Be Prepared on The Road This Winter

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, November 21st, 2024 at 7:33 am CDT

AAA projects that Seventy-Two million Americans will travel by car this holiday season. KILJ caught up with Mount Pleasant Police Chief, Lyle Murray for some safe driving tips.

Take time to find out about the weather and road conditions before you leave the house. Use good driving skills, and leave plenty of space to avoid losing control of your vehicle. Chief Murray offers advice on what to do if your car breaks down or you’re stranded in the cold of winter.

In the event of an accident or emergency, contact 911 immediately for assistance. Always keep an extra blanket, water, and a phone charger in your car during the winter months. Chief Murray says being prepared before a storm and having the supplies you need in your car during a storm can keep you safe while you wait for help.

Sports, November 21st

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, November 21st, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

Meet the Panthers Night

Tonight is your opportunity to meet the winter sports teams at the Mt. Pleasant high school gym. Introductions will begin after the booster club announcements at 6:45 pm with the Bowling, Wrestling, Cheerleaders/Dance, and Basketball teams being presented. The Dance Team will perform their state pom routine and basketball scrimmages will follow, starting at 7:10 pm. 

High School Basketball

The Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will start the season tomorrow, November 22nd, at New London at 6 pm.

The Columbus girls’ team will travel to Tipton, while the boys’ team will host English Valleys tomorrow for a scrimmage.

WACO will take on Van Buren County tomorrow at home in a scrimmage. 

West Burlington will scrimmage Fort Madison at home on Saturday, November 23rd, at 6 pm. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will compete against Keokuk on Saturday for a scrimmage on the road. 

Postseason Football

The 8-Player championship game between Remsen St. Mary’s and Gladbrook-Reinbeck will be played today at 9:30 am.

The Class A championship game between Tri-Center and West Hancock starts at 1 pm today. 

The Class 1A championship game is scheduled for today at 4 pm between Dike-New Hartford and the defending champions Grundy Center.

Pella versus North Polk will decide who the Class 4A champion is tonight at 7 pm.

Spirit Lake and West Lyon will play for the Class 2A state championship tomorrow, November 22nd, at 10 am.

The Class 3A championship between Wahlert Catholic and Humboldt is scheduled for 1 pm tomorrow. 

Valley and Southeast Polk will compete tomorrow night at 7 for the Class 5A championship.

High School Wrestling

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will host a Southeast Iowa Super Conference showdown tonight.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel to Burlington for the Grayhound Invite on Saturday, November 23rd, at 10 am.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Last night was a new episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook as girls’ and boys’ head coaches of various Southeast Iowa Super Conference teams talked about the upcoming basketball season. One of the coaches that joined us for last night’s episode was first year head coach for the New London girls’ team Austin Burns and for him the Tigers’ home opener tomorrow night cannot arrive any faster,

“I can’t wait. I was looking forward to the first practice and practice is so much fun to me. I’ve enjoyed coaching these girls and teaching these girls at every practice. And yeah, I’m really looking forward to Friday. I can’t wait. I mean, there’s no other group of girls, group of kids that I’d rather be coaching and no other sport that I’d rather be coaching. So I’m really excited for the seniors and for them that I really want to send them off with a really great season for them to finish their career and for the freshmen to get a really great start. So, I’m super excited. Can’t wait for Friday at six o’clock here in New London for us to play Winfield.”

If you missed last night’s episode, then follow the link provided: SEISC Basketball Preseason Report

Southeastern Community College

The men’s basketball team will be back in action tomorrow, November 22nd, at 5 pm against North Arkansas College on the road. 

College Football

#22 Iowa State will face off against Utah on Saturday, November 23rd, at 6:30 pm on the road. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

Iowa will travel to Maryland on Saturday at 11 am. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the broadcast. 

College Basketball

The #5 Iowa State men’s team will play #4 Auburn in the first round of the Maui Invitational on Monday, November 25th, at 8 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team will face off against Utah State for the NABC Hall of Fame Classic tomorrow, November 22nd, at 7 pm on the road. 

The axel was dragging in the #8 Iowa State women’s team’s road trip to Cedar Falls last night as the University of Northern Iowa pulled off an 87-75 upset against the Cyclones. Iowa State was outscored 23 to 11 in the third quarter despite Audi Crooks (22 points and 10 rebounds) and Addy Brown (21 points and 12 rebounds) both turning in double-doubles. Maya McDermott’s 37 points led the Panthers. The Cyclones will head back home to take on Drake on Sunday, November 24th, at 2 pm. 

