Sports, May 19th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 at 6:53 am CDT

High School Postseason Soccer

In Class 1A Substate 5, The WACO boys’ team fell to Mediapolis last night, 5-0. The Warriors finished the season with a 5-7 record. 

Mediapolis will take on Pella Christian on May 27th at 7 pm on the road. 

The Danville boys’ team throttled Wapello last night, 5-1. Trevor Yaley and Alex Pfadenhauer each collected two goals for the Bears, while Edgar Vazquez had the lone goal for Wapello.

Danville will travel to Burlington Notre Dame on May 27th at 7 pm.

In Substate 6, the Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team shutout Highland last night, 5-0. The Wildcats will hit the road to play Tipton on May 27th at 7 pm. 

Over in Class 2A Substate 4, the Washington boys’ team came back to beat Central DeWitt last night, 2-1. Ben Kronlage tabbed an assist and a goal in the win. The Demons will square off against Mt. Vernon on May 27th at 7 pm on the road. 

The Fairfield boys’ team clipped Mid-Prairie last night, 2-1. The Trojans will look to knock off Solon in the substate semifinals on May 27th at 7 pm on the road. 

For Substate 5, Central Lee will compete against Knoxville tonight at 7 pm. 

High School Soccer

The Burlington Notre Dame girls’ team got back into the win column with a  5-0 shutout of Keokuk last night. Avery Jefferies claimed a hat trick and two assists in the victory. The Nikes will square off against Fort Madison tonight at 5 pm.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team lost to Ottumwa last night 10-0. The Panthers will host Mediapolis on Thursday, May 21st, at 4:30 pm.

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will make up their contest against Clear Creek Amana tomorrow, May 20th, on the road.

The Central Lee girls’ team dropped their contest to West Branch last night, 11-1. Hope Juarez netted the lone goal for the Hawks. The Central Lee girls’ team will face off against Fairfield in the first round of the Class 1A Region 2 bracket on May 26th at 7 pm on the road. 

The Washington girls’ team had their contest against Fort Madison last night canceled. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will travel to Washington tonight at 5 pm.

The Fairfield girls’ team will play Mediapolis tonight at 5 pm on the road.

High School Golf

The Fairfield and Washington boys’ teams and Brody Engle of Mt. Pleasant will travel to Pella for their District meet today.

The Winfield-Mt. Union, WACO, and Danville boys’ teams along with Holy Trinity Catholic’s Max Kruse and Wapello’s Cully Fry will head to Oskaloosa Golf today for their Class 1A District showdown hosted by Sigourney.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will host their Class 2A District Meet today at Heritage Oaks with Central Lee competing.

The Wapello girls’ team will host the Class 1A Region 5 finals at Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club tomorrow, May 20th, with Winfield-Mt. Union, Van Buren County’s Sophia Jirak, and Hailey Wellington of Columbus making the trip.

The Mid-Prairie girls’ team will host the Class 2A Region 5 finals with Burlington Notre Dame’s Alexandria Booten competing tomorrow. 

The Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield girls’ teams will be heading to Edmundson Golf Course tomorrow for the Class 3A Region 3 meet. 

The Washington girls’ team will travel to Stone Creek Golf Club for the Class 3A Region 4 meet tomorrow.

High School Track and Field

The Iowa High School State Track and Field meet is scheduled to start on Thursday, May 21st, and run through Saturday, May 23rd, with KILJ providing updates throughout the three-day event.

Some of our local athletes will be looking to defend their titles from last year. New London’s crew of Cale Westerbeck, Gavin Strawhacker, Brigham Porter, and London Franklin will look to run it back in the 4×100 meter relay. Eli Zillman of Fairfield will look to reclaim the high jump title from his sophomore season. Lastly, Burlington’s Kylee Hill is looking to make it a three-peat from the shot put ring. 

For a full list of our state qualifiers, follow this link: State Qualifiers List

High School Boys’ Tennis

The team tennis tournament will begin tomorrow, May 20th, with Mt. Pleasant traveling to Assumption and Fairfield taking on Central DeWitt on the road for Class 1A Substate 7. 

High School Baseball

Wapello had their contest against West Burlington canceled last night. Wapello will get back to action on Thursday, May 21st, at 5 pm at home against North Cedar. 

West Burlington will tangle with Fort Madison tomorrow, May 20th, at 7 pm on the road. 

Winfield-Mt. Union was handled by Burlington last night, 9-0. Trevor Phillips and Graham Haines combined for eight strikeouts on the mound in the loss. The Wolves will host Cardinal tomorrow at 7 pm.

Fairfield fell to Grinnell last night, 5-3. The Trojans will stay at home tonight against Oskaloosa with first pitch at 7 pm.

