Road Work Begins on Jackson Street/Salem Road in Salem: Expect Lane Closures Over the Next Two Weeks

SALEM, Iowa – Drivers in Salem should be prepared for temporary changes along Jackson Street/Salem Road (J-20) as Henry County crews begin road maintenance work east of Main Street.

According to the Henry County Engineer’s Office, the project is expected to take approximately two weeks, weather permitting. While the road will remain open throughout the construction period, motorists should anticipate lane closures and possible delays.

Drivers are urged to use caution in the work zone and to watch for workers and equipment along the roadway.

For questions or additional information, contact Tracy Sammons, Office Manager at the Henry County Engineer’s Office.

Sports, July 8th

Postseason Softball

For Class 1A Region 1, Wapello took down WACO last night 9-1 as Quinn Zwelbohmer fanned 12 in six innings of work, allowing only three hits in the winning effort. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will host Wapello tomorrow, July 9th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

Over in Class 2A Region 2, Van Buren County’s Addison Brauns and Danville’s Brynley Wenig engaged in a pitching duel with Wenig allowing only four runs on five hits, while Brauns dealt a complete game one-hitter with six strikeouts in the 4-0 win for the Warriors. Kayley Snowgren led the way with two RBIs.

Van Buren County will take on #2 Louisa-Muscatine tomorrow at 7 pm on the road.

Pella Christian eliminated New London/Winfield-Mt. Union 11-0. The Tigers finished the season with a record of 3-21. 

Columbus will take on Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont tomorrow at 7 pm in the top half of the bracket.

For Class 3A Region 5, Mediapolis will host West Burlington/Notre Dame on Thursday, July 10th, at 7 pm.

Central Lee will compete against Monticello on Thursday at 7 pm with the winner taking on either Washington or Midland.

On the bottom half of the Class 4A Region 3 bracket, Mt. Pleasant will travel west to face off against Oskaloosa on Thursday at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call. Panther head coach Derek Coleman knows his squad needs this time off heading into the contest,

“Well, first I was thinking we needed to find a game to play so we didn’t sit for a week. But where we’re at right now, we need a break. So, it’s going to be big. Hopefully we can recharge, get healed up and head to Oskaloosa and go have a game.”

High School Softball

West Burlington/Notre Dame split their doubleheader against Mid-Prairie, winning game one 11-7 and dropping game two 10-8. The Falcons will host Fort Madison at 5:30 pm tonight. 

Central Lee had their doubleheader against Burlington canceled last night.

Fairfield will face off against Knoxville at 7 pm on the road tonight.

Mediapolis will host Davis County tonight at 5:30 pm.

Postseason Baseball

In Class 1A Substate 5 District 10, Burlington Notre Dame and New London will meet up tonight at 7 pm at New London with the winner advancing to the District Championship. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

Moving to Class 2A Substate 4 District 7, #5 Mediapolis will host West Liberty tonight at 7 pm.

Over in Class 2A Substate 5 District 9, Louisa-Muscatine pushed a run across in the 7th inning to down West Burlington last night 8-7. Ayden Figuereo finished the night 2 for 4 at the plate with three RBIs. The Falcons ended the season with an 8-12 record. 

Winfield-Mt. Union fell to Wilton last night 15-2. The Wolves collected a 5-15 record for the season.

Central Lee will face off against Wilton tonight at 5 pm at Chariton Middle School. 

For Class 3A Substate 5, Washington will face off against Assumption on the road. In Substate 6, Mt. Pleasant will travel to play Fairfield for the fourth time this season, while Keokuk will take on Pella and Fort Madison will venture to Xavier with both games on the road. 

For Class 4A Substate 3, Burlington grabbed the #4-seed and will hit the road to compete against the #3-seed Muscatine.

Classes 3A and 4A will start postseason action on Friday, July 11th, with first pitch at 7 pm. 

High School Baseball

Fairfield fell to Mt. Vernon last night 7-3. Cason Miller knocked a double with an RBI in the losing effort. 

