Here is a notice for the Henry County Historic Preservation Commission. The Commission will meet at 1 p.m. next Wednesday, January 21st at the Henry County Heritage Center located at the old Saunders School, 403 West Madison Street, Mount Pleasant. The public is invited to attend.
Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission Receives $1.2 Million to Address Lead Paint Hazards in Local Homes
The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission (SEIRPC) has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to identify, repair, and remove dangerous lead paint in homes across Southeast Iowa.
“SEIRPC has been securing grants to improve homes for decades, but we’ve never had a program focused on removing dangerous lead paint. Now, we finally do”, stated Mike Norris, executive director of SEIRPC. Norris noted that Southeast Iowa has a high number of older homes built before lead-based paint was banned in 1978. “Many families only discover the issue when their children test high for lead exposure. Until now, there hasn’t been a program to help them address the problem quickly and safely.”
Lead-based paint is especially dangerous for young children, who absorb lead more easily and are more likely to ingest dust or paint chips. “When lead paint flakes, peels, or wears down on windows and doors, it turns into dust that spreads throughout the home,” explained Jack Swarm, SEIRPC’s lead paint inspector and risk assessor. “Kids get dust on their hands and toys, and then into their mouths. Or sometimes kids chew on lead paint or eat paint chips because lead has a sweet taste. Lead then quickly enters their bloodstream.”
SEIRPC offers several housing rehabilitation programs in Des Moines, Lee, Louisa, and Henry Counties. In 2024, the organization completed 61 housing improvement projects, spending $2 million on homes. And in 2025, SEIRPC invested $1.2 million to improve 29 area homes.
The new HUD grant will allow SEIRPC to assist 29 homes with young children by covering all costs associated with lead paint hazard reduction — including inspections, repairs or removal, and temporary relocation during the work. Because funding is limited to 29 homes, early applications are encouraged. There are eligibility requirements. If families don’t qualify, SEIPRC can still help by charging affordable fees.
Homeowners may qualify if:
- The home was built before 1978
- A child age 5 or under or a pregnant woman lives in or regularly visits the home
- Income guidelines are met (for example, a family of four must earn less than $77,000)
Landlords may qualify if:
- The home was built before 1978
- They prioritize renting to families with young children
“Grandparents or caretakers may apply as long a child 5 or under visits regularly,” Swarm said. “We are looking forward to helping families make their homes safer.”
To check eligibility or begin an application, call SEIRPC at 319 753 4324.
Sports, January 16th
High School Basketball
WACO swept Louisa-Muscatine last night, 49-38 in the girls’ game and 73-45 in the boys’ game. Drew Graber notched 18 points in the girls’ game, while Holden Hughes went off for 25 points in the victory. The Warrior girls’ team will travel to Iowa Valley on Monday, January 19th, at 5:15 pm.
The Fairfield girls’ team lost to Pekin last night, 27-20. The Trojans will host Fort Madison tonight at 6 pm.
New London will travel to Burlington Notre Dame tonight with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.
Van Buren County will host Mediapolis tonight with tip-off at 6 pm for the night.
Central Lee will take on Danville tonight with game one at 6 pm at home.
Holy Trinity Catholic will make the trip to West Burlington tonight with the night beginning at 6 pm.
Winfield-Mt. Union will square off against Hillcrest Academy tonight with the night starting at 6 pm.
Wapello will host Lone Tree tonight with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.
Columbus will get back to action tonight against Highland at home with game one at 6 pm.
Mt. Pleasant will host Burlington tonight with game one at 6 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 5:45 pm.
High School Wrestling
Mt. Pleasant split their duel with Washington last night with the girls’ team defeating the Demons 36-24 and the boys’ team falling 47-24. Paris Phosy and Quintrie Lee picked up wins by fall for the girls’ team. Levi Evans, Lane Beckler, Ramzy Davis, and Keegan Birdsell walked away with victories for the Panther boys’ team.
Fairfield was swept by Fort Madison last night with the girls’ team getting handled by the Bloodhounds 54-18 and the boys’ team getting clobbered 56-20. June Connor won the lone match of the night for the Trojan girls’ team. Noah Patel, Jasper Carpenter, River Fulton, and Dain Burkhart escaped the night unscathed.
The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union and Wapello girls’ teams competed at the Cascade Invitational last night and the Arrows accumulated 57.5 points for 10th place to lead the local schools. Kenadee Helscher pinned all three of her opponents to keep her undefeated season rolling, while Clara Ball nabbed the gold in the 115-pound weight class after winning the championship match by technical fall. For the Wildcats, Jada Moats finished in 2nd place for the 190-pound weight class.
The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union and Mt. Pleasant girls’ teams will travel to the Pella Invitational tomorrow, January 17th.
