Burlington Bursts with Art and River Celebration This Weekend

This weekend, Burlington will be buzzing with energy as two major events transform the city into a hub of creativity, community, and celebration. Whether you’re drawn to fine art or live music, there’s something for everyone between the Snake Alley Art Fair and Burlington River Days.

Snake Alley Art Fair – Sunday, June 15

A beloved Burlington tradition, the Snake Alley Art Fair returns to 301 Jefferson Street this Sunday, hosted by the Art Center of Burlington. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors will stroll the famously crooked street while exploring handmade and original creations by artists from across the Midwest.

More than just an art sale, the fair is a full-day celebration of creativity. Guests can meet the artists, hear the stories behind their work, and take home one-of-a-kind pieces. The event also features:

  • Live music performances
  • Kids’ art activities
  • Local food vendors

Now in its 50+ year history, the Snake Alley Art Fair continues to bring the community together through the power of art.

Burlington River Days – June 12–14

Starting Thursday and rocking through Saturday night, Burlington River Days takes over the riverfront with an explosive lineup of music, carnival rides, contests, and even a boat giveaway.

This three-day celebration of Burlington’s river heritage includes:

  • Live music every night, headlined by Saliva on Saturday
  • A full carnival with family-friendly fun
  • Boat parade and boat show
  • Outdoor River Days Olympics with activities like archery and casting contests
  • “Boatload of Prizes” giveaway – including a brand-new boat

Proceeds from the event support the Partners for Conservation Foundation, helping fund local riverfront projects, outdoor recreation improvements, and conservation efforts.

Sports, June 11th

High School Baseball

Mt. Pleasant’s Zach Newton pitched a gem last night, allowing only six hits and striking out three in a 6-0 complete game shutout of Oskaloosa. Cooper Coleman slugged his way to two doubles and four RBIs in the winning effort. The Panthers are back at home tomorrow, June 12th, to take on Burlington with first pitch at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

West Burlington nearly upset #7 Mediapolis last night, but the Bulldogs managed to walk off the Falcons in the 8th inning to win 10-9. Brock Thuleen collected three RBIs in the loss. 

#7 Mediapolis will make the trip to Keokuk tonight at 7:30 pm.

West Burlington will stay on the road to take on Lone Tree tomorrow at 5:30 pm.

Central Lee shut down New London’s offense last night, allowing only two hits in a 4-0 victory. Hunter Edlin led the Hawks with two RBIs as Blake Davis hit a solo shot. 

Central Lee will square off against Van Buren County at 7:30 pm tomorrow at home. 

New London will take on #7 Mediapolis tomorrow on the road at 7:30 pm.

Danville fell to Van Buren County last night 7-0. Kinnick Millard, Blaine Benjamin, and Eli McKinney each notched a double and an RBI in the win. 

Danville will host Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

Fairfield snuck past Williamsburg last night 5-3. Dayson Workman collected a double and three RBIs for the Trojans. Fairfield will travel to Keokuk tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will face off against Hillcrest Academy tomorrow at 5:30 pm at home.

Wapello will tangle with Highland on Friday, June 13th, at 7:30 pm on the road. 

High School Softball

Holy Trinity Catholic was shutout by Wapello last night 7-0. The Crusaders will compete against Central Lee tonight at 7 pm.

Mediapolis took down #15 West Burlington/Notre Dame last night 8-7. Delaney Griffith brought home four runs and slugged a double in the winning effort. 

Mediapolis will square off against New London tomorrow, June 12th, at home at 7 pm.

#15 West Burlington/Notre Dame will attempt to right the ship tonight on the road against Keokuk with first pitch at 7 pm.

Fairfield has now lost three games in a row after falling to Centerville last night, 6-4. Lilly Bergren smacked a triple and totaled two RBIs in the loss. The Trojans will attempt to get back in the win column tomorrow against Keokuk in a road showdown at 7:30 pm.

Van Buren County held off Danville’s comeback attempt to beat the Bears last night 8-6. Alicia Cumberland got the complete game win as she struck out six. 

Danville will host Holy Trinity Catholic tomorrow at 7 pm.

Van Buren County will take on Cardinal tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

WACO lost to Pekin last night 28-4. The Warriors will face off against Wapello on the road tomorrow at 7 pm.

Mt. Pleasant will host Burlington tomorrow at 7 pm.

Columbus will square off against Louisa-Muscatine on the road tomorrow at 7 pm.

High School Trap Shooting

The 2025 Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program State Trap Shooting Championship ran all last week as nearly 3,000th athletes from fourth grade through high school made the trip to Cedar Falls. 

