Author: Hayden Douglas

In the aftermath of Tuesday’s severe storms that swept across Southeast Iowa, Access Energy Cooperative reports only minimal power disruptions, thanks to a swift and effective response by service crews.

Access Energy Cooperative Manager Kevin Wheeler informed KILJ News that roughly 300 homes or businesses experienced power outages during the storm.

Crews responded quickly and worked safely through the evening to restore electricity, with power restored around midnight.

Access Energy Cooperative provides service to more than 9,000 homes and businesses across parts of 10 Southeast Iowa counties, including Henry, Jefferson, Van Buren, Lee, Des Moines, Washington, Wapello and Louisa.

KILJ News will continue to provide updates and additional storm coverage as new information becomes available.

Southeast Iowa was hit hard by a fast-moving storm system on the evening of June 3, with a total of 1.45 inches of rainfall; leaving behind a trail of debris, downed trees, damaged power lines, and scattered power outages across Des Moines, Lee, Henry, and Louisa counties.

Strong winds and heavy rain moved into the area late Tuesday with reports of a possible rain covered tornado moving along the Mississippi river/Hwy 61 area. The storm prompted severe thunderstorm warnings along with Tornado warnings for several areas.

When the storm passed and the skies settled, Southeast Iowa residents set to Facebook to report the area damages.

In Henry County, high winds were blamed for damaging power lines and knocking out service to homes in and around Hillsboro. Multiple roads were temporarily blocked by fallen trees, with public works crews responding quickly to clear them.

In Des Moines County, residents reported wind gusts strong enough to topple tree limbs and scatter debris across roadways, along with roadways flooded at times. Utility crews worked into the night to restore electricity to several neighborhoods that lost power due to downed lines.

Lee County also felt the storm, with rural areas reporting tree damage and low-lying roads briefly covered with water. Strong winds and heavy rainfall moved over Fort Madison along the river, where it still unconfirmed if a tornado began moving up Highway 61 towards Burlington.

Louisa County experienced similar conditions, with strong wind bursts recorded near Columbus Junction. Residents there reported brief but intense rainfall and loud thunder, though damage was largely limited to tree limbs and power disruptions.

Officials will continue to assess the full extent of the damage, but early indications suggest no major structural damage or injuries. Residents are encouraged to report any fallen wires or blocked roads to their local authorities. Stay tuned to KILJ for updates on the storm damage as the area damage is assessed.

The storm serves as a reminder of the quick onset and intensity severe weather can bring during Iowa’s early summer months.

The Iowa DNR has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert through 6 a.m. Thursday, June 5, as smoke from Canadian wildfires pushes into the state. Air Quality Index (AQI) levels may reach the “unhealthy” (red) category, posing health risks for both sensitive groups and the general public.

Smoke pulled down to the surface early Tuesday has already impacted northwestern Iowa, with thick smoke expected to drift across the state from southwest to northeast today and tonight. Fine particulate levels may remain elevated for several days.

The DNR advises limiting prolonged outdoor activity, especially for people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and outdoor workers. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.

For current conditions and maps, visit airnow.gov or the wildfire page.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office has announced a cool new way to encourage bicycle and scooter safety among local youth this summer—by rewarding safe riders with a free ice cream treat.

In a new initiative launched in partnership with area ice cream establishments, uniformed deputies will be on the lookout for children practicing safe riding habits, particularly those wearing helmets. When a deputy spots a young rider following safety guidelines, they may pull over—just to say thank you and hand out a special “ticket” redeemable for a free ice cream treat.

In a recent Facebook post from the Sheriff’s Department, “This is a great opportunity to promote safety in a way that’s positive and fun. We’re proud to work with our local businesses to encourage good habits and give back to the kids in our community.”

To ease any concerns, the Sheriff’s Office clarified that only uniformed deputies in marked HCSO vehicles or on foot patrol will issue the reward tickets.

The Sheriff’s Office also gives a shout-out to the participating ice cream shops for their support, noting that the campaign wouldn’t be possible without their generosity.

