Final Day for Early Voting in Henry County Attorney Special Election

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, March 30th, 2026 at 6:31 am CDT

Today is the last day for early voting in Henry County for county attorney. On the ballot is Becky Wilson, Winfield attorney, and Abbie Leichty, current Assistant Henry County Attorney. Henry County residents can cast their vote at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant today during normal Henry County Courthouse hours of 8 am – 4:30pm.

Tomorrow all polling locations will be available for voters starting at 7 am and closing at 8 pm. Your polling location can be found on KILJ.com under the news tab.

Over 800 votes have already been cast as of Friday afternoon. The last special election in Henry County saw a total of about 300 early votes.

Sports, March 30th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, March 30th, 2026 at 6:17 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The Mt. Pleasant, New London, Winfield-Mt. Union, Central Lee, Mediapolis, and Danville boys’ teams will head to West Burlington for the Falcon Relays tonight.

The Van Buren County boys’ team will compete in the Ruritan Relays tonight.

The West Burlington girls’ team will hold the Falcon Relays tomorrow, March 31st, with Mt. Pleasant, Danville, Fairfield, Mediapolis, New London, WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip.

Wapello will host their Co-Ed Relays tomorrow with Columbus participating. 

High School Soccer

The Mediapolis boys’ team will travel to Burlington tonight at 5 pm.

The Danville boys’ team will compete against Keokuk tonight on the road at 5 pm.

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will start their season on the road against Danville tomorrow, March 31st, at 6 pm.

The Columbus boys’ team will take on Washington tomorrow at 5 pm on the road. 

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will face off on the road against Assumption at 5:30 pm tomorrow.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will start the season on Thursday, April 2nd, on the road against Clear Creek Amana at 5 pm.

The Central Lee boys’ team will host Fairfield, while the the girls’ team will face off against Mid-Prairie on the road with both games starting at 5 pm on Thursday.

High School Golf

Burlington Notre Dame will host the Nike Invitational tomorrow, March 31st, with Mt. Pleasant, Van Buren County, Winfield-Mt. Union, along with the Danville and Central Lee boys’ teams making the trip.

Mediapolis will face off against Wapello tomorrow.

High School Basketball

Six players from southeast Iowa made the trip to Dallas Center-Grimes High School over the weekend to compete in the 2026 Pizza Ranch All-Star Games and fell in their contests to the Southwest team, 122-99 on the boys’ side and 73-71 on the girls’ side. 

Keokuk’s Jaxon Clark was impressive off the bench, collecting 16 points on the boys’ side with Shay Stephens of Burlington Notre Dame contributing four points and Max Griffin of Mediapolis pouring in three points.

For the girls’ team, Burlington’s Mylee Stiefel put in 8 points off the bench with Madisen Kellogg of Winfield-Mt. Union cashing in a three-pointer.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team handled business over the weekend, sweeping Iowa Central Community College in their three game series: 9-5 in game one, 6-4 in game two, and 11-9 in game three. Jackson Petsche finished the weekend with a home run and five RBIs, as Efrain Osorio collected three extra base hits and four RBIs. The Blackhawks will host Illinois Central College tomorrow, March 31st, at 4 pm.

The softball team went 3-1 over the weekend, shutting out Southwestern Community College 1-0 in game one and 13-0 in game two and split their pair of games against Iowa Western Community College, winning 10-8 in game one and losing 15-4 in game two. Araceli Rivas pitched a complete-game shutout against the Spartans, notching eight strikeouts, while Logan Kelley clouted a home run and grabbed four RBIs throughout the four games. The Blackhawks will travel to Marshalltown Community College on Wednesday, April 1st, for a doubleheader. 

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. 

Iowa’s first trip to the Elite Eight since 1987 ended in heartbreak, but the team that really felt the madness of March was Duke, as the Blue Devils fell to UConn after the Huskies converted a deep three off a Duke turnover with less than five seconds remaining. That loss spelled disaster for the 22 brackets that chose Duke to win the title. 

Standings will be updated by the end of the day today and before the championship game.

College Basketball

The #9-seed Iowa men’s team had their Cinderella Story come to an end over the weekend, losing 71-59 to #3 Illinois in the Elite Eight. After shooting nearly 60% in the first half, the Hawkeyes made just six field goals in the second half with Bennett Stirtz leading the way with 24 points. Iowa finished the season with a 24-13 record. 

This Day in Sports History

1925 – Stanley Cup Final, Patrick Arena, Victoria, BC: Victoria Cougars (WCHL) beat Montreal Canadiens (NHL), 6-1 for a 3-1 series win; last non-NHL team to win the trophy.

1986 – 5th NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship: Texas beats USC, 97-81; Longhorns’ Clarissa Davis earns the MVP award; Texas completes the first undefeated season (34-0).

