There is still time to register for the Tunnel To Towers Foundation 5K Run/Walk in Donnellson on Friday, July 4th. The 4th annual race starts at 8am. This event honors Iowa’s first responders as well as military service heroes. To register, go to http://donnellsonrunwalk.t2t.org.
Sports, June 28th
High School Baseball
#6 Mediapolis handled Wapello last night 10-1. Wyatt Marlette had the lone RBI.
#6 Mediapolis will travel to Class 1A’s #2 Sigourney on Tuesday, July 1st, at 5:30 pm.
Danville will enjoy their senior night on Monday at 7:30 pm when the Bears take on Wapello.
West Burlington’s Bo Begner tallied two RBIs in a 5-1 win over Pekin last night. The Falcons will host Hillcrest Academy on Monday, June 30th, at 5:30 pm.
Burlington Notre Dame clobbered Winfield-Mt. Union last night 11-0.
Winfield-Mt. Union will face off against Lone Tree on Tuesday at 5:30 pm at home.
Burlington Notre Dame will host Burlington tonight at 7 pm.
New London stopped a three-game skid last night after defeating Van Buren County 8-6. Isaiah Meek strung together three hits for an RBI for the Warriors.
New London will take on Lone Tree on Monday at 7 pm at home.
Van Buren County will celebrate their Senior Night on Wednesday, July 2nd, at 5:30 pm.
Fairfield’s win streak ends at seven after splitting their doubleheader with Denison Schleswig yesterday. The Trojans took game one 11-6 with the help of small ball as Voss Richardson and Ethan Bisgard each collected two RBIs. Despite three RBIs from Aiden Westercamp in game two, the Trojans lost 10-6.
Fairfield will square off against Keokuk on Monday in a home doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm.
Central Lee will head to Waterloo Riverfront Stadium today for a tournament with their first opponent being Grand View Christian at 2 pm.
Mt. Pleasant will travel to Burlington for a doubleheader at Community Field on Monday with game one at 5:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call for game one with the pregame show at 5:15 pm.
High School Softball
Mt. Pleasant traveled to Holy Trinity Catholic last night and the Crusaders celebrated Emily Ross’ Senior Night in style, sweeping the Panthers 9-0 in game one and 11-7 in game two. Sydney Jarvis clocked a double with two RBIs along with the win in the circle in game one, while Paityn Ensminger and Quintrie Lee each tallied a hit.
Mt. Pleasant will compete in the Rick Doran Classic today with game one taking place against Iowa City West at 12:30 pm.
Holy Trinity Catholic will face off against WACO on Tuesday, July 1st, at 7 pm on the road.
Central Lee struggled on day one of the Rick Doran Classic, getting smacked by Valley and West Liberty by the same score, 11-1. The Hawks will head back for day two today.
Van Buren County buried New London last night 10-1. Addison Brauns cracked two triples for two RBIs in the winning effort.
New London will tangle with Lone Tree on Monday, June 30th, with gametime at 5:30 pm at the Winfield Softball Field.
Van Buren County will hit the road to take on Centerville on Wednesday, July 2nd, at 5:30 pm.
Mediapolis fell to Wapello last night 4-1. Payton Harris had the lone RBI for the Bulldogs, while Quinn Zwelbohmer struck out 15 and allowed only three hits in seven innings of work.
Mediapolis will host Davis County on July 8th at 5:30 pm.
Wapello will travel to WACO on Monday with first pitch at 7 pm.
WACO lost 12-0 to Pekin last night. The Warriors will participate in the Iowa Valley Tournament today.
Fairfield participated in the Clear Creek Amana-Solon Classic yesterday and dropped both games, losing 7-3 to Regina Catholic and 12-5 to the Clippers. Olivia Hollander collected four RBIs between the two contests. The Trojans will head to Solon today with a game against the Spartans at 10 am.
West Burlington Notre Dame will compete in the Eddie Jones Memorial Tournament at Washington today with game one at 12:30 pm against the Demons.
Columbus will face off against Louisa-Muscatine on Monday at 7 pm.
Danville will host Central Lee on Tuesday for a senior night doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm.
Postseason Softball
The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released the postseason brackets for all five classes yesterday, here’s a look at our local matchups.
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 lost to the Quincy Doggy Paddlers last night 6-4. Miles Risley clobbered a double and an RBI. The Bee will remain at home tonight to take on the Normal CornBelters at 6:30 pm.
The Clinton LumberKings snuck past the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes last night 7-5. The LumberKings will play two against the Quincy Doggy Paddlers on the road tonight with game one at 5 pm.
This Day in Sports History
1975 – Reigning PGA Championship winner Lee Trevino and playing partners Jerry Heard, Bobby Nichols, Jim Ahern and Tony Jacklin are struck by lightning at Western Open; suffer minor burns.
