Sports, May 30th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, May 30th, 2025 at 6:53 am CDT

High School Golf

The girls’ Class 1A state meet teed off yesterday at the American Legion Golf Course in Marshalltown and Wapello’s Emmalin Marshall leads our local duo after carding an 89 in round one to be sitting at 18-over par, tied for 19th place. Emma Busby of New London turned in a 93 for the 18-hole course to be tied in 33rd place at 22-over par. The state meet will conclude today.

High School Soccer

In the boys’ Class 1A Substate 5 bracket, Mediapolis nearly pulled off the upset against West Liberty last night but fell to the Comets for the second time in three years in the substate championship, 1-0. The Bulldogs collected a 12-5 record for the season.

In the boys’ Class 2A Substate 5 bracket, #6 Burlington Notre Dame will be heading back to the state tournament for the first time since 2022 after blanking Maquoketa 4-0 last night. The Class 2A quarterfinals are scheduled to start on Monday, June 2nd. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team traveled to Williamsburg last night for the Class 2A Substate 6 championship, hoping to accomplish one more first for the season. Unfortunately, a late offensive flurry was not enough to down the Raiders, as the Panthers fell 3-2. Jidens Joseph and Samuel Schaapen netted the two goals for Mt. Pleasant, who finished the season with an 11-5-1 record.

In the girls’ Class 1A Region 3 bracket, Mid-Prairie will square off against Assumption tonight at 7 pm on the road for the Regional Championship.

In the girls’ Class 2A Region 4 bracket, Burlington will travel to Xavier tonight at 7 pm for the Regional Championship.

High School Baseball

It was a pitching duel in West Burlington last night and the Falcons were able to come out on top, beating New London 1-0. Caleb Bush had the lone RBI as Brock Thuleen pitched 6.2 innings, allowing only two hits, seven walks, while striking out five. Memphis Watson notched four strikeouts in six innings of work for the Tigers. West Burlington will travel to Van Buren County tonight at 5:30 pm.

New London will face off against Pekin on Monday, June 2nd, at 7 pm at home.

Burlington Notre Dame flattened Central Lee last night, winning 15-1. The Hawks will tangle with Danville tonight on the road with first pitch at 7:30 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will square off against Mediapolis at home tonight at 7:30 pm.

Danville was clobbered by Highland last night 19-5.

Wapello fell to Hillcrest Academy last night 10-0 as they still search for their first run of the season. Wapello will contend with Lone Tree at home at 5:30 pm tonight.

Winfield-Mt. Union picked up their first win of the season last night in a dominant 11-1 showing against Louisa-Muscatine. Kohlby Newsom tabbed two RBIs on two hits, while Lane Genkinger pitched a three-strikeout complete game in the winning effort. The Wolves will hit the road to take on Pekin tonight at 5:30 pm.

Mt. Pleasant starts a three-day home stand tonight against Muscatine at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

Fairfield and Van Buren County will hit the road tomorrow, May 31st, for the Davis County Classic.

High School Softball

Central Lee pitched their way past Holy Trinity Catholic last night in a 6-1 final. The Hawks will participate in the Redette Classic in Centerville tomorrow, May 31st. 

Fairfield split their doubleheader against Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont last night, losing game one 6-4 and then jumping on the Rockets in game two to win 13-8. The Trojans will compete in a doubleheader against Mt. Pleasant on Monday, June 2nd, with game one at 5:30 pm.

Mediapolis is now 3-0 to start off the season after beating Van Buren County 5-2 last night. The Bulldogs will square off against Holy Trinity Catholic tonight on the road. 

Van Buren County will host West Burlington/Notre Dame tonight at 7 pm.

West Burlington/Notre Dame sprinted past New London last night 10-3. The Tigers will travel to Louisa-Muscatine tonight at 7 pm.

Wapello collected a 10-3 win over Hillcrest Academy last night for their first victory of the season. The Arrows will venture back home tonight to battle with Lone Tree with first pitch at 5:30 pm.

