Sports, November 27th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, November 27th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will look to regroup for their road matchup against Burlington Notre Dame on Monday, December 1st, at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm.

WACO will welcome Holy Trinity Catholic on Monday with the girls playing first at 6 pm. 

The New London girls’ team will travel to Louisa-Muscatine on Monday at 6 pm.

Fairfield will face off against Oskaloosa on Tuesday, December 2nd, 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 on Tuesday with the boys’ game following the girls’ game at 7:30 pm.

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

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

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will attend a scrimmage at Kirkwood Community College tomorrow, November 28th, with a matchup against Columbus Catholic.

High School Bowling

Fairfield will host their triangular on Monday, December 1st. 

Mt. Pleasant will duel West Burlington/Notre Dame on Tuesday, December 2nd. 

High School Wrestling

The Mediapolis, Fairfield, Wapello, and Van Buren County girls’ teams will compete at the Fort Madison Invitational on Monday, December 1st. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will travel to Tipton for an Invitational on Monday.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Last night’s episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook featured two head boys’ basketball coaches from the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North Division in WACO’s Chayse Roth and Winfield-Mt. Union’s Klay Edwards, as they discussed their respective teams entering the new season.

If you missed last night’s episode, then follow this link: SEISC-N Boys’ Basketball Coaches Episode

Southeastern Community College

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

The men’s basketball team will host the Broadway Classic tomorrow, November 28th, with a showdown against Lincoln Trail College at 7 pm.

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will duel Ellsworth Community College on December 3rd at home.

College Football

Iowa will travel to Nebraska tomorrow, November 28th, to end the regular season with kickoff at 11 am. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call.

Iowa State will face off against Oklahoma State on Saturday, November 29th, at 11 am. 

College Basketball

The #11 Iowa women’s team throttled Western Illinois last night 86-69. Four Hawkeyes finished the night in double figures, as Ava Heiden collected a 15 point/10 rebound double-double. Iowa will take on Fairfield on Sunday, November 30th, at home at noon.

The Iowa men’s team won the Acrisure Classic last night 59-46 over Grand Canyon. Isaia Howard chased in for a game-high 19 points in the victory. The Hawkeyes will be tested in their first Big Ten showdown of the season when they travel to face off against #11 Michigan State on Tuesday, December 2nd, at 6 pm.

The #10 Iowa State women’s team will compete in a tournament starting tomorrow, November 28th, at 10 am.

The #15 Iowa State men’s team squashed Syracuse yesterday 95-64 to finish 3-0 at the Players Era Tournament. Milan Momcilovic led the way with 34 points off of six three-pointers. The Cyclones will host Alcorn State on Wednesday, December 3rd, at 7 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1952 – The only win ever for the NFL’s Dallas Texans (1-11) as they beat the Chicago Bears 27-23 at the Rubber Bowl in Akron, Ohio. 

1960 – Gordie Howe becomes the first NHL player to score 1,000 points.

1966 – In the highest-scoring NFL game, Washington defeats the New York Giants 72-41.

Iowa DNR: 100 Years of Pheasant Hunting

By Patrick Fee · Thursday, November 27th, 2025 at 6:26 am CDT

Pheasant hunting has been as much a part of the Thanksgiving holiday for generations of Iowans, as cranberries and stuffing.

The Iowa DNR offers an apprentice license that allows someone to give hunting a try under the supervision of an adult mentor without completing hunter education. This license may be purchased twice in a lifetime before the individual is required to complete a hunter education course.

According to the Iowa DNR, Iowa’s pheasant population is at a 20-year high, with state wildlife experts forecasting hunters to potentially harvest the highest number of roosters since 2007. Last year, more than 77,400 hunters harvested over 460,000 roosters, providing an estimated economic impact of nearly $170 million in Iowa.

The Iowa DNR and Pheasants Forever are celebrating 100 years of pheasant hunting in Iowa. The first season was held Oct. 20-22, 1925, when 13 counties in north central Iowa were opened to pheasant hunting. Hunters were allowed a three-rooster limit, for a half-day of hunting. An estimated 75,000 hunters participated.

Information on places to hunt, the August roadside survey results and more is available online by clicking the 100 Years of Pheasant Hunting graphic at www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey.

 

MPPD & Public Works Gearing up for Snow

By Patrick Fee · Thursday, November 27th, 2025 at 6:24 am CDT

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department along with MP Public Works are gearing up for the weekend weather! With snow in the forecast, this is a reminder to all residents of Mt. Pleasant that ALL vehicles need to be moved every 24hours on city streets and in city parking lots. Public Works will need to be able to move the snow on city streets and in parking lots. Parking tickets will be issued for those violators.

