The Danville Fire Department with help from the New London Fire Department is fighting a vegetation fire this afternoon in 20000 block of Old Highway 34. (20576 Old Highway 34.)
MP Fire Department on Scene Hwy 218 North of Mt. Pleasant/Field Fire
The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department arrived on scene just before 3pm today to battle a field fire in a cornfield just off Highway 218 between 170th and 180th streets on the east side of Highway 218 and north of Mt. Pleasant. The Winfield, Olds, and Mt. Union Fire Departments have been dispatched for mutual aid. The fire has jumped the tree line and crews are positioning equipment along Kentucky Avenue. Henry County Law Enforcement have been dispatched for traffic control on Kentucky Avenue south of 170th Street. Heavy, thick smoke can be seen for miles. Firefighters are working to extinguish the blaze and keep structures in the area safe.
Mt. Pleasant’s FFA Chapter Raises About $400 Through “Kiss a Pig” Event
Mt. Pleasant, IA- The Mt. Pleasant Community School District amongst schools all across the nation celebrated FFA week with fun events such as dollar-hat-day and a pancake supper that raised money for the Kyler Rugg Memorial, a WACO student that passed away earlier this month that was very active in the FFA chapter.
(Picture from MPTV-CloseUp’s Facebook Page)
The big exclamation mark of the week was the “Kiss a Pig” event where students throughout the week donated a dollar towards a teacher they wanted to see kiss a pig. The “winner” was Anna Phillips, the associate principal, after a hoard of last-minute donations.
Jacie Campbell, the chapter president and Southeast Vice President of the District, talked about the week, highlighting some of the activities.
The $400 dollars raised will go towards the Mt. Pleasant FFA chapter to expand on the opportunities it allows for its members.
Two People Die in Fairfield Residential Fire Thursday Night
Two people are dead following a residential fire Thursday night in Fairfield.
According to the Fairfield Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 10:08 p.m. on February 26th to a 911 report of a house fire near the intersection of South B Street and Monroe Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers determined the residence was located in the 500 block of South B Street. The Fairfield Fire Department responded and began extinguishing the blaze. Fire personnel entered the home and located two occupants inside. Both individuals were removed from the residence but were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Iowa State Fire Marshal will conduct a full investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Authorities say no foul play is suspected at this time. The home is considered a total loss.
The investigation remains active, and no additional information has been released.
Abbie Liechty Officially Files Signatures for the Special Election for Henry County Attorney
Abbie Liechty, current Assistant County Attorney for Henry County, has officially filed nomination papers for the upcoming special election for County Attorney.
Liechty submitted her petitions to the Henry County Auditor’s Office this week, securing her place on the ballot. The special election was scheduled following a 2-to-1 vote by the Henry County Board of Supervisors on February 20th to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former County Attorney Darin Stater. Liechty exceeded the required 50 signatures from eligible county voters to formalize her candidacy.
In a statement to KILJ, Liechty said, “I am honored by the overwhelming support I’ve received from the citizens of Henry County in such a short amount of time. My focus has been, and will remain, on ensuring a seamless transition for the office and providing the steady, professional legal leadership our community deserves. Handing in these signatures is the first step in asking the voters to let me continue the work we’ve already started.”
Liechty is a lifelong Henry County resident. She graduated in the top 15 percent of her class from Gonzaga Law School, was admitted to the Iowa Bar in 2024, and currently handles criminal, juvenile, and civil matters in the County Attorney’s Office.
Liechty says her campaign centers on three main priorities. First, professional integrity — maintaining high ethical standards and a commitment to fairness while advising county officials, prosecuting criminal cases, and protecting victims’ rights.
Second, stability and continuity — ensuring that ongoing criminal prosecutions and civil matters move forward without interruption.
And third, community safety — strengthening partnerships with local law enforcement to promote a proactive, community-supported approach to public safety.
The special election for Henry County Attorney is set for March 31, 2026. All nine county polling locations will be open, with early and absentee voting also available.
KILJ is currently securing a date for a candidate forum for the Henry County Attorney Special Election so you can learn more about both Abbie Liechty and Becky Wilson, who has also submitted her papers to appear on the ballot.
Man Injured in Jefferson County House Fire; Home Declared Total Loss
A residential fire in Jefferson County Thursday afternoon has left one man injured and a home destroyed.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call was received at approximately 2:25 p.m. reporting a fire in the 1100 block of Brookville Road in the town of Abingdon. The caller indicated a male subject was still inside the residence.
A deputy arrived about ten minutes later and reported the home was fully engulfed in flames. Authorities say the man was able to escape the residence but sustained injuries.
The Packwood Fire Department and the Fairfield Fire Department responded to extinguish the blaze. The home is considered a total loss.
The injured man was transported by Jefferson County Ambulance to the Jefferson County Health Center and was later airlifted by MedForce to the University of Iowa Hospital for treatment.
No additional information has been released at this time.
Sports, February 27th
Boys’ District Basketball
In Class 3A Substate 5, #1 Pella pummeled #5 Washington last night 76-38. Austin Schulte scored 21 points for the Dutch. The Demons finished the season with a 13-11 record.
