Rep. Miller-Meeks Secures Over $19 Million for Southeast Iowa

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, February 6th, 2026 at 12:30 pm CDT

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) has secured $19 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) for Southeast Iowa as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 funding package signed into law by President Trump, delivering critical investments in infrastructure, public safety, transportation, workforce development, and water systems across Iowa’s First Congressional District.

“These investments are about meeting real needs in real communities,” Miller-Meeks said. “From safer roads and bridges to modern water systems, workforce training, and public safety, this funding ensures Southeast Iowa has the infrastructure and resources necessary to grow, compete, and thrive. I will always fight to make sure Iowa tax dollars come back home and are used responsibly to strengthen our communities.”

With these investments, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks has now secured over $24 million in Community Project Funding for Southeast Iowa in the 119th Congress, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to delivering federal resources back to the district.

Community Project Funding secured by Congresswoman Miller-Meeks includes:

  • $6 Million for the City of Burlington Cascade Bridge Project: The funding would be used to replace the deteriorated Cascade Bridge with a modern, safe, and functional structure while preserving its historical essence.
  • $3 Million for the 110th Street FDR and Asphalt Paving Project in Jefferson County: The funding would be used to pave 110th Avenue, the county road leading to Pekin Community School District.
  • $2 Million for the Iowa County, Route W21 Pavement Improvement in Iowa County: Funding for this project will be used to upgrade and extend route W21 two miles from the Iowa County/Washington County border to north of F67.
  • $2 Million for the Papoose Creek Redundant Force Main in Muscatine: This project will construct new force main segments to increase wastewater system capacity, reduce combined sewer overflows during heavy rain events, and provide backup infrastructure during maintenance or emergencies.
  • $1 Million for the Keokuk County, Iowa Route G13 Pavement Improvement Project: Funding for this project will be used to for the resurfacing of route G13 connecting the communities of Keswick and North English in Keokuk County.
  • $1 Million for the U.S. Highway 6/Deer Creek Road Intersection Project in Coralville: Funding for this project will improve the U.S. Highway 6/Deer Creek Road intersection. The project will add lanes, a median, traffic signals, lighting, railroad safety enhancements, and turn lanes, and will provide the needed improvements to improve traffic safety and accommodate the growth in traffic in that area.
  • $1 Million for the North River Drive Connector Project in Clinton: The funding would be used to build a 1.5-mile north/south roadway link between downtown Clinton, IA, and the Lyons Business District. The new roadway will run along the land side of the existing Mississippi River levee between Riverview Drive to the south and 25th Avenue North to the north.
  • $1 Million for the Montgomery Drive Improvement Project in Tipton: The funding would be used to convert an existing one lane, gravel Access Road, into a concrete, curb and gutter, residential street with an accompanying parallel 10-foot-wide concrete pedestrian/bicycle trail. The new street will be called “Montgomery Drive.”
  • $1 Million for the Lee County Career Center Project: Funding for this project will be used to build out and equip the Lee County Career Center for the mutual benefit of Lee County and southeast Iowa industries, Lee County high school students, and Lee County adult learners.
  • $750,000 for the Veterans District Sewer Project in Knoxville: Funding will help build a sanitary lift station and storm and sewer lines to serve over 110 acres of future housing development at the former VA campus, now known as the Veterans District—expanding housing and revitalizing the area.
  • $500,000 for the SAFECity Initiative in Oskaloosa: Led by the Oskaloosa Police Department, this initiative brings advanced public safety technology to the community. It includes license plate recognition systems, new body and in-car cameras, upgraded police facilities, school safety panic buttons, a real-time crime monitoring system, and a search-and-rescue drone.

Iowa DNR: Air Quality Permit Up for Review at Burlington Generating Station

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, February 6th, 2026 at 12:28 pm CDT

Residents in Burlington are being encouraged to review and comment on a proposed air quality construction permit for the Burlington Generating Station.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has opened a public comment period for a draft permit submitted by IPL, which operates the Burlington Generating Station on Sullivan Slough Road. The company is requesting approval to update the power plant to help meet growing electricity demand in the region.

As part of the proposal, IPL plans to install five new natural gas–fired engines capable of producing up to 94 megawatts of electricity. To make room for the new equipment, four older turbines and their starter engines would be shut down and removed.

The project also includes several support upgrades, such as emergency-use diesel-powered backup engines, on-site diesel fuel storage tanks, natural gas heaters for building heat, and new natural gas piping. Additional safety equipment and increased truck traffic on facility roads are also anticipated.

The DNR says its permitting process is designed to ensure facilities meet state and federal air quality standards, and public input is an important part of that review.

A virtual public hearing is scheduled for March 9, from 12 PM to 2 PM CST. To register for the public hearing, use the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ed7QjhaAQ26vso5ueSroHw. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting virtually or by phone.

