July 4th is a celebration throughout the nation and Southeast Iowa is prepared to celebrate.
MP
In Mount Pleasant the Parade will begin at 5 pm and pass by the Wright Family Pavillion and behind the grandstands in McMillan Park. At 5:30 you can meet your local heroes as well as enjoy free activities including Trolley Rides, Carousel Rides, Bouncy Houses, and Face Painting until dusk. From there you’ll take a seat and enjoy the fireworks at dark! Food options will be available under Wright Family Pavilion including snacks by Southeast Dance Competition Team and pineapple whip with the Henry County Cattlemen stationed under the grandstands.
MP Golf and Country Club
Also on the 4th, the Mount Pleasant Golf and Country Club will have live music from Linc & the Drifters, food trucks, kids & family fun beginning at 5 PM and open to everyone.
New London
VFW Post 7641 Auxiliary will sponsor a 4th of July Parade “Honoring Our Quilts of Valor” Friday, July 4th at 10 am in New London. The parade grand marshals will be Quilt of Valor recipients. If you’d like to ride the Quilt Of Valor float contact the VFW at 319-367-5009. Top entries in Youth and Adult category will be awarded prizes. Entries may be picked up at the VFW Post home at 802 East McKinley and due back by July 2.
West Burlington
West Burlington will celebrate with a full schedule beginning with a pancake breakfast at the fire department at 6am, family activities, a car show, and live music carrying through to fireworks at 10:01 pm.
Wayland
The city of Wayland is planning breakfast by the Lion’s club at 6:30, the splashpad will be open from 11-7, lunch by the WACO basketball teams from 11 to 1, and fireworks at Dusk.
Morning Sun
In Morning Sun enjoy the mile long parade at 3pm, entertainment at 7, and fireworks at dusk.
Keosauqua
Now heading South, Keosauqua will begin their Fourth of July celebrations with an All you can eat Pancake and Sausage Breakfast at 7, kids’ activities, street dance at 6, and the firework display over the Des Moines River at dark.
Have an event in your community you would like to add? Let us know! kiljradio@kilj.com
Summer Sports- Summer vacation is the time to kick up your feet, sit by the pool, and relax after a school year of studying and participating in extra-curricular activities. On the other hand, the summer is also an opportunity to participate in some off-season camps to hone your skills. Here’s a look at some of our local camps.
Mt. Pleasant
Mt. Pleasant will be hosting Panther Hoopla: A Southeast Iowa Basketball Camp from July 16th through the 18th. Coaches will work with the campers in a fun and challenging environment, filled with drills, player development, and competitive games.
The morning session is for 6th through 8th graders, and it runs from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. The afternoon session will go from 1 pm to 3 pm for 3rd through 5th graders. The cost to register is $40 per participant and $60 for a family.
The deadline to register is Wednesday, July 2nd. Make checks payable to Mount Pleasant Community School District. If you have any questions, contact pantherhoopla@gmail.com. A registration form will be provided below.
The Mt. Pleasant Football program will be sponsoring a two-day football camp at the Mapleleaf Athletic Complex for 1st through 8th graders on July 21st and 22nd. Everyone will practice 5 to 6:15 pm, but 1st through 6th graders will be separate from the 7th and 8th graders.
It is $25 to register and the deadline to register to guarantee a shirt is Sunday, July 13th. If you have any questions, you can contact john.bowlin@mtpcsd.org. The registration form will be provided below.
Winfield-Mt. Union
The Winfield-Mt. Union Football Camp will start on August 4th and run through the 6th with 1st through 6th graders going from 7:15 to 8 pm, while the 7th through 12th graders will practice from 5 to 7 pm.
The registration fee is $30, and it is due on the first day of the camp. Each camper will receive a football. The following link will direct you to the registration form: https://forms.gle/m3mMYfkVzXytgQph9
The Winfield-Mt. Union Volleyball Camp starts on August 4th and will run through the 8th with 3rd through 5th graders starting at 11 am and going until 12:30 pm. 6th through 8th graders will practice from 9 am to 11 am and 9th through 12th graders will start the day from 7 am to 9 am.
Each camper will get a t-shirt with the registration cost being $30. Checks can by made payable to WMU volleyball. The following link will take you to the registration form: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfBiZA9yrHqpw…/viewform
WACO
The WACO youth volleyball camp is August 4th and 5th from 10 am to noon for 5th through 8th graders. The cost to participate is $35 per athlete. Register by July 23 to ensure the correct t-shirt size. Make the check payable to WACO volleyball. Questions can be directed to Addison.fort@wacocsd.org. The flier will be listed below.
Grades 9th through 12th will have their camp on the same days but from 7:30 am to 9:30 am. The cost and deadlines are the same. The flier will be listed below.
