Area Schools Unite in Orange and Black to Honor Fairfield Teen Emmelia Miller

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 6:47 am CDT

Many area schools will be wearing orange and black today, January 27, 2026, in memory of 17-year-old Fairfield student Emmelia Miller who passed away in a car accident over the weekend.

School officials say that while wearing school colors may seem like a small gesture on its own, when schools across the region participate together, it sends a powerful message of unity, compassion, and support for the Fairfield Trojans and for Emmelia’s family and friends.

Community members are also encouraged to wear orange and black today as a visible show of remembrance and solidarity.

Sports, January 27th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 6:37 am CDT

High School Basketball

Mt. Pleasant split their night against Mid-Prairie with the girls’ team falling, 61-32, and the boys’ team scraping past the Golden Hawks, 49-42. Abigail Shelangoski was the main source of offense for the Panthers, cashing in for 14 points in the effort. 

The boys’ team found the right time to be clutch from the free throw line as the Panthers sank 10 of 12 in the final quarter to generate the seven-point win, including a four-for-four performance from Aiden Humble, who finished with 10 points. Isaiah Lange led the team with 13 points. Panther boys’ head coach Eric Rawson knew it was going to take a yeoman’s effort to get the win,

“…They like to play a little fast and sped us up and we weren’t very patient. Once we got across half court with the basketball, I mean, that was the conversation at half was, continue to stay locked in defensively. You held them to 20, but we’ve got to do some things a little bit differently offensively and be a lot more patient and get some block touches and eventually guys, your shots are gonna fall from outside, but definitely focus again on the post play and just work that inside-outside combination and we’re a lot more patient offensively, I thought, in the second half.”

Mt. Pleasant will celebrate their Senior Night on Friday, January 30th, against Washington at home with game one tipping-off at 6 pm.

The Central Lee boys’ team lost a tight one to West Hancock last night, 48-43. Owan Swan collected a team-high 14 points in the loss. The Hawks will look to upset Mediapolis tonight with the girls’ teams playing first at 6 pm on the road. 

Burlington Notre Dame will make the trip to Danville tonight for the Bears’ Senior night with game one at 6 pm.

WACO will look to bounce back tonight at home against Highland at 6 pm.

Holy Trinity Catholic will compete against New London on the road tonight with the night starting at 6 pm.

Columbus will square off against Wapello tonight with gametime at 6 pm at home.

The Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ game against West Burlington has been canceled for tonight.

Fairfield will clash with Washington on Thursday, January 29th, with the girls’ playing at 6 pm.

Boys’ High School Basketball Rankings

The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) released their fifth edition of the boys’ high school basketball rankings and despite the #1 team in Class 1A falling, Burlington Notre Dame kept still.

In a top-four showdown last week, Bishop Garrigan pulled off the upset against St. Edmond, resulting in the two team flipping spots as the Golden Bears now sit at #1 in Class 1A.

The Nikes, who currently has the most wins in the state at 17-0, remained put at #3 in Class 1A. In a three-game week, Notre Dame defeated all three opponents by double figures, including holding two of their opponents under 50 points. The squad does an excellent job in distributing the ball and not turning the ball over with an assist to turnover ratio of 1.86, which ranks 2nd in Class 1A and 10th amongst all classes.

High School Wrestling

The Southeast Iowa Super Conference girls’ teams met up last night for the conference championship and Van Buren County snatched the title with a dominating 203-point performance followed by Pekin with 130 points.

The Warriors finished with five individual conference champions in Brystol Wiley (100-pound weight class), Rylee Caviness (125-pound weight class), Hadley Noe (135-pound weight class), Lexie Wiley (140-pound weight class), and Teagan Sickles (170-pound weight class).

Wapello’s Kenadee Helscher took the 105-pound title and sits at 36-0 entering the state qualifier. Clara Ball helped the Arrows with an undefeated night and the gold in the 115-pound weight class. 

WACO had Emorry Davis (115-pound weight class) and Makayla Morrison (120-pound weight class) each take home the silver in their respective weight class, while Mediapolis was led by Kaiya Swafford, who finished as the runner-up in the 130-pound weight class. Lastly, Lizbet Herrera and Jada Moats of Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union each took the silver in their respective weight classes. 

The Fairfield, Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Mediapolis, Van Buren County, and WACO girls’ teams will make the trip to Wapello for the Class 1A Region 6 state qualifying meet on Friday, January 30th. 

Mt. Pleasant will duel Burlington on Thursday, January 29th, on the road.

The Burlington Notre Dame, Van Buren County, and New London boys’ teams will travel to Louisa-Muscatine for a quad on Thursday.

Wapello will host WACO in a quad on Thursday.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will wait for their Class 2A Region 5 state qualifying meet on Friday in Ottumwa.

High School Bowling

The Southeast Conference tournament will take place today at Arrowhead Bowl.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will compete against North Iowa Area Community College tomorrow, January 28th, at 5:30 pm.

The men’s basketball team will host Kennedy-King College on Thursday, January 29th, at 7 pm. 

