Friday – Field Fires/Storm Damage

By Allison Jacobs · Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at 6:29 am CDT

Multiple Southeast Iowa Fire Departments were dispatched yesterday for grass/field fires, the storm that blew through last night caused some trouble with downs power lines, tree, and sign damage.

According to police reports, the high winds from last night downed some wires, a sign and tree debris at Iris and Monroe Streets.  The Henry County Sheriff’s Office reports that there were power outages on Nature Center Road and downed power lines at Freedom Avenue at Oakland Mills Road and on Salem Road in Hillsboro.  The Winfield Police Department responded to reports of wind damage in the 2500 block of 130th Street and in the 600 block of W. Highway 78.

The Mt. Pleasant and New London Fire Departments were on scene for a field fire in the 2900 block of Lexington Avenue early Friday afternoon and Mt. Pleasant Fire was called to the 2100 block of 235th Street later on Friday afternoon for a field fire.  The New London Fire Department also dealt with a grass fire on 160th Street.  In Wayland, the Wayland Fire Department was out with a field fire in the 1700 block of 335th Street.  The Winfield Fire Department investigated a fire in the 300 block of N. Oak Street last night.

Mary Dianne Brokken Beghtol

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, March 14th, 2025 at 3:45 pm CDT

Mary Dianne Brokken Beghtol, 80, of Fairfield, Iowa was called home on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Jefferson County Health Center with her loving family by her side.  Funeral services celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA with Pastor John Wilbur officiating. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery immediately following. A visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Dianne’s honor may be directed to the MegaVoice International or www.bibleleague.org. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com

Leon Leroy “Leo” Wilson

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, March 14th, 2025 at 2:55 pm CDT

Leon Leroy “Leo” Wilson, 90, of Birkwood Village in Fort Madison, formally of Donnellson, passed away Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 10:57 a.m. at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison.

He was born January 12, 1935, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, to Leonard and Evelyn Peterson Wilson. On June 13, 1954, he married Yvonne Klingler of Donnellson.

He started school in West Point, Iowa, at the public school in the park, and then another two years in Aransas and back to Donnellson for his remaining years working road construction with his father. He became a partner in the business with his brother and father in 1956, until he took ownership of the company in 1970 until his retirement in 1991. In 1976 he owned and operated the Wilson Stone Quarry in Donnellson.

He enjoyed fixing up old farm tractors and construction equipment, purchasing farms and cleaning them up for resale, as well as watching NASCAR races, Iowa Hawkeyes and western movies. He also loved hunting mushrooms.

Loe was a member of St. Pauls United Church of Christ Church in Donnellson. He was a fifty year plus member of the George Washington Masonic Lodge AF&AM #137. He was a Scottish Right 32nd degree Mason of the K.A.A.B.A. Shriners Temple.

Leon was a man of his word and handshake just like his father.

Survivors include his wife: Yvonne of seventy years and nine months marriage; two sons: Fred (friend Donna) Wilson of Fort Madison, Jeff (Sallie Pikrone) Wilson of Donnellson; brother: Carroll (Vi) Wilson of Fort Madison; sister: Barbara (Wilson) Frow of Amarillo, Texas; four grandchildren: Michael Wilson of Argyle, Iowa, Joshua Wilson of Athens, Alabama, Kyle (Amy) Pikrone of Dover, Tennessee and Kaylie (Sammie) Alibasic of Chicago, Illinois. Also surviving are his sister-in-law: Janet (Klingler) Hodge and brother-in-law: Robert Klingler and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents; son: Douglas Alan Wilson and brothers-in-law: Bill Frow and Fred Hodge.

Per Leon’s wishes, cremation has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, with no formal services or visitations at this time.

A private family burial will be held at a later date at Evangelical Cemetery near Donnellson.

Memorials have been established in his memory for the Shriners Childrens Hospital and can be mailed to Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson at P.O. Box 56 Donnellson, Iowa 52625.

