Prep Boys’ Wrestling: Regional Dual Assignments

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 1:40 pm CDT

Prep Boys’ Wrestling- The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) release the Regional Dual assignments scheduled for Tuesday, February 3rd, with the eight highest seeds getting the opportunity to host and earn a bye to the regional finals.

Class 2A

Burlington Notre Dame was ranked #15 in the class and will face off against #21 Woodward-Granger in the regional semifinals with the winner tasked to compete against #3 Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont.

The other teams set to host include: #1 Decorah, #2 Clarion-Goldfield-Dows, #4 West Delaware, #5 Independence, #6 Alburnett, #7 Sergeant Bluff-Luton, and #8 Algona.

The eight regional champions will advance to the State Dual Team Tournament on Saturday, February 7th, at Xtreme Arena in Coralville.

More Information

For a full list of matchups, follow this link: Regional Dual Assignments

Prep Girls’ Wrestling: Van Buren County Rolls to SEISC Title

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 11:52 am CDT

Wapello, IA- Wapello had the privilege of hosting the second Southeast Iowa Super Conference Girls’ Wrestling tournament last night and Van Buren County, behind five individual conference champions, usurped Pekin’s spot atop the mountain.

The Warriors dominated the night, compiling 203 team points with the Panthers coming in second place with 130 points. It was quite the turnaround from last year to this tournament as Van Buren County added four more conference champions.

Overall, there were four repeat conference champions with two of them wrestling in different weight classes.

100-Pound Weight Class

In a three-person race between Brystol Wiley of Van Buren County, Carlee Sexton of Lone Tree, and Grace Keltner of Louisa-Muscatine, Wiley, who entered the meet with a 24-4 record earned the first-round bye.

Sexton clipped Keltner to earn a spot in the finals, but Wiley handled business and pinned the senior within the first round to claim the Warriors’ first individual conference championship and 20 team points.

105-Pound Weight Class

Wapello’s Kenadee Helscher was getting ready to start an undefeated regular season that would take her to the doorstep of a state championship after winning the conference championship in the 100-pound weight class last year.

This season, the senior is in the 105-pound weight class and still undefeated after taking down Armony Adams of Van Buren County in 1:46. Helscher will enter the state qualifier as a two-time conference champion and 36-0 on the season.

110-Pound Weight Class

Pekin’s Lexa Nelson earned a first-round bye and defeated Michaela Rader of Louisa-Muscatine in the semifinals to clinch her spot in the championship match, attempting to make it back-to-back years of conference supremacy.

Nelson would do just that, winning by fall over Mallory Brauns of Van Buren County in the first round to secure her second conference title.

115-Pound Weight Class

Last year, Clara Ball of Wapello took 3rd place in the 110-pound weight class and this season the sophomore jumped up to the 115-pound weight class. After receiving a first-round bye, Ball had her toughest match of the night but managed to overcome Lena Prall of Mediapolis by fall.

She would make quick work of Emorry Davis of WACO to snatch the conference title and a 40-3 record of the year.

120-Pound Weight Class

In a crowded 120-pound weight class, Adley Sweeting of Highland, who has only lost one matchup this season, pinned WACO’s Makayla Morrison in 25 seconds to claim the conference crown in her freshman season.

Arianna Harvey of Van Buren County took 3rd place over Autumn Coleman of Pekin with a win by fall.

125-Pound Weight Class

It turned into a pattern as the night progressed, but Van Buren County’s Rylee Caviness was looking to turn last year’s 3rd place finish into gold this year. The senior would have a marathon match against Annabelle Hedges of Mediapolis but pick up the win by fall to advance to the to the championship match.

She would meet Lila Miller of Pekin in the gold-medal match and just how the team score would dictate, the Warrior would finish the match on top, pinning the Panther in two-minutes. Another 24 points towards the team’s total.

130-Pound Weight Class

Keeping the theme of redemption running, Oliva Magruder of Lone Tree turned bronze into gold after taking down Kaiya Swafford of Mediapolis in the championship match. Rylee Carter of Louisa-Muscatine claimed 3rd place and Rylee Phillips of Van Buren County took 5th place.

