Sports, November 25th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, November 25th, 2025 at 6:35 am CDT

High School Wrestling

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team hosted their Invitational last night and Pekin ran away with the team title with 174 points, while Van Buren County took second place with 130 points. Armoney Adams continued her undefeated season with three pins and a 1st place finish in the 100-pound weight class. Jacqueline Singer claimed the win by fall in the 1st place match in the 105-pound weight class, while Rylee Caviness won the 125-pound weight class with three victories by fall.

Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union led the trio of our other local teams, accruing 76 points for 8th place, followed by WACO with 46 points and Mediapolis with 30 points. The Wildcats were led by Jada Moats, as she took 1st place in the 190-pound weight class with a victory over Kylee Hill of Burlington in the championship match. WACO had Emorry Davis and Makayla Morrison each take 3rd place for their respective weight classes, while Kaiya Swafford claimed 3rd place for the Bulldogs.

The Mediapolis, Fairfield, Wapello, and Van Buren County girls’ teams will compete at the Fort Madison Invitational on December 1st. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will travel to Tipton for an Invitational on December 1st. 

The Wapello and Mt. Pleasant girls’ teams competed at the West Liberty Invitational last night and the Arrows took 10th place with 82 points, while Mt. Pleasant finished in 11th place with 67 points. 

Wapello was led by Kenadee Helscher and Clara Ball, as Helscher finished the night 3-0, including a win by technical fall in the 105-pound championship match, and Ball claimed four victories with a major decision over Audra Coss of Wilton taking the gold in the 115-pound weight class. 

Zenlynn Lee led the Panthers, advancing to the championship match in the 145-pound weight class, but falling to Sierra Metcalf of North Scott to snatch the silver. Courtney Smith also claimed 2nd place in the 235-pound weight class with a record of 1-1 for the night. 

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will tip-off the season at Pella tonight at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. Panther head coach Curt Watson talked about his team’s goals for the start of the season,

“…We want to compete with everybody. Last few years, I don’t think we’ve competed very well against a lot of the good teams and stuff. And I think if we can go up there, show Pella that we are there to play basketball and give them a really good game. I think it’s just going to go and get better against Burlington Notre Dame and it’s still key for us is we got to get a lot of these younger girls, a lot of varsity experience and the more experience they get, the better they’re going to be at their season goes down.”

The Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will hit the road to face off against Pekin tonight at 7:30 pm.

The Fairfield girls’ team will compete against Knoxville tonight at 7:30 pm on the road. 

The Columbus girls’ team will host Louisa-Muscatine tonight at 6 pm.

The WACO girls’ team will face off against Wapello at home tonight at 6 pm.

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will attend a scrimmage at Kirkwood Community College on Friday, November 28th, with a matchup against Columbus Catholic.

The New London girls’ team will travel to Louisa-Muscatine on December 1st at 6 pm.

High School Bowling

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel to Keokuk tonight at 6 pm.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will stay at home to play North Iowa Area Community College tonight at 5:30 pm.

The men’s basketball team will host Spoon River College tonight at 7 pm.

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will duel Ellsworth Community College on December 3rd at home.

College Football

Iowa will travel to Nebraska on Friday, November 28th, to end the regular season with kickoff at 11 am. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call.

Iowa State will face off against Oklahoma State on Saturday, November 29th, at 11 am. 

College Basketball

The #11 Iowa women’s team will host Western Illinois tomorrow, November 26th, at 6:30 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will compete in the Acrisure Classic tonight against Ole Miss at 8:30 pm.

The #10 Iowa State women’s team will compete in a tournament starting on Friday, November 28th, at 10 am.

In a top 15 matchup, the #15 Iowa State men’s team grabbed T.J. Otzelberger’s 100th career victory as head coach of the Cyclones in a thrilling 83-82 victory over #14 St. John’s. Joshua Jefferson had a terrific all-around game, racking up 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and a block in the marquee win. The Cyclones will continue their run through the Players Era tournament today against Creighton at 1 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1961 – NBA’s Bob Cousy becomes the second player to score 15,000 points.

1979 – Pat Summerall and John Madden broadcast a game together for the first time. A pairing that lasts 22 years and becomes one of the most well-known partnerships in TV sportscasting history.

2018 – LA Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers sets an NFL single-game record, completing 25-straight passes in a 45-10 win against the Arizona Cardinals.

Medicare Open Enrollment Deadline Is Approaching: Take Time to Review Your Plan

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, November 25th, 2025 at 6:25 am CDT

With the December 7th Medicare Open Enrollment deadline fast approaching, now is the perfect time for beneficiaries to review their current coverage and ensure everything is still meeting their needs. medicare.gov

Plans can change from year to year — including premiums, provider networks, and prescription drug coverage. Many Iowans have reported that some healthcare providers are no longer accepting certain Medicare Advantage plans, making it especially important to confirm that your preferred doctor or clinic still takes your current plan before the enrollment window closes. 

