Triple A Weekly Fuel Report

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, February 21st, 2026 at 5:21 am CDT

Gasoline prices are on the move in Iowa according to AAA . The average price of regular unleaded across the state fell 9 cents from last week, now sitting at $2.45 per gallon—57 cents cheaper than a year ago. The national average is slightly higher at $2.92. Diesel prices also dipped 5 cents this week, averaging $3.40 in Iowa, well below the national average of $3.67.

On the crude oil market, West Texas Intermediate fell $3.69 per barrel to $61.60, while Brent crude dropped $2.48 to $67.72.

Heating fuels are also seeing changes. Natural gas prices fell 19 cents to $2.96 per million BTUs, propane averages $1.63 per gallon, and home heating oil is at $2.94 per gallon statewide.

For tips on saving energy at home or on the road, visit energy.gov or fueleconomy.gov.

MP’s 4th Annual Family Fun Fair Scheduled!

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, February 21st, 2026 at 5:21 am CDT

Families in Mount Pleasant are invited to an evening of fun, food, and community connection at the 4th Annual Family Fun Fair.

The event will take place Thursday, March 5th from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the MPCSD Central Campus, located on the 100 block of West Franklin Street.

Hosted by the Mount Pleasant Community School District, the Family Fun Fair will feature free dinner, inflatable attractions, face painting, prizes, and giveaways for all ages. More than 20 community agencies will also be on hand, offering valuable resources and information for families.

The district-wide Scholastic Book Fair will be set up during the event, giving students a chance to find their next favorite book.

Organizers encourage families to stop by before or after parent-teacher conferences and enjoy a fun-filled evening together.

 

 

Prep Boys’ Wrestling: WACO’s Ian Maize and Mediapolis’ Kyler Crow Eyeing Gold After Day Three of the 2026 IHSAA State Tournament

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, February 21st, 2026 at 3:55 am CDT

Des Moines, IA- Championship Saturday is now set for the 2026 Iowa High School Athletic Association’s State Wrestling Tournament as each weight class has been whittled down to the best eight wrestlers.

Here’s how our local athletes fared.

Class 1A

106-Pound Weight Class

Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union’s #8 Justin Knipfer had a rough day two as he fell to #1 Ty Martin of Don Bosco in the quarterfinals and in the consolation bracket could not keep up with #13 Kaleb Gordon of Jesup, falling by a 12-8 decision. Knipfer finished the season with a 31-7 record.

113-Pound Weight Class

#19 Dakota Aney of Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union started the day with a win by fall over #11 Nathan Benedix of Woodbury Central but was eliminated in the fourth round of the consolation bracket by #7 Leyton Elmquist of Audubon by a 13-7 decision. Aney went 29-9 for the season.

With only one goal in mind, WACO’s #2 Ian Maize dominated his quarterfinal matchup against Elmquist with a victory by technical fall and his semifinal showdown against #3 Brady Burton of Westwood, taking it by major decision. The Warrior is now poised for a rematch of last year’s state championship bout against #1 Kaiden Belinsky of Don Bosco Saturday night.

120-Pound Weight Class

WACO’s #12 Rydge Sterna fell to #20 Mason Fogt of Hudson in the third round of the consolation bracket. He finished his freshman season with a 38-14 record.

157-Pound Weight Class

Wapello’s #6 Cohen Wolford and #3 Caleb Swedin of GTRA combined for 41 points in the quarterfinals and it was Swedin that escaped with the 21-20 decision victory. Wolford would bounce back wo defeat #10 Caleb Skogen of Lake Mills by an 11-4 decision in the consolation bracket.

In another close match, Wolford found himself on the wrong end of another close decision, losing to #7 Sam Dominick of Woodbury Central by a 10-8 decision. He will wrestle for 7th place today against #9 Jaxon Gordon of Riverside.

175-Pound Weight Class

#22 Trevor Phillips of Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union fell to #14 William Lawson of Pocahontas Area in the second round of the consolation bracket by a 7-1 decision. He finished the season with a 27-15 record.

Class 2A

113-Pound Weight Class

In one of the bigger upsets of the tournament, #2 Kohen Dietzenbach of Burlington Notre Dame lost to #7 Rike DeWitt of Williamsburg in the quarterfinals by a 7-1 decision. He would take out his frustration in the next two rounds of the consolation bracket, beating #6 Garrett Pumphrey of Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont by technical fall and #10 Kaleb Brown of West Liberty by major decision to roll into the consolation semfinals.

Dietzenbach will wrestle #1 Ethan Humphrey of West Branch with the winner moving on to the 3rd place match.

