Sports, June 23rd

High School Baseball

Van Buren County attempted to pull off the upset against #6 Martensdale-St. Mary’s at the Mohawk Classic over the weekend, scoring four runs in the bottom of the 7th inning but falling short 7-6. Leo Jirak tabbed three RBIs for the Warriors. 

Van Buren County will take on Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow, June 24th, at 5:30 pm on the road. 

Burlington Notre Dame participated in the “Terry Curtis Classic” over the weekend in Williamsburg and walked away empty-handed, losing 17-4 to Central DeWitt and falling in an extra innings nail-biter to the Raiders 14-13. 

Burlington Notre Dame will travel to New London at 7 pm tonight. 

Mt. Pleasant will host Washington tonight for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm.

Wapello will face off against Winfield-Mt. Union at home tonight at 5:30 pm.

Fairfield will face off against Fort Madison tonight for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm.

Danville will square off against BGM on the road tonight at 5:30 pm.

Central Lee will host West Burlington tomorrow at 5:30 pm.

#6 Mediapolis will take on Pekin at home at 7:30 pm tomorrow.

New London will compete against Danville at Community Field tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

Postseason Baseball Brackets

The Iowa High School Athletic Association released the Class 1A and Class 2A postseason brackets with first pitch scheduled for 5 pm on Saturday, July 5th. 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.

The Class 3A and Class 4A brackets will be released this week.

High School Softball

Columbus collected a pair of victories at the Cardinal Tournament over the weekend, defeating the hosts 8-5 and dismantling Keokuk 14-1. The Wildcats had to rally past the Comets with the help of Kennedy Woepking and Daniela Diaz each knocking in two runs. 

Ellie Sanders clobbered a double with five RBIs against the Chiefs as Lily Coil was a home run away from the cycle as she collected three RBIs in the winning effort. 

Columbus will face off against Hillcrest Academy at 7 pm tomorrow, June 24th, on the road. 

Wapello hosted a tournament over the weekend with Mt. Pleasant in attendance and the Arrows swept their competition. Wapello shutout the Panthers 10-0 as Mila Jordan allowed only three hits and struck out one from the circle. Jordan also swatted a home run and tabbed three RBIs in the all-around effort. 

The Arrows followed that up with a 7-4 victory over Wilton as Jordan slapped a pair of doubles with an RBI. 

Mt. Pleasant competed with Camanche but still fell short, 6-4. Saige Burchett logged two hits, including a double, over the weekend. 

Mt. Pleasant will host Washington tonight for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm.

Wapello will hit the road to take on #2 Louisa-Muscatine tomorrow at 7 pm. 

Fairfield traveled to Oskaloosa for a Classic over the weekend and split their matchups, defeating West Liberty 6-5 and losing 8-2 to Van Meter. Leah Helmick finished the weekend with four hits and three RBIs along with a win in the circle, tossing five strikeouts. The Trojans will take on Fort Madison tonight at home in a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm.

Danville fell to Central City over the weekend 9-1. The Bears will compete against New London at home tonight at 7 pm.

Mediapolis will make-up their game against #14 Central Lee tonight at 7 pm. 

WACO will face off against Lone Tree tonight in a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm.

West Burlington/Notre Dame will hit the road to take on Central Lee tomorrow at 7 pm.

Van Buren County will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic tomorrow at 7:30 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

The Burlington Bees had a jam-packed weekend with two doubleheaders, getting swept by the Clinton LumberKings and splitting showdowns with the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp. 

The Bees surrendered a two-run lead in game one of their doubleheader against the LumberKings, losing 4-3, before getting whacked 11-1. Caleb Seibers gave the hometown crowd a show yesterday, clouting two home runs and tabbing five RBIs as the Bees took game one 7-4 and lost game two 9-6. 

The Bees will travel to the Pistol Shrimp for a doubleheader rematch tomorrow, June 24th, with game one at 4:35 pm.