It’s also wise to double-check your prescription drug coverage. Formularies can shift annually, and a quick review could prevent unexpected costs at the pharmacy in the year ahead. 

While exploring coverage options, be cautious of unsolicited calls offering “too-good-to-be-true” plans or pressuring you to switch. Scammers often target seniors during open enrollment. If you’re unsure whether a change is right for you, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or advisor for help before making any major decision. 

Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7th, and after that date, most changes can’t be made until next year. Take a few minutes now to review, compare, and ensure your coverage is the right fit for 2026. 

Warm, Mostly Dry Week Allows Farmers to Wrap Up Fieldwork; Corn Harvest Nearly Complete

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, November 25th, 2025 at 5:17 am CDT

The latest Crop Progress and Conditions Report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service shows that Iowa farmers enjoyed 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 23. Producers continued fertilizer and manure applications, along with fall tillage, as the season winds down.

Moisture levels held steady: topsoil moisture was rated 4% very short, 27% short, 67% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture mirrored those ratings at 4% very short, 27% short, 66% adequate, and 3% surplus.

The corn harvest is essentially finished statewide, with 99% of the crop now in the bin.

Weather Summary – Southeast Iowa

Southeast Iowa experienced another mild November week with temperatures running well above normal. Highs climbed into the upper 50s early in the week, with lows mostly in the 30s and low 40s. Cloud cover was common, and dense fog developed several mornings—especially midweek—before gradually clearing each afternoon.

Rainfall in the region was light and scattered, generally ranging from just a trace to around a quarter inch, with most of the heavier precipitation staying north of Highway 30. Conditions dried out again heading into the weekend, with breezy west winds and sunshine returning Saturday and Sunday.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner RSVP Deadline Is Today at 3 p.m. 

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, November 24th, 2025 at 11:23 am CDT

Today is the final day to reserve a meal for this year’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner, taking place Thursday, November 27 at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant. RSVPs must be made by 3 p.m. today. 

The church will offer sit-down dinners from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., pick-up meals from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., and delivery at 11:00 a.m. for individuals without transportation. 

To reserve your meal, sign up in the back of the FUMC sanctuary or call the church office at 319-385-1740 before the 3 p.m. deadline. 

If you’re unable to volunteer but would like to support the effort, monetary donations may be dropped off at the church office Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The church encourages anyone planning to participate to get their reservations in today. 

Solid Waste Collection & Recycling Holiday Schedule 

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, November 24th, 2025 at 11:22 am CDT

The City of Mount Pleasant has announced changes to solid waste and recycling services for the Thanksgiving holiday. Lance Refuse and Wemiga Waste will run their regular routes on Wednesday. However, any collection normally scheduled for Thursday will take place on Friday, November 28, 2025, due to the holiday. 

City offices will also be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, in observance of Thanksgiving. Regular business hours will resume the following Monday. 

Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly and have carts placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on Friday if they are typically a Thursday pickup. 

Thursdays Area Recyclers route in mt pleasant will be picked up Friday. 

KILJ Welcomes Shelbi Swinscoe as New Production Manager

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, November 24th, 2025 at 10:43 am CDT

KILJ Radio is proud to announce the addition of Shelbi Swinscoe as our new Production Manager.

A lifelong Mount Pleasant resident, Shelbi brings both hometown pride and a strong understanding of the community to her new role.

Many listeners and local residents will recognize Shelbi from her recent position at Mount Pleasant City Hall, where she served as Administrative Assistant. During her time there, she built meaningful relationships across the city and gained valuable experience in local operations and public service.

Shelbi brings that same dedication to KILJ, along with a deep appreciation for Mount Pleasant and the greater southeast Iowa region. “It’s a privilege to step into this role and continue serving the people and places that have shaped who I am,” she shared.

As Production Manager, Shelbi will support KILJ’s ongoing mission of delivering trusted local news, storytelling, and community connection. Please join us in welcoming Shelbi to the KILJ team as she begins this exciting new chapter.

Aerial Applicator Continuing Instruction Course Set for December 11 in Washington County

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, November 24th, 2025 at 7:42 am CDT

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Washington County will host the Aerial Applicator Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) for commercial pesticide applicators on Thursday, December 11, 2025. The annual training is provided through ISU Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP).

This course fulfills the 2025 continuing instruction requirements for commercial pesticide applicators certified in Category 11. Topics on the agenda include pesticide use and its impact on the environment, understanding and interpreting pesticide labels, and an overview of pests, pest management strategies, and related pesticide considerations.

Registration is open now. To sign up or learn more, contact Holly Beinhart at the ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County office by calling 319-653-4811 or visit https://go.iastate.edu/ALTQL4

Sports, November 24th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, November 24th, 2025 at 6:38 am CDT

High School Wrestling

The WACO girls’ team competed in a tournament at BGM over the weekend and collected 28 points by the day’s end. Makayla Morrison led the Warriors with a 4th place finish after narrowly falling in the 3rd place match by a 7-6 decision. 

