Central Lee Moves to Formally Join the Southeast Conference

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 at 10:45 am CDT

Donnellson, IA- The Southeast Conference (SEC) could be an eight-team conference by the time the 2028-29 school year rolls around after the Central Lee Community School District Board of Education approved the official request to leave the Southeast Iowa Super Conference (SEISC) to join the SEC. Middle school athletics would begin with the 2027-28 school year.

The school district has pondered the move for the last several months, discussing enrollment growth, the expansion of student activities, and eyeing the strong arts department within the SEC. Despite over 30 years belonging to the SEISC, as one of the biggest teams of the conference the long-term fit leans toward the SEC according to Superintendent Dr. Andy Crozier,

“While varsity athletics often receive the most attention, one of the most important considerations for our district is ensuring opportunities for participation at the junior high, freshman, and junior varsity levels. We believe the Southeast Conference structure will provide more consistent opportunities for our students to compete and participate.”

For most of the Hawk sports, Central Lee sits at Class 2A with softball being an exception. Yet, the enrollment trend points to Central Lee jumping up to Class 3A in nearly all sports within the next few years. Additionally, the Hawks noted that lower-level competitions within the SEISC were reduced or canceled due to smaller participation numbers amongst the other schools.

The district also cited Central Lee’s enrollment size, geographic location, range of activities, and academic reputation as factors that make the district a strong fit within the Southeast Conference.

“We are excited about the opportunities this move creates for our students both academically and athletically,” Crozier said. “Our goal is to provide meaningful experiences for students across a wide range of activities and interests.”

The move would need approval from both the Southeast Conference Schools along with the Conference Realignment Committee appointed by the Iowa Legislature. Central Lee would join Burlington, Fairfield, Fort Madison, Keokuk, Mt. Pleasant, and Washington, with Oskaloosa scheduled to join for the 2028-29 school year.

Kenneth A. “Sonny” Williams

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 at 10:00 am CDT

Kenneth A. “Sonny” Williams, 86, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Monday, June 15, 2026 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

There will be no services held at this time. Cards may be mailed to Jennifer Jones, 804 Liberty Dr. Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Behner Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Kenneth was born August 23, 1939 in Fairfield, the son of Charles “Jude” and Mary E. “Smith”. He enjoyed working on old time cars and trucks, mowers, going fishing with his grandson, mushroom hunting and spending time with his two grandsons.

Those left to honor his memory include his daughters, Jennifer Jones (Robert) and Holly Geier (Kenny); sons, Mike Williams and Kenny Williams; grandsons, Tommy and Patrick Jones; two sisters and one brother.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents.

Danny R. Conyers

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 at 9:57 am CDT

Danny R. Conyers, 62, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is caring for his family.

Danny was born September 17, 1963 in Keosauqua, the son of Loren Raymond and Melva Deane (Rowe) Conyers. Danny grew up in Stockport and was a graduate of Van Buren High School.

Danny worked for Anderson Tooling and Schaus-Vorhies in Fairfield for many years. He enjoyed playing pool, fishing, spending time with family and friends, and camping in Bentonsport. Danny loved NASCAR, following both Earnhardt’s.

Those left to honor his memory include his siblings, David Conyers of North Carolina, Donald Conyers of Fairfield, Deanna Caraway of Florida, and Sam Jerrel; nieces, Dawna Williams, Tami Kurnes, and Amy Iowa Conyers; many great nieces and nephews; his mother, Melva of Arizona; Caleb Granaman, who Danny helped raise and care for; and many close friends, including Ronnie Heckethorn.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Sports, June 17th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 at 6:38 am CDT

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant swept Keokuk last night, winning game one 9-4 and taking game two 11-1. The Panthers will welcome Fairfield to town tomorrow, June 18th, at 7 pm. 

Mediapolis took down Holy Trinity Catholic last night, 8-4. Maycie Thornburg swatted a double for two RBIs for the Bullettes. The Crusaders will make the trip to West Burlington/Notre Dame tomorrow at 7 pm.

Mediapolis versus Central Lee has been canceled for tonight.

Danville fell to Central Lee last night, 6-3. Mckenna Fransk belted a double and a solo home run in the winning effort. The Bears will travel to Mediapolis tomorrow at 7 pm.

Van Buren County collected their third straight victory last night, defeating West Burlington/Notre Dame 9-8. The Warriors will stay at home to play New London tonight at 7 pm.

Columbus fell to Wapello last night, 10-2. Erica Gillette and Ellasyn Kuntz each clouted a double and finished with three RBIs for the Arrows. The Wildcats will take on WACO tomorrow at 7 pm at home.

WACO lost 13-1 to Highland last night. The Warriors had their game against Wapello rained out for tonight.

Fairfield will make the trip to Pekin tonight at 7 pm.  

Washington will take on Burlington at home tomorrow at 7 pm. 

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant’s offense was shut down by Davis County’s Grant Hulsted last night in an 8-1 loss, as the Mustang logged four strikeouts in the complete game effort. Grayson Walker tabbed two singles and the lone RBI for the Panthers. Fairfield will make the trip to Mt. Pleasant tomorrow, June 18th, at 5:30 pm. 

New London did just enough to beat Winfield-Mt. Union last night, 3-2. Owen Severson pitched 6.2 innings and struck out eight for the victory, as Branham Allen collected two RBIs for the Tigers. The Wolves will attempt to bounce back tomorrow in a home matchup with Louisa-Muscatine at 5:30 pm for senior night. 

New London will compete against Van Buren County on the road tonight at 7 pm. 

