Washington County Fair Breeding Beef Show Results Highlight Excellence and Dedication

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 at 8:03 am CDT

WASHINGTON, Iowa – The 2025 Washington County Fair’s Breeding Beef Show brought out some of the county’s top young livestock exhibitors, showcasing both skill and dedication to animal care and showmanship. Youth from across Washington County participated in a variety of categories, earning ribbons, titles, and championship honors. The Limecreek Livewires, Dutch Creek Flyers, Mid-Prairie FFA, and several other clubs were well represented at the top of the competition.

Major Champions

  • Supreme Grand Champion Breeding Heifer: Graci Hershberger, Limecreek Livewires

  • Champion Cow-Calf Pair: Lauren McWhirter, Franklin Cubs

  • Champion Produce Heifer: Peighton Ford, Mid-Prairie FFA

  • Champion Simmental: Peighton Ford, Mid-Prairie FFA

  • Champion Maintainer: Kenna Holmes, Limecreek Livewires

  • Champion Commercial Heifer: Brynn Younge, Limecreek Livewires

  • Champion Junior Showman: Brystol Younge, Limecreek Livewires

  • Champion Intermediate Showman: Graci Hershberger, Limecreek Livewires

  • Champion Senior Showman: Brynn Younge, Limecreek Livewires

Category Highlights

Cow-Calf Pairs

  • Champion: Lauren McWhirter, Franklin Cubs

  • Reserve Champion: Caynan Peak, Limecreek Livewires

Returning Bucket Bottle Heifers

  • Champion: Elena Koch, Limecreek Livewires

  • Reserve Champion: Lucas Bender, 76 Progressives

Produce of Former Heifer Project

  • Champion: Peighton Ford, Mid-Prairie FFA

  • Reserve Champion: Blake Sheetz, Washington Go-Getters

Purebred Heifers

  • Champion Maintainer: Kenna Holmes, Limecreek Livewires

  • Reserve Champion Maintainer: Nickolas Peck, Limecreek Livewires

  • Champion Simmental: Peighton Ford, Mid-Prairie FFA

  • Reserve Champion Simmental: Kestyn Holmes, Limecreek Livewires

  • Reserve Champion Foundation Simmental: Eve Stoutner, Limecreek Livewires

Commercial Heifers

  • Champion: Brynn Younge, Limecreek Livewires

  • Reserve Champion: Kinley Holmes, Limecreek Livewires

  • 4th Overall Breeding Heifer: Brynn Younge

  • 5th Overall Breeding Heifer: Kinley Holmes

👏 Notable Club Representations

  • Limecreek Livewires dominated with numerous champions in showmanship, commercial, and purebred classes.

  • Mid-Prairie FFA had multiple wins including produce and Simmental classes.

  • Dutch Creek Flyers, Franklin Cubs, and Washington Go-Getters were also among the top-placing clubs.

Participants received either purple or blue ribbons for their efforts, with purple indicating top quality and qualifying for higher honors. The livestock exhibited reflected countless hours of feeding, grooming, and training—an outstanding display of youth leadership in agriculture.

Congratulations to all the exhibitors on their hard work and success at the 2025 Washington County Fair!

Sports, July 16th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 at 6:28 am CDT

Postseason Baseball

In a battle of the Bulldogs, #5 Mediapolis clinched their first state tournament berth since 2015 after shutting out MFL MarMac 2-0 last night. Lance Ludens produced another gem on the mound, throwing the complete-game shutout while striking out nine. Ludens talked about his mindset heading into the substate championship,

“Confident in my defense, so every game I just try to come out, stay relaxed, stay calm, throw some strikes, hopefully roll some ground balls and let my defense do most of the work tonight. I was a little hyped up so I was feeling really good and I think I got a few more strikeouts than I normally do, but yeah, I just really just came in, staying calm and treating every game like the last. It’s a job. It’s a business. So just get the job done.”

Kyler Crow broke the tie in the fourth inning with a solo home run with Braeden Oliver adding an insurance run with an RBI single. Mediapolis head coach Rick Whitaker felt the nerves wash away as soon as Crow made the final out,

“But I still got anxious because these kids wanted it, so I want it so bad for the kids. Not for myself. I want it for those guys because you spend a lot. It’s summer baseball. I tell the kids all the time, you know, it’s different. It’s a different sport than you know, basketball, football because you’re during the school, summer. You’re just there’s no distractions. It’s just baseball, you know? And so, you spend a ton of time, you know, 30 some games and you’re together. I just wanted it for them, really. Because you become like a little family in the summer for sure.”

