Defense Department Awards $635 Million Contract for Expansion at Iowa Army Ammunition Plant

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at 11:03 am CDT

MIDDLETOWN – A major investment is coming to the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant (IAAP) in Middletown, Iowa. The U.S. Department of Defense announced Friday that the Army Contracting Command at Rock Island, Illinois, has signed a $635.2 million agreement with MSM Group North America to add a new production line at the facility.

The project calls for the Florida-based company to design, construct, and bring online a load, assemble, and pack facility at IAAP. The contract was funded through Army allocations in the Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 defense budgets.

Only one bid was received for the project, which carries an estimated completion date of August 10, 2029.

IAAP has been in operation since World War II, when it opened in 1941 under the name Iowa Ordnance Plant. Today, it remains a cornerstone of U.S. military readiness, manufacturing medium- and large-caliber ammunition for the Department of Defense.

AT THIS TIME: KILJ News is waiting response from Joint Munitions Command out of Rock Island for a response on this expansion. More details will be released as they develop.

Prep Cross Country: Preseason Team and Player Rankings Place Several Local Teams in the Top 10

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at 9:13 am CDT

Prep Cross Country- The Iowa Association of Track Coaches released their preseason team and individual rankings yesterday and eight of our local teams found themselves in the top 20, including four teams listed in the top 10.

Class 3A

In Class 3A for the boys’ teams, Washington was the lone team ranked from the Southeast Conference, entering the season at #7.

The Demons scored 219 points at the state meet last year and will lose out on Tyler Alderton, a top 30 runner in the rankings all last year and at the state meet as he took 28th place.

They will return #9 Andrew Rees, as he turned in the best time for the team at Fort Dodge at 16 minutes and 20 seconds, which was good enough for 13th place. His partner in crime will be #26 Sawyer Tschantz, as a junior he finished 41st at state. A young core that finished in the low 100s at state last season should help improve the team score.

On the girls’ side for Class 3A, Fort Madison was ranked 8th and Washington snuck in at #20. The Bloodhounds will be led by Avery Rump, who took 45th place last season at the state meet as the only member to attend. She will continue her rivalry with Washington’s #28 Iris Dahl, who finished in 32nd.

The reason for only mentioning Dahl for Washington is the team that took 12th place at state last year accrued 240 of their 265 points from seniors: Kendall Hinrichsen, Lauren Horak, Alyvia Anderson, and Quincy Griffis. The next Demon to finish that will return is Angeline Anderson, who finished in 120th place.

Class 2A

The Mediapolis boys’ team took the #13 slot in the Class 2A rankings. The Bulldogs bring back all three of their state qualifiers from last season, including top 35 finisher #16 Simon Wendel.

Surprisingly, Will Schmidgall, who was individually ranked for most of last season as a sophomore, was left off the preseason top 30 list after finishing in 85th place at state last season. Mason Lindeen will also look to uplift the Bulldogs.

On the girls’ side, Kaitlyn Kipp of Notre Dame/West Burlington enters the season ranked as the 30th best runner in the state. The junior clinched 47th place at state as a sophomore with a time of 20 minutes and 44 seconds.

Class 1A

Over in Class 1A for the boys’, Van Buren County was placed at #6, followed by Columbus at #8. WACO was slotted in at #16.

The Wildcats actually finished above the Warriors, 12th versus 13th, at the state meet last year, but graduated their top runner in Ty Muniz, while the Warriors will get #15 Lincoln Bainbridge, who finished 27th at state last year, back to lead the squad.

Nevertheless, the top returning finisher for southeast Iowa was WACO’s #11 Jude Dykstra, as he looks to build upon his 19th place finish at state for his senior season.

Lastly, the Danville girls’ team starts the year ranked 16th in Class 1A. The Bears will be led by Alaina Gourley in her senior campaign. Gourley was kept out of the preseason top 30. Helping her out will be Delaney Newberry, as she finished in the top 100 at state last year.

Iowa Crop Progress: Scattered Rainfall Provides Favorable Conditions

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at 8:16 am CDT

Scattered precipitation across Iowa gave farmers 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 17, 2025, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included oat and hay harvests, along with limited reports of fungicide and insecticide applications.

Moisture levels remained favorable across most of the state. Topsoil moisture was rated 72 percent adequate and 26 percent surplus, with only 2 percent short. Subsoil moisture mirrored the trend, with 73 percent adequate and 23 percent surplus.

Corn development continued steadily, with nearly all fields silking. Corn in the dough stage reached 78 percent, slightly behind last year and the five-year average, while 27 percent of corn had entered the dent stage, on pace with historical trends. Overall corn condition was rated 86 percent good to excellent.

Soybeans were also progressing well, with 96 percent of fields blooming and 83 percent setting pods. Crop condition was rated 82 percent good to excellent. Oat harvest was nearly complete, with 91 percent of the crop harvested.

