Public Input Needed on Water Quality Plan for Big Hollow Lake

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, August 8th, 2025 at 8:33 am CDT

DES MOINES COUNTY — Iowans interested in efforts to improve water quality at Big Hollow Lake can now review and comment on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) updated improvement plan. A presentation outlining the findings and proposed solutions is available through September 8 on the Iowa DNR’s YouTube channel.

Big Hollow Lake, located in Des Moines County, is currently listed on the state’s impaired waters list due to high levels of algae, elevated pH, and turbidity—issues primarily driven by excessive phosphorus entering the lake. These water quality problems affect both recreational use and aquatic ecosystems.

The study, formally known as a Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP), analyzes phosphorus sources and quantities, and outlines practical steps that local agencies, landowners, and community stakeholders can take to reduce nutrient pollution. The goal is to restore the lake for safe and enjoyable use by the public and support healthy aquatic life.

Originally published on May 1, 2025, the WQIP underwent corrections during the final review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), prompting a new round of public comment.

The video presentation is available at youtube.com/iowadnr and the full plan can be downloaded from the Iowa DNR website at:
🔗 www.iowadnr.gov/wq-improvement-plans

Fairfield Designated as Iowa’s Newest Main Street Community

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, August 8th, 2025 at 8:32 am CDT

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has officially named Fairfield as the state’s newest Main Street Iowa community, recognizing the city’s strong commitment to downtown revitalization and economic growth.

The announcement was made during the 2025 Iowa Downtown Conference in Muscatine. Fairfield becomes the 54th community to join the Main Street Iowa network, a program focused on preserving and energizing historic downtown’s through local leadership, volunteerism, and strategic planning.

“Fairfield has long stood out for its cultural depth and entrepreneurial energy,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority. “They’re now building on those strengths to create a more welcoming and vibrant downtown.”

After not being selected in 2024, Fairfield strengthened its local partnerships and followed through on key recommendations to earn the designation this year. Mayor Connie Boyer said the city is already seeing positive momentum with volunteer-led cleanup efforts downtown.

As a Main Street community, Fairfield plans to focus on facade improvements, walkability, business development, and arts and culture. A public celebration is set for August 12 in Fairfield.

Since 1985, Main Street Iowa has generated nearly $2.9 billion in private investment and supported the creation of over 17,000 jobs statewide.

Sports, August 8th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, August 8th, 2025 at 6:42 am CDT

High School Girls’ Tennis

In the inaugural season of Iowa girls’ high school fall tennis, Mt. Pleasant hosted Fort Madison last night but fell in a tough match to the Bloodhounds 5-4. The Panthers top four singles competitors won their match in Lila Cook (8-2), Mia Gray (8-6), Katana Phangchanthong (8-5), and Bella Dodds, who came back from a 7 to 3 deficit to win 9-7. The Panthers are back at home on Monday, August 11th, to face off against Burlington Notre Dame.

Fairfield shutout Centerville 9-0 in their season opener. The Trojans will travel to Keokuk on Monday. 

High School Baseball

The Iowa Baseball Coaches Association released the 2025 All-State teams for the four classes and five local players found their way onto the list, including a First Team nod.

The Southeast Iowa Super Conference had some terrific outfielders as Class 1A had Burlington Notre Dame’s Landry Haberichter and Memphis Watson of New London find a spot on the Third Team. 

Haberichter batted 0.437 for the season and led the team with a 0.584 on-base percentage, accruing 21 RBIs for the year. Watson swatted a slash line of 0.500/0.590/0.671 to go along with his 20 RBIs, six doubles, and four triples. He also broke the single-season school record for stolen bases with 42 bags.

In Class 2A, Mediapolis put two on the All-State team in First Team utility player Lance Ludens and Third Team outfielder Kyler Crow. Ludens was a beast on the mound with 11 wins and a 1.09 ERA in nearly 70 innings of work. He supplemented that with a team-leading 0.526 batting average, while knocking in 25 runs. Crow slugged 0.663 for the season with two home runs, four triples, and seven doubles for 30 RBIs. 