#5 Mediapolis will play #4 Unity Christian at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, July 22nd, for the Class 2A quarterfinals in Carroll, Iowa at Merchants Park. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 1:15 pm.

In Class 1A Substate 5, Hillcrest Academy squeaked out a 1-0 victory over Pekin last night to punch their ticket to the state tournament. Phoenix Anderson struck out seven in seven innings of work. The Ravens will square off against #1 Remsen St. Mary’s on Monday, July 21st, at 11 am. 

Postseason Softball

For the Class 3A Region 5 championship, Washington scored four runs in the final two innings to down Assumption, 6-4. The Demons grabbed the #7-seed and will take on #2 Williamsburg on Tuesday, July 22nd, at 10 am.

Here are the Class 1A and Class 2A, state tournament matchups for Tuesday. 

In Class 1A, Wayne grabbed the #1-seed with a 25-2 record and they will face off against the #8-seed Highland after the Huskies upset Iowa Valley 6-3. #4 Riverside and #5 Newell-Fonda will link up in the early evening matchup. 

With a 28-4 record, #2 Clarksville will square off against #7 Newman Catholic with the winner scheduled to face off against the winner between #3 Wapsie Valley and #6 St. Edmond. 

Over in Class 2A, #1 Van Meter enters as the favorite as the Bulldogs look to defend their Class 2A title with an opening round matchup against #8 East Marshall. Grabbing the #4 and #5 seeds were Durant and West Fort, respectively.

#2 Louisa-Muscatine flew past Pella Christian 6-3 on their way to their first state tournament appearance since 2022. The Falcons will compete against #7 West Monona. Lastly, #3 West Lyon will take on #6 Cascade at 3 pm. 

Local Athletic Summer Camps

Mt. Pleasant will be hosting Panther Hoopla: A Southeast Iowa Basketball Camp starting today and running through Friday, July 18th. Coaches will work with the campers in a fun and challenging environment, filled with drills, player development, and competitive games at the Mt. Pleasant High School gym.

The morning session is for 6th through 8th graders, and it runs from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. The afternoon session will go from 1 pm to 3 pm for 3rd through 5th graders.

An upcoming registration due date is July 18th for the Mediapolis volleyball camp for 3rd all the way through 9th graders starting on August 4th and the Danville youth volleyball camp for 2nd through 8th graders starting on the same date. 

Check out this link for other local summer athletic camps: School Summer Camps

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees bounced back from a weekend sweep with a 9-0 dismantling of the Normal CornBelters. Danny Harris allowed only four hits in seven innings, fanning three in the win. The Bees will face off against the CornBelters tonight at 6:30 pm on the road. 

The Clinton LumberKings fell to the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp last night 6-0. The LumberKings will get their rematch tonight at 7:05 pm on the road. 

This Day in Sports History

1909 – MLB Detroit Tigers and Washington Senators play the longest scoreless game in AL history – 18 innings at Bennett Field in Detroit, Michigan.

1941 – Joe DiMaggio goes 3 for 4, hitting in his 56th straight game.

1994 – The Shreveport Pirates lose their first CFL home game, 35-34 to the Toronto Argonauts at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Henry County Supervisors AGENDA July 17, 2025 9:00 a.m.

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 at 5:08 am CDT

Henry County Supervisors

100 E Washington St Ste 202

Mt Pleasant, IA  52641

Fax: 319-385-3601

 

  Chad White, Vice-Chair               Marc Lindeen, Chairman               Steven Detrick, Member    

           319-385-0759                                 319-385-0760                                     319-385-0761________                       

 

 

 

AGENDA

Board of Supervisors

July 17, 2025

9:00 a.m.

  1. Agenda

 

  1. Approve Minutes

 

  1. Approve Claims

 

  1. Zoom Meeting -Mississippi Valley Workforce Development

 

  1. Public Hearing Open Burning Ordinance

 

  1. Approve, Contract with New London School District for SRO Services

 

Supervisor’s Sub-committees.

Washington County Fair Dairy Show Results: Tyler Alderton Shines in Milking Shorthorn and Showmanship

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 at 3:58 pm CDT

WASHINGTON, Iowa — The Washington County Fair’s Dairy Show spotlighted the hard work and dedication of local 4-H and FFA youth, with outstanding showings in the Milking Shorthorn classes and dairy showmanship categories.

In the Milking Shorthorn division, exhibitors from the Prairie Pride club demonstrated strong entries:

  • Emma Alderton exhibited Animal ID 324, a junior yearling born May 2, 2024.