Danville
Danville will be hosting a youth volleyball camp from August 4th through the 6th (only 2nd through 5th graders will be practicing on the 6th). From 11 am to 12:30 pm, the 2nd through 5th graders will be practicing, while the 6th through 8th graders will be going from 1 pm to 3:30 pm.
The last day to register to guarantee a t-shirt is July 18th with the cost landing at $45. The flier will be listed below.
1st through 8th graders will get to hit the gridiron for Danville’s youth football camp from 9 am to 11 am on July 23rd through the 25th. It is $50 to register with July 4th being the last day to register to guarantee a t-shirt. A flier will be listed below.
Fairfield
The hardcourt will be open for boys in grades 4th through 8th in Fairfield from July 14th through the 18th for a basketball camp. All campers will get a t-shirt. It is $45 to register, and they ask to make the checks payable to Fairfield Youth Basketball. The registration will be listed below.
August 6th through the 8th, Fairfield will be hosting a volleyball camp for incoming and current high schoolers. Pre-register by Monday, July 28th, to ensure a t-shirt with the cost to register resting at $40. The camp will be at Fairfield High School. The registration will be listed below.
Mediapolis
The Mediapolis volleyball camp will run from August 4th through the 7th. All girls entering high school will practice from 8 am to 9 am. 3rd through 6th grader will go from 9:30 am to 11 am and 7th through 8th graders will be drilled from 11 am to 12:30 pm.
The cost is $50 per camper (if you are sending more than one child, the second child’s cost will be reduced by $10) and they ask that checks are made payable to the Mediapolis Booster Club.
Campers will receive a t-shirt, a certificate, and there will be daily drawings. Registrations are due by July 18th. If you have any questions, then send an email to steffenere@mepoedu.org. A flier will be listed below.
Wapello
The Wapello Volleyball Camp starts August 6th and runs through the 7th. Practices will range from 9 am to 10:30 am for 6th through 8th graders and 11 am to 12:30 pm for 3rd through 5th graders. Here is the link to register: https://forms.gle/DcxMBtBFFv7Moriv8
Jefferson County, IA– The Jefferson County Fair swine show brought out the very best in area youth this week, with standout performances across breeding, market, and showmanship classes. Exhibitors from 4-H clubs and FFA chapters across the county showcased their hard work, dedication, and well-conditioned swine projects in a spirited and competitive event.
Breeding Gilt Champions Crowned
In the Purebred Breeding Gilt division, Cylee Johnson of the Future Leaders 4-H club captured first place with her gilt (entry #63). She was followed closely by Sydney Stremsterfer (2nd), Jackson Stremsterfer (3rd), and Konrad Hellweg (4th), all representing strong showings from Jefferson youth.
In the Commercial Breeding Gilt class, Braxton Headley of the Des Moines Ramblers dominated with a purple-ribbon gilt (entry #1082), earning him the title of Grand Champion Breeding Gilt. Cylee Johnson added to her successful showing by taking Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Gilt honors.
Market Hogs Show Exceptional Quality
The Market Swine competition was fierce, with exceptional hogs in all divisions. Rider Robertson emerged as the top exhibitor in the Crossbred Market Gilt class, earning Grand Champion Market Hog with entry #518 from the Des Moines Ramblers. Meanwhile, Ava McArtor secured the Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog title (entry #1021), rounding out an impressive performance by the Ramblers club.
In the Single Source Market Hog division, Jack Sobaski of Packwood Trojans took home Champion Single Source Hog, while Taylor Miller earned Reserve Champion for Fairfield FFA.
In the Market Pen of Three class, Adelyn McDowell from Future Leaders claimed the Champion Pen of Three Hogs, with Rider Robertson taking Reserve Champion Pen honors.
Carcass Class Highlights Market Excellence
Carcass results revealed strong meat quality among Jefferson exhibitors. Kylie Bohrn of Pekin FFA earned top honors as Champion Carcass Hog, with Taylor Miller again showing well, earning Lavender Ribbon 2nd Place.
Youth Excel in Showmanship Rings
Showmanship classes demonstrated the confidence and poise of young livestock handlers. Sydney Stremsterfer earned top honors in Senior Showmanship, while Hope Hellweg won Intermediate Showmanship and Adelyn McDowell took Junior Showmanship, all with purple ribbons. Their skill and professionalism were on full display in a competitive ring.
Clubs Make Their Mark
The Des Moines Ramblers, Future Leaders, Packwood Trojans, and Pekin FFA clubs dominated many of the top placings across all classes, reflecting the strength of Jefferson County’s youth agricultural programs.