135-Pound Weight Class

The next Warrior to earn a title was Hadley Noe as she went 2-0 on the night and needed all three rounds to execute a pin of Maiya Singbeil of Highland for the conference championship.

140-Pound Weight Class

Lexie Wiley of Van Buren County got the bye and pinned both of her opponents on the night to claim the championship. Wiley enters the state qualifier with a 26-13 record. Wiley and Noe added 22 points apiece to the team’s effort.

145-Pound Weight Class

Pekin’s Hailey Pedrick is hoping to put it all together in her senior year campaign. The two-time state qualifier collected her 100th career victory back in December and was looking to make it back-to-back SEISC titles, although this year in the 145-pound weight class, compared the 140-pound weight class last season.

Pedrick made quick work of her semifinal opponent but needed another round to defeat Willow Worley of Van Buren County by fall to make it consecutive SEISC championships. The senior will hope to improve upon her 1-4 record at the state tournament if she can qualify for her third consecutive season.

155-Pound Weight Class

Kiersyn Duncombe of Louisa-Muscatine took down Lizbet Herrea of Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union by fall in the first round to take her first SEISC championship. Addison McLain of Van Buren County claimed 3rd place.

170-Pound Weight Class

In the final individual effort of the night for Van Buren County, Teagan Sickels battled Hailey McFarland of Highland and escaped the second round victorious with a win by fall. Another 22 points added to the Warriors’ total and just off champions alone, Van Buren County was able to rack up 110 points.

190-Pound Weight Class

Chloe Sexton of Highland kept her pace atop the weight class by defeating Jada Moats of Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union by fall in the championship match, making it back-to-back SEISC crowns for the Huskie.

235-Pound Weight Class

Lone Tree’s Fay Eyler was the lone wrestler to enter the tournament with a winning record for the 235-pound weight class and aptly dominated with a win by fall over Reese Connolly of Wapello early in the second round.

WACO’s Macy Bonebrake took 3rd place over Baylie Laymon of Louisa-Muscatine.

Up Next

Wapello will again play hosts on Friday, January 30th, for the Class 1A Region 6 state qualifying meet with Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Louisa-Muscatine, Van Buren County, Mediapolis, and WACO making the trip.

Lone Tree and Highland will make the trip to Midland for the Region 5 state qualifier and Pekin will compete at Williamsburg for the Region 8 qualifier.

Mount Pleasant CSD – Demographic Data & Facilities Ad Hoc Committee Presentation

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 7:00 am CDT

Along with the presentation from the Ad Hoc Committee, Superintendent John Henriksen presented updated demographic data to the Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education during the work session Monday night, offering a long-term look at enrollment trends and what they could mean for the district’s future.

The data shows Mount Pleasant schools are experiencing declining enrollment, a trend consistent with broader regional and statewide patterns. The presentation included historical enrollment figures, birth rate data, and future projections, all pointing to continued gradual decreases in student numbers over the coming years

Henriksen emphasized that demographic trends are an important planning tool, particularly as the district considers future facility needs. Fewer students can impact how buildings are utilized, staffing levels, and how resources are distributed across the district.

The superintendent also noted that enrollment shifts do not happen evenly across all grade levels, which can create space and capacity challenges in some buildings while leaving unused space in others

Board members discussed how the demographic data fits into ongoing conversations about long-term planning. Henriksen stressed that the information is meant to guide thoughtful decision-making, not predict specific outcomes, as the district works to ensure it can meet the needs of students both now and in the future.

Click here for the full report from the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee for Mount Pleasant Community School District.

Mount Pleasant CSD – Facilities Ad Hoc Committee Final Report

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 6:54 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education met in a work session Monday night at the high school media center, where board members received the final report from the district’s Ad Hoc Facilities Committee.

The committee spent several months reviewing the condition and future needs of elementary school facilities, gathering community input, touring buildings, and studying multiple long-term options. The report outlines four possible scenarios for the district’s elementary schools, ranging from maintaining current buildings with improvements to various consolidation and reconfiguration options.