2001 – At 15 years, 9 months, Michael Phelps breaks the 200m butterfly world record at the US World Championship trials at Austin, Texas; becomes the youngest male to set a world mark.

County Property Tax Deadline to Avoid Penalty – 3/31/26

By Lisa Grilliot · Monday, March 30th, 2026 at 6:00 am CDT

The Treasurer’s Office reminds residents that the second half of property taxes are due on Tuesday, March 31st to avoid penalty.  The tax becomes delinquent after April 1, and the penalty includes a 1.5% interest which accrues monthly.  Payments may be made in person at the Henry County Treasurer’s Office located in the courthouse at 100 E. Washington Street in Mt. Pleasant, by mail, in the drop box outside the courthouse,  or on line at (www.iowatreasurers.org)

March 30, 2026 – April 5, 2026

By Slaten Swords · Sunday, March 29th, 2026 at 11:17 am CDT
03/30/26
Storm Swanson
03/30/26
Sarah Zirkle
03/30/26
Tom Pounds
03/30/26
Chad Doak
03/30/26
Christina Lease
03/30/26
Kristeena Oliver
03/30/26
Tom Pounds
03/30/36
Isis Sanderson
03/31/26
Richard Sheckler
03/31/26
Gary Hackett
03/31/26
Jeff Hood
03/31/26
Richard Sheckler
04/01/26
Kim Kingery
04/01/26
Karen Brimhall
04/02/26
Lloyd Duncan
04/02/26
Linda Enearl
04/02/26
Luke Stein
04/03/26
Kaley White
04/04/26
Emily Orr
04/04/26
Eleanor Bjork
04/05/26
Henry Orr
04/05/26
Mikayla Jennings
04/05/26
Dennis Prottsman
04/05/26
Finn Lalaga

Tamie J. Lange

By Lisa Grilliot · Saturday, March 28th, 2026 at 4:23 pm CDT

Tamie J. Lange, 68, of Burlington, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Mediapolis. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Dodgeville Cemetery. Following the committal services, a time of food and fellowship will be held at the Drake in Burlington. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Southeastern Renal Dialysis in memory of Tamie. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Tamaria Jean Snyder was born on January 5, 1958, in Burlington, Iowa. She was the daughter of H. Thomas and Carol Jean (Parker) Snyder. T

Tamie was united in marriage to Danny Lange in 1976 and later divorced. She later met her life partner, Jerry Stevens. Tamie was a homemaker while her children were young then worked as a teller at Valley Savings Bank, receptionist at Deery Brothers, flight attendant for American Airlines, customer service at Hy-Vee as well as FastBreak. She enjoyed being outdoors, mowing her yard, gardening and canning, but most of all, Tamie loved to be with her grandchildren and attending all their events.

Tamie will be deeply missed by her husband, Jerry Stevens of Burlington; her children, Brad (Heather) Lange of West Burlington and Adam (Suzanne) Lange of Burlington; grandchildren, Gracie (Erik) Beckman, Parker Lange, Gage Lange, Kale Lange and Garrett Lange; brother, Jess T. Snyder of Panama City, Panama and Sherry R. (Jim) Lees of Burlington.

Tamie was preceded in death by her parents, father and mother-in-law, Gerald and Darlene Stevens and brother, R. Scott Snyder.

Sports, March 28th

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, March 28th, 2026 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The Mt. Pleasant, New London, Winfield-Mt. Union, Central Lee, Mediapolis, and Danville boys’ teams will head to West Burlington for the Falcon Relays on Monday, March 30th. 

The Van Buren County boys’ team will compete in the Ruritan Relays on Monday. 

The West Burlington girls’ team will hold the Falcon Relays on Tuesday, March 31st, with Mt. Pleasant, Danville, Fairfield, Mediapolis, New London, WACO, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip.

Wapello will host their Co-Ed Relays on Tuesday with Columbus participating. 

High School Soccer

The Mediapolis boys’ team will travel to Burlington on Monday, March 30th, at 5 pm.

The Danville boys’ team will hold their home opener on Tuesday, March 31st, at 6 pm against Mt. Pleasant. 

Columbus will take on Washington on Tuesday at 5 pm on the road. 

Burlington Notre Dame will face off on the road against Assumption at 5:30 pm on Tuesday.

High School Golf

Burlington Notre Dame will host the Nike Invitational on Tuesday, March 31st, with Mt. Pleasant, Van Buren County, Winfield-Mt. Union, along with the Danville and Central Lee boys’ teams making the trip.

Mediapolis will face off against Wapello on Tuesday. 

High School Basketball

Talent from all over the state will be heading to Dallas Center-Grimes High School for the 2026 Pizza Ranch All-Star Games today with seven local players and two coaches making the trip for the southeast Iowa squad.

