Mt. Pleasant’s FFA Chapter Raises About $400 Through “Kiss a Pig” Event

Mt. Pleasant, IA- The Mt. Pleasant Community School District amongst schools all across the nation celebrated FFA week with fun events such as dollar-hat-day and a pancake supper that raised money for the Kyler Rugg Memorial, a WACO student that passed away earlier this month that was very active in the FFA chapter.

(Picture from MPTV-CloseUp’s Facebook Page)

The big exclamation mark of the week was the “Kiss a Pig” event where students throughout the week donated a dollar towards a teacher they wanted to see kiss a pig. The “winner” was Anna Phillips, the associate principal, after a hoard of last-minute donations.

Jacie Campbell, the chapter president and Southeast Vice President of the District, talked about the week, highlighting some of the activities.

The $400 dollars raised will go towards the Mt. Pleasant FFA chapter to expand on the opportunities it allows for its members.

Two People Die in Fairfield Residential Fire Thursday Night

Two people are dead following a residential fire Thursday night in Fairfield.

According to the Fairfield Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 10:08 p.m. on February 26th to a 911 report of a house fire near the intersection of South B Street and Monroe Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers determined the residence was located in the 500 block of South B Street. The Fairfield Fire Department responded and began extinguishing the blaze. Fire personnel entered the home and located two occupants inside. Both individuals were removed from the residence but were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Iowa State Fire Marshal will conduct a full investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Authorities say no foul play is suspected at this time. The home is considered a total loss.

The investigation remains active, and no additional information has been released.

Abbie Liechty Officially Files Signatures for the Special Election for Henry County Attorney

Abbie Liechty, current Assistant County Attorney for Henry County, has officially filed nomination papers for the upcoming special election for County Attorney.

Liechty submitted her petitions to the Henry County Auditor’s Office this week, securing her place on the ballot. The special election was scheduled following a 2-to-1 vote by the Henry County Board of Supervisors on February 20th to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former County Attorney Darin Stater. Liechty exceeded the required 50 signatures from eligible county voters to formalize her candidacy.

In a statement to KILJ, Liechty said, “I am honored by the overwhelming support I’ve received from the citizens of Henry County in such a short amount of time. My focus has been, and will remain, on ensuring a seamless transition for the office and providing the steady, professional legal leadership our community deserves. Handing in these signatures is the first step in asking the voters to let me continue the work we’ve already started.”

Liechty is a lifelong Henry County resident. She graduated in the top 15 percent of her class from Gonzaga Law School, was admitted to the Iowa Bar in 2024, and currently handles criminal, juvenile, and civil matters in the County Attorney’s Office.

Liechty says her campaign centers on three main priorities. First, professional integrity — maintaining high ethical standards and a commitment to fairness while advising county officials, prosecuting criminal cases, and protecting victims’ rights.

Second, stability and continuity — ensuring that ongoing criminal prosecutions and civil matters move forward without interruption.

And third, community safety — strengthening partnerships with local law enforcement to promote a proactive, community-supported approach to public safety.

The special election for Henry County Attorney is set for March 31, 2026. All nine county polling locations will be open, with early and absentee voting also available.

KILJ is currently securing a date for a candidate forum for the Henry County Attorney Special Election so you can learn more about both Abbie Liechty and Becky Wilson, who has also submitted her papers to appear on the ballot.

Submitted by Abbie Liechty

Man Injured in Jefferson County House Fire; Home Declared Total Loss

A residential fire in Jefferson County Thursday afternoon has left one man injured and a home destroyed.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call was received at approximately 2:25 p.m. reporting a fire in the 1100 block of Brookville Road in the town of Abingdon. The caller indicated a male subject was still inside the residence.

A deputy arrived about ten minutes later and reported the home was fully engulfed in flames. Authorities say the man was able to escape the residence but sustained injuries.

The Packwood Fire Department and the Fairfield Fire Department responded to extinguish the blaze. The home is considered a total loss.

