Iowa Gas Prices Rise 12 Cents This Week

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 1:53 pm CDT

Gas prices are moving higher across Iowa, according to the latest report from AAA.

The average price for regular unleaded gasoline increased 12 cents over the past week, bringing the statewide average to $3.43 per gallon. That’s also 33 cents higher than this time one year ago. The national average currently sits at $4.06 per gallon, up 8 cents from last week.

Crude Oil Prices Climb

Global crude oil prices also saw a significant increase this week. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $9.32 per barrel to $99.86. Brent crude increased slightly, up 20 cents to $101.86 per barrel.

For comparison, one year ago WTI crude was priced at $71.61, while Brent crude stood at $77.78.

Diesel Prices Hold Steady

Retail diesel prices in Iowa remained unchanged this week, averaging $4.85 per gallon. That’s up from $3.43 per gallon one year ago, but still 64 cents lower than the current national average of $5.49.

Terminal Prices

At the Des Moines terminal, current rack prices are:

  • $2.49 for U87-E10
  • $2.92 for Unleaded 87 (clear)
  • $3.50 for ULSD #2
  • $3.67 for ULSD #1
  • $2.30 per gallon for E-70

Home Heating Fuel Update

Natural gas prices decreased by 10 cents at the Henry Hub and are currently priced at $2.83 per MMBtu.

Propane prices in Iowa are averaging $1.63 per gallon, while home heating oil has a statewide average of $4.25 per gallon.

Energy Savings Tips

Consumers looking to save on fuel and energy costs can find tips and resources at Energy.gov and FuelEconomy.gov.

Iowa Army Ammunition Plant Ensures Safe Storage of Hazardous Material

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 1:50 pm CDT

Iowa Army Ammunition Plant takes proactive steps for safe storage of hazardous material

The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant announced today that it is taking proactive measures to ensure the continued safety of its workforce and the local community by seeking a permit for the storage of lead azide.

The material was stored on-site for production purposes. However, as it is no longer needed for production, it has been reclassified as hazardous waste. In accordance with federal regulations, IAAAP filed a request with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for an emergency Resource Conservation and Recovery Act permit to formally manage the material under its new designation while a permanent, safe disposal method is developed.

To mitigate any potential risk, the material will continue to be stored in earth-covered magazines designed for the secure storage of explosive materials. The new emergency permit ensures the plant maintains regulatory compliance and continues to manage the explosive hazard safely.

“The safety of our personnel, the surrounding community, and the environment is our absolute top priority,” said Lt. Col. Daniel V. Nosse, commander of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. “This emergency permit action is a formal step in our ongoing commitment to managing this material responsibly. We are working closely with the EPA and adhering to safety protocols to ensure this situation is handled with the utmost care.”

IAAAP is committed to keeping the public informed on the path forward.

Sports, April 1st

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 6:43 am CDT

High School Track and Field

The West Burlington/Notre Dame girls’ team held their Falcon Relays last night and multiple meet records fell, including a pair for Mt. Pleasant.

In Class A, Mt. Pleasant’s Alex Scott set a Falcon Relay record in the 200-meter dash with a time of 26.16 seconds, while Avery Fedler reshaped the 400-meter time record with a mark of 58.37 seconds. Izzy Sloat claimed the long jump gold with a meet best leap of 16 feet and 4 inches. The Panthers snatched victories in the 4×100 and 4×800 meter relays. 

Sticking to Class A, Fairfield’s lone victory belonged to Bailey Belzer in the 3,000-meter run, as she posted a time of 14 minutes and 7 seconds. The hosts’ top finishers went to Hannah Ritter, who took 2nd in the 400-meter dash, and Kaitlyn Kipp, who snatched the silver in the 800-meter run. 

Over in Class B, WACO’s Bren Graber and Macie Carter had eventful meets with Graber winning three events: the 100-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles, and the high jump, while Carter swept the long distance events, including a meet-best time of 11 minutes and 54 seconds in the 3,000-meter run. The Warriors took home the gold medal in the 4×800 meter relay.

Danville set a Falcon Relay record in the sprint medley, as the team of Macie Wagner, Violette Sowell, Delaney Newberry, and Alaina Gourley produced a time of 1 minute and 53 seconds. The Bears also won the 4×200 meter relay. Gourley added a pair of gold medals in the 400-meter and 800-meter events, while Newberry won the 200-meter dash with a time of 28.11 seconds.

Mediapolis produced winners in the field events with Payton Harris’ toss of 123 feet and 5 inches winning the discus and Evie Schmidgall’s leap of 15 feet and 10 inches claiming the long jump. The Bulldogs also won the shuttle hurdle and 4×400 meter relays. 

