A Trio of Cyclones Earn Weekly Awards

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 10:03 am CDT

Ames, IA- It would be an understatement to say that Iowa State athletics has had a great week. The volleyball team earned a bid into the national tournament, the football team won their regular season finale for another eight-win regular season, both basketball teams are undefeated, and the men’s wrestling team squashed a 21 year losing streak on the mats against #3 Iowa in a 20-14 final.

With all of that success, follows the accolades with three members of Cyclone athletics garnering weekly accolades.

Football

It was an ugly game last Saturday when the Cyclones vanquished the Oklahoma State Cowboys and a big reason for that was the play of the defense. Namely, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, Caleb Bacon. The Lake Mills, Iowa, native was all over the field, snatching seven tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble.

Bacon is the first Iowa State player since JoQuan Bailey in 2020 to register three sacks in a game. It was a perfect exclamation mark for the redshirt senior after missing most of last season due to injury. The Cyclones await their bowl destination, which will be announced on Sunday, December 7th.

Women’s Basketball

No one has been able stop Audi Crooks. The junior owns the longest active streak for games with double-digit points, sitting at 76 straight games. Additionally, she bested her own school record for points and field goals when she poured in 47 points on 19 field goals in a 106-95 victory over Indiana to secure the Coconut Hoops Blue Heron Division Championship and tournament MVP honors.

Due to the offensive onslaught, Crooks earned Big 12 Player of the Week for the second time this season. Her 27.3 points per game will look to lead the 10th ranked Cyclones past Northern Illinois on Sunday, December 7th, at 1 pm at home.

Men’s Basketball

Iowa State keeps climbing the ranks as the Cyclones finished 3-0 at the Players Era Championship, including a narrow 83-82 win over #14 St. John’s. Senior forward Joshua Jefferson has been leading that charge as he averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in their three victories. His stat line of 13 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists in a thrashing of Syracuse was only the second time a major conference player since 1996-97 posted a similar stat line.

Jefferson collected his first Big 12 Player of the Week honor but his fifth total conference award after being named Newcomer of the Week four times last season. The 10th-ranked Cyclones will host Alcorn State tomorrow, December 3rd, at 7 pm.

Harold W. Swailes

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 8:37 am CDT

Harold W. Swailes, 87, of Olds passed away at his home on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

Harold was born on June 4, 1938, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Arthur Thomas and Erma Frances (Brownell) Swailes. He graduated from Olds High School in 1956. Harold worked at the Spahn and Rose Lumber Yard in Olds and for several local farmers before he began working for the Henry County Secondary Roads Department as a road grader retiring in 2000 after 38 years. He enjoyed hunting and trapping. He always raised a large garden and was proud to give his produce to friends and family. Over the years he has fixed many bikes for the local kids in town. He enjoyed woodworking. Most Saturday nights you would find him at the car races. Harold enjoyed spending time with his friend’s drinking coffee at the Saint Avenue Stop and most importantly spending time with his family.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his children, Artie (Cami) Swailes of Sioux City and Treasa Swailes of Washington, his daughter-in-law, Sherry Swailes of West Chester, and his grandchildren, Ryan, Chelsey, Kenny, Alixzandra, Gabrielle and William, his great grandchildren, Kayden, Kellyn, Kemsley, Carver, Trey, Berkley, Imari, Malachi, Sophya, Athena, Paul and Caleb, his brother, James (Madeline) Swailes of Mount Pleasant and his two sisters, Janice (Jack) Murphy of Lockridge and Betty Farley of Mount Pleasant along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Bruce Swailes, one grandson, Brandon Swailes, two great grandsons, Isaiah Swailes and Ryan Schafer and his brother, Robert Arthur Swailes.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant with Pastor Steve English officiating. Burial will follow in the Grant Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening. Memorials may be directed to the Iowa SIDS Foundation or to Hospice Compassus in his memory.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Harold Swailes.

Sports, December 2nd

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 6:22 am CDT

High School Basketball

In one of the few games that persevered on a night full of cancellations and postponements in southeast Iowa, the Mt. Pleasant boys’ team hung in against Cedar Rapids Washington, trailing by three at halftime; however, the Warriors exploded for 44 second half points to run away with a 73-45 victory over the Panthers. Head coach Eric Rawson knew the matchup was going to be a tough one, especially for a team that has not had abundant experience at the varsity level,

“Kind of working on endurance and you know for a lot of these guys, they’re playing at a different level this year and it’s a different speed and just the physicality of it and the mental portion of it, you know, I think it probably took a toll on us a little bit. You know we’re down 10 going in the fourth quarter and it just completely got away from us.”

