Author: Hayden Douglas

Olds, Iowa (May 29, 2025) — A two-vehicle crash at the intersection of 170th Street and U.S. Highway 218 Northbound resulted in one person being hospitalized Thursday morning.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. when a semi tractor, driven by 60-year-old Jose Venegas of Iowa City, was traveling southbound on U.S. 218. The semi attempted to make a left turn onto eastbound 170th Street but failed to yield to oncoming northbound traffic.

As a result, the semi was struck by a northbound vehicle driven by 22-year-old Derek Blint of Danville. The impact sent Blint’s vehicle into the east ditch, where it caught fire. The semi came to rest within the intersection.

Venegas was injured in the crash and transported by ambulance to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Officials noted that he was wearing a seatbelt at the time, which they believe saved his life. No further injuries were reported at the scene.

Details on the make and model of the second vehicle remain unknown as of Thursday morning, and authorities have not released additional information about any third vehicle possibly involved.

Both vehicles involved were towed from the scene by Newberry’s and Burnt Towing, respectively. The crash remains under investigation by Trooper Schwenn of Post 13, with assistance from multiple responding agencies.

Drivers are reminded to use caution at intersections and always yield to oncoming traffic when making turns.

KILJ News will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Mount Pleasant, Iowa — Emergency crews responded to a single-vehicle crash early Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 288 and Kentucky Avenue, just south of Mount Pleasant.

The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. when a vehicle traveling southbound on Highway 218 crossed the center median and entered the northbound lanes, ultimately coming to a stop after colliding with the cable wire barricade.

Mount Pleasant Fire Department and the Iowa State Patrol arrived on scene shortly after the call, followed by Henry County EMS. Emergency medical personnel evaluated the female driver, who was transported to Henry County Medical Center for further examination. Her condition is currently unknown.

Authorities confirm that this was a one-vehicle accident. At this time, it is unclear what caused the vehicle to cross into oncoming traffic. The incident remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol.

Stay tuned to KILJ for updates as more information becomes available.

After more than two decades of service, Henry County’s General Assistance Director Sarah Berndt has officially transitioned the department to the Public Health Department, marking the end of the county’s standalone General Assistance office. The change comes as part of a broader realignment of mental health and disability services across Iowa, which led to the dissolution of several local departments, including General Assistance.

“This is my last report. I am no longer the General Assistance Director,” Sarah Berndt announced in her final update to the Board. “We transitioned to Public Health yesterday, keeping the same phone number.”

She spent the last several weeks preparing for the handoff, including updating all forms with Public Health Director, Katie Reuter’s information; requesting website updates, and notifying community partners—such as funeral homes—of the change.

The transition also involved hours of collaboration with the new team. “A lot of my time recently—about 10% during the last reporting period—was spent working with Katie and her staff, going over how I did things, and making sure the files were transitioned,” she said. Those records are now being scanned and stored under the Public Health department.

During her final report, she shared that there were 19 contacts in the past month, many of which involved questions or requests for applications that were not completed. She also handled two cremation requests that ultimately didn’t move forward due to eligibility issues—one involving a Lee County resident and another with incomplete follow-through.

As she concluded her report, one of the Supervisor Chairman, Marc Lindeen offered thanks: “I just want to publicly say thank you for all you’ve done. June 4th will mark 24 years of your service. We wouldn’t be where we are without your guidance.”

“It’s been a great 24 years,” Sarah responded. “A few rough days, sure—but most have been really good. It’s been an honor to serve the county.”

Though her title and department may be gone, her dedication to public service continues in Henry County.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing this week to gather input on a proposed open burning ordinance aimed at reducing unnecessary emergency calls and ensuring safe outdoor fire practices. While the ordinance has been in discussion for over a month, members of the public voiced concerns about the timing, accessibility, and clarity of the draft.

The hearing was opened by the board following a motion and vote. Chairman Marc Lindeen acknowledged the ordinance had been made available at the auditor’s office since May 15.

The ordinance outlines fire safety measures during state-issued burn bans, including requirements for spark screens on burn barrels and mandatory notifications to authorities before larger burns. It exempts recreational campfires and cooking fires but mandates stricter guidelines during hazardous conditions. However, confusion arose over key sections—such as what qualifies as a burn permit and how to obtain one—and whether the ordinance applies only during burn bans or at all times.

Henry County Emergency Management Coordinator Walt Jackson clarified that the ordinance is only enforceable during state-issued burn bans, not year-round. He noted that during red flag warnings, the ban periods are often brief, typically lasting 6 to 12 hours. He also emphasized the importance of education alongside enforcement, saying, “Every time we make a change, it’s an opportunity to educate the public so they know what the rules are.”

Supervisor Chad White, a frequent burner himself, said he had reviewed the draft ordinance and found nothing overly restrictive, but acknowledged that more clarity in the ordinance might be helpful for some residents. He also noted that several people have already begun voluntarily notifying dispatchers before conducting burns.

The board confirmed that no additional public hearings are currently scheduled, though they acknowledged a second hearing could be added.

Some members of the public urged the board to consider holding one more hearing, arguing that time and additional public exposure—through newspapers, radio, and social media—would allow for more informed feedback.

The supervisors ultimately exited the public hearing phase without committing to an additional session, but left the possibility open depending on public response in the coming weeks.

Residents are encouraged to contact their supervisors directly with comments or concerns in the meantime.

Mount Pleasant, Iowa (KILJ) — Traffic was backed up for miles on Highway 218 North just north of Mount Pleasant Thursday morning following a serious collision involving multiple large vehicles.

The accident occurred near the intersection of 218 Northbound and 170th Street, just south of Swedesburg. The crash involved a livestock trailer, and a Construction Semi. As of now, it is unclear how the accident unfolded or severity of any injuries. Henry County EMS was evaluating one scene and Medforce Air Medical was called to the scene.

Emergency personnel from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Henry County EMS, and surrounding first responders rushed to the scene. Authorities directed traffic while crews worked to clear the roadway and assess the situation.

Motorists experienced significant delays as responders worked to clear the livestock from the roadway, and drivers are urged to avoid the area this Thursday morning or seek alternate routes until the scene is fully cleared.

Stay with KILJ for the latest updates as more information becomes available.