Sports, July 4th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, July 4th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Baseball

Fairfield’s two-run sixth inning claimed the Trojans their second consecutive Southeast Conference Title last night in a 3-2 win over Burlington. Cason Miller was the one to do it with the two-run blast to lift the squad over the Grayhounds. Dain Burkhart pitched the complete game, striking out three in the win. Fairfield will face off against Mt. Vernon on Monday at 7 pm on the road. 

Postseason Baseball Brackets

In Class 1A Substate 5 District 10, Danville and Van Buren County will be heading off to Moravia for a doubleheader tomorrow, July 5th. The Bears will square off against Moravia at 7 pm, while Van Buren County will start off the night at 5 pm.

On the bottom half of the bracket, Burlington Notre Dame will venture to New London to face off against Keota at 5 pm, while New London will host the nightcap against Wapello at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call for both games with the pregame show at 4:45 pm.

Moving to Class 2A Substate 4 District 7, #5 Mediapolis earned a bye and will host the winner between West Liberty and Camanche on Tuesday, July 8th, at 7 pm.

Over in Class 2A Substate 5 District 9, West Burlington and Louisa-Muscatine will meet up in Wilton at 5 pm in the battle of the Falcons. Winfield-Mt. Union will take on the hosts at 7 pm, where the winner will advance to compete against Central Lee Tuesday 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 July 11th with first pitch at 7 pm. 

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant fell to Fort Madison last night 10-2. Keagyn Coleman swatted an RBI-double after a leadoff triple by Lila Cook for her first career extra-base hit as a member of the Panthers. 

New London lost to Hillcrest Academy last night 13-5. 

Fairfield took down Burlington last night 8-1 behind Leah Helmick’s complete game, two-hitter. Lilly Bergren led the team with three RBIs as she hit one of the team’s four doubles. The Trojans will compete in the Ottumwa Classic tomorrow.  

West Burlington/Notre Dame will take on Mid-Prairie on Monday, July 7th, at home with game one of a doubleheader starting at 5:30 pm.

Mediapolis will host Davis County on Tuesday, July 8th, at 5:30 pm.

Postseason Softball

For Class 1A Region 1, game one on Monday, July 7th, will pin WACO against Wapello at 7 pm with the Arrows getting a home game. The winner of the matchup will play Holy Trinity Catholic at West Point South Park on Wednesday, July 9th, at 7 pm.

Over in Class 2A Region 2, Van Buren County will host Danville on Monday at 7 pm with the winner advancing to play #2 Louisa-Muscatine Wednesday in a road showdown.

Also playing on day one will be New London/Winfield-Mt. Union, as the Tigers will make the pilgrimage to Pella Christian High School to face off against the Eagles. The winner will take on Wilton in the quarterfinals.

Columbus earned a bye and a home game with the Wildcats gearing up for a contest with Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont on Wednesday at 7 pm in the top half of the bracket with Louisa-Muscatine expected to host the July 11th contest in the semifinals if both teams advance.

On the bottom half of the Class 4A Region 3 bracket, it is a repeat of the season opener as Mt. Pleasant will travel west to face off against Oskaloosa on Thursday, July 11th. The Panthers struck first that night with a two-run homer off the bat of Paityn Ensminger, but could not keep the momentum going as they fell 11-3. KILJ will be on the call.

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees returned the favor to the Clinton LumberKings last night, winning 15-7, to tie the series at one game apiece. Caleb Seibers walloped the ball for a three-run homer in the winning effort. The Bees and LumberKings will close out their three-game series tonight at 6:30 pm in Clinton.

This Day in Sports History

1939 – Lou Gehrig is the first MLB player to have his number (4) retired on his “Appreciation Day” at Yankee Stadium, making the iconic “luckiest man” speech.

1980 – Nolan Ryan becomes the fourth pitcher to register 3,000 MLB strikeouts.

1995 – The Birmingham Barracudas (based in Alabama) play their first CFL game beating Winnipeg 38-10 but the failed experiment only lasts one season.

