Author: Allison Jacobs

On Saturday just after midnight, Lee County Communications advised of a pursuit in Missouri that was heading towards Lee County. Deputies advised the suspect vehicle was heading northbound at excessive speeds on Business Hwy 61 and the suspect vehicle had been involved in an accident resulting in a rollover. The vehicle was occupied by two people; a male driver, identified as Kayden Chaney and a female occupant, identified as the registered owner Selyna Adamson. Both occupants were extricated from the vehicle and taken to Southeast Iowa Reginal Medical Center-Fort Madison for treatment. After a search of the vehicle, drug paraphernalia was found. A Lee County Deputy advised that as the vehicle approached his location, the speed of the vehicle registered at 135 mph in a 55 mph zone. The Deputy advised that as the suspect vehicle approached, it lost control, crossed the centerline, struck the street sign and stop sign and rolled once it reached the ditch.

** A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.**

The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a man following a pursuit.

According to a news release, at about 7:08 PM Friday, April 12th, Des Moines County Deputies responded to the area of Highway 61 to be on the lookout for a vehicle that had struck a Lee County patrol vehicle.

A short time later, deputies located the suspect vehicle as it turned onto Skunk River Road from Highway 61.  As deputies got closer, the driver of the suspect vehicle reversed into the deputies’ vehicle before taking off west on Skunk River Road towards Augusta.

Deputies followed the suspect vehicle through Augusta then east on Highway 16.

Authorities were able to deploy spike strips in the path of the suspect vehicle near Highway 16 and Highway 61.  The vehicle continued to drive recklessly with flattened tires north on Highway 61 in the southbound lanes.

The vehicle eventually crashed into the ditch on Summer at Old Highway 61, and the suspect attempted to flee on foot before being arrested.

The suspect, Dustin Turner, was taken to Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries sustained in the crash.

Turner is originally from Jonesboro, LA but has been staying in the Burlington area.

After being released from the hospital, Turner was arrested and charged with Eluding, Assault on a Peace Officer with a dangerous weapon, Interference with official acts, and 6 traffic offenses.

April 15, 2024

MPCSD Superintendent John Henriksen:  The National Weather Service is predicting several rounds of strong thunderstorms over the next couple of days. The timing of these storms is as follows:

Round 1: Tuesday 2:00am – 8:00am

Round 2: Tuesday 2:00pm – 9:00pm

Round 3: Wednesday 4:00am – 10:00pm

Henriksen met with building principals this afternoon to review safety protocols for severe weather and the district is prepared to “shelter in place”, if necessary, until the several weather threat has passed.  If severe weather hits at school dismissal time, “we ask that you wait until the threat has passed before picking up your student/s.”  It is possible that school staff may have to shelter, and will be unable to allow access to the building or answer phone calls.

Based on the predicted timing of the storms, the school bus schedule could be affected.  If transportation delays are necessary, changes will be communicated through MPCSD Social Media accounts, Infinite Campus Messenger, and KILJ Radio.

Chamber Announces

2024 Small Business of the Year Finalists

MOUNT PLEASANT – The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance is pleased to announce that Small Business Week will be celebrated April 29 – May 3, 2024. In conjunction, we are pleased to announce the five finalists for the 2024 Small Business of the Year Award. Congratulations to From the Heart Flowers & Gifts, Orthodontic Associates of Iowa, Sa3m Sao Market, Southeast Iowa Realty, Inc. and Triple Seven Trucking.

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.

In the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance, more than 250 businesses have less than 25 employees. Those businesses contribute over $60,000 to the Chamber annually and collectively, small business accounts for more than 1200 jobs in the community.

The 2024 Small Business of the Year will be announced at the Small Business Breakfast on May 3.

Small Business Week is made possible by these sponsors:  Platinum-Pilot Grove Savings Bank; Silver – Community 1^st Credit Union