Henry County Conservation Board Meeting Set for Wednesday, January 7, 2026

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 6:57 am CDT

The Henry County Conservation Board will hold their January Board meeting on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 4:30 pm in the conservation board meeting room at the office in Oakland Mills.

Items on the agenda will include: FY26/27 Budget Discussion, Board Member Vacancy, Committee Updates, Project Updates, Director Report, and Naturalist Reports.

Please contact the conservation department if you have any questions, 319-986-5067. Henry County Conservation Director, Caleb Waters, will be in to KILJ to provide listeners updates on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Rep. Taylor Collins to seek Reelection to Iowa House in 2026

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 6:55 am CDT

Iowa House Representative Taylor Collins has announced plans to seek reelection in 2026. Collins currently represents Iowa House District 95, which includes all of Louisa County and portions of Des Moines, Henry, and Muscatine counties.

Collins, first elected in 2022 and reelected by a wide margin in 2024, says he is running to continue what he calls conservative priorities for southeast Iowa, including tax relief, public safety, and education policy. During the current legislative term, Collins was appointed chair of the Iowa House Higher Education Committee, where he helped advance legislation capping tuition increases, expanding civic education initiatives, and creating accelerated degree and work-study programs at Iowa’s regent universities.

In addition to his leadership role on higher education, Collins serves on the Appropriations, Government Oversight, State Government, and Natural Resources committees. Outside the legislature, Collins works as executive director of economic development for the Greater Burlington Partnership and helps manage his family’s farm. Collins and his family live in Mediapolis.

 

Caroleann Black

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 6:27 am CDT

Caroleann Black, age 88, of Columbia, Missouri died on December 19, 2025.

Her body was cremated.  Visitation for family and friends will be 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield.  A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Frosty Van Voorst officiating.  A private burial will be held at Batavia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Caroleann was born December 20, 1936 in Polk County, Iowa and was adopted by Emmet and Hazel Gingerich at the age of five months.  She was united in marriage to Marvin Lee Black (“Bud” Hupp) on October 23, 1955, at Hope Lutheran Church in Germanville, Iowa.  Caroleann lived most of her life in Germanville and the Batavia area.  She graduated from Brighton High School with the class of 1955.

In her younger years, Caroleann sewed clothes for herself and her daughter.  She spent many years gardening and canning while living on the Batavia farm.  Caroleann loved music and sang solos for many weddings and funerals.  She served as a church organist and choir director for many years.  She also cleaned houses and worked for the University of Iowa Hospitals for a period of time. Caroleann and Marvin loved camping together.

She was a member of the Richland United Methodist Church in Richland, Iowa, before moving to Columbia, Missouri in 2021.

Caroleann is survived by her two children, Ron (Sandy) Black, and Martha (Thomas) Morrow; three grandchildren: Nicole (Jared), Billie Jo, and Jason; two step-grandchildren: Bobbi (Alex) and Steve (Tyana); six great-grandchildren: Gage, Kane, Zaden, Xzavier, Oakley, and Cashton; and three step great-grandchildren: Shadyn, Adrian, and Mateo.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Emmet and Hazel Gingerich; her husband, Marvin Lee Black; one son, Randy Joe Black; one sister, Nancy Jones; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Ruth Hupp.

Sports, January 2nd

By Slaten Swords · Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 6:20 am CDT

High School Basketball

Mt. Pleasant will host Keokuk 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.

Central Lee will face off against Mediapolis at home tonight with tip-off at 6 pm for the girls’ game. 

New London will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic tonight with game one at 6 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will have a home showdown with Danville tonight with the night tipping-off at 6 pm.

West Burlington will compete against Van Buren County at home tonight with the first game at 6 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will make the trip to Wapello tonight with the girls playing at 6 pm with the boys to follow. 

Columbus will host WACO tonight at 6 pm. WACO boys’ head coach Chayse Roth is hoping his leaders can get the Warriors going in the new year,

“Kellen Schelman is a really good offensive player. He’s got a really good three-point shot if he gets that three-point shot following that really picks up on his defense and he’s really competitive. So, a lot of those kids feed off of his competitiveness and then Holden Hughes, you know, he’s probably our best all round player. He can shoot from the outside; he can play inside. He’s about 6’4 and gets up off the floor and does a really good job rebounding. It’s really good to have a player like that, that kids can watch, and if he plays all out with maximum effort, he’s going to be really tough to stop here in the North Division.”