The WACO, Mediapolis, and Van Buren County girls’ teams will participate in a tournament tonight hosted by Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union.

Burlington hosted the Grayhound Invite over the weekend and the hosts snuck away with the victory, totaling 196.5 points, while Van Buren County accounted for 168 points to take 3rd place. The Warriors had two wrestlers finish atop the podium with Armoney Adams (105-pound weight class) and Brystol Wiley (110-pound weight class) each winning both of their matches by fall to earn the gold. Rylee Caviness claimed 2nd place. 

Mt. Pleasant grabbed 8th place with 76 points and Mediapolis snatched 11th place. In the Panthers’ first action of the season, Quintrie and Zenlynn Lee led the squad as they both fell in the championship match of their respective weight classes to finish with the silver. In the 235-pound weight class, Courtney Smith and Olivia Gordy claimed 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. 

Lastly, Avery Hollingsworth of Mediapolis defeated Rory Philips of Van Buren County in the 105-pound championship match by fall to claim the lone gold medal of the day for the Bulldogs. 

The Wapello and Mt. Pleasant girls’ teams will wrestle at the West Liberty Invitational tonight.

The Fairfield and Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ teams participated in the Wilton tournament over the weekend and Fairfield’s 60 points were good enough for 10th place, while the Wildcats took 12th place. Samantha Lyons and Kendra Allison both pinned their way to gold medals for the Trojans, while Jada Moats’ 3rd place finish led Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union. 

High School Basketball

The New London, Mediapolis, Columbus, and WACO boys’ teams will head to Hillcrest Academy tonight for a jamboree. 

The Mt. Pleasant and Central Lee boys’ teams will compete at the Mid-Prairie jamboree tonight. Panther head coach Eric Rawson is excited to get the season started,

“…And so, it’s good to finally be back in the gym and, you know, just seeing a big difference in their maturity level, we’re pretty strong. You know, they’ve really gotten after it in the weight room and so now we just got to get our basketball legs under us and get some lungs and you know, it should be an exciting year.”

The West Burlington boys’ team will scrimmage Fairfield, while Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against Cardinal tonight in a jamboree hosted by the Crusaders. 

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will tip-off the season at Pella tomorrow, November 25th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

The Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will hit the road to face off against Pekin tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

The Fairfield girls’ team will compete against Knoxville tomorrow at 7:30 pm on the road. 

The Columbus girls’ team will host Louisa-Muscatine tomorrow at 6 pm.

The WACO girls’ team will face off against Wapello at home tomorrow at 6 pm.

The New London girls’ team will travel to Louisa-Muscatine on December 1st at 6 pm.

High School Bowling

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel to Keokuk tomorrow, November 25th, at 6 pm.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team lost 81-58 over the weekend to Neosho County Community College. Deejah Buchanan led the team with 23 points. The Blackhawks will stay at home to play North Iowa Area Community College tomorrow, November 25th, at 5:30 pm.

The men’s basketball team fell to Moberly Area Community College over the weekend 92-82. Jacob Franklin went off for 29 points in the losing effort. The Blackhawks will host Spoon River College tomorrow at 7 pm.

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will duel Ellsworth Community College on Wednesday, December 3rd, at home.

College Football

Iowa finally flipped the script and outscored Michigan State 13 to 0 in the 4th quarter, as Drew Stevens walked-off a 20-17 victory for the Hawkeyes on a 44-yard field goal. Mark Gronowski tossed for 147 yards and a touchdown in the win. The Hawkeyes will travel to Nebraska on Friday, November 28th, to end the regular season with kickoff at 11 am. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call.

Iowa State whacked Kansas over the weekend 38-14. Rocco Becht had a huge game, throwing for 241 yards and three touchdowns, while Carson Hansen gashed the Jayhawks for 120 rushing yards and a score. The Cyclones will face off against Oklahoma State on Saturday, November 29th, at 11 am. 

College Basketball

The #19 Iowa women’s team muscled their way past Miami over the weekend at the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Showcase, 64-61. Hannah Stuelke collected a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. The Hawkeyes will host Western Illinois on Wednesday, November 26th, at 6:30 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will compete in the Acrisure Classic tomorrow, November 25th, against Ole Miss at 8:30 pm.

The #12 Iowa State women’s team flattened Mercyhurst yesterday 112-62. Audi Crooks tabbed 27 points and two steals in the mauling. The Cyclones will compete in a tournament starting on Friday, November 28th, at 10 am.

The #16 Iowa State men’s team will play in the Players Era Men’s Championship tournament starting today against #14 St. John’s at 3:30 pm.  

This Day in Sports History

1960 – Philadelphia center Wilt Chamberlain pulls down an NBA record 55 rebounds in a Warriors 132-129 loss to the Boston Celtics at Philadelphia Civic Center.

1985 – CFL Grey Cup, Olympic Stadium, Montreal: the BC Lions defeat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, 37-24; it’s the final CFL game played with 25-yard long endzones.

1991 – Monica Seles sets the female tennis record winning prize money of $2,457,758 in a year.