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

Steven Lee Mast

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, March 14th, 2025 at 1:39 pm CDT

The Man, the Myth, the Legend. Steve crossed the river on December 4th, 2024. A man’s man, Steve loved his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, brother, sisters, nieces and nephews, ‘real sports’, glazed donuts, cigarettes and black coffee (not necessarily in that order). He was a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none that loved to tell mostly true stories. You just never knew which part was mostly and which part was true. He is survived by Sharon Mast, his wife of 48 years, his children – Derek Blair and Taylor Mast, grandchildren – Savanna Blair, Sawyer Mast, Sullivan Mast and Alexandria Mast, great-grandchild – Theodore Mast, brother – Gary Mast, and his sisters – Kathy Adrian and Lorrie Roth.

There will be a Celebration of Life on March 29, 2025 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Wayland Community Room, 218 W. Main St., Wayland, Iowa. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Born May 23rd, 1946, in Washington, Iowa, he was the second son of Johenry and Lucille Mast who raised him Methodist. He attended the one-room schoolhouse in Noble, Iowa and went on to graduate from WACO High School, where he played football, baseball, basketball, track and was in band. He earned a degree in History from Iowa Wesleyan. Post graduation Steve became a teacher and coach, but Steve was a wanderer, never happy doing the same thing or staying in one place too long. He loved to work in jobs that moved him around and worked as a train engineer for several years, travelling the country. He lived in Iowa, Kansas, and California.

Simply stated, Steve was a good guy, always willing to help “supervise” a project. We will miss you, Dad, and will see you on the other side!

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Johenry and Lucille Mast, his son, Darren Blair, and brothers-in-law, Rick Adrian and Randy Roth.

In lieu of flowers, family requests paying forward an act of kindness for a stranger. Steve had the gift of gab, loved chatting with people, and leaving a smile on their faces. Steven Lee Mast

Iowa Lawmakers Address Medicaid Costs and Health Care Challenges

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, March 14th, 2025 at 12:46 pm CDT
Collins, Shipley, Lofgren, Dickey

At a recent public forum, Representatives Taylor Collins, & Jeff Shipley, and Senators Adrian Dickey and Mark Lofgren, discussed the growing strain on the state’s Medicaid system and potential solutions to control rising costs.

Medicaid now accounts for approximately 20% of the state’s budget, a significant increase from just a decade ago when it made up 7%. Lawmakers expressed concerns about the financial sustainability of the program, with over 600,000 Iowans currently enrolled. A key point of discussion was the number of able-bodied individuals receiving Medicaid benefits without being employed. Some legislators support implementing work requirements to ensure those who can work are contributing before receiving government-funded health care.

Another proposal aimed at reducing long-term health care costs involves reforming the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Lawmakers suggested restricting the purchase of unhealthy foods, such as sugary drinks, to encourage better nutrition and reduce the prevalence of diet-related illnesses that burden Medicaid.

With health care expenses continuing to rise, lawmakers emphasized the need for a balanced approach that ensures access to care while maintaining fiscal responsibility. They urged citizens to stay informed and engage with federal representatives as national policy decisions could further impact Medicaid funding in Iowa.

Iowa PBS to Produce and Broadcast IHSAA Championship Events for Football, Wrestling, and Basketball for the IHSAA Starting in the 2025-26 Season

By Slaten Swords · Friday, March 14th, 2025 at 11:54 am CDT

Iowa- After the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) announced in December of 2024 that the 2024-2025 athletic season would conclude their partnership with the Iowa High School Sports Network (IHSSN), there was a big question mark on who would produce and broadcast the finals. Stepping in for football, wrestling, and basketball will be Iowa PBS.

The multi-year agreement will begin in the fall of the 2025-26 athletic season and the championship events will appear on statewide Iowa PBS and stream for free through both Iowa PBS and the IHSAA. The agreement will ensure that the IHSAA maintains overall event rights.

Iowa PBS will also continue their existing coverage of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union championships for various sports. Iowa PBS will also produce special IHSAA programs highlighting stories of student-athletes, their sports, and communities.

