KILJ Launches Nationwide Search for Morning Radio Personality and Production Director

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 at 8:10 am CDT

KILJ Radio is excited to announce a nationwide search for the station’s next Radio Morning Personality/Co-host and Production Director. This rare opportunity invites passionate, creative, and community-minded individuals to bring their voice and talent to the heart of Southeast Iowa.

The new hire will take the mic as a co-host of KILJ’s beloved morning show, helping start listeners’ days with energy, information, and a local touch. In addition to on-air duties, the position includes leading production efforts for the station, ensuring KILJ’s content remains polished, professional, and engaging.

A full list of responsibilities and qualifications is available online by visiting work-at-kilj

Applications are being accepted now through Friday, August 15, at 5:00 p.m. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit early.

For more information or application questions, contact KILJ General Manager Kadie Johannson at sales@kilj.com or call 319-385-8728.

KILJ looks forward to welcoming a new voice to the team—one that shares a passion for local radio, community storytelling, and making mornings brighter across the airwaves of Southeast Iowa.

Mary L.  Ping – PENDING

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 at 8:02 am CDT

Mary L.  Ping, 103, of New London, Iowa, and formerly Burlington, passed away, August 4, 2025 at New London Specialty Care.

Services are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.

Sports, August 6th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 at 6:33 am CDT

New London Fall Season Preview

The New London football program will have to readjust after making the jump back to 11-man football for the first season since moving to 8-player in 2018. The change is welcomed with the reintroduction of Southeast Iowa Super Conference foes, such as an early October matchup against Danville. The team will be without the services of Gavin Menke-Bailey, the leading tackler and starting quarterback from a season ago. However, they will return London Franklin, who led the rushing attack with 471 yards and 10 touchdowns and snatched 4 interceptions on the defensive side. New London is hoping to get back to their postseason ways after a two-year hiatus.

The New London volleyball team will look to improve upon a four-win 2024 campaign in a tough SEISC-South division. The Tigers lost four of their top five attackers from a year ago as this year’s team will trend towards a youth takeover. Maison Nelson will look to improve upon her freshman campaign as she led the team with 161 assists, smacked 52 kills, and tabbed 26 aces. 

After multiple years of teaming up with Danville, New London was back to having their own boys’ and girls’ cross country teams. Head coach Bridget Swailes has known this group of runners through junior high cross country as she depended on Irelynn Kelly and Nathan Bergman, two freshmen, to lead an all-freshman roster last season. There will still be growing pains, but expect times to drop throughout the season.

Local Athletic Camps

Some upcoming camp starting dates to keep an eye on include:

Fairfield’s high school volleyball camp will start today and run through the 8th with a 6 pm start time. The camp will cost $40 and take place at Fairfield High School.

The Wapello Volleyball Camp starts today and runs through tomorrow, August 7th. Practices will range from 9 am to 10:30 am for 6th through 8th graders and 11 am to 12:30 pm for 3rd through 5th graders. 

The Van Buren County football camp will also start today for 3rd all the way through 12th graders. 3rd through 8th graders will also have camp tomorrow starting at 10 am both days with a $30 cost, while the high schoolers will go until the 8th from 7 am to 10 am with a $45 cost. 

At Danville High School, the Soukup Basketball camp for all boys and girls entering 3rd through 8th grades will take place on August 8th and run through the 10th. The cost will be $60 per camper and you can sign up at www.soukupbasketballcamp.com. 

Mt. Pleasant’s high school cross country camp at the Oakland Mills Cabins will get underway on Monday, August 11th. 

College Football

Iowa and Iowa State have garnered reputations for running the ball and that penchant towards pounding the gridiron has placed one Hawkeye and two Cyclones on the Doak Walker Award watchlist. 

Kamari Moulton will have to fill the shoes of Doak Walker finalist Kaleb Johnson from last year for Iowa. Moulton saw action in 12 games last season and totaled 473 yards and three touchdowns. The Hawkeyes will start the year against UAlbany on August 30th at home at 5 pm. You can catch the action on KILJ 105.5 FM throughout the season.

