Sports, September 12th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, September 12th, 2025 at 6:37 am CDT

High School Volleyball

#1 Holy Trinity Catholic dropped the first set to West Burlington last night, but cruised the rest of the way, winning in four sets. The Falcons were led by Kaylee Webb’s 13 kills. 

Holy Trinity Catholic and Van Buren County will compete at the Redette Tournament in Centerville tomorrow, September 13th.

Danville fell to Mediapolis last night in four sets (18-25, 16-25, 25-19, 18-25). Ellah Wagenbach and AvaLynn Prall combined for 21 kills in the winning effort.  

Danville will travel to New London on Tuesday, September 16th. 

Burlington Notre Dame edged out Van Buren County in comeback fashion last night in five sets (16-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-16, 16-14). The Nikes will host Central Lee on Tuesday. 

New London was swept by Central Lee last night (5-25, 15-25, 9-25). Brylee Cook was surgical from the service line with nine aces for the Hawks. 

Columbus swept Pekin last night 25-17, 25-19, and 25-18 thanks to the serving prowess of the Wildcats, totaling 14 aces in the victory. Jocelyn Hernandez led the team with five aces. 

Mt. Pleasant will compete in the Wilton Tournament tomorrow with Mediapolis and Winfield-Mt. Union also making the trip. 

Fairfield will travel to Williamsburg to compete in a tournament tomorrow along with West Burlington and Columbus.

High School Cross Country

Fairfield hosted their invite last night with six of our local teams competing and Van Buren County’s boys’ and girls’ teams collected the team wins in the Class 1A and Class 2A division.

Starting in boys’ Classes 1A and 2A division, Lincoln Bainbridge paced not only the division but the entire field as he posted the best time of the night at 17 minutes and 1 second. Helping the Warriors was Gavin Noll’s third place finish. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame put together a nice meet with Liam Haeger (19:48) and Gabe Andrus (20:03) each taking a spot in the top 10 at 8th and 9th place, respectively. 

Wapello’s Will Parsons turned in a time of 21 minutes and 1 second, which was good enough for 17th place. Bowen Thomson led Winfield-Mt. Union with a 20th place time of 21 minutes and 23 seconds. Lastly, the trio of Zayden Lawerence, Nathan Bergman, and Zane Long took 22nd through 24th place, respectively, for New London.

Moving to the boys’ Classes 3A and 4A race, Silas Hulett of Mt. Pleasant collected the 6th fastest time of the meet, finishing just outside the podium with a 4th place time of 17 minutes and 51 seconds. Fairfield’s John Miller finished in 22nd place to anchor the Trojans. 

Van Buren County scored only 16 points in the girls’ Classes 1A and 2A division with four of their runners finishing in tandem: Rylee Philips led the charge with a 5th place time of 22 minutes and 30 seconds followed by Kayley Snowgren, Adalyn Snowgren, and Rory Philips. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame had Kaitlyn Kipp snatch the bronze medal time by five-tenths of a second over her teammate Hannah Ritter, clocking a run of 22 minutes and 22.1 seconds. Kenna Small of Wapello clinched 14th place. Ashlyn Bender of Winfield-Mt. Union turned in a time of 30 minutes and 26 seconds, while New London’s Irelynn Kelly finished in 31 minutes and 29 seconds.

For the girls’ Class 3A and Class 4A race, Mt. Pleasant’s Avery Fedler collected the best time of night with a mark of 19 minutes and 11 seconds, defeating two runners ranked in the top 20 from the Southeast Conference, while Quintrie Lee claimed 5th place with a time of 20 minutes and 56 seconds, which was eight-tenths of a second from knocking off Iris Dahl of Washington. Alex Jo Steward finished in 19th place for Fairfield. 

New London will head to Oskaloosa for a meet on Tuesday, September 16th.

Wapello will compete in the English Valleys Invite on Tuesday.

Central Lee will host their Invitational on Tuesday with Winfield-Mt. Union and Van Buren County competing. 

WACO, Mt. Pleasant, Mediapolis, Danville, Fairfield, Holy Trinity Catholic, and West Burlington/Notre Dame will travel to Rodeo Park Trail for the Timm Lamb Invitational on Thursday, September 18th.

High School Football

Mt. Pleasant gets back to work as they stay on the road to face off against Oskaloosa tonight at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm. Head coach John Bowlin knows this will be a tough matchup, but that’s what makes a team better,

“… And, you know, they will be a different team for sure. And they’re going to run the ball, they’re going to establish the run against us. I think their line will give us a give us a fight all night. So it’s going to be a battle for four quarters. But again, our goal is to come out and you know be dominant and continue that and just start from the first quarter to the last. And you know you’re going to have ups and downs. But if we just keep the pressure on, keep the gas on good things are gonna happen.”