Lastly, Fairfield’s Aiden Westercamp took home Third Team outfielder in Class 3A. The Trojan led an SEC conference championship team with 40 RBIs and a 0.955 fielding percentage.

WACO Fall Season Preview

The WACO football team is looking for their fifth straight winning season after making it to the second round of the postseason a year ago. The team is slated to have 24 upperclassmen, yet they will be lacking experience at the skill positions after graduating their starting quarterback, running back, and wide receivers from a year ago. Despite that lack of game experience, head coach Chad Edeker has been enjoying the back to basics mentality,

“It probably actually helps me. My coaches always laugh at me saying that I put too much in, you know, and because we’re so young and because we’re learning this, we’re gonna have to be a lot more, and I don’t wanna say simple, but a lot more basic to start with and get the basics down first. So, it really helps me slow down and just work on the things that we want… You know anybody that’s played me and they scout us, they know we have four or five base plays that we’re going to run the majority of the time and we got to be good at those and we’ll use this time to get good at our base plays.”

The WACO volleyball team will be looking to bounce back from their first losing season since 2017 in a North division that has proven to be competitive and loaded with young talent. The Warriors themselves counted on a lineup of four main sophomore attackers and two-setter system with Morgan Meyer and Kinsey Hildebrand, who are both slated to return for the upcoming season. First year head coach Addison Fort will have a lot of experience returning to the roster. 

The boys’ cross country team will be senior led with Jude Dykstra leading the pack after claiming 19th at state last season. The girls’ team will be led by their own Dykstra in Josie. She turned in a season-best time of 20 minutes and 8 seconds. Both Warrior teams will be eyeing to improve their depth heading into the upcoming fall season.

Local Athletic Camps

At Danville High School, the Soukup Basketball camp for all boys and girls entering 3rd through 8th grades starts today and runs through the 10th. 

Mt. Pleasant’s high school cross country camp at the Oakland Mills Cabins will get underway on Monday, August 11th. 

College Football

Iowa State’s offense is expected to be one of the nation’s best with their top two running backs put on the Doak Walker Award watch list and now Rocco Becht has been placed on the Davey O’Brien Award watch list presented to the nation’s best college quarterback. Becht ranked 11th nationally with 3,505 passing yards and 25 passing touchdowns, adding eight rushing touchdowns. The third-year signal caller has produced 18 wins, including five victories where the Cyclones have trailed in the 4th quarter. He is also on the Maxwell Award watch list. 

Prospect League

The Cape Catfish captured their second Prospect League Championship in the past six seasons after defeating the Lafayette Aviators last night 6-2. Tank Sims provided a double and led the team with three RBIs. 

This Day in Sports History

1950 – Florence Chadwick swims the English Channel in a record time of 13 hours and 23 minutes.

1976 – The Chicago White Sox took the field wearing shorts instead of traditional baseball pants during the first game of a doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals. Despite winning the game 5–2, the shorts were such a disaster the White Sox dressed in pants for the 2nd game, which they lost 7–1.

1992 – The original US ‘Dream Team’ wins the basketball gold at the Barcelona Olympics 117-85 over Croatia; features superstars Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, and Patrick Ewing.

Mt. Pleasant’s “2025 Meet the Panthers” Night Schedule

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, August 7th, 2025 at 1:31 pm CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- The 2025-26 school year is just around the corner, which means that the fall sport season is getting ready to start with teams currently engaging in preseason practices and camps getting ready for the first day of competition.

With a new year and a new season, comes the excitement of meeting the new teams and Mt. Pleasant will be no different with their “Meet the Panthers” Night scheduled for Tuesday, August 19th, at Mapleleaf Athletic Complex.

The night will start at 6:30 pm with Willy Amos delivering the Booster Club announcements, followed by the introductions of the cheerleaders, players, managers, and coaches with the order going: cross country, girls’ tennis, football, volleyball, and the cheerleaders.

The cheerleaders will then perform at 6:50 pm with the football team set to practice at 7 pm or after the introductions.

The concession stand will be open for the night, starting at 6 pm.

