Elevated Fire Danger as Dry, Windy Conditions Move In

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 at 7:25 am CDT

Residents across the KILJ listening area are being urged to take extra precautions today as dry air and gusty winds increase the risk of grass and brush fires.

According to the National Weather Service, a combination of low humidity and winds gusting between 20 and 30 miles per hour will create conditions favorable for rapid fire spread, especially in open fields and rural areas.

Officials recommend avoiding or postponing any outdoor burning activities. Cigarette butts and cigars should be fully extinguished and disposed of properly, and drivers are reminded to secure trailer chains to prevent sparks. The use of outdoor equipment that could generate sparks is also discouraged during peak wind hours. Fire crews note that even a small spark can quickly ignite dry vegetation and grass.

Winds are expected to diminish later this evening as temperatures fall into the low 30s. Sunshine and lighter winds are forecast for tomorrow, though dry conditions will persist.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed of any local burn restrictions and to report signs of wildfire immediately.

Sports, February 24th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 at 6:31 am CDT

Boys’ District Basketball

In Class 3A Substate 4, #5 Mt. Pleasant had the game tied at 10 after the first quarter but a stingy Knight defense was too much to overcome, as #5 Davenport Assumption exited with the victory, 61-42. Isaiah Lange led the way with 17 points for the Panthers. Mt. Pleasant finished the season with a 10-13 record.

Over in Substate 5, #1 Pella clobbered #8 Fairfield last night, 81-41. Jack McGuire had 18 points on a perfect 9 for 9 from the floor for the Dutch. The Trojans conclude the season with a 2-19 record.

In an upset, #5 Washington marched into #4 Burlington and escaped with a 53-50 victory over the Grayhounds, despite getting swept during the regular season. Burlington collected a 12-10 record for the season.

#5 Washington will travel to #1 Pella on Thursday, February 26th, at 7 pm.

Lastly, #3 Keokuk plastered Fort Madison last night 73-33. The Chiefs pushed the game out of contention with a 23 to 0 run that started in the second quarter and did not end until nearly mid-way through the third quarter. Jaxon Clark led the way with 37 points, while Fort Madison’s Nolan Guzman was held in check with 16 points. The Bloodhounds finished the season with a 5-17 record.

#3 Keokuk will tangle with #2 Center Point-Urbana on Thursday at 7 pm on the road. 

In Class 1A Substate 5 District 9, it’s a rematch of last year’s district championship, Burlington Notre Dame will host Holy Trinity Catholic tonight at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. Nike head coach Dan Kies knows beating an opponent three times in one year won’t be an easy task,

“Yeah, I mean, gotta prepare just like we did both times we saw them. They played much better against us the first time we saw them. Their second time, they were a little flat to start out. But that’s a team that’s got guys that can play it. They play with discipline. They try to play their style of game. They’re gonna try and play a certain way. We’re gonna try and play a certain way. But both teams know each other, so yeah, gotta get ready and just see if we can’t take care of business. But it’s gonna be a tough matchup.”

In District 10, Hillcrest Academy will travel to Calamus-Wheatland tonight at 7 pm.

In Class 2A Substate 5 District 9, Central Lee will compete for the District Championship tonight at 7 pm against Regina Catholic.

In Substate 5 District 10, Mid-Prairie will head to Northeast for the District Championship at 7 pm tonight.

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.

High School Bowling

Class 3A held their individual state tournament, while Class 1A put on their team tournament yesterday and Urbandale’s Damien Timm won the state title by three pins, bowling a 236, while West Delaware claimed the team championship over Charles City, 3-1. 

Kaden Zear of Washington will bowl today for the Class 1A individual tournament, while Keokuk’s Chase Hemann will compete in the Class 2A individual state tournament tomorrow, February 25th.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will take on Southwestern Community College tomorrow, February 25th, at home at 5:30 pm.

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

College Basketball

The Iowa State women’s team will square off against Oklahoma State tomorrow, February 25th, at 6:30 pm at home.

The #9 Iowa women’s team will host Illinois on Thursday, February 26th, at 8 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will contend with Ohio State at home tomorrow at 8 pm.

The #4 Iowa State men’s team will attempt to bounce back against Utah on the road tonight at 8 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1978 – Kevin Porter, NJ, sets a then-NBA record with 29 assists in a game.