 

HCFB – Scholarships Available

By Patrick Fee · Thursday, November 27th, 2025 at 6:15 am CDT
Henry County Farm Bureau is offering up to $4,000 in local scholarships, and by completing one application, students will also be considered for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s $2,500 renewable scholarship (up to $10,000).

Key Details:

GTSB- Increased Law Enforcement on Roads

By Patrick Fee · Thursday, November 27th, 2025 at 6:14 am CDT

Travelers on Iowa’s roads can expect to see an increased police presence this Thanksgiving weekend. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is promoting road safety during the holiday season alongside law enforcement agencies across the state. The increased law enforcement presence will run through November 30th.

There were 17 fatal or serious injury crashes during 2024, a year ago. Five of those involved people who were not wearing seat belts. People are reminded as they travel to celebrate the holiday to always buckle their seat belts.

In addition, the GTSB states that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. If you go out, plan ahead of time to have a sober driver. According to GTSB, 37% of traffic deaths in Iowa are related to impairment.

Prep Football: IFCA Puts Three Local Athletes on the All-State List

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, November 26th, 2025 at 9:07 am CDT

Prep Football- The Iowa Football Coaches Association (IFCA) selected the All-State football teams for the 2025 season and three of our local players found a spot amongst the selections.

Class 3A

Washington’s Blaine Rees was the lone member of the Southeast Conference that was named to the All-State team, as the junior was named 2nd Team offensive lineman. He helped pave the way for an offense that generated 1,691 rushing yards on 6.3 yards per carry for 31 total touchdowns.

Class 2A

The Mediapolis defense has been a stifling bunch for a couple of years now and senior Kyler Crow kept that reputation intact as he was placed on the 2nd Team defensive line. Crow led the team with 63 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. His 23.5 tackles for loss ranked 7th in the state.

Class A

Pekin’s Henry Adam has been a force at the linebacker for the last three years, but the junior found another gear as he was selected as All-State Second 2nd Team linebacker. Adam totaled 57 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, two fumble recoveries, three interceptions, including a pick-six.

Richard Lewis (Rick) Van Winkle

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 26th, 2025 at 8:33 am CDT

Richard Lewis (Rick) Van Winkle, 76, of Mount Pleasant, entered heaven on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City.

Rick was born on June 30, 1949, in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of Lewis M. and Hazel M. (Heise) Van Winkle. He grew up on a farm four miles west of Houghton. He attended the Hillsboro Baptist Church, where he accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized.

 

Rick attended Hillsboro Elementary and Harmony Community Schools before moving to Burlington, where he graduated from Burlington High School in 1967. He entered the United States Army on September 17, 1970. He requested training in electronics and served with the 552nd Military Police Company during the Vietnam War. Rick was honorably discharged on April 20, 1972. He was united in marriage to Becky A. Swailes on February 15, 1975, at Forest Lake Baptist Camp south of Ottumwa.

 

Rick farmed with his cousin in the Houghton area for a couple of years before moving to Mount Pleasant, where he was employed with Motorola, later Celestica, for over 33 years. He served as director of the Henry County Veterans Affairs Office for six years and was also active in local politics, serving as co-chair of the Henry County Republican Party. He was a member of Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mount Pleasant.

Rick took great joy in his family, especially in the many trips they took together while the boys were young. His grandchildren were a particular delight to him. Rick’s faith in Jesus Christ was of supreme importance in his life and shaped the way he loved and served others.

 

Rick enjoyed canoeing, wood carving and whittling, hunting, fishing, and riding motorcycles. He loved spending time at car shows and cruising in his 1951 Ford, which his grandmother had purchased new. Rick enjoyed cooking for family and friends and was famous for his homemade ice cream and his great-grandma’s coffee cake. He sang in the Happy Memories Group and presented Vietnam War programs in area schools. Rick and Becky were blessed with the opportunity to travel to many places, including Israel, Alaska, and Holland.

 

Those thankful for sharing in Rick’s life include his wife of 50 years, Becky; his son, Dan (Kira) Van Winkle of Ottumwa; his daughter-in-law, Kristin Van Winkle of Washington; his beloved grandchildren, Madison, Lincoln, Quincy, Grady and Cooper; his sister, Cheryl Bell of Houghton; his brother-in-law, Rex Swailes of Mount Pleasant; along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Dr. James L. Van Winkle; his brother, Alan Van Winkle; and his brother-in-law, Richard Bell.