1993 – Carlton Fisk is released by the Chicago White Sox as the then all-time leader of most games caught and most home runs by a catcher.
2023 – New York Yankees’ pitcher Domingo Germán throws the 24th perfect game in MLB history and the first since 2012 in a 11-0 win over the Oakland A’s.
Prep Softball: Regional Pairings Heading into the 2025 Postseason
Prep Softball- The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) has released the Regional Pairings for the 2025 postseason for all five classes. The start dates will be split up with Classes 1A and 2A playing on July 7th and Classes 3A, 4A, and 5A penciled in for July 10th. Here’s a look at our local matchups.
Class 1A
Do not have to travel far to find our trio of local teams in Class 1A as they rest in the bottom half of the Region 1 bracket.
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.
Class 2A
Over in 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.
Class 3A
If fate is to have its way, Region 5 could see another chapter added to an epic that started in the 2024 postseason.
Firstly, Mediapolis will get to host a postseason game in nearly a decade as they look to repeat a piece of history made earlier this season when they take on West Burlington/Notre Dame on July 10th at 7 pm.
The winner will take on either Assumption or Camanche with the Knights entering as the favorite.
In the bottom half of the bracket, #9 Washington will face off against Midland at home and Central Lee will take on Monticello at home. The winner of the two matchups will play one another. A year ago, Central Lee shocked Washington with a comeback victory in the wanning moments of the contest. Washington got payback this season on June 25th to knock the Hawks out of the top 15.
Region 8 will have Fairfield host Davis County to start their postseason journey. The winner will most likely travel to Albia as they take on Clarke Community in their first round matchup.
Class 4A
Three Southeast Conference will meet up in Region 3 with two teams from Lee County meeting up at Joyce Park.
Surprisingly, it will be Keokuk hosting Fort Madison on July 10th despite the Bloodhounds having won the last five contests against the Chiefs. Norwalk will await the winner on July 12th.
On the bottom half of the 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.
The winner will advance to play Winterset on July 12th at 7 pm.
Lastly, Burlington will host Maquoketa in Region 6 with the winner advancing to take on Clear Creek Amana on July 12th.
More
Stay tuned to KILJ to see who we will be covering throughout the postseason journey for our local teams!
Julie Clubb and Teresa Hanshaw: Join Jefferson County Hall Of Fame
Julie Clubb and Teresa Hanshaw have been pillars of the Jefferson County 4-H program for decades, and now menbers of the Greater Jefferson County fair Hall of Fame.
Their journey began as members of the Country Daisies 4-H Club, co-led by their mother, Marilyn, which later merged with the Walnut Ridge Workers, led by their father, Dennis Thomes. As youth, they were involved in a variety of projects—rabbits, poultry, beef, sheep, visual arts, food & nutrition, woodworking, and more—while also serving on the 4-H Teen County Council.
4-H runs deep in their family. With multiple siblings, children, and now grandchildren involved, Julie and Teresa have carried the tradition forward by co-leading the Walnut Ridge Workers and Lockridge Clover Kids clubs for the past 16–17 years. Their families have stayed active in rabbit, poultry, beef, and static exhibits, among others.
For the past 4–5 years, the sisters have served as superintendents of the rabbit and poultry barn—affectionately known as “Denny’s Barn” in honor of their father. They’ve also become pullorum-certified to perform testing for local and state fairs and helped lead the effort to upgrade cages in the barns.
Julie and Teresa have always gone the extra mile—whether helping in the barns, mentoring young members, or volunteering in their community. Their advice to 4-H’ers: “Anything is possible. Put in the hard work, and be proud of stepping outside your comfort zone. Learning is growing.”
Their legacy of service, leadership, and family tradition continues to inspire Jefferson County youth and strengthen the 4-H community.
Iowa City Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms & Drug Offense
An Iowa City man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.
O’Sean Horton, 29, received the 120-month sentence on June 26, 2025, following a conviction stemming from multiple incidents involving illegal firearms and drug-related activity. According to court records and evidence presented during sentencing, Horton was found in possession of two loaded pistols, a distribution quantity of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in December 2020. The items were recovered from two backpacks at his sister’s residence.
In a separate incident in May 2023, Horton was captured on surveillance video firing multiple gunshots at another individual in a Coralville apartment complex parking lot. Responding officers recovered several .40 caliber shell casings from the scene.
At the time of both incidents, Horton was on probation from the Iowa District Court for Johnson County after being convicted for failure to affix a drug tax stamp—an offense related to controlled substances.
In addition to his prison sentence, Horton will serve a three-year term of supervised release. Federal sentences do not allow for parole.