  • Tyler Alderton showed two entries: Animal ID 724 (born July 8, 2024) and Animal ID 824 (born August 18, 2024).

The Supreme Dairy Heifer Champion was awarded to Tyler Alderton, while Devon earned Reserve Champion honors.

In Dairy Showmanship, Tyler Alderton again claimed top honors:

  • Senior Showmanship Champion – Tyler Alderton

  • Intermediate Champion – Alderton

  • Junior Champion – Alderon (name may have been listed with alternate spelling)

Tyler also received the Sportsmanship Award, recognizing not just his skills in the ring, but also his leadership and positive attitude throughout the show.

Washington County Fair Goat Show Results

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 at 3:54 pm CDT

WASHINGTON, Iowa — The Washington County Fair goat show was filled with spirited competition and impressive showmanship, as young exhibitors displayed their hard work and dedication across a variety of dairy, market, and breeding classes. Top honors were awarded in multiple divisions, recognizing excellence in both animal quality and handling skill.

Dairy Goat Division

Junior Dairy Doe

  • Champion: Sandra Edwards

  • Reserve: Sandra Edwards

Yearling Dairy Doe

  • Champion: Brielle Robertson

  • Reserve: Adyson Gerot

Senior Dairy Doe

  • Champion: Adyson Gerot

  • Reserve: Sandra Edwards

Overall Dairy Goat

  • Champion: Adyson Gerot

  • Reserve: Sandra Edwards

Dairy Goat Wether

  • Champion: Adyson Gerot

  • Reserve: Adyson Gerot

Meat Goat Division

Champion Crossbred Wether

  • Champion: Mark Chenavell

  • Reserve: Kenzie Miller

Junior Breeding Meat Doe

  • Champion: Parker Shalla

  • Reserve: Callie Brink

Yearling Breeding Meat Doe

  • Champion: Hunter Robertson

  • Reserve: Kennah Robertson

Senior Breeding Meat Doe

  • Champion: Austin Black

  • Reserve: Lindsey Schneider

Overall Breeding Meat Doe

  • Champion: Parker Shalla

  • Reserve: Callie Brink

Market Goat Division

Overall Market Goat

  • Champion: Parker Shalla

  • Reserve: Trig Lee

Specialty Awards

Rate of Gain

  • Champion: Allie Smothers

  • Reserve: Allie Smothers

Goat Showmanship

Senior Division

  • Champion: Ava Greiner

  • Reserve: Hunter Robertson

Intermediate Division

  • Champion: Trig Lee

  • Reserve: Isabelle Littweiler

Junior Division

  • Champion: Callie Brink

  • Reserve: Amelia Rogers

The Washington County Fair continues to showcase the talent, care, and dedication of local youth involved in agriculture. Congratulations to all exhibitors who made this year’s goat show a standout success.

Washington County Fair Sheep Shows Results

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 at 3:50 pm CDT

Top Youth Exhibitors Shine at Washington County Fair Sheep Shows

WASHINGTON, Iowa — Local youth exhibitors took center stage at the Washington County Fair’s 2025 sheep shows, earning top honors and awards across a range of categories showcasing breeding stock, market lambs, showmanship, and carcass quality. Backed by numerous community sponsors, the event was a celebration of livestock excellence and the dedication of 4-H and FFA members.

Breeding Ewe Divisions

Purebred Ewe Lamb

  • Champion – Lexton Fisher
  • Reserve – Javan Davis

White/Speckle-Faced Commercial Ewe Lamb

  • Champion – Morgan Nafzinger
  • Reserve – Adelyn Huston,

Black-Faced Commercial Ewe Lamb

  • Champion – Ella Greiner
  • Reserve – Ava Greiner

Commercial Breeding Yearling Ewe

  • Champion – Ella Layh
  • Reserve – Hunter Barnes

Supreme Breeding Sheep

  • Champion – Ella Greiner
  • Reserve Champion – Ava Greiner

Market Lamb Divisions

Dorset Market Lamb

  • Champion – Morgan Leichty
  • Reserve – Ella Layh

Hampshire Market Lamb

  • Champion – Ava Greiner
  • Reserve – Ella Greiner

Natural Market Lamb

  • Champion – Emma Greiner
  • Reserve – Conner Leyh

Speckle Market Lamb

  • Champion – Caedyn Huston
  • Reserve – Rena Lyle

All Other Breeds

  • Champion – Ava Greiner
  • Reserve – Makinley Davis

Crossbred Market Lamb

  • Champion – Ella Greiner
  • Reserve – Morgan Leichty

Grand Champion Market Lamb

  • Champion – Ava Greiner
  • Reserve – Emma Greiner

Carcass Lamb

  • Champion – Kameron Tusing
  • Reserve – Luke Adam

Rate of Gain

  • Champion – Kameron Tusing
  • Reserve – Luke Adam

 

