Sports, July 13th

High School Postseason Baseball

In Class 1A, Burlington Notre Dame snatched the #4 seed and the Nikes will face off against Lisbon on July 17th at 1:30 pm. KILJ will be on the call with the pregame show at 1:15 pm from Carroll.

Kingsley-Pierson comes into the tournament as the favorite with a 27-2 record. Lynnville-Sully presents a challenge as the #2 seed with just one loss on the season. Powerhouse, Remsen St. Mary’s is looking to avenge their runner-up finish in last year’s tournament as the #3 seed. 

In Class 2A, Van Buren County will take on West Lyon on July 18th at 1:30 pm in Carroll as the #5 seed. KILJ will be on the call with the pregame show at 1:15 pm.

Beckman Catholic enters as the top seed and they will take on Pella Christian. Cascade will compete against Woodward-Granger. Underwood and Williamsburg will play the last game of the day at 7 pm. There will be no repeat champion as Van Meter was upset by the Eagles in the Substate Championship.

Southeast Conference Baseball

For the Panthers, Zerek Venghaus was named to the 1st Team All-Conference list as he ranked 4th in the conference in batting average with a 0.371 average. Venghaus also scored 21 runs and hit home 14 runs, while collecting 3 wins on the mound with 22 strikeouts and a 2.07 ERA.

Carter Amos, Payton Walker, and Jake Ensminger were all named to the All-Conference 2nd Team. Amos hit for a team leading 24 RBIs and tied for the team lead in home runs with two along with Walker. Walker also hit 0.312 and brought in 15 runs. Ensminger finished the season with 13 RBIs and 2 wins on the mound.

J.C. Sitar and Payson Coleman earned All-Conference Honorable Mentions.

Tate Allen from Fairfield was tabbed the Conference Player of the Year after leading his team in batting average with a 0.316 average as he clobbered 5 doubles with 17 RBIs. Allen also won 5 games on the mound with a 2.03 ERA with 57 strikeouts.

High School Postseason Softball

In the Class 1A state tournament, Sigourney grabbed the #7 seed and will face off against North Linn in the first round on July 18th at 7 pm.

Martensdale-St. Marys is the #1 seed with North Linn taking the #2 seed in the tournament. Both teams fell in the semifinal round last year. 

Regina Catholic is looking to repeat as the Class 2A state champions as they grabbed the #1 seed. Van Meter grabbed the #2 seed with their 34-5 record. 

In Class 3A, Williamsburg has been the top team for the entire season and continue to hold on to that top spot as they take on Albia in the first round. However, Assumption is looking to usurp the Raiders while avenging their loss in the championship game last season.

Winterset has a long way to travel to attempt to repeat as Class 4A champions with the Huskies entering as the #7 seed. North Polk is the favorite, grabbing the #1 seed. 

Lastly, in Class 5A, the #1 seed Ankeny Centennial will look to take down last years champion Waukee Northwest, who is the #3 seed for the tournament with a 31-11 record. 

Southeast Conference Softball

For Mt. Pleasant, Emma Starr was named to the All-Conference 2nd Team. The Junior was a stalwart center fielder for the Panthers as she also collected 10 RBIs at the plate with a 0.262 batting average.

Addison Clark and Kynlee White were also All-Conference Honorable Mentions. Clark batted 0.316 on the season with two home runs and 18 RBIs, tied for the team lead. White led the team in batting average with a 0.329 average as she scored 16 runs and stole 15 bases.

Saydee Plummer for Burlington and Leighton Salazar for Washington took home Co-Conference Player of the Year honors.

Mt. Pleasant Cross Country

On Mondays and Wednesdays, runs will begin at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre at 6:30 am.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, runs will start at 7 pm at Saunders Park by the swimming pool.

The runs will continue throughout the summer until the middle of August. If you have any questions, reach out to Coach Murray at 319-850-0867.

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees were demolished by the Champion City Kings last night 20-1. Brandon Bickford clobbered a home run in the losing effort. The Bees will face off against the Johnstown Mill Rats tonight on the road. 

The Clinton LumberKings doubleheader against the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp was postponed last night. The first game will be played on July 27th and the second game will take place on July 31st. The LumberKings will take on the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes tonight at home. 

This Day in Sports History

1896 – Philadelphia outfielder Ed Delahanty becomes second major leaguer to hit 4 HRs in a game as Phillies lose 9-8 to Chicago Colts at the West Side Grounds, Chicago.

1919 – Boston Red Sox pitcher Carl Mays walks off the mound blaming teammates for lack of support in the field.

1963 – British Open Men’s Golf, Royal Lytham & St Annes GC: Bob Charles of New Zealand wins his only major championship in a 36-hole playoff, 8 strokes ahead of runner-up Phil Rodgers; becomes first left-hander to win a major title.

2023 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award Nominations Open

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate announced on Tuesday that nominations for the 2023 John Lewis Youth Leadership award are now open for all Iowans aged 25 and under.

 

The John Lewis Leadership Award was established in 2021 as a way for every state to honor the extraordinary accomplishments of Congressman John Lewis. Secretaries of State across the nation are encouraged to recognize gifted, civic-minded young people with demonstrated leadership abilities with the award each year.

“Our office is driven by three guiding principles – service, participation, and integrity – and we are thrilled to be able to honor young Iowans each year that exemplify these principles in their communities,” said Secretary Pate. “I look forward to learning more about the hard work and exciting ideas coming out of Iowa’s youth and honoring these civic leaders with this respected award.”