 

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mount Pleasant, with Reverend Monte Knudson officiating. Burial, with military honors conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard, will be in Forest Home Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mount Pleasant. Memorials may be directed to Cradle of Hope 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 Rick Van Winkle.   

Sports, November 26th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, November 26th, 2025 at 6:39 am CDT

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team fell to #14 Pella last night 57-12 in their season opener. Haylay Lydolph hustled all night for the Panthers, tagging five points and a couple of steals in her first action wearing the Maroon and Gold. The Panthers will look to regroup for their road matchup against Burlington Notre Dame on Monday, December 1st, at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm.

The Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team was held in check last night in a 53-28 loss to Pekin. The Wolves will tangle with Louisa-Muscatine at home on Tuesday, December 2nd, with the boys’ game following the girls’ game at 7:30 pm.

The Fairfield girls’ team clobbered Knoxville last night 64-16. The Trojans will face off against Oskaloosa on Tuesday with the girls playing first at 6 pm and the boys game to follow at home. 

The Columbus girls’ team got off to a fast start last night against Louisa-Muscatine but was outpaced in the second half, losing 62-48. Elle Sanders led the scoring for the Wildcats with 11 points and five steals, while Navieah Garza totaled 9 points and 13 rebounds. Columbus will host Lone Tree on Tuesday with the girls’ teams leading off the night at 6 pm.

The WACO and Wapello girls’ teams battled in their first conference showdown of the season and it was the Arrows who ended up on top, winning 49-46. Mya Wagner helped Wapello exit with the victory, tabbing 14 points, while Carlee Lunsford netted 11 points for the Warriors. 

WACO will welcome Holy Trinity Catholic on Monday with the girls playing first at 6 pm. 

The West Burlington girls’ team started the season with an overtime contest with Centerville, but the Falcons were outscored 10 to 0 in the extra period to lose 55-45. The Falcons will compete against New London on Tuesday on the road with the girls tipping off at 6 pm and the boys at 7:30 pm.

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will attend a scrimmage at Kirkwood Community College on Friday, November 28th, with a matchup against Columbus Catholic.

The New London girls’ team will travel to Louisa-Muscatine on Monday at 6 pm.

High School Bowling

Fairfield will host their triangular on Monday, December 1st. 

Mt. Pleasant will duel West Burlington/Notre Dame on Tuesday, December 2nd. 

High School Wrestling

The Mediapolis, Fairfield, Wapello, and Van Buren County girls’ teams will compete at the Fort Madison Invitational on Monday, December 1st. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will travel to Tipton for an Invitational on Monday.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team fell to North Iowa Area Community College last night 73-44. The Blackhawks will travel to Iowa Central Community College on Wednesday, December 3rd, at 5:30 pm.

The men’s basketball team dropped their contest against Spoon River college last night, 77-63. Jaleel Donley and Jacob Franklin each put 20 points in the losing effort. The Blackhawks will host the Broadway Classic on Friday, November 28th, with a showdown against Lincoln Trail College at 7 pm.

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will duel Ellsworth Community College on December 3rd at home.

College Football

Iowa will travel to Nebraska on Friday, November 28th, to end the regular season with kickoff at 11 am. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call.

Iowa State will face off against Oklahoma State on Saturday, November 29th, at 11 am. 

College Basketball

The #11 Iowa women’s team will host Western Illinois tonight at 6:30 pm. The Hawkeyes will be led by Ava Heiden, who was named National Player of the Week by the United States Basketball Writers Association yesterday. Heiden put up 38 points and 17 rebounds in their two victories at the WBCA showcase last week. 

The Iowa men’s team remains unbeaten for the season after outlasting Ole Miss in the opening game of the Acrisure Classic last night, 74-69. Bennett Stirtz was a one-man wrecking crew, splashing six threes on his way to a game-high 29 points. The Hawkeyes will take on Grand Canyon at 8:30 pm tonight for the championship. 

The #10 Iowa State women’s team will compete in a tournament starting on Friday, November 28th, at 10 am.

The #15 Iowa State men’s team handled Creighton yesterday 78-60 to move to 2-0 in the star-studded Players Era tournament. Killyan Toure shined in the game for the Cyclones, scoring 20 points in the victory. Iowa State will face off against Syracuse today at noon.

This Day in Sports History

1917 – The National Hockey League (NHL) was founded. The teams included were the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Arenas, and Quebec Bulldogs. Frank Calder was elected as the first NHL president. He served from 1917 to 1943.

1982 – Howard Cosell called his last boxing match.

1998 – Barry Sanders (Detroit Lions) became only the second running back in NFL history to run for more than 15,000 career yards.