This move was brought about after public outcry when the IHSSN started charging fans for the rights to stream the championship events. This move was exactly what IHSAA executive director Tom Keating was looking for,

“Our fans have asked for a free and easily accessible broadcast option and Iowa PBS is just that.” 

Iowa PBS will officially take over production responsibilities on November 20th with the football semifinals.

Dr. Mike McCoy, President and CEO of Great River Health Talks Challenges in Access, Workforce Shortages, and Medicare Policies

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, March 14th, 2025 at 11:19 am CDT
Dr. Mike McCoy, President and CEO of Great River Health

Healthcare leaders and local legislators gathered for a public forum hosted by the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce’s Government Relations Committee to discuss pressing issues facing the healthcare system in Southeast Iowa.

Dr. Mike McCoy, President and CEO of Great River Health, and Teresa Colgan of Henry County Health Center provided an update on critical healthcare concerns, including workforce shortages, Medicare Advantage programs, and hospital capacity issues.

Medicare Challenges and Administrative Burdens

One of the primary concerns raised was the administrative burden imposed by Medicare Advantage (MCO) programs. Healthcare leaders noted that these programs often create complex, inconsistent rules that hospitals must navigate, leading to delays and inefficiencies in processing claims.

“We have some that just automatically deny claims, regardless of what the claim is for, which leads to unnecessary appeals and reprocessing,” Colgan explained. “It doesn’t add value and creates a challenge for both healthcare providers and consumers.”

Due to these challenges, some health systems have chosen to drop low-volume insurance plans that failed to meet operational expectations. While this impacted a small number of patients, Colgan emphasized the need for patients to carefully evaluate insurance plans to ensure they meet their needs.

Hospital Capacity and Patient Transfers

Teresa Colland of Henry County Health Center

Healthcare facilities in Iowa are also struggling with hospital capacity issues, particularly when it comes to transferring patients to higher levels of care. Dr. McCoy highlighted that major hospitals, including the University of Iowa, are often at full capacity, leading to delays in patient transfers.

“Patients are sometimes boarded in emergency rooms for days while waiting for an available bed,” McCoy said. “This is especially challenging for patients with mental health diagnoses, including adolescents, who often face the longest waits.”

The issue is particularly pronounced in rural hospitals, where options for patient transfers are limited. While some patients can be sent to West Burlington more easily than Iowa City, capacity issues remain a statewide concern.

Severe Healthcare Workforce Shortages

Workforce shortages continue to be one of the most significant challenges facing rural healthcare providers. According to McCoy, Iowa ranks 44th out of 50 states in physicians per capita and is last in the country for the number of OB-GYNs per capita.

“If you don’t have enough physicians, you don’t have a service line, and if you don’t have a service line, people are forced to travel farther for care,” McCoy explained.

The problem is even worse in rural areas, where 70% fewer physicians practice compared to urban parts of Iowa. Currently, only 38% of counties in the state offer labor and delivery services, forcing many expectant mothers to travel long distances for care.

To address these shortages, McCoy highlighted ongoing efforts at the state level, including Governor Kim Reynolds’ rural healthcare workforce bill. The proposal aims to consolidate loan repayment and recruitment programs while increasing funding from $4 million to $10 million. Additionally, the state hopes to expand residency training programs, which could add 150 new residents per year over the next four years.

“There’s a lot of data showing that where medical students complete their residencies significantly impacts where they choose to practice,” McCoy noted. “So increasing training opportunities in Iowa is key.”

Addressing Rising Cancer Rates and Preventative Care

The discussion also touched on concerns over rising cancer rates in Southeast Iowa. Lawmakers and healthcare leaders acknowledged that limited access to medical care, including cancer screenings, may contribute to the trend.

“There’s evidence that Southeast Iowa has some of the highest cancer rates in the state, and part of that could be due to patients not getting diagnosed early enough,” McCoy said.

