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.

Mount Pleasant Candidate Forum April 30th Ahead of Special School Board Election

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 at 8:05 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance and KILJ Radio are partnering to host a Candidate Forum in advance of the upcoming Special Election for the Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education.

The forum will take place on April 30 at 6:00 p.m. in the Mount Pleasant High School Media Room. Community members are encouraged to attend and hear directly from the candidates seeking a seat on the school board, Mark Overberg of Salem & Todd Liechty of Mt Pleasant.

This event offers voters an opportunity to learn more about the individuals running, their priorities, and their perspectives on key issues facing the district. The Election will be May 13th at the St. Alphonsus Manning Hall, 607 South Jackson Street.

For additional information or questions, please contact KILJ.

Sports, April 23rd

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track

Mt. Pleasant celebrated their seniors at the Panther Relays last night and the girls’ team exited with the team crown, collecting 129.5 points, while Mediapolis led the boys’ teams with 118 points.

On the girls’ side, Alex Scott took 1st place in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.66 seconds and the 200-meter dash, clocking a time of 26.45 seconds. The Panthers also swiped a victory in the 4×200 meter relay. Some of the top finishes for the seniors included a 3rd mark for Alexis Wagner in the 800-meter run, a 3rd place throw in the shot put for Ava English, and Savannah Slobodnik grabbing 6th place in the shot put and discus. 

Winfield-Mt. Union was led by Josie Nelson, who took home the bronze in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 16.58 seconds, and Kynlee Buffington as she leapt 16 feet and 10.75 inches to clinch 2nd place in the long jump.

Danville’s Alaina Gourley took 6th place in the 200-meter dash with a time of 27.16 seconds. Kate Lanz of Wapello took home 4th place in the 400-meter dash with a time of 1 minute and 3 seconds to lead the Arrows. 

WACO’s Josie Dykstra finished in 4th place in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1 minute and 12 seconds. Bryn Wright of Mediapolis earned the silver in the 1500-meter run with a time of 5 minutes and 17 seconds. Central Lee’s Aubrey Weber tossed the discus 109 feet and 11 inches to finish in 3rd place. West Burlington/Notre Dame had Kaitlyn Kipp grab 5th place in the 800-meter run. 

On the boys’ side, the Bulldogs won three events to help capture the team win. Will Schmidgall outsprinted the competition in the 400-meter dash with a time of 52.29 seconds and outpaced the field in the 1600-meter run with a mark of 4 minutes and 37 seconds. Lane Rigdon took the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes and 12 seconds.

Mt. Pleasant grabbed 4th place with 85 points as Avin Truong took home the win in the long jump with a leap of 20 feet and 9.5 inches. The Panthers finished in 2nd place in four other events. Danville’s Isaac Shinn won the 3200-meter run, clocking a time of 10 minutes and 22 seconds.

The Mt. Pleasant and Mediapolis girls’ team will travel to Washington to participate in an invitational tomorrow, April 24th.

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 tomorrow.

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

The WACO boys’ team hosted the Warrior Relays and finished atop the Class B team rankings with 157 points, while Van Buren County captured 1st place in the Class A division with 117 points.

Starting with the hosts, Hayden Shelman ran down a 1st place time of 23.73 seconds in the 200-meter dash. Shelman would take home another gold in the long jump with a leap of 19 feet and 11.5 inches. In the 800-meter run, Jude Dykstra took 1st place with a time of 2 minutes and 9 seconds and he followed that up with a victory in the 3200-meter run with a mark of 10 minutes and 32 seconds. Louden Huisenga cleared 5 feet and 8 inches to win the high jump.

Winfield-Mt. Union’s 129.5 points were good enough for 2nd place as a team. Kohlby Newsom displayed his endurance in the 1600-meter run, getting 1st place with a time of 4 minutes and 48 seconds. Cruz Hagmeier hopped his way to a 1st place time of 15.69 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles. The Wolves were able to win the 4×800, sprint medley, and distance medley relays. New London grabbed 1st place in the 4×100 and 4×200 meter relays.

Wapello’s Justyn Faulkner took home the gold in the 400-meter dash with a time of 53.02 seconds. Kolton Small swept the throwing events, winning shot put with a heave of 48 feet and 8 inches and discus with a toss of 138 feet and 7 inches. 

For Class A, Lincoln Bainbridge led Van Buren County with a 1st place time of 2 minutes and 6 seconds in the 800-meter run. Gavin Noll paced his way to the gold in the 1600-meter run with a sub-five minute time. Kayden Simmons grabbed the win in the 110-meter hurdles. Landry Loeffler earned the gold in the 3200-meter run with a time of 11 minutes and 29 seconds, which was 30 seconds faster than second place. The Warriors won the 4×200, 4×400, sprint medley, and distance medley relays.

Landry Haberichter of West Burlington/Notre Dame exhibited his speed, taking the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.18 seconds and the 200-meter dash, registering a time of 22.82 seconds. Logan Hamma gathered 1st place in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 57.97 seconds. Mason Watkins cleared 6 feet and 2 inches to win the high jump. Central Lee’s Kagan Damico was the best finisher for the Hawks with silvers in the high jump and the 400-meter hurdles.

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

Fairfield traveled to Ottumwa to participate in the Don Newell Classic last night and the boys’ team took 2nd place with 129 points and the girls’ team finished in 7th place with 27 points.

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

The 115th Drake Relays will get underway for our local high school athletes tomorrow. 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

High School Tennis

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will host Fort Madison tonight, while the girls’ team will take on Keokuk on the road tomorrow, April 24th.

The Fairfield girls’ team will face off against Maharishi tomorrow at home.

High School Golf

Wapello will host an invite today with Danville, Columbus, and Winfield-Mt. Union competing. 

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

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel to compete in the Oskaloosa Invite tomorrow, April 24th. 

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

WACO will face off against Columbus tomorrow at home. 

Mediapolis will host Holy Trinity Catholic tomorrow.

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

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

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

High School Soccer

The Mediapolis girls’ team handled Keokuk last night, winning 4-0. The Mediapolis girls’ team will take on Monmouth-Roseville on Friday, April 25th, on the road at 5 pm. The Mediapolis boys’ team will travel to WACO on April 28th at 5 pm.

The Fairfield girls’ team shut out Knoxville last night 3-0. The Trojans will take on Burlington tomorrow, April 24th, at 5 pm with the girls’ team at home and the boys’ team on the road.

Central Lee swept Wapello last night with the girls’ team winning 9-1 and the boys’ team clobbering Wapello 10-0. In the boys’ game, Drake Weber scored a hat trick in the win with Colton Taft and Ayden Kent each adding two goals to the effort. 

Columbus will host Central Lee at the Muscatine Soccer Complex tomorrow 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 tomorrow with the boys at home and the girls on the road. 

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

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

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

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The softball team will close out the regular season today in a road doubleheader against Indian Hills Community College.

The baseball team is back at home today in a doubleheader against Des Moines Area Community College with game one at 3 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1869 – First professional baseball exhibition game: Cincinnati Red Stockings 24, Cincinnati Amateurs 15.

1954 – Hammerin’ Hank Aaron hits first of his 755 homers.

1964 – Houston Colt .45s Ken Johnson becomes the first and only major league pitcher to lose a 9 inning no-hitter, Reds win 1-0.