1987 – LA Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scores his 36,000th NBA point in a 97-93 win over the Suns in Phoenix.

2013 – 55th Daytona 500: Jimmie Johnson wins his second Great American Race; Danica Patrick is the first female driver to start from pole position; also best-ever finish by a woman at Daytona (8th).

Margaret H. Steele

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at 5:10 pm CDT

Margaret Helen Steele, 87, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

A visitation for family and friends will be 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Burial will follow at Glasgow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Glasgow Cemetery or EveryStep Hospice.

Margaret was born June 14, 1938, the daughter of Merle and Helen (Carper) Leazer. Helen later married Harold Simmons. Margaret married Herman “Dale” Steele, September 5, 1956 in Glasgow. He preceded her in death October 9, 2008.

Margaret worked for the Fairfield Community School District for 30 years, first in the lunchroom at Lincoln School, and then in laundry at the High School.

Margaret enjoyed gardening and yardwork, watching movies, birdwatching, and working on the farm. She cherished her time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Those left to honor her memory include her son, Don (Debi) Steele of Fairfield; grandchildren, Sandra (Chad) Vice, Nathan (Shana) Steele, Mike (Ashley) Harmon, Kyle (Ashley) Harmon, and Abigail Stickels; 14 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Richard “Dick” (Lynn) Leazer of Verona, Wisconsin.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Merle Leazer, and Helen and Harold Simmons; and her son, John Steele.

Margaret’s family wishes to thank Jefferson County Health Center and EveryStep Hospice for their loving care.

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

Mark A. Hall

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at 5:06 pm CDT

Mark Alan Hall, 67, a lifelong resident of Fairfield, Iowa passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Graveside services celebrating his life will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield with Rev. Al Coffin officiating. Memorials may be made to the National MS Society or Jefferson County Park for the trail system. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Mark was born August 9, 1958, the son of William H. “Bill” and Oral E. (Carter) Hall. Mark was the nephew to Jack and Ruth Sellars.

Mark was an avid outdoorsman who loved nothing more than to spend the day bicycling the Fairfield Loop Trail, hiking at Jefferson County Park or just enjoying his backyard and his vegetable garden. He carried on his grandmother Hall’s tradition making pickles with her recipe and his cucumbers.

Mark was employed by the Walmart Distribution Warehouse in Mt. Pleasant and was recognized for his 35 years of service. He had also worked at Hy-Vee and for his father at Fairfield Industrial Supply.

He is survived by his sisters Sue Hall and Maggi (Jim) Manning, both of Dallas Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Robert.

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

James “Jamie” Schultz

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at 4:37 pm CDT

James “Jamie” W. Schultz, 68, of Burlington, died Monday, February 2, 2026 at his home.  He was born January 24, 1958 in Galesburg, Illinois to Rodney E. Sr. and Jacqueline E. Kuhl Schultz.  He was of the Methodist faith.

He took auto body classes at Carl Sandberg College in Galesburg and worked as a truckdriver for Cessford and did concrete work for Carl A. Nelson Company and Raymond Smith Construction.  Jamie enjoyed music and art; mowing; walking the dogs; and when it snowed, he plowed the entire neighborhood.  He was the type of man who would pull over to check on someone, even in the rain.  Despite everything against him, he was fiercely independent.  If you knew Jamie, you were a lucky person.  He was a devoted father and Dog Grandpa to Kali and Capri.

Jamie is survived by his son Hunter (Mikayla) James Schultz; sister Patty (Will) Miner of Oquawka, Illinois; brother Rodney Schultz of Burlington; step-father Albert Keever of Oquawka; step-sisters Becky Kelly and Brenda Lox; step-brother Bruce Keever; and his two ex-wives Karen and Susan, whom he remained close with.  He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Megan Danielle Schultz; sister Kathy C. Schultz-Hillier; and half-brother John Reeder.

According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 28th from 2pm-4pm at the Moose Lodge, 2529 Mt. Pleasant Street, Burlington, Iowa.

Memorials may be sent to Hunter Schultz at 606 N. Gunnison Street, Burlington, Iowa 52601. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottchapel.com.

Henry County Sets March 31 Special Election to Fill County Attorney Position

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at 11:56 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors has announced that a special election to fill the position of Henry County Attorney will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. All regular polling locations throughout the county will be open for voters on Election Day.

