Sports, March 27th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, March 27th, 2026 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The Washington boys’ team hosted the Steve Roth Relays last night with a handful of our local teams competing. Here’s a look at the results.

In Class A, Mt. Pleasant’s top finishers was a 4th place time of 1 minute and 7 seconds for the shuttle hurdle relay and Kaden Schadt’s leap of 5 feet and 10 inches claiming him 4th place, as well.

For Class B, Landry Haberichter snatched the gold in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.85 seconds. Kellan Porter soared to a 1st place leap of 6 feet in the high jump. Mediapolis grabbed the gold in the sprint and distance medley relays. Mediapolis grabbed the gold in the sprint and distance medley relays. 

Fairfield was led by Ethan Bisgard’s 1st place finish in the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.02 seconds and Spencer McCready’s gold medal time of 15.81 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles. That proficiency in the hurdles helped the Trojans win the shuttle hurdle relay with a time of 1 minute and 7 seconds. In the field events, Eli Zillman claimed the long jump with a leap of 19 feet and 5 inches. 

In the C Class, Columbus collected six gold medals as a team with Lamar Ceant responsible for half of them, as he won the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, and the 110-meter hurdles. Ryan Villa paced his way to a win in the 3200-meter run, while the Wildcats swept the throwing events, winning the shot put with a throw of 45 feet and 7.5 inches from Fritz Figaro and Rolando Villegas taking the discus with a heave of 121 feet and 3 inches. 

WACO was led by Jude Dykstra as he claimed the gold in the 800-meter run and then helped the 4×800 meter relay team to the win. Hayden Shelman topped the effort with a leap of 20 feet and 5 inches to win the long jump.

Lastly, Danville’s Ty Frazier grabbed the 400-meter dash with a time of 53.47 seconds, while the Bears’ sprint medley took the gold medal. Winfield-Mt. Union’s sole win occurred in the shuttle hurdle relays.

The Mt. Pleasant, New London, Winfield-Mt. Union, Central Lee, Mediapolis, and Danville boys’ teams will head to West Burlington for the Falcon Relays on Monday, March 30th. 

The Van Buren County boys’ team will compete in the Ruritan Relays on Monday. 

The West Burlington girls’ team will hold the Falcon Relays on Tuesday, March 31st, with Mt. Pleasant, Danville, Fairfield, Mediapolis, New London, WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip.

Wapello will host their Co-Ed Relays on Tuesday with Columbus participating. 

High School Soccer

The Mediapolis boys’ team will travel to Burlington on Monday, March 30th, at 5 pm.

The Danville boys’ team will hold their home opener on Tuesday, March 31st, at 6 pm against Mt. Pleasant. 

Columbus will take on Washington on Tuesday at 5 pm on the road. 

Burlington Notre Dame will face off on the road against Assumption at 5:30 pm on Tuesday.

High School Golf

Burlington Notre Dame will host the Nike Invitational on Tuesday, March 31st, with Mt. Pleasant, Van Buren County, Winfield-Mt. Union, along with the Danville and Central Lee boys’ teams making the trip.

Mediapolis will face off against Wapello on Tuesday. 

High School Basketball

Talent from all over the state will be heading to Dallas Center-Grimes High School for the 2026 Pizza Ranch All-Star Games tomorrow, March 28th, with seven local players and two coaches making the trip for the southeast Iowa squad.

On the girls’ side, the Southeast Iowa Super Conference (SEISC) will be represented by Mediapolis’ Grace Holsteen and Madison Kellogg of Winfield-Mt. Union. Holsteen was named SEISC-South Player of the Year, while Kellogg battled through injury to lead her team with 14.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Joining Kellogg will be her Wolves head coach Mendy McCreight.

Joining the pair will be Kendra Boatman of Keokuk and Mylee Stiefel of Burlington. The two have both taken home Conference Player of the Year awards during their high school careers.