The Iowa women’s team had their defense set the tone, holding Kansas to just four points in the first quarter as the Hawkeyes cruised to a 71-58 win last night. Hannah Stuelke and Lucy Olsen each scored 16 points as Stuelke grabbed 10 rebounds to collect a double-double. The Hawkeyes will host Washington State on Sunday at 3 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1925 – Red Grange plays his final University of Illinois game, signing with the Chicago Bears.

1949 – Bill Veeck sells the MLB’s Cleveland squad for $22 million to fund his divorce settlement. 

1956 – Don Newcombe of the Brooklyn Dodgers won both the National League MVP and the first-ever Cy Young Award.

Henry County Planning and Zoning Met To Discuss Potential Wind Turbine Project Ordinances

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 at 11:15 am CDT

The Henry County Planning and Zoning Commission, along with the Henry County Board of Supervisors had a full room for their work session that was held Tuesday night, at the Emergency Management Offices. The focus of the meeting was to outline the ordinances for the potential wind turbine project in the county.

The Board of Supervisors presented P&Z with a rough draft of what these individual ordinances would look like, for someone who has signed up for the wind project.

Many different setbacks were brought up as to what may keep this project from happening. The biggest setback to the wind turbine project is space. The Planning and Zoning commission understands the landowners who don’t want to participate in the project, so distance from any dwelling or residence was a long topic of discussion for the room.

If the project were to start and then fold, decommission of the turbines was another big concern for the sake of the county.

The quality of life around a wind turbine project brings several forms of pollution. Henry County Superintendents spoke on how they have gone out and talked to families living with turbines both on or near their property. They heard both good and bad things. The money is good coming in from the wind energy company, but the home owners deal with noise.

A constant hum will happen anytime the blades are turning. Around 40 decibels of sound roughly, can be heard from a quarter mile away, and the flashing red lights at night don’t stop.

The Planning and Zoning commission has some big decisions to make. Decisions that will decide how many IF any Wind Farms could physically fit in Henry County. If the project lands in Henry County, it’s certain a large commercial wind energy conversion system will change the lifestyle of residents in Henry County.

Prep Wrestling: WACO and Washington Girls’ Teams Competed at Sigourney for First Meet of the Season

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 at 10:38 am CDT

Sigourney, IA- Sigourney-Keota officially kicked off the winter sport season for girls’ wrestling as WACO and Washington both made the trip to compete in the meet last night as a wrestler from each squad exited the night with an unblemished record.

Washington, who dropped the co-op with Highland after a season, had four wrestlers compete last night with two of the wrestlers competing for the podium.

Allison Reed, in the 120-pound weight class, finished the night 0-2 after falling to Jordyn Jarchow of Lisbon and Bee Earnest of Pekin in the consolation round.

In the 140-pound weight class, Ryha Wellington picked up a quick pin of Tabitha Eggleston of Clear Creek Amana to start off her night. However, a loss by fall at the hands of Haley Pedrik of Pekin sent her to the 3rd place match, where she fell against Newton’s Johana Cerna.

Peggy Miller in the 145-pound weight class made a name for herself, pinning Layla Shilling of Tri-County and narrowly taking down Kiana Lopez of Clear Creek Amana at the 5:39 mark to advance to the 1st place match. Miller ended the night with the gold after a 1-0 decision on Aleigha Sheets of Oskaloosa.

Lastly, Jaelyn Entsminger lost by fall in both of her matches to Breegan Ellison of Moravia and Alejandra Hernandez of Grinnell.

WACO had just three wrestlers going last night with Elyssa Graber taking care of business in the 105-pound weight class. Her first match of the night was the toughest with her and Quynn Foster of East Union trading points until Graber nabbed the 9-8 decision.

From there, Graber pinned all of her opponents in less than 1:35 of mat time, including two in under 30 seconds as she finished the night with a 5-0 record.

In the 115-pound weight class, Athena Flores took down Alyvia Traner of Pekin in the quarterfinals; a loss to Reanah Utterback of Sigourney to relegate the Warrior to a 3rd place match, ultimately losing to Alivia Garcia of West Liberty by fall.

Lastly, Bella Bonar, in the 120-pound weight class, fell in both of her matches to Bree Earnest of Pekin and Kyrie Chapman of Grinnell.

Upcoming Schedule

WACO will be making the trip to Columbus high school to meet up with the rest of the Southeast Iowa Super Conference for a tournament tomorrow, November 21st, starting at 4:30 pm.

Washington will head over to Burlington for the Grayhound Invite on Saturday, November 23rd, with the first match scheduled to take place at 10 am.

Curtis L. Fett

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 at 8:00 am CDT

Curtis L. Fett, 58, of rural Salem passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at his home.

