Author: Allison Jacobs

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association’s (IRFA) Drive Clean campaign is helping Iowa teens celebrate Prom safely — and drive cleaner while they do it.

Drive Clean, an educational campaign focused on helping young drivers make smart fuel choices, is offering donations to support high school After-Prom events across the state.

“We want young drivers to feel confident when they pull up to the pump — not just on Prom night, but every day,” said IRFA Marketing Director Lisa Coffelt. “Choosing Unleaded 88 helps them save money, reduce emissions, and support Iowa farmers. Partnering with schools to promote safe driving and smart fuel choices makes After-Prom even more meaningful. Drive Safe. Drive Clean.”

The Drive Clean donation will include a $25 gas card along with a Drive Clean branded t-shirt, lanyard, stickers and air freshener. Schools can request a donation online here or contact IRFA’s Marketing Director Lisa Coffelt at LCoffelt@IowaRFA.org for details.

Drive Clean encourages teens ages 14–18 to choose Unleaded 88 at the pump. Unleaded 88, also known as E15, is a 15% ethanol blend approved for vehicles model year 2001 and newer. To learn more, follow @DriveCleanIowa on Instagram and TikTok.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association represents the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production with 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4.7 billion gallons annually – including 34 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity – and 10 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 416 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org.

A Wellman woman was arrested on a felony charge Monday after burning a vehicle’s registration and damaging property.

On Monday, just before 3 p.m. the Washington County Sheriff’s Office arrested 35-year-old Sheyenne Chambers of Wellman on one count of second degree criminal mischief, a class D felony.

According to court records, deputies responded to the 600 block of 4th Street in Wellman to a report of a vehicle that was taken without permission. Upon arriving at the residence, deputies found Chambers in the car and witnessed Chambers leaning out the driver’s door burning the vehicle’s registration and bill of sale. Upon further investigation it was found that she broke two sun visors, the vehicle’s gear shift, and center console area, and had also burnt a spot in the driver’s door with a lighter and also keyed the car.

The estimated cost of repairs is $5,950. When asked by deputies, Chambers admitted to causing the damages.

A trial date has yet to be set.

A preliminary autopsy on the body of a woman found dead on a sidewalk in Keokuk in January showed no signs of foul play.

That’s according to Keokuk Police Chief Zeth Baum. 35-year-old Danielle Clark was found dead on a sidewalk in the 1300 block of South Seventh Street on January 31st. There were no signs of any external injuries.

Baum says additional details may be available once the full autopsy is received.

A Keokuk man is dead following what police say was a self-inflicted gunshot wound Friday afternoon that sparked a large police response.

The Keokuk Police Department responded around 3:27 p.m. to the area of Fourth and Fulton Streets for a report of a person with a gun.

Police Chief Zeth Baum says officers arrived within a minute and found a man with what appeared to be a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Multiple Keokuk officers and other area law enforcement agencies were on scene as authorities canvassed the area for witnesses who may have seen anything related to the incident.

A Donnellson man is facing a felony charge after police say he sexually abused a child last summer.

Thirty-five-year-old Daryl Lee Manley of Donnellson was arrested Friday by the West Point-Donnellson Police Department and charged with second-degree sexual abuse, a Class B felony.

Authorities say Manley admitted to sexually abusing a victim at his home in August of 2025.

The complaint also states that Manley told investigators he threatened to kill himself if the victim told anyone.

Manley is being held at the Lee County Jail on a 30-thousand-dollar cash-only bond.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. March 9.

Under Iowa law, a person convicted of a Class B felony faces up to 50 years in prison.

The Central Lee Community School District could soon be searching for a new superintendent.

Central Lee Superintendent Dr. Andy Crozier (Crow-Zure) has been named one of three finalists for the superintendent position in the Waukee Community School District in Central Iowa. The other finalists include Mark Lane, superintendent of the Woodward Granger Community School District, and Dr. Michelle Morse, superintendent of the Bettendorf Community School District.

The Waukee district expects a final decision during the Waukee School Board meeting on March 12. The position would begin July 1.

Crozier says he was not actively looking for a new position but decided to consider the opportunity when the opening in Waukee became available.

If selected, Crozier says he would remain at Central Lee through the end of the current school year. If the district chooses another candidate, he says he is happy to remain in his current role.

Crozier has served as superintendent at Central Lee after previously working as an educator, activities director, and digital learning coordinator. He also currently serves on the Iowa High School Athletic Association Board of Control.