UPDATE Road Closure Extended for 170th Street

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 at 9:05 am CDT

There has been an update with the culvert replacement project on 170th Street.

Officials with the Henry County Engineer’s Office say that beginning Monday, April 13th, the road closure on 170th Street will be extended from Lexington Avenue to Marsh Avenue for a box culvert repair. That portion of the closure is expected to last three to four weeks, weather permitting.

The project originally began Tuesday, April 7th, closing 170th Street between Kentucky Avenue and Lexington Avenue for a culvert replacement. That section of the roadway is expected to remain closed for approximately six to eight weeks.

A marked detour route is in place for drivers traveling through the area.

Anyone with questions about the project can contact the Henry County Engineer’s Office at 319-385-0762.

Mount Pleasant Man Arrested on Drug Charges in Burlington

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 at 6:46 am CDT

A Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office traffic stop early Monday morning led to drug charges for a Mount Pleasant man.

Deputies say the stop occurred at approximately 12:01 a.m. April 6 at U.S. Highway 34 and Roosevelt Avenue in Des Moines County for an equipment violation. The driver was identified as 50-year-old Justin Travis Long of Mount Pleasant. Authorities say a license check showed Long was barred from driving in Iowa.

A K-9 unit conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the odor of narcotics. Deputies then searched the vehicle and reported locating methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Long was arrested and charged with driving while barred and possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense. He was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.

As a reminder, a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Iowa State Penitentiary Former Dentist Facing Disciplinary Charges

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 at 6:45 am CDT

A dentist who previously worked for the State of Iowa is facing disciplinary charges from the Iowa Dental Board alleging improper and unprofessional conduct.

The board has charged dentist Paul Scot Kunch with unethical or unprofessional behavior, including actions described as abusive, coercive, intimidating, or harassing in connection with the practice of dentistry. The complaint also alleges suggestive, lewd, or improper remarks or advances toward a patient or coworker.

A disciplinary hearing on the charges is scheduled for November 5, 2026. Officials say the alleged conduct occurred while Kunch was practicing dentistry in Fort Madison, though the board has not publicly disclosed additional details.

State employment records show Kunch worked in 2025 as a full-time dentist at the Iowa State Penitentiary with a reported salary of nearly $96,000. He currently practices at Trail Ridge Dental Care in Grimes.

As with all disciplinary matters, the charges are allegations, and the case will be reviewed during the scheduled hearing later this year.

Sports, April 8th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 at 6:34 am CDT

High School Track and Field

Washington will host the Demon Relays tomorrow, April 9th, with Fairfield, Mt. Pleasant, WACO, and Wapello competing. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame will hold the Falcon Co-Ed Relays tomorrow with Danville, Mediapolis, New London and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip. 

The Van Buren County boys’ team will travel to the Pekin Invitational, while the girls’ team will voyage to the Burdell Hensley Invitational at Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont tomorrow. 

High School Soccer

Central Lee split their night against Centerville with the girls’ team falling 6-1 and the boys’ team dominating, 7-0. Peter Seyb netted two goals, while Zach Estrada collected two assists and a goal. 

The Central Lee boys’ team will face off against Sigourney-Keota on Friday, April 10th, at 5 pm at home, while the girls’ team will travel to Washington at the same time.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team swatted Keokuk last night, 10-0. The Nikes’ boys’ team will close out their road stand on Friday against WACO at 5 pm, while the girls’ team will host Monmouth-Roseville on Friday at the same time.

The Washington boys’ team had only five shots on goal but connected on two of them in a 2-0 blanking of Hillcrest Academy last night. The Demons will compete against Fort Madison tomorrow, April 9th, at 5 pm.

The Wapello boys’ team lost to Cedar Valley Christian last night, 10-0. The Wapello girls’ team will take on Mediapolis on the road at 5 pm tomorrow.

The Mediapolis girls’ team flattened Tipton last night, 10-0. The Mediapolis boys’ team will host Danville tomorrow at 7 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will take on Keokuk tomorrow with the girls’ playing at home at 4:30 pm and the boys’ traveling to start at 5 pm.

Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union will hit the road to take on Mid-Prairie tomorrow with game one at 5 pm.

Fairfield will start conference play against Burlington tomorrow with the boys’ team at home and the girls’ team on the road at 5 pm.