120-Pound Weight Class

Burlington Notre Dame’s #5 Rowan Berndt started his day with a sudden victory upset over #4 Atlee Dewitt of Alburnett to advance to the semifinals. Nevertheless, he was unable to find that magic in the semifinals, losing to #1 Dylan Williamson of Van Meter by a 4-2 decision.

Elsewhere, Mt. Pleasant’s #14 Levi Evans was handling business in the consolation bracket as he picked up three victories, including two upsets to advance to the consolation semifinals. He will collide with Berndt with the winner moving on to the 3rd place match.

126-Pound Weight Class

Burlington Notre Dame’s #5 Ryan Rose fell to #4 Adrian Phetxoumphone of Clarion-Goldfield-Dows in the quarterfinals by technical fall. Unfortunately, he was unable to regain his footing as #9 Jon Gonzales of West Marshall eliminated him by a 7-4 decision. Rose finished the season with a 39-9 record.

132-Pound Weight Class

#5 Colt Boyles of Burlington Notre Dame lost to #4 Linden Phetxoumphone of Clarion-Goldfield-Dows in the quarterfinals yesterday by major decision. Boyles would respond by collecting a major decision victory and 2-1 decision victory over the next two rounds to set up a matchup against #3 Carter Schmauss of Crestwood in the consolation semifinals.

138-Pound Weight Class

#11 Jared Glendening of Burlington Notre Dame finished 0-2 after losing by major decision #3 Liam Adflinger of Wilton in the quarterfinals. After Washington’s #7 Caleb Greiner pinned #17 Kyson Jalas of Spirit Lake Park, the Nike and Demons faced off with Greiner collecting the major decision victory.

That victory guaranteed a podium finish for Greiner, but he improved that to a top-six finish with a 13-6 decision victory over #10 Calden Latch of Roland-Story. He will wrestle #4 Kaydin Jones of Union with the winner advancing to the 3rd place match.

150-Pound Weight Class

#4 Kael Cook of Burlington Notre Dame had the lead by points early in the third period, but #5 Kameron Kremer of Independence took his shot and defeated Cook by fall. The Nike would manage a technical fall win over #9 Cael Cotter of North Polk yet was upset by #8 Croix Gudenkauf by a 7-1 decision.

Cook will look to finish in 7th place against #6 Aiden Hippen of Clear Lake.

165-Pound Weight Class

#17 Joey Glendening of Burlington Notre Dame lost his first match of the day to #10 Cooper Gates of West Branch by major decision. Glendening finished the season with a 40-8 record.

175-Pound Weight Class

Southeast Iowa got a show in the semifinals last night, as Fairfield’s #6 Dain Burkhart upset #3 Ayden Antonelli of Anamosa in the quarterfinals in a 9-5 decision victory, while #2 Kyler Crow of Mediapolis dominated 7 Blake Mather of West Delaware for a victory by technical fall.

Those victories would pit the Trojans against the Bulldog in the semifinals. Crow would venture out to 7 to 1 lead in the second period, but Burkhart roared back with five points and cut the deficit to three. However, Crow would prove to be too much as he rode an 11-8 decision victory to the championship match.

Crow will look to end his high school career with a state championship when he takes on #1 Christian Dunning of Clear Lake tonight.

Burkhart will attempt to bounce back against #5 Kasen Tyler of Decorah in the consolation semifinals.

190-Pound Weight Class

Washington’s #10 Blaine Rees took down #15 Lohen Tank of NH/TV by a 5-3 decision to start his day but fell to #3 Thomas Sexton of Decorah by technical fall to end his day. Rees collected a 35-8 record for the year.

215-Pound Weight Class

#19 Ren Watson of Fort Madison lost his first match of the day to #11 Carter Eddy of Independence in a 7-0 decision shutout. Watson finished the season with a 43-10 record.

285-Pound Weight Class

#19 Baylor Ferreira of Fort Madison lost to #12 Gable Eddy of Independence yesterday by a 9-5 decision. He finished the year with a 24-15 record.

More Information

KILJ will be providing updates for Championship Saturday! KILJ would like to thank all of our tournament sponsors for allowing us to cover the 2026 Boys’ Wrestling State Tournament.

HC Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda for Monday, 02/23/26 – Special Election Date & 2027 Budget

By Slaten Swords · Friday, February 20th, 2026 at 3:20 pm CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors will meet regarding two agenda items on Monday, February 23 at the Court House in Mt. Pleasant.  Board Chair Chad White confirmed that the supervisors will convene at 10am to begin work on the FY2027 budget.  At 11am on Monday, the Henry County Board of Supervisors will set the date for a special election to fill the Henry County Attorney vacancy.  If necessary, following confirmation of the special election date, the board will continue working on the FY 2027 budget.  The meeting is open to the public.