Central Lee clobbered Danville last night, 16-0. Blake Davis mashed a home run for three RBIs, as Kellen Weber and Brett Cook each added three RBIs of their own. The Hawks will stay on the road to face off against Highland tomorrow at 7 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame edged past Mediapolis last night, winning 5-4. The Nikes will head to Waterloo today for a tournament. 

Mediapolis will head back home to play Danville at 6 pm tomorrow.

Washington dropped a tight one to Oskaloosa last night, 3-1. The Demons will host Burlington tomorrow at 7 pm.

Wapello will take on Hillcrest Academy on the road at 7 pm tomorrow.

Mt. Pleasant Cross Country

Summer runs are underway for the Mt. Pleasant Cross Country team. These runs are optional but a great way to run with others and get in shape for the fall season. The runs are available to anyone entering 7th through 12th grades. Coaches may not be present at every run, as they are often led by upperclassmen.

On Mondays, the runs will take place at 6:30 am at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre. Wednesdays will be high school speed day at 7 am at Mapleleaf and Tuesdays and Thursdays will take place at Saunders Park by the swimming pool at 7 pm. 

The runs will continue through the middle of August until the Mt. Pleasant Cross County camp. If you have any questions, you can contact Coach Lyle Murray at 319-850-0867. 

Local Summer Athletic Camps

Mt. Pleasant girls’ basketball is offering up a camp for any girls’ basketball players entering 3rd through 12th grades from June 23rd through the 25th located at the Mt. Pleasant High School Gym. The camp will focus on the fundamentals and introduce team concepts employed by the high school’s system.

If you would like to sign-up, then follow this link and fill out the form: https://kilj.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mp-girls-bball-camp.pdf  

Mapleleaf Athletic Complex

There’s a new space to watch the Mt. Pleasant baseball team at the complex after Mike and Lyndel Barton donated a new spectator pavilion along the third-base side. Mike and Lyndel Barton have demonstrated a deep belief in the value of education, athletics, and community involvement.

“Our athletic programs are successful because of the support we receive from individuals who care deeply about our students,” said Scot Lamm, Activities Director. “The Barton family’s generous donation of this spectator pavilion will positively impact countless athletes, families, and visitors. We are incredibly grateful for their vision, generosity, and commitment to our school community.”

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees defeated the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp last night, 9-6. Tanner Reinartz smacked a home run for three RBIs in the victory. The Bees had their matchup against the Pistol Shrimp postponed to July 1st due to the incoming weather.

The Clinton LumberKings extended their winning streak to five games after taking down the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes last night, 18-10. The LumberKings will host the Normal CornBelters tonight at 6:30 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1960 – Ted Williams hit his 500th career home run. 

1976 – It was announced that the NBA and ABA would merge.

1990 – Harry Gant became the oldest driver to win a NASCAR race.

Nebraska Registered Sex Offender Arrested After Mount Pleasant Investigation

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 at 6:25 am CDT

Christopher Matthew Sanchez of Lincoln, Nebraska is being held in the Henry County Jail after authorities say he engaged in sexually explicit online communication with someone he believed to be a 15-year-old in Mount Pleasant.

According to court records, Sanchez began chatting online with the minor on March 1st and allegedly escalated the conversation to sexual topics, requesting nude photos and videos involving sexual acts on multiple occasions. Investigators say Sanchez also sent nude images of himself.

Authorities later identified Sanchez as a registered sex offender in Nebraska, a fact confirmed by detectives with the Lincoln Police Department’s Special Victims Unit.

Sanchez was arrested on May 15th on a nationwide extradition warrant and faces three counts of Telephone Dissemination of Obscene Material to a Minor, an aggravated misdemeanor; one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, a Class B felony; and one count of Grooming, a Class D felony.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Burlington Teen Arrested After Motorcycle Chase, Drug and Gun Charges Filed

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 at 6:23 am CDT

A Burlington teenager is facing multiple charges after leading Des Moines County deputies on a motorcycle chase early Tuesday morning.

According to the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to stop a motorcycle around 12:41 a.m. near North Central Avenue and Spring Street after noticing it was being driven without lights. Authorities say the motorcycle also ran a stop sign without slowing down.

Deputies activated emergency lights and sirens, but the driver accelerated and refused to stop, leading law enforcement on a pursuit through Burlington.

The chase ended near North 8th Street and Arch Street when the motorcycle crashed while attempting a turn. Investigators say the driver then fled on foot but was captured after a brief chase.

The suspect was identified as 18-year-old Johnathen James Bourquin of Burlington.

Deputies say a search of Bourquin turned up several pills, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Investigators also recovered ammunition and a Sig Sauer 9-millimeter handgun after Bourquin allegedly threw the firearm into a wooded area while running from deputies.

Bourquin was taken to the Des Moines County Correctional Center and charged with eluding, failure to obey a stop sign, failure to use headlamps, three counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to affix a drug tax stamp, person ineligible to carry a dangerous weapon, and interference with official acts while armed with a firearm.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

No photo description available.

Burlington Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing 9.5 Pounds Meth

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, June 16th, 2026 at 10:45 am CDT

A Burlington man has been sentenced to a decade in federal prison on drug charges.

According to federal court records, 48-year-old Michael Alexander Patoir was sentenced June 10th to 10 years behind bars after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Authorities say the case stems from a traffic stop in March of 2024, when law enforcement discovered more than nine-and-a-half pounds of methamphetamine in the backseat of Patoir’s vehicle.

Following his prison term, Patoir will also serve five years of supervised release. Federal officials note there is no parole in the federal system.

The sentencing announcement was made by United States Attorney David C. Waterman. The investigation was conducted by the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office and the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force.