Iowa Farmers Make Strong Harvest Progress Amid Warm, Dry Weather

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 at 12:16 pm CDT

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig highlighted the strong start to harvest season following the release of the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The weekly report, issued April through November, tracks field conditions, crop maturity, and harvest progress across the state. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship also provides a weather summary during this period.

“Combines are rolling all across Iowa,” said Secretary Naig. “The warm and dry weather is allowing farmers to make good progress on corn and soybean harvest. With the favorable weather expected to hold through next week, farmers should be able to continue making harvest headway, though conditions

may be a bit dusty. As we get a little further into the start of October, outlooks are indicating a possible shift back to more chances of widespread rain.”

According to the report, dry weather created 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 28. Warm temperatures helped speed crop maturity, with farmers across the state focused on corn and soybean harvest.

Soil conditions remain largely adequate. Topsoil moisture was rated 65 percent adequate, with 27 percent rated short to very short and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was 70 percent adequate, with 23 percent short to very short and 7 percent surplus.

Corn is advancing steadily, with nearly all of the crop dented or beyond. Eighty percent of corn has reached maturity, running four days ahead of last year and one day ahead of the five-year average. Corn harvest for grain is 15 percent complete, about four days ahead of last year. Moisture content in harvested corn averaged 20 percent. Crop condition was rated 71 percent good to excellent.

Soybeans are also nearing completion in maturity stages. Ninety-five percent of soybeans have turned color, while 83 percent were dropping leaves—both slightly ahead of average. Harvest progress reached 17 percent, trailing last year and the five-year average by three days. Soybean condition was rated 73 percent good to excellent.

Pasture conditions held steady, with 53 percent rated good to excellent.

The full weekly report is available at nass.usda.gov.

Iowa Fraud Fighters Seminar Coming to Mt. Pleasant

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 at 12:16 pm CDT

Every day, someone in America becomes a victim of fraud. To help protect Iowans from scams and financial exploitation, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services is bringing the Iowa Fraud Fighters program to Mt. Pleasant.

The community is invited to attend a free seminar on Tuesday, October 21st at 6:30 PM at Veterans Hall, 300 W. Monroe St., Mt. Pleasant.

The program will highlight:

· Common scam tactics used to trick unsuspecting victims.

· Tips for prevention to protect savings and personal information.

· Reporting resources to stop fraudsters and help others.

The Iowa Fraud Fighters initiative is designed to educate and empower residents, especially seniors, to recognize warning signs and take action against scams. Attendees will walk away with practical tools to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from financial fraud.

For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services website or attend the event in person.

IowaWINs Celebrates 10 Years of Welcoming Neighbors With Mount Pleasant Celebration

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 at 12:15 pm CDT

IowaWINs (Iowa Welcomes Immigrant Neighbors) is marking a milestone—its 10-Year Anniversary—with a special celebration in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, October 18.

The event will feature a presentation by Rev. Craig Mousin, an attorney, professor, author, and ordained minister who has devoted more than three decades to ministry and advocacy for immigrants and refugees. His keynote address will take place at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel Auditorium, 629 N. Main, and is free and open to the public.

After the presentation, guests are invited to gather at The Belle Center, located just across the street, for refreshments and interactive “break-out” sessions. These conversations will offer opportunities to

engage with Rev. Mousin and others on topics central to IowaWINs’ mission and the experiences of immigrant and refugee families in Iowa communities.

Earlier in the day, at 11:00 a.m., IowaWINs will host its Annual Meeting in The Belle Center. The meeting will highlight the organization’s 2025 accomplishments and outline future goals. Community members and supporters are encouraged to attend.

For the past decade, IowaWINs has provided support, resources, and advocacy for immigrants and refugees in southeast Iowa. This anniversary celebration offers a chance to honor the contributions of volunteers, partners, and community members who have worked together to welcome neighbors and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Rep. Collins Announces His Endorsement For Becky Wilson for Henry County Attorney

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 at 12:12 pm CDT

MEDIAPOLIS — Today, Rep. Taylor Collins threw his support behind Winfield resident Becky Wilson to be Henry County’s next top prosecutor.

“Involving myself in a Republican primary is not something I take lightly – but I can no longer sit idly by as Henry County law enforcement are under attack,” said Collins. “Today, I’m endorsing Becky Wilson in the Republican primary to be Henry County’s next top prosecutor.”

Collins endorsement comes after a Judge ruled Henry County Deputy Carlos Lopez was wrongfully placed on the Brady-Giglio list by current Henry County Attorney Darin Stater, and that he be immediately removed from the list.

“Henry County deserves a prosecutor that is focused on going after career criminals, not local law enforcement. Becky Wilson has my complete support in the Republican primary next June. It’s time to restore trust in the Henry County Attorney’s Office, and I know Becky will do exactly that.”

