Author: Allison Jacobs

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force reports the arrest of a Keokuk man on felony drug charges.

Nathan Kull, age 47, was arrested on Sunday, March 29th at his residence located at 722 Timea Street in Keokuk, Iowa on an outstanding warrant.

Kull is charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver Less than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine, a Class C Felony.

This arrest stems from an investigation by the Lee County Narcotics Task Force into allegations that Kull was involved in the distribution of illegal drugs in the Lee County area. Kull is charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver Less than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine, a Class C Felony.

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force was assisted by the Keokuk Police Department.

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Lee County Narcotics Task Force is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Justice, with funds administered by the Iowa Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy.

Three businesses in Fairfield are among those receiving a boost from the State of Iowa to expand local food production and agricultural products.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that 30 projects statewide have been awarded Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants, totaling $500,000. The funding helps farmers and small businesses grow their operations and bring more Iowa-made products to market.

Among the recipients, three Fairfield businesses were selected.

Jefferson County Ciderworks received $25,000 to install a new six-head canning line, which will expand processing capacity and allow for new product lines using Iowa-grown ingredients.

Mundo Lindo Farm was also awarded $25,000. The farm plans to convert a grain bin into a retail store, complete with refrigeration, offering products from their operation and other local producers.

And Pickle Creek Herbs received just over $20,000 to build a new washing and packing facility, along with cold storage and freeze-drying equipment to extend the life of herbs and produce.

State officials say the program continues to grow in popularity, with more than four times as many applications as available funding this year.

Since launching in 2022, the Choose Iowa program has supported 130 projects statewide, helping expand local food production and create new economic opportunities in communities like Fairfield.

Officials say the investments reflect increasing consumer demand for locally grown and made products, while helping small businesses scale up and reach new markets.

Rural 911 address signs can help first responders locate your address quickly. The blue address signs are required at homes and businesses but can also be placed at land parcels. If yours is missing or damaged, you can request a new sign from planning and zoning. For Henry County Residents, that number is 319-385-2146.

Des Moines County authorities responded to a reported domestic disturbance late Monday morning that resulted in multiple charges against a Burlington man.

According to the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 11:20 a.m. on March 30th to a residence located at 10994 115th Avenue. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with a female victim who reported she had been assaulted.

Officials say the victim sustained injuries to her arm, neck, and face. She also told deputies that the suspect had threatened to burn down her home with her and her child inside, and that he was in possession of a firearm.

The suspect was identified as 30-year-old Brett Alexander Young of Burlington, Iowa.

Deputies later made contact with Young and took him into custody without incident. He now faces charges including domestic abuse assault, second offense, possession of a firearm by a felon, and first-degree harassment.

Young was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center, where he is being held pending further proceedings.

As a reminder, a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

A changing weather pattern is expected to bring multiple rounds of active weather to our area this week, including thunderstorms, elevated fire danger, and the potential for heavy rainfall.

Forecasters say scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening, with activity becoming more widespread overnight. Despite the rain chances, an elevated fire risk remains in place through today due to dry conditions and gusty winds.

A series of three storm systems is expected to move through the area between now and Saturday. The most impactful period looks to arrive Wednesday through Friday, when widespread soaking rains are likely.

The heaviest rainfall is expected Wednesday night into Thursday, bringing a low-end risk for flash flooding. Drivers are urged to use caution during heavy downpours, as reduced visibility and wet pavement could lead to hazardous travel conditions. Slowing down can help prevent hydroplaning.

Residents are also encouraged to stay weather-aware, especially overnight. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings while asleep.

Stay tuned to KILJ for updates as this active weather pattern develops.

A Mount Pleasant man is facing theft charges following an incident involving railroad property in Mount Pleasant.

According to the Mount Pleasant Police, officers were called Sunday evening to the BNSF Railway environmental staging area in the 400 block of North Hamlin Street after a reported theft.

An investigation determined that a man had entered the property without permission and loaded 11 metal railroad tie plates into a pickup truck before leaving the scene. A BNSF special agent confirmed that no one is authorized to enter the property or remove materials.

Police say video footage captured the suspect loading the items into a silver pickup. The responding officer identified the individual as Bradley Bohnenkamp.

Officers later went to a residence on West Washington Street, where they located both the suspect and the vehicle. The stolen railroad tie plates were reportedly found in plain view in the truck bed.

Authorities say Bohnenkamp admitted to taking the items. The 11 plates are valued at 21 dollars each, for a total of 231 dollars.

Charges are pending in connection with the incident.

A Mount Pleasant man is facing a felony charge after allegedly failing to comply with Iowa’s sex offender registry requirements.

According to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Joshua Phillips began working at Midwest Precast Concrete in Mount Pleasant on November 12th of 2025 through a temporary agency. He reported that employment to the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office the following day, but authorities say he failed to notify Henry County, where the job was located, as required by law.

Investigators say the discrepancy was flagged on November 20th, when Henry County officials were alerted that Phillips had not reported the employment locally. During a follow-up on November 25th, Phillips told deputies he had limited work hours due to his father’s illness and said he began working November 13th.

Further investigation revealed Phillips also did not report the job to his parole officer. Records from the employer and the temp agency later confirmed he worked from November 12th through November 19th.

Authorities say Phillips did not report the employment within the required five business days, placing him in violation of the registry.

He is now charged with Sex Offender Registry Violation, second offense, a Class D felony. Officials note Phillips has a prior conviction for a similar violation in Henry County in August of 2023.