Prep Boys’ State Wrestling: Day One Results for Class 2A

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at 1:10 am CDT

Des Moines, IA- The first session of the 2025 Iowa Boys’ High School State Wrestling Tournament is in the books with the quarterfinals and first round of the consolation bracket set for Class 2A. Here’s a look at how our local wrestlers competed.

Burlington Notre Dame

106-Pound

#6 Kohen Dietzenbach earned a first-round bye but that did not help him in his second-round matchup against #11 Rhyis Polenske of Assumption as the Saint pinned Dietzenbach to send the Nike to the consolation bracket.

Dietzenbach will wrestle with #21 Andy Nuno of Bishop Heelan in the consolation bracket tomorrow.

113-Pound  

Earning a first-round bye was #8 Rowan Berndt and the Nike turned that into a tech fall victory over Benjamin Anderson of Independence.

120-Pound

#6 Colt Boyles utilized the rest of his first-round bye to pick up a win by fall over Gavyn Winters of Greene County.

126-Pound

After earning a first-round bye, #2 CJ Davis collected a win by tech fall over Carver Wieland of Independence, sending the Nike to the quarterfinal round.

132-Pound

#20 Jared Glendening faced off against #13 Cain Rodgers off North Fayette Valley to start his tournament; unfortunately, Glendening lost by fall to Rodgers. Glendening will face off against #19 CJ McGregor of Algona in the consolation bracket.

138-Pound

#2 Kaiden Dietzenbach is looking to secure the last piece of hardware for his collection, a gold medal. After his bye in the first-round, Dietzenbach corralled Nile Benge of Winterset, defeating by major decision.

Dietzenbach will wrestle #7 Layton Yage of Estherville Lincoln Central in the quarterfinals tomorrow.

150-Pound

#7 Kael Cook pinned Gavin Gerbracht of Dike-New Hartford after his first-round bye, which will send the Nike to the quarterfinals. Cook will take on #2 Mikey Ryan of Mt. Vernon tomorrow.

157-Pound

In the second upset of the day for the Nikes, #7 Dirk Boyles was bested by Kaden Wiele of West Liberty in a 4-0 decision victory. Boyles will compete in the consolation bracket tomorrow against #23 Chayton Snethen of Harlan Community.

165-Pound

#5 Blake Wilson parlayed his bye into a win over Raif Baack of Clear Lake by fall. Wilson will face off against #4 William Fullhart of Decorah in the quarterfinals tomorrow.

175-Pound

#23 Joey Glendening could not overcome #10 Maximus Purdy of Assumption, losing by technical fall. He will compete in the consolation bracket tomorrow against Fairfield’s #6 Dain Burkhart.

190-Pound

#21 Bridge Anderson was pinned by #12 Drew Wheater of East Marshall/GMG in his first-round matchup. Anderson will participate in the consolation bracket tomorrow against #22 Jayme Van Wyhe of Central Lyon/George-Little Rock.

Fairfield

113-Pound

The junior #2 Cael McCabe made quick work of his second-round opponent, pinning #15 Eli Ollinger of Vinton-Shellsburg within the first minute. This will set up a matchup against #7 Kolbe Hansen of Iowa Falls-Alden in the quarterfinals.

144-Pound

#19 Zandrik Allison lost by technical fall to #14 Tate Germann of North Fayette Valley in his first-round showdown, ushering the Trojan to the consolation bracket. He will wrestle against #20 Andrew Tjaden of Anamosa tomorrow.

157-Pound

#3 Cason Miller blew past his second-round opponent in #14 Miken Wheeler of Anamosa with a 17-5 major decision victory. Miller will have to face off against another Wheeler in #6 Tucker Wheeler of PCM in the quarterfinal round.

175-Pound

#6 Dain Burkhart earned a first-round bye, but that does not guarantee automatic victory as Burkhart found out, falling in a shocking upset against #9 Braylen Bieber of Independence in a narrow 4-3 decision.

