Iowa farmers dealt with another week of active weather, but the state’s crops continue to show strong condition ratings.

According to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farmers had four-and-a-half days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 21st. Strong storms moved through central and southeast Iowa last Wednesday, bringing damaging winds that caused scattered property and crop damage. The week ended with widespread rainfall across much of the state.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says while the rain helped replenish soil moisture, crops would now benefit from sunshine and warmer temperatures as the growing season enters a critical stage. Cooler weather is expected through the end of the week, with warmer conditions likely returning closer to the Fourth of July.

The report shows topsoil moisture is rated 82 percent adequate to surplus, while subsoil moisture is 77 percent adequate to surplus.

Nearly all of Iowa’s corn and soybean crops have now emerged. Corn is rated 77 percent good to excellent, while soybeans are rated 74 percent good to excellent. Soybean blooming reached three percent, trailing last year’s pace. Oats continue to perform well, with 83 percent rated good to excellent, and pasture conditions are also strong at 75 percent good to excellent.

The USDA releases updated crop progress reports each week through November.

With thunderstorms common across Iowa this time of year, the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department is reminding residents to take lightning seriously and know how to stay safe.

If you’re outdoors when lightning is nearby, officials say to avoid open fields, hilltops, boats, and any bodies of water. Stay away from isolated trees, as well as tents and picnic pavilions, which do not provide adequate protection from lightning strikes. The safest place to be is inside a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle.

Once indoors, there are still precautions to take. Iowa HSEM advises avoiding showers or baths, staying off corded phones, and limiting the use of electronic equipment that is plugged into the wall. Residents should also stay away from concrete floors and walls, which can contain metal wiring, and avoid standing near windows until the storm has passed.

Officials remind Iowans that if you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck by lightning. When thunder roars, head indoors and wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before returning outside.

A Fairfield man has been arrested following an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a juvenile.

The Fairfield Police Department says officers received the report on June 16 and conducted an investigation over the next several days, including multiple interviews. Police say investigators developed probable cause to obtain a search warrant, and evidence collected during the investigation led to an arrest.

Twenty-nine-year-old Tyler Allen Wayne Hartman of Fairfield has been charged with Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, a Class B felony.

Hartman was taken to the Jefferson County Jail, where he remains pending an initial court appearance.

As with all criminal cases, the charge is an accusation, and Hartman is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Fairfield Police Department’s K-9 Rambo will soon have an added layer of protection while serving the community.

The department announced that K-9 Rambo has been selected to receive a custom-fitted bullet- and stab-resistant vest through a charitable donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Incorporated. The protective vest is expected to be delivered within the next ten weeks.

Rambo’s vest will be embroidered with the message, “In memory of K9 Tyton, Independence, Iowa – End of Watch July 25, 2025,” honoring the fallen Iowa police dog.

Vested Interest in K9s is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2009 that provides protective body armor and other assistance to law enforcement K-9 units across the country. The organization says it has donated more than 6,500 vests, valued at nearly $6.9 million, to police dogs in all 50 states.

Each U.S.-made vest is National Institute of Justice certified, custom-fitted to the dog, weighs about four to five pounds, and includes a five-year warranty.

The organization estimates there are approximately 30,000 active law enforcement K-9s nationwide and continues to accept donations to help provide lifesaving equipment to additional police dogs.

KILJ Radio is pleased to welcome a new member to its team and a new voice to the KILJ airwaves.

Joining KILJ as Information Director is Kathy Snow, a lifelong southeast Iowan who brings decades of experience in both radio and television broadcasting. A graduate of Pekin High School and a Hawkeye for life, Snow has dedicated her career to informing, engaging, and connecting communities through local media.

In her new role, Snow will oversee KILJ’s local news coverage and community information programming, helping continue the station’s commitment to providing timely, accurate, and relevant news and information to listeners throughout southeast Iowa.

“I’ve received such a warm welcome, and I’m excited to be part of the KILJ team,” said Snow.

Snow said she is honored to join a station with a long tradition of serving local communities and is committed to community, connection, and credibility as she begins her work at KILJ.

KILJ General Manager Kadie Johannson said Snow’s extensive broadcasting background, deep roots in southeast Iowa, and passion for local radio make her an excellent addition to the station.

Snow officially joins the KILJ team this month and looks forward to meeting listeners throughout the region. If you see Kathy at a community event, be sure to introduce yourself, say hello, and share a story idea or community update—after all, local news starts with local people.