The LumberKings were unable to follow up their swatting of the Bees, falling 14-4 to the Normal CornBelters yesterday. Blake Timmons reeled in two RBIs in the loss. Clinton will host the Quincy Doggy Paddlers tomorrow at 6:30 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1972 – Bernice Gera becomes first female umpire in MLB history, Geneva Senators and Auburn Twins in Geneva, New York.

1972 – President Richard Nixon signed the Education Amendments of 1972 into law. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in college sports.

2008 – Félix Hernández of the Seattle Mariners hits a grand slam against the New York Mets, the first pitcher to do so since Steve Dunning in 1971.

June 23, 2025 – June 29, 2025

06/23/25
Kevin Wesely
06/23/25
Jeep & Doris Grilliot *Anniversary (63rd)
06/23/25
Brent & Robin Lehman
06/24/25
Paul Dennison
06/24/25
Charles Allen
06/24/25
Kayden Kinney
06/24/25
Brooke McClellan
06/24/25
Jennifer Rode
06/24/25
Floyd Sefton
06/24/25
William Cook (8)
06/25/25
Albert Morris
06/26/25
Richard McCabe
06/26/25
Jody & Richard Adler *Anniversary
06/26/25
Ruth & Harvey Snavely * 70th Anniversary *
06/27/25
Jordyn Dingman
06/27/25
Amy Frantz
06/27/25
Mat-tia Trejo
06/27/25
Ashley Lohmann
06/27/25
Allyson McCarty
06/27/25
Javin Kellogg
06/27/25
Bill & Lynda Sanderson *Anniversary
06/28/25
Becky Kauffman
06/29/25
Betty Miller
06/29/25
Emily Wibstad (17)
06/30/25
Richard & Elizabeth Garrels *Anniversary

Fireworks – Iowa Law

As Iowans begin making plans for the 4th of July holiday celebrating the nation’s Independence Day, law enforcement officials and local fire departments warn of the dangers posed by misused fireworks.

  •  Iowa law permits Fireworks from June 1 to July 8.  Fireworks can only be used on private property with the owner’s permission, or on property owned by the user. They are not allowed on public property, including city streets and parks by an individual.

You must be 18 years or older to use fireworks or be supervised by a parent or guardian.

Always have water. Like a bucket of water there, after you shoot off fireworks, it’s good practice to set the fireworks in the bucket of water because they can actually sit and smolder for hour and make sure you have a water hose nearby.

 

Henry County EMS Has Hot Weather Information

Henry County Emergency Medical Services sends out the following information as we head into the heat this weekend:

* Know the Symptoms: of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness) and heat stroke (high body temperature, confusion, seizures). If you suspect someone is experiencing a heat emergency, seek medical attention immediately.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

* Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

* Wear Light Clothing: opt for loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to help your body stay cool.

* Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned space.

* Never Leave Anyone in a Car: Cars can heat up rapidly, even with the windows slightly open.

Sports, June 21st

High School Baseball

Fairfield collected a pair of tight wins against Central DeWitt last night, 9-7 in game one and 9-8 in game two. The Trojans will face off against Fort Madison on Monday, June 23rd, for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm.

Wapello lost to Lone Tree last night 12-2. Kinnick Richenberger finished the night 3 for 3 with an RBI in the losing effort. 

Wapello will face off against Winfield-Mt. Union at home on Monday at 5:30 pm.

Central Lee struck first but #6 Mediapolis escaped with the 5-3 victory over the Hawks. Bo Herdrich swatted a double for two RBIs in the losing effort. 

Central Lee will host West Burlington on Tuesday, June 24th, at 5:30 pm.

#6 Mediapolis will take on Pekin at home at 7:30 pm on Tuesday.

Burlington Notre Dame had their matchup against New London postponed with a make-up date to be announced at a later time. The Nikes will make the trip to Williamsburg for the “Terry Curtis Classic” today.

New London will compete against Danville at Community Field on Tuesday at 7:30 pm.