215-Pound

After his first-round bye, #6 Dre Smithburg made quick work of #11 Coby Pierce of Kuemper Catholic, pinning his opponent. The Trojans will compete against #3 Lucas Feuerbach of Solon in the quarterfinals.

285-Pound

#20 Alex Hudson struggled in his first-round showdown against #13 Trenton Davies of Williamsburg, losing by fall. Hudson will take on #14 Layne Kleppe of North Fayette Valley in the consolation bracket.

Keokuk

106-Pound

In an unfortunate start to the evening, #12 Ryan Rose suffered a medical forfeit against #21 Andy Nuno of Bishop Heelan Catholic. Rose will fight his way through the consolation bracket against #22 Teague Alesch of Algona.

Mediapolis

150-Pound

#21 Mason Johnson lost to #12 Briggs Collins of West Liberty by fall in his first-round showdown. The Bulldog will take on #11 Lane Gudenkauf in the consolation bracket tomorrow.

157-Pound

In #17 Peyton Johnson’s first-round match, the Bulldog could not defeat #16 Hayden Schafer of Eagle Grove, losing by technical fall. Johnson will face off against #18 Will Goodlove of Mt. Vernon in the consolation bracket.

175-Pound

A first-round bye can prove beneficial or cause some discomfort; for #4 Kyler Crow it was closer to the latter after narrowly defeating #13 Josh Ringler of Grinnell by a 7-6 decision. Crow will participate in the quarterfinals against #5 Charlie Campbell of Clarion-Goldfield-Dows.

Washington

132-Pound

#2 Aaron Boone defeated #18 Tanner Paustian of Woodward-Granger in his second-round matchup by fall. The Demon will wrestle against #7 Carter Cajthaml of NH/TV in the quarterfinals.

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 One Results for Class 1A

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at 12:09 am CDT

Des Moines, IA- The first session of the 2025 Iowa Boys’ High School State Wrestling Tournament is in the books with the quarterfinals and first round of the consolation bracket set for Class 1A. Here’s a look at how our local wrestlers competed.

New London

126-Pound

The #19-seed Kane Foreseen started his day off with an upset by sudden victory over #14 Keyin Steeve of Nodaway Valley, thrusting the Tiger into a matchup with #3 Ryan Bahnson of West Lyon.

Bahnson would outduel the sophomore, picking up a 10-5 decision win, sending Foreseen to the consolation bracket. He will wrestle #20 Kimball Elliot of Lynnville-Sully tomorrow.

138-Pound

In an interview with KILJ, #13 Gage Burden said that making it to the state tournament is no longer enough in his senior season and that he wants to finish in the top 8. Burden got off to a hot start shutting out #20 Gavin Kishman of MFL MarMac by major decision.

Burden would parlay that victory with an upset over #4 Landon Price of GT/RA by an 11-6 decision. He will compete against #5 Dustin Van Oort of West Sioux in the quarterfinals tomorrow.

Van Buren County

106-Pound

#16 Leo Jirak started off his day defeating #17 Nathan Benedix of Woodbury Central by a narrow 5-2 decision margin. That win set up a matchup against #1 Kaiden Belinsky of Don Bosco, who sent Jirak to the consolation bracket after collecting a win by fall.

In the consolation bracket, Jirak will compete against #18 Truman Hogen of Central Springs.

WACO

106-Pound

#7 Ian Maize, in his freshman campaign, earned a first-round bye and utilized that opportunity with a victory over #10 Carter Hinz of Jesup by major decision. Maize will take on #2 Crosby Yoder of Logan-Magnolia in the quarterfinals.

120-Pound

In his senior season, #5 Gage Samo got a bye through the first round, which led to a matchup against #12 Tayler Kibbee of Janesville. Samo would handle business with a victory by major decision.

His opponent will be #4 Cooper Hinz of Jesup in the quarterfinal round tomorrow.

190-Pound

After finishing as the runner-up last season, #1 Louden Huisenga enters as the favorite with a perfect record on the season. Huisenga would start off his tournament run with a bye before collecting a 7-2 decision win over #16 Hayden Huen of Underwood to advance to the quarterfinals.