Public comments will be accepted until March 9th, and all comments will be considered before the permit is finalized.

Remarks from Legislators: Southeast Iowa Days at the Iowa State Capitol Recap

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, February 6th, 2026 at 12:21 pm CDT

Nearly 120 Southeast Iowa leaders gathered to make our voices heard in Des Moines this week.

KILJ News attended Southeast Iowa Days at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines Wednesday and Thursday, February 4th and 5th.

The annual event provides an opportunity to hear directly from state leadership on key business and policy issues impacting the region, including economic development, transportation, and workforce development. It also allows community leaders to meet with legislators to discuss priorities important to Southeast Iowa and hear from legislators what bills they are working on to pass in session. The major topic of discussion was property taxes.

KILJ News heard from several state and local leaders during the two-day event, including Blaine Watkins, Taylor Collins, Jeff Reichman, and Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer.

Remarks from Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer:

 

Remarks from Rep. Taylor Collins:

 

Remarks from Rep. Blaine Watkins:

 

Remarks from Sen. Jeff Reichman:

 

Representative Jeff Shipley was unable to attend the legislative reception due to a committee meeting. Senator Adrian Dickey was unavailable for comment.

Super Bowl Weekend Safety Reminder from Area Law Enforcement Agencies

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, February 6th, 2026 at 11:29 am CDT

Americans love a good party, and Super Bowl Sixty is one of the most anticipated weekends of the year. Super Bowl LX will be played Sunday, February 8th between Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.

To help keep drivers and partygoers safe, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is teaming up with area law enforcement to remind football fans that fans don’t let fans drive drunk.

Whether you’re heading out to a restaurant or attending a Super Bowl party, officials say it’s important to plan ahead. If your evening involves alcohol, make sure you have a sober, designated driver arranged before the game begins.

Those hosting parties are encouraged to look out for guests by supporting designated drivers and making sure they stay alcohol-free. Designated drivers are being recognized as the real MVPs of the night, reminding everyone they’re responsible for getting friends and family home safely.

If someone has been drinking and tries to drive, take their keys and help them get home safely—even if they don’t appreciate it at the time.

Officials remind drivers that it’s never okay to drink and drive, even after just one drink. If needed, call a taxi or rideshare, and report suspected drunk driving to local law enforcement.

Mary Diane Henry

By Slaten Swords · Friday, February 6th, 2026 at 11:06 am CDT

Mary Diane Henry, 65, a resident of Wayland, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family and sent to 608 N. Pearl St. Wayland, Iowa 52654.

Diane was born January 4, 1961, the daughter of Lee and Darlene (Palmer) Courtney. She married Kevin Henry, April 15, 1994 in Fairfield.

Diane retired as a cashier from the BP in Wayland. She also worked as a bartender and had different jobs cleaning. Diane enjoyed gardening, canning produce, plants, motorcycle rides, and sun bathing. She was known to have a good time with friends and family, and was full of life and fun. Diane loved family get togethers, often with a different theme for attire.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Kevin; daughters, Amy House of West Point and Ashley (Jeremy) Hank of Lomax, Illinois; grandchildren, Taylor, Ethan, Faith, Corbin, Bentley, Kaden, and Braelinn; siblings, Donnie (Donna) House, Terry (Cheryl) House, Sharon House, Doug (Michelle) House, and Jon Courtney.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Allen Palmer, Leo House, Charles Palmer, and Margaret Curtis.

Online condolences may be made to Diane’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

 

Fairfield Man Arrested Following Sexual Abuse Investigation

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Friday, February 6th, 2026 at 9:55 am CDT

A Fairfield man has been arrested following a sexual abuse investigation involving a Fairfield High School student.

According to the Fairfield Police Department, officers received a complaint on January 28, 2026, from a concerned parent regarding their juvenile daughter, who is a student at Fairfield High School. The complaint involved suspicions of inappropriate contact through social media between the juvenile female and an adult male teacher at the school.

Police say the Fairfield Police Department immediately began investigating the matter. During the course of the investigation, officers obtained sufficient evidence to apply for search warrants related to the case. Those warrants were granted and executed on February 5, 2026.

As a result of evidence gathered during the investigation, officers arrested 57-year-old Vannen Crabtree Jr. of Richland, Iowa.

Crabtree is charged with Sexual Exploitation by a School Employee, a Class D felony, Grooming, also a Class D felony, and Lascivious Acts with a Minor, an aggravated misdemeanor.

Crabtree is currently being held at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility without bond, pending an initial court appearance.

The Fairfield Police Department was assisted in the investigation by the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Police say aspects of the case remain under investigation. Additional information may be released as it becomes available, however details will remain limited in order to protect the identity of the juvenile victim.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Fairfield Police Department at 641-472-4146.