As the dust settles on the swine arena, Jefferson County Fair organizers and community members praised the exhibitors for their months of preparation and sportsmanship. The event not only showcased prize-winning livestock but also the dedication and future promise of area youth in agriculture.
A huge thanks to our Jefferson County Fair sponsors for making this fair coverage possible:
The feathers were flying and ribbons proudly pinned as the Jefferson County Fair Poultry Show wrapped up with standout performances across a wide variety of classes, highlighting the hard work and dedication of local 4-H and FFA members.
Joseph Lanman of Packwood Trojans dominated the poultry competition with a stunning sweep across multiple categories. Lanman took home several blue ribbons, including Best Meat Pen of 3, Best of Show–Game Bird, Best of Show–Peafowl, and top honors in Duck Pair, Turkey Single Entry, and Egg Quality–White and Brown classes. His versatile entries demonstrated excellence across species, from chickens and ducks to geese, turkeys, and even peafowl.
Kagan Vannoy of Leading Hands also turned heads in the exotic breeds categories, earning Best of Show–Hen, Best of Show–Small Hobby, Best of Show–Large Hobby, and Best of Show–Rooster with his eye-catching pairs. Vannoy’s unique entries showcased not only beauty but quality breeding and care.
In showmanship divisions, Frances Miller took home the Senior Poultry Showmanship title, while Kate Miller earned the Intermediate Poultry Showmanship ribbon, both representing the Future Leaders club. KaliAnn Nupp, a name seen frequently across the competition, secured the Junior Showmanship title.
The Best Egg Entry was awarded to Abbie Hammes of the Future Leaders, whose brown eggs impressed the judges with outstanding quality and consistency.
Other class standouts included:
Kyler Atwood (Ceniteers), with top honors in Return Production and Exotic Small Breeds.
Jackson Stremsterfer (Future Leaders), who won Best Production Pen of 3.
Brooklyn Harter (Walnut Ridge Workers), placing across multiple hobby and egg quality divisions.
From meat pens to heritage breeds, the Jefferson County Poultry Show proved once again to be a vibrant showcase of agricultural skill, youth development, and community spirit.
These young exhibitors have much to be proud of—and even more to aspire toward in next year’s barnyard battles.
A huge thanks to our Jefferson County Fair sponsors for making this fair coverage possible:
JEFFERSON COUNTY, IOWA — Youth exhibitors from across Jefferson County demonstrated outstanding horsemanship, sportsmanship, and dedication at the recent 4-H Horse Show. Competing across multiple disciplines—from halter and showmanship to speed events—these 4-Hers represented their clubs with pride. Below are the top results from this year’s event:
Halter Division
Pony Mares (35-56 inches)
1st – Wayne Wiley (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
Reserve Champion Pony
Pony Gelding (35-56 inches)
1st – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
Champion Pony
Horse, Mares 8 Years & Above (Quarter Horse or Stock Type)
1st – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Blue
Champion Horse
2nd – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Red
Reserve Champion Horse
3rd – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Red
All Other Breeds (Not QH/Stock Type)
1st – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
Champion Horse – Other Breed
2nd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
Reserve Champion Horse – Other Breed
3rd – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – Blue
Horse Showmanship Division
Senior Showmanship
1st – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
Senior Horse Showmanship Champion
2nd – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – White
Intermediate Showmanship
1st – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Blue
Intermediate Horse Showmanship Champion
2nd – Wayne Wiley (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – White
3rd – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – White
Junior Showmanship
1st – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – White
Junior Horse Showmanship Champion
2nd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – White
Performance Division
Driving – Pony Class
1st – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
Trail – Senior Class
1st – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Red
Trail – Intermediate Class
1st – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
2nd – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
3rd – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Red
Trail – Junior Class
1st – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – Red
2nd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Red
Pleasure & Equitation Division
Walk-Trot Pony Class
1st – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
2nd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
Walk-Trot Horse Class
1st – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
2nd – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – White
3rd – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – White
4th – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – White
Pony Pleasure (English or Western)
1st – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – White
2nd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – White
Western Pleasure
1st – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – White
2nd – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – White
Ranch Horse Western Pleasure
1st – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – White
Ranch Riding
1st – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – White
Horsemanship – Senior
1st – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Red
Horsemanship – Intermediate
Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Red
Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Red
Horsemanship – Junior
1st – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – Red
2nd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Red
Speed Division
Pole Bending (Trot)
1st – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – Blue
2nd – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
3rd – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Red
Pole Bending
1st – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
2nd – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
3rd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
Barrels (Trot)
1st – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – Blue
2nd – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
3rd – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Blue
Barrels
1st – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
2nd – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
3rd – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
Plug Race
1st – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
2nd – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
3rd – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
4th – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Blue
5th – Gabriella Diers (Walnut Ridge Workers, Jefferson) – Blue
6th – Canaan Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
Flag Race
1st – Kate Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
2nd – Peyton Freeman (Ceniteers, Jefferson) – Blue
3rd – John Miller (Future Leaders, Jefferson) – Blue
4th – Brooklyn Headley (Des Moines Ramblers, Jefferson) – Blue
5th (tie) – Gabriella Diers & Canaan Freeman – Red
Congratulations to all exhibitors for their hard work, preparation, and commitment. The 2025 Jefferson County 4-H Horse Show was a true celebration of youth development, horsemanship, and county pride. Special thanks to volunteers, parents, and judges who made this event possible. We can’t wait to see what these talented riders will accomplish next!