Mt. Pleasant will host Mt. Vernon tonight at 7 pm.

Prospect League

Burlington Bee Kooper Schulte competed in the Home Run Derby last night as the #7-seed and advanced to the second round after winning a swing off against Brady Lester, hitting a combined eight home runs between the first round and two rounds of swing offs. His night would end in the semifinals after Schulte launched seven balls out of the park, needing one more to force another swing off. 

The 2025 Prospect League All-Star game is scheduled to start tonight in Springfield, Illinois at Robin Roberts Stadium at 6:30 pm with five Bees in attendance. 

This Day in Sports History

1889 – John L. Sullivan successfully defends the last officially sanctioned, bare-knuckle world heavyweight prizefighting championship; Jake Kilrain’s trainer throws in the towel after 75 rounds in Mississippi.

1991 – Major league umpire Steve Palermo and former NFL defensive lineman Terence Mann are shot trying to help two waitresses from being robbed.

2010 – During the first round of the John Deere Classic, Paul Goydos became the 4th and oldest player in PGA Tour history to shoot 59; the round included 12 birdies and six pars.

Michael Lee Campbell

Michael Lee Campbell, 82, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Funeral Services celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. J.D. Boatman officiating. Memorials may be made to the family and mailed to 306 E. Broadway, Fairfield, Iowa 52556.

Mike was born July 2, 1943 in Keosauqua, the son of Ernest and Madelon (Simmons) Campbell. He married Dolores Cecil, June 5, 1976 in Fairfield.

Throughout his life, Mike worked for American Chain and Cable in Fairfield, Walker’s Office Supply, and 10-15 Transit.

Mike loved watching sports and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, and loved to eat.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Dolores; son, Rob (Samantha) Campbell of Fairfield; daughter, Michelle (Monty Nicholson) Campbell of Brighton; grandchildren, Brent Lisk, Jordan (Crystal) Nicholson, Ashley (Logan) Metcalf, Britney Campbell, Breana (Curtis) Hardman, Jaydan Nicholson, Tyler Cooksey, Chloe (Joe) Rice, and Cade Campbell; twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; brother, Danny Campbell of Fairfield; and a special nephew, Jerry Campbell.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Keith, Anna Ruth, David, Norman, Christine, Sarah, and Richard.

Online condolences may be made to Mike’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Erma M. Williams

Erma M. Williams, 94, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Friday, July 4, 2025 at her granddaughter’s home in Douds.

Visitation for family and friends will be 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. Friday at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield. Memorials may be made to the family in care of April Swanson, 16701 Rte V64, Douds, Iowa 52551.

Erma was born May 21, 1931 in Birmingham, Iowa, the daughter of James and Sophie (Vogt) Crafton. She married Keith Williams, August 4, 1951 in Kahoka, Missouri. He preceded her in death October 18, 2016.

Erma worked at Metro Mail in Mt. Pleasant and at Maharishi International University. She enjoyed reading, playing card games, crossword puzzles, sewing, and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved pastries and spending time camping along the river.

Those left to honor her memory include her grandchildren, April (Roy) Swanson of Douds, Sandra (Jeremiah Schoenherr) Arreola of Grimes, Iowa, Juan Arreola of Fairfield, and Eddie (Tara) Arreola of Douds; great-grandchildren, Colton and Justin Swanson, and Lydelle Turner; two great-great grandchildren, Harlow and Dexter Schoenherr; and her sister, Ella Ritz of Wayland, Iowa.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and daughter, Anita Williams.

Online condolences may be made to Erma’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Injured Eagle Rescued Near English River Bridge

RIVERSIDE, Iowa — A concerned passerby played a crucial role in the rescue of an injured bald eagle Sunday afternoon near Riverside.

At approximately 12:19 p.m., the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an injured eagle in the roadway on the south side of the English River Bridge, located on 1200 Vine Avenue. The caller noted the bird appeared to have a broken wing and remained in a vulnerable position in the road. The individual stayed at the scene with hazard flashers activated to protect the animal from traffic.

