Salem Launches New Friday Evening Farmers’ Market Starting May 23

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 24th, 2025 at 6:58 am CDT

Salem, Iowa – A fresh opportunity for local produce, crafts, and community connection is coming to Salem this summer. The Salem Farmers’ Market is making its debut and will be held every Friday evening from 4:30 to 7:30 PM, starting May 23 through October 3, 2025—weather permitting.

The weekly market aims to bring together local growers, artisans, and families for a relaxed and vibrant evening atmosphere in the heart of town.

Organizers are now welcoming vendor applications. Interested individuals can apply by filling out a short online form here: Vendor Application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to read the Vendor Information, Rules & Agreement document beforehand, which can be found at Vendor Info & Rules.

For those who prefer a paper copy or need assistance finding specific details, the City Clerk at Salem City Hall is available during regular business hours to answer questions about the market.

Sports, April 24th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, April 24th, 2025 at 6:24 am CDT

High School Track

The Mt. Pleasant and Mediapolis girls’ teams will travel to Washington to participate in an invitational tonight.

Central Lee, Wapello, Van Buren County, Columbus, and West Burlington/Notre Dame will travel to compete in the Gardner-Wilson Relays at Louisa-Muscatine High School tonight.

The Mt. Pleasant, Fairfield, and Mediapolis boys’ teams will compete in the Ike Ryan Relays at Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont High School tonight.

Winfield-Mt. Union will celebrate their senior night today at the Pankoke Relays with Danville, New London, and WACO making the trip.

The Fairfield girls’ team will compete in the Golden Hawk Relays tonight at Mid-Prairie High School.

The 115th Drake Relays will get underway for our local high school athletes today. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be giving updates throughout the multi-day event. For a full list of all of our local athletes competing, follow this link: Drake Relays Roster. 

The field events this afternoon will be our focus for today with Kylee Hill of Burlington throwing the discus and Washington’s Greyson Hartman heaving the shot put. The high jump will feature three members of the Southeast Conference in Fairfield’s Eli Zillman and Ryan Giberson along with Kenden Bowie of Fort Madison. Lastly, Mt. Pleasant’s Avin Truong will be competing in the long jump.

High School Tennis

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team defeated Fort Madison last night 8-1 to improve to 4-0 on the season. Lou Schimmelpfennig and Elijah Rynders shutout their opponent to win their singles showdown, while Max Heater glided to an 8-2 final against James Janic. The team of Dane Cook and Rynders escaped with a narrow 8-6 win in their doubles match.

Mt. Pleasant will take on Keokuk tonight with the girls’ team on the road and the boys’ team at home.

The Fairfield girls’ team will face off against Maharishi tonight at home, while the boys’ team will attempt to host Mt. Pleasant tomorrow, April 25th.

High School Golf

Wapello hosted their invite yesterday and the Highland girls’ team dominated their way to a nearly 30-stroke lead, while the Hillcrest Academy boys’ team handled business, shooting a 330 for the victory. Emmalin Marshall’s nine-hole score of 92 led the Arrows to a 2nd place team score of 414. Columbus grabbed 3rd place followed by Burlington Notre Dame and Winfield-Mt. Union took 6th place with a team score of 474.

On the boys’ side, the Wolves slotted themselves into 2nd place with a solid team score of 358. In a distant 3rd place was Wapello with a team score of 404 as Barrett Garrison carded an 87. Columbus and Danville, separated by a stroke, finished in 4th and 5th place, respectively. Danville’s Mattix Furnald turned in an 83 for the nine-hole course.

WACO will face off against Columbus today at home. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will hit the road to compete against Louisa-Muscatine tonight. 

Wapello will take on Columbus on Monday, April 28th, at home.

Danville will make the trip to Central Lee on Monday to play at the Green Acres Country Club.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel to compete in the Oskaloosa Invite today. 

The Fairfield girls’ team will hit the road to participate in the Golden Hawk Invitational today. 

Mediapolis will host Holy Trinity Catholic today.

The Van Buren County and Burlington Notre Dame boys’ teams will participate in the Davis County Invitational today.

The Fairfield boys’ team will host an invite tomorrow, April 25th, with Mt. Pleasant and Van Buren County making the trip.  

New London will face off against Winfield-Mt. Union tomorrow on the road. 

High School Soccer

The WACO boys’ team will take on Highland on the road tonight at 5 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will square off against Wapello tonight on the road with girls’ teams playing first at 5 pm with the boys game to follow.

Fairfield will take on Burlington tonight at 5 pm with the girls’ team at home and the boys’ team on the road.

Columbus will host Central Lee at the Muscatine Soccer Complex tonight with the girls’ teams playing at 5 pm and the boys’ teams to follow at 7 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will square off against Fort Madison tonight with the boys at home and the girls on the road. 