Curt was born on October 22, 1966, in Keokuk the son of Gary and Sharon (Pryor) Fett.  He graduated from Harmony High School and went on to attend Reisch Auction College.  Curt and his father Gary worked together as Fett Auctioneers for 36 years.  Curt was united in marriage to Deborah Joann Boileau on July 31, 1993. He went to Indian Hills Community College and received a degree in Auto Body Work.  Curt worked for Hearth & Home Technologies from 1988 until 2024.  Curt was active for 13 years at Old Threshers as a gun slinger in the north village.  He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.

Curt was a very outgoing person. He was a superhero to many people, always willing to help anyone who needed it, and he accepted everyone for who they were.  He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his dogs.  He enjoyed playing cards and poker.  All of his family was very important to him, he loved to teach his kids and grandchildren new things.  Curt was a loving husband, father, papa and pop pop.  He was a strong fighter up to the very end.

Those thankful for sharing in Curt’s life include his wife, Deborah of 32 years, his children and their families, Megan Carver (Zach Rodibaugh), Tanner Rodibaugh and Brynnlin Rodibaugh of Mt. Pleasant, Colten Fett (Casey Davis), Theo Fett, Aspen Fett of Salem, Cody (Laura) Fett, and Miles and Max, of Lisbon and Jennie (Paul) Carver-Westra, and Mattison Westra and Sabrina Westra of Vinton,  Maddee Carver (Terry Page) and Tay Mir, of Winfield, his parents, Gary and Sharon Fett, of Bonaparte, his brothers and sisters, Tamela (Steve) Hohl, of Donnellson, Tim (Dawn) Fett of Farmington, Toni Fett of Fairfield, along with several nieces and nephews.

Curt was preceded in death by his grandparents, Curtis and Elsie Pryon, Lynn and Pearle Fett, his uncle, Jim Fett and his aunt, Bonita Fett.

His family will receive friends from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024 at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.  Following the visitation cremation will be accorded.  Memorials in his memory may be directed to the Holden Cancer Research Center.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Free Clothing Closet Opens At SCC West Burlington Campus

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 at 7:14 am CDT

Southeastern Community College has started a Free Closet on campus. Trisha Hopper is a Business Teacher at SCC and has organized the closet and the space on campus. KILJ spoke to SCC President, Dr. Ash, about Trish, and her creation of the Free Clothing Closet.

The clothing closet is free for to any SCC student at the West Burlington campus. Trish intends for students to find things they like, and take them home to keep. Dr. Ash talked about the closet itself and how it functions on campus for the students.

In the Past, there have been students that utilize the closet for things to wear for an interview, and then return the items. If you have new or gently used clothing items, you can drop them off at the welcome center at the West Burlington SCC campus.

Henry County Habitat for Humanity Nears Completion of House #31

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 at 6:50 am CDT

The Habitat for Humanity in Mount Pleasant is nearing the end of their most recent home builds. Habitat for Humanity in Mount Pleasant has been around since 1994. By having people work together in equal partnership, Habitat builds new relationships and a sense of community as well as new housing. Lisa Diener, President of Henry County Habitat for Humanity, tells us a little about their process.

Each house build starts the Early Springtime, and volunteers will work on Saturdays to make progress on the house. There is an application and selection process for the recipients of the house each year. Lisa tells KILJ about this year’s Habitat for Humanity Home recipient.

Habitat is funded by gifts from individuals, churches, community groups, businesses and other organizations.  The Henry County Habitat for Humanity also works year-round writing grants for donations. Several area business owners have partnered with HCHH for materials and contracting efforts. Lisa recognizes a few businesses that have helped make House #31 possible this year.

You can see the progress pictures of the current Henry County Habitat for Humanity Home being built on Their Facebook page by searching Henry County Habitat for Humanity. You can also reach out to volunteer on a build by sending them a message on Facebook.  Lisa says that the house is scheduled to be completed in time for the family to move in before Christmas time.

Sports, November 20th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

The Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will start the season on Friday, November 22nd, at New London at 6 pm.

The Columbus girls’ team will travel to Tipton, while the boys’ team will host English Valleys on Friday for a scrimmage.

WACO will take on Van Buren County on Friday at home in a scrimmage. 

West Burlington will scrimmage Fort Madison at home on Saturday, November 23rd, at 6 pm. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will compete against Keokuk on Saturday for a scrimmage on the road. 

Postseason Football

The 8-Player championship game between Remsen St. Mary’s and Gladbrook-Reinbeck will be played tomorrow, November 21st, at 9:30 am.

The Class A championship game between Tri-Center and West Hancock is scheduled for tomorrow at 1 pm. 