Van Buren County will face off against Lone Tree tonight with the doubleheader starting at 5:30 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will have their home opener tomorrow at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

High School Softball

The Wapello girls’ team won a pitcher’s duel against West Burlington/Notre Dame last night, 2-1. Quinn Zweibohmer was unstoppable, notching 17 strikeouts in seven innings of work in the circle to go along with an RBI at the plate. Orayana Gonzalez slashed an RBI double for the Falcons.

Wapello will square off against Columbus on May 26th at 7 pm on the road.

West Burlington/Notre Dame will look to bounce back against Fort Madison tomorrow, May 20th, at 7 pm on the road.  

Columbus will tangle with Lone Tree at home tonight at 7 pm.

High School Softball Rankings

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) released their preseason rankings yesterday and Central Lee was slotted in at #15 for Class 3A. The Hawks finished last year with a 22-9 record and for the third consecutive year on top of the Southeast Iowa Super Conference South Division rankings. Kenna Sandoval and Marie Young return to the lineup after combining for 53 RBIs last year, as Sandoval sits at 27 career home runs.

Two other Super Conference teams to keep an eye on is #1 Louisa-Muscatine in Class 2A and #5 Highland in Class 1A. Both teams will be battling it out in the North Division with their first matchup slated for June 9th.

College Signing

The nascent Southeastern Community College (SCC) men’s wrestling program will be adding another local talent to their roster in Mt. Pleasant’s Charlie Bohnenkamp, as he signed his letter of intent yesterday. 

After going 14-12 in his senior campaign and not meeting his expectations, the Panther is looking forward for the opportunity at redemption,

“Yeah, it’s nice because SCC is giving me a second chance. I’m thankful for that. I mean, I love wrestling. I like wrestling. Like, it’s something that makes me a better person every day, and I hope that it will continue to make me better.”

Local Summer Athletic Camps

Mt. Pleasant girls’ basketball is offering up a camp for any girls’ basketball players entering 3rd through 12th grades from June 23rd through the 25th located at the Mt. Pleasant High School Gym. The camp will focus on the fundamentals and introduce team concepts employed by the high school’s system.

If you would like to sign-up, then follow this link and fill out the form: https://kilj.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mp-girls-bball-camp.pdf  

Winfield-Mt. Union is encouraging students entering 3rd through 8th grade to stay active this summer with their Wolfpack Performance Training program that will feature 12 dates throughout June and the beginning of July from 9 am to 9:45 am to build speed and agility. 

If you would like to sign-up, then head over to KILJ’s Facebook page and use their QR Code. 

College Baseball

Iowa will square off against Illinois today to start the Big Ten tournament from Omaha, Nebraska.

This Day in Sports History

1910 – Cy Young got his 500th win.

1912 – American League president Ban Johnson told the Detroit Tigers that if they continued to protest the Ty Cobb suspension they would be banned from baseball. 

1974 – The Philadelphia Flyers became the first post-’67 expansion team to win the Stanley Cup. The Flyers won the cup the following season as well.

Mount Pleasant to Celebrate Belle Babb Mansfield’s 180th Birthday

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 at 6:49 am CDT

A celebration of one of Mount Pleasant’s most historic figures is set for next weekend during the Farmhouse Central Vintage Market in downtown Mount Pleasant.

The community is invited to Central Park on Saturday, May 23rd, to celebrate the 180th birthday of Arabella Babb Mansfield — better known locally as Belle Babb Mansfield.

The event will feature live music from Maybelle Lou from 1 to 3 p.m., along with birthday cake and a chance to reflect on Mansfield’s lasting connection to Mount Pleasant history.

Mansfield became the first certified female attorney in the United States after taking the Iowa bar exam in 1869. That exam was administered inside the historic Union Block building overlooking Central Park — a landmark that still stands today. Mount Pleasant also honors Mansfield with a statue on central campus recognizing her groundbreaking achievement.

The Farmhouse Central Vintage Market will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Central Park and will include shopping, entertainment, and community activities throughout the day.

The birthday celebration is sponsored by the Henry County Bar Association.

Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, May 11-17, 2026

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 at 6:10 am CDT

Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

May 11-17, 2026

DES MOINES, Iowa (May 18, 2026) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“My thoughts are with all those who experienced storm damage from the hail, high winds, and tornadoes that moved through over the weekend. Forecasts show another round of severe weather is possible tonight, and then many farms and communities will continue the difficult work of recovery and clean up,” said Secretary Naig. “Despite the weather challenges over the weekend, the rainfall was beneficial for many farmers, providing a timely boost to recently planted corn and soybeans. Forecasts for the remainder of the week call for a return to milder and drier conditions, which should allow farmers to resume fieldwork.”