Henry County Supervisors Weekly Meeting Recap, July 3rd

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 at 12:03 pm CDT

The Henry County Supervisors held their regular weekly meeting this morning. The department head meeting included the following:

Katie Reuter of Henry County Public Health gave an update on federal funding cutting access to previously helpful cancer research resources. the state of Iowa has rising cancer rates with Iowa ranking second in the nation for cancer cases. Henry County is considered average in our number of cases with neighboring counties Des Moines and Lee ranking as high. Reuter also gave an update on vaccinations. There were parties in Henry County in contact with a measles case in Johnson county this past month, but all parties have completed their protocols and quarantines. Reuter stressed the importance for farmers of not only poultry but also swine and cattle to receive the flu shot. The worry is that a farmer infected with the regular flu strain may come in contact with an animal infected with avian influenza which may cause the virus to mutate. Reuter also mentioned the monthly contribution of $500/month to the Fellowship Cup should be increased as 50% of our population is in poverty and this contribution is expected to cover the entire county. Supervisor Steve Detrick asked Public Health to distribute more information on the dangers of Lyme Disease as we are in prime outdoor recreation season here in Southeast Iowa. Add to your calendar the Back to School Fair which will be held August 11th in the former Howe Center as they have outgrown Manning Hall.

Moving from Public Health to County Conservation, Caleb Waters shared the dump station at Oakland Mills will be open as early as this weekend with a few changes. “We have installed a gate, so in order to utilize that facility you have to be a registered camper. We’re not totally discouraging, you know, outsiders from dumping, but they’re going to have to pay $25 to dump.”

He also wants to stress the importance of not using fireworks on county properties. “Fireworks are not allowed in any of the county parks.”

Henry County Conservation, the Iowa DNR, and the Iowa State Extension Office held an informational program for area conservation entities as well as the public on Chronic Wasting Disease. CWD has been confirmed as close to our area as north of Burlington. If you come across a deer that looks to have lost a substantial amount of weight as well as walking in circles, contact your local conservation department immediately. The animal will most likely need to be euthanized and the lymph nodes will then be sent to a lab for testing. CWD is passed through bodily fluids and a real threat to deer populations. Waters also mentioned partnering with Rachel Lindeen of Henry County Tourism and Economic Development to discuss the possibility of a Destination Fee. This fee would be used for park improvements and would be charged on cabin rentals as well as on campsites. The current nightly rate for cabin rentals at Oakland Mills are $125/night for the larger cabins and $75/night for the smaller cabins. In the past month conservation staff have received many calls for service ranging from missing persons to dumped items and garbage. Littering is a crime, and the public should be reminded there are security cameras in county parks.

If you own or maintain a pond, pull out your calendar. “July 8th from 4 to 6 in regards to pond maintenance. There’s a lot of farm ponds here in Southeast Iowa. Chad Dolan, he’s a DNR fisheries biologist, he is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to pond management and maintenance. He will be giving a presentation for us. It is open to the public at the nature center.”

Blake Vierra of the County Attorney’s Office updated Shawn Showers has been appointed as the new Chief Judge of Iowa’s Eighth Judicial District, succeeding retiring Chief Judge Myron Gookin. Vierra also wanted to point out a couple of laws he felt important to mention that went into effect July 1st. The first law highlighted was the new hands-free driving law. It is now against the law to touch your phone while driving. All use of electronic devices must be voice controlled. The second law highlighted was the possession age of a firearm being decreased from 21 to 18. Vierra explained that an 18-year-old cannot purchase the firearm, but may be in possession, for example if the gun was purchased as a gift.

Joe Buffington, Director of Planning and Zoning, also covered a change as of July 1st. According to the state two dwellings are now allowed on one parcel of land. Previous Henry County guidelines required 10 or more acres, and the dwelling had to be for a family member. According to the new law, it now does not matter whether the size of the parcel or if the other tenant is a family member. Buffington is updating county policies to reflect this change and expects changes to be brought to the Planning and Zoning Board in August. Buffington also informed the board that the county lost 400 phone lines last month, with 30 being an average. This brings the number of phone lines to 3800 in Henry County down from 10,000 30 years ago with many of the remaining phone lines being businesses. This could impact one of the avenues for funding our county dispatch utilizes. Buffington also wanted to inform the public that if your cabin is damaged by 50% or improved by 50% and located in a flood zone, you will need to ensure the cabin is a foot above the flood line to obey the DNR regulations. Campers also located in flood zones also must be able to be moved at a moment’s notice meaning it must have functioning wheels and no permanent lines, decks, or structures. In the event of a flood, campers must be moved out of the flood zone, not left behind.

Jake Hotchkiss, Henry County Engineer, gave his weekly update including Graham Avenue should be open by the end of day today, pavement markings are being freshened up around the county beginning with yellow before transitioning to white, and Goodyear Road north from 235th Street up to the bridge will be changed from an earth shoulder to a granular shoulder due to the amount of truck traffic the road experiences. Hotchkiss also informed the supervisors that it is their responsibility to set the signage and speed limits for J20 and W55 through Salem as the town is less than 500 people. Hotchkiss is using studies as well as close communication with the city council of Salem to ensure all parties are happy with possible future changes.