On the boys’ side, Washington’s Collin Stark will be patrolling the sideline with three local players running the court. Burlington Notre Dame’s Shay Stephens, the SEISC-South Player of the Year, will be flanked by two-time Southeast Conference Player of the Year in Keokuk’s Jaxon Clark and All-Substate talent Max Griffin of Mediapolis. Clark and Stephens have each tabbed at least one season double-double, which is scoring at least 500 points and securing 250 rebounds.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team extended their win streak to five games after demolishing Carl Sandburg College yesterday, 17-2. Jake Miller led the team with three RBIs. The Blackhawks will compete in a three-game series against Iowa Central Community College on the road with game one on Saturday, March 28th, at 1 pm.

The softball team will host Southwestern Community College tomorrow, March 28th, for a doubleheader. 

March Madness

The KILJ bracket challenge, sponsored by The Press Box, is officially underway with 60 brackets submitted with the top three set to receive prizes. 

Here’s an updated look at the top 10 brackets and a recap of the first two rounds of the tournament: KILJ Bracket Challenge Standings.

Standings will be updated before the Elite 8, the Final Four, and the championship game.

College Basketball

The #2-seed Iowa State men’s team will matchup against #6 Tennessee tonight at 9:10 pm.

The slipper still fits for the #9-seed Iowa men’s team after taking down #4 Nebraska last night, 77-71, to advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1987. Bennett Stirtz dropped 20 points in the winning effort. The Hawkeyes will look to continue the story tomorrow, March 28th, at 5:09 pm against #3 Illinois.

This Day in Sports History

1871 – First international rugby union match – Scotland beats England 1-0 at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh.

1939 – First NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship: Oregon beats Ohio State, 46-33; Ohio State forward Jimmy Hull is named tournament Most Outstanding Player.

1951 – 13th NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship: Kentucky beats Kansas, 68-58; Wildcats’ third title; a 16-team field is introduced.

Citizen of the Year, Community Impact Award, and Volunteer of the Year 2026

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, March 26th, 2026 at 7:00 pm CDT

At the 2026 Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance Banquet, the alliance announced award winners, reflected on successes of 2025 and took a moment to remember the legacy and impact of former Mount Pleasant City Administrator, Brent Schleisman.

The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce has named Willy Amos as this year’s Citizen of the Year. Amos is recognized for his longstanding contributions to the community through both his professional career with Hy-Vee and his civic involvement. Over a 38-year career, he served in leadership roles supporting operations in Southeast Iowa. Willy has long been a champion for Mount Pleasant. He has served on the Mount Pleasant Community School Board, the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and supported countless community efforts that help strengthen this town. The Citizen of the Year Award honors individuals who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the Mount Pleasant community.

The Henry County Health Center Foundation was named the Community Impact Award. Recognizing its ongoing commitment to improving health and well-being across Henry County. The foundation supports healthcare initiatives, equipment needs, and community programs that enhance quality of life throughout the region. In 2025, its BEDS Campaign funded more than $100,000 in new hospital equipment, including bariatric beds, recliners, and emergency department transport equipment.

Kevin Dameron, Meadow & Main Realty and Auction was named the Main Street Mount Pleasant Volunteer of the Year. Kevin represents the heart of what it means to lead by example in downtown Mount Pleasant. Since opening his real estate business downtown and joining the Main Street Mount Pleasant Board in 2023, Kevin has been a steady and positive presence, always supporting the mission of building a strong and vibrant community.

These awards recognize individuals and organizations making a meaningful and lasting impact in the Mount Pleasant community. For additional information please contact Rachel Lindeen 319-385-310.

