Police Recover Stolen Firearm During Traffic Stop in Burlington

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 16th, 2026 at 11:45 am CDT

The Burlington Police Department reports an arrest following a traffic stop earlier this month.

Police say officers stopped a vehicle January ninth near the intersection of Vine Street and South Tenth Street. During the stop, an open-air K-9 sniff was conducted.

Officers identified one of the occupants as eighteen-year-old Damauri Mitchell of Burlington. A pat-down search later revealed Mitchell was in possession of a stolen firearm. Police say the gun had previously been reported stolen in Burlington.

Mitchell was taken into custody and transported to the Des Moines County Jail.

He is charged with being a person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons and fourth-degree theft. Mitchell remains in custody on bond.

A criminal charge is an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Three WACO Student-Athletes Commit to College Athletics

By Slaten Swords · Friday, January 16th, 2026 at 10:06 am CDT

Wayland, IA- WACO had the opportunity to celebrate a trio of their student-athletes as they announced their commitment to athletics at the collegiate level, including one staying within the state to lend his services to a nascent program.

Pictured Left to Right: Matt Slagel (Dad), Caylon DeVaul (Coach), Gavin Slagel, Jen Slagel (Mom), and Corrine Slagel (Sister).

Gavin Slagel will be attending Goshen College in Indiana to continue his cross-country career. During the fall season, Slagel took 20th place at the Southeast Iowa Super Conference championship with a time of 18 minutes and 30 seconds, helping the Warriors lock up their first Conference Title in program history.

He would follow that up with a 12th place finish at the state qualifier, slashing eight seconds off his conference time, but falling short of qualifying for state. Goshen finished in 18th place at the NAIA National Championships this past winter.

Pictured Left to Right: Nathan Luitjens (Dad), Rob Shaw (Coach), Tristain Luitjens, and Rachelle Luitjens (Mom)

Out on the pitch, Tristain Luitjens will be taking his soccer talents to Bluffton University in Ohio. Luitjens helped revive WACO’s boys’ soccer program his freshman year, but put together his best season last year, nabbing eight goals and seven assists for 23 points, all team leads.

For his career, Luitjens has accumulated 19 goals and 21 assists for 59 points. The Warriors have gone 13-27 over the past three years. The Bluffton Beavers collected an 8-10-1 record this past season with a 5-4 mark in conference.

Pictured Left to Right: Chad Edeker (Coach), Adam Stafford, and Judith Stafford (Mom)

The towering 6’8 Adam Stafford will be looking to bolster the Mount Mercy University line of scrimmage as he signed his letter of intent to join the Mustangs in their first-ever season of football coming up in the fall.

Stafford is a two-time 1st Team All-District lineman, earning the distinction as a defensive lineman his junior season and offensive lineman his senior campaign. As a junior, Stafford wrapped up 32.5 tackles with 16 tackles for loss, including four sacks.

As a senior, he helped pave the way for the team to rush for 2,054 yards and 33 touchdowns on 5.6 yards per carry. He finished his career with 65 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks as a three-time letter winner with the program. The Warriors extended their playoff streak to five consecutive years.

Rep. Taylor Collins Week 1 “Collins Capitol Connection” Report

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 16th, 2026 at 8:06 am CDT

Iowa lawmakers are back at the Capitol as the new legislative session gets underway, and Representative Taylor Collins of House District 95 has put out his first week’s wrap up report. Here are some of the highlights:

State Budget and Taxes

Governor Kim Reynolds has released a proposed $9.67 billion state budget for fiscal year 2027, a 1.9 percent increase over the current year. The largest spending increases go to K-12 education and Medicaid. Schools would see a 2 percent increase in state aid, raising per-pupil funding to $8,148, plus state support to offset declining enrollment.

The Governor is also proposing property tax relief, including:

  • A 2 percent cap on revenue growth for local governments
  • Freezing property tax bills for seniors 65 and older
  • Expanded tax-advantaged savings accounts for first-time homebuyers
  • Limits on the use of Tax Increment Financing districts

Education

Nearly 99 percent of Iowa’s full-time teaching positions are filled for the 2025-26 school year—well above the national average. Iowa’s teacher vacancy rate is 1.12 percent, compared to about 3 percent nationally.