Crop Report

There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 17, 2026. Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 26 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 23 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Corn planting reached 88 percent complete, which is one percentage point behind last year and six percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Forty-six percent of corn had emerged, which is eight percentage points behind last year’s pace and three percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Eighty percent of the expected soybeans have been planted, which is one percentage point behind last year and 12 percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Soybean emergence reached 28 percent, which is 10 percentage points behind last year and three percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Oats planting in Iowa reached 97 percent complete and 87 percent of oats have emerged. Pasture condition rated 73 percent good to excellent.

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at https://www.nass.usda.gov/.

Weather Summary 

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

A significant shift in the large-scale pattern brought an active end to the reporting period, as several rounds of severe thunderstorms produced large hail, high winds and a weak tornado in Iowa. Rainfall was also above normal across portions of southern and northeastern Iowa. Unseasonably warm temperatures continued statewide with the highest departures approaching five degrees; the statewide average temperature was 63.8 degrees, 4.6 degrees above normal.

Sunday (10th) afternoon was breezy with northwesterly winds, mostly sunny skies and daytime highs in the upper 60s and low 70s. Winds became variable and light into Monday (11th) with morning lows in the low 30s north to low 50s south. A shift to southerly winds pushed afternoon highs into the low 80s southwest while temperatures were 15-20 degrees cooler farther northeast. A weak cold front began dropping through the state before daybreak on Tuesday (12th), bringing light showers over portions of northern Iowa, though totals were below 0.10 inch over northern Iowa at 7:00 a.m. Showers became more numerous as the front pushed through eastern Iowa with 0.12 inch reported in Bellevue (Dubuque County) and 0.13 inch in Iowa Falls (Hardin County). Afternoon conditions stabilized as high pressure took control of the Upper Midwest. Temperatures rose into the upper 70s with spotty low 80s and anomalously low dewpoints over northern Iowa. Strong northwesterly winds also lofted dry, cultivated soil into the air, reducing visibility at several locations. Starry skies prevailed into Wednesday (13th) with unseasonably warm morning lows in the mid 50s southeast; temperatures were more seasonal across northern Iowa. The rest of the day was pleasant with temperatures in the 70s and blustery northerly winds.

Thursday (14th) started with clear skies and temperatures in the 50s across Iowa’s western two-thirds. Cloud cover increased over western and northern Iowa as stronger southerly winds built in. Afternoon temperatures held in the 70s as isolated thunderstorms formed along the Iowa-Minnesota border. Additional showers formed over northeastern Iowa through the late evening hours, pushing into the southeast corner after sunset. Several stations in Lee County observed higher totals ranging from 0.29 inch in Salem to 0.45 inch in Augusta; many stations in the northeast one-third of the state picked up measurable totals. Friday (15th) was the first of several severe weather days across the Midwest as daytime temperatures quickly warmed into the upper 80s in the presence of ample northerly moisture advection. A strong cold front slammed into this unstable airmass through the evening hours, firing strong to severe thunderstorms along the boundary. Northwestern Iowa experienced widespread reports of damaging hail, some of which were larger than two inches, as was observed in Anthon (Woodbury County) and several stations in Hancock County, including Kanawha and Meservey. Severe straight-line winds were also reported in southwest and northeast Iowa. Rainfall was widespread with more than half of the stations measuring at least 0.30 inch; Allison (Butler County) registered 1.40 inches. Saturday (16th) saw more concentrated severe weather in the southwest with 2.75-inch hail reported in Red Oak (Montgomery County) and a weak tornado near Gravity (Taylor County). Heavy rain also overspread much of south Iowa along with pockets in the northwest; nearly 20 stations had at least 2.00 inches with an additional 30 hitting 1.00 inch or more.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.10 inch at Sioux City Air National Guard Base (Woodbury County) to 6.08 inches in Westfield (Plymouth County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.96 inch; the normal is 1.10 inches. Sioux City Airport (Woodbury County) reported the week’s high temperature of 95 degrees on the 15th, 23 degrees above normal. Spencer Municipal Airport (Clay County) reported the week’s low temperature of 26 degrees on the 11th, 20 degrees below normal. Four-inch soil temperatures were in the low to mid 60s statewide as of Sunday.

 

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Wayland Man Facing Domestic Abuse Assault Charge Following Disturbance

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, May 18th, 2026 at 1:54 pm CDT

A Wayland man is facing several charges following a reported disturbance late Friday night.

According to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the 200 block of South Pearl Street in Wayland at approximately 11:10 p.m. on May 15th for a disturbance report.

Following an investigation, authorities say 37-year-old Larry Whittemore of Wayland was identified as the primary aggressor in the incident.

Whittemore was arrested and charged with Domestic Abuse Assault – First Offense, a simple misdemeanor; Interference with Official Acts, a simple misdemeanor; and Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations, an aggravated misdemeanor.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Burlington Man Facing Charges After Early Morning Burglary Sunday

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, May 18th, 2026 at 1:50 pm CDT

A Burlington man is facing burglary charges following an investigation into an overnight break-in on Sunday morning.