Board members were told the committee’s work was not driven by finances but instead guided by a shared “North Star” focused on what is best for every Mount Pleasant elementary student—both now and into the future. The north star statement was also created by the Ad Hoc Committee and used to guide all discussion.

The committee did not recommend a specific plan, but instead presented strengths, concerns, and tradeoffs for each scenario to help guide future board discussion. No decisions were made during Monday’s work session.

Fort Madison Police Continue Search for Missing Teen

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 6:50 am CDT

The Fort Madison Police Department is continuing its search for a missing teenager and is asking for the public’s help.

Police are seeking information on the whereabouts of Marlia Jean Maciel, 15, who was reported as a runaway on September 24th of 2025. Authorities say Marlia has not had confirmed contact since that date.

Marlia Maciel is described as a white female, standing 5’5″ tall, weighing approximately 117 pounds, with red hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who may have information about her location is urged to contact Lee County Communications Dispatch at 319-372-1310.

Tips can also be provided to the Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at 515-725-6036.

If you believe you have seen Marlia, do not attempt to approach her yourself. Instead, take note of details such as the location, time, or any vehicles involved, and report that information immediately to law enforcement.

Police say even small details could help bring Marlia home safely.

Area Schools Unite in Orange and Black to Honor Fairfield Teen Emmelia Miller

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 6:47 am CDT

Many area schools will be wearing orange and black today, January 27, 2026, in memory of 17-year-old Fairfield student Emmelia Miller who passed away in a car accident over the weekend.

School officials say that while wearing school colors may seem like a small gesture on its own, when schools across the region participate together, it sends a powerful message of unity, compassion, and support for the Fairfield Trojans and for Emmelia’s family and friends.

Community members are also encouraged to wear orange and black today as a visible show of remembrance and solidarity.

Sports, January 27th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 6:37 am CDT

High School Basketball

Mt. Pleasant split their night against Mid-Prairie with the girls’ team falling, 61-32, and the boys’ team scraping past the Golden Hawks, 49-42. Abigail Shelangoski was the main source of offense for the Panthers, cashing in for 14 points in the effort. 

The boys’ team found the right time to be clutch from the free throw line as the Panthers sank 10 of 12 in the final quarter to generate the seven-point win, including a four-for-four performance from Aiden Humble, who finished with 10 points. Isaiah Lange led the team with 13 points. Panther boys’ head coach Eric Rawson knew it was going to take a yeoman’s effort to get the win,

“…They like to play a little fast and sped us up and we weren’t very patient. Once we got across half court with the basketball, I mean, that was the conversation at half was, continue to stay locked in defensively. You held them to 20, but we’ve got to do some things a little bit differently offensively and be a lot more patient and get some block touches and eventually guys, your shots are gonna fall from outside, but definitely focus again on the post play and just work that inside-outside combination and we’re a lot more patient offensively, I thought, in the second half.”

Mt. Pleasant will celebrate their Senior Night on Friday, January 30th, against Washington at home with game one tipping-off at 6 pm.

The Central Lee boys’ team lost a tight one to West Hancock last night, 48-43. Owan Swan collected a team-high 14 points in the loss. The Hawks will look to upset Mediapolis tonight with the girls’ teams playing first at 6 pm on the road. 

Burlington Notre Dame will make the trip to Danville tonight for the Bears’ Senior night with game one at 6 pm.

WACO will look to bounce back tonight at home against Highland at 6 pm.

Holy Trinity Catholic will compete against New London on the road tonight with the night starting at 6 pm.

Columbus will square off against Wapello tonight with gametime at 6 pm at home.

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ game against West Burlington has been canceled for tonight.

Fairfield will clash with Washington on Thursday, January 29th, with the girls’ playing at 6 pm.

Boys’ High School Basketball Rankings

The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) released their fifth edition of the boys’ high school basketball rankings and despite the #1 team in Class 1A falling, Burlington Notre Dame kept still.

In a top-four showdown last week, Bishop Garrigan pulled off the upset against St. Edmond, resulting in the two team flipping spots as the Golden Bears now sit at #1 in Class 1A.