Wapello will square off against Pekin at 7 pm on the road tonight. 

Van Buren County will face off against Cardinal tonight at 7 pm at home.

WACO will host HLV/TC tonight at 7 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will hit the road to square off against English Valleys tonight at 7 pm. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame will compete on the road against Keokuk tonight at 7:30 pm.

Mediapolis will head to Fairfield tonight at 7:30 pm.

Danville will host Columbus tonight at 7 pm.

Central Lee will make the trip to Fort Madison tonight at 7:30 pm.

High School Girls’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant will celebrate their senior night on Monday, September 15th, against Davis County.

Fairfield prepares to host the Class 1A Region 6 Individual tournament on Wednesday, September 17th.

Southeastern Community College

The volleyball team defeated North Iowa Area Community College last night in five sets, winning the tiebreaker 15-12. The Blackhawks will travel to Northeast Community College on Tuesday, September 16th, at 6:30 pm.

The women’s soccer team will stay at home to square off against State Fair Community College at 1 pm tomorrow, September 13th.

The men’s soccer team will take on State Fair Community College at 3 pm tomorrow.

College Football

#14 Iowa State will travel to Arkansas State tomorrow, September 13th, at 3 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will have the call.

Iowa is hoping for a get-right game against UMass tomorrow at home with kickoff at 6:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call.

This Day in Sports History

1895 – Annie Londonderry [Annie Kopchovsky] arrives in Chicago to complete the first round-the-world trip by a woman on a bicycle in 15 months and collects her $10,000 prize.

1930 – Brooklyn catcher Al López hits major league’s last recorded bounce home run as the National League did not adopt the ground-rule double until 1931.

2004 – The Detroit Lions beat the Chicago Bears 20-16 at Soldier Field to snap their then- NFL record 24-game road losing streak. The Lions later reset the record at 26 in 2010.

Fairfield 5th Grade Band Open House Set for September 16

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, September 12th, 2025 at 6:15 am CDT

Fairfield Community School District families with budding young musicians are invited to a special 5th Grade Band Open House on Tuesday, September 16 at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place in the Fairfield Middle School Cafetorium and is open to all fifth-grade students and their families.

Mr. Tyler Nunziato, the district’s 5th Grade Band Director, shared that students have been working hard trying out different musical instruments and many are ready to begin their band journey. The open house will provide key information for families as students prepare to select and begin playing their chosen instruments.

Representatives from West Music, the district’s music retailer, will be on hand to explain the process for renting student instruments and purchasing the necessary band materials.

Percussion auditions are also underway, with results to be announced to 5th grade homerooms during the school day on September 16. Students not selected for percussion will have the opportunity to play their second-choice instrument.

Families with questions about the 5th Grade Band or the parent night can contact Mr. Nunziato at tyler.nunziato@fairfieldsfuture.org

Commercial Pesticide Applicator Courses Scheduled for Fall 2025

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, September 12th, 2025 at 5:38 am CDT

The Lee County Extension Office has announced the schedule for this fall’s Commercial Pesticide Applicator Continuing Instruction Courses. Pre-registration is required for all sessions by calling 319-835-5116. All courses will be held at the Lee County Extension Office.

The fall lineup includes:

  • Forest, Aquatic, & Right-of-Way (Categories 2, 5, 6) – Oct. 22 at 9:00 a.m.

  • Ornamental & Turfgrass (Categories 30, 3T, 30T) – Nov. 12 at 9:00 a.m.

  • Fumigation (Category 7C) – Nov. 18 at 9:00 a.m.

  • Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, & Plant Disease Pest Control (Categories 1A, 1B, 1C) – Nov. 19 at 9:00 a.m.

  • Pest Control Operators (Categories 7A, 7B, 7D, 8) – Dec. 10 at 9:00 a.m.

Two additional courses are available by appointment:

  • Aerial Application (Category 11) – Call to schedule

  • Greenhouse Pest Control (Category 3G) – Call to schedule

These courses provide essential training and certification updates for commercial pesticide applicators. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact the Lee County Extension Office at 319-835-5116.

Ellen S. Krieger

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, September 12th, 2025 at 5:19 am CDT

Ellen S. Krieger, 77, of Mt. Pleasant, died Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Addington Place in Mt. Pleasant.