It was two sophomores that led the scoring for the Panthers, as Carter Gehling netted 16 points followed by Isaiah Lange with nine points. 

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team had their contest against Burlington Notre Dame postponed last night. Both Mt. Pleasant teams will start conference play in a road showdown in Burlington on Friday, December 5th, with the girls playing first at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm.

WACO versus Holy Trinity Catholic was postponed last night. 

Central Lee will tip-off their season against Holy Trinity Catholic at home with the girls playing first at 6 pm tonight. 

WACO will face off against Pekin on Friday in a doubleheader with game one at 6 pm.

Van Buren County and Cardinal postponed their matchup to December 15th.

Burlington Notre Dame will host Van Buren County tonight with the girls’ teams playing at 6 pm. 

Fairfield will face off against Oskaloosa tonight with the girls playing first at 6 pm and the boys game to follow at home. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will tangle with Louisa-Muscatine at home tonight with the boys’ game following the girls’ game at 7:30 pm.

Columbus will host Lone Tree tonight with the girls’ teams leading off the night at 6 pm.

West Burlington will compete against New London tonight on the road with the girls tipping off at 6 pm and the boys at 7:30 pm.

Danville will square off against Mediapolis on the road tonight with the night starting at 6 pm. 

Wapello will take on Pekin tonight with the doubleheader starting at 6 pm on the road. 

High School Bowling

Fairfield had their triangular canceled yesterday. The Trojans will hit the road to take on Burlington on Friday, December 5th.

Mt. Pleasant will duel West Burlington/Notre Dame today.

High School Wrestling

The Mediapolis, Fairfield, Wapello, and Van Buren County girls’ teams will compete at the Fort Madison Invitational tonight.

The WACO boys’ and girls’ teams will compete in the Washington County quad tonight at Mid-Prairie High School.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will wrestle in a quad at Muscatine tonight.

The Wapello boys’ team will participate in a quad at English Valleys tonight.

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will duel Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union on the road on Thursday, December 4th.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will travel to Iowa Central Community College tomorrow, December 3rd, at 5:30 pm.

The men’s basketball team will hit the road to take on Sauk Valley Community College tomorrow at 7 pm.

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will duel Ellsworth Community College tomorrow at home.

College Football

Iowa and Iowa State will await their bowl destination, which will be announced on Sunday, December 7th.

College Basketball

The #12 Iowa women’s team will make the trip to Rutgers on Saturday, December 6th, at 5 pm for their first Big Ten matchup.

The Iowa men’s team will be tested in their first Big Ten showdown of the season when they travel to face off against #7 Michigan State tonight at 6 pm.

The #10 Iowa State women’s team will take on Northern Illinois on Sunday, December 7th, at 1 pm at home.

The #10 Iowa State men’s team will host Alcorn State tomorrow, December 3rd, at 7 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1951 – Future Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Don Hutson has his #14 jersey retired by the Green Bay Packers; first number retired in franchise history.

1984 – Miami quarterback Dan Marino breaks the then-NFL single-season touchdown passing record when he throws his 37th in the Dolphins’ 45-34 loss to the Raiders; finishes the season with 48 touchdown passes.

1987 – “334” club forms as 334 brave Devil fans journey through 20″ of snow to attend New Jersey Devils 7-5 NHL victory over Calgary.

UPDATE: Wrong Way Driver Shuts Down HWY 34 Westbound for Several Hours Early Monday Morning

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 4:35 pm CDT

KILJ has received updated information regarding a fatal overnight traffic accident on Highway 34 westbound near Middletown which shut down the westbound lanes of traffic for nearly 4 hours early Monday morning and re-routed traffic using ramps between Beaverdale and Old 34.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash occurred when an eastbound vehicle was traveling the wrong direction in the westbound lanes of Highway 34. At the 255-mile marker, that vehicle—a 2002 Chevy S10 truck—struck a westbound vehicle –a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The driver of Chevy was ejected from the vehicle.

According to the crash report, one fatality occurred and one injured person was transported to the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center. The names of those involved have not been released at this time.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Breuers Towing. Multiple agencies assisted at the scene including the Iowa State Patrol and the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office. The Iowa State Patrol says the crash remains under investigation.