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will host Iowa Lakes Community College tomorrow. 

College Basketball

The Iowa State women’s team will hit the road to face off against Texas Tech tomorrow, January 28th, at 6 pm.

The #8 Iowa women’s team will travel to USC on Thursday, January 29th, at 8 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team will take on USC tomorrow at 6 pm at home.

The #8 Iowa State men’s team will host Colorado on Thursday at 6 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1969 – Chuck Noll is named head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the youngest coach in NFL history at the time. 

1989 – Detroit Red Wings center Steve Yzerman becomes the 4th NHL player to record 100 points in 50 games or less with a goal and 2 assists as the Red Wings beat Toronto, 8-1. 

1991 – Super Bowl XXV, Tampa Stadium, Tampa, FL: the New York Giants beat the Buffalo Bills, 20-19; MVP: Ottis Anderson, NY Giants, RB. Scott Norwood’s game-winning kick sails wide right for the Bills.

Kelvin Leon Turner

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, January 26th, 2026 at 4:27 pm CDT

Kelvin Leon Turner, 63, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, formerly of Farmington, passed away at 6:02 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Savannah Heights in Mt. Pleasant.

He was born on September 13, 1962, in Keosauqua, Iowa, the son of Merrill L. and Shirley Ann (Wixom) Turner.

He is survived by his siblings: Lonnie (Sandra) Turner of Farmington, Iowa, Gary (Holly) Turner of Farmington, Iowa, Jeana Turner of Kirkwood, Illinois, Brenda (Brad) Metcalf of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Melissa (Rick Losey) Turner of Bonaparte, Iowa and aunt: Paula Anthony. Also surviving are several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Patricia and nephew: Merrill.

Kelvin was a 1981 graduate of Harmony High School. He worked for the City of Farmington and the Fort Madison YMCA. Kelvin attended Faith Christian Outreach Church. He enjoyed playing pool, Yahtzee, cards and was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington with Pastor Gary VanNyhuis officiating.

Burial will be at a later date at Greenglade Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

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

Doris D. Remaly

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, January 26th, 2026 at 1:12 pm CDT

Doris Dianne Krewson Remaly, 77, of New London, formerly of Centerville, died Saturday, January 24, 2026 at New London Specialty Care.  She was born October 27, 1948 in Centerville to Oliver William and Mary Ann Erskine Krewson.

She was a 1966 graduate of Centerville High School and attended Southeastern Community College.  On February 6, 1968 she married Gary Lennie and they later divorced.  She married Oliver Remaly on May 30, 1975 and he died November 13, 2022.

She was a “pioneer” for women in business in the early 1980’s starting her business “Custom Sandblasting” and also worked for Motorola and Dean Christensen Construction.  Doris was a hard worker who volunteered at the Christamore House; enjoyed planting flowers and plants; feeding the hummingbirds; and vacations to Jamaica, Europe and Germany.

Survivors include her sons Mark (Kim) Lennie of Danville and Brian (Shannon) Remaly of New London; six grandchildren Alan, Levi, Austin, Cassidy, Chandon and Dakota; six great-grandchildren with another on the way; sister Sandy Hamilton of Mt. Pleasant and brother Dwane Krewson of Missouri.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister Marilyn Peel Brooks.

A visitation with the family greeting friends will be from 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Elliott Chapel, New London.  According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and inurnment will be at a later date.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com 

Esther Carolyn (Miller) Christner

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, January 26th, 2026 at 11:52 am CDT

Esther Carolyn Christner, 83, of Wayland, Iowa died Friday, January 23, 2026 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.  She was born April 1, 1942 in Burlington to Carl Henry and Doris Louise Dadisman Miller.  On April 13, 1958 she married Ronald Edwin Christner and they later divorced.

Carolyn attended New London Schools and received her GED through Iowa Wesleyan College.  For twenty five years, she worked at Whitesell Manufacturing retiring in 2013.  Previously, she worked at the former Turkey Hatchery and the Sale Barn Café in Wayland. She was a member of Brighton Community Church and a past participant/leader with Mary’s Circle Church Group. She was a member of PEO Chapter AQ and enjoyed meeting with friends at Wayland’s Tuesday Coffee Group.  Her most important hobby was keeping up with her grandchildren’s school activities.  She loved attending sporting events and music programs and was most grateful for online streaming when she was no longer able to attend.  She was an excellent card player and enjoyed fishing.

