre Dame last night and the girls’ team extended their win streak to three games after defeating the Nikes 56-33, while the #4 Notre Dame boys’ team clipped the Falcons, 79-46. 

Burlington Notre Dame will stay on the road for a showdown with Van Buren County on Friday with tip-off at 6 pm. 

The WACO girls’ team outscored Wapello 15 to 7 in the fourth quarter to clutch out a 53-51 victory, despite 19 points for Annaka Greiner. The WACO boys’ team got back in the win column with a big fourth quarter of their own, outscoring Wapello 21 to 3 for a 58-43 final. 

Wapello will face off against Pekin on Friday at 6 pm on the road. 

The WACO boys’ team will host North Linn, while the girls’ team will square off against Holy Trinity Catholic at home with both games taking place tomorrow, January 8th, with game one at 6 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union split their matchup with Pekin last night with the girls’ team losing 36-25 and the boys’ team slipping away with a 50-45 victory. Suttyn Schlee had seven points for the girls’ team. The Wolves will take on Louisa-Muscatine on Friday at 6 pm in a road contest. 

The Central Lee boys’ team handled Van Buren County last night, 78-56. The Hawks will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic on Friday with game one at 6 pm. 

Mediapolis swept Holy Trinity Catholic last night with the girls’ team winning 62-21 and the boys’ team taking their game 55-37. Bryn Wright led the Bulldogs with 17 points, while Elizabeth Griffin put up seven points. Will Luttenegger and Max Griffin each knocked in 16 points for the Bulldogs and Jack Ragar scored 14 points for the Crusaders. Griffin passed the 1,000-career point plateau. 

Mediapolis will continue their six-game road trip tomorrow with a contest against Wilton with tip-off at 6 pm.

The Columbus girls’ team fell to Louisa-Muscatine last night, 61-28. The Wildcats will compete against Lone Tree on the road on Friday with the night starting at 6 pm.

Fairfield split their matchup against Centerville last night with the girls’ team falling 52-35 and the boys’ team claiming the 64-50 victory. 

Mt. Pleasant will head back home to take on Fairfield on Friday with game one at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm.

High School Wrestling

Wapello hosted a boy/girl dual last night with Fairfield in attendance and the Trojan boys’ team ended the night 1-2 with a 45-27 victory over Wapello, while the girls’ team for the Arrows took down Fairfield 39-18 to finish the night 1-2. 

Cael McCabe, Dain Burkhart, and Alex Hudson finished the night undefeated for Fairfield, while Grayson Nagle and Cohen Wolford of Wapello went unblemished for the night. On the girls’ side, Wapello’s Kenadee Helscher continued her undefeated season, while Clara Ball also went perfect for the night. Fairfield’s Kendra Allison collected two victories on the night. 

Fairfield will dual Keokuk tomorrow, January 8th, at home.

The WACO and Wapello boys’ teams will face off at Lone Tree in a meet tomorrow. 

Mt. Pleasant will participate in a meet tomorrow at Iowa Valley.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will host a triangular tomorrow with Columbus in attendance. 

The New London boys’ team will travel to HLV for a triangular tomorrow. 

The Mediapolis boys’ team will compete at the Washington Meet tomorrow.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Mediapolis, Van Buren County, Mt. Pleasant, and WACO girls’ teams will wrestle at the Highland Invitational on Friday, January 9th. 

High School Bowling

West Burlington/Notre Dame will travel to West Central today.

Mt. Pleasant will hold a triangular tomorrow, January 8th.

Fairfield will host Burlington on Monday, January 12th.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will square off at home against Marshalltown Community College tonight at 5:30 pm.

The men’s basketball team will host Indian Hills Community College on Saturday, January 10th, at 7 pm.

College Basketball

The #11 Iowa State women’s team will attempt to right the ship tonight against Cincinnati on the road at 5:30 pm.

The #14 Iowa women’s team will travel to Indiana on Sunday, January 11th, for tip-off at 4 pm.

The #19 Iowa men’s team suffered a road upset at the hands of Minnesota last night, 70-67. Bennett Stirtz collected 21 points in the effort. The Hawkeyes will square off against Illinois at home on Sunday at 11 am.

The #3 Iowa State men’s team will take on Baylor on the road tonight at 7 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will have the call.

This Day in Sports History

1899 – Walter Camp publishes his first All-American football team in Collier’s.

1927 – The Harlem Globetrotters play their first game in Hinckley, Illinois.

1972 – The LA Lakers defeat the Atlanta Hawks 134-90 for their 33rd straight win. The longest winning streak in major professional sports.

Melvin B. Jennings

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 8:01 pm CDT

Melvin B. Jennings, 94, of Coralville, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at his home in Coralville.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. at the Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services in Winfield.  Memorial services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will be held at the Winfield-Scott Township Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Washington County Hospice in memory of Melvin.  Online condolences may be left at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Melvin Burdell Jennings was born on June 3, 1931, in Louisa County, Iowa, the son of Clarence Albert and Margurite (Marion) Jennings.  He was a graduate of the Wyman High School.  Melvin proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War being stationed in France.  He was a farmer in the Winfield area his entire life.  Melvin was a member of the Winfield Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder, served on the Board of Directors for the Sunrise Terrance Care Facility and was also a member of the Winfield V.F.W. and American Legion and the church bowling league.  Melvin raised Duroc hogs, showing them at many local fairs and also the Iowa State Fair and other state fairs.  He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed boating on Table Rock Lake, bird watching, his rose gardens, woodworking, golfing, bowling, listening to music, reading and his car, but most of all spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren.

Melvin will be deeply missed by his wife of 70 years, Jane of Coralville; his children, Kevin Jennings of Quaqueston, Iowa and Kyle (Adrienne Publicover) Jennings of Walnut Creek, California and five grandchildren, Margaret, Ben, Jacob, Alec and Clare.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Connie Green and one brother, Myron Jennings.