Prep Boys’ State Wrestling: Day Two Results for Class 1A, WACO with Two Wrestlers in the Semifinals

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at 5:14 pm CDT

Des Moines, IA- Day two of the 2025 Iowa Boys’ High School State Wrestling Tournament is in the books with the semifinals set for Class 1A. Here’s a look at how our local wrestlers competed.

Class 1A

New London

126-Pound

The #19-seed Kane Foreseen started off day two with a pin of #20 Kimball Elliot of Lynnville-Sully to advance in the consolation bracket. Nonetheless, the Tiger would be eliminated by technical fall against #11 Owen Becerra of Missouri Valley.

Foreseen finished his sophomore campaign with a 30-7 record.

138-Pound

#13 Gage Burden will have to continue his path through the consolation bracket after losing by major decision against #5 Dustin Van Oort of West Sioux in the quarterfinals. Burden will begin his path toward 3rd place tomorrow against #9 Chance Christensen of Riceville.

Van Buren County

106-Pound

#16 Leo Jirak was eliminated by #18 Truman Hogen of Central Springs by a 9-5 decision. Jirak ended the season with a 30-9 record.

WACO

106-Pound

Beginner’s luck? Whatever you want to call it, #7 Ian Maize will be one win away from competing for the state championship in his freshman campaign after defeating #2 Crosby Yoder of Logan-Magnolia by major decision.

Awaiting the freshman will be #3 Ethan Humphery of West Branch in the semifinals tomorrow.

120-Pound

#5 Gage Samo was hoping to get to the semifinals for his senior season, but #4 Cooper Hinz of Jesup stood in his way, defeating the Warrior by a 7-3 decision. Samo will take on #16 Boston Mateer from Interstate-35 in the consolation bracket tomorrow, February 21st.

190-Pound

The Warrior has his eye on the prize, in his only match of the day, #1 Louden Huisenga routed #8 Gabe Anderson of Hinton, winning by major decision as he collected 17 points before the match was over.

The #1-seed will face off against #4 Jayden Dickerson of Shenandoah in the semifinals tomorrow.

Wapello

138-Pound

#8 Cohen Wolford had the dubious honor of attempting to end #1 Dawson Youngblut of Don Bosco’s perfect season. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be as Wolford lost by technical fall.

He will wrestle against #4 Landon Price of GT/RA in the consolation bracket.

More

Stay tuned to KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, for live updates and wrap-up articles as we cover the 2025 Iowa Boys’ High School State Wrestling Tournament thanks to our local sponsors!

Prep Boys’ State Wrestling: Day Two Results for Class 3A

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at 5:00 pm CDT

Des Moines, IA- The first session of day two of the 2025 Iowa Boys’ High School State Wrestling Tournament is in the books with the semifinals set in stone for Class 3A. Here’s a look at how our local wrestlers competed.

Burlington

106-Pound

The #2-seed Braxton Hutchinson had to take on #7 Abe Heysinger of Dubuque Hempstead in the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, in a contentious battle, the Grayhound fell short to the lower seed by a 1-0 decision.

Hutchinson will begin his journey toward 3rd place tomorrow, February 21st, against #11 Zander Manz of Lewis Central.

157-Pound

In the consolation bracket, #20 Adrain Perez-Hall and #19 Brogan Ganshert of Davenport Central engaged in a match that resembled a football score when the final whistle sounded, and Perez-Hall was the one standing victorious, winning by a 21-17 decision.

Nevertheless, Perez-Hall would be eliminated in the next round by #12 Gabe Rubio of Waukee Northwest by fall. He finished the season with a 35-14 record.

Fort Madison

113-Pound

#10 James Fuller could not shake off the loss from the day before as #24 Ike Heysinger of Dubuque Hempstead pinned the Bloodhound to end his tournament run. Fuller collected a 33-16 record for the season.

More

Stay tuned to KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, for live updates and wrap-up articles as we cover the 2025 Iowa Boys’ High School State Wrestling Tournament thanks to our local sponsors!

Midwest Old Threshers Reunion Celebrates 75 Years with Special Admission Deals

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at 1:19 pm CDT

The Midwest Old Threshers Reunion is marking 75 years of history, tradition, and entertainment with a celebration like no other.

Attendees can experience the sights and sounds of steam engines, vintage tractors, and historic displays while enjoying a lineup of unforgettable entertainment, soon to be announced.

To make the milestone event even more special, a discounted Multi-Day Admission pass is available for just $30 when purchased before May 31.

