Sports, April 6th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, April 6th, 2026 at 6:25 am CDT

High School Track and Field

Mt. Pleasant and Washington’s trip to the Williamsburg Co-Ed Invitational has been canceled for tomorrow, April 7th.

Mediapolis will host the Dave Aamodt Relays tomorrow with Danville, West Burlington/Notre Dame, Wapello, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip. 

The WACO Relays have been canceled for tomorrow due to the forecasted weather. The meet will be made up on April 13th.

The Fairfield girls’ team will hold their own meet tomorrow with Central Lee flying over, while the Fairfield boys’ team will participate in the Dennis Anderson Relays.

High School Soccer

Mt. Pleasant will face off against Columbus on the road tonight with the girls playing first at 5 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will head down the road to compete against Burlington tonight with game one at 5:30 pm.

The WACO boys’ team will square off against Fairfield tonight on the road at 5 pm.

Central Lee will contend with Keokuk for their home opener tonight with game one at 5 pm.

The Danville boys’ team will stay at home to face off against Cedar Rapids Washington tonight at 6 pm.

The Washington girls’ team will travel to Oskaloosa tonight at 5 pm, while the boys’ team will host Hillcrest Academy tomorrow, April 7th, at 5 pm.

Wapello will take on Cedar Valley Christian tomorrow at home with the girls leading off the night at 5 pm.

The Mediapolis girls’ team will hit the road to play Tipton tomorrow at 5 pm, while the boys’ team will host Danville on Thursday, April 9th, at 7 pm.

High School Golf

Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield will start their conference play today with the girls’ teams heading to Washington and the boys’ teams playing in Fairfield. 

Holy Trinity Catholic and Burlington Notre Dame’s meet tomorrow, April 7th, has been postponed. A makeup date will be determined later. 

Wapello will host Louisa-Muscatine tomorrow.

Mediapolis will travel to Danville tomorrow.

Columbus will take on Hillcrest Academy at home tomorrow.

Van Buren County will travel to Central Lee tomorrow.

WACO had their match against Lone Tree scheduled for tomorrow postponed due to the weather. They will face off on May 4th.

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will attend the Wapello Invite on Wednesday, April 8th. 

High School Boys’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will take on Keokuk for their home opener tomorrow, April 7th.

Fairfield will host Burlington for their first match of the season on Thursday, April 9th.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team swept Iowa Lakes Community College over the weekend, 6-4. The Blackhawks will stay at home to take on Heartland Community College today.

The softball team will face off against Indian Hills Community College on Wednesday, April 8th, in a road 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. 

Offense was a hard commodity to come by in game one of the Final Four as #2 UConn and #3 Illinois both shot less than 40% from the field, but the Huskies drained 12 three-pointers on their way to a 71-62 victory over the Fighting Illini. Tarris Reed Jr. finished with a 17 point and 11 rebound double-double.

#1 Michigan thoroughly decimated #1 Arizona in the night cap of the Final Four, 91-73. Five Wolverines collected double figure points with Elliot Cadeau dishing out 10 assists in the winning effort. Michigan will look to capture the Big Ten’s first national championship since 2000, while UConn is making their third trip to the championship game in the past four seasons tonight at 7:50 pm.

An updated look at the standings: KILJ’s 2026 Bracket Challenge Standings

College Baseball and Softball

The Iowa baseball team enjoyed their Easter weekend with a series victory over Minnesota after picking up a pair of one-run victories, 3-2 and 5-4, against the Golden Gophers. Carter Geffre hit a game-winning home run in game one, while Kooper Schulte added an RBI in game two. The Hawkeyes will travel to USC on Friday, April 10th, with first pitch at 9 pm.

The Iowa softball team nearly upset #18 Oregon over the weekend but allowed five unanswered runs in the final two innings, including a walk-off, to fall 14-13 in extra innings. Mariah Myers clobbered a home-run for a team leading three RBIs in game one. Game two was not as close, as the Ducks pulled off the series sweep, 6-2, yesterday. The Hawkeyes will get ready for Iowa State on Wednesday, April 8th, at home at 5 pm.

The Iowa State softball team dropped both contests to #14 Arizona yesterday, 10-7 in game one and 8-7 in game two. The Cyclones swatted six home runs between the two games, as Tatum Johnson collected a double and a home run for two RBIs. The Cyclones will look to avoid the sweep today. 