The state has invested $96 million in teacher pay raises and expanded alternative pathways into the teaching profession.

Iowa is the first state in the nation to receive federal approval for a new plan allowing education dollars to be redirected from administrative compliance to classroom instruction, potentially saving nearly $8 million over four years.

Agriculture

Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture has introduced the proposed “Farm Bill Act,” aimed at expanding agritourism, supporting beginning farmers, and reducing taxes on farm operations. The bill would provide tax relief for family farms, eliminate certain grain taxes, and strengthen protections during livestock disease outbreaks.

Public Safety and Courts

The Governor’s budget includes additional funding for corrections and public safety, including money for prison infrastructure improvements.

Iowa’s Chief Justice is asking lawmakers for more funding to address pay inequities in the judicial branch and to reconsider how magistrates are distributed statewide.

Public Health and Workforce

Iowa’s unemployment rate fell to 3.5 percent in November, below the national rate.

The state added 9,000 jobs over the past year, with growth in health care, construction, and wholesale trade.

Drugs and Regulation

A bill advancing in the Iowa House would classify kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, effectively banning its sale and possession in the state. Supporters cite addiction and overdose risks; opponents argue for regulation instead of a ban.

Health Care Achievements

The University of Iowa’s neonatal intensive care unit continues to set national records, including saving the most premature baby ever recorded, highlighting Iowa’s leadership in neonatal care.

Representative Collins’ report from the Capitol is comprehensive. To read it in its entirety, please click here.

Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission Receives $1.2 Million to Address Lead Paint Hazards in Local Homes

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 16th, 2026 at 7:55 am CDT

The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission (SEIRPC) has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to identify, repair, and remove dangerous lead paint in homes across Southeast Iowa.

“SEIRPC has been securing grants to improve homes for decades, but we’ve never had a program focused on removing dangerous lead paint. Now, we finally do”, stated Mike Norris, executive director of SEIRPC. Norris noted that Southeast Iowa has a high number of older homes built before lead-based paint was banned in 1978. “Many families only discover the issue when their children test high for lead exposure. Until now, there hasn’t been a program to help them address the problem quickly and safely.”

Lead-based paint is especially dangerous for young children, who absorb lead more easily and are more likely to ingest dust or paint chips. “When lead paint flakes, peels, or wears down on windows and doors, it turns into dust that spreads throughout the home,” explained Jack Swarm, SEIRPC’s lead paint inspector and risk assessor. “Kids get dust on their hands and toys, and then into their mouths. Or sometimes kids chew on lead paint or eat paint chips because lead has a sweet taste. Lead then quickly enters their bloodstream.”

SEIRPC offers several housing rehabilitation programs in Des Moines, Lee, Louisa, and Henry Counties. In 2024, the organization completed 61 housing improvement projects, spending $2 million on homes. And in 2025, SEIRPC invested $1.2 million to improve 29 area homes.

The new HUD grant will allow SEIRPC to assist 29 homes with young children by covering all costs associated with lead paint hazard reduction — including inspections, repairs or removal, and temporary relocation during the work. Because funding is limited to 29 homes, early applications are encouraged. There are eligibility requirements. If families don’t qualify, SEIPRC can still help by charging affordable fees.

Homeowners may qualify if:

  • The home was built before 1978
  • A child age 5 or under or a pregnant woman lives in or regularly visits the home
  • Income guidelines are met (for example, a family of four must earn less than $77,000)

Landlords may qualify if:

  • The home was built before 1978
  • They prioritize renting to families with young children

“Grandparents or caretakers may apply as long a child 5 or under visits regularly,” Swarm said. “We are looking forward to helping families make their homes safer.”

To check eligibility or begin an application, call SEIRPC at 319 753 4324.

Sports, January 16th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, January 16th, 2026 at 6:38 am CDT

High School Basketball

WACO swept Louisa-Muscatine last night, 49-38 in the girls’ game and 73-45 in the boys’ game. Drew Graber notched 18 points in the girls’ game, while Holden Hughes went off for 25 points in the victory. The Warrior girls’ team will travel to Iowa Valley on Monday, January 19th, at 5:15 pm.