High School Golf

The Winfield-Mt. Union, Columbus, Danville, and New London boys’ teams will attend the Wapello Invite today.

The Southeast Conference will meet back up tomorrow, April 9th, with the boys’ teams heading to Fort Madison and the girls’ teams playing at Fairfield.

The Wapello girls’ team will travel to Hillcrest Academy tomorrow.

Van Buren County will hold a triangular tomorrow with Holy Trinity Catholic participating. 

Mediapolis will host Central Lee tomorrow. 

Danville and Burlington Notre Dame will travel to New London tomorrow for a triangular. 

The Columbus girls’ team will hit the road to compete against Lone Tree tomorrow.

The Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will host WACO tomorrow.

High School Boys’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant started the season with a home shutout of Keokuk last night as the team did not drop a set. Sawyer Fulton, Max Heater, Isaiah Lange, and Grayson Walker each claimed a victory in their singles match. The Panthers will travel to Fort Madison tomorrow, April 9th, at 4:30 pm.

Fairfield will host Burlington for their first match of the season tomorrow, April 9th.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team will travel to Marshalltown Community College today for a doubleheader.

The softball team will face off against Indian Hills Community College today in a road doubleheader.

The ICCAC released their Players of the Week for March 30th through April 5th and the Blackhawks put three on the list, including a sweep of Division I softball.

For baseball, Isaac Flamino earned Pitcher of the Week honors. Flamino was sensational in his last Friday start against Iowa Lakes Community College, as he went eight innings, striking out eight, and allowing no runs on six hits for his fifth victory of the season.

On the softball side, Logan Kelley was named Player of the Week, while Araceli Rivas took home Pitcher of the Week–it is both their second time being honored this season. Kelley was unstoppable at the plate, going 8 for 13 with three extra base hits, including two home runs for a total of six RBIs. Rivas collected two wins in the circle, including a four inning shutout against Marshalltown Community College. In her two games pitched, Rivas twirled 18 strikeouts in just 11 innings.

College Baseball and Softball

The Iowa baseball team will travel to USC on Friday, April 10th, with first pitch at 9 pm.

The Iowa softball team will get ready for Iowa State tonight at home at 5 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1974 – Hammerin’ Hank Aaron hits his 715th home run off of L.A. Dodger Al Downing, breaking Babe Ruth’s record in Atlanta.

1975 – Cleveland’s Frank Robinson debuts as the first African American baseball manager. He also batted second, belting a home run as his club defeated the New York Yankees 5-3. 

2014 – Mike Babcock wins his 414th career game as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, becoming the winningest coach in Red Wings history. He passed Jack Adams, who the coaches award is named after.

New London Schools to Discuss Sixth-Grade Move at Special Board Meeting

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 at 6:26 am CDT

NEW LONDON — The New London Community School District will hold a special board meeting this evening to continue discussions about a possible restructuring that would move sixth-grade students from the middle school back to the elementary building.

The proposal, which would shift the district’s current 6–8 middle school structure to a model placing sixth grade with younger students, has been under review as district leaders evaluate research, enrollment trends, and facility capacity.

The special session will take place Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Middle/High School Success Center. Community members are encouraged to attend.

 

Research and Enrollment Data Drive Discussion

District leaders previously presented research suggesting that students who transition to middle school at younger ages may experience temporary drops in academic performance, particularly in math and reading. Other studies suggest students benefit from fewer school transitions and more stable learning environments.

Local enrollment numbers also factor into the discussion.

Elementary classrooms currently average 15 to 23 students per class, while the district’s sixth grade includes 57 students split into two sections, averaging 28 to 29 students per class.

If sixth grade moves to the elementary building, district officials say adjustments may be required to classroom space, staffing, and scheduling.

 

Board to Review Key Reports

During Wednesday’s special session, the school board will review multiple reports related to the proposed restructuring.

Among the topics scheduled for discussion:

  • Building Restructure — Discussion and Action Item
    • Proposed 2026–2027 building structures
  • Five-Year Financial and Enrollment Projections
    • A consultant will present projected district finances and enrollment trends.
  • Facility Conditions and Capacity
    • Review of building space and infrastructure needs.
  • Teacher Certifications and Licensure
    • Evaluation of staffing qualifications and placement needs.
  • Academic and Program Impact
    • Review of how the restructuring could affect student programs.
  • Proposed Building Schedules
    • Draft schedules for elementary and middle school operations.