The All-State team for singles trap was released yesterday and Mt. Pleasant’s Izaac Zihlman earned a spot on the Men’s Trap High-All-Around team. The All-State team is determined by the combination of the athlete’s league score and the Championship Event Score. Zihlman collected the bronze in the Men’s Varsity League as he finished with a score of 196.

High School Cross Country

The Mt. Pleasant Cross Country team will be starting up their optional summer runs on June 16th. 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. The runs will continue through mid-August until the cross country camp. If you have any questions, then contact Coach Murray at 319-850-0867. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees lost to the Quincy Doggy Paddlers last night 10-7. Kooper Schulte added another RBI to bring his season total to 13. The Bees will host the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes at 6:30 pm.

The Clinton LumberKings crushed the Normal CornBelters last night 8-0. Brett White smacked two doubles and collected an RBI for his efforts. The LumberKings remain at home tonight to face off against the Danville Dans tonight at 6:30 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1950 – 50th US Open Men’s Golf, Merion GC: 16 months after being severely injured in an auto accident, Ben Hogan wins in an 18-hole playoff in what is later dubbed the “Miracle at Merion.”

1959 – Charlie Sifford becomes the first African-American to play in the US Golf Open. 

1992 – Tracy Austin at the age of 29 is the youngest inductee of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Olds Fire Department Responds to Median Fire Along Highway 218

The Olds Fire Department was dispatched Tuesday afternoon to a fire in the median of Highway 218 near the intersection with 140th Street, just outside of Swedesburg.

When KILJ News arrived at the scene around 2:20 p.m., firefighters from Olds were actively working to extinguish flames in the grassy median dividing the highway. Iowa State Patrol and the Henry County Sheriff’s Department were also present, assisting with traffic control and monitoring the flow of vehicles through the area.

The fire was brought under control and extinguished quickly, with the scene cleared shortly after KILJ’s arrival. No injuries were reported, and traffic continued to move safely around the scene during the response.

At this time, the cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities have not released any further information regarding the incident.

KILJ News will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more details become available.

Ellen Spence

            Ellen Spence, 77, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, June 9, 2025 at Savannah Heights in Mt. Pleasant.

Mrs. Spence, the former Ruth Ellen Luzadder, was born November 9, 1947 in Glasgow, Iowa. She was the daughter of Harold Verie “Jack” and Venus Opal (Steele) Luzadder. She attended grade school in Glasgow and graduated from Fairfield High School. On January 30, 1966 in Westwood, IA,  Ellen was united in marriage to Carrol Lester “Mo” Spence.

After raising her two sons, Ellen returned to college. She graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College with a B.A. in Business. She then obtained her Masters Degree in Business Administration from St. Ambrose University in Davenport.

Ellen was employed first at the Metromail and later Goodyear. At both companies, Ellen worked in a variety of fields. Ellen was a member of the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church and the church’s United Methodist Women. She was also a member of T.T.T. Ellen was also a consultant for Pampered Chef, and delighted in supplying her customers with an array of helpful cooking products. At home, Ellen loved to raise flowers – lilies and roses being her favorites. Ellen was also known to love car races. She loved to drive a high performing car, and had even raced on the drag strip in Kahoka, MO.

Those thankful for sharing in Ellen’s life include her husband Mo of Mt. Pleasant; 2 sons – Todd (Tammy Miller) Spence of Mt. Pleasant and Troy (Chris) Spence of Brooksville, FL; 2 brothers – Jerry Luzadder and Harold (Patty) Luzadder, all of Fairfield; 4 grandchildren – Aaron Barrett, Ashley (Jacob Adair) Spence, Hailey (Alex Garcia) Spence and Andrew Spence and 1 great granddaughter – Lilly Barrett.

Her parents, a sister – Lenore Nau, a brother – Bill Luzadder and a grandson – Jeremy Barrett, precede Ellen in death.

A funeral service for Ellen will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, June 13 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. Pastor Jeffery A. McPheron of the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Winfield-Scott Township Cemetery in Winfield.

Friends may call from 12 Noon to 8 PM on Thursday at the Kimzey Funeral Home. The family will be present to receive friends from 4-6 PM on Thursday.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church or EveryStep Hospice. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Mount Pleasant Community Theatre and KILJ Present: Youth Theater Camp This Summer

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa – This summer, let your star shine! Mount Pleasant Community Theatre and KILJ are teaming up to offer a one-of-a-kind Youth Theater Camp for aspiring young performers.

From Monday, June 23 through Friday, June 27, kids ages 7 to 18 will have the opportunity to step into the spotlight and explore the exciting world of live theater. Campers will learn the ins and outs of acting, costumes, lighting, and stagecraft in a fun and supportive environment.