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

Prep Girls’ Basketball: Local Regional Matchups for Classes 1A, 2A, and 3A

By Slaten Swords · Friday, February 6th, 2026 at 7:45 am CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has had a busy week with the state bowling qualifier earlier this week, state wrestling at the end of the week, and playoff basketball getting ready to tip-off next Thursday, February 12th; yet, they delivered the postseason matchups yesterday and here’s a look at our local pairings.

Class 1A Region 4

Holy Trinity Catholic will travel to North Cedar. It will be their first-ever matchup. The winner will tangle with Springville on Tuesday, February 17th, on the road.

New London will face off against Lone Tree on the road. The winner will take on the winner between Wapello and Burlington Notre Dame with the Arrows acting as the host.

The Lions have won the last four against New London but the two have not met up since 2021, while Wapello defeated the Nikes 57-38 in mid-January.

All first-round games are scheduled for Thursday at 7 pm.

Class 1A Region 6

Pekin will welcome WACO for their third meet-up of the year. The Panthers swept the Warriors in their two previous showdowns: 53-47 in December and 58-40 at home. The winner will travel to Dunkerton on February 17th.

Winfield-Mt. Union will look to upset the Southeast Iowa Super Conference (SEISC) North champion, Highland, for their first round showdown. The Huskies are currently on a six-game winning streak against the Wolves with both wins this season coming by at least 30 points.

The winner will square off against either Keota or Hillcrest Academy.

All first-round games will take place on Thursday at 7 pm

Class 2A Region 8

The Southeast Iowa Super Conference will be meeting up at the bottom of the Region 8 bracket as Van Buren County and Columbus will get a rematch of their SEISC shootout match last night. Van Buren County’s 62-37 victory was the first game between the two decided by double figures since the 2022-23 season. The Warriors will host on Saturday, February 14th, at 7 pm.

The winner will then face off against Regina Catholic on the road.

Danville, who is rocking an 8-game win streak at the time of writing, will host West Burlington on Tuesday, February 17th, at 7 pm. The two split their season series during the year, but the Bears have won six of the last seven. The winner will play the winner between Regina Catholic and Van Buren County/Columbus.

Class 3A Region 5

It is a Southeast Conference clash in Washington as the Demons are set to host Fairfield on Saturday, February 14th, at 7 pm. Washington has won the last eight matchups against the Trojans and hit 22 three-pointers in their two showdowns this season.

The winner will travel to play the winner between Tipton and South Tama County on Wednesday, February 18th, at 7 pm.

Class 3A Region 6

#9 Mediapolis will welcome Central Lee into town for their third throw down of the season on Saturday, February 14th, at 7 pm. The Bulldogs have won the last nine against the Hawks with their closest win of the streak being by 17 points.

Mediapolis has not lost a to a South Division opponent since February 5th, 2024 against Holy Trinity Catholic in a 48-35 final.

The winner will face off against either Davis County or Centerville on Wednesday, February 18th.

More Information

Stay tuned to KILJ for our broadcast schedule as the tournament trail gets started on Thursday, February 12th, at 7 pm. KILJ would like to thank our State Tournament Sponsors for allowing us to cover all of our local teams!

Sports, February 6th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, February 6th, 2026 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Wrestling

Day one of the 2026 Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s state tournament is in the books and five of our 17 local wrestlers sit one match away from a chance at the state championship. Here’s some of the highlights from yesterday’s action.  

In Class 1A, Wapello will have a pair of wrestlers competing in the semifinals, as #2 Kenadee Helscher handled business in both of her matches for the 105-pound weight class, while #1 Clara Ball snuck past #8 Cadence Kinzie of Atlantic in the quarterfinals by a 10-7 decision to advance to the semifinals of the 115-pound weight class.

Helscher will take on #3 Kate Martin of Mt. Vernon and Ball will face off against #4 Hailey Harvey of Riverside today.

Pekin’s #4 Hailey Pedrick displayed her endurance yesterday by securing both of her victories by fall in the third period. She will tackle #1 Tayla Stiefel of East Buchanan in the semifinals today.

 A pair of Southeast Conference wrestlers dominated in their action yesterday. Fairfield’s #2 Samantha Lyons pinned her first opponent in the opening minute of her first round match and she followed that up with another first round pin in the quarterfinals. She will compete against #3 Gracie Pickney of Mt. Vernon in the semifinals today.

In Class 2A, #3 Mara Smith of Fort Madison punched her ticket to the semifinals after a technical fall in the first round and a pin in the quarterfinals. She will take on #2 Makana Miller of Waverly-Shell Rock today.

In the consolation bracket, #6 Brystol Wiley of Van Buren County, #2 Adley Sweeting of Highland, and #7 Amaziah Twillie and #9 Macy Peterson of Burlington will be eyeing a bronze medal.

Stay tuned to KILJ for updates throughout the day and for a full recap of yesterday’s action, follow the links provided.

