Author: Allison Jacobs

Charges in a 2024 child sexual abuse case against a Keokuk man have been dismissed, but he remains in custody facing a separate case.

A judge approved a motion to drop the charges against 59-year-old Wayne Chamblee after prosecutors reviewed depositions and evidence, citing concerns about the reliability of testimony and the potential trauma to the children if the case proceeded. However, Chamblee is still being held in the Des Moines County Jail on a separate case involving allegations of sexual abuse of a mentally handicapped woman. He has pleaded not guilty in that case, with a preliminary hearing set for May 18 and a jury trial scheduled to begin June 2.

Gas prices are moving higher across Iowa, according to the latest report from AAA.

The average price for regular unleaded gasoline increased 12 cents over the past week, bringing the statewide average to $3.43 per gallon. That’s also 33 cents higher than this time one year ago. The national average currently sits at $4.06 per gallon, up 8 cents from last week.

Crude Oil Prices Climb

Global crude oil prices also saw a significant increase this week. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $9.32 per barrel to $99.86. Brent crude increased slightly, up 20 cents to $101.86 per barrel.

For comparison, one year ago WTI crude was priced at $71.61, while Brent crude stood at $77.78.

Diesel Prices Hold Steady

Retail diesel prices in Iowa remained unchanged this week, averaging $4.85 per gallon. That’s up from $3.43 per gallon one year ago, but still 64 cents lower than the current national average of $5.49.

Terminal Prices

At the Des Moines terminal, current rack prices are:

• $2.49 for U87-E10
• $2.92 for Unleaded 87 (clear)
• $3.50 for ULSD #2
• $3.67 for ULSD #1
• $2.30 per gallon for E-70

Home Heating Fuel Update

Natural gas prices decreased by 10 cents at the Henry Hub and are currently priced at $2.83 per MMBtu.

Propane prices in Iowa are averaging $1.63 per gallon, while home heating oil has a statewide average of $4.25 per gallon.

Energy Savings Tips

Consumers looking to save on fuel and energy costs can find tips and resources at Energy.gov and FuelEconomy.gov.

Iowa Army Ammunition Plant takes proactive steps for safe storage of hazardous material

The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant announced today that it is taking proactive measures to ensure the continued safety of its workforce and the local community by seeking a permit for the storage of lead azide.

The material was stored on-site for production purposes. However, as it is no longer needed for production, it has been reclassified as hazardous waste. In accordance with federal regulations, IAAAP filed a request with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for an emergency Resource Conservation and Recovery Act permit to formally manage the material under its new designation while a permanent, safe disposal method is developed.

To mitigate any potential risk, the material will continue to be stored in earth-covered magazines designed for the secure storage of explosive materials. The new emergency permit ensures the plant maintains regulatory compliance and continues to manage the explosive hazard safely.

“The safety of our personnel, the surrounding community, and the environment is our absolute top priority,” said Lt. Col. Daniel V. Nosse, commander of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. “This emergency permit action is a formal step in our ongoing commitment to managing this material responsibly. We are working closely with the EPA and adhering to safety protocols to ensure this situation is handled with the utmost care.”

IAAAP is committed to keeping the public informed on the path forward.

April 1st marks April Fools’ Day—a time for lighthearted jokes, clever pranks, and a reminder to think twice before believing everything you hear or read.

The unofficial holiday has been celebrated for centuries, with roots traced back to Europe, where shifting calendars and springtime festivals often inspired playful trickery. Today, it’s observed around the world, from simple practical jokes between friends to elaborate hoaxes by major companies and media outlets.

While the spirit of the day is all in good fun, it’s important to keep pranks harmless and respectful. The best April Fools’ jokes are those that get a laugh without causing confusion, embarrassment, or harm.

In recent years, social media has taken April Fools’ Day to another level, with viral posts and convincing fake announcements spreading quickly. That’s why it’s especially important to double-check surprising headlines before sharing them.

So whether you’re planning a prank or just staying on guard, today is a good reminder to keep your sense of humor—and your skepticism—close at hand.

Happy April Fools’ Day.

A storm system will move across Iowa from Wednesday into Thursday, bringing widespread heavy rainfall and scattered thunderstorms to the region.

Storms could develop late Wednesday morning, with another round possible on Thursday. Some of these storms may become severe.

Recent Rainfall Adds to Flood Risk

This system follows recent rainfall across the area. In Mount Pleasant, 0.61 inches of rain has already fallen over the past 24 hours. That additional moisture is leaving the ground saturated and increasing the risk for runoff and localized flooding.

Main Concerns

• Localized flooding, especially Wednesday night into Thursday morning
• Heavy rainfall rates exceeding 0.25” per hour at times
• Ponding on roads and in parking lots
• Reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions
• Rising water in creeks, streams, and low-lying areas

Rainfall Timing

• Rain becomes widespread overnight Wednesday
• Heaviest rainfall expected 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday
• Rain fills in from south to north overnight

Expected Rainfall Totals

• 1 to 2 inches across much of the area
• Localized totals over 3 inches possible

Flood Threat Overview

• Downpours: Slowed travel
• Heavy rainfall: Ponding on roads and parking lots
• Torrential rainfall: Flooding of roads, fields, and basements; rapid rises in creeks and streams
• Higher-end threat: Potential for impassable roads and dangerous flooding conditions

Safety Tips

• Never drive or walk through flooded roadways
• Be alert for water-covered roads during the Thursday morning commute
• Monitor conditions if you live near creeks or low-lying areas
• Check river levels and forecasts at: water.noaa.gov

Looking Ahead

Another storm system is expected Friday, bringing more heavy rain and the potential for severe weather, with all hazards possible.

The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission is honoring a longtime leader who helped shape the region for decades.

SEIRPC has officially named its board meeting room after former board chair Brent Schleisman, who passed away suddenly in December of 2025. Schleisman served as board chair from 2007 to 2025—the longest tenure in the organization’s 53-year history.

In addition to his regional leadership, Schleisman spent 32 years serving as Mount Pleasant’s City Administrator.

During his time with SEIRPC, Schleisman played a key role in expanding the organization’s impact across Southeast Iowa. His efforts included helping establish two revolving loan fund pools, launching the Great River Housing Trust Fund and Southeast Iowa Housing, Incorporated, and securing permanent office space for SEIRPC, along with dedicated parking for SEIBUS.

SEIRPC Executive Director Mike Norris says Schleisman’s leadership left a lasting mark.

“For a generation, Brent was a local and regional leader,” Norris said. “His imagination and ability to partner led to many impactful projects. Naming the board room after him will remind us of what productive, long-term service looks like.”

SEIRPC is one of 17 Councils of Governments in Iowa and has secured more than 320 million dollars in outside funding for the region since its founding in 1973.