Mrs. Krieger, the former Ellen Sue Housel, was born March 26, 1948 in Mt. Pleasant. She was the daughter of Warren and Lorena (Riepe) Krieger. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School and the Burlington Beauty School. On March 25, 1976 at Faith Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant, Ellen was united in marriage to Jerry Raymond Krieger by the Rev. Alton Koch. Mr. Krieger died Thursday, January 13, 2011 at their residence in Mt. Pleasant.

Ellen was a beautician at the beauty salon of the former Spurgeon’s Department Store in Mt. Pleasant. For many years, she was a Psychiatric Aide at the former Mt. Pleasant Mental Health Institution.

Ellen was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant. She devoted many hours as a volunteer at the Fellowship Cup in Mt. Pleasant. Ellen loved to feed the birds outside of her house. She had the unique ability to mimic many of the “songs” of the birds. She loved to garden, and thoroughly enjoyed camping and boating at the family’s spot on the Skunk River.

Those thankful for sharing in Ellen’s life include a son, Curt Krieger and his wife Beth of Mt. Pleasant; a granddaughter – Jeannie Morris and her companion Matthew Thorn of Mt. Pleasant; a brother – Jim Housel and his wife Melanie of Mt. Pleasant.

Her parents, husband and a son, Robert Krieger, precede Ellen in death.

Friends may call from 12 Noon to 6PM on Thursday, September 18th at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 4-6 PM on Thursday.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to Every Step Hospice.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Southeast Iowa Fishing Report – Water & Fish Conditions As Of 9/12/25

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, September 12th, 2025 at 5:18 am CDT

Big Hollow Lake – Water temperature is around 75 degrees. Crappie fishing is picking up with fish holding in 6–8 feet of water around trees. Largemouth bass remain active but are expected to move into deeper water as hot weather sets in.

Cedar River (Moscow to Columbus Junction) – Water levels are falling about a foot a week. Channel catfish bite is good, but forecasted heat may slow action as water warms.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River) – Water levels continue to drop about a foot a week, exposing more sand bars. Channel catfish are good; target logjams with cut bait or dead shad as flow decreases.

Lake Belva Deer – Water temperature is 72–73 degrees with 18 inches of clarity and a green tint. Bluegills remain mostly in 10–12 feet of water among flooded timber. Largemouth bass were shallow earlier in the week but will likely move deeper with rising temperatures.

Lake Darling – Water temperature is about 72 degrees with good clarity below a surface layer of planktonic algae. Bluegills are starting to move shallower but many remain in 8–9 feet of water. Channel catfish bite is fair. Largemouth bass are active but expected to shift deeper as heat returns.

Lake Geode – Water temperature is 73–74 degrees, clarity around 20 inches, and a green color. Crappies are holding in habitat near deeper water. Bluegills are biting well in 7–8 feet of water. Largemouth bass are working along deep-water drop-offs.

Lost Grove Lake – Water temperature is 70 degrees with about 3.5 feet of clarity. Bluegills are active in 4–5 feet of water around habitat. Largemouth bass are striking crankbaits along weed bed edges and submerged brush.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River) – River levels are dropping about a foot a week but remain navigable with caution. Channel catfish bite is good, especially off the back edges of sand bars and near brush piles.

For more details, contact the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.

Prep Volleyball: Holy Trinity Catholic Still at #1 in Third Edition of the IGHSAU Rankings

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 1:11 pm CDT

Prep Volleyball- It has been a slow start to the season for some of our local teams; yet, it has not detracted from the respect that they have earned through the preseason. It is time for the 3rd edition of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s volleyball rankings.

Class 5A

Waukee Northwest is still enjoying the top of the hill as they sit with a perfect 13-0 record on the season. Ankeny was leapfrogged by Waukee for the #3 slot in the rankings with Ankeny Christian holding on to the #2 slot. Iowa City High was dropped from the top 15 and replaced by the second team in the class with a losing record: (5-9) Linn-Mar at #15.

Class 4A

The top five did not change as Clear Creek-Amana resides as the current favorite with a 13-1 record. Sioux Center is the most intriguing team as they remain undefeated through seven matches, placing them at #5 in the top 15.

Waverly-Shell Rock and Solon entered the top 15 arm-in-arm at #8 and #9, respectively. They replace Western Dubuque and Xavier.

Class 3A

Kuemper Catholic tumbled down the rankings from #2 to #7 after their first loss of the season. Western Christian is still at #1 followed by 15-win Assumption and undefeated Mid-Prairie.