Henry County Department Heads Deliver Broad Updates to Supervisors

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, August 7th, 2025 at 11:01 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met on Wednesday, August 7, to hear a series of updates from county department heads, covering everything from infrastructure projects and court scheduling to public health events and major park developments. The wide-ranging reports offered a clear picture of county operations entering late summer.

Agenda Adjustments and Minutes

The meeting began with approval of the agenda after Supervisor Chad White requested the removal of Item 5 regarding the Discussion of False Allocation of P&Z Director, Joe Buffington, $10,000 Bonus, to accommodate the presence of an individual involved in that discussion. That item will be added to next weeks agenda.

Veterans Affairs

Veterans Affairs Director Roger Pittsenbarger shared that the department handled 188 phone calls and 72 in-person visits last month.Pittsenbarger recently attended a national conference in Louisville, Kentucky, where he met with top-level VA officials and discussed upcoming changes to benefits and systems.

He reported that veterans’ benefits generated over $695,000 in income for Henry County last month, with the annual total projected to exceed $8.3 million. Upcoming activities include attending the Iowa State Fair, meeting with Medicaid staff, and hosting a virtual commissioner training on September 16, timed to avoid conflicts with harvest schedules.

County Attorney’s Office

The County Attorney office detailed upcoming court proceedings, including trials scheduled for August 4, 11, and 25, with two still on the docket for August 12. The August 18 date may be used for non-reported trials.

The office is undergoing a physical reorganization to improve public access. Effective immediately, the middle door will serve as the primary public entrance during morning hours. Signage will soon be added to help guide visitors.

Assessor’s Office

County Assessor Nathan Milks provided updates on parcel review work triggered by new aerial imagery software. Over 3,000 parcels were flagged for changes since 2023, including demolitions and unreported new construction. Staff are verifying the flagged properties, which include outbuildings, pools, sheds, and more.

Milks also noted that a court date of August 19–21 has been set in the ongoing legal battle with Walmart over the assessed value of its Mount Pleasant store. The county values the property at $12.1 million, a figure the company is contesting. Mediation remains possible ahead of the trial.

Engineer’s Office

County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss presented the latest road and infrastructure updates:

  • 110th Street near Salem has a completed culvert replacement.
  • Crews are grading and rocking gravel roads in advance of dust control applications, which began August 6.
  • Third-round mowing is underway across the county.
  • New school zone signs and flashing beacons were installed in Salem near the school along J20.
  • Work continues on Goodyear Road north of Washington Street, with milling complete and pavement patching to follow. 

Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Rich McNamee reported that the jail population has remained steady in the 50s for four consecutive months. In July, the department collected $3,878.65 in revenue from housing inmates from other counties.

The Sheriff’s Office is welcoming new staff to both jail and patrol divisions, and Deputy Tyler Ruby is set to begin academy training in September. The department is preparing for the busy Old Threshers Reunion, and also coordinating back-to-school safety events and public checkpoints in the coming weeks.

Conservation Department

Conservation Director Caleb Waters celebrated recent upgrades at Stevenson Park, including the construction of a new shelter house, expanded parking, and a relocated historical monument. Waters credited strong community support, fundraising, and volunteer contributions for bringing the project to completion.

Persistent high water levels have led to multiple closures at Waterworks Campground, requiring constant monitoring. A ribbon-cutting is expected next week for the newly completed dump station.

Public Health

Public Health Director Katie Reuter reported a successful presence at the county fair, where her team served approximately 200 children during Kids Day with healthy snacks and resources.

The department is preparing for the Back-to-School Health Fair on August 11 from 4–7 p.m. at Central Gym in Mount Pleasant. Services will include immunizations, sports physicals, and health screenings.

Reuter also addressed the recent measles outbreak in Iowa, where eight cases have been confirmed, including three in vaccinated individuals. No cases have been reported in Henry County. Thanks to local outreach efforts, MMR vaccination rates are on the rise.

Public Health’s Stepping On fall prevention classes continue to have strong participation, with wait lists forming, and the Senior Health Fair is scheduled for September 24 at Calvary Baptist Church.