#3 Keokuk pulled off the upset against #2 Center Point-Urbana last night, 64-58. The Chiefs will travel to Pella for the Substate 5 championship on Monday, March 2nd, at 7 pm.
In Class 1A Substate 5, #4 Burlington Notre Dame and Calamus-Wheatland will face off for the Substate 5 championship tomorrow, February 28th, at 4 pm at Iowa City High. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 3:45 pm.
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.
All-Southeast Conference Teams
The Southeast Conference (SEC) released their All-Conference teams for boys’ and girls’ wrestling yesterday and a couple of state podium finishers were named Wrestler of the Year.
Starting with girls’ wrestling, Fort Madison’s Mara Smith was named Wrestler of the Year after posting a 37-3 record for the season and taking home the 6th place medal in a state tournament run that was cut short due to injury.
Burlington won the conference and put four on the First Team in Grace Navarre, Sarina Cline, Amaziah Twillie, who finished in 7th place at state, and Kylee Hill, who claimed a 35-5 record in her first year on the mats.
Mt. Pleasant was headlined by Paris Phosy, as she earned First Team honors for the 115-pound weight class. The junior collected a 19-14 record for the season and took 4th at her regional qualifier. The Panthers also put Quintrie Lee and Courtney Smith on the Second Team, as Smith finished in 3rd place at her regional qualifier.
Fairfield’s Samantha Lyons and Kendra Allison were placed on the First Team with both punching their ticket to the state tournament, including a 6th place finish for Lyons.
For boys’ wrestling, despite earning Second Team honors for the 175-pound weight class, Fairfield’s Dain Burkhart was named Wrestler of the Year after going 34-6 on the year and claiming a bronze medal at state.
Cael McCabe was the lone Trojan to make the First Team as Fairfield tied Fort Madison for 1st in conference.
In the 120-pound weight class, Mt. Pleasant’s Levi Evans took home First Team honors as the sophomore went 29-5 on the season and was the first Panther to earn a trip to the state tournament since 2020. After eight grueling matches, Evans recorded a 4th place finish. Lane Beckler, Ramzy Davis, and Juan Lopez each grabbed Second Team honors.
Washington’s Caden Greiner garnered First Team status with a 42-5 record along with a 4th place finish. Jace Kinzenbaw and Blaine Rees joined him on the First Team, as they both punched their ticket to the state tournament, as well.
For a full look at the All-Conference lists for boys’ and girls’ wrestling, follow the links provided. Tune in tomorrow for a breakdown of both All-SEC basketball teams.
All-SEC Girls’ Wrestling: Girls’ Wrestling
All-SEC Boys’ Wrestling: Boys’ Wrestling
Southeastern Community College
The men’s basketball team will travel to Marshalltown Community College tomorrow, February 28th, at 7 pm for their regular season finale.
The baseball team will travel to Delgado Community College today for a doubleheader.
The softball team will participate in the Midwest Classic today and tomorrow with a matchup against Metropolitan Community College leading off the weekend.
College Basketball
The Iowa State women’s team will square off against Kansas State on Sunday, March 1st, on the road at 1 pm.
The #9 Iowa women’s team snuck out with an 82-78 home victory last night against Illinois. Ava Heiden cashed in for 28 points in the winning effort. Jan Jensen’s 46 career victories are the most by an Iowa women’s head coach in their first two seasons at the helm in program history. The Hawkeyes will take on Wisconsin on the road on Sunday at 2 pm.
The Iowa men’s team will travel to Penn State tomorrow, February 28th, with tip-off at 11 am.
The #4 Iowa State men’s team will face off against #16 Texas Tech tomorrow at 3 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will have the call.
This Day in Sports History
1959 – Boston Celtic Bob Cousy sets a then-NBA record with 28 assists as the Boston Celtics score 173 points against Minneapolis Lakers.
1966 – 8th Daytona 500: Polesitter Richard Petty comes from two laps down to win the event after 198 laps were completed because of rain.
1987 – The NCAA cancels SMU’s entire 1987 football schedule for violations of NCAA rules regarding athletic corruption.
Robert “Bob” Lane
Robert “Bob” Lane, 88, a resident of Agency, passed away Friday, February 20, 2026 at Harvest Acres Nursing and Rehab in Keota.
There will be no services held at this time. Memorials may be made to the family. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.
Bob was born April 20, 1937 in Illinois, the son of Alvin and Katherine (Brown) Lane. He married Emma Lou McElfish, May 23, 1959. She preceded him in death November 20, 2018.
Bob worked in construction, building bridges and culverts, and later drove a dump truck. He was active in the Boy Scouts, enjoyed family time, hunting, fishing, and camping. Bob served in the United States Navy and enjoyed attending his naval ship reunions.
Those left to honor his memory include his son, Robert Alvin Lane of Keota; granddaughter, Brittany Lane of Marion, Iowa; and sisters, Kathe, Cindy, and Cheryl.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; son, Thomas; brother, Paul; and sisters, Sandy and Patty.