Don’t miss the chance to save and be part of this historic celebration. A link to purchase HERE.

Norma Jean Hoyer

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at 12:25 pm CDT

Norma Jean Hoyer, 88, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 10:50 p.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.

She was born on February 11, 1937 in Donnellson, Iowa the daughter of Orville and Agnes (Schlicher) Wagner. On January 15, 1956 she married Fred Hoyer at the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Donnellson.

She is survived by two daughters: Jenny Brown and Tammy Howe; four grandchildren: Stephanie Brown, Ashley (Jimmy) Eads, Michael Howe, and Matthew (Shawna Tungate) Howe; four great grandchildren: Karlie Howe, Myah Howe, Brantly Howe, and Corbin Howe; sister Beverly Hocker; two sisters-in-law: Judy Rosenberg and Roberta (Bob) Handler; and one great grand dog Roxy Eads. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law Stephen Brown; and brothers-in-law: Donald Hocker and Roger Rosenberg.

Norma graduated from Donnellson High School. She was a member of the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Donnellson. She enjoyed going to Branson, doing word seek puzzle books, and humming birds.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 24, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Pastor Tony Keefe officiating.

Burial will be in Evangelical Cemetery in Donnellson.

A memorial has been established in her memory for Donnellson Fire & Rescue or St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.

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

Henry County Fair Pulls out of the Tractor Pull for the 2025 Fair

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at 11:50 am CDT

Alicia Yocum with the Henry County Fair, visited The Board of Supervisors to request funding for general expenses, seeking $23,000—an increase from the $20,000 granted last year.

Alicia highlighted recent improvements, including rewiring fans in the cattle barn, modifying gates, and purchasing lighter pens for the growing sheep and goat exhibits. The fair repurposed old pens by selling them to another fair.

Financially, the fair saw an increase in donations from area businesses, ending the fiscal year with a positive balance.

Plans for this year’s fair include a new Friday night event, though details remain undisclosed, and the discontinuation of the truck and tractor pull due to financial losses.

While exact attendance numbers are difficult to determine, the Saturday night demolition derby drew over 1,500 spectators.

Henry County Historic Preservation Commission Reviews Annual Report and 2025

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at 11:43 am CDT

Joel Garrettson, representing the Henry County Historic Preservation Commission, presented the commission’s annual report to the Board of Supervisors.

The commission, a certified local government, remains active in preservation efforts, including supporting historic sites, publishing local history books, and nominating Wayland’s Historic Residential District to the National Register of Historic Places.

For 2025, goals include developing a historic site guidebook to boost tourism, continuing preservation projects, and maintaining certified status. With six of nine commissioners up for renewal, Garrettson encouraged new member nominations. The final report will be submitted after required signatures are collected.

Electrical Fire Causes Total Loss To Morning Sun Garage

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at 9:01 am CDT

On Wednesday February 19th, 2025 at approximately 12:31pm the Morning Sun Fire Department was paged for a report of an electrical fire in a garage.

Upon arrival crews located a one story detached garage with heavy smoke showing. Wapello Fire Department was called for mutual aide to assist.

Crews initiated an interior attack and located an electrical box that appeared to be burning. Crews quickly brought the fire under control and ventilated the smoke from the garage.

The structure was insured at the time of the fire. No further details will be released.

Terry James Westercamp,

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at 8:58 am CDT

Terry James Westercamp, 54, of Bonaparte, Iowa, passed away on February 19, 2025 at Keosauqua Health Care Center following a year-long bout with cancer.

He was born on May 12, 1970 in Kirksville, Missouri to John Charles and Ethel Grace (Miller) Westercamp.

He is survived by his mother, his brother Steven (Chrissy) Westercamp, and six nieces and nephews: Grace (Brett) Baker, and Joy, Josiah, Nehemiah (Katherine), Elijah, and Noah Westercamp. Also surviving are several aunts and uncles and several dozen cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Terry was a 1988 graduate of Harmony High School and a 1990 graduate of Kirkwood Community College. As a youth Terry enjoyed working on the family farm, showing livestock at the county and Iowa State fairs, and playing sports in high school (he twice qualified for the Iowa state wrestling tournament). As an adult Terry enjoyed watching sports, coon hunting with his Bluetick hounds, and spending time with his family and friends.

His body has been entrusted to Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington with pastor Mark Caston officiating.

Burial will be at Green Glade Cemetery.

Any memorial donations will be given to the Van Buren County Iowa 4-H program.

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