As summer kicks into gear, this initiative offers a sweet reminder for families: a helmet and a little caution can go a long way.

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — The Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities Board of Trustees met in regular session on May 20, to approve multiple budgets, authorize over $1 million in payments, and discuss updates to key infrastructure projects including the Cedar Lane Well #7 development.

Under legal and operations reports, the board reviewed progress on the Cedar Lane Well #7 and Water Distribution System Project. Due to the potential for litigation involving the well, the board entered into a closed session at 1:56 p.m., following a motion by Trustee Michelle Rosell and seconded by Trustee David George.

Details of the closed session were not disclosed, but the board previously indicated the discussion would center on legal matters related to Well #7.

Routine Approvals and Governance

The board also approved minutes from its April 15 regular meeting and a special session held on May 8. All votes taken during the meeting, including those to approve bills, minutes, and budget documents, passed unanimously with five ayes and no dissent.

FORT MADISON, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Corrections has named Mark C. Foreman as the new warden of the Iowa State Penitentiary (ISP), bringing more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and corrections leadership to the state’s maximum-security facility.

Foreman began his service as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps before spending over two decades with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, rising to associate warden at FCI Tallahassee. He has also led correctional facilities in both public and private sectors, most recently serving as senior warden at Cimarron Correctional Facility in Oklahoma.

“I am honored to join the team at ISP,” said Foreman. “I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff to provide safe, secure, and rehabilitative environments that support public safety.”

IDOC officials praised Foreman’s operational expertise and leadership approach.

“Mark brings a strong commitment to staff development, accountability, and excellence,” said Nick Lamb, Deputy Director for Institutions. “ISP will benefit greatly from his steady hand.”

“Mark’s proven track record and passion for public service make him an excellent addition to our leadership team,” added IDOC Director Dr. Beth Skinner.

About the Iowa Department of Corrections

The IDOC is nationally recognized for implementing evidence-based practices that reduce recidivism and enhance community safety across the state’s correctional system.

DES MOINES, Iowa (June 2, 2025) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says Iowa farmers are hitting a key transition point in the growing season, as spring planting nears completion and attention shifts to crop maintenance and hay production.

“Planting is nearly complete across the state and most of the corn and soybeans have emerged. Many farmers are now turning their attention to applying crop protection products and baling hay,” said Secretary Naig. “While haze from Canadian wildfires has hung around the last few days, it’s expected to clear by mid-week. The forecast shows much of the state could receive some welcome rain in the week ahead.”

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report for the week ending June 1, 2025, showing a productive week for growers thanks to favorable weather.

Field Conditions and Activity

Farmers enjoyed 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork, thanks to mostly dry conditions with only isolated showers. Primary activities included planting the final acres of corn and soybeans, spraying crops, and harvesting the first cutting of hay.

Moisture Levels

Topsoil moisture levels held mostly steady with:

• 5% very short

• 23% short

• 70% adequate

• 2% surplus

Subsoil moisture was rated:

• 5% very short

• 27% short

• 65% adequate

• 3% surplus

Corn and Soybeans

• Corn planting reached 97%, with 87% emerged—running six days ahead of last year and slightly ahead of the five-year average.

• Corn condition was reported as 84% good to excellent.

• Soybean planting hit 96%, with 79% emerged, which is ten days ahead of last year and four days ahead of average.

• Soybean condition came in at 81% good to excellent.

Small Grains and Forage

• Oats emerged reached 95%, and 41% of the crop is headed, which is ahead of both last year and the typical schedule.

• Oat condition remains strong, rated 85% good to excellent.

• First cutting of alfalfa hay is 61% complete, outpacing last year by nearly a week.

• Hay condition was rated 83% good to excellent, and pasture condition was also solid, with 73% good to excellent.

As the 2025 growing season continues to progress ahead of schedule in many areas, farmers are closely watching the weather forecast. A return of measurable rainfall would help maintain strong crop and pasture conditions heading into the summer.

The full weekly report is available at nass.usda.gov.