According to the Burlington Police Department, officers responded around 7:57 a.m. Sunday to the 500 block of Summer Street after receiving a report of a burglary that had occurred overnight. Officers spoke with the victim, who also provided security camera footage from the incident.

Police say officers reviewed the footage and identified the suspect as 30-year-old Tremaine McElrath of Burlington. Officers later traveled to the 300 block of Angular Street to speak with McElrath.

Following further investigation, McElrath was arrested and transported to the Des Moines County Jail. He has been charged with Burglary in the Second Degree and was being held on bond.

Authorities remind the public that a criminal charge is merely an accusation and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Mt. Pleasant’s Charlie Bohnenkamp Commits to a Second Chance at Wrestling with Southeastern Community College

By Slaten Swords · Monday, May 18th, 2026 at 1:39 pm CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- The Panther wrestling program has been on the rise the last several years and helping them get to that point was Charlie Bohnenkamp, who signed his letter of intent to join Southeastern Community College (SCC), a program just getting its start.

Reflective of his new program, Bohnenkamp is also looking for a new start in West Burlington,

“Well, like, honestly, my senior wrestling year didn’t go exactly as planned, and there’s a lot of regret there, and, like, the way that the whole season went, I’m just hoping for another last shot, if that makes sense, you know? Like, I’m hoping to make up for anything that happened with my senior year and anything I regret with that. And it’s right close to home.”

Bohnenkamp has gone 25-32 the last two seasons, as a late surge his junior campaign saw the Panther collect a win against Burlington to help seal Mt. Pleasant’s first conference banner in over a decade and later finish 4th at districts.

Unfortunately, that momentum did not follow him into his senior season, as he posted a 14-12 record and Mt. Pleasant finished third in the conference. Nevertheless, the true test of a competitor is how they respond to adversity and Bohnenkamp is ready to take advantage of the opportunity,

“Yeah, it’s nice because SCC is giving me a second chance. I’m thankful for that. I mean, I love wrestling. I like wrestling. Like, it’s something that makes me a better person every day, and I hope that it will continue to make me better.”

Though he is excited for the move to the collegiate level, Mt. Pleasant will always be a fond memory,

“Well, Mount Pleasant, that’s my family. Like, I love everybody on that team. That was—it was the hardest thing, say goodbye. And luckily, I don’t have to say goodbye to the sport now. But I’ve just—I’m thankful that I’ve been surrounded by such good people all through high school…And the coaches are great. I’ve loved my coaches all four years of high school.”

Bohnenkamp will be looking to earn a one-year degree in collision repair. He will also be joined by two teammates: Jefferson Avalos Ramirez and Juan Lopez.

Ottumwa Community Mourning Loss of Recent Graduate Following Sunday Night Crash

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, May 18th, 2026 at 10:40 am CDT

The Ottumwa community is mourning the loss of a recent Ottumwa High School graduate following a fatal crash Sunday night.

According to the Ottumwa Police Department, the two-vehicle crash happened around 9:15 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 34 and Roemer Avenue. Investigators say 18-year-old Ashlin Knuth of Ottumwa was driving west on Roemer Avenue when her vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by a northbound pickup truck driven by 21-year-old Nathaniel Hart of Ottumwa.

Emergency crews from the Ottumwa Fire Department and ORMICS worked to free Knuth and an 18-year-old male passenger from the vehicle. Both were transported to Ottumwa Regional Health Center, where Knuth later died from her injuries. Hart was not injured. Authorities say the crash remains under investigation, and it is not yet clear whether seat belts were being used.

In a message shared with students, staff, graduates, and families, Ottumwa Community School District officials expressed their sorrow over the loss of Knuth, a member of the Ottumwa High School Class of 2026.

Superintendent Michael McGrory and Ottumwa High School Principal Shelley Bramschreiber said the “Bulldog family is hurting” alongside Ashlin’s classmates, friends, teachers, coaches, and loved ones. The district encouraged anyone struggling with grief to seek support through the Ottumwa High School Counseling Office, the school’s Brain Health Room, Gateway High School counselors, or through Your Life Iowa’s 24-hour support services.

Graduated seniors who may need support are also being encouraged to visit Ottumwa High School during regular school hours, where counselors, administrators, and staff will be available.

School officials are asking the community to keep Ashlin’s family and all those impacted by the tragedy in their thoughts during the difficult days ahead.

Illinois Man Sentenced Following Burlington Child Enticement Sting

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, May 18th, 2026 at 10:02 am CDT

A Cambridge, Illinois man was sentenced on May 13, 2026, to 125 months in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Christopher L. Rutherford, 55, messaged with two undercover officers who posed as underage teenagers on Facebook and exchanged messages about meeting to engage in sex acts. Rutherford made plans to meet up with one of the undercover officers at Walmart in Burlington where he was arrested.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Rutherford will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.