Sports, September 30th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 at 6:33 am CDT

High School Cross Country

Clear Creek Amana hosted their Clipper Classic last night and the Columbus boys’ team held their own, snatching 3rd place as a team with 83 points.

The top local finisher on the boys’ side was Notre Dame/West Burlington’s Cavin Denney as the freshman claimed 7th place with a time of 17 minutes and 48 seconds. The Nikes took 5th place as a team with 119 points.

The Wildcats turned in a true team effort with all five of their scoring runners finishing in the top 25, including Drake Marin and Victor Tovar, who grabbed 13th and 14th place, respectively. 

Brayden Cline of Winfield-Mt. Union clocked a time of 20 minutes and 26 seconds to place in 40th, while Wapello’s Will Parsons finished in 55th place. 

On the girls’ side, Kaitlyn Kipp of Notre Dame/West Burlington claimed the silver medal with a time of 21 minutes and 22 seconds, while Hannah Ritter finished in 11th place. 

Garbriela Duran led Columbus with a 21st place time of 25 minutes and 4 seconds as she was followed by Wapello’s Kenna Small and teammate Isabel Rendon in 23rd and 24th place, respectively, with times separated by six-tenths of a second. Ashlyn Bender of Winfield-Mt. Union finished in 55th place. 

Mt. Pleasant and Danville will participate in the Williamsburg Invitational tonight.

WACO and Fairfield will compete at the Washington Invitational tonight.

Van Buren County will celebrate their senior night at the Warrior Invite with New London, Central Lee, and Holy Trinity Catholic participating tonight.

Winfield-Mt. Union will host their Invitational on Thursday, October 2nd, with Notre Dame/West Burlington, Central Lee, Danville, Holy Trinity Catholic, Mediapolis, Mt. Pleasant, and Wapello participating.  

Columbus will run at the Steve Johnson Invite on Saturday, October 4th. 

High School Cross Country Rankings

The Iowa Association of Track Coaches released their sixth team and individual rankings yesterday and six of our local seven teams improved their position from last week.

In Class 3A, Avery Fedler of Mt. Pleasant moved up to #2 in the individual poll after grabbing 1st place at the Mt. Pleasant Invitational. At that same meet, Fort Madison swept the team titles and saw the boys’ team climb four spots to #14 in the rankings, while the girls’ team vaulted up to #5.

In Class 2A, the Mediapolis boys’ team ventured up the rankings to #16 after grabbing the silver and bronze medals in their meets last week. Despite Simon Wendel clocking a time of 16 minutes and 24 seconds last week, the Bulldog tumbled to #7 in the individual rankings, while Will Schmidgall leapfrogged six spots to #15.

Staying on the individual rankings, Notre Dame/West Burlington has some talented young runners, as Cavin Denney improved his positioning to #24 and Hannah Ritter made her first appearance in the rankings, nearly getting into the top 15 as she was placed at #16. 

In Class 1A, the WACO boys’ team’s big win at Mt. Pleasant saw the Warriors hop over Columbus to be ranked 5th followed directly behind by the Wildcats at #6. Jude Dykstra’s 1st place finish at the meet allowed him to move up the rankings five spots to #6.

Van Buren County’s Lincoln Bainbridge’s #12 ranking is anchoring the boys’ team place at #11. The Van Buren County girls’ team continues collecting victories, yet, the Warriors fell a spot back in the rankings to #7.

Lastly, Josie Dykstra of WACO vaulted to #24 in the rankings after nearly falling out of the top 30 last week.

High School Volleyball

Mt. Pleasant will get another chance at home tonight against Burlington at 7:15 pm.

Fairfield will head back home to host Keokuk tonight at 7:15 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will host a rematch against Holy Trinity Catholic on Thursday, October 2nd, at 7:30 pm.

Van Buren County will square off against Danville on Thursday at 7:30 pm at home. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to Columbus on Thursday at 7:30 pm.

Wapello will head to Highland on Thursday at 7:30 pm. 

New London will host Mediapolis on Thursday at 7:30 pm.

West Burlington will square off against Central Lee on Thursday at 7:30 pm at home. 

High School Girls’ Tennis

Fairfield will be sending four Trojans to the Class 1A State Singles and Doubles tournament slated to start tomorrow, October 1st, in Iowa City. 

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant clash with Fort Madison on Friday, October 3rd, at 7:30 pm on the road. 

Fairfield will travel to Washington on Friday at 7:30 pm.

West Burlington/Notre Dame will host Wilton at 7 pm on Friday. 

Central Lee will square off against Mid-Prairie at home at 7 pm on Friday. 

Mediapolis will take on West Liberty on Friday at 7 pm at home. 

