Gov. Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff and remain at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in honor and remembrance of Iowa Senator Rocky De Witt.

Flags will be flown at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

With the Fourth of July just days away, we want to remind everyone to celebrate safely—especially when it comes to fireworks.

Last year, more than 10,000 people in the U.S. were injured by fireworks, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. And nearly half of those injured were kids under the age of 15.

Officials recommend leaving the fireworks to the professionals and attending public shows. But if you’re lighting fireworks at home:

Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.

Light one firework at a time—and never relight a dud.

And never point fireworks at people, pets, or buildings.

Celebrate safely—and keep the holiday fun, not dangerous.

A good rule of thumb when using fireworks is to use fireworks:

• Only on private property with the owner’s permission
• NOT on city streets, sidewalks, parks, or any public property
• Fireworks must remain on your property — you are responsible for all debris and damage
• Do not discharge fireworks while intoxicated or under a fire ban
• Call 911 only for emergencies, not for fireworks complaints
• And be courteous to your neighbors. You never know who may be struggling with mental health and PTSD.

Henry County, IA

• July 3^rd 9am to 10 pm
• July 4^th 9am to 11pm

Fairfield

• July 3^rd between 9 am and 11pm
• July 4^th between 9 am and 11pm

A Columbus Junction man was arrested last week after investigators say he drove a van dragging the body of a deceased man tied to the vehicle with a cord before crashing the van into a ditch.

Salvador Castaneda, 58, was arrested by the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office on June 25 and charged with abuse of a corpse-mutilate/dismember to conceal a crime (class C felony).

Just before 4:30 p.m. on June 25, Louisa County dispatched received a 911 call that a white Chevrolet Astro van had crashed into a ditch near the 14000 block of R Avenue. During a search of the van, police found a cell phone with an alarm going off, a loaded handgun with the serial number scratched off, and a large bag of suspected marijuana.

Investigators soon discovered the body of Noe Ibarra-Tijerina, 58, in a nearby ditch what an electrical cord wrapped around his torso and a small puncture hole in the area of his right cheekbone, consistent with a small caliber gunshot wound.

Police also spoke with a witness who reported seeing the van dragging what appeared to be a body through the streets, and investigators also discovered blood and drag marks in the streets.

Castaneda is being held at the Louisa County Jail on $25,000 cash-only bond.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday at the Louisa County Courthouse in Wapello.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services launched its newly redesigned Behavioral Health and Disability Services Systems—making it easier for Iowans across the state to get the care they need.

Iowans can access mental health, substance use, problem gambling, and disability support services through a new, statewide Behavioral Health Service System.

The system is supported by the Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization, run by the Iowa Primary Care Association. That means less red tape for providers—and more time focused on patients.

Iowans can also get 24/7 support through Your Life Iowa, offering help via phone by calling 988, text, or online chat. And now, Behavioral Health System Navigators are available to connect people to services in their local communities.

For disability services, the state is rolling out new Disability Access Points, or DAPs, as part of the Aging and Disability Resource Center Network. These DAPs will help Iowans, and their families find services, make referrals, and build plans for independent living.

Governor Kim Reynolds says the goal is to ensure every Iowan has access to the care they need, no matter where they live. And Iowa HHS Director Kelly Garcia calls it a major step toward a more person-centered approach.

To learn more about the new systems, visit hhs.iowa.gov.

To learn more about Iowa’s Behavioral Health Service System visit: hhs.iowa.gov/ibhss

To learn more about Iowa’s Disability Service System, visit: hhs.iowa.gov/disability-service-system

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

Charles Austin Spiller, age 65, of Keokuk is charged with: Possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver, a class D felony; Iowa drug tax stamp violation, a class D felony; and Possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor.

These criminal charges are the result of a search warrant that was executed at Spiller’s residence as part of an ongoing investigation. Spiller was found to be in possession of a large amount of marijuana during the search of his residence.

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

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

On July 1, 2025, at approximately 5:21 a.m. the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call of a vehicle roll over in the 1400 grid of US Highway 34. After investigation it was determined that Jesus Vargas Morales, 39, Blue Island, Illinois; was traveling eastbound in a 2007 Toyota, FJ Cruiser. Morales lost control of the vehicle and struck a cable barrier prior to rolling on its top. The vehicle is estimated to be totaled. No injuries were reported.

***A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendants are

presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.***

Triple A is expecting the upcoming 4th of July holiday to set travel records both in Iowa and nationwide.  The number of people in Iowa and the Midwest totals about 203,000 travelers by air and ground, which is down slightly from last year by less than 1%.  Law Enforcement officials remind people to be safe on the road, be patient and remember, it’s the law for Iowa motorists to move over if there’s a stopped vehicle with its emergency flashers on.  If a lane change isn’t possible, to at least slow down and prepare to stop. Ignoring the law could bring a $200 fine and suspension of the driver’s license for up to a year.