Gas Prices Skyrocket Across Iowa – Weekly Fuel Report

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, June 27th, 2024 at 8:31 am CDT

Gasoline prices skyrocketed up to $3.31 this week across Iowa, which is up 13 cents from last Wednesday. This closes the gap to the national average to just 18 cents, which is 4 cents higher than last week.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 1 cent this week with a statewide average of $3.51, while prices averaged $3.64 this time last year. The current Iowa diesel price is 30 cents lower than the national average of $3.81.

Natural gas prices fell 12 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.76/MMbtu.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Successful “Operation Time’s Up” Puts Multiple Criminals Behind Bars

By Yorke Prough · Thursday, June 27th, 2024 at 8:31 am CDT

Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in “Operation Time’s Up”, a 5 weeklong fugitive operation in Henry, Des Moines, and Lee Counties, as well as the surrounding communities. The operation resulted in an outstanding 45 individuals wanted on local, state, and/or federal arrest warrants. Each of the individuals arrested had pending criminal charges for crimes involving guns, drugs, assaults, sex offenses, or other violent crimes.

Two firearms were recovered from wanted persons, while a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, and illicit prescription drugs were taken off the street. Operation Time’s Up was divided into three phases, the first of which, investigation, ran between April 29th and May 30th. During this period, agencies identified a number of arrest warrants to work during the second phase, enforcement, where credible information as to the whereabouts of fugitives were developed.

Between May 21 and 23, four teams of eight law enforcement officers participated in the second phase, working 10 hour shifts to locate and apprehend approximately 30 individuals wanted on outstanding arrest warrants. The majority of these were complete in Des Moines, Henry, and Lee counties, however, some individuals were located as far away as Arizona.

Follow up, phase 3, was completed by May 31st, in which investigators made several more arrests.

U.S. Marshal, Ted Kamatchus, highlighted the cooperation among law enforcement in Iowa, and credited it, along with spirit, to the success of Operation Time’s Up.

Sports, June 27th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, June 27th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Baseball

West Burlington surrendered 11 runs in the 4th inning to eventually fall to Waterloo East 16-8 last night. Levi Fletcher-Bates led the Falcon offense with two RBIs. 

West Burlington will square off against Mediapolis tomorrow, June 28th, at 5:30 pm on the road. 

Van Buren County lost to Davis County last night 14-6. The Warriors will host Central Lee tonight at 5:30 pm. 

Central Lee’s two-run 5th inning proved to be enough to take down Keokuk last night 3-1. Bo Herdrich completed 6.2 innings, striking out nine while adding an RBI at the plate. 

Mt. Pleasant will hit the road to face off against Fort Madison tonight at 7:30 pm. 

New London will travel to Lisbon tonight at 7 pm. 

Fairfield will look to complete the sweep over Keokuk tonight at home at 7:30 pm. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Highland tonight at 5:30 pm. 

Danville will take on New London tomorrow at 5:30 pm on the road. 

High School Softball

Winfield-Mt. Union resumed their game against Wapello last night and a three-run 4th inning sealed the win for the Arrows 5-2. Ada Boysen tossed 14 strikeouts in the complete game win along with hitting a triple and collecting an RBI. The Wolves will travel to Highland tonight at 6 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant fell to Davis County last night 13-3. Keagyn Coleman and Linzy Striegel each tabbed an RBI for the Panthers. Mt. Pleasant will take on Fort Madison tonight at 7:30 pm on the road. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm. 

Central Lee lost to Keokuk last night 8-4. Gracie Thompson led the Chiefs with three RBIs. The Hawks will face off against Van Buren County tonight on the road at 7 pm. 

Fairfield will look to win their series against Keokuk tonight at home at 7:30 pm. 

WACO will play against Lone Tree tonight at 5:30 pm at home. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will travel to Mt. Pleasant tomorrow, June 28th, at 5:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:15 pm. 

Mediapolis will take on West Burlington tomorrow at 7:30 pm at home. 

New London will host Danville tomorrow at 7 pm. 

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released their postseason brackets yesterday. Follow this link to see our local matchups: Postseason Outlook

High School Softball Rankings

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) released their sixth round of rankings and a local team made a reappearance into the top 15 after a brief hiatus. 

In Class 3A, Washington’s five game losing streak caused the Demons to tumble down the rankings but not out, stopping at #13. Their offensive output has slowed, averaging 2 runs a game in their last five contests compared to 11.4 runs per game in the five matchups before. 