Hay and pasture conditions reflected the season’s favorable rainfall. The third cutting of alfalfa reached 65 percent complete, while pastures were rated 83 percent good to excellent. Frequent rains extended grazing opportunities, and livestock were generally reported in good condition, though some stress was noted from heat and humidity.

Gate Operation Worker Meeting Set for Midwest Old Threshers

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at 8:15 am CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT – Midwest Old Threshers has announced a meeting for all gate operation workers ahead of this year’s reunion. The meeting will take place on (Tonight) Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Theater Museum.

Gate workers are essential to the success of the annual Old Threshers Reunion, helping welcome thousands of visitors and ensuring smooth entry throughout the event. The upcoming meeting will provide important information, updates, and training to prepare staff for the busy Labor Day weekend.

Organizers strongly encourage all gate operation workers to attend in order to review responsibilities, ask questions, and help guarantee a positive experience for guests at this year’s reunion.

Mount Pleasant Financial Advisor Earns CFP® Certification

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at 8:15 am CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT – Whitney Rogers, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Mount Pleasant, has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification, awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board).

The CFP® designation is recognized as one of the highest standards in the financial services industry. To achieve certification, Rogers completed rigorous coursework and examinations covering a broad range of topics, including: Financial management, Tax-sensitive investment strategies, Retirement savings, Insurance planning, Education planning, and Estate considerations.

In addition to meeting the education and examination requirements, Rogers has pledged to uphold the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.

Rogers works alongside Branch Office Administrator Keelyn Kauffman at the Mount Pleasant Edward Jones office. They can be reached at 319-385-3411, or online at edwardjones.com/whitney-rogers.

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North Carolina Man Arrested in Connection to missing Fairfield Teen

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at 8:14 am CDT

A North Carolina man is facing multiple felony charges in North Carolina after authorities say he picked up a missing juvenile in Fairfield and transported her across state lines.

On August 17, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina was contacted by the Fairfield Police Department regarding a missing female juvenile from Fairfield. Fairfield Police determined through their investigation that the girl had been in contact with a man through texting applications and that he had driven her from Fairfield to Rockingham County.

Deputies located the juvenile at a residence on Willow Street in Reidsville, North Carolina, along with 25-year-old John Michael Johnson. Detectives and the Rockingham County Department of Social Services responded to the scene, beginning a joint investigation.

Following an interview with Johnson and consultation with the Rockingham County District Attorney’s Office, Johnson was charged with felony second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and felony solicitation by computer. He was taken before a magistrate and issued an $850,000 secure bond. Johnson is scheduled to appear in Rockingham County District Court on August 26, 2025.

Authorities confirmed the juvenile’s parents were notified. She is currently in the care of Rockingham County Department of Social Services until her parents can take custody.

The investigation remains ongoing with cooperation between the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfield Police Department, and the Invictus Task Force—a multi-county partnership that includes the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security, focused on combating internet crimes against children, sexual abuse, trafficking, and online exploitation. Officials said additional charges are expected.

Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page urged parents nationwide to remain vigilant. “Individuals will use current technologies such as messaging applications and other internet-accessible means to not only conduct scams, but also to exploit and prey on our children. We are seeing this activity far too often now. I would implore parents to be vigilant and involved in monitoring cell phone and internet usage by their children,” Page said.

Sheriff Page also thanked the Fairfield Police Department, the Invictus Task Force, the Rockingham County District Attorney’s Office, and Rockingham County Social Services for their assistance.

Sports, August 19th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at 6:29 am CDT

High School Girls’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Keokuk on Thursday, August 21st.

Fairfield will stay on the road to compete against Burlington on Thursday.

High School Volleyball

West Burlington will host a scrimmage tonight with New London, Burlington, Central Lee, Burlington Notre Dame, and Holy Trinity Catholic making the trip. 

Van Buren County and Wapello will head over to Danville tonight for a scrimmage. 

High School Cross Country

Columbus will be holding a Run-A-Thon fundraiser at the Columbus Community High School Track on Thursday, August 21st, from 4 to 6 pm to raise money for new uniforms and warmups. If you would like to donate, then find a member of the Columbus cross country team. 

The Iowa Association of Track Coaches released their preseason team rankings yesterday and eight of our local teams found themselves in the top 20, including four teams listed in the top 10.

In Class 3A for the boys’ teams, Washington was the lone team ranked from the Southeast Conference, entering the season at #7. The Demons scored 219 points at the state meet last year as returning-senior Andrew Rees turned in the best time for the team at 16 minutes and 20 seconds, which was good enough for 13th place. 

On the girls’ side for Class 3A, Fort Madison was ranked 8th and Washington snuck in at #20. The Demons finished in 12th as a team last year at the state meet, but won’t return four of their top five finishers. The Bloodhounds will be led by Avery Rump, who took 45th place last season at the state meet. She will continue her rivalry with Washington’s Iris Dahl, who finished in 32nd.

The Mediapolis boys’ team took the #13 slot in the Class 2A rankings. The Bulldogs bring back all three of their state qualifiers from last season, including top-35 finisher Simon Wendel.