The injured man was transported by Jefferson County Ambulance to the Jefferson County Health Center and was later airlifted by MedForce to the University of Iowa Hospital for treatment.

No additional information has been released at this time.

Sports, February 27th

Boys’ District Basketball

In Class 3A Substate 5, #1 Pella pummeled #5 Washington last night 76-38. Austin Schulte scored 21 points for the Dutch. The Demons finished the season with a 13-11 record.

#3 Keokuk pulled off the upset against #2 Center Point-Urbana last night, 64-58. The Chiefs will travel to Pella for the Substate 5 championship on Monday, March 2nd, at 7 pm. 

In Class 1A Substate 5, #4 Burlington Notre Dame and Calamus-Wheatland will face off for the Substate 5 championship tomorrow, February 28th, at 4 pm at Iowa City High. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 3:45 pm.

Girls’ Postseason Basketball

For the Class 3A state tournament, #7 Mediapolis will square off against #2 Maquoketa for the state quarterfinals on Monday, March 2nd, at 8:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 8:15 pm.

The other Class 3A matchups include #1 Mt. Vernon taking on #8 Cherokee Washington, #4 Wahlert Catholic will face off against #5 Williamsburg, and #3 Des Moines Christian will tangle with #6 Forest City.

All-Southeast Conference Teams

The Southeast Conference (SEC) released their All-Conference teams for boys’ and girls’ wrestling yesterday and a couple of state podium finishers were named Wrestler of the Year.

Starting with girls’ wrestling, Fort Madison’s Mara Smith was named Wrestler of the Year after posting a 37-3 record for the season and taking home the 6th place medal in a state tournament run that was cut short due to injury. 

Burlington won the conference and put four on the First Team in Grace Navarre, Sarina Cline, Amaziah Twillie, who finished in 7th place at state, and Kylee Hill, who claimed a 35-5 record in her first year on the mats.

Mt. Pleasant was headlined by Paris Phosy, as she earned First Team honors for the 115-pound weight class. The junior collected a 19-14 record for the season and took 4th at her regional qualifier. The Panthers also put Quintrie Lee and Courtney Smith on the Second Team, as Smith finished in 3rd place at her regional qualifier. 

Fairfield’s Samantha Lyons and Kendra Allison were placed on the First Team with both punching their ticket to the state tournament, including a 6th place finish for Lyons.

For boys’ wrestling, despite earning Second Team honors for the 175-pound weight class, Fairfield’s Dain Burkhart was named Wrestler of the Year after going 34-6 on the year and claiming a bronze medal at state. 

Cael McCabe was the lone Trojan to make the First Team as Fairfield tied Fort Madison for 1st in conference. 

In the 120-pound weight class, Mt. Pleasant’s Levi Evans took home First Team honors as the sophomore went 29-5 on the season and was the first Panther to earn a trip to the state tournament since 2020. After eight grueling matches, Evans recorded a 4th place finish. Lane Beckler, Ramzy Davis, and Juan Lopez each grabbed Second Team honors.

Washington’s Caden Greiner garnered First Team status with a 42-5 record along with a 4th place finish. Jace Kinzenbaw and Blaine Rees joined him on the First Team, as they both punched their ticket to the state tournament, as well.

For a full look at the All-Conference lists for boys’ and girls’ wrestling, follow the links provided. Tune in tomorrow for a breakdown of both All-SEC basketball teams.

All-SEC Girls’ Wrestling: Girls’ Wrestling

All-SEC Boys’ Wrestling: Boys’ Wrestling

Southeastern Community College

The men’s basketball team will travel to Marshalltown Community College tomorrow, February 28th, at 7 pm for their regular season finale. 

The baseball team will travel to Delgado Community College today for a doubleheader. 

The softball team will participate in the Midwest Classic today and tomorrow with a matchup against Metropolitan Community College leading off the weekend. 

College Basketball

The Iowa State women’s team will square off against Kansas State on Sunday, March 1st, on the road at 1 pm.