Columbus dispatched WACO last night 13-0. The Wildcats will travel to Highland tonight at 7:30 pm.

WACO will take on Hillcrest Academy tonight at 7 pm at home. 

Danville was shut out by Highland last night, 8-0. The Bears will play their home opener tonight against Keokuk with first pitch at 7 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will host Mid-Prairie at 5:30 pm tonight.

Southeastern Community College

Sunday, June 1st, is the last day to register for the SCC Summer Volleyball Camp running Monday, June 16th, through Wednesday, June 18th. The camp is open to boys and girls in grades 3rd through 12th and there are limited spots in each session. It will be held at the Loren Walker Arena in West Burlington. 

Follow the link to register: www.sccvolleyballcamps.com

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees have dropped back-to-back games after losing to the Normal CornBelters last night 7-3. Kooper Schulte added another RBI last night, bringing his early season total to seven through three games.

The Clinton LumberKings avenged their loss to the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes last night in a tight 8-6 final. Brett White slapped a two-RBI triple in the winning effort. The LumberKings will host the Bees tonight at 6:30 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1894 – Boston Beaneaters baseball second baseman Bobby Lowe is the first to hit four home runs in a MLB game in a 20-11 win against the Cincinnati Reds.

1911 – The first Indianapolis 500: Ray Harroun driving a Marmon Wasp for Nordyke and Marmon Company comes out of retirement and wins the inaugural event; average speed: 74.602 mph (120.060 km/h).

1936 – Indianapolis 500: Louis Meyer becomes the first three-time winner of the race; Lawson Harris is the first two-time winning riding mechanic. The famous tradition of serving milk in victory lane commences.

Henry County Sheriff’s reports for May 28th & May 29th

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 29th, 2025 at 6:51 pm CDT

On May 28th, 2025, at approximately 12:35 a.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office dispatch received a report of a single vehicle collision in the 700 block of Nebraska Avenue in Winfield, IA.  It was reported the driver of the vehicle was injured and the passenger could not be located and was unaccounted for.  While responding to the collision scene, the passenger was located walking in the 2300-grid of Highway 78 outside of Winfield.  The individual was identified as Roscoe Leyda, 38 of Mount Pleasant.  During the interaction it was determined Roscoe was intoxicated and possessed drug paraphernalia.  Roscoe was arrested and charged with Public Intoxication and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, both simple misdemeanors.

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On May 28th, 2025, at approximately 10:15 p.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office followed-up on a report of domestic assault in the 1100-grid of Gabriel Avenue outside of Wayland, Ia.  During the investigation, it was determined Kristopherpaul Boone, 18 of Wayland, was the primary aggressor in a domestic abuse assault incident. Kristopherpaul was arrested for one count of Domestic Abuse Assault-1st offense, a simple misdemeanor, one count of Domestic Abuse Assault causing bodily injury, a serious misdemeanor, Possession of a Controlled Substance, a serious misdemeanor, and Child Endangerment, an aggravated misdemeanor.                     

***A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendants are

presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.***

Burlington Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Distribution

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 29th, 2025 at 6:45 pm CDT

A Burlington man has been sentenced to 17 years in federal prison following his conviction for distributing methamphetamine, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Larry Leroy Knotts Jr., 61, was sentenced on Wednesday for selling approximately 125 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential source during controlled purchases between November and December 2023. At the time of the transactions, Knotts was already on federal supervised release stemming from a prior conviction in the Central District of Illinois for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.

Following his prison term, Knotts will be required to complete a five-year term of supervised release. Officials noted that there is no parole in the federal system.

The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. The case was investigated by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force (SEINT) in collaboration with the Burlington Police Department.

One Injured in Fiery Crash Near Olds Thursday Morning According To Iowa State Patrol

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 29th, 2025 at 3:16 pm CDT

Olds, Iowa (May 29, 2025) — A two-vehicle crash at the intersection of 170th Street and U.S. Highway 218 Northbound resulted in one person being hospitalized Thursday morning.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. when a semi tractor, driven by 60-year-old Jose Venegas of Iowa City, was traveling southbound on U.S. 218. The semi attempted to make a left turn onto eastbound 170th Street but failed to yield to oncoming northbound traffic.