The case highlights ongoing federal efforts to curb gun violence and hold repeat offenders accountable for illegal firearm possession.
Public Input Sought on Proposed Bridge Replacement on Iowa 16 Over Sugar Creek
The Iowa Department of Transportation is asking for public feedback on a proposed bridge replacement project along Iowa 16 over Sugar Creek in Lee County. The project, scheduled to begin in the spring of 2028, aims to enhance safety and infrastructure in the area.
The plan includes removing and replacing the existing bridge structure, installing new guardrails, constructing slope protection beneath the bridge, and adding edge drains to improve drainage and stability. Construction is expected to be completed by the fall of 2028.
During the construction period, Iowa 16 will be closed to through traffic. A detour is being proposed that would reroute vehicles along U.S. 218/Iowa 27, County Road J40, and County Road W55. The detour is intended to maintain safe travel while allowing work crews full access to the project area.
Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to share their thoughts on the project, including concerns about the detour, environmental impacts, or access during construction.
To submit feedback or learn more about the proposed bridge replacement, visit the Iowa DOT website or contact the Office of Location and Environment.
Your input will help shape final decisions and ensure that local needs are considered as planning continues for this important infrastructure update.
Sports, June 27th
High School Baseball
Mt. Pleasant sent Keokuk home early with a five-inning 14-4 thrashing of the Chiefs. J.C. Sitar and Brayton Hutson continue to headline the Panther offense as the seniors both tabbed three RBIs in the win, including a double for Sitar.
Mt. Pleasant will travel to Burlington for a doubleheader at Community Field on Monday, June 30th, with game one at 5:30 pm.
West Burlington gave #6 Mediapolis everything they had, tying the game at six in the bottom of the 5th inning but the Bulldogs collected their 21st victory last night with a 9-6 final. Ayden Figuereo clouted a home run for three RBIs for the Falcons.
#6 Mediapolis will look to spoil Wapello’s Senior/Hall of Fame night tonight with first pitch at 5:30 pm.
West Burlington will square off against Pekin tonight on the road at 5:30 pm.
Wapello lost to Pekin last night 14-0.
Burlington Notre Dame pushed across four runs in the 7th inning to force extra innings against Hillcrest Academy only to explode for five runs in the top of the 8th inning to down the Ravens 10-5.
Burlington Notre Dame will make the trip to Winfield-Mt. Union tonight at 5:30 pm.
Winfield-Mt. Union dropped a close one to Highland last night, 3-2. Jaxton Jones claimed the lone RBI for the Wolves.
After seven scoreless innings, Central Lee and New London finally put runs on the board as the Hawks came out on top 3-1 in the 8th inning. Bo Herdrich’s two-RBI double ended up being the winning play for Central Lee. Kye Reighard pitched the entire game for New London and fanned three, while Gavin Menke-Bailey produced the lone RBI.
Central Lee will head to Waterloo Riverfront Stadium tomorrow, June 28th, for a tournament with their first opponent being Grand View Christian at 2 pm.
New London will look to get back in the win column tonight against Van Buren County at 7 pm at home.
Danville fell to Van Buren County last night 8-3. Izaak Loeffler and Isaiah Meek each knocked in two runs for the Warriors.
Danville will enjoy their senior night on Monday at 7:30 pm when the Bears take on Wapello.
Fairfield slugged Washington last night, defeating the Demons 15-1 as the offense tallied five extra-base hits. Jacob Crew led the team with a triple and five RBIs, while Luke Konczal clobbered a home run and tabbed three RBIs at the plate. The Trojans will compete in a doubleheader today at Dan Runkle Field in Dubuque against Denison-Schleswig.
Postseason Baseball Brackets
The Iowa High School Athletic Association has released the postseason brackets for all four classes with first pitch scheduled for 5 pm on Saturday, July 5th, for Classes 1A and 2A. Here’s the matchups for our local teams.
In Class 1A Substate 5 District 10, Danville and Van Buren County will be heading off to Moravia for the Saturday 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.
Moving to Class 2A Substate 4 District 7, 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 started off the game strong, taking an 8 to 6 lead into the 4th inning. However, Keokuk’s Gracie Thompson shut down the Panther offense as the Chiefs put up seven unanswered runs to win 13-8. Saige Burchett nabbed three RBIs as she went 3 for 5 at the plate with a double in the losing effort.
Mt. Pleasant will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic tonight for a doubleheader as the Crusaders celebrate their senior night with game one at 5:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call for game one of the doubleheader with the pregame show at 5:15 pm.
Holy Trinity Catholic glided past Hillcrest Academy last night 10-1.
Central Lee clobbered New London last night 17-3.
New London will take on Van Buren County tonight at home at 7 pm.