The camp runs daily from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the cost is $50 per camper. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Sign up today through the link available at

Don’t miss this chance to help your child discover their passion for performance and create unforgettable summer memories!

Henry County Supervisors Agenda June 12, 2025 9:00 a.m.

Henry County Supervisors

100 E Washington St Ste 202

Mt Pleasant IA  52641

Fax: 319-385-3601

 

  Chad White, Vice-Chair               Marc Lindeen, Chairman               Steven Detrick, Member    

           319-385-0759                                 319-385-0760                                     319-385-0761________                        

 

AGENDA

Board of Supervisors

June 12, 2025

9:00 a.m.

  1. Approve Agenda
  1. Approve Minutes
  1. Engineer, Jake Hotchkiss Weekly Update
  1. Hub International Insurance, Adam Kerns Discuss Work Comp Renewal
  1. Sheriff Rich McNamee, Decision on Sheriff Receiving Outside Counsel

6.General Assistance Sarah Berndt & Public Health Katie Reuter, Transition

  1. Memorandum of Understanding to Provide Mental Health Patient Advocacy.
  1. Motion to Approve the Final Changes Alternative Energy Overlay District. Ordinance.
  1. 1st Reading on Alternative Energy Overly District Ordinance.

Supervisors’ Sub-Committee Updates

Mount Pleasant School Board Approves Burlington Online Program Partnership, Policy Updates, and Infrastructure Changes

The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Directors held their June meeting Monday evening, approving several items ranging from a new student support option through a virtual learning agreement to policy updates and facility changes.

Online Learning Partnership with Burlington

In a significant step to support students with unique needs, the Board approved a 28E agreement with the Burlington Community School District to allow Mount Pleasant students to access Burlington’s virtual education program. The option, available for students in grades 6-12, is intended for short-term use in cases where in-person attendance is not viable due to medical, emotional, or family-related challenges.

“We’ve been clear from the beginning: this is not about Mount Pleasant offering a general online school,” said Superintendent John Henriksen. “This is a targeted tool in our toolbox for students who, for reasons beyond their control, need an alternative temporarily. We want to bring these students back into our classrooms when the time is right.”

Board members acknowledged the flexibility this program offers, particularly for students facing medical emergencies, anxiety, or other hardships. They emphasized the importance of regular evaluation and intentional reintegration planning.

Updated Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

The Board also approved the first reading of a revised policy concerning student use of personal electronic devices. The policy, required by new state legislation, defines “instructional time” as the full school day, excluding lunch and recess, and prohibits student use of phones, smartwatches, and other devices during that time unless permitted under an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 plan, or for medical necessity.

Superintendent Henriksen noted that this change would mostly affect high school students. Communication to families will be emphasized in the weeks leading up to the 2025-2026 school year.

2025-2026 Student Handbook Updates

Handbook revisions were also reviewed and approved. These updates included minor language corrections, additions for preschool, and clarifications across all grade levels. Principals collaborated on the changes, which reflect current practices and board policy.

Central Campus Facility Update

The Board approved a $47,000 change order to add air conditioning to the warehouse portion of the Central Campus receiving and transportation facility. The space stores sensitive materials such as paper, which require temperature and humidity control. The initial bid package failed to include HVAC for this area.

Instead of installing multiple wall units, the district chose a more efficient solution involving a rooftop air handler and outdoor condenser. The new system is expected to reduce long-term maintenance and improve reliability.

Additional Items Approved

  • 12-Month Employee Vacation Schedule: No changes were proposed, and the Board unanimously approved the continuation of the current schedule.
  • 2025-2026 Bread Bid: The district renewed its bread supply contract with Bimbo Bakeries (Holsum) after receiving no other bids. Slight price increases were noted for sandwich buns and other items.
  • Great Prairie AEA Contract: The Board approved the annual agreement for training and services related to the Special Education Plan, part of statewide changes under House File 612, shifting funding allocations between districts and Area Education Agencies (AEAs).

The meeting concluded with all items passing with unanimous support. Board members voiced continued commitment to ensuring the district remains flexible, student-focused, and well-equipped for the coming school year.

Sports, June 10th

High School Baseball

Central Lee handled Winfield-Mt. Union last night 11-3. Blake Davis continued to tattoo the ball in the winning effort, tabbing two doubles and four RBIs for the Hawks. Lane Genkinger and Riley Kaalberg each collected a double and an RBI for the Wolves. 

Central Lee will take on New London tonight at home at 7:30 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will face off against Hillcrest Academy on Thursday, June 12th, at 5:30 pm at home.

New London crushed Wapello last night, 10-0. Tate Welcher smacked a triple on his way to three RBIs in the win, while Owen Nehring pitched a five inning no-hitter. 

