“Dateline”The Play, Opens At New London High School

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, November 7th, 2024 at 8:38 am CDT

The New London theater department has opening night of their Fall play this Friday night. “Deadline” is the name of the play. The scene is set at a murder mystery with a comedy twist…New London Theater Instructor, Tori Kenel give details about the play.

Showtimes for the New London School Play will be November 8th at 7:00 p.m. and on November 9th at 2:00 p.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. Saturday’s evening performance is also senior night. The New London theater department is offering several different ticket packages for your comfort. A VIP package for $20, early access pass for $10, & general admission ticket for $5. tickets can be purchased at schoolpay.com/link/deadline.

“Puff” The Play, Opens This Weekend

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, November 7th, 2024 at 7:37 am CDT

Mount Pleasant High School students came to the KILJ studios to promote their Fall play that is performed this weekend at the Heatilator Performing Arts Center. This years Fall play is titled “Puffs” and has a Harry Potter theme…

The showtimes will be Friday November 8th at 7pm, Saturday the 9th at 7pm, and Sunday the 10th at 2pm. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Sports, November 7th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, November 7th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

Postseason Volleyball

The 2024 state championship matches are now set after all five classes competed in the semifinal matchups yesterday. Here’s how it shook out.

Class 5A featured #1 Pleasant Valley besting #4 Dowling Catholic in straight sets (25-23, 25-19, 25-23) and the only five-set thriller of the day with #6 Waukee Northwest holding on to upset #2 Ankeny Centennial (25-21, 25-22, 16-25, 23-25, 18-16). The Jaguars had Delaney Miller and Jaeden Pratt go for 21 kills apiece in the loss. The Class 5A championship game will start off the day at 10 am.

#5 Pella defeated #8 Sergeant Bluff-Luton in a sweep (25-15, 25-14, 25-23) as three members of the Dutch collected double-digit kills to advance to the Class 4A championship match. #2 Bishop Heelan will meet Pella there after taking down #3 North Scott in straight sets (25-23, 26-24, 25-21). Maddie LaFleur directed the offense with 37 assists. The championship game will start at 12:15 pm.

Class 3A did not involve much fanfare as #1 Mt. Vernon sweep Wahlert Catholic (25-12, 25-19, 25-17) and #2 Western Christian took down West Delaware in straight sets (25-21, 25-21, 25-14). They will compete at 2:30 for the Class 3A championship bout.

Class 2A saw #1 Denver handle business against the #4-seed and last year’s champion Dike-New Hartford, winning in straight sets (25-12, 25-19, 26-24). #2 Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont rode a historic 41-kill performance from Molly Shafer to down #3 Beckman Catholic in four sets (27-25, 19-25, 25-18, 25-19). Shafer’s 41 kills broke every class’ record for kills in a state tournament game. The Rockets and Cyclones will meet at 4:45 pm for the championship game.

Lastly, in Class 1A, #1 Ankeny Christian is one step closer to a three-peat after a dominating sweep of Riverside (25-12, 25-21, 25-18). The Eagles tabbed 12 aces as Katie Quick led the team with 13 kills. 

On the bottom half of the bracket, #6 BCLUW won the battle of the Cinderella teams, beating #7 Janesville in straight sets (25-17, 25-23, 25-19). Grace Farnsworth wrecked havoc for the Comets with a match-high 15 kills. Ankeny Christian and BCLUW will play for the championship tonight at 7 pm in a rematch of last year’s semifinal matchup.

Postseason Football

In Class 2A, Mid-Prairie will take on PCM tomorrow, November 8th, at 7 on the road. 

In Class 3A, #5 Mt. Vernon will travel to take on Algona tomorrow at 7 pm. 

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Last night’s episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook was a highlight reel for the 2024 football and volleyball season for some of our local teams. One of our favorite moments of the season was the Mt. Pleasant football team kicking the game winning field goal against Fort Madison for their fourth win of the season. 

If you missed last night’s episode, then follow this link: Recap Episode

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team lost to Des Moines Area Community College in the Region 11 Quarterfinals in a five-set thriller last night (17-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-19, 8-15). Kenna Furnald led the team with 17 kills, while Maddie Jones tabbed 45 assists. The Blackhawks finished the season with a 22-19 record. 

College Football

Iowa will travel to UCLA tomorrow, November 8th, at 8:05 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the broadcast.

#17 Iowa State will look to get back in the win column against Kansas on the road on Saturday, November 9th, at 2:30 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

College Basketball

The Iowa men’s team will stay at home to take on Southern tonight at 7 pm.

The #6 Iowa State men’s team will face off against Kansas City at home on Monday, November 11th, at 7 pm.