This Day in Sports History

1973 – Ron Blomberg of the New York Yankees becomes the first designated hitter in baseball history, and he draws a bases-loaded walk on five pitches against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

1980 – Gordie Howe completes a record 26th NHL season. Now tied with Chris Chelios.

1996 – MLB player Albert Belle shows off his arm by hitting Sports Illustrated photographer Tony Tomsic in the hand prior to a game.

Michael “Mike” Edward Langan

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, April 6th, 2026 at 6:21 am CDT

Michael “Mike” Edward Langan, 86, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, passed away peacefully at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, on April 3, 2026. He was born on December 13, 1939, to Robert and Pauline (Schlarbaum) Langan.

Mike was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janet (Leppert), on December 29, 1957. The couple married at the First Baptist Church in Fairfield, Iowa, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 68 years.

Mike is survived by his wife, Janet (Leppert); his children, Michael K. Langan (Wendy) of Washington, Iowa, Kathy McConahay (Bret) of Columbus Junction, Iowa, and Teresa Owens (Mike) of Mount Pleasant, Iowa; his grandchildren, Stacy Holtgrewe (Jared), Meghan Hank (Tyler), Brian McConahay (Jennie), and Rachel Watters (Chris); eight cherished great‑grandchildren; and his siblings, Nancy Fulton, Gary Langan, Angela Hoff, and Stephen P. Carl.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Langan (Lily) and Pauline Carl (Raymond); his son, Richard Kelly; his sister, Carole Albrecht; and his great‑granddaughter, Harlyn Holtgrewe.

Mike graduated from Fairfield High School in 1957, and earned his education degree from Parsons College. He later earned graduate degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Iowa. Mike dedicated many years to teaching at the WACO Community School District and the Columbus Junction Community School District, where he shared his love of learning—and his sense of humor—with a generation of students.

Mike proudly served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1960.

A man of many interests, Mike enjoyed traveling and almost always had a trip in the works, with Amtrak being his preferred mode of transportation. Navarre Beach, Florida, held a special place among his favorite destinations. He was an avid reader, particularly enjoying historical nonfiction and autobiographies. Mike also loved card games, especially bridge, 10-point pitch and countless games of hearts played on his computer. A devoted collector, he owned more than 1,500 LP records, carefully curated a collection of over 200,000 postmarks, and built an extensive coin collection.

Known for his sense of humor, Mike was a jokester at heart and especially enjoyed receiving a playful “head squeeze.” He loved taking his children and grandchildren on adventures and was passionate about teaching them to appreciate history and travel. You could always count on finding a cold Coca‑Cola in his refrigerator and a variety of candy nearby.

Visitation will be held 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. A private family graveside service will be held in the Columbus City Cemetery in Columbus City, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the VA Hospital in Iowa City for their compassionate care.

The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Mike and his family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com

Edward “Ed” Gerard Hovorka

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, April 6th, 2026 at 6:19 am CDT

Edward “Ed” Gerard Hovorka, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on April 1, 2026.

A visitation will be held at Behner Funeral Home on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. His body will be laid to rest at Long Island National Cemetery.

Ed was born on February 11, 1941, in Astoria, Queens, New York, and was a beloved son of George and Margaret (McAuley) Hovorka. Ed graduated from Long Island City High School in 1958. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1965.

Ed was a social butterfly who loved boilermakers, gardening, spending time with his family, listening to doo-wop music, fast cars, and watching sports. Above all, he will be remembered as a jokester whose sense of humor brought light and laughter to every room he entered.

Ed was a devoted husband to Inge Hovorka (Gannie), whom he married on August 3, 1985, in Hempstead, New York. Together, they built a life centered around family and love. Ed was a proud father who will be missed by his eleven children, Robert, Stephen, Richard, Christopher, Stephanie, Katherine, Peter, Tiffany, Brandon, Nicholas, and Kellie-Ann; his siblings, Richard (Sheryl), John (Laura), Robert, and Joan (Bob).

His legacy continues through his children, grandchildren, and all who were lucky enough to know him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, George, and three sons. Ed lived a life full of humor, love, and a deep connection to his family and friends. Ed will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his jokes, laughter, warmth, and the love he shared so freely.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who loved and cared for Ed throughout the years.