Wapello will tangle with Highland on Friday, June 13th, at 7:30 pm on the road. 

Danville fell to Louisa-Muscatine last night 4-3. The Bears will compete against Van Buren County tonight at 7:30 pm at home. 

Van Buren County came back to beat Hillcrest Academy last night 3-2. Aiden McEntee went the distance on the mound, notching five strikeouts for the Warriors. 

Fairfield remained spotless in the conference standings, beating Washington 9-0 in game one and 8-7 in game two. Cason Miller did most of the work in game one with three RBIs and a triple at the plate, while Dain Burkhart pitched the complete game shutout. 

The Trojans displayed some grit in the bottom of the 7th of game two, scoring three runs to walk-off the Demons. Ethan Bisgard knocked a home run for two RBIs in the win.

Fairfield will travel to Williamsburg tonight at 7 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant kept their hot streak rolling with a sweep of Keokuk last night at Joyce Park. The Panthers showed they can do it both ways, winning a pitchers duel in game one 4-2 behind Liam Marshall’s 6.1 innings, allowing only one hit, while striking out five.

The Panthers followed that up by clobbering the Chiefs in game two 15-2 with Brayton Hutson touting a triple and two RBIs in the win as J.C. Sitar totaled five RBIs between the two contests. 

The Panthers stay on the road tonight to face off against Oskaloosa at 7:15 pm.

West Burlington will square off against Mediapolis tonight at 5:30 pm on the road. 

High School Baseball Rankings

The Iowa Baseball Coaches Association released their updated rankings yesterday and Mediapolis jumped up the rankings to #7 after a week of action. The Bulldogs went 3-0 this past week, outscoring their opponents 30 to 4 in the process. 

Kyler Crow leads the team with a 0.00 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 17.1 innings of work, while notching 12 RBIs at the plate. 

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant traveled to Lee County last night for a doubleheader against conference foe, Keokuk, and the two walked away having split the night. 

Game one belonged to Keokuk’s Ada Wood as she struck out 11 in the complete game win from the circle, while tabbing two RBIs at the plate in the 11-4 final. Lila Cook collected an RBI single for the Panthers. 

Game two was all about offense as the Panthers slugged their way to a 14-9 victory behind a 2nd inning that featured Jolynn Martin whacking a two-run homer and Paityn Ensminger and Chaley Cook each clocking RBI doubles. Martin finished the game with four RBIs to lead the team. 

The Panthers will host Burlington on Thursday, June 12th, at 7 pm.

Holy Trinity Catholic trounced Pekin last night 18-1. The Crusaders will compete against Wapello tonight at home at 7 pm.

Mediapolis was knocked off by Highland last night 11-2. Kenna Jankowski swatted an RBI double in the loss. The Bulldogs will square off against #15 West Burlington/Notre Dame tonight at home at 7 pm.

#9 Washington staked their claim as teh best in the Southeast Conference last night after drubbing Fairfield 15-6 in game one and 10-1 in game two to sit alone atop the standings. Lilly Bergren provided two RBIs in the game one loss. The Trojans will look for revenge at home tonight against Centerville at 7:30 pm. 

Central Lee will host New London tonight at 7 pm.

Danville will face off against Van Buren County tonight at home at 7 pm.

WACO will take on Pekin tonight at 7 pm at home.

High School Cross Country

The Mt. Pleasant Cross Country team will be starting up their optional summer runs on June 16th. 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. The runs will continue through mid-August until the cross country camp. If you have any questions, then contact Coach Murray at 319-850-0867. 

Middle School Track and Field

Mt. Pleasant’s Avery Fedler, who will be a freshman in the fall, made the trip west to Seattle for the Brooks PR Invitational on Sunday to race against the best in the nation and the Panther finished in 3rd place in the 800-meter junior division with a time of 2 minutes and 12 seconds. Her parents are Jeff and Shannon Fedler, two successful Division I athletes.

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees will host the Quincy Doggy Paddlers tonight at 6:30 pm.

The Clinton LumberKings will take on the Normal CornBelters tonight at 6:30 pm at home.

This Day in Sports History

1880 – MLB Boston Red Caps’ outfielder Charley Jones becomes the first to hit two home runs in one inning, both off of Tom Poorman in a 19-3 win over the visiting Buffalo Bisons. 

1944 – Relief pitcher Joe Nuxhall at 15 years, 316 days, debuts for the Cincinnati Reds; becoming the youngest player in MLB history. He later becomes an All-Star and a broadcaster.

1974 – Philadelphia Phillies slugger Mike Schmidt hits a ball off the public address speaker hanging from the Houston Astrodome roof. The first time the feat was accomplished since the Astrodome opened in 1965.