Sports, January 23rd

By Slaten Swords · Friday, January 23rd, 2026 at 6:44 am CDT

High School Basketball

WACO was swept by Sigourney last night with the girls’ team losing a tight one, 56-53, while the boys’ team fell 53-42. The Warriors will travel to Hillcrest Academy tonight at 6 pm.

Central Lee swept Winfield-Mt. Union last night with the girls’ team rallying in the 4th quarter to win 48-41, while the boys’ team throttled the Wolves 70-44. 

Central Lee’s contest against West Burlington scheduled for tonight has been postponed to Thursday, January 29th, due to the extreme cold.

Columbus versus Winfield-Mt. Union has been postponed to February 2nd.

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Fort Madison tonight with tip-off at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm. 

Danville will make the trip to Van Buren County tonight with game one at 6 pm.

Holy Trinity Catholic will celebrate their Homecoming against Burlington Notre Dame tonight with tip-off at 6 pm at home.

Mediapolis will face off against New London tonight on the road with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

Wapello will play Highland tonight with game one at 6 pm.

Fairfield had their matchup with Washington postponed to next Thursday.

High School Wrestling

The Fairfield boys’ team defeated Mt. Pleasant last night 45-36. The Trojans were led by Noah Patel, Cael McCabe, Jasper Carpenter, who snuck past Lane Beckler by an 11-9 decision, Dusty Haynes, Calvin McClain, and Alex Hudson. Picking up victories by fall for the Panthers were Levi Evans, Charlie Bohenkamp, Kolbein Ostby, Ramzy Davis, Jackson Newman, and Juan Lopez.

The girls’ teams finished with a 30-30 tie for their Southeast Conference matchup. Mt. Pleasant’s Paris Phosy picked up a late pin over Kensley Fligg, while Kendra Allison won the lone match of the night for the Trojans. 

The Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield boys’ teams will travel to Williamsburg tomorrow, January 24th, for the Raider Round Robin Invitational.

The WACO, Fairfield, Wapello, and Mediapolis girls’ teams will compete at the Louisa-Muscatine Invite tomorrow.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will wait for the Class 2A State Qualifying meet on January 30th in Ottumwa.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team traveled to Louisa-Muscatine last night and split the triangular, dominating Pekin 66-12 and losing to the hosts 47-30. Bowen Thomson and Trevor Phillips each went 2-0 for the night. The Wildcats will host a dual tournament tomorrow.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team handled Wapello, 62-18, in their duel last night. Andre Worrell, Kael Cook, and Joey Glendening picked up wins by fall, while Ryan Rose and Jared Glendening collected major decision victories for Notre Dame. Grayson Nagle, Jett Malcom, and Cohen Wolford pinned their opponents for Wapello. 

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will travel to the Alburnett Duals tomorrow. 

The Wapello boys’ team will make the trip to Midland for the John Byers Invitational tomorrow. 

Van Buren County swept the competition at their home duals last night, thumping Lone Tree 60-17 and besting WACO 48-30. Braxton Headley, Leo Jirak, Jackson Meek, Alex Scott, and Kaimrin Ellingson each went undefeated for the night. 

WACO handed Lone Tree a 63-3 beatdown as Teage Pepper was the lone Warrior to win two matches last night, while Ian Maize, Harley Larrimore, Braxton Stauffer, and Cylas Elder each went undefeated for the night.

The WACO boys’ team will compete in the Kurt Hinschberger Invitational tomorrow.

New London hosted a triangular last night and was swept by Highland, 66-12, and Mediapolis, 42-6, while the Bulldogs fell to Highland, 58-18. Killian Kelly of New London finished the night undefeated, while Peyton Johnson and Branson Mosley ended the night unscathed. 

The New London, Van Buren County, and Mediapolis boys’ teams will participate in the Louisa-Muscatine Invite tomorrow.  