The Class 1A championship game is scheduled for tomorrow at 4 pm between Dike-New Hartford and the defending champions Grundy Center.

Pella versus North Polk will decide who the Class 4A champion is tomorrow night at 7 pm.

Spirit Lake and West Lyon will play for the Class 2A state championship on Friday, November 22nd, at 10 am.

The Class 3A championship between Wahlert Catholic and Humboldt is scheduled for 1 pm on Friday. 

Valley and Southeast Polk will compete on Friday at 7 for the Class 5A championship.

High School Football

The Iowa High School Athletic Association released the Class 3A All-District 4 teams and Mt. Vernon led the way with 14 players making the First Team offense or defense along with sweeping the District Players of the Year. 

Washington finished the year with a 6-3 record and had five Demons make the First Team. Mason Morgan grabbed First Team wide receiver/tight end as he finished with 464 yards and four scores. Kael Williams nabbed First Team running back with 743 total yards and 10 touchdowns. Summit Keith earned First Team offensive lineman. On defense, Jayfred Espinosa was named First Team defensive back and Jude Carter, who led the district in tackles with 84.5, was named First Team defensive utility. 

Keokuk went 3-6 for the year, as the team was headlined by the offense. Brenton Hoard was named First Team quarterback as he threw for 1,893 yards and totaled 30 touchdowns. Drew Campbell, who hauled in 10 touchdowns, earned First Team wide receiver/tight end. Mason Claus grabbed his second career First Team linebacker honor for his 79.5 tackles. 

Fort Madison went winless for the season, but touted some talent with three First Team members with Brody Cashman being named First Team wide receiver/tight end, Henry Graham grabbing First Team kicker, and Marcus Guzman taking home First Team defensive back. 

Lastly, Mt. Pleasant collected a 4-5 record on the year with three players making the First Team. Nolan Frueh grabbed First Team offensive lineman as the Panthers touted the third best rushing attack in the district. On defense, Payton Walker and William Birdsell were named First Team linebackers. Ramzy Davis and Kellen Kohorst also made the Second Team. Head coach John Bowlin was proud of what his squad accomplished this year, but won’t let his program grow complacent,

“I think the number one thing is obviously we took a step in the right direction, but you know, the end goal, you know, we want to compete for that district title, compete for the playoff spot every year. And I think we made it, we made a big stride in that. We had a ton of guys, our seniors led us to that. And, you know, doing the right things off the field in the weight room is really where all that all that starts at and, you know, obviously it was a successful season for us in terms of the last few years but, you know, don’t ever want to be satisfied with a 4-5 record, you know, we can celebrate the wins but, you know, this shows how much more work there is to do and I think the kids that they’ve seen what they’re capable of doing and how much they can make that next step growing into next year and, you know, just set our goals higher and higher and, you know, never be satisfied with what we’ve got.”

High School Wrestling

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will host a Southeast Iowa Super Conference showdown tomorrow, November 21st.  

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel to Burlington for the Grayhound Invite on Saturday, November 23rd, at 10 am.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Tune in to a new episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook tonight at 6 pm on KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, as we talk to several Southeast Iowa Super Conference basketball coaches with the season on the horizon. 

Southeastern Community College

The men’s basketball team will be back in action on Friday, November 22nd, at 5 pm against North Arkansas College on the road. 

College Football

#22 Iowa State will face off against Utah on Saturday, November 23rd, at 6:30 pm on the road. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

Iowa will travel to Maryland on Saturday at 11 am. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the broadcast. 

College Basketball

The #5 Iowa State men’s team will play #4 Auburn in the first round of the Maui Invitational on Monday, November 25th, at 8 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team clobbered Rider last night 83-58. Payton Sandfort and Owen Freeman put together terrific games with Sandfort scoring 22 points and Freeman adding 19 points to the team’s total. The Hawkeyes will face off against Utah State for the NABC Hall of Fame Classic on Friday, November 22nd, at 7 pm on the road. 

The #8 Iowa State women’s team will play Northern Iowa tonight at 6 pm on the road. 

The Iowa women’s team will compete against Kansas on the road at 6 pm tonight.

This Day in Sports History

1934 – Toronto Maple Leafs left winger Busher Jackson becomes the first NHL player to score four goals in a period in a 5-2 win over the St. Louis Eagles at St. Louis Arena.

1988 – Boston College beats Army 38-24 in the ‘Emerald Isle Classic’ at Dublin’s Lansdowne Road Stadium, the first NCAA Football game to be played in Europe.

1990 – The Sacramento Kings pick up their last road win for over a year as the Kings would set an NBA record of 43 consecutive road losses.