Henry County Auditor Robin Detrick updated the property tax process has begun.

Supervisor Steve Detrick asked that IT Director Derek Wellington be present at future department head meetings to report on his department.

Roger Pittsenbarger Veterans Affairs Director was not able to attend the meeting but sent in his report for review. Supervisor Marc Lindeen stated Pittsenbarger, and his department have brought in $8,206,752 to the county for our veterans.

After the department heads completed their updates, the supervisors approved a resolution to apply for an 80/20 grant with 18 other projects in the state. This will be a 1.5-million-dollar bridge project located on Iowa Avenue. The supervisors also approved a motion to extend the contract with Elliot Oil, which sets the margin Elliot Oil makes from the sale of fuel to the county.

The next Henry County Supervisor’s meeting will be held Thursday, July 10th at 9 am in the Henry County Courthouse.

Sports, July 3rd

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 at 6:12 am CDT

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant handed Class 1A’s #2 Sigourney their second consecutive and third loss of the season last night, pulling away late with a 7-2 victory. J.C. Sitar led the squad with two RBIs, as he sits 13 RBIs away from 50 on the season. The Panthers will host Fort Madison tonight at 7:30 pm.

Central Lee handled Keokuk last night 9-2. Mason Sanders brought home a team-leading three RBIs, while Chase Johnson slapped two doubles for two RBIs. The Hawks head into the postseason with an 18-4 record. 

Winfield-Mt. Union fell to Pekin last night 9-3. Tyson Kaalberg tallied two of the team’s three hits and brought home a run. The Wolves end the regular season with a 5-14 record. 

Fairfield will face off against Burlington tonight at 7:30 pm with the winner taking the Southeast Conference title.

Van Buren County had their senior night spoiled by Davis County last night, losing 7-4. Kinnick Millard collected two RBIs in the loss. The Warriors are 9-14 heading into the postseason.

Postseason Baseball Brackets

In Class 1A Substate 5 District 10, Danville and Van Buren County will be heading off to Moravia for the Saturday, July 5th, doubleheader. The Bears will square off against Moravia at 7 pm, while Van Buren County will start off the night at 5 pm.

On the bottom half of the bracket, Burlington Notre Dame will venture to New London to face off against Keota at 5 pm, while New London will host the nightcap against Wapello at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call for both games with the pregame show at 4:45 pm.

Moving to Class 2A Substate 4 District 7, #5 Mediapolis earned a bye and will host the winner between West Liberty and Camanche on July 8th at 7 pm.

Over in Class 2A Substate 5 District 9, West Burlington and Louisa-Muscatine will meet up in Wilton at 5 pm in the battle of the Falcons. Winfield-Mt. Union will take on the hosts at 7 pm, where the winner will advance to compete against Central Lee on July 8th 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 July 11th with first pitch at 7 pm. 

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant could not keep up with Davis County last night, losing 14-2. Parker Coleman knocked in both of the team’s runs. The Panthers will host Fort Madison tonight at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

West Burlington/Notre Dame could not figure out Burlington’s pitching last night, dropping both games of the doubleheader 11-1 in game one and 10-3 in game two. The Falcons will take on Mid-Prairie on Monday, July 7th, at home with game one of a doubleheader starting at 5:30 pm.

WACO lost last night to Highland, 19-0. The Warriors will face off against Central City tonight at home at 7 pm.

Holy Trinity Catholic defeated New London last night 5-0. 

New London will head to Hillcrest Academy tonight at 7 pm for the Ravens’ Senior Night. 

Van Buren County concluded their regular season with a narrow 2-1 loss. 

Fairfield will take on Burlington at home tonight at 7:30 pm.

Central Lee will compete against #2 Louisa-Muscatine tonight at 5 pm at home.

Mediapolis will host Davis County on July 8th at 5:30 pm.

Postseason Softball

For Class 1A Region 1, game one on July 7th will pin WACO against Wapello at 7 pm with the Arrows getting a home game. The winner of the matchup will play Holy Trinity Catholic at West Point South Park on July 9th at 7 pm.

Over in Class 2A Region 2, Van Buren County will host Danville on July 7th at 7 pm with the winner advancing to play #2 Louisa-Muscatine on July 9th in a road showdown.

Also playing on day one will be New London/Winfield-Mt. Union, as the Tigers will make the pilgrimage to Pella Christian High School to face off against the Eagles. The winner will take on Wilton in the quarterfinals.

Columbus earned a bye and a home game with the Wildcats gearing up for a contest with Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont on July 9th at 7 pm in the top half of the bracket with Louisa-Muscatine expected to host the July 11th contest in the semifinals if both teams advance.