Photograph of John Lewis in suit and tie

 

Nominations for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award are open to Iowa residents aged 25 years or under for their meaningful commitment in addressing civil rights issues and bringing about authentic change in their communities. All nominations will be reviewed by the Office of the Iowa Secretary of State. Nomination closes on October 6 and recipients will be recognized in December.

 

Nomination forms are available at:

https://sos.iowa.gov/Initiatives/JohnLewisYouthAward.html

 

The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award was established by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) and each state is encouraged to award up to two recipients each calendar year.

Deborah H. Lampe

Deborah H. “Debbie”  Lampe, 66, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the West Point Care Center.

Born December 7, 1956, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Harold and Rita (Grothaus) Mueller.

Survivors include her son: Bernie (wife Olivia Kowalski) Lampe of Catonsville, Maryland, two daughters: Glory Lampe of St. Louis, Missouri and Angie (George) Lampe of Portland, Oregon, two brothers: Mike (Lori) Mueller of West Point, and Rich (Rhonda) Mueller of New London, one sister: Carol Greenwald of Fort Madison, and one sister-in-law: Amy Mueller. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Daniel Mueller.

Debbie was a 1976 graduate of Fort Madison High School. She was a member of St. Mary of the  Assumption Catholic Church.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2023 at the St. James the Less Catholic Church in St. Paul.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2023 at St. James the Less Catholic Church with Father Dan Dorau officiating.

Burial will be  in St. James Cemetery in St. Paul, Iowa.

A memorial has been established for West Point Care Center.

Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Brownfield Ag Youth Award Henry County Fair

KILJ Radio is pleased to make two special presentations. Each year at this time, Brownfield Ag News sponsors the Ag Youth Awards. Brownfield and KILJ partner together to support local youth by choosing two recipients and recognizing them for their various accomplishments and outstanding leadership skills, whether that be in school, 4H, or other areas.

A belt buckle award and a Wal Mart gift card for their 4H clubs is presented to each winner.

Our first winner is Gabe White. He is the son of Scott and Stephanie White and attends Winfield-Mt.Union highschool. He is part of the Jefferson Juniors 4H club and has shown cattle, goats, static projects, and even is involved in the dog obedience show. Gabe plans to acquire his associate degree in information technology.

“Being in the showring and working with cattle, goats or dogs, has taught me to have confidence no matter what the outcome.”

Our second winner is Julie Campbell. She is the daughter of Melissa and Jason Campbell and is also part of the Jefferson Juniors 4H club, as well as involved with the Mount Pleasant Community Highschool FFA. Julie has participated in cattle shows and static projects since 4th grade, and she plans to show swine this year for the first time. Julie plans to attend Kirkwood Community College and major in agriculture business and then transfer to Iowa State University to finish in agriculture education.

“Being a part if the 4H community has shaped my character and influenced my decisions. While being involved in 4H I have gotten the opportunity to express myself in projects and to grow in skills that I need to function in the real world. I have grown my communication skills by talking in front of crowds while showing and participating in the fair queen contest. I have bettered my interview skills by showing static projects and participating in the fair queen contest. People should join to get to know more about the community and be able to grow essential skills for life. They should also join because you never know who you can become friends with even though they don’t go to the same school or have the same lifestyle.”

MPPD Bike Auction

The Mount Pleasant Police Department will host a bike auction on July 29th at 8am. This will take place at the Police Station and there will be approximately 30-50 bikes for sale. They will be placed into three groups, $5, $15, and $25 to ensure quick sales. They will be placed out front of the station at 7:30am that day for viewing.

 

They will be taking cash or checks only, and it is a lottery so that it is fair for all parties involved.

If you have any questions, call 385-1450.

Tested: 5 of the Best New Trail Bikes for 2023 - Outside Online

*Not a picture of the actual bikes

Weekly Fuel Report

Weekly Fuel Report

The price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 1 cent, averaging $3.33 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $3.29 per barrel and is currently priced at $75.31.
  • Brent crude oil rose $3.03 and is currently priced at $79.77.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $95.84 and Brent crude sold for $106.98.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.33 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices rose 1 cent from last week’s price and are $1.14 lower than one year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.54, up 2 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 1 cent this week with a statewide average of $3.59.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $5.28 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 26 cents less than the national average of $3.85.
  • Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.44 for U87-E10, $2.83 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.59 for ULSD#2, $3.12 for ULSD#1, and $2.54 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices fell 3 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.63/MMbtu.
  • We will continue reporting retail heating oil and propane prices in Iowa in September.

 

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Speeding Slows You Down

To raise awareness about the dangers of speeding, The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Region 7, which includes Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, is participating in the “Speeding Slows You Down” Speed Enforcement Campaign.

Law enforcement will be on the lookout for speeding drivers aligned with this effort from July 10th through July 31st.

  • This July 10-31, NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Association) is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies to keep drivers and passengers safe by raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and urging drivers to obey speed limits.
  • In 2021, speeding killed 8,462 people, accounting for more than one-quarter of all crash fatalities. Don’t become a 2023 statistic! Slow down and drive the speed limit!
  • NHTSA would like to remind you that even the safest cars with the newest technologies are limited in how much they can help reduce the odds of a crash if traveling at speeds faster than the posted limit. Slow down and stay safe!
  • From July 10-31, local law enforcement officers will be on higher alert for speeding vehicles while participating in the Speeding Slows You Down If you’re pulled over for speeding, expect to receive a ticket.
  • While drivers of all ages routinely exceed posted speed limits, young people are most likely to be involved in speeding-related fatal crashes. NHTSA reminds you that speeding is a risk that can cost you your life, so stay safe and slow down!

 

Learn more at  https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving