Prep Boys’ Soccer: IHSAA Releases First Soccer Rankings for 2025 and Burlington Notre Dame is Waking Up the Echoes

By Slaten Swords · Monday, April 21st, 2025 at 4:45 pm CDT

Prep Soccer- The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) released their first boys’ soccer rankings for the 2025 season and one of our local teams cracked the top 10. Here’s a rundown of some of the top teams.

Class 4A

Valley sits atop the class as they have rattled off eight consecutive wins after dropping their first game of the season to #3 Ames 1-0. The Tigers get the nod over #2 Dowling Catholic with a 2-0 win over the Maroons back in early April.

Last year’s champion, Johnston, is ranked 5th as they currently tout a 5-1-1, as the Dragons also lost 1-0 to Ames then tied Southeast Polk 1-1 for their only blemishes. The Tigers and Dragons are slated to meet on May 9th at Johnston High School.

Class 3A

Des Moines Hoover is one of two teams in Class 3A to have not lost a game, accordingly, the Huskies hold the top spot. Their lone tie comes against #3 Urbandale, who holds a 3-2-1 record. Dallas Center-Grimes sits at #2 with a 6-2-1 record.

The other team to not have lost yet this season, North Polk, is currently placed at #10 with ties to Perry and Boone hurting their ranking strength.

Class 2A

There are some tough teams in Class 2A, but the consensus #1 has to go to undefeated Bishop Heelan, who is routinely winning games by nearly seven goals on average. Xavier and Gilbert enter at #2 and #3 without a loss on their record.

Sliding in at #4 is Burlington Notre Dame after an impressive 4-1 start to the season for the Nikes. An unsightly 3-0 loss to Assumption for their season opener is their one negative, otherwise Notre Dame has handled business, including consecutive 4-1 and 6-1 wins against bigger teams in Solon and Fort Madison, respectively.

The Nikes last went to state in 2023, falling 5-0 to Assumption. That capped off a three-year run of state tournament appearances that included a state championship run in 2021 that saw the Nikes finish the year 23-1.

Sergeant Bluff-Luton rounds out the list with a 3-0-3 record.

Class 1A

Despite losing their last contest, North Fayette Valley is the king of Class 1A with a 7-1 record, despite #2 West Liberty, #3 Regina Catholic, #4 Hudson, #5 St. Albert, and #9 West Central Valley grasping zeros in the loss column with at least five games played.

#10 Beckman Catholic is the reason that statement exists with the Trailblazers, contrary to their name, moving slow through the season having only played four games. Beckman Catholic is 2-0-2 with one of those ties occurring against #3 Regina Catholic.

More

For the complete soccer rankings list for April 21st, follow this link: 2025 1st Soccer Rankings

Kristine LaVaune Wood

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 21st, 2025 at 12:14 pm CDT

Kristine LaVaune Wood passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of her friends and family.

Kris was born in Des Moines, IA, to Warner and LaVaune Wood on August 20, 1948. She grew up in Des Moines, graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1966 and went on to graduate from the University of Iowa in January 1971. She learned the Transcendental Meditation technique in March 1971 and became a teacher of the Transcendental Meditation program in 1972 in Fiuggi, Italy.

She taught TM full time in South Bend, Indiana, and in Des Moines, leaving in 1983 to become a student in the graduate program in Higher Education Administration at Maharishi International University. After she earned her MA in 1986, she worked at Maharishi International University as the Registrar, serving faculty and students with care and efficiency. In 1998, Kris became the Director of Research in Consciousness Programs, focusing on opportunities for students’ self-development. Kris was beloved by students and faculty alike for her compassion, her great devotion to service, and her wisdom. In December 2024, Kris received the Lifetime Achievement Award from MIU’s President and Trustees for her long and outstanding service to MIU.

Kris is survived by her sisters Susan (Sue) McNeil and Sandra Clark, by her brother Randall Wood and sister-in-law Bronwyn Murray, as well as by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial will be held in early May on the MIU campus. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Prep Track and Field: Local Roster for the 115th Drake Relays

By Slaten Swords · Monday, April 21st, 2025 at 11:49 am CDT

Des Moines, IA- Some of the best athletes from around the world will be migrating to Drake University to compete in the 115th Drake Relays, starting on Wednesday, April 23rd, and running through Saturday, April 26th. The high school running events will start on Thursday, April 24th, and here’s some of our local athletes participating.