Curtis M. Connelly

By Allison Jacobs · Monday, April 6th, 2026 at 6:16 am CDT

Curtis M. Connelly, 66, of Fairfield, passed away Friday, April 3, 2026 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association and mailed to the family at 1547 Olive Ave. Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Curt was born June 5, 1959 in Fairfield, the son of R.J. and Joyce (Starr) Connelly. He married Pamela Ehrhardt, February 26, 1977 in Richland.

Curt owned and operated Connelly, Inc. in Fairfield for 25 years. He enjoyed working on cars, drag racing, motorcycles, and loved orange cars.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Pam; sons, Neal (Lauren) Connelly of Ankeny, and Kyle Connelly of Fairfield; grandchildren, Pierson, Brecken, and Banks; siblings, Steve Connelly, Mary Jean Smith, Scott Connelly, Marvin Connelly, Leon Connelly, and Margaret Ann Techau.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be made to Curt’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Abbie Liechty Announces Intent to Run for County Attorney in November

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, April 6th, 2026 at 5:47 am CDT

Abbie Liechty has announced plans to run again for Henry County Attorney in the November 2026 general election, following her loss in the recent special election to Becky Wilson.

Liechty, who campaigned on her desire to return to her hometown and serve her community with her law degree, says she remains committed to serving Henry County and has valued her time working as Assistant Henry County Attorney.

Liechty also noted she is seeking more clarity from incoming County Attorney Wilson regarding staffing plans for the office once the election is certified and Wilson is sworn in on April 7. When asked if she would remain in her current role, Liechty said she would be willing to continue as Assistant County Attorney if Wilson chooses to retain her.

Regardless of staffing decisions, Liechty indicated she plans to stay engaged with the community, continue building support, and focus on the issues she highlighted during her initial campaign.

The race for Henry County Attorney will appear on the November 2026 ballot, setting up a rematch between Liechty and Wilson.

While the special election did not produce her desired outcome, Liechty expressed gratitude to her family, friends, supporters, and the residents of Henry County, and says she looks forward to earning additional support ahead of the general election.

April 6, 2026 – April 12, 2026

By Slaten Swords · Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at 11:15 pm CDT
04/06/26
Mindy Creager
04/06/26
Matthew Moothart
04/06/26
Jason Smith
04/06/26
Madonna Warden
04/06/26
Sara Davis
04/07/26
Jeryl McArtor
04/07/26
Addyson Calhoun
04/07/26
Addy Smith
04/07/26
Emma Jones
04/07/26
Matt Rowan
04/07/26
Jolie Rowan
04/08/26
Linda Hunsaker
04/08/26
Tenley Fisher
04/08/26
Jeff & Gayle Olson *Anniversary
04/09/26
Jericho Ho
04/09/26
Tammy Shroyer
04/10/26
Mitchell Brown
04/11/26
Mikayla Truitt
04/12/26
Faith Krause
04/12/26
Jason Loving

KILJ’s Sunday FOCUS Program 04/05/26

By Lisa Grilliot · Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at 1:00 pm CDT

April is National Donate Life Month across the nation and in the state of Iowa.  It is an opportunity to bring awareness to life saving organ and tissue donation.

 

Websites mentioned in this program:

registerme.org

https://www.iowadonornetwork.org/

  • April 10, 2026 Wear Green & Blue Day
  • April 20, 2026 Bake Sale at HCHC 8:30am – 3:00pm
  • All proceeds go to Iowa Donor Network.

Oakland Mills Nature Center: Opens for the Season This Month!

By Lisa Grilliot · Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at 12:00 pm CDT

The Oakland Mills Nature Center will open for the season on Saturday, April 18th! The Nature Center is located in Oakland Mills Park, Top-of-Hill Area 2591 Nature Center Drive, Mt. Pleasant.  Hours: Saturdays 9:00 a.m.- noon from mid-April through mid-October. Contact the Conservation Department Offices at (319) 986-5067 to schedule other appointments.

Learn about the Skunk River Valley and the variety of plants and animals in this area. Discover how each species of wildlife interacts with its habitat and test your knowledge of nature by experiencing the exhibits.