Huisenga will wrestle #8 Gabe Anderson of Hinton tomorrow with the winner to move on to the semifinals.

Wapello

138-Pound

#8 Cohen Wolford earned a first-round bye after winning his district championship. That extra rest allowed Wolford to pin #9 Chance Christensen of Riceville and advance to the quarterfinals.

Wolford will have the task of trying to end Dawson Youngblut of Don Bosco’s perfect 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!

The Highway 1/South Main Street project in Fairfield named the “Best State Road Project of 2024” by the Iowa Concrete Paving Association (ICPA)

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 3:57 pm CDT

The Highway 1/South Main Street project in Fairfield, Iowa was named the “Best State Road Project of 2024” by the Iowa Concrete Paving Association (ICPA).

The project included constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Libertyville Road and Highway 1/South Main Street, paving 2450 feet of Highway 1/south main street while converting from a two-lane rural section roadway to a three-lane urban cross-section, and adding a 10-ft wide multi-use trail on the east side of Highway 1/south main.

In determining the winners of Iowa’s most prestigious paving awards, 87 nominated projects were rated on smoothness, quality control, general appearance, as well as workmanship, contractor management, safety, and project complexity. The ICPA and the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) jointly evaluated and recognized projects as 2024’s best concrete pavements built in twenty categories.

The City of Fairfield, general contractor Drish Construction, paving contractor Wicks Construction, Ideal Ready Mix, design engineers Shive-Hattery, Inc. and the Iowa DOT were all recognized for their contributions to the project.  “This is a once in a life-time project,” said Public Works Director and City Engineer Melanie Carlson, “To get to accomplish it with great people like Wicks and local businesses like Drish [Construction] and Ideal Ready Mix, makes it better not only for the City, but the users and the local economy too.”

Jon Robert Rooney

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 2:19 pm CDT

Jon Robert Rooney, 59, recently of Mt. Sterling, Iowa, a former lifelong resident of New Boston, Iowa, passed away at 7:03 p.m. Monday, February 17, 2025, at his home.

He was born on August 27, 1965, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Lawrence “Mouse” and Janet Ann (Watkins) Rooney.

He is survived by his two daughters: Jena (Jose) Hoenes, Kara Rooney; son: Jon (Gabby) Rooney; step-son: Dustin (Ashley) Turpin; step-daughter: Sharraden Turpin (Daniel Price); grandchildren: Emili, Stephanie, Joseph, Sophia, Olivia, Kingston, Leah, Kelly; step-grandchildren: Levi, Greyson, Brennon, Scarlett, Rosalie; one brother: Pat (Patty) Rooney; two sisters: Gini (Doug) McAdams, Jill Rooney (Lyle Thompson) and his dog: Chubbs. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jon enjoyed hobby stock racing, fishing, mushrooming and he especially loved his dog, Chubbs.

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

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2025, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. that evening.

Burial will be at Argyle Memorial Gardens at a later date.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

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

Prep Boys’ State Wrestling: Session One for Class 3A Yields One Grayhound to the Quarterfinals

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 2:15 pm CDT

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

Burlington

106-Pound

The #2-seed Braxton Hutchinson earned a first-round bye due to his district championship, which led to his pair up with #18 Braydon Tranmer of Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln. In his first action of the tournament, Hutchinson controlled the action, picking up a win by major decision.

He will wrestle #7 Abe Heysinger of Dubuque Hempstead in the quarterfinals tomorrow, February 20th.

157-Pound

In a surprise upset, #20 Adrain Perez-Hall, who dealt with an eye injury in the district meet, defeated #13 Owen Gilbert of Johnston by major decision. In the round of 16, #4 Jake Pontier of Indianola got the better of the Grayhound, winning by an 11-4 decision.

Perez-Hall will face off against #19 Brogan Ganshert of Davenport Central in the consolation bracket tomorrow.

Fort Madison

113-Pound

#10 James Fuller handled business in his first-round match against #23 Peyton Philavanh of Dallas Center-Grimes, collecting a win by fall. #7 Kipton Lewis of Waverly-Shell Rock returned the favor in the next round to knock Fuller to the consolation bracket.