Iowa State is in the unique position of having two running backs with award winning capabilities in Carson Hansen and Abu Sama III. Hansen was a touchdown machine with 13, which ranked 28th nationally, while rushing for 752 yards at a clip of five yards per carry. Sama put up 587 yards as he started six games last year. The Des Moines native has six rushing touchdowns of 50 or more yards throughout his first two seasons in Ames. 

Prospect League

The Cape Catfish marched into Lafayette and took game one of the Prospect League Championship series in a 7-3 final over the Aviators. Nathan Bowie and Caleb Champion each tabbed a double and two RBIs in the win. Game two will be played tomorrow, August 7th, at 6:35 pm in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. 

This Day in Sports History

1890 – Future Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young throws 3-hit ball in his MLB debut for the Cleveland Spiders in 8-1 win vs the Chicago Colts.

1963 – Philadelphia NBA franchise changes name from ‘Nationals’ to the ’76ers’, based on US Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776.

1972 – Hank Aaron hits his 660th and 661st home runs for the Atlanta Braves, breaking Babe Ruth’s MLB record of home runs for one team.

Georgette Nordyke,

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 3:42 pm CDT

Georgette Nordyke 88, of Winfield passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Sunrise Terrace. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the Winfield United Methodist Church.  Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the church.    Private family burial will be held in Winfield Scott Township Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warriors Project and Sunrise Terrace in Georgette’s name.      Online condolences may be left at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Winfield is caring for Georgette’s arrangements and her family.

 

Georgette Nellie Bednar was born on February 22, 1937 in Passaic, New Jersey, the daughter of Stephan and Nellie (Gryzbeck) Bednar.  Georgette graduated from high school in Clifton, New Jersey and went on to obtain her Registered Nursing diploma from St. Mary’s Hospital also in New Jersey.  On June 17, 1972, Georgette was united in marriage to Billy Nordyke Sr. in Wayne, New Jersey.  Georgette began her career as a Registered Nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital working in the emergency room.  After moving to Iowa, she served as the director of nursing at Sunrise Terrace in Winfield when it first opened. While working alongside her husband, Dr. Nordyke, in his practice in Winfield, she filled in as the school nurse when the need arose.  Georgette was a member of the Winfield United Methodist Church, Lions Club, VFW Auxiliary and Winfield School Booster Club while her children attended.   She enjoyed flower gardening, canning, baking and cooking.

 

Georgette will be deeply missed by her children, Stephanie Timmis – Nordyke (Melani) of Delray Beach, Florida, Nancy (Chris) Nelson of Decatur, Illinois and their family, Corran and Brendan Nelson of Decatur and Billy Nordyke, Jr. of Brownstown, Michigan; step-children, Mark (Marie) Nordyke of Patterson, New Jersey and their family, Mark Jr., Andrew and Matthew Nordyke and two step great-grandchildren and Brad (Carmen) Nordyke of Rancho Viejo, Texas and their family, Bradley and Brayden; and her brother, Frank Bednar and wife of New Jersey.

 

Georgette was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Billy Nordyke on December 27, 2023 and several brothers and sisters.

Family Medicine-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Welcomes New Provider 

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 12:59 pm CDT

Andrew Root, DO, has joined the medical staff at Family Medicine-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, in Fort Madison.

Dr. Root is Board Certified in Family Medicine. He will see patients of all ages, providing comprehensive, continuous care throughout a patient’s lifetime. This includes preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and coordination of care with specialists when needed.

“I like the variety of family medicine, working with patients from newborn to becoming grandparents themselves.  It is rewarding for me to take care of my patients as they age, experiencing their life changes with them,” expressed Dr. Root. “I encourage my patients to become involved in their healthcare, ask questions, everyone is unique and should be provided with healthcare that fits their needs.”