Van Buren County claimed a pair of relays, winning the distance medley and the 4×100. Aida Troutman snatched the 100-meter dash, while Briley Losey’s toss of 31 feet and 11.75 inches was good enough to win the shot put. Winfield-Mt. Union was led by Kaelyn Townsley’s 2nd place finish in the 100-meter hurdles and Quin Smith’s 2nd place leap of 5 feet in the high jump.

Wapello hosted their Co-Ed relays last night and on the girls’ side, Wapello claimed 53 points for 5th place, while the boys’ team claimed 6th place with 34 points. Columbus followed in the standings on both sides, but Bella Forbes’ throw of 34 feet and 6.5 inches in the shot put was the only gold medal for either side. 

Mt. Pleasant will host their Co-Ed Relays tomorrow, April 2nd, with Fairfield, Mediapolis, and West Burlington/Notre Dame competing. 

The Mediapolis girls’ team will host their invitational tomorrow with Central Lee, Van Buren County, Wapello, and WACO participating. 

The Van Buren County boys’ team will host a meet tomorrow with WACO attending. 

Columbus will attend the Liberty Co-Ed invitational on Saturday, April 4th.

High School Soccer

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team started the season with a dominant victory over Danville on the road last night, 7-0. Isaiah Lange had a huge game, netting a hat trick and tabbing an assist, with Brandon Veloz and Dylan White each grabbing two goals. The Panthers will compete against Clear Creek Amana tomorrow, April 2nd, at 4:30 pm for their home opener. 

The Danville boys’ team will stay at home to face off against Cedar Rapids Washington on Monday, April 6th, at 6 pm.

In a second half surge, the Columbus and Washington boys’ teams combined to net five goals, but it was the Demons escaping with the victory, 3-2. The Wildcats will host Mt. Pleasant at 7 pm on Monday.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team fell to Assumption last night, 2-0. The Nikes will continue their five-game road stretch tomorrow against Wapello at 5 pm.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will travel to Keokuk tomorrow at 5 pm.

The WACO boys’ team will take on Sigourney-Keota tomorrow at 5 pm at home.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will start the season tomorrow on the road against Clear Creek Amana at 5 pm.

The Central Lee boys’ team will host Fairfield, while the the girls’ team will face off against Mid-Prairie on the road with both games starting at 5 pm tomorrow.

High School Golf

Mediapolis and Wapello split their duel yesterday with the Bulldogs winning on the boys’ side, 161-203, with Ephram Hallgren leading the Bulldogs with a round of 38, while the Arrows’ girls’ team pulled off the win, 188-197, as Emmalin Marshall paced the field with a round of 40. 

Wapello will host Louisa-Muscatine on Tuesday, April 7th.

Mediapolis will travel to Danville on Tuesday.

Southeastern Community College

The baseball team thundered past Marshalltown Community College yesterday, 17-5. Gavin Awbrey and Nile Sinn each whacked a home run with Sinn collecting a team-leading four RBIs. The Blackhawks will host Illinois Central College today.

The softball team swept Marshalltown Community College in the doubleheader yesterday, 12-0 in game one and 9-1 in game two. In game one, Araceli Rivas pitched four shutout innings to the tune of seven strikeouts, while game two featured Jeliane Stewart and Kaylee Winter going deep with Stewart tabbing three RBIs. The Blackhawks will hit the road for a doubleheader on Friday, April 3rd, against St. Louis Community College. 

March Madness

The KILJ bracket challenge, sponsored by The Press Box, is officially underway with 60 brackets submitted with the top three set to receive prizes. 

Here’s an updated look at the top 10 brackets and a recap of the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight: KILJ’s Bracket Challenge Standings. The Final Four is slated to start on Saturday, April 4th, with game one at 5:09 pm between #2 UConn and #3 Illinois. 

Standings will be updated before the championship game.

College Baseball and Softball

The Iowa baseball team clobbered Bradley yesterday, 21-8. Kooper Schulte led the way with four RBIs, while Miles Risely clouted a double and home run for two RBIs in the winning effort. The Hawkeyes will host Minnesota on Friday, April 3rd.

The Iowa softball team will travel to Oregon for a three-game series starting on Friday at 8 pm.

The Iowa State softball team waltzed to a 10-2 victory over UNI yesterday. Kadence Shepherd smacked a two-run homer for the Cyclones. Iowa State will take on #14 Arizona on Sunday, April 5th, in a home doubleheader. 

This Day in Sports History

1926 – Montreal Maroons’ Clint Benedict becomes the first NHL goalie to record 3 straight playoff shutouts, in a 3-0 win against the visiting Victoria Cougars in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Championship series.

1930 – Chicago Cubs catcher Leo Hartnett breaks the altitude record for a catch by gloving a baseball dropped from the Goodyear blimp 800 feet over Los Angeles, California.

1978 – New York Islanders right wing Mike Bossy becomes the first NHL rookie to score 50 goals in a season after scoring #50 and #51 in the closing moments of a 3-2 win over Washington.