Premier Sheep Exhibitor

  • Senior – Adelyn Huston,
  • Intermediate – Elyanna Hahn,
  • Junior – Callie Brink,

Pair of Lambs

  • Champion – Adelyn Huston,
  • Reserve – Brysen Davis

Showmanship Honors

  • Top Gun – Morgan Leichty
  • Senior – Jack Greiner
  • Intermediate – Emma Greiner
  • Junior – Callie Brink

From breeding quality to carcass merit and showmanship finesse, Washington County’s young livestock handlers once again raised the bar in 2025. Congratulations to all participants, families, and generous sponsors who made these events a continued tradition of excellence.

Ava Greiner Wraps Up Her 4-H and FFA Career with Championships and Gratitude

By Hayden Douglas · Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 at 1:18 pm CDT
Ava Greiner And Her Show Lamb

WASHINGTON, Iowa — For Ava Greiner, the 2025 Washington County Fair marks the end of an era and the celebration of a remarkable youth career rooted in hard work, passion, and community.

A senior sporting a special gray polo to signify her final year, Greiner has been a fixture in the livestock barns for nearly a decade. She’s a nine-year member of the ’76 Progressive 4-H Club and has spent the last six years with the Keota FFA chapter. This week’s fair marks her final showing season before she heads off to Iowa State University.

Ava Working her Final 4H Lamb Show

Greiner’s final showing day was one to remember. She was awarded Grand Champion Market Lamb and Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Ewe, topping off a career filled with similar highlights and steady growth as an exhibitor and leader.

In addition to her sheep, Ava also exhibited a goat earlier in the week and submitted projects in photography and cake decorating inside the exhibit hall. She’s not quite done yet—her sheep will appear once more in the Showdown and Final Drive—but for the most part, she says, “this is going to be a wrap for me. It’s a good note to go out on.”

As she closes the chapter on her 4-H and FFA journey, Ava Greiner looks ahead to new opportunities at Iowa State University, where she plans to major in animal science. She’s especially interested in pursuing a career in livestock embryology or the pharmaceutical side of the industry.

From barn boots to biotech, Ava’s journey is far from over—but the legacy she leaves behind in the show ring is one marked by dedication, leadership, and heart.

Jeffry Lynn Larson

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 at 10:34 am CDT

Jeffry Lynn Larson January 3, 1953 – June 29, 2025

Jeffry Lynn Larson, 72, of North Richland Hills, Texas, passed away on June 29, 2025, at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Grapevine, Texas, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on January 3, 1953, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Jeff was the son of Dale and Bernadine (Bozarth) Larson. He graduated from Winfield-Mt. Union High School in 1971 and earned his degree from the University of Iowa in 1975. Jeff built a distinguished career in the insurance industry as a construction underwriter, earning respect for his integrity, expertise, and dedication.

On January 23, 1982, Jeff married the love of his life, Linda Felder, in Winfield, Iowa. Together they shared more than four decades of love, laughter, and adventure. Jeff and Linda had a passion for travel and made cherished memories exploring the country together. A devoted sports fan, Jeff found joy and connection in following his favorite teams and sharing the excitement with friends and family.

Jeff is survived by his brother Larry (Linda) Larson of Iowa City; his sister Cindy (Bill) Finke of Winfield; his nephews Jim (Laurie) Larson of Lakeville, Minnesota, Scot (Sheila) Larson of Flower Mound, Texas, Bill Northamer of Coralville, and Jabe (Dana) Finke of Winfield; nieces Lisa Bata of Marion, Peggy (Bryan) VanZante of Tiffin, Kiley (Josh) Schroeder of Hiawatha, Erika (Paul) Troyna of Colwell, Toni (Brad) Schwickerath of New Hampton, and Annie Felder of Cedar Rapids; and his brother-in-law Mike (Kate) Felder of Alta Vista. He is also lovingly remembered by many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Bernadine Larson; his beloved wife, Linda; his brother, Dick Larson; and his sister-in-law, Mary Larson.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 4th at 10:00am at Sheridan Cemetery on 170th Street, west of Mt. Union, Iowa, where family and friends will gather to honor and celebrate Jeff’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice in Jeff’s honor.