Dr. Root received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Des Moines University. He completed his Family Medicine Residency at MercyOne in Des Moines.  He is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Dr. Root grew up in Southeast Minnesota. His wife Haley grew up in Donnellson and attended Central Lee Schools, where she will return as a teacher this school year. When not at work, Dr. Root enjoys spending time with his young family, being outdoors, riding bikes, and participating in sports.

Dr. Root is accepting new patients at the Family Medicine-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison.  You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Root by calling 319.376.2134.

James Daniel Pearson

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 11:00 am CDT

James Daniel Pearson, 81, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting with arrangements.

Jim was born June 23, 1944 in Des Moines, the son of Robert C. and Catherine l. Pearson.

Jim grew up in Des Moines and following high school, attended and graduated from the University of Iowa. Jim served in United States Army, stationed in Germany during the Viet Nam War.  Following his service in the Army, he attended law school at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and graduated in 1974.

He was a follower of transcendental meditation, beginning in 1972 and became a teacher shortly after graduating from law school. Jim oversaw the Fayetteville, Arkansas TM center, and then moved to the national TM headquarters in California. Jim moved to Fairfield in the 1980s and began his law practice, eventually specializing in immigration law helping many students at MIU and local internationals.

Jim loved history, travel, photography, hiking, and Chicago bears. His caring and giving personality will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by a cousin, Shari Patrick of Washington state, and some dear friends.
Online condolences may be made to Jim’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Henry County Supervisors Revisit Solar and Battery Ordinances

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 10:50 am CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT — The Henry County Board of Supervisors held a work session Tuesday morning to review proposed ordinances for solar energy and battery storage projects. While no action was taken, the discussion outlined key concerns and potential changes as large-scale renewable energy development continues gaining traction.

Setbacks and Screening

Supervisors generally agreed that current setbacks—300 feet from homes, 50 feet from roads—are in line with other counties. They also discussed the 15-foot height limit on panels, with questions raised about whether it accounts for sun-tracking systems that tilt. Concerns about glare were addressed, though newer solar technologies appear to minimize reflection.

Zoning and Farmland Use

The board emphasized alignment with the county’s 2017 comprehensive plan, which prioritizes preserving high-value farmland and discouraging commercial development in rural areas. Supervisor Marc Lindeen expressed skepticism about converting row crops to solar, questioning whether it truly reduces carbon emissions long-term.

Residential vs. Commercial Systems

A 100-kilowatt threshold still marks the divide between residential and commercial projects, with larger systems facing stricter regulations. Supervisor Steve Detrick noted Access Energy lacks the infrastructure to support major commercial solar or battery storage developments.

Noise and Environmental Oversight

Supervisors discussed potential noise from transformers and tracking systems, referencing reports showing some units reaching 65–105 decibels—well above the county’s 45-decibel ordinance. They also stressed the need for DNR oversight on floodplain and drainage concerns, particularly for projects like a proposed 10,000-acre solar installation in the Green Bay Bottom.

What’s Next

The board tentatively scheduled another work session for 9:00 a.m. on August 15, inviting representatives from Access Energy and industry consultant Bruce Hudson to provide input. Supervisors want to ensure Planning & Zoning is on the same page before advancing ordinance changes.

James Daniel Pearson

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 9:53 am CDT

James Daniel Pearson, 81, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting with arrangements.

Jim was born June 23, 1944 in Des Moines, the son of Robert C. and Catherine l. Pearson.

Jim grew up in Des Moines and following high school, attended and graduated from the University of Iowa. Jim served in United States Army, stationed in Germany during the Viet Nam War.  Following his service in the Army, he attended law school at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and graduated in 1974.

He was a follower of transcendental meditation, beginning in 1972 and became a teacher shortly after graduating from law school. Jim oversaw the Fayetteville, Arkansas TM center, and then moved to the national TM headquarters in California. Jim moved to Fairfield in the 1980s and began his law practice, eventually specializing in immigration law helping many students at MIU and local internationals.

Jim loved history, travel, photography, hiking, and Chicago bears. His caring and giving personality will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by a cousin, Shari Patrick of Washington state, and some dear friends.
Online condolences may be made to Jim’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.