Central Lee remained put at #14 with a 22-6 record on the season thus far. The Hawks hang their hat on their offense with the #1 slash line in all of Class 3A with a team batting average of 0.420, on-base percentage of 0.497, and slugging percentage of 0.618.

Lastly, Burlington reentered the top 15 at #13 for Class 4A after winning five of their last seven matchups, including a doubleheader sweep of Washington. Saydee Plummer is back in the lineup for the Grayhounds after a brief stint on the injured list and the team will look to lean on her 0.78 ERA and 0.400 batting average. 

High School Cross Country

Mt. Pleasant’s optional summer runs, available for 7th through 12th graders, are scheduled Monday through Thursday. The runs will often be led by upperclassmen as coaches may not be present for every run.

On Mondays and Wednesdays the runs will start at 6:30 am at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre and on Tuesdays and Thursdays they will be at Saunders Park by the swimming pool at 7 pm. 

If you have any questions, contact Coach Murray at 319-850-0867. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees held a four-run lead heading into the bottom of the 9th inning before the Jackson Roackabillys walked it off with an RBI single to cap off a five run 9th inning. Corey Boyette finished with two RBIs in the loss. The two will have a rematch tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

The Clinton LumberKings will host the Normal CornBelters tonight at 6:30 pm.  

This Day in Sports History

1890 – Canadian boxer George Dixon becomes the first black world champion when he stops English bantamweight champion Edwin “Nunc” Wallace in 18 rounds in London, England.

1894 – Annie Londonderry [Annie Kopchovsky] sets out from Boston to become the first woman to bicycle around the world; she completes the journey in September of 1895.

1999 – Tony Hawk is the first skateboarder to land a “900”, (a 2-½ revolution aerial spin), at the X Games in San Francisco, California.

Prep Softball: First Round Matchups for Postseason Play

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, June 27th, 2024 at 12:21 am CDT

Prep Softball- The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) released postseason brackets for all five classes. We will highlight our local teams and their matchups and provide a bit of insight. The first round will take place on July 8th at 7 pm for Classes 1A and 2A and July 11th for Classes 3A, 4A, and 5A.

Class 1A

Region six will feature most of our local teams, including some Southeast Iowa Super Conference rivals matched up in the opening round.

Renewing a heated rivalry, New London will be hosting Danville. The two played against one another at Danville with the Tigers fighting back with eight unanswered runs to win 9-5. Of their last ten matchups, New London has taken six.

The winner will move on to play Twin Cedars in a road game.

Players to Watch: Megan Lee (New London) and Alivia Bauer (Danville)

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against the renewed program of WACO at home. The two teams have not played against one another since 2010 when the Warriors shut out the Crusaders 9-0.

Players to Watch: Natalie Wagner (WACO) and Emily Ross (Holy Trinity Catholic)

Winfield-Mt. Union will get to host their opening round matchup against Pekin. The two have split their season contests, the Wolves won their game 16-0 and Pekin took their game 6-4. In their last 12 games, Winfield-Mt. Union has won 10.

Players to Watch: Makiah Lower (W-MU) and Myah Bainbridge (Pekin)

The winners of WMU/Pekin and WACO/HTC will compete against one another for round two. The Crusaders hold the highest seed of the quartet.

Region eight will feature Highland taking on Keota and Wapello going against Hillcrest Academy in their opening round matchups.

Class 2A

Van Buren County won’t have to worry about a round one matchup as they will have to wait until July 10th to host Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont at 7 pm. The Rockets have won their past three matchups by a combined score of 26 to 3.

Players to Watch: Alicia Cumberland (VBC) and Lanie Batterson (EBF)

The top team of the bracket is #5 Cardinal.

Class 3A

Region three will have Fairfield competing against Albia in a road matchup at 7 pm. The two will compete on July 3rd in Albia as the Trojans won their past matchup in 2022, 7-1. In their past 10 matchups two teams have evenly split their contests.

Players to Watch: Laney Norris (Fairfield) and Grace Pence (Albia)

The winner of this game will face off against the winner between Mid-Prairie and Chariton in the semifinals.

Region Eight: West Burlington has experienced some time in the top 15, meaning Mediapolis will have a formidable opponent in their road first round matchup. The Bulldogs will be searching for their first victory over the Falcons since 2016 as West Burlington won their last matchup 12-0.

Players to Watch: Payton Harris (Mediapolis) and Logan Kelley (West Burlington)

The winner of this game will take on the winner between Assumption and Tipton.

In the bottom half of the bracket, #13 Washington will get to host Midland. The two have no prior games against one another.