During the pandemic, many elective procedures, including colonoscopies, were postponed, creating a backlog of patients needing screenings. Healthcare providers are now working to address the delay and encourage the use of at-home screening kits.

Looking Ahead

While many of the challenges discussed are long-standing, healthcare leaders remain hopeful that legislative efforts and new policy initiatives will help address workforce shortages, improve access to care, and streamline administrative processes for providers.

As discussions continue, local hospitals and legislators emphasize the importance of community awareness and advocacy in shaping healthcare policies that best serve Iowa’s rural populations.

Sports, March 14th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, March 14th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Boys’ Postseason Basketball

The Class 3A championship match is set after a contentious set of semifinal matchups. #5 ADM was on the verge of pulling off the upset as they led 49 to 39 entering the fourth quarter over #1 Clear Lake. However, the Lions are undefeated for a reason as they ripped off 27 fourth quarter points to steal the win away 66-57. Thomas Meyer knocked down 31 points in the win. 

A low-scoring showdown between #6 MOC-Floyd Valley and #7 Xavier came down to the wire after the Saints buried a three with 24 seconds remaining to tie the game; yet, Blake Aalbers answered back with his own three with four seconds left to give the Dutchmen a 44-41 victory. Aalbers finished with a team high 23 points. The championship bout is scheduled for today at 3 pm.

In Class 2A, #1 Western Christian knocked out #4 Grand View Christian with a 53-46 final as Kaden VanRegenmorter knocked in 18 points for the win.  On the bottom half of the bracket, #2 West Lyon outran #3 Unity Christian 69-55. Four of the five starters for the Wildcats finished in double figures. Western Christian and West Lyon will tangle for the Class 2A championship tonight at 5 pm. 

The #1-seed for Class 1A Marquette Catholic completely shutdown #4 Gladbrook-Reinbeck in the fourth quarter to cruise to a 57-45 final. Spencer Roeder put up 21 points in the win. Meeting the Defenders in the championship will be the undefeated #2-seed Madrid after the Tigers downed #3 St. Edmond 71-58. Toryn Severson dropped 32 points in the winning effort. The Class 1A championship game is scheduled for 7 pm.

In Class 4A, #4 Waukee Northwest and #3 Valley will have their championship showdown scheduled for today at 1 pm.

High School Track

The IATC Indoor Championships for the boys took place yesterday with several of our local teams making the trip, here’s some of the highlights. 

In Class 3A, Fairfield put together a quality resume. Ryan Giberson finished in 22nd place in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 9.26 seconds. Gabe Tejada gathered a silver-medal performance in the 800-meter run, clocking a time of 2 minutes. The distance medley team also finished in the top-10, as the squad of Brody Lyons, Dylan Adam, Ousman Saine, and Tejada took 6th place with a time of 3 minutes and 44 seconds. In the field events, Eli Zillman, in his journey to defend his state championship in the high jump, started his season off with a win in the high jump with a leap of 6 feet and 5 inches, winning the tiebreaker over Chase Razor of Glenwood. Giberson took the bronze with a jump of 6 feet and 3 inches. 

In Class 2A, Mediapolis will be looking to continue their run as the top team this season and it was a solid start for the Bulldogs. Simon Wendel captured 3rd in the 3200-meter run with a time of 10 minutes and 9 seconds. Wendel was joined by Lane Rigdon, Mason Lindeen, and Logan Frank in the 4×800 meter relay to take the bronze with a time of 8 minutes and 54 seconds. In the field events, Lathan Keller’s jump of 5 feet and 9 inches captured 9th in the high jump, while Henry Luttenegger’s leap of 20 feet was good enough for 7th in the long jump followed by Nathan Schmidgall’s 9th place mark of 19 feet and 8 inches. 

Class 1A featured Danville, Columbus, Wapello, and WACO showing their skill in different events. The Wildcats were led by Alexander Rees’ 1st place sprint of 8.40 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles. Rees followed that up with a 6th place time of 23.67 seconds in the 200-meter dash as Riley Kaalberg captured 11th place. 