Mt. Pleasant

Alex Scott reset her meet record at the Denny White Relays last week, which also placed her directly on the Blue Oval Standard for 2025 at 12.43 seconds in the girls’ 100-meter dash. The junior will sprint in the first heat around 9 am on Friday.

Avin Truong broke 23 feet earlier this year in the long jump, clearing the Blue Oval Standard. The senior will be looking to add to his accolades on Thursday evening at 4 pm in the second flight.

Winfield-Mt. Union

Kohlby Newsom is looking to continue his running success in his senior campaign, competing in the boys’ 800-meter run. His best time of 1 minute and 54 seconds for the season is one second better than the Blue Oval Standard. He will be apart of the first heat on Saturday around 1:50 pm.

Danville

The Bears’ girls’ team will send Alaina Gourley to run in the first heat of the 400-meter dash slated to start at 5:28 pm on Friday night. Her personal record (58 seconds) is just a second off the Blue Oval Standard.

Columbus

The boys’ team will be sending two to run the 110-meter hurdles in Lamar Ceant and Alex Rees, as they both were placed in the third heat. Ceant’s personal record for the season (14.9 seconds) is just two-tenths of a second away from the Blue Oval Standard.

The duo will run on Friday around 10:30 am.

Fort Madison

Julian Dear will be exhibiting the speed in the boys’ 100-meter dash when he runs in the second heat on Friday morning following the girls’ 100-meter dash.

Kenden Bowie will compete in the boys’ high jump on Thursday evening at 4:30 pm.

Brylie Lorence will toss the shot put on Friday morning in the second flight.

Burlington

Kylee Hill showed out as a freshman in last year’s Class 4A throwing events, winning the shot put and finishing in 4th in the discus. She will look to express the same kind of dominance in both events as she will throw the discus at 2:30 pm in the second flight on Thursday and shot put on Friday morning at 9 am.

Washington

Greyson Hartman is following in the footsteps of other great Washington throwers as he will heave the shot put around 3 pm on Thursday and then toss the discus on Friday morning at 8:30 am.

Fairfield

Last year’s Class 3A state champion Eli Zillman will show off his skills at the high jump along with fellow Trojan Ryan Giberson on Thursday evening.

Girls’ 4×100 Meter Relay

The Southeast Conference (SEC) will be well represented on Saturday morning with five of the six squads sending a team. Burlington will run in the second heat around 9:40 am with the quartet of Kierah Wiseman, Meilah Ertz, Sophie Brown, and Mylee Stiefel.

Over in heat three, Keokuk will have the team of Layonna Stewart, Kelly Takorbisong, Alaya Carr, and Ada Wood, while Washington will participate in the seventh heat with the squad of Layla Green, Leighton Messinger, Leighton Salazar, and Jaedyn Moore.

Lastly, Mt. Pleasant’s team of Ellie Freeman, Kiyah Sanders, Taylor Williamson, and Kynlee White will run in the 12th heat.

Boys’ 4×100 Meter Relay

It’s another busy race for our local schools with a litany of SEC and Southeast Iowa Super Conference (SEISC) talent showing off their speed and cohesion. Here’s to look out for.

Columbus’ Ceant and Rees will be joined by Juan Chairez and Riley Kaalberg to run in the second heat of the 4×100 meter relay. Following in the third heat will be Fairfield’s team of Dylan Adam, Spencer McCready, Ethan Bisgard, and Dayson Workman along with Keokuk’s squad of Tramell Smith, Kurt Joy, Ryan Bair, and Drew Campbell.

Over in the seventh heat will be the team of Nathan Schmidgall, Kyler Crow, and Will and Henry Luttenegger. The ninth heat will feature Cale Westerbeck, Gavin Strawhacker, Brigham Porter, and London Franklin of New London and Washington’s Keider Gomez Valdez, Kael Williams, Jayfred Espinosa, and Nate Edmonds.

Lastly, Burlington will compete in heat ten with the quartet of Amare Stepps, Kamryn Reynolds, Darius and Laderrias Shealey.

Next Up

Stay tuned to KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, throughout the multi-day event for updates.

