Henry County Conservation Department Art Contest!

By Lisa Grilliot · Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at 8:00 am CDT

The Henry County Conservation Department has announced its first annual Art Contest!  Paintings, drawings, and 3D art that depict the animals who call the park out at Oakland Mills, home.  There are three classes for contestants to register: 10yrs and under, 11yrs-18yrs, and adult.  Submissions must be turned into the Henry County Conservation Department Office by Monday, May 4, 2026, by 5:00pm.  Judging will take place on Wednesday, May 6 at the HCCD board meeting.  The meeting is open to the public (contestants do not need to be present to win).  Winners will be announced to the public on Thursday, May 7, 2026.  Three lucky winners will have their art printed on Oakland Mills Merchandise and will receive a prize.  Call 319-931-0336 with questions or email: apacha@henrycountyconservation.com.

Full details can be found HERE.

Sports, April 4th

By Slaten Swords · Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The Liberty Co-Ed Invitational was canceled for today for Columbus.

Mt. Pleasant and Washington will venture north to the Williamsburg Co-Ed Invitational on Tuesday, April 7th.

Mediapolis will host the Dave Aamodt Relays on Tuesday with Danville, West Burlington/Notre Dame, Wapello, and Winfield-Mt. Union making the trip. 

The WACO Relays are scheduled for Tuesday with Van Buren County, New London, and Columbus competing. 

The Fairfield girls’ team will hold their own meet on Tuesday with Central Lee flying over, while the Fairfield boys’ team will participate in the Dennis Anderson Relays.

High School Soccer

Mt. Pleasant will face off against Columbus on the road on Monday, April 6th, with the girls playing first at 5 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will head down the road to compete against Burlington on Monday with game one at 5:30 pm.

The WACO boys’ team will square off against Fairfield on Monday on the road at 5 pm.

Central Lee will contend with Keokuk for their home opener on Monday with game one at 5 pm.

The Danville boys’ team will stay at home to face off against Cedar Rapids Washington on Monday at 6 pm.

The Washington girls’ team will travel to Oskaloosa on Monday at 5 pm, while the boys’ team will host Hillcrest Academy on Tuesday, April 7th, at 5 pm.

Wapello will take on Cedar Valley Christian on Tuesday at home with the girls leading off the night at 5 pm.

The Mediapolis girls’ team will hit the road to play Tipton on Tuesday at 5 pm, while the boys’ team will host Danville on Thursday, April 9th, at 7 pm.

High School Golf

Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield will start their conference play on Monday, April 6th, with the girls’ teams heading to Washington and the boys’ teams playing in Fairfield. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Burlington Notre Dame on Tuesday, April 7th, at home.

Wapello will host Louisa-Muscatine on Tuesday.

Mediapolis will travel to Danville on Tuesday.

Columbus will take on Hillcrest Academy at home on Tuesday.

Van Buren County will travel to Central Lee on Tuesday.

WACO will compete against Lone Tree on Tuesday at home.

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will attend the Wapello Invite on Wednesday, April 8th. 

High School Boys’ Tennis

The Ottumwa Invitational scheduled for today has been canceled. Fairfield will host Burlington for their first match of the season on Thursday, April 9th.

Mt. Pleasant will take on Keokuk for their home opener on Tuesday, April 7th.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team extended their win streak to 12 games after taking both games of their doubleheader against Iowa Lakes Community College yesterday, 11-1 in game one and 10-1 in game two. The Blackhawks will look for the sweep over the Lakers today with a home matchup at 2 pm.

The softball team swept St. Louis Community College yesterday, 12-8 in game one and 9-5 in game two. The Blackhawks will face off against Illinois Central College in a road doubleheader on Monday, April 6th. 

March Madness

The KILJ bracket challenge, sponsored by The Press Box, is officially underway with 60 brackets submitted with the top three set to receive prizes. 

Here’s an updated look at the top 10 brackets and a recap of the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight: KILJ’s Bracket Challenge Standings. The Final Four is slated to start tonight with game one at 5:09 pm between #2 UConn and #3 Illinois. 

Standings will be updated before the championship game.

College Baseball and Softball

The Iowa baseball team fell to Minnesota yesterday, 9-4. Kooper Schulte swatted a solo home run in the loss. The Hawkeyes will look to even the series today at home with first pitch at 2 pm.

The Iowa softball team fell to #18 Oregon last night, 10-1, in six innings. Tory Bennett had the lone RBI in the loss. The Hawkeyes will look to upset the Ducks today with their matchup slated for 6 pm.

The Iowa State softball team will take on #14 Arizona tomorrow, April 5th, in a home doubleheader. 

This Day in Sports History

1911 – Hugh Chalmers, an automaker, announced a change in his baseball MVP award structure. From that point on, Chalmers would give the award to the player who “should prove himself as the most important and useful player to his club…”

1948 – A’s manager Connie Mack, who is 84 years old, challenges Clark Griffith, the 78 year-old owner of the Senators, to a foot race from third base to home plate. It ends in a tie.

1986 – Wayne Gretzky set the NHL record with his 213th point of the season. Finished the season with 215 points as the record still stands.

Danville City Council to Meet 4/6/25

By Lisa Grilliot · Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at 5:37 am CDT

The City of Danville City Council will meet in regular session on Monday, April 6 at 5:3pm.  The meeting will take place in Danville City Hall, 105 W. Shepherd Street.  Items on the agenda include department reports, final review of the City of Danville 2045 comprehensive plan with a public hearing scheduled for April 20, 2026, among other items.  This meeting is open to the public.

 

Special Election for Salem City Council Member, 4/7/26

By Lisa Grilliot · Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at 5:36 am CDT

The City of Salem, Iowa is holding special election next week to elect a city council person for Salem city council, and residents are encouraged to vote.  The polls are open from 7am – 8pm on Tuesday, April 7th at the Salem Public Library.

Gary L. Reynolds

By Lisa Grilliot · Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at 4:49 am CDT

 It is with both sadness and gratitude for a life well-lived devoted to service and ministry that we announce the passing of Gary L. Reynolds.  Born on Friday, October 6, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Gary passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the age of 81 in Chicago.  A resident of Schaumburg since 1991, Gary touched countless lives with his unwavering faith and passion for service.

Gary’s life was characterized by a steadfast commitment to his beliefs and community.  He earned a MBA from North Park University and a Master of Divinity from Bethel Seminary.  His education laid the foundation for his enduring dedication to his work with Converge, formally known as the Baptist General Conference, where he was a beacon of faith and support.

As an educator and church planter, Gary spent time in Brazil and in Mexico spreading the message of hope and love.  His devotion to God’s creation was evident in his love for people, the outdoors, and especially being near to or on the water — a pastime that brought him great joy and peace.

Gary’s legacy is carried on by beloved wife of 58 years, Doris (nee Dumse), his cherished daughters, Cristiana (Brian) McDowell and Diana Michelle Reynolds, his dear brother, Wayne (Nancy) Reynolds, and nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Gunnard and Velma (nee Whal) and his sister, Carol.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we are grateful for the profound impact Gary had on everyone who knew him.  His life of service and dedication will be celebrated at Village Point Church in Elk Grove Village on Saturday, April 18.  Inurnment of his cremains will be held at Burge Cemetery, rural New London, Iowa, at a later date. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with local arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Summer Brazil Ministry Opportunity through Village Point Church, continuing Gary’s lifelong mission of spreading love and faith to all corners of the globe.

As we remember Gary, let us find comfort in his enduring teaching and beautiful memories he leaves behind.  May he rest in peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Roland Leslie Hatton

By Lisa Grilliot · Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at 4:44 am CDT

Roland Leslie Hatton, 93, passed away on March 27, 2026. Born October 8, 1932, in Janesville, Wisconsin but grew up in Winfield, Iowa. Roland was a cherished presence whose life was marked by steady devotion, quiet strength, and the enduring love of family and friends. He lived in Chandler, Arizona.

Roland’s story began in Winfield, Iowa and carried him onward through learning and service. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Iowa Wesleyan University, a foundation that would support a life defined by responsibility and care for others.

From 1952 to 1956, Roland served in the US Navy, answering the call of duty during his younger years. In his working life, he was an Insurance Claim Adjuster in Cedar Rapids, Iowa—work that required patience, fairness, and a measured hand, qualities that reflected the way he moved through the world. He uplifted everyone he associated with by always telling jokes and singing songs.

Roland is survived by Janet Fye Hatton, his loving wife of 68 years; Teresa Holmes (Tim), his daughter; Tracy Hatton (Karen), his son; and his grandchildren, Zachary Holmes, Chelsea Holmes, Trevor Hatton, Logan Hatton, and Jenna Hatton.

Roland was preceded in death by his twin daughters; his Parents, Walter and Ethel Hatton; and his Brother Walt Jr. and his sister-in-law, Shirley Hatton.

In the rhythms of everyday life, Roland found joy in golf, traveling in the motor home, fishing, college sports, basketball and football—simple pleasures that became lasting memories for those who shared the time with him.

He was a member of the Methodist Church, a Life member VFW, and part of the Iowa Mutual 20-year club, connections that spoke to a life rooted in faith, loyalty, and community.

Special thanks to Hospice of the Valley in Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Roland’s honor.

A graveside service will be held for Roland at Trinity Cemetery, rural Mt. Union, Iowa at a later date.

Elliott Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com

 

HC Attorney Special Election: Canvass of Votes Scheduled

By Lisa Grilliot · Friday, April 3rd, 2026 at 4:58 pm CDT

The Canvass of Votes for the Henry County Attorney Vacancy Special Election will be held on Tuesday, April 7th at 8:30am.  The special election was held on March 31, 2026.  The Henry County Board of Supervisors will meet at the courthouse in Mt. Pleasant for the canvassing of votes.

Kenneth Lloyd Fischer

By Lisa Grilliot · Friday, April 3rd, 2026 at 4:04 pm CDT

Kenneth Lloyd Fischer, 93, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, died Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life Open House on April 11, 2026, from 1:00–3:30 p.m. at the Ashford Park Clubhouse, 1810 E Ashford Ave., Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641. In keeping with Kenny’s wishes, there will be no formal service. Please join us for a casual time of fellowship. Stop by and share memories, stories and enjoy Kenny’s favorite desserts, snacks, and drinks with friends and family.

Memorials may be directed to Van Vorhies Haus or Spring Grove United Methodist Church. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, is caring for Kenneth and his family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.