The Mediapolis girls’ team will take on Monmouth-Roseville tomorrow, April 25th, on the road at 5 pm. The Mediapolis boys’ team will travel to WACO on Monday, April 28th, at 5 pm.

The Danville boys’ team will travel to Hillcrest Academy tomorrow at 5 pm.

High School Girls’ Wrestling

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) first sanctioned girls’ wrestling for the 2022-23 season, then followed that up with the addition of two classes in last year’s state tournament. As the sport continues to rapidly grow, the IGHSAU approved the implementation of a girls wrestling state dual tournament for the 2026-27 season.

The tentative date for the dual state qualifying meets is January 18th, 2027, with state to follow on January 22nd. The number of classes and the venue will be announced at a later time. The state dual tournament will commence before the individual state qualifying meets, similar to Iowa high school boys’ wrestling.

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The softball team ends the regular season with a bitter taste, getting swept by Indian Hills Community College on the road. The ICCAC Player of the Week, Jeliane Stewart, nearly brought the Blackhawks back herself in game one, swatting a three-run shot in the top of the sixth to go down a run; but, the offense could not capitalize on the Freshman’s sixth home run in seven games as they went down 4-3. Game two was a struggle in the circle, allowing double-digit runs for the first time since April 12th in a 13-3 final. 

The baseball team swept Des Moines Area Community College in front of the home crowd yesterday, slugging the Bears 13-3 in game one and sneaking away with game two 13-10. The Blackhawks will travel to Southwestern Community College on Saturday, April 26th, for the first two games of a three-game series.

This Day in Sports History

1956 – AL umpire Frank Umont is the first to wear glasses in a regular season game. 

1963 – Future Basketball Hall of Fame point guard Bob Cousy plays his last NBA game for Boston as the Celtics beat the LA Lakers, 112-109, in Game 6 for their 5th straight NBA Championship.

1981 – Bill Shoemaker wins his 8,000th race, 2,000 more than any other jockey at the time.

Burlington Police Investigate Shooting on Oak Street

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, April 24th, 2025 at 6:17 am CDT

BURLINGTON, IA — The Burlington Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred late Wednesday morning in the 1200 block of Oak Street. Officers responded to the scene at approximately 11:30 a.m. on April 23 following reports of an adult male who had been shot in the leg.

When officers arrived, they found the victim conscious and immediately provided medical aid. The man was then transported by ambulance to Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, where he was treated for two gunshot wounds. Authorities confirmed the injuries are non-life-threatening.

Through the initial investigation, officers determined that the suspect was known to the victim. The suspect reportedly fled the scene prior to the officers’ arrival.

The case remains under active investigation by the Burlington Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Burlington Police Department at (319) 671-7001 or Crime Stoppers at (319) 753-6835. Tips to Crime Stoppers that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.

Authorities remind the public that a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

High School Girls’ State Dual Wrestling Coming to Iowa for the 2026-27 Season

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 at 4:19 pm CDT

Prep Girls’ Wrestling- High School girls’ wrestling has been growing exponentially across the nation, but especially here in Iowa with the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) first sanctioning it for the 2022-2023 season then expanding it to two classes this past season.

Now, the IGHSAU has approved the implementation of a girls wrestling state dual tournament for the 2026-27 season.

“A state dual meet tournament is something that our wrestling schools have wanted,” said IGHSAU Executive Director Erin Gerlich. “The impressive growth of girls wrestling in Iowa along with more schools being able to field a full roster of wrestlers in every weight class shows that girls wrestling is ready for a dual team tournament.”

The tentative date for the dual state qualifying meets is January 18th, 2027, with state to follow on January 22nd. The number of classes and the venue will be announced at a later time. The state dual tournament will commence before the individual state qualifying meets, similar to Iowa high school boys’ wrestling.

Aaron E. Coe

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 at 4:12 pm CDT

Aaron E. Coe, 81, of Mount Pleasant died unexpectedly, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Coralville.

Aaron was born December 28, 1943, in Henry County, the son of Edward and Carolmay (Crawford) Coe. He graduated from New London High School in 1962, and went on to graduate from the United States Military Academy West Point in 1967.  Aaron proudly served his country in the Vietnam War and courageously answered the call to be a part of the Special Operations Task Force. Among others, Aaron was awarded a Bronze Star for his service.

On July 27, 1984, Aaron was united in marriage to Patricia Miller at the First United Methodist Church Chapel. The couple made their home in Mount Pleasant. Following their marriage, Aaron enjoyed farming the family farms. He was a member of KAABA Shrine, New London Lodge No. 28, and ROMEO’s. Additionally, Aaron was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Aaron enjoyed time spent on the golf course.