The #9 Iowa women’s team snuck out with an 82-78 home victory last night against Illinois. Ava Heiden cashed in for 28 points in the winning effort. Jan Jensen’s 46 career victories are the most by an Iowa women’s head coach in their first two seasons at the helm in program history. The Hawkeyes will take on Wisconsin on the road on Sunday at 2 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will travel to Penn State tomorrow, February 28th, with tip-off at 11 am.

The #4 Iowa State men’s team will face off against #16 Texas Tech tomorrow at 3 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will have the call.

This Day in Sports History

1959 – Boston Celtic Bob Cousy sets a then-NBA record with 28 assists as the Boston Celtics score 173 points against Minneapolis Lakers.

1966 – 8th Daytona 500: Polesitter Richard Petty comes from two laps down to win the event after 198 laps were completed because of rain.

1987 – The NCAA cancels SMU’s entire 1987 football schedule for violations of NCAA rules regarding athletic corruption.

Robert “Bob” Lane

Robert “Bob” Lane, 88, a resident of Agency, passed away Friday, February 20, 2026 at Harvest Acres Nursing and Rehab in Keota.

There will be no services held at this time. Memorials may be made to the family. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Bob was born April 20, 1937 in Illinois, the son of Alvin and Katherine (Brown) Lane. He married Emma Lou McElfish, May 23, 1959. She preceded him in death November 20, 2018.

Bob worked in construction, building bridges and culverts, and later drove a dump truck. He was active in the Boy Scouts, enjoyed family time, hunting, fishing, and camping. Bob served in the United States Navy and enjoyed attending his naval ship reunions.

Those left to honor his memory include his son, Robert Alvin Lane of Keota; granddaughter, Brittany Lane of Marion, Iowa; and sisters, Kathe, Cindy, and Cheryl.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; son, Thomas; brother, Paul; and sisters, Sandy and Patty.

Prep Boys’ Wrestling: A Trojan Horse Gets Fairfield’s Dain Burkhart SEC Wrestler of the Year

Prep Boys’ Wrestling- The Southeast Conference (SEC) sent ten wrestlers to the 2026 Iowa High School Athletic Association’s (IHSAA) State Tournament with a pair getting on the podium. Here’s a look the All-Conference lists for the SEC.

Wrestler of the Year

In an interesting twist, it was not a First Team member who earned Wrestler of the Year. Instead, it was senior Dain Burkhart of Fairfield who got the nod, despite being named Second Team honors for the 175-pound weight class.

The reason for the choice resides on how Burkhart finished the season. The Trojan claimed a 34-6 record for the season and went on a tear at the state tournament, rallying for a 4-1 record and the bronze medal after defeating Caysen Curran of Mt. Vernon by a 9-8 overtime victory.

Fairfield

Not only did the Wrestler of the Year help the Trojans end the year tied for first in the conference, but so did the other five All-Conference members. Cael McCabe, a senior, was the lone First Team member for Fairfield. McCabe collected a 17-2 record for the year and qualified for the state tournament but could not participate due to injury.

Joining Burkhart on the Second Team was Noah Patel (106-pound weight class), Jasper Carpenter (132-pound weight class), Dusty Haynes (150-pound weight class), and Calvin McClain (165-pound weight class). Patel and Carpenter were the only other wrestlers to finish the year with a winning record.

Fort Madison

The Bloodhounds finished tied for 1st place in the SEC with a 4-1 record behind five First Team members: James Fuller (126-pound weight class), Ryker Peters (150-pound weight class), Jack Benner (165-pound weight class), Ren Watson (215-pound weight class), and Baylor Ferreira (285-pound weight class). Fuller, Watson, and Ferreira each attended the state tournament.

Mt. Pleasant

Mt. Pleasant claimed a 3-2 record against the conference to finish tied for 3rd place. The Panthers were led by sophomore Levi Evans, as he claimed a 29-5 record and First Team honors for the 120-pound weight class. Evans was the first Panther to earn a trip to the state tournament since 2020 and battled out in eight matches for a 6-2 record for 4th place.