Henry County Supervisors Public Hearing April 22nd 6pm

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 21st, 2025 at 9:35 am CDT

Henry County Supervisors

100 E Washington St Ste 202

Mt Pleasant IA  52641

Fax: 319-385-3601

 

  Chad White, Vice-Chair               Marc Lindeen, Chairman               Steven Detrick, Member    

           319-385-0759                                 319-385-0760                                     319-385-0761________                        

 

AGENDA

  Board of Supervisors

Tuesday

April 22, 2025

6:00 p.m.

Courthouse 3rd Floor

Courtroom

  1. Approve Agenda
  1. Approve minutes
  1. 1st Public Hearing

Fairfield Man Arrested Following Domestic Assault Investigation

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 21st, 2025 at 7:24 am CDT

Fairfield, Iowa — A Fairfield man is facing multiple charges following a domestic assault investigation stemming from a 911 call made on April 18.

According to a release from the Fairfield Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 900 block of North 10th Street after receiving several open-line emergency calls. Although dispatchers could hear screaming in the background, no one communicated directly with the operators.

Upon arrival, officers located the caller, a female victim, who reported being assaulted by a male subject with whom she has a no-contact order. The victim told officers that the suspect had choked her during the altercation. Officers observed visible injuries consistent with her account.

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Timothy Andrew Halley of Fairfield, was arrested and is currently being held at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility with no bond, pending a court appearance.

Halley faces the following charges:

  • Domestic Abuse Assault Strangulation & Bodily Injury (Class D Felony)

  • Assault Committed by a Person Against Whom a Protective Order is Issued (Class D Felony)

  • Violation of Order of Protection (Simple Misdemeanor)

The investigation is being led by Lieutenant Joel Smith of the Fairfield Police Department.

Authorities remind the public that criminal charges are accusations, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sunday Brings Severe Storm Damage Across Des Moines County

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 21st, 2025 at 6:58 am CDT

Severe Storm Causes Damage Across Des Moines County

April 21, 2025 — A powerful storm system swept through southeast Iowa late Sunday night, leaving behind scattered damage and several hazardous situations in Des Moines County.

High winds and intense lightning were reported throughout the evening as the storm moved swiftly across the region. Emergency crews responded to multiple incidents, including downed power lines and structural damage.

One of the earliest reports came from Washington Road, where a fallen tree temporarily blocked the roadway. The obstruction was cleared shortly after it was reported.

More severe damage was found at the intersection of DMC 34 and 155th Avenue, where four power poles were snapped by strong winds. Live electrical lines were reported to be down and sparking in the area, prompting utility crews to respond quickly to prevent further danger.

Perhaps the most striking damage occurred near US-34 and Beaverdale Road, where a storage building was blown over by the storm. The debris blocked the eastbound off-ramp, creating a temporary traffic hazard for motorists.

No injuries have been reported so far, but local authorities are urging residents to exercise caution as crews continue assessing damage and restoring utilities.

Total rainfall for April 20th was 1.62 inches and for the month of April we have seen a little over 3 inches of total rainfall.

Sports, April 21st

By Slaten Swords · Monday, April 21st, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track

Central Lee made the trip to Burlington over the weekend to participate in the Grayhound Invite and the boys’ team finished in 3rd place with 53 points, while the girls’ team took 4th place with 37 points. Brayden Wyrick grabbed the lone win for the Hawks boys’ team with a 1st place time of 55.9 seconds in the 400-meter dash. For the girls’ team, Kylie Fortune leapt 5 feet to win the high jump. 

Mt. Pleasant will host the Panther relays tomorrow, April 22nd, with Danville, Mediapolis, and the girls’ teams of New London, Central Lee, WACO, Wapello, Winfield-Mt. Union, and West Burlington/Notre Dame making the trip.

The WACO boys’ team will host the Warrior Relays tomorrow with Central Lee, New London, Wapello, Van Buren County, West Burlington/Notre Dame, and Winfield-Mt. Union participating.

Fairfield will compete in the Don Newell Classic in Ottumwa tomorrow. 

The 115th Drake Relays will get underway for our local high school athletes on Thursday, April 24th. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be giving updates throughout the multi-day event. 

High School Tennis

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will take on Burlington Notre Dame on the road tonight, while the boys’ team will travel to Fairfield tomorrow, April 22nd.

Fairfield will face off against Fort Madison tonight with the girls at home and the boys on the road.