The #8 Iowa State women’s team will host Indiana State tonight at 6:30 pm.

The Iowa women’s team showed off the offense in a 91-73 victory over Northern Illinois last night. Lucy Olsen led the way with 19 points on the night to go along with seven assists. The Hawkeyes will travel to Virginia Tech on Sunday, November 10th, at 4:30 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1943 – The Detroit Lions and New York Giants play in the last scoreless tie in the NFL.

1989 – Baltimore Oriole Gregg Olson is the first relief pitcher to win AL Rookie of the Year.

2009 – Jerry Sloan became the first coach in NBA history with 1,000 wins for one team after the Utah Jazz defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Mark J. Beauchamp

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, November 7th, 2024 at 6:23 am CDT

Mark J. Beauchamp, 68, of Winfield, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at his home in Winfield surrounded by his family.  Private family services will be held.  Memorials may be directed to the family in memory of Mark.  The Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Winfield is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Mark Jeffrey Beauchamp was born on December 20, 1955, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa the son of Russell and Dorothy (Kepper) Beauchamp.  On November 10, 1979 he was united in marriage to Teresea “Terri” Nichols.  Mark worked as a welder for JI Case and the American Ordinance Plant and was a bus driver for Trailways.  He enjoyed staying busy with work, riding his Harley, going on truck rides with his dog Belle, going to his grandchildren’s events and most of all, spending time with his family.

Mark will be deeply missed by his wife. Terri of Winfield; children, Asa Beauchamp of Brighton and Nate (Amanda) Beauchamp of New London; grandchildren, Gage, Caitlyn, Nayla, Raeleigh and Aven; brothers, Sam (Karen) Beauchamp of Winfield and Hal (Jolene) Beauchamp of Mt. Pleasant.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael; siblings, Jim Beauchamp, Mick Beauchamp and Jackie Beauchamp in infancy.

Linda Lee Linn

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, November 7th, 2024 at 5:44 am CDT

It is with incredible sadness the family of Linda Lee Linn (maiden name, Day) announce her passing. Lin, to those who knew her, 77, died in Bettendorf, IA on Nov.1, 2024.  She was born on Jul. 21, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, IA to Beatrice (Bea) and David Day and she had one younger brother, Doug Day.

Lin had a youthful spirit, and possessed, “unconventional beauty” in the way she dressed, embraced life, and went about her way in the world. She also had a special way of reinventing herself, and the world around her that was transformative in the most magnificent way. Her talent for gardening exemplifies this transformative quality, in that she could make any piece of earth into a thing of enchantment.

She carried that same passion, vision, and talent into her home. She would often buy obscure items at flee markets or antique shops that most people would not consider as a piece of décor in their home or garden. A street manhole with bits of concrete adhered the bottom, a collection of colorful glass insulators, two colorful, antiquated stained glass church windows, all can be seen in her home or her yard to this day as exquisite works of art that pull at your curiosity and spark pleasant conversations of how these items made their way into her orbit.

For those that knew her, Lin was a force of nature. She strongly encouraged her children to pursue their higher education, and always showed up for them in meaningful ways while they chased their dreams.

Lin’s love for her family and husband were equally as fierce as her nature. She is survived by her son, Chris Linn, her daughter, Melissa Chesmore, her granddaughter, Makenna Chesmore, and her husband, Mark Shuck. A private service was recently held in her honor for close family and friends. In lieu of sending flowers, Lin wished for donations to be made to the Scott County Humane Society, a cause close to her heart, in life.

Charlotte Loges

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 at 11:25 am CDT

Charlotte Loges, 83, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Birkwood Village in Fort Madison, Iowa.

She was born on December 27, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Adolf and Melinda (Bartsch) Jahnke. On November 3, 1990, she married Roger Loges in Crawford, Colorado. He preceded her in death on December 13, 2022.

She is survived by three children: Danette Onstott of Greenville, South Carolina, Todd (Sally) Onstott of Donnellson, Iowa and Craig (Anna) Onstott of Crawford, Colorado; grandchildren: Brandon (Chanae), Joshua (Bria), John Michael, Mason (Emilee), Shannon (Aaron), Taylor, Amber (Jason), Curtis and Kolsie; great grandchildren: Phoebe, Macy, Kynlee, Ashley, William and Kaylee. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; one brother and one sister.

Charlotte was a registered nurse and loved farming. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Pastor Orie Thomford officiating.

Burial will be at a later date at the Garden of Memories in Crawford, Colorado.

A memorial has been established in her memory.