Mt. Pleasant added three seniors on the Second Team in Lane Beckler (23-10) for the 126-pound weight class, Ramzy Davis (22-10) in the 157-pound weight class, and Juan Lopez (16-15) for the 285-pound weight class.

Washington

Washington tied for third place in the conference with a 3-2 record, resulting in three Demons making the First Team and two finding a spot on the Second Team.

In the 138-pound weight class, Caden Greiner earned First Team status with a 42-5 record along with a 4th place finish at the state tournament after going 4-2 in Des Moines. Jace Kinzenbaw made the First Team for the 157-pound weight class as the freshman punched his ticket to state on his way to a 15-7 record.

Lastly, Blaine Rees took home First Team honors for the 190-pound weight class. The junior rattled off a 39-8 record and claimed a 3-2 record at the state tournament.

The Second Team placed Joseph Schreiber for the 113-pound weight class and Brayden Vernillion for the 215-pound weight class for the Demons. Vernillion made the state tournament and went 15-12 for the year.

Burlington

The Grayhounds finished in fifth place for the conference with a 1-4 record. Leading the Grayhounds was one of their three state qualifiers in Adrian Perez-Hall for the 175-pound weight class. Perez-Hall had an impressive senior year, going 31-2 for the season, which included a trip to Des Moines for the state tournament.

Brody Bolander was named All-SEC Second Team for the 120-pound weight class. Bolander finished the year with a 16-11 record. Roy Brown made the Second Team for the 138-pound weight class, while Jax Rohrer claimed a spot for the 144-pound weight class. Brown made the state tournament as did Owen Difederico, but in a crowded 190-pound weight class he was left off the list.

Keokuk

The Chiefs finished the year 0-5 in the conference and put two on the All-SEC lists. On the First Team, Xavier Nelson etched his name down for the 144-pound weight class. The senior claimed a 27-19 record for the season.

Taking home a spot on the Second Team was Jarod Anderson for the 190-pound weight class. Anderson managed a 24-11 record for the season, as he finished with a 1-2 record at the state tournament.

Prep Girls’ Wrestling: Burlington Wins Conference But Fort Madison Headlines First Team Selections for the SEC

Prep Girls’ Wrestling- The Southeast Conference (SEC) released their All-Conference teams for the 2025-2026 season with Burlington leading the charge with ten First Team nominations and the SEC team title.

Wrestler of the Year

There were several wrestlers from the SEC who qualified for the state tournament and even finished in the top 10, but it was hard to beat Mara Smith’s season for Fort Madison in the 140-pound weight class. The multiple time state qualifier went 37-3 for her senior campaign and won her regional convincingly.

Smith then worked her way to the semifinals of the Class 2A bracket before falling by a narrow 6-4 decision margin. Unfortunately, she was unable to wrestle her final two matches of the tournament due to injury and finished with a 6th place medal.

Burlington

The Grayhounds handled business against the SEC, winning all four of their matches, resulting in four wrestlers getting put on the First Team, including a state qualifier.

In the 105-pound weight class, Grace Navarre went 23-17 in her junior campaign, while Sarina Cline finished her senior season with a 32-13 record as a senior in the 120-pound weight class.

Amaziah Twillie, a sophomore, has made it consecutive appearances to the state tournament after claiming a 31-12 record. Twillie turned a regional championship into a 4-2 run at the state tournament that ended in a 7th place medal.

Lastly, Kylee Hill made the First Team in the 190-pound weight class in her inaugural season as a wrestler for the Grayhounds. She turned out to be a natural, snatching a 35-5 record for the year and taking 3rd place at the regionals.

Over on the Second Team, the Grayhounds put six on the list in Sandreah Pierre-Campbell (110-pound weight class), Landry Jones (125-pound weight class), Brooklyn Sparrow (130-pound weight class), Mia Oddo (135-pound weight class), Ednine Saint Aime (145-pound weight class), and Macy Peterson (170-pound weight class).