On the girls’ side, the Southeast Iowa Super Conference (SEISC) will be represented by Mediapolis’ Grace Holsteen and Madison Kellogg of Winfield-Mt. Union. Holsteen was named SEISC-South Player of the Year, while Kellogg battled through injury to lead her team with 14.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Joining Kellogg will be her Wolves head coach Mendy McCreight.

Joining the pair will be Kendra Boatman of Keokuk and Mylee Stiefel of Burlington. The two have both taken home Conference Player of the Year awards during their high school careers.

On the boys’ side, Washington’s Collin Stark will be patrolling the sideline with three local players running the court. Burlington Notre Dame’s Shay Stephens, the SEISC-South Player of the Year, will be flanked by two-time Southeast Conference Player of the Year in Keokuk’s Jaxon Clark and All-Substate talent Max Griffin of Mediapolis. Clark and Stephens have each tabbed at least one season double-double, which is scoring at least 500 points and securing 250 rebounds.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team will compete in a three-game series against Iowa Central Community College on the road with game one today at 1 pm.

The softball team will host Southwestern Community College today for a doubleheader. 

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 first two rounds of the tournament: KILJ Bracket Challenge Standings.

Standings will be updated before the Elite 8, the Final Four, and the championship game.

College Basketball

The #2-seed Iowa State men’s team was upset by #6 Tennessee last night, 76-62, to end their tournament run at the Sweet 16. Tamin Lipsey cashed in for 18 points and dished out five assists in the loss. The Cyclones finished the season with a 29-8 record. 

The #9-seed Iowa men’s team will look to continue their Cinderella story tonight at 5:09 pm against #3 Illinois with the winner advancing to the Final Four.

This Day in Sports History

1891 – First world weightlifting championship won by Edward Lawrence in London, England.

1933 – First SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament: Kentucky beats Mississippi State, 46-27.

1975 – NHL Washington Capitals win their first game on road after 37 straight road losses.

2026 Tri-State Rodeo Entertainment Announced for September 9-12

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, March 27th, 2026 at 8:00 pm CDT

The Tri-State Rodeo Operating Committee is thrilled to unveil the star-studded entertainment lineup for the 78th Annual Tri-State Rodeo, coming to Fort Madison, Iowa, September 9–12, 2026. This year’s celebration promises bigger thrills, world-class talent, and unforgettable nights you won’t want to miss.

Celebrated as one of the nation’s top five large outdoor rodeos since 2000, the Tri-State Rodeo made history with its induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2025. Get ready for electrifying action as the Tri-State Rodeo and the Jim Baier Chute Out bring the world’s most elite rodeo athletes to center stage!

Bobby Holtkamp, Chairman of the Tri-State Rodeo, shared, “Each year, we pull out all the stops to deliver an experience that’s bigger, bolder, and more thrilling than ever before. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time guest, 2026 promises the kind of excitement you’ll be talking about for years to come!”

Alongside four adrenaline-charged rodeo nights, the Tri-State Rodeo is turning up the excitement with four evenings of show-stopping national entertainment on the Great River Health Stage. And the party doesn’t stop there—each night will keep the energy soaring with electrifying live bands inside the Bud Light Stockyard!

Kicking off the excitement on Wednesday, September 9, the Tri-State Rodeo proudly welcomes chart-topping American country sensation, Niko Moon! His debut single, “Good Time,” shot straight to #1 on country radio, and his infectious, feel-good tracks keep climbing the charts, spreading positive vibes and unforgettable energy wherever they’re played. But Niko’s talents don’t stop at performing, he’s penned eight #1 hits and over 40 major cuts for superstars like Morgan Wallen, Avicii, Dierks Bentley, Pitbull, Zac Brown Band, Rascal Flatts, and more.

Headlining on Thursday, September 10, is Wynonna. Wynonna’s 1992 self-titled solo debut catapulted her to stardom, building on her legacy with The Judds. A five-time Grammy winner and multi-platinum artist, she’s become a powerhouse in American music. Her iconic hits—like “No One Else On Earth” and “I Saw The Light”—and her unforgettable voice have made Wynonna a true country superstar.

Friday, September 11, 2026, features Parker McCollum. Parker McCollum is a country music superstar known for his authentic sound and powerful performances. Named an ‘Artist to Watch’ by top industry outlets like Rolling Stone, Billboard, and CMT, he’s sold out major venues nationwide. McCollum’s award-winning hits—including “Burn It Down,” “Pretty Heart,” and “To Be Loved By You”—have earned him multiple ACM and CMA honors, cementing his status as one of country’s hottest artists.

The Great River Health Stage will closeout on Saturday, September 12, with Brantley Gilbert. Brantley Gilbert, a pioneer of country’s rock-and-rap style, is a multi-Platinum, award-winning artist with over 8 billion streams and seven No. 1 hits, including “Bottoms Up” and “Country Must Be Country Wide.” Known for his fierce independence and high-energy shows, Gilbert has toured with legends and continues to shape the future of country music.