April Fools’ Day Brings Pranks, Laughter, and a Reminder to Stay Sharp

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 6:29 am CDT

April 1st marks April Fools’ Day—a time for lighthearted jokes, clever pranks, and a reminder to think twice before believing everything you hear or read.

The unofficial holiday has been celebrated for centuries, with roots traced back to Europe, where shifting calendars and springtime festivals often inspired playful trickery. Today, it’s observed around the world, from simple practical jokes between friends to elaborate hoaxes by major companies and media outlets.

While the spirit of the day is all in good fun, it’s important to keep pranks harmless and respectful. The best April Fools’ jokes are those that get a laugh without causing confusion, embarrassment, or harm.

In recent years, social media has taken April Fools’ Day to another level, with viral posts and convincing fake announcements spreading quickly. That’s why it’s especially important to double-check surprising headlines before sharing them.

So whether you’re planning a prank or just staying on guard, today is a good reminder to keep your sense of humor—and your skepticism—close at hand.

Happy April Fools’ Day.

Judy R. Stebbins

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 6:22 am CDT
Judy R. Stebbins, 64, of Mount Pleasant passed away Monday, March 30, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Judy is survived by her husband Jim, daughter Katie (Daniel), son Michael (Marlene) and grandson Arthur.

No services are planned and memorials may be directed to Southeast Iowa Regional Home Health and Hospice. Special note of appreciation to the wonderful caregivers with the UIHC and Southeast Iowa Regional Home Health and Hospice that provided care and comfort, support and guidance during Judy’s journey. Thank you to everyone involved.

Olson-Yoder Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with Judy’s final care and cremation. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com

William Ray Rogers

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 6:17 am CDT
William Ray Rogers, 73, of West Point, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at the VA Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
He was born on October 22, 1952 in Camden, Arkansas, the son of William and Charlene (Vaughn) Rogers and raised by LB Hudson.
Survivors include two half-brothers: Michael Hudson of El Dorado, Arkansas, Larry Hudson of Camden, Arkansas; two sisters-in-law: Betty Hudson, Sally Hudson; and step-mother Mildred Smith-Hudson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father; and brother by marriage Galen Hudson.
William was a United States Air Force Veteran and a Republican Party Delegate.
His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Camden, Arkansas.
A memorial has been established in his memory.

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

Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat, and Severe Weather Possible Through Friday

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 6:11 am CDT

A storm system will move across Iowa from Wednesday into Thursday, bringing widespread heavy rainfall and scattered thunderstorms to the region.

Storms could develop late Wednesday morning, with another round possible on Thursday. Some of these storms may become severe.

Recent Rainfall Adds to Flood Risk

This system follows recent rainfall across the area. In Mount Pleasant, 0.61 inches of rain has already fallen over the past 24 hours. That additional moisture is leaving the ground saturated and increasing the risk for runoff and localized flooding.

Main Concerns

  • Localized flooding, especially Wednesday night into Thursday morning
  • Heavy rainfall rates exceeding 0.25” per hour at times
  • Ponding on roads and in parking lots
  • Reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions
  • Rising water in creeks, streams, and low-lying areas

Rainfall Timing

  • Rain becomes widespread overnight Wednesday
  • Heaviest rainfall expected 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday
  • Rain fills in from south to north overnight

Expected Rainfall Totals

  • 1 to 2 inches across much of the area
  • Localized totals over 3 inches possible

Flood Threat Overview

  • Downpours: Slowed travel
  • Heavy rainfall: Ponding on roads and parking lots
  • Torrential rainfall: Flooding of roads, fields, and basements; rapid rises in creeks and streams
  • Higher-end threat: Potential for impassable roads and dangerous flooding conditions

Safety Tips

  • Never drive or walk through flooded roadways
  • Be alert for water-covered roads during the Thursday morning commute
  • Monitor conditions if you live near creeks or low-lying areas
  • Check river levels and forecasts at: water.noaa.gov

Looking Ahead

Another storm system is expected Friday, bringing more heavy rain and the potential for severe weather, with all hazards possible.

Wilson Wins Henry County Attorney Special Election

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 at 10:30 pm CDT

Voters in Henry County have selected Becky Wilson as their next County Attorney following Tuesday’s special election.

According to unofficial results from the Henry County Auditor’s Office, Wilson received 1,214 votes, defeating Abbie Liechty, who received 1,016. A total of 2,232 ballots were cast across all nine precincts, including absentee voting.

Wilson led in most precincts and held a strong advantage in absentee ballots, helping secure the win.

The special election was held to fill the vacancy left by former County Attorney Darin Stater, who stepped down in early February. The Henry County Board of Supervisors opted to hold a special election rather than appoint a replacement through the November 2026 general election, when the seat will again be on the ballot.

Results will remain unofficial until they are canvassed and certified on April 7th.

Wilson is expected to assume the role following certification.