Players to Watch: Leighton Salazar (Washington) and Mollie Ries (Midland)

The winner will face off against the winner between #14 Central Lee and Camanche at Central Lee. Similarly, the two have no previous contests against one another.

Players to Watch: Kenna Sandoval (Central Lee) and Kennady Bigwood (Camanche)

Class 4A

Region five will exhibit a Southeast Conference rivalry to start off the postseason between Fort Madison and Keokuk with the Bloodhounds playing host. Nevertheless, Keokuk has won both matchups thus far this season 9-7 and 7-4, ending the Bloodhounds 19-game winning streak.

Players to Watch: Gabrielle Ruble (Fort Madison) and Ada Wood (Keokuk)

The winner will hit the road to face off against Xavier on July 13th at 7 pm.

Lastly in region eight, Mt. Pleasant will travel to Central DeWitt in their first contest against one another since at least games started being archived online.

Players to Watch: Emma Starr (Mt. Pleasant) and Adalyn Appleby (Central DeWitt)

The winner will tango against #13 Burlington in Burlington on July 13th at 7 pm.

Stay tuned to KILJ to see who we will be broadcasting live.

Jefferson County Fair Results – Pets, Dog Obedience, Cats, and More

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 at 3:39 pm CDT

Hierarchy Path Exhibitor Number Exhibitor Name Entry Number Entry Description Ribbon Placing Awards County Club
Cats / Adults 8 months and over / 37202: Shorthair Male 85 Cass, Emma 503 Blue 1 Best of Show Cat Jefferson Leading Hands

Cats / Adults 8 months and over / 37202: Shorthair Male 85 Cass, Emma 503 Purple 1 Best of Show Cat Jefferson Leading Hands

Cats / Adults 8 months and over / 37203: Longhair Female 148 1, Joseph 1280 Blue 3 Jefferson Packwood Trojans

Cats / Adults 8 months and over / 37204: Shorthair Female 54 Hudson, Alex 1411 Blue 2 Jefferson

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Agility / 28107: Dog Agility 74 Sobaski, Jack 456 Blue Top Dog Agility Jefferson Packwood Trojans

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Agility / 28107: Dog Agility 74 Sobaski, Jack 456 Purple Top Dog Agility Jefferson Packwood Trojans

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Handling / 28101: Junior Novice 46 Hall, Anna 183 Purple Top Junior Graduate Novice Handler Jefferson Packwood Trojans

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Handling / 28101: Junior Novice 17 Stremsterfer, Jackson 256 Blue 4 Jefferson Future Leaders

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Handling / 28101: Junior Novice 74 Sobaski, Jack 455 Blue 2 Jefferson Packwood Trojans

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Handling / 28101: Junior Novice 95 Schafer, Finn 1396 Blue 3 Jefferson

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Handling / 28102: Intermediate Novice 18 Stremsterfer, Sydney 264 Purple 1 Top Intermediate Novice Handler Jefferson Future Leaders

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Handling / 28102: Intermediate Novice 134 Wiggins, Briggs 852 Blue 2 Jefferson Packwood Trojans

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Handling / 28103: Senior Novice 37 Freeman, Peyton 127 Purple Top Senior Novice Handler Jefferson Ceniteers

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Obedience / 28001: Intro 17 Stremsterfer, Jackson 255 Red 2 Jefferson Future Leaders

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Obedience / 28001: Intro 95 Schafer, Finn 572 Purple 1 Jefferson Leading Hands

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Obedience / 28001: Intro 134 Wiggins, Briggs 1397 Red 3 Jefferson

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Obedience / 28002: Beginners Novice A 74 Sobaski, Jack 454 Purple 1 Jefferson Packwood Trojans

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Obedience / 28003: Beginners Novice B 37 Freeman, Peyton 126 Purple 1 High Scoring Dog- Intermediate Jefferson Ceniteers

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Obedience / 28003: Beginners Novice B 46 Hall, Anna 182 Blue 3 High Scoring Dog- Junior Jefferson Packwood Trojans

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Obedience / 28003: Beginners Novice B 46 Hall, Anna 182 Purple 3 High Scoring Dog- Junior Jefferson Packwood Trojans

Dog Obedience, Handling, & Agility / Dog Obedience / 28003: Beginners Novice B 18 Stremsterfer, Sydney 263 Blue 2 Jefferson Future Leaders

Pets / Pets / 35001: Pets 148 1, Joseph 1281 Blue Best of Show Pet Jefferson Packwood Trojans

Pets / Pets / 35001: Pets 148 1, Joseph 1281 Purple Best of Show Pet Jefferson Packwood Trojans

Iowa High School Athletic Association Launches a New Archive for Member Schools

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 at 2:28 pm CDT

IHSAA- In an effort to consolidate the highlights and history of the current members of the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), the IHSAA has launched a webpage through Achieve to illustrate each teams’ accomplishments.