#24 Ike Heysinger of Dubuque Hempstead will be waiting for him tomorrow.

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!

Mary Lou Shannan

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 10:06 am CDT

Mary Lou Shannan, 91, a longtime resident of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Parkview Care Center.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield, with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. A gathering to celebrate her life will follow at the Fairfield Community Center. Burial will take place at Pattison Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Ethnos 360, SIMS Missions, or Hospice Compassus and sent to the family at 2568-269th St., Fairfield, Iowa, 52556.

Mary Lou was born on December 25, 1933, in Fairfield to Gaston and Bessie (Keller) Droz. She married the love of her life, Jimmie L. Shannan, on October 5, 1952, in Stockport, Iowa. Jim preceded her in death on May 8, 2001.

Together, Mary Lou and Jim shared a beautiful partnership, both in marriage and in their many joint ventures, including managing the family farm and business, Shannan Horse and Hound, in Fairfield. Their shared dedication extended beyond the farm, as they opened their home to countless children in the community as foster parents, enriching many lives with their love and care. Mary Lou was also involved in her community, volunteering for various groups, including the Bargain Box in Fairfield.

A lover of music and the arts, Mary Lou had a beautiful singing voice and was talented on piano. “O Holy Night” at Christmas, performed with her powerful voice and without a microphone, remains a cherished memory for many.

Throughout her life, Mary Lou’s unwavering faith in God was her guiding light. Her commitment to her faith was evident in her constant study of the Scriptures, her service to others, and her kind, generous heart. Mary Lou was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Fairfield.

Those left to honor her memory include her sons, Kirk (Mary) Shannan of Fairfield and Kevin (Bill) Shannan of Worthington, Ohio; her grandchildren, Jessica, Justin (Erin), Casey (Bub), Jeremy (Rosmira), Jodi (Winston), Chance (Amy), Quest (Kelsey), and Noble; her great-grandchildren, Chase, Brett, Shamus, Noah, Ben, Charlie, Breeze, George, Millie, Duke, Ryder, and Carson; many nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Jannine; and the many foster children she lovingly nurtured, including Chad, Ray, Tammy, and Chris.

In addition to her husband, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her sons, Mike and Todd Shannan; and her brother, Harold Droz.

The family invites friends and family to leave their condolences and share memories of Mary Lou by visiting her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Lee County Sheriff’s Office cited Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Tom Schulz, for Public Intoxication

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 9:16 am CDT

Lee County Sheriff’s Office cited the chairman of the board of supervisors Tom Schulz, for public intoxication. The incident began at the board meeting at the county building, where signs and odors of intoxication were noticed.

Mr. Schulz left the building for medical attention. County Attorney Ross Braden was contacted and a decision was made to investigate the matter as it was believed Mr. Schulz was intoxicated while performing his duties as a supervisor to the county and while in the county office building, a public space. A short time later, Schulz returned to the County Office building, and deputies went to speak with him. Before their arrival, Schulz left the building and went home.

Deputies went to his residence and were eventually able to make contact with him a few minutes after attempting contact at his residence while he was walking down his street. Schulz exhibited signs of intoxication, and a breath sample was obtained. Schulz was cited and released.

A charge is merely an accusation; a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Governor Kim Reynolds Continues Pushing For Quality Healthcare For Iowans

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 7:00 am CDT

Governor Kim Reynolds has introduced legislation to ensure access to quality healthcare in all parts of the state.

The Governor was quoted saying, “The well-being of working families and rural communities depends on access to high quality healthcare, Iowa has a strong foundation to build on, but we need more medical professionals, including specialists, in every part of the state. This program will mean over 460 new physicians over four years being trained here in Iowa. That’s a game changer for rural communities and every part of the state.”   

The Governor has also directed HHS, in partnership with the University of Iowa and Broadlawns, to establish a Graduate Medical Education enhanced payment to draw down more than $150 million in federal dollars to create a projected 115 new residency slots at Iowa’s 14 teaching hospitals.