Mount Pleasant Gears Up for Festive 4th of July Celebration at McMillan Park

Mount Pleasant residents and visitors are invited to join in a day of fun, food, and fireworks during the community’s 4th of July Celebration at McMillan Park. The festivities, set for Friday, July 4, 2025, promise something for all ages.

The celebration kicks off at 5:00 p.m. with a parade. From 5:30 p.m. until dusk, families can enjoy a range of free activities, including trolley rides, carousel rides, bounce houses, and face painting.

The evening will finish with a spectacular fireworks display once darkness falls, lighting up the Mount Pleasant sky in honor of Independence Day.

Food options will be available at the Wright Pavilion. The Henry County Cattlemen will serve meals under the grandstand, while the SE Dance Competition Team will offer snacks. Pineapple whip will also be on hand to help attendees beat the summer heat.

The event is made possible thanks to the City of Mount Pleasant, the MP 4th of July Committee, dedicated volunteers, and the support of generous local sponsors.

Everyone is encouraged to come out and celebrate this patriotic holiday with family, friends, and neighbors.

Jefferson County Open Class Quilts and Pies Auction Set for June 25

The Jefferson County Fair is inviting community members to join in on a cherished tradition with its Open Class Quilts and Pies Auction, taking place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. The event will be held at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in the Show Arena.

Pie viewing will begin at 6:00 p.m., giving attendees the opportunity to admire a wide selection of delicious homemade pies. The auction itself is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m.

The event promises something for everyone, from beautiful, handcrafted quilts showcasing local talent and artistry, to what organizers proudly call “the BEST homemade pies in Jefferson County, Iowa.” Attendees are encouraged to come out to support the fair, bid on the items, and celebrate local craftsmanship.

Whether you’re looking for a stunning quilt or a delicious dessert, the Quilts and Pies Auction offers a great way to contribute to the fair while enjoying the creativity and skill of Jefferson County residents.

For more information, visit the Jefferson County Fair’s official website or social media pages.

Jefferson County Fair Parade Kicks Off Monday Evening in Fairfield

The excitement of fair week begins with the beloved Jefferson County Fair Parade, set to roll through downtown Fairfield on Monday, June 23rd at 7:00 p.m. The community is invited to line the streets around the town square to enjoy a festive evening of floats, music, and local pride.

Parade participants will begin lining up at 6:00 p.m. at Fairfield High School. All are welcome to take part, and organizers encourage individuals, businesses, clubs, and organizations to showcase their fair spirit.

The annual parade marks the official kickoff to Jefferson County Fair festivities and is a highlight for many families across the region. Whether marching, riding, or waving from the sidelines, attendees can expect an energetic and welcoming start to a week of celebration.

Come early, bring a lawn chair, and help usher in the 2025 Jefferson County Fair in style! Stay  tuned to KILJ all week long for updates on the Greater Jefferson County Fair 4H/FFA Results.

Search Underway for Missing Boater After Boat Capsizes on Mississippi River

Lee County first responders spent Sunday searching for a missing boater after a vessel capsized Saturday night in the Mississippi River, in an area believed to be north of where the Skunk River joins the Mississippi.

Fort Madison Fire Chief Chad Hannum confirmed that emergency crews are actively searching the river for what is believed to be the sole occupant of the boat. As of Sunday morning, few details have been released, and the individual’s name has not been made public.

The cause of the accident remains unknown at this time.

Lee County Sheriff Elliott Vandenberg stated that deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Madison Fire Department personnel, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are all involved in the search effort.

Authorities said updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Anyone with information that may assist in the search is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.

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.