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant split their showdown with Fairfield last night with the girls’ team winning 2,211-2,070 and the boys’ team losing 2,934-2,494. In the girls’ match, Emma Cass led the field with 374 total pins, while Natalie Brush captained the Panthers with a team-high 330 pins.

The Southeast Conference tournament will take place on Tuesday, January 27th, at Arrowhead Bowl.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will host Central Community College tomorrow, January 24th, at 1 pm.

The men’s basketball team will head back home tomorrow to take on Marshalltown Community College at 7 pm.

The women’s wrestling team will compete at the Warrior Open tomorrow.

The men’s wrestling team will participate in the Stormin’ Norman Tournament tomorrow.

College Basketball

The Iowa State women’s team will host Arizona tomorrow, January 24th, with tip-off at 3 pm.

The #10 Iowa women’s team needed overtime but got the job done against #15 Maryland last night, 85-78. Ava Heiden poured in a game high 20 points in the effort. The Hawkeyes will host another ranked matchup against #12 Ohio State on Sunday at 1 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will take on USC on Wednesday, January 28th, at 6 pm at home.

The #9 Iowa State men’s team will hit the road for a meetup tomorrow with Oklahoma State at 3 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1950 – The Associated Press picks “Miracle Braves” of 1914 as the greatest sports upset. 

1984 – The Buffalo Sabres become the first team in NHL history to win 10 straight road games with a 5-3 victory at Boston. 

2015 – Golden State guard Klay Thompson scores the most points in a quarter (37) and most three-pointers in a quarter (9) in a Warriors’ 126-101 win over the Sacramento Kings.

West Burlington Police Arrest Two People During Narcotics Investigation

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 at 4:08 pm CDT

Two people have been arrested following a narcotics investigation in West Burlington.

According to the West Burlington Police Department, the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant Tuesday morning around nine o’clock at a residence in the one-hundred block of Ballard Street. The warrant followed an ongoing investigation into suspected methamphetamine trafficking and other illegal narcotics at that location.

During the operation, officers identified sixty-year-old Mickel Anthony Simmons of West Burlington. Simmons was taken into custody and transported to the Des Moines County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including failure to appear on a prior methamphetamine charge, delivery of methamphetamine, and possession of controlled substances involving methamphetamine and marijuana.

Officers also arrested Christelle Denniston, who was booked into the Des Moines County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force was assisted by the West Burlington Police Department, the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Eighth Judicial District, and DESCOM.

Authorities say the operation is part of a broader effort to disrupt drug trafficking activity and improve community safety across the region.

All charges are accusations, and those charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Fairfield Police Department Names Joel Smith as Interim Chief of Police

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 at 4:02 pm CDT

The Fairfield Police Department has announced that Joel Smith is serving as Interim Chief of Police following an unexpected loss of Chief David Thomas at the department.

In a statement, Smith said his focus during the interim period is maintaining stability and continuity for both the department and the community. He praised officers and staff for their professionalism and commitment, and thanked residents and community partners for their continued trust and support.

Smith said it is an honor to lead the department during this time.

Kenneth L. Fischer

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 at 3:10 pm CDT

Kenneth Lloyd Fischer, 93, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, died Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Kenneth, known to many as Kenny, was born March 13, 1932, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Carl William and Hilda Marie (Wiegard) Fischer. He grew up in Donnellson and graduated from Donnellson High School. On August 16, 1953, in Washington, Iowa, he was united in marriage to Donna Jean Gingerich.

Kenny proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1956. He served as an Engineman C-1 aboard the USS PC 1546 and was honorably discharged on January 20, 1956. He remained in the U.S. Naval Reserves until 1960. During this time, Kenny and Donna lived in the St. Louis, Missouri area, where he was employed by McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation.

In 1960, the couple moved to the Henry County area, where Kenny began what would become a 42-year career with the Peterson Family Farm/Loyadell Farms.