The Wapello girls’ team will host a triangular on Monday, January 19th.
The Van Buren County girls’ team won the Centerville Classic last night by nearly 50 points over Colfax-Mingo, collecting 183.5 points for the night. Armony Adams, Brystol Wiley, and Riley Caviness each went 3-0 and walked away with 1st place for their respective weight classes. The Warriors will prepare for the SEISC Tournament on January 26th.
The New London boys’ team hosted Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union and WACO for a triangular last night and it was the Wildcats who walked away unblemished, beating New London 77-6 and WACO 68-12. Trevor Phillips, Kason Dopler, and Ronaldo Villegas finished the night 2-0. WACO defeated New London 54-12. Harley Larrimore and Karver Rude collected a pair of victories for the Warriors, while Killian Kelly, Liam Garvey, and Riley Merschman finished 1-1 for the Tigers.
The Mediapolis boys’ team fell in their home triangular last night, losing 54-12 to Louisa-Muscatine and Wapello 38-18. Peyton Johnson went 1-0 for the Bulldogs. Wapello fell to the Falcons 57-18. Max Dopler and Grayson Nagle collected a victory in the meet.
The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team spoiled Pekin’s senior night by sweeping the triangular, clobbering Lone Tree 66-12 and the hosts 60-18. Tate Sherwood was the lone Nike to finish the night 2-0. The Nikes will wrestle at the Cascade Invitational tomorrow.
The Van Buren County boys’ team lost a narrow bout to Highland last night 41-39. Leo Jirak, Carver Goehring, and Jackson Meek snatched a victory for the Warriors.
The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union, Mediapolis, Fairfield, and Van Buren County boys’ teams will compete in the Big Red Invite tomorrow.
The WACO boys’ team will host the Warrior Invitational tomorrow with Mt. Pleasant, New London, and Wapello making the trip.
The WACO and Mediapolis girls’ teams will compete at the Mid-Prairie Invitational tonight.
High School Bowling
Fairfield split their meet against Davis County with the boys’ team winning 2,526-2,387 and the girls’ team losing 2,319-2,024. Emma Cass led the Trojans with 334 total pins. Fairfield will head over to the Ottumwa Invitational tomorrow, January 17th.
The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team defeated Burlington by over 300 pins yesterday, 2,201-1,876. Shyann Smith collected 320 total pins for the Panthers. The boys’ team lost a heartbreaker last night to the Grayhounds 2,656 to 2,606. The Panthers will host Fairfield on Thursday, January 22nd.
College Signings
WACO had a trio of Warriors sign their Letter of Intent to participate in athletics at the collegiate level.
Gavin Slagel will be running cross country at Goshen College in Indiana. The senior helped lead WACO to its first-ever SEISC title in cross country this past fall.
Tristain Luitjens committed to Bluffton University in Ohio to continue his soccer career. He led the team with eight goals and seven assists last season.
Lastly, Adam Stafford will bring his football talents to Mount Mercy University. The defensive lineman was named 1st Team All-District the last two seasons.
Southeastern Community College
The women’s basketball team will travel to Kirkwood Community College tomorrow, January 17th, at 1 pm.
The men’s basketball team defeated Harry S. Truman College last night 75-55. The Blackhawks will play Triton College tomorrow at 3 pm on the road.
College Basketball
The #19 Iowa State women’s team will travel to Oklahoma State on Sunday, January 18th, at noon.
The #11 Iowa women’s team took down Oregon last night 74-66. Hannah Stuelke cashed in for 18 points. The Hawkeyes will square off against #15 Michigan State on Sunday at home at 7 pm.
The Iowa men’s team will tangle with Indiana tomorrow, January 17th, at 1 pm on the road. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call.
The #2 Iowa State men’s team will look to restart their win streak with a road showdown against Cincinnati tomorrow at 1 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.
This Day in Sports History
1966 – Chicago Blackhawks’ right wing Bobby Hull scores 4 goals (his 17th career hat trick) in a 6-5 loss to the New York Rangers; becomes the first player in team history to score 300 goals.
1966 – Chicago was granted an NBA franchise to be called the Bulls, becoming the third NBA franchise in the city, after the Chicago Stags (1946–50) and Chicago Packers/Zephyrs (now Washington Wizards).
2020 – Former Sacramento State softball player Alyssa Nakken becomes the first woman to hold a coaching position on a MLB staff when named an assistant by the San Francisco Giants.
AAA Fuel Report: Iowa – Gas Prices Nudge Higher, Remain Lower than Last Year
Gas prices are moving higher across Iowa this week, according to the latest fuel report from AAA.