Over in Class 1A for the boys’, Van Buren County was placed at #6, followed by Columbus at #8. WACO was slotted in at #16. The Wildcats actually finished above the Warriors, 12th versus 13th, at the state meet last year, but graduated their top runner in Ty Muniz, while the Warriors will get Lincoln Bainbridge, who finished 27th at state last year, back to lead the squad. Nevertheless, the top returning finisher for southeast Iowa was WACO’s Jude Dykstra, as he looks to build upon his 19th place finish at state for his senior season.

Lastly, the Danville girls’ team starts the year ranked 16th in Class 1A. The Bears will be led by Alaina Gourley in her senior campaign. Helping her out will be Delaney Newberry, as she finished in the top-100 at state last year. 

Meet the Players Night

Mt. Pleasant will host their “Meet the Panthers” tonight at the Mapleleaf Athletic Complex. The concession stand will be open for the night, starting at 6 pm. The booster club announcement will kick off the festivities at 6:30 pm followed by the introductions of the fall sport teams: cross country, girls’ tennis, football, volleyball, and the fall cheerleaders. The cheerleaders will perform at 6:50 pm, afterward the football team will stage a practice to finish the night. 

Fairfield will have their Meet the Trojans tonight at the Fairfield High School gym and Trojan Stadium starting with a fall sports parent meeting in the high school gym. After the Trojan Athletic Boosters presentation at 6:30, the fall sport teams will be introduced. At 7 pm, the volleyball team will hold an intrasquad scrimmage in the gym, while the football team will practice at the stadium. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will hold their Meet the Players night on Thursday, August 21st, at 6:30 pm located at the Winfield-Mt. Union track. There will be a free will donation dinner starting at 5:50 pm.

Danville will host their Meet the Players on Friday, August 22nd, with the volleyball and football teams scrimmaging against Mt. Pleasant. 

Southeastern Community College

The women’s soccer team will kick off the year on Thursday, August 21st, against Black Hawk College on the road. 

The volleyball team will get the season started with the Opening Weekend Tournament, starting on Friday, August 22nd, with their first opponent being Schoolcraft College. 

The men’s soccer team will square off against Oakton Community College on Friday at home.

College Football

#22 Iowa State will start the season in Ireland on Saturday, August 23rd, with a showdown against #17 Kansas State at 11 am. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call with the pregame show at 9 am.

This Day in Sports History

1909 – Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500, opens in Speedway, Indiana.

1921 – Detroit Tiger, Ty Cobb, is the 4th to get 3,000 hits in his career, the youngest ever to hit the mark.

1951 – Bill Veeck (St. Louis Browns) sends Eddie Gaedel, the shortest player in MLB history at 3’7”, to pinch-hit; he walked on four pitches.

Jeffery Lee Herman

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, August 18th, 2025 at 2:53 pm CDT

Jeffery Lee Herman, 37, of New London, died Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from injuries suffered in an automobile accident near West Point, IA, on Saturday, August 9th.

Jeff was born October 30, 1987 at Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant. He was the son of Monte Lee Keck and Cindy Lou Herman.

Jeff worked in the housekeeping department of the Comfort Inn and then the AmericInn of Mt. Pleasant. He then took a position as a stock handler of Innovaire of Mt. Pleasant, where he was employed at the time of his death.

Jeff had an artistic flair and created several drawings. His true love was the outdoors, where Jeff enjoyed boating, fishing and camping. He played on a slow-pitch softball team for a couple of years. Jeff held a deep love and bond with his dogs. He was known as the “running man” in New London as he tried to keep up with his dogs on their walks.

Those thankful for sharing in Jeff’s life include his mother, Cindy of New London; his infant son Jensen Vaughn Lee; his siblings –, Grace Robbins and Steven Herman, both of Mt. Pleasant and Heather Herman and her partner Ishmeal Jackson of New London. Jeff is survived by a cousin whom he considered his brother – Colton Keck and his wife Amanda of Mt. Pleasant. Jeff is survived by his nieces and nephews – Kyler Robbins, Vanessa Robbins, Elijah Herman Noah Herman, Izzy Jackson, Cara Maskrey, Andrew Keck, Kayden Keck and Adalyn Keck. Even though he may not have been blood related, Jeff considered all of his friends as family. It was this selfless devotion to humankind that Jeff had chosen to be an organ donor. Even though Jeff’s death is tragic, many have now received the gift of life because of his care and concern for all.

Jeff is preceded in death by his father, Monte Keck; his grandparents – Sharon and Richard Vaughn and Beverly and Ewald Herman and 2 aunts – Brenda McDowell and Debra Volner.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held 5-8 PM on Saturday, August 23 at the T.T.T. Shelter in Saunders Park, Mt. Pleasant.

Memorials may be directed to Jeff’s mother, Cindy, for a charity to be determined at a later date.

The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, is caring for Jeff and his family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com