Every night explodes with a thrilling lineup of rodeo events, all brought to life by our legendary announcer, Boyd Polhamus. The excitement continues with the return of Cervi Championship Rodeo as our top-tier stock contractor, and we’re amping up the fun with John Harrison joining as our rodeo clown, Barrelman, and specialty act in 2026. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping finale on Friday and Saturday nights, a spectacular, sky-filling drone show lighting up the arena!

Keep the party going inside the Bud Light Stockyard, where four nights of unforgettable after-parties await! Dance the night away to high-energy performances by The Boys, Brody Vancil & the Burners, and two show-stopping nights with The Bobby Ford Band.

Don’t wait—tickets for the Tri-State Rodeo go on sale Friday, April 3, at 8 AM! Secure your spot at www.tristaterodeo.org or call the Tri-State Rodeo Box Office at (319) 372-2550. One ticket unlocks access to heart-pounding rodeo action, electrifying concerts, and the hottest after-parties of the year!

About Tri-State Rodeo: In 1948, C.E. (Eddie) Richards brought the Rodeo to the Tri-State area, a tradition that has continued yearly, as Fort Madison is home to the best rodeo on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Great Lakes Circuit. Thousands of people flock to the Fort Madison area every year, starting Labor Day weekend, for a week of action-packed entertainment and events. Since 2000, the Tri-State Rodeo has been named one of the nation’s top five large outdoor rodeos and continues to rank first among rodeos in the Great Lakes Circuit. In 2001, it ranked 43rd among the nation’s more than 700 sanctioned PRCA events. No other rodeo east of Kansas City, Missouri, is ranked higher. The Tri-State Rodeo continues to attract the nation’s top cowboys, with competition spread over four nights the first week in September, and big-name musicians headlining the Wednesday – Saturday night performances.

2026 Rodeo Week – Activities Calendar

Saturday, September 5
YMCA Rodeo Stampede 5K (Registration begins at 7AM)
Pancake Breakfast (6:30AM – 10AM) sponsored by Fareway at Tri-State Rodeo Grounds.
Special Kids Rodeo – Pre-registration is required to ensure a t-shirt is on hand. Forms will be available on www.tristarterodeo.org.

Sunday, September 6
Chili Supper (5PM – 7PM) sponsored by Fareway at Tri-State Rodeo Grounds.

Monday, September 7
Little Spurs Rodeo (10AM) – Registration forms will be on www.tristaterodeo.org and select local businesses. Registration opens at 8:30AM.
Pork Dinner (5PM – 7PM) sponsored by Hy-Vee at Tri-State Rodeo Grounds.
Lil Miss Rodeo and All-Around Cowboy (6:30PM) in the C.E. “Eddie” Richards Arena.

Tuesday, September 8
Pee Wee Barrel Race (5:30PM) in the Saddle Club Arena behind the C.E. “Eddie” Richards Arena.

Wednesday, September 9 – Jim Baier’s Chute Out
Tri-State Rodeo Competition Jim Baier CHUTE OUT (Gates 5PM | Performance 7PM)
The Great River Health Stage Entertainment: Niko Moon (Immediately following the Rodeo Competition)
Bud Light Stock Yard Entertainment: The Boys (Immediately following The Great River Health Stage show)

Thursday, September 10 – Connection Bank’s Family Night
Tri-State Rodeo Competition (Gates 5PM | Performance 7PM)
The Great River Health Stage Entertainment: Wynonna (Immediately following the Rodeo Competition)
Bud Light Stockyard Entertainment: Brody Vancil & The Burners (Immediately following The Great River Health Stage show)

Friday, September 11 – Josh Denning & Associates-Ameriprise Financials’ Military Night
33rd Annual Tri-State Rodeo Golf Tournament (8:30AM Registration / 9AM Tee off) Sheaffer Memorial Golf Course
Tri-State Rodeo Competition (Gates 5:30PM | Performance 7:30PM)
The Great River Health Stage Entertainment: Parker McCollum (Immediately following the Rodeo Competition)
Bud Light Stockyard Entertainment: The Bobby Ford Band (Immediately following The Great River Health Stage show)

Saturday, September 12 – Sullivan Auctioneers Big Iron / Cinch’s Saturday Night Finale
Grand Rodeo Parade (9:30AM) – Travels down Avenue G in Fort Madison, Iowa.
Tri-State Rodeo Competition (Gates 5:30PM | Performance 7:30PM)
The Great River Health Stage Entertainment: Brantley Gilbert (Immediately following the Rodeo Competition)
Bud Light Stockyard Entertainment: The Bobby Ford Band (Immediately following The Great River Health Stage show)

Sunday, September 13
Lion’s Club Fly-In Breakfast (7AM – 11AM) – Fort Madison Municipal Airport