Abbie Liechty Announces Intent to Run for County Attorney in November

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, April 6th, 2026 at 5:47 am CDT

Abbie Liechty has announced plans to run again for Henry County Attorney in the November 2026 general election, following her loss in the recent special election to Becky Wilson.

Liechty, who campaigned on her desire to return to her hometown and serve her community with her law degree, says she remains committed to serving Henry County and has valued her time working as Assistant Henry County Attorney.

Liechty also noted she is seeking more clarity from incoming County Attorney Wilson regarding staffing plans for the office once the election is certified and Wilson is sworn in on April 7. When asked if she would remain in her current role, Liechty said she would be willing to continue as Assistant County Attorney if Wilson chooses to retain her.

Regardless of staffing decisions, Liechty indicated she plans to stay engaged with the community, continue building support, and focus on the issues she highlighted during her initial campaign.

The race for Henry County Attorney will appear on the November 2026 ballot, setting up a rematch between Liechty and Wilson.

While the special election did not produce her desired outcome, Liechty expressed gratitude to her family, friends, supporters, and the residents of Henry County, and says she looks forward to earning additional support ahead of the general election.

April 6, 2026 – April 12, 2026

By Slaten Swords · Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at 11:15 pm CDT
04/06/26
Mindy Creager
04/06/26
Matthew Moothart
04/06/26
Jason Smith
04/06/26
Madonna Warden
04/06/26
Sara Davis
04/07/26
Jeryl McArtor
04/07/26
Addyson Calhoun
04/07/26
Addy Smith
04/07/26
Emma Jones
04/07/26
Matt Rowan
04/07/26
Jolie Rowan
04/08/26
Linda Hunsaker
04/08/26
Tenley Fisher
04/08/26
Jeff & Gayle Olson *Anniversary
04/09/26
Jericho Ho
04/09/26
Tammy Shroyer
04/10/26
Mitchell Brown
04/11/26
Mikayla Truitt
04/12/26
Faith Krause
04/12/26
Jason Loving

KILJ’s Sunday FOCUS Program 04/05/26

By Lisa Grilliot · Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at 1:00 pm CDT

April is National Donate Life Month across the nation and in the state of Iowa.  It is an opportunity to bring awareness to life saving organ and tissue donation.

 

Websites mentioned in this program:

registerme.org

https://www.iowadonornetwork.org/

  • April 10, 2026 Wear Green & Blue Day
  • April 20, 2026 Bake Sale at HCHC 8:30am – 3:00pm
  • All proceeds go to Iowa Donor Network.

Oakland Mills Nature Center: Opens for the Season This Month!

By Lisa Grilliot · Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at 12:00 pm CDT

The Oakland Mills Nature Center will open for the season on Saturday, April 18th! The Nature Center is located in Oakland Mills Park, Top-of-Hill Area 2591 Nature Center Drive, Mt. Pleasant.  Hours: Saturdays 9:00 a.m.- noon from mid-April through mid-October. Contact the Conservation Department Offices at (319) 986-5067 to schedule other appointments.

Learn about the Skunk River Valley and the variety of plants and animals in this area. Discover how each species of wildlife interacts with its habitat and test your knowledge of nature by experiencing the exhibits.

Henry County Conservation Department Art Contest!

By Lisa Grilliot · Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at 8:00 am CDT

The Henry County Conservation Department has announced its first annual Art Contest!  Paintings, drawings, and 3D art that depict the animals who call the park out at Oakland Mills, home.  There are three classes for contestants to register: 10yrs and under, 11yrs-18yrs, and adult.  Submissions must be turned into the Henry County Conservation Department Office by Monday, May 4, 2026, by 5:00pm.  Judging will take place on Wednesday, May 6 at the HCCD board meeting.  The meeting is open to the public (contestants do not need to be present to win).  Winners will be announced to the public on Thursday, May 7, 2026.  Three lucky winners will have their art printed on Oakland Mills Merchandise and will receive a prize.  Call 319-931-0336 with questions or email: apacha@henrycountyconservation.com.

Full details can be found HERE.

Sports, April 4th

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The Liberty Co-Ed Invitational was canceled for today for Columbus.

Mt. Pleasant and Washington will venture north to the Williamsburg Co-Ed Invitational on Tuesday, April 7th.

Mediapolis will host the Dave Aamodt Relays on Tuesday with Danville, West Burlington/Notre Dame, Wapello, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip. 

The WACO Relays are scheduled for Tuesday with Van Buren County, New London, and Columbus competing. 