The Nikes, who currently has the most wins in the state at 17-0, remained put at #3 in Class 1A. In a three-game week, Notre Dame defeated all three opponents by double figures, including holding two of their opponents under 50 points. The squad does an excellent job in distributing the ball and not turning the ball over with an assist to turnover ratio of 1.86, which ranks 2nd in Class 1A and 10th amongst all classes.

High School Wrestling

The Southeast Iowa Super Conference girls’ teams met up last night for the conference championship and Van Buren County snatched the title with a dominating 203-point performance followed by Pekin with 130 points.

The Warriors finished with five individual conference champions in Brystol Wiley (100-pound weight class), Rylee Caviness (125-pound weight class), Hadley Noe (135-pound weight class), Lexie Wiley (140-pound weight class), and Teagan Sickles (170-pound weight class).

Wapello’s Kenadee Helscher took the 105-pound title and sits at 36-0 entering the state qualifier. Clara Ball helped the Arrows with an undefeated night and the gold in the 115-pound weight class. 

WACO had Emorry Davis (115-pound weight class) and Makayla Morrison (120-pound weight class) each take home the silver in their respective weight class, while Mediapolis was led by Kaiya Swafford, who finished as the runner-up in the 130-pound weight class. Lastly, Lizbet Herrera and Jada Moats of Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union each took the silver in their respective weight classes. 

The Fairfield, Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Mediapolis, Van Buren County, and WACO girls’ teams will make the trip to Wapello for the Class 1A Region 6 state qualifying meet on Friday, January 30th. 

Mt. Pleasant will duel Burlington on Thursday, January 29th, on the road.

The Burlington Notre Dame, Van Buren County, and New London boys’ teams will travel to Louisa-Muscatine for a quad on Thursday.

Wapello will host WACO in a quad on Thursday.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will wait for their Class 2A Region 5 state qualifying meet on Friday in Ottumwa.

High School Bowling

The Southeast Conference tournament will take place today at Arrowhead Bowl.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will compete against North Iowa Area Community College tomorrow, January 28th, at 5:30 pm.

The men’s basketball team will host Kennedy-King College on Thursday, January 29th, at 7 pm. 

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will host Iowa Lakes Community College tomorrow. 

College Basketball

The Iowa State women’s team will hit the road to face off against Texas Tech tomorrow, January 28th, at 6 pm.

The #8 Iowa women’s team will travel to USC on Thursday, January 29th, at 8 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team will take on USC tomorrow at 6 pm at home.

The #8 Iowa State men’s team will host Colorado on Thursday at 6 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1969 – Chuck Noll is named head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the youngest coach in NFL history at the time. 

1989 – Detroit Red Wings center Steve Yzerman becomes the 4th NHL player to record 100 points in 50 games or less with a goal and 2 assists as the Red Wings beat Toronto, 8-1. 

1991 – Super Bowl XXV, Tampa Stadium, Tampa, FL: the New York Giants beat the Buffalo Bills, 20-19; MVP: Ottis Anderson, NY Giants, RB. Scott Norwood’s game-winning kick sails wide right for the Bills.

Kelvin Leon Turner

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, January 26th, 2026 at 4:27 pm CDT

Kelvin Leon Turner, 63, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, formerly of Farmington, passed away at 6:02 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Savannah Heights in Mt. Pleasant.

He was born on September 13, 1962, in Keosauqua, Iowa, the son of Merrill L. and Shirley Ann (Wixom) Turner.

He is survived by his siblings: Lonnie (Sandra) Turner of Farmington, Iowa, Gary (Holly) Turner of Farmington, Iowa, Jeana Turner of Kirkwood, Illinois, Brenda (Brad) Metcalf of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Melissa (Rick Losey) Turner of Bonaparte, Iowa and aunt: Paula Anthony. Also surviving are several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Patricia and nephew: Merrill.

Kelvin was a 1981 graduate of Harmony High School. He worked for the City of Farmington and the Fort Madison YMCA. Kelvin attended Faith Christian Outreach Church. He enjoyed playing pool, Yahtzee, cards and was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington with Pastor Gary VanNyhuis officiating.

Burial will be at a later date at Greenglade Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

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