There are over 350 unique school pages exhibiting school information, state tournament history for both boys’ and girls’ programs, and related historical links via Achieve for every member high school.

The state tournament history was put together by IHSAA’s Achieve archives and historian Jordan Glawe. Pages and related archives will be updated by IHSAA staff at the conclusion of the sports season.

“Achieve exists to help honor the accomplishments of Iowa’s high schools and student-athletes,” IHSAA communications director Chris Cuellar said. “We’re excited to host an online hub that can put a spotlight on our schools and their proud histories.”

Requests for edits or updates should be completed by current school personnel through their online records form.

If you follow this link on desktop, you can search through the Member Schools: IHSAA Archive

Eric C. Parker

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 at 11:46 am CDT

Eric C. Parker, 36, of Mt. Pleasant passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.

Eric was born on September 12, 1987, the son of Randy Lee and Shelly Lynn (Armentrout) Parker.  Eric enjoyed spending his free time hunting and fishing.  Most of all, he enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his two daughters, Isabella and Anastasia.  Eric was an over the road trucker.

He is survived by his two daughters, Isabella Parker and Anastasia Parker, his sisters, Heather Parker (Jarrod Krabill),  Risa Kaufman (Alex Arnold) and Codie (Jeremy) Owens,  along with his niece and nephews, Thadius Williams, Chance Kaufman, James Lobdell and Bristol Owens.

Eric was preceded in death by his parents.

A private family service will be held.  A memorial has been established for an education fund for his two daughters and may be mailed to the funeral home in his memory.  Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

Ross Walker Jr.

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 at 10:53 am CDT

Ross Gray Walker, Jr. was born to Ross and Fern Smith Walker on November 15, 1927, in Fairfield, Iowa at the former Jefferson County Hospital (now Prestige Care Center), where he passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024, surrounded by family.

He graduated from Fairfield High School, attended Parsons College, and Iowa State College (ISU) where he studied mechanical engineering.  When his father announced plans to retire, Ross decided to return home and manage the family businesses, Tribune Printing Company, then the oldest business in Jefferson County, dating from 1847, and a fledgling Walker’s Office Supplies.

A mutual friend arranged a blind date with Ross and a Parsons gal, saying that he had a new Oldsmobile 98 convertible, to which she replied “Well, he can’t be all bad!”  That encounter with Lorraine resulted in a 72-year marriage, and the birth of their son Randall Ross.

In the ensuing decades, Ross also designed and built the Sunshine Center Laundromat and the Best Western Fairfield Inn.  He was a past member of the Fairfield Planning & Zoning Commission, a director emeritus of the Fairfield Economic Development Association (on the board from 1985 to 2008), and past chair of the Fairfield Adjustment Board.  He also received an “Entrepreneur of the Year” award at an annual Chamber banquet.  Upon retiring, he had been at the helm of Walker’s Office Supplies for 62 years.

Aside from business, he was a talented golfer, having his first lesson at age 5, and shot under par when in the eighth grade.  Throughout the years, he won club and city tournaments.  Highlights included playing the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, and Pebble Beach in California.

Ross’ love of flying took him to new heights (pun intended)!  In October 1968, he and four other pilots and passengers in single-engine planes, island-hopped from Florida to several Bahama Islands.  It was a once in a lifetime experience for twenty adventurous souls!  The trip involved 750 miles over water and thirty hours in the air.

Downhill skiing was another sport Ross enjoyed.  He was a natural handyman, spending countless hours in his well-equipped shop.  In his earlier years, Ross was a skilled hobby and sometimes wedding photographer.  Collector cars were also a passion.  The Walkers enjoyed many travels in the US and abroad.

Ross was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a 75-year Elks member.  Survivors include his wife, Lorraine and son, Randy.  He was preceded in death by half-brother, Raymond E. Walker in 1981.  The family will be honoring Ross’ wishes by having a private family burial.

Memorials may be directed to Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation, Carnegie Historical Museum, or the Fairfield Evergreen Cemetery Endowment Fund.  For the latter, checks can be sent to the fund at 510 East Stone Ave. in Fairfield.  Online condolences will be welcomed at www.behnerfh.com.