Kenny was a member of Spring Grove United Methodist Church and was previously active in Olds United Church of Christ. He was a 60-year member of American Legion Post #626 of Olds, where he served on the Honor Guard. Kenny volunteered extensively at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion in many capacities, including running the ground trains and working at the American Legion Pancake House.

He was deeply involved in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a leader for Boy Scout Troop 32 and Cub Scout Pack 32. Kenny also served as a Commissioner for the Boy Scout Council and was honored with the Silver Beaver Award. In addition, he volunteered many hours at HACAP Head Start and Mount Pleasant Christian School.

Kenny cherished his friends, neighbors, and family and remained in close contact with his Navy buddies for decades. He enjoyed talking about farming, sharing stories, and telling jokes over multiple cups of coffee with anyone willing to listen—he truly knew no stranger. A dedicated do-it-yourselfer, Kenny was a talented woodworker who crafted cradles for new babies and built a Pinewood Derby track for the scouts. He enjoyed raising livestock on his acreage, reading history books, watching old Westerns, and traveling to Colorado to visit his children. Known for his teasing sense of humor and modest nature, Kenny was a man of many talents who will be deeply missed.

Those thankful for sharing in Kenny’s life include his wife of 72 years, Donna Fischer of Mount Pleasant; his children, Timothy (Susan) Fischer of Arvada, Colorado, Todd (LuAnn) Fischer of Winfield, Iowa, and Tami (Greg) Fischer of Englewood, Colorado; grandchildren, Joel (Patti) Vandenberg, Wade (Calie) Fischer, Rebecca Fischer, and Brooks Aden; and three great-grandchildren, Kiya, Jett, and Jade Vandenberg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two aunts, and a grandson, Sam Aden.

Kenneth donated his body to the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, with the time and location to be announced.

Memorials may be directed to Van Vorhies Haus or Spring Grove United Methodist Church.

The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, is caring for Kenneth and his family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

John Frederick Rohdy

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 at 2:58 pm CDT

John Frederick Rohdy, 73, of rural Farmington, Iowa, passed away at 1:22 p.m., Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at his home surrounded by family, per his wishes.

He was born on November 22, 1952, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Dale Edward and Mary E. (Weiss) Rohdy. On September 2, 1972, he married Cynthia Jeanne Parker at the Hillsboro Christian Church in Hillsboro, Iowa.

He is survived by his wife: Cindy; children: Jeremy (Karla) Rohdy, Alison (Amanda) Rohdy, Chad (Ashley) Rohdy; grandchildren: Kristen (Roberto) Carrillo, Haley Rohdy, Easton & Stetson Rohdy, Ellory & Everett Rohdy; sisters: Janet (Wayne) Phelps, Joan (Roger) Huff; sisters-in-law: Donna Upton, Doris (Jim) Onorato and Susie (John) Kuhens. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Richard.

John was a 1971 graduate of Harmony High School. He served in the Iowa Army National Guard. He worked as facilities manager at Motorola/Celestica/Alaniz, also worked for Mt. Pleasant Electric and farmed with his father, uncle and cousin. John was a founding member of the Primrose Bus Line and the Nuclear Lemons (band), a member of the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees, Farmington Ball Association and Sharon Presbyterian Church where he was a Session member and on the cemetery Board of Trustees. He coached Farmington Pee Wee Little League, Sr. League and Fox River All-Stars baseball and was a Mt. Pleasant volunteer fireman.

Friends may call after 12:00 noon, Monday, January 26, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Sharon Presbyterian, rural Farmington with Pastor Katrina Bergman officiating.

Burial will be at Primrose Cemetery, rural Primrose, Iowa.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

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

Henry County Supervisors Hear Updates on Roads, Veterans Services, and County Operations

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 at 1:05 pm CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning, January 22, at the Henry County Courthouse to address a full agenda ranging from budget reviews to road projects and department updates.

During the consent agenda, supervisors unanimously approved the minutes from the January 15 meeting along with financial claims for payment.