The Fairfield girls’ team will hold their own meet on Tuesday with Central Lee flying over, while the Fairfield boys’ team will participate in the Dennis Anderson Relays.

High School Soccer

Mt. Pleasant will face off against Columbus on the road on Monday, April 6th, with the girls playing first at 5 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will head down the road to compete against Burlington on Monday with game one at 5:30 pm.

The WACO boys’ team will square off against Fairfield on Monday on the road at 5 pm.

Central Lee will contend with Keokuk for their home opener on Monday with game one at 5 pm.

The Danville boys’ team will stay at home to face off against Cedar Rapids Washington on Monday at 6 pm.

The Washington girls’ team will travel to Oskaloosa on Monday at 5 pm, while the boys’ team will host Hillcrest Academy on Tuesday, April 7th, at 5 pm.

Wapello will take on Cedar Valley Christian on Tuesday at home with the girls leading off the night at 5 pm.

The Mediapolis girls’ team will hit the road to play Tipton on Tuesday at 5 pm, while the boys’ team will host Danville on Thursday, April 9th, at 7 pm.

High School Golf

Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield will start their conference play on Monday, April 6th, with the girls’ teams heading to Washington and the boys’ teams playing in Fairfield. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Burlington Notre Dame on Tuesday, April 7th, at home.

Wapello will host Louisa-Muscatine on Tuesday.

Mediapolis will travel to Danville on Tuesday.

Columbus will take on Hillcrest Academy at home on Tuesday.

Van Buren County will travel to Central Lee on Tuesday.

WACO will compete against Lone Tree on Tuesday at home.

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will attend the Wapello Invite on Wednesday, April 8th. 

High School Boys’ Tennis

The Ottumwa Invitational scheduled for today has been canceled. Fairfield will host Burlington for their first match of the season on Thursday, April 9th.

Mt. Pleasant will take on Keokuk for their home opener on Tuesday, April 7th.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team extended their win streak to 12 games after taking both games of their doubleheader against Iowa Lakes Community College yesterday, 11-1 in game one and 10-1 in game two. The Blackhawks will look for the sweep over the Lakers today with a home matchup at 2 pm.

The softball team swept St. Louis Community College yesterday, 12-8 in game one and 9-5 in game two. The Blackhawks will face off against Illinois Central College in a road doubleheader on Monday, April 6th. 

March Madness

The KILJ bracket challenge, sponsored by The Press Box, is officially underway with 60 brackets submitted with the top three set to receive prizes. 

Here’s an updated look at the top 10 brackets and a recap of the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight: KILJ’s Bracket Challenge Standings. The Final Four is slated to start tonight with game one at 5:09 pm between #2 UConn and #3 Illinois. 

Standings will be updated before the championship game.

College Baseball and Softball

The Iowa baseball team fell to Minnesota yesterday, 9-4. Kooper Schulte swatted a solo home run in the loss. The Hawkeyes will look to even the series today at home with first pitch at 2 pm.

The Iowa softball team fell to #18 Oregon last night, 10-1, in six innings. Tory Bennett had the lone RBI in the loss. The Hawkeyes will look to upset the Ducks today with their matchup slated for 6 pm.

The Iowa State softball team will take on #14 Arizona tomorrow, April 5th, in a home doubleheader. 

This Day in Sports History

1911 – Hugh Chalmers, an automaker, announced a change in his baseball MVP award structure. From that point on, Chalmers would give the award to the player who “should prove himself as the most important and useful player to his club…”

1948 – A’s manager Connie Mack, who is 84 years old, challenges Clark Griffith, the 78 year-old owner of the Senators, to a foot race from third base to home plate. It ends in a tie.

1986 – Wayne Gretzky set the NHL record with his 213th point of the season. Finished the season with 215 points as the record still stands.

Danville City Council to Meet 4/6/25

By Lisa Grilliot · Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at 5:37 am CDT

The City of Danville City Council will meet in regular session on Monday, April 6 at 5:3pm.  The meeting will take place in Danville City Hall, 105 W. Shepherd Street.  Items on the agenda include department reports, final review of the City of Danville 2045 comprehensive plan with a public hearing scheduled for April 20, 2026, among other items.  This meeting is open to the public.

 

Special Election for Salem City Council Member, 4/7/26

By Lisa Grilliot · Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at 5:36 am CDT

The City of Salem, Iowa is holding special election next week to elect a city council person for Salem city council, and residents are encouraged to vote.  The polls are open from 7am – 8pm on Tuesday, April 7th at the Salem Public Library.