Upon arrival, A Washington County deputy safely contained the eagle and coordinated with wildlife rehabilitation specialists. The bird was turned over to The Raptor Center, an organization that specializes in the medical care and rehabilitation of injured birds of prey.

There has been no official update on the eagle’s condition at this time.

Local authorities and conservationists commend the caller for taking quick action and urge the public to report any sightings of injured or distressed wildlife to local law enforcement or animal rescue organizations.

Henry County Habitat for Humanity Launches Retaining Wall Fundraiser

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — Henry County Habitat for Humanity is asking for community support after an unexpected expense arose during the construction of their latest Habitat home. The organization has launched a special fundraiser to cover the cost of a newly built retaining wall, which was not included in the original project budget.

The goal is to raise $5,500 to cover the full cost of the retaining wall, which was necessary to ensure the stability and longevity of the home site.

Community members who would like to contribute can send donations to:

HCHH, PO Box 864, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641

Please indicate “Wall” in the memo line of the donation.

Henry County Habitat for Humanity is a local branch of the global nonprofit housing organization, committed to building homes, communities, and hope in Henry County.

Every donation goes directly toward helping local families in need of safe, affordable housing in Henry County.

For more information or to stay up to date on the fundraiser’s progress, residents are encouraged to follow Henry County Habitat for Humanity on Facebook.

Henry County Public Health Hosting Back-to-School Health Fair on August 11

MOUNT PLEASANT — Henry County Public Health is making it easier for families to prepare for the new school year by hosting their Back to School Health Fair on Monday, August 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the MPCSD Central Campus Gym.

This one-stop event offers essential health services to help students meet school requirements before the academic year begins. Services include:

  • Back to School Immunizations (for Kindergarten, 7th, and 12th grades)
  • Dental Screening (required for Kindergarten and 9th grade)
  • Lead Testing (required for Kindergarten)
  • Vision Screening (required for Kindergarten and 3rd grade)
  • Sports Physicals for grades 7–12, available for just $25 (cash only)

In addition to health screenings, the fair will also feature community resource tables, kids activities, and giveaways, making it a fun and informative evening for the whole family.

Language translation will be available on-site to ensure accessibility for all.

For updates and more information, visit Facebook.com/HealthyHenryCounty.

Busy Week Ahead for 4-H Youth at the 2025 Lee County Fair

DONNELLSON, Iowa — The 2025 Lee County Fair is gearing up for a full week of action-packed agricultural events, with 4-H and FFA youth taking center stage across multiple species and competitions. From swine shows to stuffed animals, the fairgrounds will be buzzing with activity as young exhibitors showcase their hard work, skills, and dedication to livestock and small animal care.

Festivities kicked off Wednesday, July 2nd with Bucket Bottle Calf Interviews in the morning and Competitive Swine Interviews in the afternoon, giving judges the opportunity to meet with exhibitors ahead of next week’s competitions.

Wednesday, July 9th, will be a busy day, starting at 8:00 a.m. with Swine Weigh-in and Scanning at the Swine Barn. Horses must be on the grounds by 8:30 a.m. in preparation for the 4-H/FFA Horse Show, which begins at 9:00 a.m. Later in the day, sheep and beef will undergo scanning and weigh-ins, culminating in a Mandatory Exhibitor Meeting at 1:00 p.m. at the Horse Arena.

On Thursday, July 10th, the spotlight shines on goats and sheep. The 4-H/FFA Goat Show starts at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Lee County Sheep Producers’ Lamb Dinner running from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Open Bottle Lamb/Goat Show kicks off at 3:30 p.m., with the official 4-H/FFA Sheep Show following at 4:00 p.m.

Friday, July 11th, brings the 4-H/FFA Swine Show at 9:00 a.m. and a hearty Pork Producers Lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The day ends with the Lee County Cattlemen’s Bucket Bottle Calf Show at 6:00 p.m.