Planning and Zoning

Supervisors were reminded of the upcoming Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on August 12, where members will review zoning ordinance updates to align with Senate File 592 regarding accessory dwellings. A public hearing with the Board of Supervisors will follow on August 14.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors will meet again next week, with follow-up expected on tabled agenda items and the Walmart valuation case.

For more updates, visit KILJ.com or tune in to KILJ News Radio.

Sports, August 7th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, August 7th, 2025 at 6:35 am CDT

Winfield-Mt. Union Fall Season Preview

The Winfield-Mt. Union football program is hoping to put together their fifth straight winning season and their fourth consecutive playoff berth after making it to the state semifinals in 2023 after finishing the season with an 11-1 record. The Wolves will have to find a couple of key replacements as they graduated Jake Edwards and Lane Genkinger, as the pair combined for 88% of the team’s total yards and 90% of the team’s offensive touchdowns, and Cooper Buffington, as he will take his talents to the University of Montana. The offense is hoping the connection between Cody Milks and Max Edwards will develop further as Milks threw for four touchdowns last year, while Edwards caught 31 passes for 552 yards and seven touchdowns. The season will start on the road against Easton Valley on Thursday, August 28th, at 7 pm.

The volleyball squad is excited to get the season rolling after collecting 13 wins last year, including a four-set postseason victory over Lone Tree. This squad graduated only two seniors from last year’s team. The return of Madisen Kellogg, who tabbed 428 assists, and their two main attackers in Kellee Milks and Kynlee Buffington, who combined for 341 kills last year and both had efficiencies above 0.200, will help the transition of first-year head coach Ashlei Venghaus.

The youth movement will be strong amongst the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams for the Wolves. The boys’ cross country team graduated seniors William Cupps, Jacob Nelson, and Kohlby Newsom, who was ranked at various times throughout the season and outpaced southeast Iowa at the state meet with a 9th place time of 16 minutes and 29 seconds. The girls’ team last year had only one runner in Ashlyn Bender, a freshman, whose best time of the year was 27 minutes and 39 seconds. It will be interesting who will lead the pack when the season gets underway on September 2nd at Hillcrest Academy.

Local Athletic Camps

At Danville High School, the Soukup Basketball camp for all boys and girls entering 3rd through 8th grades will start tomorrow, August 8th, and run through the 10th. The cost will be $60 per camper and you can sign up at www.soukupbasketballcamp.com. 

Mt. Pleasant’s high school cross country camp at the Oakland Mills Cabins will get underway on Monday, August 11th. 

College Football

Iowa had two Hawkeyes placed on the Sporting News Preseason All-American second team yesterday in Gennings Dunker and Kaden Wetjen. Dunker, an offensive tackle, was a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award last year and was named second-team All-Big Ten as the team rushed for over 200 yards in seven of their contests.

Wetjen is fresh off winning the 2024 Jet Award and the Rodgers-Dwight Return Big Ten Specialist of the Year. He finished with 1,055 combined kick return yards to lead the country and returned two special teams touchdowns last season: a 100-yard kick return and an 85-yard punt return.

Iowa will host UAlbany on August 30th at 5 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the coverage throughout the season.

Prospect League

The Cape Catfish will host Game two of the Prospect League championship tonight against the Lafayette Aviators at 6:35 pm with a 1-0 lead in the three-game series.

This Day in Sports History

1936 – Twenty-two nations line-up as the first basketball competition in the Olympic Games starts in Berlin; Estonia beats France 34-29 in the first game.

1948 – American Alice Coachman becomes the first Black woman from any country to win an Olympic gold medal when she takes out the high jump at the London Games.

1999 – Wade Boggs becomes the first MLB player to hit a home run for his 3,000th hit in a Tampa Bay Devil Rays’ 15-10 loss to Cleveland.

Mary L.  Ping

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 at 3:37 pm CDT

Mary L.  Ping, 103, of New London, Iowa, and formerly Burlington, passed away, August 4, 2025 at New London Specialty Care, surrounded by her family and the amazing staff who cared for her. She was born January 13, 1922, in Garland, Iowa, to Eddie G. and Mittie Mehaffy Stodgell. She attended school in Yarmouth, and on September 17, 1938, Mary married Kendall E. Ping in Kahoka, Mo. He preceded her in death on July 31, 1981.