Peterson had the dubious distinction of wrestling in the same weight class as Fairfield’s Samantha Lyons. Still, the junior put together a 31-12 record and made it back to the state tournament and a spot on the podium, as she took 7th place.

Fort Madison

At 4-1 in the conference, the Bloodhounds finished right behind their canine counterparts but still got eight wrestlers on the All-SEC lists. Joining Mara Smith on the First Team was five of her teammates.

In the 100-pound weight class, Lucile Zimmerman finished her junior campaign with a 14-17 record.

Briena Fenton, in the 125-pound weight class, earned a 25-11 record as a junior. Fenton took 4th at the regionals.

Aubree Bunnell, in the 130-pound weight class, is going to be someone to fear in her junior campaign after going 31-10 in her sophomore season. Bunnell finished in 4th place at the regional qualifier.

Senior, McKayla Schinstock, in the 135-pound weight class, went 18-12 this year.

Lastly, in the 145-pound weight class, Kat DiPrima, a junior, who also punched her ticket to the state tournament. On her way to the state tournament, DiPrima collected a 34-7 record and finished with a 1-2 record at the state tournament. Overall, she won three tournaments throughout the season.

Placed on the Second Team was Macyn Lampe, a freshman in the 105-pound weight class, and a senior Mady Emmett, in the 190-pound weight class. Lampe finished with a 5-21, while Emmett claimed a 7-6 record.

Mt. Pleasant

The Panthers are a young team in terms of experience and graduating class, yet still finished 2-2 and tied for third in the SEC. The team graduates only one senior and will return all three of the All-SEC honorees, including one First Teamer.

In the 115-pound weight class, Paris Phosy, a junior and one of the more experienced wrestlers on the team, earned the lone First Team nod with a 19-14 record for the season. Additionally, she was able to grab a spot on the podium in her regional qualifier, taking 4th place.

On the Second Team was Quintrie Lee, a sophomore in the 120-pound weight class, and Courtney Smith, a freshman in the 235-pound weight class. Both could own their respective weight classes for the next several years with the wrestlers above them both graduating after this year.

Lee claimed a 24-14 record for the year, while Smith took home an 18-12 season, wrapping it up with a 3rd place finish at regionals, which included Ottumwa’s Delilah Subsin who nabbed the silver medal at the state tournament.

Fairfield

The Trojans had two get named to the First Team list and earn a spot at the state tournament, after going 2-2 in conference action.

Samantha Lyons, a senior in the 170-pound weight class, roared out of the gate to 15 victories before losing her first match of the season. She would not lose again over her next 12 matches, including the first tow rounds of the state tournament. She would finish out her First Team season with a 28-4 record and 6th place at state.

In the 235-pound weight class, Kendra Allison nabbed First Team honors after going 20-6 for the season. She was shocked in the regionals but still managed to punch her ticket to the state tournament for her senior season. She would go 1-2 in Des Moines.

Finding a spot on the Second Team was June Connor, a junior, in the 100-pound weight class. She claimed a 15-15 record.

Washington

The Demons put four on the All-SEC teams and took home a 1-3 record in conference matches, including a freshman getting put on the First Team.

In a relatively quiet 110-pound weight class, Cherry Lindsey found a spot on the First Team as a freshman, despite going just 4-11 on the season. Her best finish of the season was a 5th place run at the North Mahaska Invitational.

Finding a place on the Second Team was Nora Stoutner (115-pound weight class), Ryha Wellington (140-pound weight class), and Colbie Greiner (155-pound weight class) with all three being juniors.

Wellington at 29-13 and Stoutner at 22-15 each produced over 20 wins, while Greiner was just one match away from punching her ticket to the state tournament.

Keokuk

The Chiefs did not put anyone on the All-SEC lists, but Izzy Droege and Jaylah Gardner both took home Academic All-SEC honors, as the team went 0-5 against the conference.