Surviving Carolyn are her children Ronda Hennings of Bonaparte, Wendy (David) Lynn of Brighton and Eric (Keirsten) Christner of Wayland; eight grandchildren, Erin Corman, Ben Hennings, Trevor Lynn, Rebecca Lee, Brian Neal, Justine Lynn, Anastasia Christner and Ezra Christner; two great-grandchildren Cal Hennings and Hadleigh Corman; and siblings June (Don) Angstead of Mt. Pleasant, Dr. Don (Carol) Miller of Washington, Iowa, Robert Miller of Cedar Rapids, Jack Miller of Mt. Pleasant, David Miller of New London and Sherri Miller of Des Moines.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Lloyd and Carl Edward Miller.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, February 2, 2026 at Elliott Chapel, New London, with Rev. Rick Zickefoose officiating.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 am with the family greeting friends from 1:00 until the time of the service.  Burial will follow at Burge Cemetery, New London.  A memorial has been established for PEO Chapter AQ.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Neil Warner

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, January 26th, 2026 at 11:46 am CDT

Neil Eugene Warner, 52, of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, January 22, 2026 at his home. He was born April 5, 1973 in Ankeny, Iowa to Gary Lee and Kathryn Mary Weir Warner. He was a 1991 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School and attended one year at AIB in Des Moines.

He was a car detailer for Shottenkirk Motors and did carpentry work with his father and brother Jason, until his health physically limited him. Neil enjoyed playing video games, farming, animals, and he loved to cook.

The highlight of his life was moving to Montana in 2007, where his buddy, Jody Church had moved and had built a cabin for Neil. He surrounded himself with the beautiful wildlife, the mule deer, and acres and acres of Montana soil to walk. He kept a small herd of Scottish Highland cattle but unfortunately had to return to Iowa in 2015 due to his declining health. Montana was the greatest joy of his life.

Survivors include his father, Gary of Mt. Pleasant; brother Jason (Lacey) Warner of Mt. Pleasant; Grandpa Jack E. Warner of Ottumwa; his Uncle Tom Weir; niece April (Matt Brown) of Ottumwa and their three children Madison, Carter and Liam; one nephew Drake (Shay) and their two children Ezlynn and Oliver. He was preceded in death by his mother Kate; Uncle Ron Warner; and grandparents Hall and Mary Weir and Elva Lou Warner.

A memorial service for Neil will be held at 3:00 pm, February 7, 2026 at Elliott Chapel, New London with Rev. David Plooster officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 until the time of the service. According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and inurnment will be held at Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, at a later date. A memorial has been established to assist with funeral expenses. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Sandra Prickett

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, January 26th, 2026 at 11:40 am CDT

Sandra Prickett, 78, of Lockridge passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Montezuma Specialty Care Center.

Sandra was born on January 6, 1948, at Jefferson County Hospital, the daughter of Thomas Jefferson and Edith Rosabelle (McCarty) Shanholtzer. She grew up in Batavia and Van Buren County and graduated from Harmony High School. Sandra was united in marriage to Lern Elias Prickett on January 17, 1971. After 30 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on June 17, 2001.

Sandra worked at Metromail in Mount Pleasant and at Fairfield Glove. She was an active resident of the Lockridge community. She babysat neighborhood children, was a waitress at the Lockridge Café, worked at the Lockridge Elementary School as a custodian and later as a cook, as a cook at Camp Golden Valley, and drove for the Amish. Sandra was a member of the Lockridge Baptist Church where she took part in many different areas of the church. Sandra enjoyed sitting and reading a good book, knitting, playing the piano, and taking walks around Lockridge. She was very fond of her two cats, Ace and Miss Kitty.

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her children, Shannon (Vylar Kaftan) Prickett, of El Cerrito, California and Camara (Wyatt) Cosgrove, of Tama, Iowa, and her twin grandsons, Caleb and Wade Cosgrove. Sandra gained a heart full of children with the marriage to Lern, Gracie (Don) Bogart of Cedar Rapids, Phillip (Rebecca) Prickett of West Burlington, Stephen (Joyce) Prickett of Apache Junction, Arizona, Marlo Prickett of Mediapolis and Rhonda (Rod) Martin of Andover, Kansas, along with numerous bonus grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother, Michael Lawrence Shanholtzer and four great grandchildren.

Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present that evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Following the visitation, cremation will be entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home. A celebration of her life and burial will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established in her memory.

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Sandra Prickett. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Jefferson County Crash Leads to One Death; Adds to Rising Iowa Traffic Fatalities

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, January 26th, 2026 at 10:59 am CDT

Fairfield Police and the Iowa State Patrol are investigating a fatal crash that happened late Saturday night in Jefferson County.

Authorities say Emmelia Miller, 17, of Fairfield was driving north on Hemlock Avenue around 10:15 p.m. when she lost control of her 2009 Lexus E350 in the 2100 Block of Hemlock Avenue and Cedar Creek. Her car was struck by a 2025 Dodge Truck driven by Morgan Anderson, 20, of Fairfield. Officials say weather conditions were a factor in the crash.

Miller was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two other people were injured. James Lyman, 25, was treated at the scene and did not require transport. And Ashlyn Hotchkiss, 24, of Urbana, Iowa was taken by ambulance to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; Hotchkiss was also not wearing her seatbelt.

The crash remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol. Iowa State Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Ambulance, Fairfield Fire Department and the Libertyville Fire Department.

According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, 17 people have died on Iowa roadways so far in 2026. That number is eight more than at this time last year and is the highest traffic fatality count for this point in the year in the last five years.