Henry County Supervisors Call a Special Election to Fill County Attorney Vacancy

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, February 20th, 2026 at 11:42 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors has voted to hold a special election to fill the vacancy in the office of County Attorney.

At their meeting this morning at the Henry County Courthouse, Supervisors approved the measure on a 2-to-1 vote, with Supervisor Steve Detrick casting the lone dissenting vote.

The Henry County Auditor’s Office will publish the official date of the special election on Monday.

Individuals interested in running for the position must file their intention to run along with a petition containing at least 50 valid signatures.

Currently, two individuals have publicly indicated their intent to seek the position: Becky Wilson and Abbie Liechty.

Additional details, including filing deadlines and election logistics, are expected to be released with the publication of the special election notice. KILJ will be sure to keep you informed as we move forward in this process.

Multiple Agencies Respond to Structure Fire in Rural Louisa County Wednesday Afternoon

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, February 20th, 2026 at 8:02 am CDT

The Wapello Fire and Rescue responded to a structure fire Wednesday afternoon in rural Louisa County.

At approximately 1:00 p.m. on February 18th, crews were dispatched to the 8600 block of 172nd Street for a reported fire within the walls of a structure. Wapello Fire and Rescue responded with Tower 112, Engine 113, Brush 118, and Brush 115. Automatic aid was simultaneously requested from the Grandview Fire Department, and the Fruitland Fire Department was also called in to assist.

Upon arrival, firefighters made entry into the structure and located smoldering insulation inside the walls. Interior crews worked to extinguish the fire, while exterior crews addressed several spot fires that ignited after airborne embers set combustible materials on fire around the property.

Tower 112 was used to apply water to multiple areas of the structure where materials were smoldering at various levels. Crews remained on scene until 4:39 p.m., and all apparatus were returned to service by 5:40 p.m. after being prepared for the next call. A total of nine Wapello firefighters responded to the incident. There were no reported injuries to firefighters or occupants.

Assisting at the scene were the Grandview and Fruitland Fire Departments, along with the Louisa County Ambulance Service and the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office.

Arkansas Man Arrested in Burlington on Multiple Charges After Leading Deputies on Vehicle and Foot Pursuit

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, February 20th, 2026 at 7:57 am CDT

The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office reports a Luxora, Arkansas man is facing multiple charges following a vehicle pursuit Wednesday night in Burlington.

According to a press release from the Sheriff Kevin Glendening, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle for equipment and moving violations around 9:04 p.m. near Division and South 8th Streets. Authorities say the driver accelerated and attempted to elude deputies, who were pursuing with emergency lights and sirens activated. During the chase, the vehicle reportedly reached speeds more than 25 miles per hour over the posted limit.

The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle pulled into an apartment complex in the 300 block of Angular Street. The driver then exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Deputies pursued and apprehended the suspect after a short foot chase.

The driver was identified as Terence Jay Gordon, 33, of Luxora, Arkansas. Deputies say Gordon was found in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, and an open container of alcohol was located inside the vehicle.

Gordon was arrested and charged with:

  • failure to obey a stop sign
  • improper rear lamps, open container
  • no valid driver’s license
  • eluding
  • interference with official acts
  • two counts of possession of a controlled substance

Authorities also report he had outstanding warrants for escape from custody and failure to appear on a driving under suspension charge. He was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sports, February 20th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, February 20th, 2026 at 6:40 am CDT

Boys’ District Basketball

In Class 1A Substate 5 District 9, defense was the name of the game in the semifinal matchups.

#4 Burlington Notre Dame kept the pressure on and ran the court against Danville last night in a dominant 69-35 showing. The Nike defense tabbed double digit steals, which included seven from Shay Stephens. Head coach Dan Kies has made sure his team knows that highlights start on defense,

“Yeah, I mean, we talk about it all the time all year long. The guys know that their defense, if they play good defense and they ramp it up defensively, that creates offense. So, we’re much better getting up and down the floor and not being packed into a half-court game. So yeah, it’s kind of what we want to do.”

Stephens led the way with 21 points, while Kellan Porter aided the effort with 17 points. 

Holy Trinity Catholic limited Pekin to just 16 second half points in their 46-38 victory last night. Jack Ragar had another big game, tabbing 17 points in the effort. 

In a rematch of last year’s district championship, Burlington Notre Dame will host Holy Trinity Catholic on Tuesday, 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 on Tuesday at 7 pm.

In Class 2A Substate 5 District 9, Central Lee was held scoreless for the entire second quarter against West Burlington, yet was still able to escape the slugfest with a narrow 44-39 victory. Owen and Kaden Swan each scored 11 points for the Hawks, while Ayden Figuereo put up 12 points for the Falcons.

West Burlington completed the season with a 13-9 record.