As a result, the semi was struck by a northbound vehicle driven by 22-year-old Derek Blint of Danville. The impact sent Blint’s vehicle into the east ditch, where it caught fire. The semi came to rest within the intersection.

Venegas was injured in the crash and transported by ambulance to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Officials noted that he was wearing a seatbelt at the time, which they believe saved his life. No further injuries were reported at the scene.

Details on the make and model of the second vehicle remain unknown as of Thursday morning, and authorities have not released additional information about any third vehicle possibly involved.

Both vehicles involved were towed from the scene by Newberry’s and Burnt Towing, respectively. The crash remains under investigation by Trooper Schwenn of Post 13, with assistance from multiple responding agencies.

Drivers are reminded to use caution at intersections and always yield to oncoming traffic when making turns.

KILJ News will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Prep Boys’ Soccer: Three Local Teams Vying for a Ticket to State

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, May 29th, 2025 at 2:26 pm CDT

Prep Boys’ Soccer- Thursday night will be a big night for a trio of local boys’ soccer teams with hopes of getting to travel to Des Moines for the 2025 State Tournament. Two will have to pull off upsets on the road, while one gets to try and head back to state in front of the home crowd. Here’s a look at the local matchups.

Class 1A Substate 5

For Mediapolis, this will be their fourth trip to the Substate Championship in the last five years and the Bulldogs would certainly enjoy a change of fortunes, going 0-3 in the trio of games and being outscored 15 to 1 in the process.

To add on to the drama, Mediapolis will get a rematch of their 2023 championship contest against West Liberty where they were shutout 5-0. The Comets enter the game 15-1 with their lone loss coming against Regina Catholic. They have since won the last five games by a combined score of 22 to 3.

The game is set to start at 7 pm.

Mediapolis Player to Watch: Lance Ludens (20 goals)

West Liberty Player to Watch: David Hernandez (87.5% save percentage)

“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.”

Class 2A Substate 5

#6 Burlington Notre Dame has enjoyed a return to form after finishing last year with a 9-9 record. The Nikes from 2019 to 2023 advanced to at least the Substate Championship, including state tournament berth in 2022 and a state championship in 2021.

A big reason for the team’s success this year was the transfer of Alessandro Markomichelakis from Mediapolis. Last year, as a junior, he helped the Bulldogs capture the SEISC crown from Notre Dame and in his senior season he helped put it back in the Nikes’ possession.

Notre Dame will get to play the game at home at 7 pm against 11-3-2 Maquoketa. This will be the first matchup between the two teams as Brayden DeForest will look to make things difficult on the Nikes, who have struggled this season against the upper echelon of talent.

Notre Dame Player to Watch: Alessandro Markomichelakis (30 goals and 10 assists)

Maquoketa Player to Watch: Luc Schumacher (36 goals and 5 assists)

Class 2A Substate 6

Mt. Pleasant captured their first winning season since 2019 and their first conference championship since 2013, the same year that the Panthers qualified for the state tournament. They fell 3-1 to Storm Lake in the quarterfinals that year.

In Mt. Pleasant’s history, they also qualified for the fall state tournament back in 1995, the first year for their program under Tom Alaniz. They lost to Pella Chrisitan 3-2 in the first round, then 5-0 in the consolation against Western Christian.

A big reason for their success has been first year members in German exchange student Samuel Schaapen, contributing 25 points for the season, and sophomore Brandon Veloz who tabbed a goal and an assist in their win over Fairfield in the semifinals. Veloz talked about how special this team is,

“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.”

Returning members such as Dylan White, who has led the team in goals the past two years, and goalie Xachary LeBlanc has helped the cause as well. Despite the uptick in offense, head coach Rocco Russo wants to lean on the defense,

“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.”