Bernita Pettit

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, March 26th, 2026 at 12:56 pm CDT

Bernita Pettit, a resident of Fairfield passed away March 25, 2026 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

Visitation for family and friends will be 2:00-4:00 PM, Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Funeral services celebrating her life will be 10:30 AM Monday, March 30th at First United Methodist Church in Fairfield with Rev. Al Coffin officiating.  Burial will be at Fellows Cemetery in Keosauqua. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church and mailed to Marcia Seddon 405 N. Liberty Cincinnati, IA 52549

Bernita was born on February 8, 1936, to Bert and Louise (Morris) Jones in Orchard, Iowa. She grew up near Nashua and Waterloo, Iowa area and graduated from Orange Township High School in 1954.

On September 2, 1955, she married Dean Pettit in Waterloo, and they relocated to Fairfield in 1957. He preceded her in death in October 2019.

Bernita worked as a secretary for Jefferson County Public Health when they first opened. She later worked as a secretary for Community Mental Health and had many types of duties there. She enjoyed working with the public and later did After Death Care at Behner Funeral Home.

Bernita began grief groups in the Fairfield area and helped coordinate these for twenty-five years. She helped bring hospice care to the area in the late 1980s, volunteering for them for twenty-one years. Bernita volunteered as a camp counselor at Golden Valley and later was the Christian Education Coordinator and Parish Assistant at the First United Methodist Church in Fairfield. In this job she touched the lives of many local youths and was fondly called “Bernie” by many of them.

Throughout the years, many approached her publicly to tell her what an impression she had made on them. Bernita especially enjoyed the overnight camps at Golden Valley where she continued to chaperone and was quite willing to take on their “staying up all night” challenges.

Bernita was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fairfield, often volunteering there when she was able, and was a member of Ruth Circle. She was also a member of Lionels and ARC. Bernita was actively involved in her children’s lives and was a Sunday School teacher, Cub Scout leader, and 4-H

leader. She was recognized in Des Moines at the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame in 1992 and received the female Outstanding Citizen Community Service Award in 1993 from the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce.

Bernita was known for her time in the kitchen, especially the weekly pie baking for Dean or any other family that was coming. Holidays were always busy with the family, and she worked very hard to include each person’s favorite dish or treat. Bernita wrote regular letters keeping the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren informed about current events in her and Dean’s life.

Those left to honor her memory are her three children and their spouses, Marcia (John) Seddon of Cincinnati, Iowa, Glen (Patti Laughlin) Pettit of Douds, Iowa, and Gordon (Becca Roehrich) Pettit of Macomb, Illinois; eight grandchildren; Sami (George) Budiselich, Chloie Smith, Katie (Japheth) Owens, Eric Pettit, Justin (Emily) Pettit, Drew Pettit, Zech (Katherine) Pettit, and Aly (Harmony) Pettit; nine great-grandchildren, Calvin Smith, Calliope Lewis, Eleanor, Autumn, and Azalea Owens, Ralph Stanley, Toby Comeaux and Eva Comeaux, and Josephine Pettit; three sisters-in-law, Leona Hoel, Carol Jones, and Linda Jones; along with cousins; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, Bernita was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; Mildred Smith, Vernon Jones, Derald Hoel, Eddie Jones, Wayne Jones, and Weldon Jones; along with a brother-law, Carl Smith and a close brother-in-law and sister-in-law Rudy and Helen (Pettit) Rogers and their daughter, Diane Rogers Brinkmeyer.

Mary Anne Katherine Falk

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, March 26th, 2026 at 10:08 am CDT

Mary Anne Katherine Falk, 75, of Fairfield, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026 at HFI Lab, 408 W. Lowe St. Fairfield, Iowa. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is caring for Mary Anne and her family.

Mary Anne was born November 25, 1950 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Paul and Elizabeth Runyen. She married Drew Falk, July 6, 1997 in Vedic City.

Mary Anne was a long-time and devoted practitioner of Transcendental Meditation. She enjoyed going for walks and shopping.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Drew; three step-children, and six step-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a step-son.

Gas Prices Easing in Iowa According to AAA

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, March 26th, 2026 at 6:44 am CDT

Gas prices are easing slightly across Iowa this week.