On the bottom half of the Class 4A Region 3 bracket, it is a repeat of the season opener as Mt. Pleasant will travel west to face off against Oskaloosa. The Panthers struck first that night with a two-run homer off the bat of Paityn Ensminger, but could not keep the momentum going as they fell 11-3. KILJ will be on the call.

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees were slammed by the Clinton LumberKings last night 15-4. Kooper Shulte collected a pair of singles for an RBI in the losing effort. Max Burt led the LumberKings with three RBIs. 

The Bees will host the rematch tonight at 6:30 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1966 – Atlanta Braves Tony Cloninger becomes the first National League player and only pitcher to hit 2 grand slams in an MLB game.

1983 – Calvin Smith sets a new world record of 9.93 seconds for the 100-meter dash in Colorado Springs; beats Jim Hines’ 1968 mark by 0.02 seconds as he was the first man to finish the race in under 10 seconds. .

1983 – The Texas Rangers explode for an MLB single extra innings record 12 runs in the 15th inning of a 16-4 win versus Oakland.

100 Miles and Counting: Community Rallies to Bring Home Runaway Livestock Dog Taylor

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 at 6:07 am CDT

In an unbelievable tale of survival and determination, a white livestock dog named Taylor has been on the run for nearly a month—and now, the community is rallying to bring her home. Taylor has traveled more than 100 miles and was last seen around 6 p.m. yesterday in a cornfield near Swedesburg.

Taylor has developed a pattern of nighttime travel and rests in the early evening—typically between 6 and 8 p.m.

A huge shoutout goes to the Mount Pleasant Police Department and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, who have stepped up and assisted in the effort to rescue Taylor. Out of all law enforcement agencies contacted between Eddyville and Mount Pleasant, they are the only departments to actively attempt to help bring her to safety.

Volunteers tracking Taylor say she’s smart and determined, but they’re struggling to keep up as she continues to travel far from home. Previous sightings have come from Lockridge, Fairfield, and Agency, Iowa.

Residents in the Swedesburg area and along HWY 218 north from Mt. Pleasant are urged to keep an eye out. If you spot Taylor, please don’t chase her. Instead, try to contain her in a fenced yard, garage, or shed and call or text 641-226-7524 immediately. Taylor has not been harmful to animals, livestock, or people but is extremely skittish.

That number again: 641-226-7524.

Please share this alert with anyone along Taylor’s possible path. With the community’s help, we remain hopeful she’ll be brought home safely.

Fatality in Crash North of Mount Pleasant

By Lora Roth · Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 at 4:58 pm CDT

One person is dead following a fatal crash in Henry County, Iowa.

According to an Iowa State Patrol crash report, a 2025 Honda Civic was headed southbound on Highway 218 near the 49-mile marker shortly before 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, when it crossed the median for unknown reasons, striking an oncoming semi. This area is located just north of Mount Pleasant. The Civic’s driver was killed in the crash. The report didn’t list any injuries to the semi’s driver.

Guy Keith Carey

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 at 1:27 pm CDT

Guy Keith Carey, better known as Dudley, age 104 plus, of rural Columbus Junction, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on July 1, 2025. Graveside services will be held at a later date. Elliott Chapel of New London is assisting the family.

Iowa DNR Seeks Public’s Help in Annual Turkey Survey

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 at 1:25 pm CDT

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for help with the annual wild turkey production survey.  During the months of July and August wild turkey sightings are recorded to estimate this year’s nesting rates and nest success.

Participation is easy – just note the date and county in which the turkey was seen, if it was an adult female or adult male – males have beards on their breast – and if and how many poults (baby turkeys) were present. The survey is available online at www.iowadnr.gov/turkey, then click on Wild Turkey Survey. There is also an identification guide on documenting wild turkey broods on the survey webpage, that provides tips on how to determine males from females, and different flock scenarios with poults of different ages.

Annual population surveys conducted by the DNR are an important component of managing the wild turkey. Turkey populations can fluctuate annually across all regions of the state.  All participation is appreciated.

 

New Law Protects First Responders

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 at 1:22 pm CDT

Many new laws went into effect yesterday including the new Iowa law that increases penalties for assaults against law enforcement officers and first responders.

The law protects law-enforcement officers, first responders, and corrections officers by raising penalties for assaults to:

  • Up to 10 years in prison when the assault involves a dangerous weapon or is meant to inflict serious injury
  • Up to 5 years when the assault causes bodily injury
  • A mandatory minimum sentence of 7 days in jail for all other assaults against first responders

The law also raises the penalty for spitting on law-enforcement officers, first responders, or corrections officers to assault with other bodily fluids.