Under unfinished business, supervisors continued departmental budget reviews. Several departments have already presented, with the remaining reviews scheduled to be completed at the board’s next meeting on January 27. Supervisors also received an update from Preserve Oakland Mills regarding the contract for an engineering assessment of the Oakland Mills bridge. The board is currently waiting for a signed revised contract from attorneys before moving forward.

In new business, County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss provided his weekly Secondary Roads update and presented a resolution to approve dust control dates and fees for 2026. Fees will remain the same as last year, with a $25 application fee if submitted by April 15 and a $50 fee for late applications received after that date. Hotchkiss reported crews have been clearing brush near Lexington Avenue, maintaining equipment during colder days, and blading roads throughout the county. He also announced the upcoming removal of the Fremont Avenue bridge, which will be replaced with a culvert. The road will be closed north of Graham Avenue for approximately six to eight weeks. Work continues removing existing beams from the bridge on 235th Street. Hotchkiss also noted IRVM Assistant Rob Quinn has announced his retirement, and the position will be posted.

Planning and Zoning Director Joe Buffington provided a department update, followed by a report from newly hired Information Technology Director Gunner Sloan, who outlined progress made in his first few weeks on the job. Human Resources matters were addressed through a letter presented from Paul Greufe, with the next HR meeting scheduled for February 10.

Committee updates included discussion from the Safety Committee, chaired by Walt Jackson, which is reviewing ways to consolidate Cintas expenses across county offices.

Other business included a report from WEMIGA indicating 6,962.2 pounds of cathode materials, such as television and computer monitor tubes, were disposed of in 2025. Supervisors also discussed assigning employee/building alarm code responsibilities to Tyler Freeze. Department heads raised the possibility of using key fobs instead of individual codes, with IT Director Gunner Sloan indicating the option would be explored with Freeze.

Supervisors also discussed coordination between Weed Commissioner Michael Yaley and Secondary Roads staff on treating noxious weeds along county rights-of-way. Additional reminders were issued for staff and residents to remove personal cell phone numbers from public listings, as county business will no longer be conducted through personal phones.

Also under other business, the board received a report from Henry County Veterans Affairs Director Roger Pittsenbarger, who is unable to attend the upcoming department head meeting. Pittsenbarger reported that Henry County veterans received a total of $751,948 in benefits during the past month.

Emergency Management Coordinator Walt Jackson took the opportunity to recognize Pittsenbarger for his work, noting that veterans from counties outside of Henry County regularly seek assistance through his office. Jackson stated that Pittsenbarger “helps people everywhere.”

Pittsenbarger emphasized that Henry County veterans are always given priority, adding that “no veteran walks away unattended.” The Board of Supervisors commended Pittsenbarger for his dedication and expressed appreciation for the work he continues to do on behalf of local veterans.

The board reminded the public that its next meeting will be held Tuesday, January 27, at 9 a.m., rather than the usual Thursday schedule, before adjourning the meeting

 

Sports, January 22nd

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 at 6:29 am CDT

High School Basketball

WACO will tangle with Sigourney tonight at 6 pm.

Central Lee will continue their five-game road trip tonight against Winfield-Mt. Union with game one at 6 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Fort Madison tomorrow, January 23rd, with tip-off at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm. Panther boys’ head coach Eric Rawson will be trying to get his team mentally prepared after an emotional win Tuesday night,

“Yeah, I mean, we’ve got to stay focused and dialed in and certainly enjoy this one. But we’ve got to be ready to go. And, you know, playing Fort Madison down there is always tough. So, these guys understand that and looking forward to the challenge come Friday.”

Danville will make the trip to Van Buren County tomorrow with game one at 6 pm.

West Burlington will host Central Lee tomorrow with the night starting at 6 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will make the trip to Holy Trinity Catholic tomorrow with tip-off at 6 pm.

Mediapolis will face off against New London tomorrow on the road with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

Wapello will play Highland tomorrow with game one at 6 pm.