During the announcement, the Auditor’s Office advised the supervisors that early voting will be available and absentee ballots may be requested by mail. However, the start dates for both early voting and absentee ballot requests are still pending, as officials are waiting for confirmation on when ballots will arrive. The Auditor’s Office will notify the public as soon as those dates are finalized.

Residents are encouraged to watch for updates from the Auditor’s Office regarding early voting opportunities and absentee ballot availability in the coming weeks, as well as information about the candidates who will appear on the ballot.

Sheryl Ann (Sommerfeld) Carhoff

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at 10:31 am CDT

Sheryl Ann (Sommerfeld) Carhoff, 71, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of the Mount Pleasant community passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Sheryl was born on May 6, 1954, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Paul F. and Virginia (Lane) Sommerfeld. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and went to further her education at Southeastern Community College graduating with a degree in Nursing.  Sheryl was united in marriage to John Carhoff in August of 2011, at the Trenton United Methodist Church. Sheryl worked at the Burlington Hospital and the Hospital in Lincoln Nebraska.  She retired from Home Health Care.   She enjoyed crafting, gardening and her flowers, shopping and traveling.  

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her husband, John Carhoff, of Cedar Rapids, her sister, Charlotte (Steve) Zihlman of Mount Pleasant and her brother, Richard (Lynne) Sommerfeld of Alamo, Texas, and several nieces and nephews, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marilyn Carhoff, William (Becky) Carhoff, James (Vickie) Carhoff, Rebecca (Greg) Smith, Naomi (Steve) Lipper and Suellen Schleisman.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents, her twin sister, Sharon Kay Hazen, and two brothers-in-law, Robert Carhoff and Brent Schleisman.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Richwood Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant with Reverend Jeffrey McPheron officiating.  Following the graveside service the family will receive friends at the Trenton United Methodist Church for a time of food and fellowship. A memorial has been established in her memory.  

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Sheryl.  

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

Sports, February 23rd

By Slaten Swords · Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at 6:35 am CDT

Girls’ Regional Basketball

For Class 3A Region 6, #8 Mediapolis pulled off the upset over the weekend, defeating #6 PCM 49-42 behind a defense that forced 18 steals to qualify for the state tournament. Amelia Grier led the team with 17 points, while Josie Hutcheson tabbed 13 points and six steals. Mediapolis head coach Todd Borrison talked about how this moment has been more than a year in the making,

“This group’s been working so hard, just about every day, just been running, running, running. And to finally punch your ticket to the state tournament, it’s gotta be a special feeling. It’s a great feeling, you know, and you really feel for the kids. We do a lot of basketball year, you know, year-round, and these kids have committed, and they put in the time, and they’ve kept, you know, getting better and better, and they’ve trusted the process. And the ultimate reward is punching your ticket, and they got to experience that today. And we’ve been close a couple times, but this is always a big hurdle to get over. And they just fought, and fought, and fought tonight, and I was really, really proud of them.”

#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.

For Class 4A Region 6, Keokuk was handled by Central DeWitt over the weekend, 88-43. Elizabeth Mason led the scoring with 15 points. The Chiefs finished the season with a 15-8 record. 

High School Wrestling

The 2026 Iowa High School Athletic Association’s (IHSAA) state tournament is in the books and ten of our local wrestlers finished on top of the podium. Here’s the highlights.

In Class 1A for the 113-pound weight class, WACO’s #2 Ian Maize got his rematch against Don Bosco’s #1 Kaiden Belinsky but fell short of the title, finishing with the silver medal and a 38-4 record. 

In the 157-pound weight class, #6 Cohen Wolford of Wapello nabbed 8th place with a 40-7 record for the year. 

In Class 2A for the 120-pound weight class, Mt. Pleasant’s #14 Levi Evans started the day with a victory over #5 Rowan Berdnt by an 8-7 decision to advance to the 3rd place match. Evans would finish in 4th place with a 38-7 record for the season, while Berndt took 6th place.

The Nikes also had #2 Kohen Dietzenbach (113-pound weight class) take 5th place, #5 Colt Boyles (132-pound weight class) snatched 6th place, and Kael Cook (150-pound weight class) finished in 7th place. 

Washington’s #7 Caden Greiner claimed 4th place in the 138-pound weight class.