Wapello will host Columbus on Friday at 7 pm.

WACO will attempt to get back in the win column on Friday at 7 pm in a home showdown against English Valleys. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will travel to HLV/TC on Friday at 7 pm.

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team will host Southwest Community College tonight at 7 pm.

The men’s and women’s soccer teams will take on Hawkeye Community College tomorrow, October 1st, at home. 

College Football

#14 Iowa State will take on Cincinnati on Saturday at 11 am on the road. 

Iowa is on a bye week. 

This Day in Sports History

1927 – Yankees slugger Babe Ruth smacks his MLB record 60th home run off Tom Zachary in the 8th inning of New York’s 4-2 win over the Washington Senators at Yankee Stadium.

1939 – In the first televised college football game, Fordham beats Waynesburg, 34-7 at Randalls Island, New York.

1997 – New York Yankees Tim Raines, Derek Jeter, and Paul O’Neill are the first to hit back-to-back-to-back homers in the postseason as the Yankees beat Cleveland 8-6.

Court Orders Removal of Carlos Lopez from Brady/Giglio List

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 at 5:32 am CDT

After more than two years of legal battles and personal strain, Henry county Deputy, Carlos Lopez and his family received a decision they describe as both vindicating and relieving. On Tuesday afternoon at 3:35 p.m., the court ruled that Lopez be removed from the Brady/Giglio list, reversing a prior decision made by the Henry County Attorney.

The Brady/Giglio list, sometimes referred to as a “do not call” list, is used by prosecutors to track law enforcement officers whose credibility may be questioned in court. Placement on the list can have severe career impacts, effectively preventing officers from testifying in criminal cases.

Carlos and his wife, Beth, released a statement following the ruling.

“For the past two years, our family has been on an emotional rollercoaster—seconds, minutes, and days filled with uncertainty, waiting for the next piece of bad news,” the couple said. “We asked ourselves countless times whether we were right to fight this egregious battle, or if we should have bowed down and allowed the Henry County Attorney to continue abusing his power. Today, we finally got our answer: the fight was worth it.”

Beth emphasized her husband’s character throughout the ordeal, noting that she “never once doubted [his] integrity or ability to do his job ethically and honorably.” She described Carlos as “one of the most honest, morally grounded people I know,” adding that watching him endure the process was painful and led him to question his future in law enforcement.

The Lopez family credited community support for sustaining them during the fight. “Your encouragement, prayers, and contributions carried us through the darkest moments, and for that we are forever grateful,” they said.

With the court’s ruling, Lopez’s name will be officially removed from the Brady/Giglio list, clearing a major obstacle in his career and bringing closure to what the family described as years of uncertainty.

A Sand-storm Packs Mount Pleasant, Calls For A “Better and Truer” Iowa

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, September 29th, 2025 at 6:31 pm CDT

Mount Pleasant – Democratic gubernatorial candidate and State Auditor Rob Sand brought his “Sandstorm Tour” to a packed room at the First Presbyterian Church on Monday afternoon, delivering a message of accountability, local empowerment, and practical solutions to Iowa’s toughest challenges.

A Conversation with KILJ

Before the event, KILJ News Director Hayden Douglas asked Sand for his “elevator pitch” to Henry County voters.

Sand added that his administration would invest in education, reverse Medicaid privatization, and end what he calls “wasteful giveaways to the wealthy,” while maintaining Iowa’s balanced-budget tradition.

Rob highlighted Iowa’s tradition of political reform, noting that the state pioneered nonpartisan redistricting and merit-based judicial appointments. He called for opening the system to more competition so lawmakers are forced to solve problems instead of pointing fingers.

Audience Questions: Local Control and Water Quality

The town hall featured a wide-ranging Q&A, where Sand fielded questions on everything from city authority, water quality, to public pensions.

One audience member pressed Sand on how a governor can support local governments. Sand said he wants to “protect home rule under the Iowa Constitution,” which gives counties and cities the ability to solve their own problems.

“People often associate Democrats with liking big government. I actually disagree,” Sand said. “The government that governs best is the one that governs most locally, closest to the people it represents. It’s hard to find me in Des Moines, but you can find your county attorney. When you look someone in the eye, you make fewer obviously wrong decisions.”
He pledged to be an ally to mayors and county officials, promising no unfunded mandates and no state preemption of local decisions.

Another question focused on Iowa’s water quality. The audience member noted that the University of Iowa’s network of water-quality monitors has been dramatically reduced.

“You’re exactly right,” Sand said. “There’s a system of 500 water-quality monitors that has been defunded. Nitrate monitors went from 80 down to 20. That tells you two things: they know there’s a water quality problem, and their preference is to bury their heads in the sand. They don’t want you to know we have an issue—but we do.”