The Fairfield girls’ team lost to Pekin last night, 27-20. The Trojans will host Fort Madison tonight at 6 pm.

New London will travel to Burlington Notre Dame tonight with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

Van Buren County will host Mediapolis tonight with tip-off at 6 pm for the night.

Central Lee will take on Danville tonight with game one at 6 pm at home. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will make the trip to West Burlington tonight with the night beginning at 6 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will square off against Hillcrest Academy tonight with the night starting at 6 pm.

Wapello will host Lone Tree tonight with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

Columbus will get back to action tonight against Highland at home with game one at 6 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will host Burlington tonight with game one at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm. 

High School Wrestling

Mt. Pleasant split their duel with Washington last night with the girls’ team defeating the Demons 36-24 and the boys’ team falling 47-24. Paris Phosy and Quintrie Lee picked up wins by fall for the girls’ team. Levi Evans, Lane Beckler, Ramzy Davis, and Keegan Birdsell walked away with victories for the Panther boys’ team. 

Fairfield was swept by Fort Madison last night with the girls’ team getting handled by the Bloodhounds 54-18 and the boys’ team getting clobbered 56-20. June Connor won the lone match of the night for the Trojan girls’ team. Noah Patel, Jasper Carpenter, River Fulton, and Dain Burkhart escaped the night unscathed. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union and Wapello girls’ teams competed at the Cascade Invitational last night and the Arrows accumulated 57.5 points for 10th place to lead the local schools. Kenadee Helscher pinned all three of her opponents to keep her undefeated season rolling, while Clara Ball nabbed the gold in the 115-pound weight class after winning the championship match by technical fall. For the Wildcats, Jada Moats finished in 2nd place for the 190-pound weight class. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union and Mt. Pleasant girls’ teams will travel to the Pella Invitational tomorrow, January 17th. 

The Wapello girls’ team will host a triangular on Monday, January 19th.

The Van Buren County girls’ team won the Centerville Classic last night by nearly 50 points over Colfax-Mingo, collecting 183.5 points for the night. Armony Adams, Brystol Wiley, and Riley Caviness each went 3-0 and walked away with 1st place for their respective weight classes. The Warriors will prepare for the SEISC Tournament on January 26th.

The New London boys’ team hosted Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union and WACO for a triangular last night and it was the Wildcats who walked away unblemished, beating New London 77-6 and WACO 68-12. Trevor Phillips, Kason Dopler, and Ronaldo Villegas finished the night 2-0. WACO defeated New London 54-12. Harley Larrimore and Karver Rude collected a pair of victories for the Warriors, while Killian Kelly, Liam Garvey, and Riley Merschman finished 1-1 for the Tigers.

The Mediapolis boys’ team fell in their home triangular last night, losing 54-12 to Louisa-Muscatine and Wapello 38-18. Peyton Johnson went 1-0 for the Bulldogs. Wapello fell to the Falcons 57-18. Max Dopler and Grayson Nagle collected a victory in the meet. 

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team spoiled Pekin’s senior night by sweeping the triangular, clobbering Lone Tree 66-12 and the hosts 60-18. Tate Sherwood was the lone Nike to finish the night 2-0. The Nikes will wrestle at the Cascade Invitational tomorrow. 

The Van Buren County boys’ team lost a narrow bout to Highland last night 41-39. Leo Jirak, Carver Goehring, and Jackson Meek snatched a victory for the Warriors. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Mediapolis, Fairfield, and Van Buren County boys’ teams will compete in the Big Red Invite tomorrow. 

The WACO boys’ team will host the Warrior Invitational tomorrow with Mt. Pleasant, New London, and Wapello making the trip. 

The WACO and Mediapolis girls’ teams will compete at the Mid-Prairie Invitational tonight.

High School Bowling

Fairfield split their meet against Davis County with the boys’ team winning 2,526-2,387 and the girls’ team losing 2,319-2,024. Emma Cass led the Trojans with 334 total pins. Fairfield will head over to the Ottumwa Invitational tomorrow, January 17th.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team defeated Burlington by over 300 pins yesterday, 2,201-1,876. Shyann Smith collected 320 total pins for the Panthers. The boys’ team lost a heartbreaker last night to the Grayhounds 2,656 to 2,606. The Panthers will host Fairfield on Thursday, January 22nd.