According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline dropped four cents from last week, now sitting at $3.31 per gallon statewide. Despite the weekly dip, prices remain about 30 cents higher than this time last year. Nationally, gas prices are moving in the opposite direction, climbing 14 cents over the past week to reach an average of $3.98 per gallon.

Crude oil prices also saw a notable decline. West Texas Intermediate crude fell $8.53 per barrel this week, bringing it to $90.54. Brent crude dropped $7.25, now priced at $101.66 per barrel. For comparison, a year ago WTI crude was selling for $69.48, while Brent crude stood at $73.78.

Meanwhile, diesel prices in Iowa are on the rise. The statewide average jumped 22 cents this week to $4.85 per gallon. That’s significantly higher than the $3.33 average recorded one year ago.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Sports, March 26th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, March 26th, 2026 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The Washington boys’ team will host the Steve Roth Relays today with Mt. Pleasant, Danville, Fairfield, West Burlington/Notre Dame, Mediapolis, WACO, Winfield-Mt. Union, Columbus, and Wapello also competing. 

The Van Buren County boys’ team will travel to Albia for a meet today.

The West Burlington girls’ team will hold the Falcon Relays on Tuesday, March 31st, with Mt. Pleasant, Danville, Fairfield, Mediapolis, New London, WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip.

High School Soccer

The Mediapolis boys’ team will travel to Burlington on Monday, March 30th, at 5 pm.

The Danville boys’ team will hold their home opener on Tuesday, March 31st, at 6 pm against Mt. Pleasant. 

Columbus will take on Washington on Tuesday at 5 pm on the road. 

Burlington Notre Dame will face off on the road against Assumption at 5:30 pm on Tuesday.

High School Golf

Burlington Notre Dame will host the Nike Invitational on Tuesday, March 31st, with Mt. Pleasant, Van Buren County, Winfield-Mt. Union, along with the Danville and Central Lee boys’ teams making the trip.

Mediapolis will face off against Wapello on Tuesday. 

High School Basketball

Talent from all over the state will be heading to Dallas Center-Grimes High School for the 2026 Pizza Ranch All-Star Games on Saturday, March 28th, with seven local players and two coaches making the trip for the southeast Iowa squad.

On the girls’ side, the Southeast Iowa Super Conference (SEISC) will be represented by Mediapolis’ Grace Holsteen and Madison Kellogg of Winfield-Mt. Union. Holsteen was named SEISC-South Player of the Year, while Kellogg battled through injury to lead her team with 14.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Joining Kellogg will be her Wolves head coach Mendy McCreight.

Joining the pair will be Kendra Boatman of Keokuk and Mylee Stiefel of Burlington. The two have both taken home Conference Player of the Year awards during their high school careers.

On the boys’ side, Washington’s Collin Stark will be patrolling the sideline with three local players running the court. Burlington Notre Dame’s Shay Stephens, the SEISC-South Player of the Year, will be flanked by two-time Southeast Conference Player of the Year in Keokuk’s Jaxon Clark and All-Substate talent Max Griffin of Mediapolis. Clark and Stephens have each tabbed at least one season double-double, which is scoring at least 500 points and securing 250 rebounds.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team picked up their fourth straight victory in dominant fashion, defeating Northeast Iowa Community College yesterday 16-4. Kam Francois clouted a home run for a team leading four RBIs. The Blackhawks will travel to Carl Sandburg College today. 

The softball team will host Southwestern Community College on Saturday, March 28th, for a doubleheader. 

March Madness

The KILJ bracket challenge, sponsored by The Press Box, is officially underway with 60 brackets submitted with the top three set to receive prizes. 

Here’s an updated look at the top 10 brackets and a recap of the first two rounds of the tournament: KILJ Bracket Challenge Standings.

Standings will be updated before the Elite 8, the Final Four, and the championship game.

College Basketball

The #2-seed Iowa State men’s team will matchup against #6 Tennessee tomorrow, March 27th, at 9:10 pm.