Class 1A Recap: Class 1A

Class 2A Recap: Class 2A

The Van Buren County boys’ team finished 0-3 at the Davis County quad last night, losing 58-24 to Oskaloosa, 42-36 to Davis County, and 48-24 to Montezuma. Leo Jirak and Carver Goehring went undefeated for the night. 

The Fairfield boys’ team snuck past Washington last night, 41-40. Kohda Higdon, Cael McCabe, Dusty Haynes, Aiden Holthus, Dain Burkhart, and Calvin McClain each picked up victories for the Trojans.

The boys’ district wrestling meets are scheduled for February 14th.

High School Basketball

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Keokuk tonight with the girls’ teams playing at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm.

Fairfield will host Burlington tonight with game one at 6 pm.

Southeast Iowa Super Conference Shootout

The girls’ teams seeded #3-#8 had their SEISC shootout games last night, here’s how everything played out. 

Leading off the night, Van Buren County wallopped Columbus, 62-37 in the #4-seed contest. The Wildcats will try to bounce back against Cardinal on Monday, February 9th, at 6 pm.

In a battle of the Falcons, Louisa-Muscatine soared past West Burlington 68-44 for the #3 seed. West Burlington will travel to Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday, February 10th, with tip-off at 6:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:15 pm.

Wapello handled business in the 6th seed showdown as Macey Kuntz’s double-double of 22 points and 14 rebounds led the Arrows past Holy Trinity Catholic, 47-25. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will square off against Clark County on Monday at 6 pm.

Wapello ends the regular season with a 12-9 record. 

In the 5th seed contest, Central Lee surged past Pekin, 50-33. The Hawks will travel to Illini West on Monday for their regular season finale at 7:30 pm.

In the 8-seed contest, New London fell to Hillcrest Academy last night, 54-34. The Tigers finished the regular season with an 0-21 record. 

The Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will host Cedar Valley Christian tonight at 6 pm.

Highland and Mediapolis will face off for the conference title tomorrow, February 7th, at 2:30 pm at Highland, while Danville will compete with Lone Tree to lead off the day at 1 pm.

The boys’ will start play tonight for their SEISC shootout with Central Lee hosting the #3 and #4 seeds, Holy Trinity Catholic will have the #5 and #6 seeds, and Van Buren County will house the #7 and #8 seeds with the south division acting as the home team.

At 6 pm, #4 West Burlington will play #4 WACO at Central Lee, #6 Danville will tip-off against #6 Wapello, and #8 New London will tussle with #8 Lone Tree at Van Buren County.

At 7:30 pm, #3 Central Lee will face off against Pekin, #5 Holy Trinity Catholic will tangle with #5 Columbus, and #7 Van Buren County will take on #7 Highland.

Burlington Notre Dame will hold the #1 and #2 seed games tomorrow with Mediapolis clashing with Winfield-Mt. Union at 6 pm and the conference title going to either the Nikes or Hillcrest Academy at 7:30 pm.

High School Bowling

The girls’ state meet is scheduled for February 10th through the 12th in Waterloo. Keokuk will be competing as a team, while Mt. Pleasant’s Shyann Smith will bowl as an individual along with Keokuk’s Allison Sapp, Jaelynn Ketterer, and Josie Sapp.

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team hosted their invite yesterday and finished in 3rd place with 2,467 pins. West Burlington/Notre Dame won the meet with 2,558 pins, 41 more than Central Lee.

The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) released the state qualifying meet assignments and Central Lee will host West Burlington, while Fairfield will travel to Monticello in Class 1A.

 In Class 2A, Clinton will play host to Burlington, Keokuk, and Mt. Pleasant.

Both meets are scheduled for Monday, February 16th, at 10 am.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will host Kirkwood Community College tomorrow, February 7th, with tip-off at 1 pm.

The men’s basketball team will continue the home stand tomorrow at 3 pm against Triton College. 

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will travel to North Iowa Area Community College for the District Championships on February 15th. 

College Basketball

The Iowa State women’s team will travel to Utah tomorrow, February 7th, at 6 pm.

The #10 Iowa women’s team made a late run but ultimately fell to Minnesota last night, 91-85. Ava Heiden scored 24 points in the losing effort. The Hawkeyes will host Washington on Wednesday, February 11th, at 6:30 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will head back home to play Northwestern on Sunday, February 8th, at 2 pm.

The #7 Iowa State men’s team will take on Baylor at home at 1 pm tomorrow.

This Day in Sports History

1932 – First Olympic dog sled race at Lake Placid, New York. It is run as a demonstration sport.

1971 – American astronaut Alan Shepard is 1st to hit a golf ball on the moon. 

1990 – Brett Hull becomes the first son of an NHL 50 goal scorer (Bobby Hull) to also score 50 goals.