Aaron is survived by his wife Pat, sister Avon and her husband Chuck Mullenix of Cincinnati, Ohio; nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Service will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Court Fischer officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Iowa Army Honor Guard Detail. Visitation will be held 1:00-6:00 p.m. Friday, April 25, at the Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory. The family will not be present. Memorial funds have been established for the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Hope Haven – Imagine the Possibilities, and the First United Methodist Church.

The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Aaron and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com

  Harvey John Condon

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 at 3:39 pm CDT

  Harvey John Condon, 96, of Fairfield passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at his home.

A graveside service honoring his life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Prairie Center Cemetery in Packwood. A Celebration of Life Ice Cream Social will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Fairfield Community Center, 209 S. Court Street. A time to share memories will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Harvey Condon lived a life rich in purpose, character, and quiet humor—a man whose actions spoke louder than words and whose legacy will echo in the lives he touched.

A steadfast believer in the power of education, Harvey didn’t just value learning—he ensured others could experience it too, giving generously to causes and individuals in pursuit of knowledge. He was the kind of man who believed in doing things the right way, Harvey’s way. Frugal, hardworking, and principled, Harvey passed these values on to everyone lucky enough to learn from him.

Harvey’s life was full—of travel, of stories, and of vegetables without a weed in site. His vegetable garden was the envy of the neighborhood, a testament to his meticulous care and quiet pride. His lawn, a flawless sea of green, inspired both admiration and, let’s be honest, a bit of jealousy. His focus and task-oriented work ethic were the stuff of legend—once Harvey set his mind to something, it got done, and it got done, Harvey’s way.

Though he was a man of many talents, few expected one of them to be peanut brittle. Yet somehow, his batches were unmatched—crisp, golden, addictive. His homemade wine, on the other hand, was more abundant than refined, with more varieties than anyone asked for—but that was Harvey. Enthusiastic, experimental, and always all in.

Perhaps one of his more charming quirks was his wardrobe. Frequently spotted in shirts embroidered with the name “Bob,” Harvey proudly sported his brother-in-law’s retired work shirts. Strangers often called him Bob, and Harvey never corrected them—perhaps finding quiet amusement in the confusion. In the end, Harvey left the world the same way he lived in it—on his own terms. Determined, precise, and true to himself. Harvey’s way wasn’t always the easiest, but it was always genuine.

He is survived by a grateful family, countless friends, and a yard that will probably never look quite the same again.

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

A Flock of Blackhawks Garner ICCAC Player of the Week Honors

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 at 2:10 pm CDT

West Burlington, IA- The Iowa Community College Athletic Association (ICCAC) released their athletes of the week for April 14th through the 20th and a trio of Blackhawks made the list, including two softball players.

Softball

Southeastern Community College’s (SCC) freshman catch Jeliane Stewart had a monster week, crushing four home runs in four games, driving in eight runs, while batting 0.700. Stewart added another home run to her total in their win over St. Louis Community College on Monday.

Navy Clark earned her third Player of the Week honor for the season after picking up two wins this past week in 12 innings of work. Clark gave up just one earned run off of six hits, while striking out a total of 18 batters.

Baseball

Michael Farina mashed the ball at the plate over the week to aid SCC’s four wins over ranked opponents. Farina picked up 11 hits over the five games, tallied a home run and a triple, tabbed a home run and seven RBIs, while touching home eight times himself.

Prep Track and Field: State Qualifying Meet Sites and Assignments

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 at 2:00 pm CDT

Prep Track and Field- The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) released the co-ed State Qualifying meet assignments for the four classes yesterday and here’s where are local teams will be competing.

Class 1A

WACO will be the host site for 14 teams, including the Warriors, with Danville, Columbus, New London, Wapello, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip over to Wayland. Only first place is guaranteed a spot at state with the other eight slots up for grabs amongst the rest of the other host sites.

Van Buren County will hit the road to participate at Wayne in their state qualifying meet.

Class 2A

Mediapolis has had at least a share of the boys’ team state championship for the past two seasons and their journey to add a third title will begin in Monticello.

Central Lee will participate in their meet at PCM.

The top two place finishers from each site will qualify for state with the next eight times or marks from around the state also qualifying for state.

Class 3A

Mount Pleasant will be the place to be with fellow Southeast Conference foes making an appearance in Fairfield, Fort Madison, and Keokuk, while West Burlington/Notre Dame will join the fray.

The top two place finishers from each site will qualify for state with the next eight times or marks from around the state also qualifying for state.

Class 4A

Burlington will travel east to North Scott for their qualifying meet.

The top two place winners in each event, plus the next 12 best performances statewide will qualify for the state meet.

More

The State Qualifying Meet is scheduled to start at 4 pm on May 15th.