College Signings

WACO had a trio of Warriors sign their Letter of Intent to participate in athletics at the collegiate level. 

Gavin Slagel will be running cross country at Goshen College in Indiana. The senior helped lead WACO to its first-ever SEISC title in cross country this past fall.

Tristain Luitjens committed to Bluffton University in Ohio to continue his soccer career. He led the team with eight goals and seven assists last season. 

Lastly, Adam Stafford will bring his football talents to Mount Mercy University. The defensive lineman was named 1st Team All-District the last two seasons. 

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will travel to Kirkwood Community College tomorrow, January 17th, at 1 pm.

The men’s basketball team defeated Harry S. Truman College last night 75-55. The Blackhawks will play Triton College tomorrow at 3 pm on the road. 

College Basketball

The #19 Iowa State women’s team will travel to Oklahoma State on Sunday, January 18th, at noon.

The #11 Iowa women’s team took down Oregon last night 74-66. Hannah Stuelke cashed in for 18 points. The Hawkeyes will square off against #15 Michigan State on Sunday at home at 7 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will tangle with Indiana tomorrow, January 17th, at 1 pm on the road. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call.

The #2 Iowa State men’s team will look to restart their win streak with a road showdown against Cincinnati tomorrow at 1 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

This Day in Sports History

1966 – Chicago Blackhawks’ right wing Bobby Hull scores 4 goals (his 17th career hat trick) in a 6-5 loss to the New York Rangers; becomes the first player in team history to score 300 goals.

1966 – Chicago was granted an NBA franchise to be called the Bulls, becoming the third NBA franchise in the city, after the Chicago Stags (1946–50) and Chicago Packers/Zephyrs (now Washington Wizards).

2020 – Former Sacramento State softball player Alyssa Nakken becomes the first woman to hold a coaching position on a MLB staff when named an assistant by the San Francisco Giants.

AAA Fuel Report: Iowa – Gas Prices Nudge Higher, Remain Lower than Last Year

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 16th, 2026 at 6:06 am CDT

Gas prices are moving higher across Iowa this week, according to the latest fuel report from AAA.

The average price for regular unleaded gasoline rose 14 cents from last week and is now averaging $2.15 per gallon statewide. Despite the increase, prices remain 37 cents lower than this time last year. The national average stands at $2.84 up slightly from last week.

Crude oil prices also climbed. West Texas Intermediate crude increased by more than $5.00 per barrel to s$61.65, while Brent crude rose to just over $66.00 per barrel. Both benchmarks remain well below year-ago levels.

Diesel prices in Iowa declined five cents this week, averaging $3.20 per gallon. That is 15 cents lower than a year ago and 31 cents below the national average.

Heating fuel prices showed mixed movement. Natural gas prices fell to just over $3.00 per million BTUs, while propane averaged $1.57 per gallon statewide. Home heating oil prices averaged $2.67 per gallon.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Louisa County 4H Livestock Judging Team Takes First Place at National Western Livestock Show

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 16th, 2026 at 6:02 am CDT

The Louisa County 4H Livestock Judging Team took first place at a national livestock judging competition.

The team qualified after finishing in the top two at the Iowa State Livestock Judging Competition, earning a trip to Denver for the National Western Livestock Show.

There, the team evaluated sheep, goats, swine, and beef cattle while competing against the top 4-H teams from across the country.

The team finished first overall in the competition. The Louisa County 4-person team consisted of Tate Beard from Winfield, Brody Moeller from Lee County, Paytan Gerling and Rosemarie Long- both from Mediapolis.

Their combined scores gave the team first place. But they are also scored individually. Out of nearly 80 individuals judging, Brody Moeller took top individual honors overall. And Tate Beard earned third-high overall individual honors—an impressive achievement for a high school freshman.

The Louisa County 4H Livestock Judging Team is coached by Wyatt Orr. Orr mentioned this is the first time Iowa as won Nationwide in quite some time. When explaining the importance of the competition, Orr mentioned this honor is comparable to winning Gold in the Olympics.

Congratulations to these students on this National achievement!