High School Wrestling

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will wrestle at the EBF Invitational tonight.

The Mt. Pleasant, Van Buren County, Fairfield, and Mediapolis girls’ teams will compete in the Keokuk Invite tomorrow, January 3rd. 

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will hold the Nike Duals tomorrow.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will participate in the EBF Invitational tomorrow.

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant and West Burlington will get back to action with the Louisa-Muscatine Invite tomorrow, January 3rd. 

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will travel to Iowa Lakes Community College tomorrow, January 3rd, at 1 pm.

NAIA Rankings

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) released their first women’s wrestling rankings of the new year and former Iowa Wesleyan head coach Jake Kadel has William Penn positioned at #4 in the rankings. The Statesmen tout two of the top ranked wrestlers at their respective weight classes and last year’s Southeast Conference Wrestler of the Year in Jalyiah Gardner, as she tries to carve out a spot in her freshman campaign.

College Basketball

The #10 Iowa State women’s team will be tested at home on Sunday, January 4th, against Baylor with tip-off at 2 pm.

In a top 20 matchup, the #14 Iowa women’s team rolled to an 86-76 victory over #20 Nebraska yesterday in front of the home crowd. The duo of Chit-Chat Wright and Hannah Stuelke proved unstoppable for the Cornhuskers as Wright splashed in a career high 24 points and Stuelke collected a 21 point/10 rebound double-double. The Hawkeyes will travel to Northwestern on Monday, January 5th, for tip-off at 7:30 pm.

The #25 Iowa men’s team will get back to Big Ten play when they take on UCLA tomorrow, January 3rd, at home at 5 pm.

The #3 Iowa State men’s team opens up Big 12 play at home tonight against West Virginia with gametime at 8 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1922 – 8th Rose Bowl: California ties Washington and Jefferson, 0-0. The first of three ties in the history of the Rose Bowl. 

1966 – National Football League Championship, Lambeau Field, Green Bay: the Green Bay Packers beat the Cleveland Browns, 23-12; first NFL title game televised in color; last one played before Super Bowl era. 

1982 – “The Epic in Miami” The San Diego Chargers defeat the Miami Dolphins 41-38 in overtime in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game, a game that set numerous playoff scoring records along with the then-highest-scoring playoff game in NFL history.

Dorothy L. Robertson

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 6:17 am CDT

Dorothy L. Robertson, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away early Wednesday morning, December 31, 2025 at Park Place Elder Living at the age of 104 years.

Mrs. Robertson, the former Dorothy Lilian Gholson, was born February 14, 1921 in the Richwoods area of rural Mount Pleasant. She was the daughter of Omer L. and Elsie C. (Ericson) Gholson. Dorothy graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School as a member of the Class of 1939. On November 17, 1942 in St. Louis, MO, Dorothy was united in marriage to Robert W. Mathews. Mr. Mathews died February 23, 1945 from injuries suffered in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. At the time, Dorothy was expecting the birth of their daughter, who was born after her father’s death. Dorothy raised their daughter, Janet, on her own. On June 7, 1966 in Keokuk, Dorothy was united in marriage to Leland “Lee” Everett Robertson. Mr. Robertson died August 15, 1985 at Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Dorothy worked for Dr. Byron Hartley, MD and Dr. Dean Frisch, DDS. After her marriage to Lee, Dorothy worked at Ruth’s Fashions and Rodd’s Cards and Gifts.

Dorothy was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church. As Lee was an airplane pilot, she also obtained her pilot’s license after taking lessons from Raymond Breazeale. Lee and Dorothy spent many hours in the air. Dorothy even acquired the nickname “Flying Grandma”.