Alecia Clouse

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 3:54 pm CDT

Alecia Clouse, 80, of Mount Pleasant, died Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Alecia was born October 27, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of John and Mary Jane (Schwarz) Scallen. Alecia spent the first 39 years of her life in Detroit, where she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and Mary Grove College. On December 30, 1967, she married Ronald Clouse.

The couple made their home in Detroit and later spent four years in Angola, Indiana, before settling in Mount Pleasant, where they have resided for the past 37 years. Alecia operated a daycare for many years and later worked in the Stores Department at the Henry County Health Center. She was a devoted member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and sang in the church choir for many years. She was also a member of T.T.T. Chapter DD and Mount Pleasant Kiwanis. Alecia enjoyed collecting Angel figurines and gifted Angel pins to everyone she encountered.  Her dedication to community, family, and faith defined her life. Alecia will be remembered for her kindness, and caring spirit.

Alecia is survived by her husband Ron; daughter Kathleen Clouse Johnson of Mount Pleasant; two sons Kelly Clouse of St. Augustine, Florida, Thomas Clouse of Burlington; two granddaughters Chloe Clouse of Burlington, Kayla Johnson of Kirkwood, Illinois; and four great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Thomas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Fr. Ross Epping will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be at a later date in the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Monday, December 8, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory where the family will be present to greet friends from 4:00-6:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and Mount Pleasant Kiwanis.  The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for Alecia and her family. Condolences may be given to the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com

December Update from State Rep. Taylor Collins

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 10:32 am CDT

State Representative Taylor Collins has released his December update, highlighting several statewide initiatives as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming legislative session.

The Iowa Department of Education is seeking committee members to help revise the Social Studies Essential Elements Standards — guidelines used for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The committee will meet between January and March of 2026, and Iowa educators, parents, and community members are encouraged to apply.

Rep. Collins also outlined Iowa’s newly submitted $1 billion Rural Health Transformation Plan, part of a federal funding opportunity under the One Big Beautiful Bill. The plan, called Healthy Hometowns, focuses on boosting rural health care through expanded Centers of Excellence, increased cancer prevention efforts including radon testing, and improved EMS access such as mobile care units and telehealth support for maternal and neonatal emergencies. Federal decisions on funding are expected by the end of 2025.

Collins further highlighted Iowa’s continued efforts to combat human trafficking. In recent years, the state has increased penalties for traffickers, expanded victim protections, and closed legal loopholes to make prosecutions easier. Updated laws now impose life sentences for trafficking minors, require stronger victim support in court, and clarify that buyers of sex or labor can be charged even if they claim they were unaware of trafficking.

The full newsletter can be found here. For questions or constituent concerns, Rep. Collins encourages residents to contact his office. Email him at taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov or call the Capitol Switchboard and leave him a message at (515) 281-7340.

Serious Traffic Accident Shuts Down HWY 34 Westbound for Several Hours Early Monday Morning

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 7:52 am CDT

KILJ has received initial reports of a serious overnight traffic accident on U.S. Highway 34 westbound, near Beaverdale, involving multiple vehicles. Burlington Police and multiple agencies were requested to the scene immediately, including the Iowa State Patrol and MedForce, and eventually the Medical Examiner.

By 2:15 AM early Monday morning, officials ordered Highway 34 westbound to be completely shut down at Beaverdale for what they said would be several hours. Crews worked to re-route traffic and shut down ramps detouring traffic from Beaverdale to Old 34. Drivers were urged to avoid the area.

According to Des Moines County Communications, U.S. Highway 34 westbound from Beaverdale to the Middletown exit reopened to traffic about 6:00 AM and has returned to normal.

This is a developing story, and KILJ will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available, including the condition of those injured and the cause of the crash.

Small Business Saturday in Mount Pleasant EXTENDED through 12/6

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 7:48 am CDT

Due to this weekend’s winter storm keeping many shoppers at home, the downtown retailers and Main Street Mount Pleasant have announced that Small Business Saturday activities have been extended through this coming Saturday, December 6th.

Shoppers will now receive one ticket for every ten dollars spent at the participating local merchants all week long giving local businesses another chance to welcome holiday shoppers and highlight special promotions. The grand prize drawing is now scheduled for 1 pm on Saturday, December 6th.

Main Street Mount Pleasant invites you to shop local this holiday season, supporting the small businesses that play such a vital role in the regional economy. For more updates on Small Business Saturday and what’s happening in downtown Mount Pleasant, keep it tuned to KILJ or visit Main Street Mount Pleasant on Facebook.