The average price for regular unleaded gasoline rose 14 cents from last week and is now averaging $2.15 per gallon statewide. Despite the increase, prices remain 37 cents lower than this time last year. The national average stands at $2.84 up slightly from last week.
Crude oil prices also climbed. West Texas Intermediate crude increased by more than $5.00 per barrel to s$61.65, while Brent crude rose to just over $66.00 per barrel. Both benchmarks remain well below year-ago levels.
Diesel prices in Iowa declined five cents this week, averaging $3.20 per gallon. That is 15 cents lower than a year ago and 31 cents below the national average.
Heating fuel prices showed mixed movement. Natural gas prices fell to just over $3.00 per million BTUs, while propane averaged $1.57 per gallon statewide. Home heating oil prices averaged $2.67 per gallon.
Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.
Louisa County 4H Livestock Judging Team Takes First Place at National Western Livestock Show
The Louisa County 4H Livestock Judging Team took first place at a national livestock judging competition.
The team qualified after finishing in the top two at the Iowa State Livestock Judging Competition, earning a trip to Denver for the National Western Livestock Show.
There, the team evaluated sheep, goats, swine, and beef cattle while competing against the top 4-H teams from across the country.
The team finished first overall in the competition. The Louisa County 4-person team consisted of Tate Beard from Winfield, Brody Moeller from Lee County, Paytan Gerling and Rosemarie Long- both from Mediapolis.
Their combined scores gave the team first place. But they are also scored individually. Out of nearly 80 individuals judging, Brody Moeller took top individual honors overall. And Tate Beard earned third-high overall individual honors—an impressive achievement for a high school freshman.
The Louisa County 4H Livestock Judging Team is coached by Wyatt Orr. Orr mentioned this is the first time Iowa as won Nationwide in quite some time. When explaining the importance of the competition, Orr mentioned this honor is comparable to winning Gold in the Olympics.
Congratulations to these students on this National achievement!
School Board Members Attend Training; Interview with Incoming MPCSD Superintendent Dr. Dentlinger
The school board members of the Mount Pleasant Community School District took part in a professional development session put on by the Iowa Association of School Boards called “Ready, Set, Govern.” Last night, Wednesday, the regional training was hosted at the Mount Pleasant High School with several board members from schools all over Southeast Iowa in attendance.
The goal of the training is to help new board members learn about the role they play in the functions of schools and as the community’s governing body for the district – setting the vision, policies, and budget and ensuring accountability for student success. School boards manage finances, approve curriculum, set district-wide goals, and oversee operations while working with the superintendent to implement decisions.
Incoming Superintendent Dr. Sharon Dentlinger also made the trip to Mount Pleasant and was in attendance for the professional development. KILJ was pleased to have Dr. Dentlinger to the studio prior to the training for a brief interview. You can listen to that interview below. Dr. Dentlinger is excited to become part of the Mount Pleasant community and will assume her leadership role on July 1, 2026 upon the retirement of current superintendent John Henriksen.
Van Buren County Single Vehicle Crash Leads to Multiple Charges
Authorities in Van Buren County are investigating a serious injury crash that occurred Tuesday night and has led to multiple criminal charges.
According to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was called to a single-vehicle accident with injuries around 7-thirty Tuesday evening near the intersection of Highway Two and Route W-20.
Officials say the driver, 37-year-old Eric Messerschmitt, was not injured. A 28-year-old female passenger suffered serious injuries and was transported to the University of Iowa Hospital for treatment.
Investigators report both occupants admitted they were involved in a physical altercation inside the vehicle while traveling at highway speeds, which caused the crash.
Messerschmitt has been charged with Operating While Intoxicated, third offense, Driving While Barred, Aggravated Domestic Abuse Assault, and Willful Injury. He remains in custody awaiting an initial court appearance.
The incident remains under investigation. Charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Four Injured in Two Vehicle Accident Wednesday on HWY 218 Just South of Crawfordsville
Four people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday evening on Highway 218 south of Crawfordsville in Washington County.
According to authorities, the accident happened around 6 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 218 southbound and 320th Street. Investigators say a 2013 White Chevy Malibu stopped at the intersection pulled onto the highway and failed to yield to oncoming traffic.
A southbound 2015 Black Cadillac XTS attempted to swerve but was unable to avoid a collision, sideswiping the other vehicle. Both vehicles sustained disabling damage.
Three people, including two juveniles, were transported to the University of Iowa Hospital for treatment. A total of four injuries were reported. Parents of the juveniles were notified and responded to the scene.
The crash occurred under clear conditions, though the roadway was dark and not lighted. One driver was cited for failure to yield at a stop or yield sign intersection.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Department was assisted on scene by Washington County Ambulance and Crawfordsville Fire. The incident remains under investigation.