The gilt show at the 2025 Henry County Fair wrapped up with an impressive lineup of livestock and an equally skilled group of young exhibitors. After careful consideration by the judge, Josie Nelson earned the prestigious Grand Champion title with her commercial gilt, impressing with her structure, hip design, and overall balance.

Cooper Dickerson took home the Reserve Champion honor, also showing a commercial gilt that stood out for its heavy bone structure and powerful hind leg. The judge praised both top placements, noting their standout qualities in a highly competitive field.

Rounding out the Top 5 Overall Females:

• 3rd Place – Alexis Francy

• 4th Place – Josie Nelson (with a second entry)

• 5th Place – Cole Meyer

The judge commended the exhibitors for their hard work and preparation, emphasizing that it was a “very, very good gilt show” with exceptional animals across the board.

Congratulations to all participants on a successful and memorable event.

The Henry County Fair showcased some serious imagination and building skills yesterday during the annual Lego Contest. KILJ News Director Hayden Douglas had the honor of serving as a guest judge for the event, which featured a wide array of creative, hand-built Lego displays.

Participants were divided into three age categories: 5–8, 9–12, and 13–17 years old. Unlike traditional Lego competitions that allow pre-made sets, this contest challenged contestants to create original designs using their own ideas—no box sets allowed.

Builders brought their A-game, with entries ranging from imaginative homes and custom battle scenes to creative vehicles and even scenes from popular films. Each display told a story through the iconic plastic bricks, showing off not only creativity but also technical skill.

In the 9–12-year-old category, Ben Hoyer received recognition for his impressive Lego village, a detailed and lively display filled with character and charm. Also earning top honors was Andrew Shepherd, who recreated a dramatic moment from the movie Twister—a gas station torn apart by a tornado, capturing the chaos of the scene with remarkable detail.

The Lego Contest continues to be a highlight of the fair, drawing young builders from across the county and offering a platform for them to share their creative passions.

The 2025 Henry County Fair Goat Show proved to be a showcase of excellence, featuring outstanding entries across market and breeding divisions. With a deep field of competitive youth exhibitors, the judges had their work cut out for them as they evaluated animals on structure, muscle, finish, and rate of gain (R.O.G.).

Market Goat Division

Lightweight Class
In the Light Weight Meat Goat class, Tyi-Alicyn Alter led the way to earn Champion Lightweight honors with a well-balanced, stylish goat. Reserve Champion Lightweight went to Ava Kempker, whose goat impressed with finish and performance.

Medium Weight Class
Colin Anderson claimed the Champion Medium Weight Meat Goat title with a goat praised for structural correctness, smooth lines, and strong performance. Abigail loyd followed with a Reserve Champion finish, showing a goat with good dimension and growth.

Heavy Weight Class
Beatrice Anderson earned the Champion Heavy Weight Meat Goat honor with a standout entry that combined mass and balance. Aubrey Loyd took Reserve Champion Heavy Weight with a powerful goat that showed well in the ring.

Top Overall Market Goat Results

• Grand Champion Meat Goat: Colin Anderson
• Reserve Grand Champion Meat Goat: Abigail Loyd

Champion County Born Meat Goat was awarded to Abigail Loyd, highlighting local breeding excellence.

Breeding Doe Division

Colin Anderson extended his success into the breeding classes as well, taking home the title of Grand Champion Breeding Doe with an animal praised for completeness, femininity, and overall design. Beatrice Anderson was named Reserve Champion Breeding Doe, following closely with a high-quality, well-balanced doe.

Top Breeding Doe Placings:

• Grand Champion Breeding Doe: Colin Anderson
• Reserve Champion Breeding Doe: Beatrice Anderson

With wins across both divisions, Colin Anderson’s efforts stood out in a highly competitive field. Judges praised the overall quality of the show, noting the attention to structure, growth, and handling ability. Congratulations to all exhibitors for an excellent showing at the 2025 Henry County Fair. The fair continues today with the swine show at 9am followed by the rabbit, and poultry shows.

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — It was officially announced that Theresa Rose will be inducted into the prestigious Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during this year’s Iowa State Fair. The honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and commitment to the 4-H program, and Theresa’s name is now proudly among those who have made a lasting difference in the lives of Iowa youth.

Theresa has been a cornerstone of the 4-H and Extension community for many years, offering her time, talents, and unwavering dedication to supporting young people and their families. Whether leading workshops, mentoring club members, organizing events, covering the county fair for KILJ, or providing steady encouragement behind the scenes, she has exemplified the spirit of 4-H in every way.

Theresa’s induction will take place during a special ceremony at the Iowa State Fair, where family, friends, and fellow 4-H supporters will gather to celebrate her achievements. The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame, established to honor outstanding volunteers, leaders, and contributors, serves as a lasting tribute to those who shape the future through youth development.

Southeast Iowa — With hot summer weather settling in, water temperatures across Southeast Iowa continue to climb, influencing fish behavior and pushing most species into deeper, shaded, or structure-heavy areas. Anglers can still find fair action by timing their trips for early morning or late evening hours and focusing on specific habitats.

Big Hollow Lake (Des Moines County)

Water temperatures are around 88 degrees, with the most consistent action happening early and late in the day.

• Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are suspended in 7 to 8 feet of water in flooded timber. Try vertical jigging or drift trolling near the tree edges.
• Bluegill – Fair: Look in about 6 feet of water, especially in brushier timber pockets where they can escape predatory bass.

Lake Geode (Henry County)

Temperatures range from 86 to 89 degrees, with green water and about 2 feet of clarity. The thermocline is at 12 feet.

• Black Crappie – Fair: Focus on artificial habitat structures in 8 to 10 feet of water, with fish suspended a few feet above the bottom.
• Bluegill – Fair: Found in 8 to 9 feet of water off rocky shorelines.
• Channel Catfish – Fair: Mostly 12- to 13-inch fish, but some larger catfish have moved in from local ponds. Target them near the old work road by the in-lake silt dam.
• Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are hanging around rock piles and structure in 6-8 feet of water.

Cedar River (Moscow to Columbus Junction)

The river is currently bank full and slowly receding. Caution is advised, as water levels remain high and current conditions may limit accessibility.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)

Currently at minor flood stage near Wapello, with levels expected to drop back within banks by late Saturday. Fishing may improve as water levels normalize.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)

The river is about a foot below bank full. Conditions are more favorable for anglers, though flows may still be high in certain stretches.

For more information on the lakes and rivers listed above, contact the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430. Stay safe, stay cool, and happy fishing!

It was a big day for P.E.O. in Mount Pleasant, Thursday, July 17, 2026. Your three local Mount Pleasant chapters hosted the international presidents and officers for the annual Heritage Tour to showcase the birthplace of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. With nearly 6,000 chapters spread throughout the United States of America and Canada and 190,000 members, the philanthropic educational organization of women supporting women has grown tremendously from the seven Iowa Wesleyan students who founded the organization in 1869.

Yesterday about 80 women were in attendance, including the current International Chapter President Cathy Moss from Louisville, Kentucky and Iowa State Chapter President Pam Schulz who resides in Marion, Iowa. Heritage Tour participants toured the former Iowa Wesleyan Campus, including the P.E.O. Memory Rooms Museum housed in Old Main and went on a town tour to see historic landmarks and homes related to P.E.O. Before heading back to Des Moines for their P.E.O. annual leadership training, they enjoyed a wonderful lunch in the historic Union Block Building, where five of the seven founders graduated from Iowa Wesleyan University.

To learn more about P.E.O. and the Heritage Tour, visit here to listen to the interview! Or visit www.peointernational.org