Central Lee will make the trip to Iowa City West today for the Rick Doran Classic.
Mediapolis out hit West Burlington/Notre Dame last night on their way to a 15-8 victory. Avery Crear and Avery Bandy each smoked a home run as Crear led the Bulldogs with three RBIs. Lyndsey Kelley hit her sixth home run of the season as she pushed across two runs for the Falcons.
Mediapolis will square off against Wapello tonight on the road at 7 pm for the Arrow’s senior night.
Wapello defeated Pekin last night 7-5 as Macey Kuntz swatted a solo home run for the Arrows.
West Burlington/Notre Dame will compete in the Eddie Jones Memorial Tournament at Washington tomorrow, June 28th, with game one at 12:30 pm against the Demons.
WACO fell to #2 Louisa-Muscatine last night 11-0. The Warriors will travel to Pekin tonight at 7 pm.
Columbus was shutout by Lone Tree last night 5-0. The Wildcats will face off against Louisa-Muscatine on Monday, June 30th, at 7 pm.
#9 Washington’s 15-2 thrashing of Fairfield last night secured the Demons their first outright Southeast Conference title since 2013. Lilly Bergren and Olivia Hollander each knocked home a run for the Trojans.
Fairfield will compete in the Clear Creak Amana Tournament today.
Danville will host Central Lee on Tuesday, July 1st, for a senior night doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm.
High School Cross Country
The Mt. Pleasant Cross Country team’s summer runs are underway until their camp in mid-August. The runs are available to any 7th through 12th grader with paces and plans dependent on the level of experience. Coaches may not be present at every run as upperclassmen often lead the runs.
On Mondays and Wednesdays, the runs will begin at 6:30 am at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the runs will begin at Saunders Park by the swimming pool at 7 pm. If you have any questions, then contact Coach Murray at 319-850-0867.
Prospect League
It might have taken two days but the Burlington Bees swept the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp last night, dramatically winning 6-5 in game one and 11-10 in game two. Corey Boyette smashed two home runs and tallied four RBIs by the end of the night. The Bees are back at home tonight to take on the Quincy Doggy Paddlers with first pitch at 6:30 pm.
The Clinton LumberKings handled the Normal CornBelters last night 10-1. The LumberKings will host the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes tonight at 6:30 pm.
This Day in Sports History
1890 – Canadian boxer George Dixon becomes the first Black world champion when he stops English bantamweight champion Edwin “Nunc” Wallace in 18 rounds in London, England.
1894 – Annie Londonderry [Annie Kopchovsky] sets out from Boston to become the first woman to bicycle around the world; she completes the journey in September of 1895.
1999 – Tony Hawk is the first skateboarder to land a “900”, (a 2-½ revolution aerial spin), at the X Games in San Francisco, California.
Henry County Encourages Residents to ‘Grow Another Row’ and Share Fresh Produce
Henry County residents are being asked to plant a little extra in their gardens this season—and share the bounty. The “Grow Another Row and Share With Others” initiative is now underway, offering several drop-off and pick-up locations across the county where community members can donate or collect fresh produce.
The campaign is designed to increase access to healthy fruits and vegetables by encouraging home gardeners to grow and give. Organized through Healthy Henry County Communities, the program provides a simple way for residents to support their neighbors and reduce food insecurity.
Organizers remind donors to call ahead to confirm hours and avoid leaving produce if staff are not available. When picking up produce, recipients are encouraged to take only what they need and to wash all items before eating.
The effort not only provides nutritious options to families in need but also fosters a spirit of community and generosity. As the flyer notes: “Help more people have access to fresh fruits and vegetables by planting a little extra to share!”
For more information, visit HealthyHenryCounty.org or follow them on Facebook.
Donation and Pick-Up Locations:
Mount Pleasant:
- Community Action Food Pantry – 1303 W. Washington St. | 319-385-2310
- Mt. Pleasant Public Library – 307 E. Monroe St. | 319-385-1490
- The Fellowship Cup Food Pantry – 203 N. Jefferson St. | 319-385-3242
(Note: Fellowship Cup prefers produce donations on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
New London:
- H.J. Nugen Public Library – 103 E. Main St. | 319-367-7704
- Tiger Food Pantry – 106 W. Wilson St. | 319-367-0512
Salem:
- Salem Community Center – 201 S. Main St. | 319-258-4111
Wayland/Crawfordsville:
- WACO Community Food Pantry – 105 N. Chestnut St., Crawfordsville | 319-461-0532
- Wayland City Hall – 218 W. Main St. | 319-256-3276
Winfield:
- Winfield City Hall – 115 N. Locust St. | 319-257-6661
- Winfield Food Pantry – 107 E. Elm St.