A huge thanks to our Jefferson County Fair sponsors for making this fair coverage possible:
Jefferson County, IA – The barns were bustling and competition fierce as local youth showcased their livestock expertise during the Goats (Dairy and Meat) and Sheep events at this year’s Jefferson County Fair. With dozens of entries across breeding, market, carcass, showmanship, and bottle classes, a few standout individuals walked away with top honors.
Grand Champions & Reserve Champions
Breeding Goats
Grand Champion Breeding Meat Goat: Blake Sobaski (Fairfield FFA), entry #1036 – Breeding Does Under 1 Year of Age
Intermediate Champion: Joseph Lanman (Packwood Trojans)
Noteworthy Performances by Club
Fairfield FFA dominated both goat and sheep categories, led by standout exhibitors Blake Sobaski and Emily White.
Packwood Trojans excelled in showmanship and multiple market and breeding categories, including Scout Lock and Joseph Lanman.
Pekin FFA had a strong presence in lamb classes with multiple wins by Scout Lock and William Vanderhorst.
Leading Hands stood out in bottle and showmanship divisions, with strong performances from Layla Cline, Kagan Vannoy, Gabe Conner, and KaliAnn Nupp.
This year’s fair clearly showcased the hard work and dedication of Jefferson County youth. Congratulations to all participants for an outstanding exhibition!
A huge thanks to our Jefferson County Fair sponsors for making this fair coverage possible:
Professor, University of Iowa Department of Epidemiology
Director, Iowa Cancer Registry
Whitney Zahnd
Assistant Professor, University of Iowa Department of Health Management and Policy
Past-president of the Iowa Rural Health Association
About the Project: Iowa has the second highest rate of new cancer in the U.S. The Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project is a public health initiative aimed at enhancing cancer education and community engagement across all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Representatives from the 99 Counties Project will share the latest cancer data related to Henry County and provide residents with an opportunity to voice concerns or suggestions.
Cancer in Henry County:
In looking at the cancer rates for Henry County, we noted the top 5 cancers are:
#1 Female breast cancer. Age-adjusted breast cancer incidence rate for Henry County (117 per 100,000) is statistically similar to the state (136.9 per 100,000) and national (129.8 per 100,000) rates.
#2 Prostate cancer. The age-adjusted prostate cancer incidence rate for Henry County (104.4 per 100,000) is statistically similar to the state (125.9 per 100,000) and national (113.2 per 100,000) rates.
# 3 Lung cancer. The age-adjusted lung cancer incidence rate for Henry County (61.9 per 100,000) is statistically similar to the state (60.8 per 100,000) and national (53.1 per 100,000) rates.
#4 Uterine (endometrial) Cancer. Age-adjusted uterine cancer incidence rate for Henry County (50.9 per 100,000) is statistically higher than the state (30.3 per 100,000) and national (27.8 per 100,000) rates.
#5 Colorectal Cancer. The age-adjusted colorectal cancer incidence rate for Henry County (39.4 per 100,000) is statistically similar to the state (39.9 per 100,000) and national (36.4 per 100,000) rates.
Additional Support and Resources: To help understand and address cancer in Iowa communities, there are several resources available. A resource guide is available on our website: www.iowacancerregistry.org/99
The Iowa Cancer Plan has identified the following strategies to significantly reduce the burden of cancer in Iowa:
Effective tobacco prevention policies (e.g., increasing the cigarette tax rate) and smoking cessation treatment
Radon mitigation strategies
Policies that increase opportunities for sun protection in outdoor settings, increase awareness about skin cancer prevention and screening, or decrease use of indoor tanning beds could reduce melanoma rates. As of Jan. 2024, 44 states have laws that restrict minor’s use of commercial tanning devices, 20 of which completely ban use of tanning beds for minors. Iowa has no laws restricting use of tanning beds by minors.
Policies to decrease alcohol consumption and binge drinking
Enhancing opportunities for Iowans to access nutritious food and be physically active