Danville’s Nick Powell showed off his speed in the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes and 7 seconds, which grabbed him 5th place. 

Much like the cross-country season the long-distance events were highly contentious as Jackson Shacklett of Danville grabbed the bronze in the 1600-meter run with a time of 4 minutes and 36 seconds, followed Ty Muniz of Columbus, who grabbed 7th place with a time of 4 minutes and 42 seconds, and WACO’s Jude Dykstra’s 9th place time of 4 minutes and 43 seconds. Over in the 3200-meter run, Muniz led the regional pack with a 5th place time of 10 minutes and 6 seconds as Danville’s Isaac Shinn took 10th place with a time of 10 minutes and 47 seconds.

For the relays, Danville’s 4×100 meter team of Jaden Bauer, Kessler Whaley, Drake Biesler, and Byers Nealey finished in 4th place along with their 4×800 meter team of Shacklett, Noah Horn, Shinn, and Powell. Columbus had their 4×100 team of Juan Chairez, Rees, Tyson and Riley Kaalberg and their 4×800 meter squad of Cade Storm, Ryan Villa, Bryan Tlatenchi, and Muniz each take 5th place. 

In the field events, Riley Kaalberg leapt 19 feet and 2.5 inches to finish in 5th place in the long jump, while Kolton Small of Wapello grabbed 7th place in the shot put with a heave of 45 feet and 4.5 inches. 

The IATC Indoor Championships will continue today with the girls’ teams competing. 

High School Girls Basketball

The Iowa Girls Coaches Association announced the senior Larry Niemeyer All-Star Game rosters for the upcoming games tomorrow, March 15th, and Lily Coil of Columbus will be playing for the Gray Team in Class 2A. 

Coil led the Wildcats with 15.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game and added 3.8 steals per game on defense as Columbus claimed their program’s first Southeast Iowa Super Conference North title after finishing the season with an 18-5 record. 

The Class 2A Gray team will play the Class 2A White team at 2:15 pm. 

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The softball team will be hosting a spring break camp from March 17th through the 20th for grades 2-5 from 8 am to 10 am and grades 6-12 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Fun City Turf at 614 S. Broadway Street. It is $120 per student or $100 for a sibling discount as the participants should bring their bats, gloves, and sliding gear.

There are limited spaces available and a registration form to fill out attached to this article. Instructions on where to mail the form are located on the registration.

Link: Softball Registration

College Basketball

The #12 Iowa State men’s team lost their Big 12 quarterfinal contest against #17 BYU 96-92 after an offensive onslaught by the Cougars from beyond the arc, setting a Big 12 tournament record with 18 three-pointers. Curtis Jones kept the Cyclones in the game with 31 points, including seven threes of his own.

The 15th-seeded Iowa men’s team was eliminated from the Big 10 tournament by 7th-seeded Illinois last night 106-94. Payton Sandfort tied a career-high in points with 30 in the effort. 

The Iowa State and Iowa women’s teams will have to wait until Sunday, March 16th, to see if they will get a spot in the National Championship bracket. 

March Madness

The KILJ Bracket Challenge is back for the 2025 March Madness men’s bracket with the same rules as last year. A printable bracket will be posted to KILJ’s Facebook page after Selection Sunday on March 16th. The bracket must be filled out and turned in to sports@kilj.com or our station by the end of the day on March 19th. 

For a full list of rules and prizes, follow this link: KILJ Bracket Challenge

This Day in Sports History

1962 – Red Wings’ forward Gordie Howe becomes the second player in NHL history to score 500 career goals in Detroit’s 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers.

1972 – NBA’s Cincinnati Royals, plagued by poor home attendance, announce they are moving the franchise to Kansas City. They renamed the team to “Kings” to avoid confusion with the baseball team.

2017 – World’s oldest golf club Muirfield in Scotland, votes to admit women as members for the first time in 273 years.