Sand said he is meeting with experts and farmers before releasing a formal plan. “Farmers are signing up for conservation programs and being denied funding,” he said. “Large majorities of farmers recognize the issue and want to do better. We need an effective, achievable plan, and I’m doing my homework before putting one forward.”

Money in Politics and State Privatization

Sand also addressed concerns about campaign finance, the Department of Corrections, and privatized state services. He criticized the state’s expansion of private contracts—such as Medicaid management and school voucher administration—that he said pay out-of-state companies millions while underfunding local staff.

“If you just pay employees to do a job, you’re paying them to do a job,” he said. “If you hire a big company and give them a cut, they can come back again and again for more.”

On public pensions, Sand promised to protect Iowa’s IPERS system:

“If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said, warning against efforts to cut benefits without increasing wages. “Otherwise fewer people will sign up to do the work taxpayers need.”

Supporting Teachers and Changing the Narrative

The final question came from a retired educator who spoke emotionally about negative rhetoric toward Iowa teachers. Sand responded with a personal story about his mother, a longtime Area Education Agency employee.

“These are people who put their lives into serving others,” Sand said. “I’m sick and tired of state government being run by people who think it’s okay to insult teachers. My answer to those critics is simple: go volunteer in a classroom and see the incredible work happening every day.”

Looking Ahead

As the event wrapped up, Sand reminded the crowd that his campaign depends on volunteers and grassroots support. He urged attendees to share his message, follow him on social media, and help build a movement that goes beyond party labels.

“This campaign isn’t about red or blue—it’s about better and truer,” Sand said. “If you’re ready to help flip some tables in Des Moines, join us.”

The Sandstorm Tour will continue with stops in all 99 counties as Sand builds momentum toward the 2026 governor’s race.

Prep Cross Country: The WACO Boys’ Team Breaks into the Top 5

By Slaten Swords · Monday, September 29th, 2025 at 1:45 pm CDT

Prep Cross Country- The Iowa Association of Track Coaches (IATC) released the sixth edition of the team rankings for the four classes and our six of our seven local teams improving their position from last week.

Class 3A

The Fort Madison boys’ team is not going to have anyone consistently ranked in the top 30, but they are a consistent team as they picked up another easy victory at Mt. Pleasant.

The Bloodhounds nearly won by 40 points over Oskaloosa as their top four runners finished within the top 20, including their anchor Riley Tripp, who grabbed 2nd place overall with a time of 17 minutes and 2 seconds.

A second-place finish at the Anamosa Invitational bolstered their resume after losing first place by five points to Class 2A’s #2 Denver. The Bloodhounds climbed four spots in the rankings from #18 to #14.

The Fort Madison girls’ team continues to impress with a pair of team victories last week. Cruising to a near 50-point victory in Mt. Pleasant to a 20-point win at Anamosa over #7 Solon.

The win vaulted the Bloodhounds to #5 in the rankings after being ranked 7th last week.

Class 2A

Competitive week for the Mediapolis boys’ team, taking on three ranked teams in Mt. Pleasant and finishing in 3rd place followed by a trip to Burlington for the Tony Proctor Invitational, taking 2nd place.

The team is led by two ranked individuals: Simon Wendel and Will Schmidgall, as the pair consistently finish in the top 10. It will take the third, fourth, and fifth runners to make the who team a threat for Mediapolis.

Still, the Bulldogs did move up to #16 in the rankings after nearly falling out last week.

Class 1A

It was a big week for WACO. Not only did Jude Dykstra win the Mt. Pleasant Invitational at the last moment, but the Warriors also pulled off the upset against Columbus to win the team gold by 16 points.

The Warriors got sub-18-minute times from three of their runners and two other sub-19-minute times from Gavin Slagel and Tristan Luitjens. Their top five is really putting it together at the right time, resulting in a six-spot jump inside the top ten to #5.

Columbus is very similar to Fort Madison, one very good runner and a team full of good runners. Might not be the recipe for individual glory, but it is for team success. Despite falling to a WACO on a highlight day, the Wildcats only dropped one spot to #6 in the rankings.

Van Buren County only had one meet last week and the boys’ team finished in 3rd place at the Tony Proctor Invitational. Lincoln Bainbridge grabbed the bronze in a nice individual effort.

The boys’ team leapfrogged one spot up the rankings to #11.

The girls’ team for Van Buren County tallied another victory, but not nearly as dominant of fashion as their others, just three points over Clear Creek Amana—a much larger school.

The Warriors have a clear leader in Kayley Snowgren but this team consistently has multiple runners finish in the top 10 or at the very least the top 15.

Surprisingly, the girls’ team lost a spot in the rankings this week, moving from #6 to #7.