Those thankful for sharing in Dorothy’s life include a grandson – Scott Schurhammer of Wabasha, MN; nieces and nephews – Richard (Kellann Redhead) Aicher, Nancy Behner, Dean (Doris) Aicher, Ted (Kathy) Aicher, Sherri Leeper, Robert Gholson and Dennis (Jody) Gholson, and the families of all the nieces and nephews, and 2 step children – Lee (Lori) Robertson, Jr. of Oakville, and Lyn (Andy) Brader of Mediapolis.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Dorothy is preceded in death by her daughter, Janet K. Mathews Schurhammer (died January 1, 1998) and Janet’s husband, William Schurhammer, siblings and their spouses – Vera (Dale) Aicher, Martha (Red) Leeper, Edward (Blondie) Gholson and Edwin Gholson.

Friends may call from 9AM – 12Noon on Saturday, January 3rd at the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 12 Noon to 1PM at the church. A funeral service for Dorothy will be held at 1PM on Saturday, January 3rd in the Chapel of First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, is honored to serve Dorothy’s family.

MP Public Works Christmas Tree Pick Up Next Week

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, January 1st, 2026 at 7:40 am CDT

The City of Mt. Pleasant is providing free Christmas Tree pickup next week, Monday through Friday; January 5th – 9th, 2026.  MP Public Works will use the week to pick up trees and there is no need to call the department.  Just have your Christmas tree by the curb for a Monday – Friday pickup.  Trees must not have plastic coverings, decorations, or tinsel on them.

AAA Weekly Fuel Report

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, January 1st, 2026 at 7:37 am CDT

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Triple A released the Weekly Fuel Report yesterday, and the price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 4 cents from last week’s price in Iowa. The price of gas is down 38 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $2.84, down 2 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 1 cent this week with a statewide average of $3.30. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.28 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 27 cents lower than the national average.

Natural gas prices were down by 41 cents. And propane prices averaged $1.58 per gallon in the state. Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $2.81 per gallon.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Sports, January 1st

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, January 1st, 2026 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

Mt. Pleasant will host Keokuk tomorrow, January 2nd, 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.

Central Lee will face off against Mediapolis at home tomorrow with tip-off at 6 pm for the girls’ game. 

New London will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic tomorrow with game one at 6 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame will have a home showdown with Danville tomorrow with the night tipping-off at 6 pm.

West Burlington will compete against Van Buren County at home tomorrow with the first game at 6 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will make the trip to Wapello tomorrow with the girls playing at 6 pm with the boys to follow. 

Columbus will host WACO tomorrow at 6 pm.

High School Wrestling

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will wrestle at the EBF Invitational tomorrow, January 2nd.

The Mt. Pleasant, Van Buren County, Fairfield, and Mediapolis girls’ teams will compete in the Keokuk Invite on Saturday, January 3rd. 

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will hold the Nike Duals on Saturday.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will participate in the EBF Invitational on Saturday.

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant and West Burlington will get back to action with the Louisa-Muscatine Invite on Saturday, January 3rd. 

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will travel to Iowa Lakes Community College on Saturday, January 3rd, at 1 pm.

College Football

Mark Gronowski put together his best performance of the year in #23 Iowa’s 34-27 victory over #14 Vanderbilt yesterday in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Gronowski tossed for 212 yards and found the endzone three times in head coach Kirk Ferentz’s 11th career bowl win, the most in Big Ten history. The Hawkeyes finished the season with a 9-4 record. 

College Basketball

The #10 Iowa State women’s team throttled Houston yesterday 80-62 to match their best start in program history at 14-0. Audi Crooks was unstoppable, compiling a 35 point/13 rebound double-double in the victory. The Cyclones will be tested at home on Sunday, January 4th, against Baylor with tip-off at 2 pm.

The #14 Iowa women’s team will square off against #20 Nebraska today at 1 pm at home.

The #25 Iowa men’s team will get back to Big Ten play when they take on UCLA on Saturday, January 3rd, at home at 5 pm.

The #3 Iowa State men’s team opens up Big 12 play at home tomorrow, January 2nd, against West Virginia with gametime at 8 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1902 – First Rose Bowl played at Tournament Park in Pasadena, California: Michigan beats Stanford, 49-0; MVP: Neil Snow, Michigan, FB. 

1935 – First Orange Bowl: Bucknell beats Miami (FL), 26-0.

1969 – Jack Kent Cooke, owner of NHL’s LA Kings, fines each player $100 for “not” arguing with the referee.