Central Lee will compete for the District Championship on Tuesday at 7 pm against Regina Catholic on the road.

In Substate 5 District 10, Mediapolis threw everything they had at Mid-Prairie and ended up short of the mark, losing 63-56. The Bulldogs finished the season with a 15-7 record. 

Mid-Prairie will head to Northeast for the District Championship at 7 pm on Tuesday. 

In Class 3A Substate 4, #5 Mt. Pleasant will venture to #4 Davenport Assumption for their first round matchup on Monday, February 23rd, 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. 

High School Wrestling

The 2026 Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) held their second day of the state tournament yesterday and eleven of our local wrestlers were able to advance to the quarterfinals. Here’s some of the highlights. 

In Class 1A for the 106-pound weight class, Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union’s #8 Justin Knipfer was able to pin his opponent in the second period in his only match of the day. He will square off against #1 Ty Martin of Don Bosco.

In the 113-pound weight class, WACO’s #2 Ian Maize took down #15 Jaxon Shew of North Butler-Clarksville in less than a minute to advance to the quarterfinals. He will wrestle #7 Leyton Elmquist of Audubon.

In the 157-pound weight class, #6 Cohen Wolford of Wapello defeated #11 Ty Christensen of Don Bosco by major decision to advance. He will take on #3 Caleb Swedin of GTRA.

Battling in the consolation bracket is Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union’s Dakota Aney (113-pound weight class) and Trevor Phillips (175-pound weight class), along with WACO’s Rydge Sterna (120-pound weight class).

In Class 2A, Burlington Notre Dame had six of their seven wrestlers punch their ticket to the quarterfinals in Kohen Dietzenbach (113-pound weight class), Rowan Berndt (120-pound weight class), Ryan Rose (126-pound weight class), Colt Boyles (132-pound weight class), Jared Glendening (138-pound weight class), and Kael Cook (150-pound weight class). 

Joining the chase for the championship is Fairfield’s Dain Burkhart, who escaped with a narrow 8-5 decision victory, and Kyler Crow of Mediapolis, who pinned his opponent in 35 seconds, to advance to the 175-pound weight class quarterfinals.

Lastly, Mt. Pleasant’s #14 Levi Evans started his day with a victory by fall over #19 Noah Garcia, but was sent to the consolation bracket. He bounced back to defeat #20 Teagan Alesch of Algona by technical fall. He will wrestle #11 Jaron Jacobs of Greene County today.

For a full recap of day two, click on this link: Classes 1A and 2A Results

Girls’ Regional Basketball

In Class 2A Region 8, Danville will travel to Regina Catholic tonight at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

For Class 3A Region 6, #8 Mediapolis will travel to #6 PCM with tip-off tomorrow, February 21st, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

For Class 4A Region 6, Keokuk will venture to #6 Central DeWitt tomorrow at 7 pm. 

High School Bowling

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

College Signing

Mt. Pleasant’s Ella Ensminger continued the legacy of Panther throwers by signing her letter of intent yesterday to continue her track and field career at Wartburg College, where she will be studying business.

Ensminger discussed how special Mt. Pleasant has been for her development,

“I wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else or at any other school. Hit the jackpot with both these coaches. I had some great role models along the way, Jadan Brumbaugh being one of those. Learning from her in my middle school years, I wish I would have gotten to throw with her. And then just some of my other teammates that we’ve all went hand in hand with having some really good runs. And yeah, looking forward to this season for sure.”

Ensminger is a two-time state qualifier, who claimed 8th place at last year’s state competition. 

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will travel to Northeast Community College tomorrow, February 21st, at 1 pm.

The men’s basketball team will host Moberly Area Community College tomorrow at 7 pm.

College Basketball

The Iowa State women’s team will look to upset #12 TCU on Sunday, February 22nd, at 3 pm on the road. 

The #13 Iowa women’s team rolled past Purdue last night, 83-74. Ava Heiden collected 21 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double. The Hawkeyes will host #6 Michigan on Sunday at 11 am.

The Iowa men’s team will travel to #24 Wisconsin on Sunday for their 3rd straight ranked opponent with tip-off at 3 pm.

The #6 Iowa State men’s team will travel to BYU tomorrow, February 21st, at 9:30 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will have the call.

This Day in Sports History

1930 – Clint Benedict (Montreal Maroons) became the first goalie to wear a mask in the NHL. Benedict wore the mask temporarily during an injury.

1952 – Emmett L. Ashford became the first Black umpire in organized baseball. He was authorized to be a substitute in the Southwestern International League.

2011 – 53rd Daytona 500: 20-year-old Trevor Bayne, driving for Wood Brothers Racing, wins to become the youngest Daytona 500 winner.