Lastly, in the 175-pound weight class, #6 Dain Burkhart of Fairfield shook off the loss in the semifinals by picking up a pair of victories on Saturday, including a 9-8 overtime victory for the bronze medal and a 41-7 record.

Mediapolis’ #2 Kyler Crow finished his fourth trip to state by grabbing the silver medal, losing by major decision in the championship match. Crow claimed a 51-2 record for the season. 

All-Conference Girls’ Basketball

The Southeast Iowa Super Conference released their All-Conference teams for the North and South Divisions yesterday. 

For the North, Wapello’s Macey Kuntz and WACO’s Brenna Graber were placed on the 1st Team. Kuntz was one of four players in the conference to average a double-double, while Graber finished in the top five for assists and steals per game.

In the South Division, Grace Holsteen of Mediapolis and Kenna Sandoval of Central Lee took home Co-Conference Player of the Year, while Todd Borrison was named Coach of the Year, as the Bulldogs finished the season 24-0 and as state qualifiers.

Mediapolis’ starting five of Holsteen, Ellah Wagenbach, Josie Hutcheson, Amelia Grier, and Bryn Wright were named 1st Team. Joining them was Alaina Gourley of Danville, Kaylee Webb of West Burlington, and Sophia Jirak of Van Buren County.

For a full list of the All-Conference lists, follow this link: All-SEISC Teams

Boys’ District Basketball

In Class 3A Substate 4, #5 Mt. Pleasant will venture to #4 Davenport Assumption for their first round matchup tonight at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. 

Substate 5 houses the rest of our local teams with #8 Fairfield traveling to #1 Pella. #4 Burlington will host #5 Washington, while #3 Keokuk will take on #6 Fort Madison at home for a pair of Southeast Conference clashes. 

In Class 1A Substate 5 District 9, it’s a rematch of last year’s district championship, Burlington Notre Dame will host Holy Trinity Catholic tomorrow, February 24th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

In District 10, Hillcrest Academy will travel to Calamus-Wheatland tomorrow at 7 pm.

In Class 2A Substate 5 District 9, Central Lee will compete for the District Championship tomorrow at 7 pm against Regina Catholic.

In Substate 5 District 10, Mid-Prairie will head to Northeast for the District Championship at 7 pm tomorrow.

High School Bowling

Keokuk’s Chase Hemann will compete in the Class 2A individual state tournament on Wednesday, February 25th.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team lost to Northeast Community College, 70-61, over the weekend. Mia Stokes claimed a 14 point and 13 rebound double-double. The Blackhawks will take on Southwestern Community College on Wednesday, February 25th, at home at 5:30 pm.

The men’s basketball team dropped another close contest over the weekend, falling to Moberly Area Community College 71-68. Prophet Fields finished with 19 points in the effort. The Blackhawks will travel to Marshalltown Community College on Saturday, February 28th, at 7 pm for their regular season finale. 

College Basketball

The Iowa State women’s team came up short against #12 TCU, losing 80-73. Audi Crooks finished the game with 22 points. The Cyclones will square off against Oklahoma State on Wednesday, February 25th, at 6:30 pm at home.

The #13 Iowa women’s team executed the upset against #6 Michigan yesterday, 62-44. Ava Heiden tabbed a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds. The Hawkeyes will host Illinois on Thursday, February 26th, at 8 pm.

The Iowa men’s team fell to #24 Wisconsin yesterday, 84-71. Bennett Stirtz collected 23 points in the effort. The Hawkeyes will contend with Ohio State at home on Wednesday at 8 pm.

The #6 Iowa State men’s team was unable to find the answers against #23 BYU over the weekend, losing 79-69. Tamin Lipsey cashed in for 19 points. The Cyclones will attempt to bounce back against Utah on the road tomorrow, February 24th, at 8 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1968 – Wilt Chamberlain becomes the first NBA player to score 25,000 points.

1969 – 11th Daytona 500: LeeRoy Yarbrough driving for Junior Johnson, catches Charlie Glotzbach on final lap to win; first Daytona 500 won on a last lap pass.

1985 – Five minutes into a game against rival Purdue, Indiana head coach Bobby Knight drew a technical foul then nonchalantly turned around, picked up a chair and hurled it past Boilermakers guard Steve Reid.