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

Sports, November 6th

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

Postseason Volleyball

Class 1A was full of surprises last night, unfortunately for #3 Holy Trinity Catholic one of those surprises did not favor the Crusaders as they were upset by #6 BCLUW in straight sets 25-22, 25-16, and 25-19. 

Holy Trinity Catholic struggled to get in rotation the entire night, swinging at an efficiency of just 0.076–their worst mark of the postseason. A bright spot for the night was Adalyn Kruse and Presley Myers each nabbing 10 kills, which marked Myers’ 1,000th career kill. Anna Bendlage collected 26 assists, while Teagan Snaadt ended the night with 29 digs for their final game as a Crusader. Holy Trinity Catholic finished the season with a 29-13 record.

In another upset, #7 Janseville fended off #2 Saint Ansgar to sweep the Saints (25-23, 27-25, and 25-22). Zoey Barnes put up 17 kills in the win. The Wildcats and Comets will play tonight in the semifinal at 6:25. 

The top half of the bracket went to plan as #1 Ankeny Christian dumped #8 Don Bosco in straight sets, while #4 Riverside outlasted #5 North Tama in five sets (18-25, 25-21, 23-25, 25-16, 15-11). The semifinal game will be played tonight at 6 pm.

Class 2A was efficient and expected with all the top seeds winning their contests in sweeps. #1 Denver will compete against last year’s champion #4 Dike-New Hartford at 4 pm, while #2 Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont will face off against #3 Beckman Catholic at 4:25 pm. 

Lastly, Class 3A had #1 Mt. Vernon sweep #8 Mid-Prairie (25-22, 25-16, and 25-16) and #4 Wahlert Catholic bested #5 Kuemper Catholic in four sets. In the bottom half of the bracket, #2 Western Christian hung on to defeat #7 Sioux Center in five sets as Scarlett Winterfield tabbed 21 kills in the win. #3 West Delaware took down #6 Assumption in four sets with three players finishing with double-digit kills. 

Mt. Vernon will take on Wahlert Catholic at 2 this afternoon and Western Christian will compete against West Delaware at 2:25 pm. 

For Class 5A, Waukee Northwest will face off against Ankeny Centennial in the semifinals today at 10 am. Pleasant Valley will take on Dowling Catholic.

In Class 4A, #8 Sergeant Bluff-Luton will compete against Pella in the top half of the bracket and Bishop Heelan will take on North Scott today with the first game at noon.

Postseason Football

In Class 2A, Mid-Prairie will take on PCM on Friday, November 8th, at 7 on the road. 

In Class 3A, #5 Mt. Vernon will travel to take on Algona on Friday at 7 pm. 

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Tonight’s episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook will recap the 2024 football and volleyball seasons for our local teams. Tune in to KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, at 6 pm tonight to listen to the episode. 

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will face off against Des Moines Area Community College tonight in the Region 11 Quarterfinals at 7 pm.

College Football

Iowa will travel to UCLA on Friday, November 8th, at 8:05 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the broadcast.

#17 Iowa State will look to get back in the win column against Kansas on the road on Saturday, November 9th, at 2:30 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

College Basketball

The Iowa men’s team will stay at home to take on Southern tomorrow, November 7th, at 7 pm.

The #6 Iowa State men’s team will face off against Kansas City at home on Monday, November 11th, at 7 pm.

The #8 Iowa State women’s team will host Indiana State tomorrow at 6:30 pm.

The Iowa women’s team will compete against Northern Illinois tonight at 6:30 at home. 

This Day in Sports History

1869 – First collegiate football game, Rutgers defeated Princeton 6-4. 

1974 – Dodger Mike Marshall becomes the first relief pitcher to win the Cy Young Award.

1995 – Art Modell officially announced the Cleveland Browns were moving to Baltimore, Maryland.

Henry County Residents on Election Day

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 at 5:52 am CDT

As Election Day was Tuesday November 5th, Many Henry County residents were out to do their part and vote. KILJ News was out to hear from the residents. Gary Scherer, a veteran himself that has lived with his wife in Henry County since 2017, and Des Moines County before that, tells KILJ News why he votes…

Gary, has been voting in Southeast Iowa since the 60’s. He talked about many changes he has seen come and go in Des Moines & Henry Counties…

As Election night went on, KILJ News made our way to Winfield City Hall to check in with residents. Dorie Fowler has lived in Winfield for twenty-five years and has voted in Henry county for 20 years…

Henry County Recorded over five thousand early votes before election day. We asked Dorie if there was a reason she chose to vote ON election day versus early voting…

As KILJ News talked with Henry County residents across all of the polling stations on election night, the residents all talked about one thing, the importance in their vote for the future.