Anamosa and Van Meter were dropped from the rankings and replaced by Unity Christian at #12 and Williamsburg at #13. Mt. Vernon, last year’s champion, is clinging on to the top 15 with a 6-6 record, falling back seven spots.

Class 2A

Class 2A is the home of the undefeated programs as #1 Denver is 16-0, #2 Hinton is 6-0, #4 Grundy Center is perfect through 10, and #7 Riverside is 11-0. Dike-New Hartford, hoping for another shot to lift the title, sits at #3 with a 14-3 record.

Missouri Valley leaps into the top 15 at #13 after Lawton-Bronson was knocked out.

Class 1A

Holy Trinity Catholic has only played five games, at least one less game than everyone else in the top 15, but the Crusaders held on to their #1 spot with a 4-1 record—their only loss to Class 3A’s #8 and undefeated team Wilton. Holy Trinity Catholic has played only one game from their season opening tournament, defeating Danville in four sets.

The game was sloppy by Crusader standards, allowing the Bears to collect eight aces by the night’s end and hit at an efficiency of 0.121. Defense was a big point of emphasis for head coach Melissa Freesmeier and there’s still something there to be desired.

What has gone well this season is the front row attack of Holy Trinity Catholic as Adalyn Kruse and Presley Myers are both swinging above 0.325 and combine for 80 kills on the season. Any team would take 16 kills per game from their two best attackers.

North Tama and Saint Ansgar round out the top three and the team to eliminate the Crusaders last year and finish as the runner-up, BCLUW, is undefeated through nine games and ranked 7th. Last year’s champion, Ankeny Christian, is located at #14 with a 4-6 record.

For a full look at the rankings: IGHSAU Volleyball Rankings

Henry County Supervisors Approve HR Contract Renewal, & Advance Compensation Plan

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 9:59 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the courthouse in Mount Pleasant. The meeting opened with approval of the agenda before moving into updates from County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss.

Road and Maintenance Updates

Hotchkiss reported Spot blading is underway to address rough intersections and washboards created by dry conditions and harvest traffic. Shoulder maintenance is also in progress near Mount Union and south of Salem, where equipment is being used to repair eroded edges and redistribute rock.

Hotchkiss noted that mowing is nearly finished for the season, with the county’s third round of mowing operations coming to a close. Additional work will be limited to targeted areas as needed.

On the bridge project west of Mount Pleasant, Hotchkiss shared that construction is not expected to begin until mid-October at the earliest. For now, the road remains open through harvest season. All utility relocations in the project area have been completed.

Supervisors also reviewed budget items related to rock hauling and shoulder work, with Hotchkiss confirming that part of the cost will be reimbursed by the City of Mount Pleasant. The board passed along resident praise for recent road patching work on 235th Street.

HR Contract Renewal

Supervisors voted to renew the county’s contract with PJ Greufe & Associates for human resources support. The contract, which runs from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, carries a $1,500 monthly fee and includes a 90-day opt-out clause.

Compensation Plan Approved

The board also formally approved a new county compensation plan developed in partnership with Greufe’s team. The plan introduces a hybrid structure that factors in both employee longevity and annual performance evaluations.

Discussion centered on how cost-of-living adjustments (CPI) will be handled, with supervisors clarifying that while the CPI index moves annually, any wage increases tied to it will require board approval. Department heads voiced support for the plan, noting it provides clearer structure for reviews and pay adjustments. Supervisors agreed that policy details will be spelled out in writing and included in the updated employee handbook.

The plan takes effect immediately, with department heads expected to incorporate it into budget planning for the next fiscal year.

Other Business

No subcommittee reports were presented this week. Public comment followed, with discussion continuing from prior meetings.

Gas Line Struck in Mount Pleasant Thursday Morning Sept 11

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 8:25 am CDT

Just before 8 a.m. Thursday morning, (Sept, 11th) the Mount Pleasant Fire Department was dispatched to the intersection of Winfield Avenue and Main Street after a construction crew reportedly struck a natural gas line.

Fire crews arrived on scene shortly after 8 a.m., with the Mount Pleasant Police Department assisting by blocking off the area and securing the neighborhood.

At this time, there has been no word from Alliant Energy regarding the extent of the damage or how long repairs may take.

KILJ reminds residents to remain cautious in the north neighborhoods of Mount Pleasant near Winfield Avenue and Main Street throughout the morning as crews continue to secure the area and work on the leak.

KILJ will provide updates as more information becomes available.