Mary worked at Campbell Chain for many years. She enjoyed playing cards, especially Skipbo, Pitch, and Solitaire. She also enjoyed babysitting, baking, and making special Easter cakes and treats for her family and neighbors. She knew everybody and always put others before herself, especially her family.

She loved being a caregiver as she took care of her husband, who was paralyzed, for the last 16 years of his life and when her son-in-law Bob was ill, she took care of him too.

Survivors include her daughter Ramona Prottsman of New London, grandchildren, Amy Wolfe of New London, and Bill (Angie) Prottsman, Tammy (Joe) Levins, Theresa (David) Cromer, and Don Ping, all of Burlington; great-grandchildren, Braydon, Brianna, Cole, Payne, Gregory, Ariel, Ashley, Kyle and Kelsey, and Patti and Rob Miller, and their daughters, Mylee and Halee, and Breanna and Tyler Mettler who were all like grandchildren to her; and her special friend, Susie Keyes (Greg) of Houston, Texas, who was like a daughter to her; sister Dorothy Cassidy, Burlington, several great-great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Ronald and his wife Claudia, son-in-law Bob Prottsman, brothers James and John, sisters Maurine, Jean, Valeda, and Doris, and step-brother Eddie Parr.

Visitation for Mary will be at Elliott Chapel, New London, on August 11, from 9:00 – 11:00 am, with the family receiving friends from 10:00 -11:00 am. Services will start at 11:00 am, with burial at Trinity Cemetery, rural Mt. Union, immediately following. A memorial has been established for the activity fund at New London Specialty Care.

Mary’s family is forever grateful and would like to thank the New London Specialty Care Staff for taking care of her for the last nine years, like she was one of their own.

Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Mary L.  Ping

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 at 12:04 pm CDT

Mary L.  Ping, 103, of New London, Iowa, and formerly Burlington, passed away, August 4, 2025 at New London Specialty Care, surrounded by her family and the amazing staff who cared for her. She was born January 13, 1922, in Garland, Iowa, to Eddie G. and Mittie Mehaffy Stodgell. She attended school in Yarmouth, and on September 17, 1938, Mary married Kendall E. Ping in Kahoka, Mo. He preceded her in death on July 31, 1981.

Mary worked at Campbell Chain for many years. She enjoyed playing cards, especially Skipbo, Pitch, and Solitaire. She also enjoyed babysitting, baking, and making special Easter cakes and treats for her family and neighbors. She knew everybody and always put others before herself, especially her family.

She loved being a caregiver as she took care of her husband, who was paralyzed, for the last 16 years of his life and when her son-in-law Bob was ill, she took care of him too.

Survivors include her daughter Ramona Prottsman of New London, grandchildren, Amy Wolfe of New London, and Bill (Angie) Prottsman, Tammy (Joe) Levins, Theresa (David) Cromer, and Don Ping, all of Burlington; great-grandchildren, Braydon, Brianna, Cole, Payne, Gregory, Ariel, Ashley, Kyle and Kelsey, and Patti and Rob Miller, and their daughters, Mylee and Halee, and Breanna and Tyler Mettler who were all like grandchildren to her; and her special friend, Susie Keyes (Greg) of Houston, Texas, who was like a daughter to her; sister Dorothy Cassidy, Burlington, several great-great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Ronald and his wife Claudia, son-in-law Bob Prottsman, brothers James and John, sisters Maurine, Jean, Valeda, and Doris, and step-brother Eddie Parr.

Visitation for Mary will be at Elliott Chapel, New London, on August 11, from 9:00 – 11:00 am, with the family receiving friends from 10:00 -11:00 am. Services will start at 11:00 am, with burial at Trinity Cemetery, rural Mt. Union, immediately following. A memorial has been established for the activity fund at New London Specialty Care.

Mary’s family is forever grateful and would like to thank the New London Specialty Care Staff for taking care of her for the last nine years, like she was one of their own.

Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.