They will have to travel north to take on 12-1-3 Williamsburg at 7 pm. The Raiders are looking to avenge a 1-0 loss to Assumption in the Substate Championship game last year in front of their home crowd.

Mt. Pleasant Player to Watch: Xachary LeBlanc (83.3% save percentage)

Williamsburg Player to Watch: Elias Schanz (88.6% save percentage)

Joseph Howard Overmyer

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 29th, 2025 at 2:12 pm CDT

Joseph Howard Overmyer, 75, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family in care of Susan Overmyer, 106 N. Morgan St. Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Joe was born October 9, 1949 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the son of Howard and Delores (Badders) Overmyer. He married Susan Schlie in Fort Wayne, February 8, 1977.

Joe worked as a salesman of rare violins, violas, and cellos in Chicago and New York City. He was a collector of motorcycles, a top-notch musician, and a lover of music. A brilliant and devoted father and jovial and supportive friend to so many in his Fairfield community, Joe loved his family, his friends, and his dog.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Susan; daughter, Josie Overmyer of Fairfield; sister, Sally (Denny) Feasby of Missouri; and brother, Gary Overmyer of Valparaiso, Indiana, and the many friends he made throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Benjamin Overmyer; and sister, Judy Sterling.

Online condolences may be made to Joe’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Single Car Crash on Hwy 218 Southbound & Kentucky Ave Sends Vehicle Across Northbound Hwy 218

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 29th, 2025 at 2:07 pm CDT

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — Emergency crews responded to a single-vehicle crash early Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 288 and Kentucky Avenue, just south of Mount Pleasant.

The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. when a vehicle traveling southbound on Highway 218 crossed the center median and entered the northbound lanes, ultimately coming to a stop after colliding with the cable wire barricade.

Mount Pleasant Fire Department and the Iowa State Patrol arrived on scene shortly after the call, followed by Henry County EMS. Emergency medical personnel evaluated the female driver, who was transported to Henry County Medical Center for further examination. Her condition is currently unknown.

Authorities confirm that this was a one-vehicle accident. At this time, it is unclear what caused the vehicle to cross into oncoming traffic. The incident remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol.

Stay tuned to KILJ for updates as more information becomes available.

After 24 Years, Henry County’s General Assistance Director, Sarah Berndt, Says goodbye

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, May 29th, 2025 at 11:40 am CDT

After more than two decades of service, Henry County’s General Assistance Director Sarah Berndt has officially transitioned the department to the Public Health Department, marking the end of the county’s standalone General Assistance office. The change comes as part of a broader realignment of mental health and disability services across Iowa, which led to the dissolution of several local departments, including General Assistance.

“This is my last report. I am no longer the General Assistance Director,” Sarah Berndt announced in her final update to the Board. “We transitioned to Public Health yesterday, keeping the same phone number.”

She spent the last several weeks preparing for the handoff, including updating all forms with Public Health Director, Katie Reuter’s information; requesting website updates, and notifying community partners—such as funeral homes—of the change.

The transition also involved hours of collaboration with the new team. “A lot of my time recently—about 10% during the last reporting period—was spent working with Katie and her staff, going over how I did things, and making sure the files were transitioned,” she said. Those records are now being scanned and stored under the Public Health department.

During her final report, she shared that there were 19 contacts in the past month, many of which involved questions or requests for applications that were not completed. She also handled two cremation requests that ultimately didn’t move forward due to eligibility issues—one involving a Lee County resident and another with incomplete follow-through.

As she concluded her report, one of the Supervisor Chairman, Marc Lindeen offered thanks: “I just want to publicly say thank you for all you’ve done. June 4th will mark 24 years of your service. We wouldn’t be where we are without your guidance.”

“It’s been a great 24 years,” Sarah responded. “A few rough days, sure—but most have been really good. It’s been an honor to serve the county.”

Though her title and department may be gone, her dedication to public service continues in Henry County.