The #9-seed Iowa men’s team will renew their rivalry with #4 Nebraska in the Sweet 16 tonight at 6:30 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1917 – Stanley Cup Final, Seattle Ice Arena, Seattle, WA: the Seattle Metropolitans (PCHA) beat the Montreal Canadiens (NHL), 9-1 for a 3-1 series victory; becoming the first US team to win the Stanley Cup.

1952 – 14th NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship: Kansas beats St. John’s, 80-63; first tournament to have a true “Final Four” format.

1979 – 41st NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship: Michigan State beats Indiana State, 75-64 for their first National Championship; marks the start of the rivalry between future Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Additionally, it was the highest-rated game in the history of televised college basketball.

Mount Pleasant City Council Moves Forward on Major Projects, Budget Planning

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, March 26th, 2026 at 6:07 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant City Council met in regular session Wednesday evening, March 25, 2026, at City Hall, approving several infrastructure, development, and financial items.

Council members passed the final reading of an ordinance updating industrial zoning and signage rules, allowing for taller structures — including Continental’s planned 125-foot tall expansion.

A public hearing was held on a proposed loan agreement, with no public comment. The council then approved issuing up to $1.235 million in general obligation capital loan notes. The funds will go toward a new street sweeper and the upcoming Winfield Avenue project, with no change to the debt service levy.

The council also approved an alcohol license renewal for the Mount Pleasant Golf and Country Club.

In new business, members approved a site plan for a new car wash on East Washington Street out near All God’s Creatures and the next phase of the Continental Industrial expansion, both recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Council members approved 2025 tax abatements for residential construction, offering up to $75,000 in exemptions, and accepted a $9,920 bid from Kinney & Sons Excavating and Grading to demolish property at 403 East Green Street. City officials say the site could potentially be sold to the school district for student-built housing.

A public hearing on the fiscal year 2027 city budget is set for April 22, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.

The council also approved increases to employee health and dental insurance plans, rehired Shelbi Swinscoe as administrative assistant in the City Clerk’s office and confirmed Steve Emerson’s mayoral appointment to the Construction Board of Appeals.

During public comments, residents noted ongoing fiber installation from Windstream throughout town and utility work tied to the Winfield Avenue project.

The meeting adjourned just before 6 p.m.

The council will hold special sessions April 2nd and 3rd to interview candidates for City Administrator. As allowed under Iowa Code, these interviews are not open for the public to attend.

KILJ Launches Search for Next Information Director

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at 2:11 pm CDT

KILJ Radio is launching a search for its next Information Director, opening the door for a passionate journalist to step into a key role at Southeast Iowa’s Information Station.

The position comes as Shelbi Swinscoe prepares to transition back to her role with the City of Mount Pleasant. If you miss her voice, she will be back to greeting you with warmth at the City Office! While her time at KILJ has been marked by strong local coverage and community connection, station leadership is now focused on finding the right person to continue and grow that momentum.

KILJ is seeking a driven, community-minded individual to lead its local news coverage. The News Director will be responsible for gathering, writing, and delivering news across multiple platforms, including on-air broadcasts, the station website, and social media. The role also includes covering local government meetings, conducting interviews, and helping ensure the station remains a trusted source for timely and accurate information.

This is a unique opportunity for someone who values local storytelling and wants to make a direct impact in the community. KILJ’s News Director plays a vital role in keeping listeners informed on everything from city and county government to local events and issues that matter most to Southeast Iowa residents.

A full list of responsibilities and qualifications, along with application details, is available online at work-at-kilj.

KILJ is now accepting applications and encourages interested candidates to apply soon.

For more information or questions about the position, contact General Manager Kadie Johannson at sales@kilj.com or by calling 319-385-8728.

KILJ looks forward to welcoming its next Information Director—someone ready to carry forward the station’s commitment to local news, strong community ties, and keeping Southeast Iowa informed.