High School Golf

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will host their SEC meet today, while the boys’ teams of the SEC will travel to Washington. 

The Van Buren County boys’ team will compete in a triangular along with Burlington Notre Dame today at the Bloomfield County Club. 

Mediapolis will host a triangular today with WACO and Wapello hitting the road to compete. 

Wapello will host an invite on Wednesday, April 23rd, with Danville, Columbus, and Winfield-Mt. Union competing. 

The Holy Trinity Catholic girls’ team will participate in the Lee County Classic on Wednesday at Sheaffer Memorial Golf Park along with Central Lee.

New London will face off against Winfield-Mt. Union on Friday, April 25th, on the road. 

High School Soccer

The Mt. Pleasant and Mediapolis boys’ teams competed at a tournament in Fort Madison over the weekend, with the two facing off against one another. In their showdown, the Panthers were able to sneak out with the 3-2 victory over the Bulldogs after netting two goals in the first half. Both squads struggled against Davenport North with Mt. Pleasant losing 4-1 and Mediapolis falling 6-1. 

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel to Burlington tonight with the top of the conference up for grabs at 5 pm, while the boys’ team will host the Grayhounds at 4:30 pm.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will face off against Highland tonight at 5 pm at home. The Mediapolis girls’ team will take on Keokuk tomorrow, April 22nd, at 5:30 pm at home.

The Fairfield girls’ team will hit the road to tangle with Keokuk at 5 pm tonight.

The Columbus boys’ team will hit the road tonight at 5 pm to face off with WACO. The Columbus girls’ team will host Central Lee at the Muscatine Soccer Complex on Thursday, April 24th, at 5 pm.

Central Lee will host Wapello tomorrow with the girls’ teams playing first at 5 pm.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will take on Danville tomorrow at home at 5 pm, while the girls’ team will face off against Quincy Notre Dame at 7 pm.

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The softball team swept Spoon River College over the weekend as the Blackhawks clobbered eight home runs between the two contests. Game one saw Navy Clark post a nine-strikeout complete game performance in a 7-1 final. The Snappers tried to execute a comeback in game two, but fell short in a 9-6 victory for SCC. Jeliane Stewart crushed four home runs and collected eight RBIs to wrap up the weekend. The Blackhawks will host St. Louis Community College today for a doubleheader. 

The baseball team completed the series sweep of Iowa Central Community College over the weekend, winning 11-4. Efrain Osorio slugged a three-run homer for the Blackhawks. SCC will travel to Black Hawk College today. 

This Day in Sports History

1967 – The Dodgers have their first rain out in Los Angeles (after 737 consecutive games).

1990 – National League umpire Bob Engel was arrested for stealing over 4,000 baseball cards from a store.

1996 – The Chicago Bulls win a then-NBA record 72 games in a single season (72-8).

WACO CSD Board Meeting April 21, 6pm

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 21st, 2025 at 5:42 am CDT

write this waco community school board agenda into a news article: Meeting Agenda

  1. Welcome
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Public Forum
  4. Approval of Agenda
  5. Approval of the Consent Agenda a. Minutes of previous meetings b. Financial Reports c. Claims
  6. Fundraisers & Donations a. Baseball Apparel Sales – Action Item b. Softball Apparel Sales – Action Item
  7. Reports a. MS/HS Principal b. Elem Principal c. Superintendent d. Board Business a. FY25 Proposed Budget – Action Item b. FY 26 Budget Guarantee Resolution – Action Item c. Recommended Ag Classes for the 25-26 school year – Action Item d. 2025 -2026 School Calendar – Action Item e. Additional Furniture MS/HS – Action Item f. 2025 Seniors for Graduation – Action Item g. New London Journal named as the District Official Publication – Action Item
  8. Personnel a. Resignations a. Jackie Housman – National Honor Society Shared Position b. Sharing Agreements a. Sharing Agreement with Danville CSD to host MS Coed & HS Boys Soccer – Action Item b. Sharing agreement with Danville CSD for Transportation Director Services – Action Item c. Sharing Agreement with Mt. Pleasant to host Dance – Action Item d. Sharing Agreement with Mt. Pleasant to host HS Coed Bowling – Action item c. Appointments a. Shane Manning – MS Head Boys Baseball Coach b. Donna Carlson – School Library Services
  9. Exempt Session to Discuss Negotiations
  10. Adjournment