West Burlington got back in the win column with an 8-3 victory over Danville last night. Brock Thuleen slugged a pair of doubles for an RBI for the Falcons. 

Danville will square off against BGM on the road on Monday at 5:30 pm.

Van Buren County will participate in the Mohawk Classic in Moravia today. 

Mt. Pleasant will host Washington on Monday for a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm.

Postseason Baseball Brackets

The Iowa High School Athletic Association released the Class 1A and Class 2A postseason brackets with first pitch scheduled for 5 pm on Saturday, July 5th. 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.

The Class 3A and Class 4A brackets will be released next week. 

High School Softball

Mediapolis had their matchup last night against #14 Central Lee postponed to Monday, June 23rd, with first pitch at 7 pm.

Holy Trinity Catholic and New London postponed their game to July 2nd.

New London will make the trip to Danville on Monday with gametime at 7 pm. 

Fairfield defeated Pekin last night 5-1 behind Laney Norris’ complete game, one strikeout effort from the circle. The Trojans will travel to Oskaloosa today as they host a Classic. 

West Burlington/Notre Dame handled Danville last night 14-2. Tannisyn Christofferson clocked a home run for three RBIs in the winning effort. 

Danville will participate in the Central City Tournament today.

West Burlington/Notre Dame will hit the road to take on Central Lee on Tuesday, June 24th, at 7 pm.

Columbus lost to Highland last night 5-3. Lily Coil tallied a double and an RBI for the Wildcats. Columbus will compete in the Cardinal Tournament today. 

Wapello fell to Lone Tree last night 3-0. The Arrows will host a tournament today with Mt. Pleasant participating. 

WACO will face off against Lone Tree on Monday in a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm.

Van Buren County will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic on Tuesday at 7:30 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. 

Southeastern Community College

The Blackhawks brought home their fourth consecutive Gold Glove award as Michael Farina was named the 2025 NJCAA Division II Gold Glove recipient. Farina recorded a fielding percentage of 0.963, which helped SCC set a new national record with a 0.979 fielding percentage. The Blackhawk was also named First Team All-American as he produced 64 putouts and 146 assists at 3rd base. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees and Clinton LumberKings had their matchup postponed last night. The game will be made up today in a doubleheader with game one at 3 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1970 – FIFA World Cup Final, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City: Brazil and Pelé become first team and player to win World Cup three times, beating Italy, 4-1 in front of 107,412.

1994 – Tennis superstar Steffi Graf becomes the first defending champion to lose in the first round of a major tournament (Wimbledon to Lorrie McNeal).

1997 –  The Women’s National Basketball Association begins as the New York Liberty beats the Los Angeles Sparks.

NWS: Heat Advisory at Noon Today – 8pm Monday, 6/23/25

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the KILJ listening area from NOON today through 8pm on Monday, June 23rd.  Peak afternoon heat indexes are expected to be around 105 degrees with winds gusting at 35-45 MPH today.  Please be cautioned that hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.

The National Weather Service all advises: Heat impacts will be worsened by several consecutive days of sweltering temperatures. There will be little relief overnight with near record warm lows are forecast in the mid to upper 70s.

An active pattern develops for Monday and beyond with near daily chances for showers and storms. A few storms Monday afternoon and evening could become severe, with damaging winds the primary threat.

 

MPPD: Permitted Fireworks Times

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department has published the Permitted Firework Schedule for the City of Mt. Pleasant.  Today and tomorrow, firework hours are 9am – 10pm.  Monday through Friday (6/23/25-6/27/25) next week, hours are 9am – 10pm, on Saturday and Sunday, next weekend and on July 4th, fireworks are permitted until 11pm.

 

NL City Council: Special Session Meeting

The New London City Council will meet in Special Session on Monday, June 23rd at 6pm in the city office at 112 W. Main Street.  A public hearing on a zoning and subdivision ordinance is on the agenda. This meeting is open to the public.