Fairfield will get back to conference play with a road matchup against Washington tomorrow at 6 pm.

Columbus will tangle with Winfield-Mt. Union tomorrow at home with the girls’ teams playing at 6 pm.

High School Girls’ Basketball Rankings

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) released the seventh edition of the girls’ rankings and Mediapolis climbed up one spot in the Class 3A rankings from #10 to #9 after racking up wins of 51 and 55 in their last two matchups.

The Bulldogs have simply dominated, even more than they did last year as they are averaging three more points per game and allowing four less points per game. Their average win difference of 41 points currently ranks 2nd in the entire state amongst all five classes along with their 19.6 steals per game.

The Bulldogs love the three-point shot, averaging 11 made three-pointers per game, which ranks 1st in the state, on 35.4% shooting, which ranks 6th in the state. Grace Holsteen leads the way with 17 points per game, but four of the team’s five starters are averaging double figures.

High School Wrestling

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Fairfield tonight.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will head to Louisa-Muscatine tonight for a triangular.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will duel Wapello on the road tonight.

Van Buren County will host a triangular tonight with WACO making the trip.

New London will welcome Mediapolis tonight for a triangular.

The WACO, Fairfield, Wapello, and Mediapolis girls’ teams will compete at the Louisa-Muscatine Invite on Saturday, January 24th.

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant will host Fairfield today.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team fell to Iowa Central Community College last night 69-45. The Blackhawks will host Central Community College on Saturday, January 24th, at 1 pm.

The men’s basketball team will head back home on Saturday to take on Marshalltown Community College at 7 pm.

The women’s wrestling team will compete at the Warrior Open tomorrow, January 23rd.

The men’s wrestling team will participate in the Stormin’ Norman Tournament on Saturday.

College Basketball

It took a historic effort from Jada Williams, but the Iowa State women’s team finally snapped their five-game losing streak last night by thumping Cincinnati, 93-68. Williams cashed in for a career-high 44 points, the highest total by a Cyclone in a conference game. Iowa State will host Arizona on Saturday, January 24th, with tip-off at 3 pm.

The #10 Iowa women’s team will travel to Maryland tonight at 5 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will take on USC on Wednesday, January 28th, at 6 pm at home.

The #9 Iowa State men’s team will hit the road for a Saturday meetup with Oklahoma State at 3 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1983 – Houston is the first NBA team to be held scoreless in an overtime period as the Portland Trail Blazers outscore them 17-0 and win 113-96. 

2006 – Kobe Bryant scores 81 points in a 122-104 Lakers victory over the Toronto Raptors; second-highest game total in NBA history, behind only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game (1962). 

2018 – New Orleans Pelicans’ DeMarcus Cousins finished with 44 points, 24 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 132-128 double-OT win over the Chicago Bulls; first player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1972) with 40 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Iowa Gas Prices Dip Again as Diesel Costs Rise in AAA Weekly Fuel Report

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 at 5:45 am CDT

Drivers across Iowa are seeing some relief at the pump this week.

According to AAA, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa has fallen four cents from last week, now averaging $2.47 per gallon. That’s 43 cents lower than this time last year.

The national average gas price stands at $2.83, down one cent from last week.

Crude oil prices also moved lower. West Texas Intermediate crude fell by just over a dollar this week and is currently priced at $60.42 per barrel. Brent crude dropped more than a dollar as well, now sitting at $64.92. Both remain well below prices from one year ago.

Diesel fuel prices moved in the opposite direction. Retail diesel in Iowa rose 12 cents this week, with a statewide average of $3.32 per gallon. Despite the increase, Iowa diesel prices remain 21 cents lower than the national average.

For home heating fuels, natural gas prices increased at the Henry Hub reporting site and are now priced at $4.87 per million BTUs. Propane is averaging $1.57 per gallon across Iowa, while home heating oil is averaging $2.75 per gallon.

Energy-saving tips for drivers and homeowners are available at fueleconomy.gov and energy.gov