In addition to restructuring discussions, the board will also address routine personnel matters.

 

Personnel and Policy Items Also Scheduled

Personnel items listed on the agenda include:

Resignations

  • Wyantt May — 6–12 Science

Appointments

  • Antonio Bailey — Head High School Football
  • Evalitzy Rangel (Ruiz) — 6–12 Band and 3–5 Music

Board members will also review policy matters and enter an exempt session to discuss negotiations, as permitted under district policy.

 

Parents, staff, and residents are encouraged to attend the session to better understand how potential changes may affect students, staffing, and school facilities.

Kenneth Lloyd Fischer

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 at 6:16 am CDT

Kenneth Lloyd Fischer, 93, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, died Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life Open House on April 11, 2026, from 1:00–3:30 p.m. at the Ashford Park Clubhouse, 1810 E Ashford Ave., Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641. In keeping with Kenny’s wishes, there will be no formal service. Please join us for a casual time of fellowship. Stop by and share memories, stories and enjoy Kenny’s favorite desserts, snacks, and drinks with friends and family.

Memorials may be directed to Van Vorhies Haus or Spring Grove United Methodist Church. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, is caring for Kenneth and his family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.

Gwen Diane Pedrick

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 at 6:09 am CDT

Gwen Diane Pedrick, 70, of Douds, IA passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her family. Funeral services honoring her life will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 beginning at 10:30 am at the Christ United Methodist Church in Douds, IA with Pastor Mary Kathryn Hart and Pastor Fred Lewis officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery near Douds immediately following. A visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua, IA with the family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

The Final Standings for KILJ’s 2026 Bracket Challenge

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 at 1:09 pm CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- The 2026 KILJ Bracket Challenge, sponsored by The Press Box, is in the books and 11.7% of participants can claim that they picked the National Champion; yet, only Sharon Menke can call herself the champion after guessing 71.4% of the bracket correctly.

What Happened

#1 Michigan had dominated for most of the season, entering the National Championship game with a 36-3 record albeit losing in the Big Ten championship game to Purdue right before the tournament in the second year of Dusty May’s reign as head coach. Additionally, two years removed from failing to win double-digit games.

#2 UConn went 34-5 to get to their third championship game over the last four seasons and were looking for their seventh banner in program history. For head coach Dan Hurley, it was a chance to stake a claim as one of the best collegiate coaches in the history of men’s basketball. The Huskies had already faced adversity to get there, losing by 20 points to St. John’s in the Big East tournament before the madness.

The biggest piece of news before the game was the reveal that Yaxel Lendeborg for Michigan, who left the Wolverines’ Final Four victory over Arizona in the first half, was not going to have any time limits placed against him.

Being at full strength, Michigan was favored to win the game and that percentage never dipped in UConn’s favor, despite the Huskies making seven more three-pointers. Nevertheless, the Wolverines converted their field goals at a higher efficiency and went 25 of 28 from the free throw line to escape with the 2026 title in a 69-63 final.

The championship was the Wolverines second in program history and their first since 1989. Additionally, it was the Big Ten’s first national championship since Michigan State defeated Florida 26 years ago.

In terms of our brackets, there were eight brackets hoping to gather some points by the end of the night with just one bracket hoping that UConn would be the team to come out on top. Instead, the Wolverine victory allowed Menke—who will get to enjoy a meal a month from The Press Box for winning—to hop up from 3rd place into the gold medal slot.

Amazingly, Mat Wilson was the only bracket in the top 7 to not guess the correct national champion and Abbie Leichty was the only bracket to never be in the top 10 before being one of eight brackets to finish with over 200 points. Additionally, Lisa Ritchey went from 59th place to finishing in 16th place after picking Michigan to win it all.

Standings

  1. Sharon Menke: 256
  2. Matt Donnolly: 246 (Tiebreaker)
  3. Mat Wilson: 246
  4. Dan Clouer: 244
  5. Andy Krutsinger: 242
  6. Lesa Fitzpatrick: 242
  7. Abbie Liechty: 228
  8. Jakin Bunnell: 212
  9. Joseph Koller: 178
  10. Alan Buckert: 176

More

Thank you to everyone that participated in this year’s bracket challenge here at KILJ and a special thank you to The Press Box for sponsoring it! We will be back for the 2027 bracket challenge!