Author: Hayden Douglas

A tire blowout on an 18-wheeler caused significant traffic disruption Friday morning on Highway 218 near Salem. The accident happened around 9:00 a.m. at the intersection of Salem Road and Highway 218, just south of Mount Pleasant.

According to initial reports, the semi suffered a sudden tire failure, causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle to jackknife across the roadway. The truck blocked traffic for roughly an hour as law enforcement and recovery crews worked to clear the scene.

Traffic backups extended north to Old Highway 218, worsened by construction already underway in the area. Iowa State Patrol and Henry County Sheriff’s deputies directed alternating traffic flow, allowing northbound vehicles to move for several minutes before stopping them to let southbound traffic proceed.

Just after 10:00 a.m., the semi was successfully moved out of the roadway, and normal traffic flow was restored.

No injuries have been reported.
KILJ will continue to provide updates if additional information becomes available.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a two-vehicle collision Thursday afternoon that left one passenger injured.

According to authorities, the crash occurred on November 13 at 4:31 p.m. at the intersection of Washington and Walnut Streets. Dispatchers reported that a passenger in one of the vehicles had been injured and was possibly trapped.

Officers arrived to find Mount Pleasant Fire Department personnel already working to free the passenger from the vehicle. Once extricated, the individual was transported by Henry County Emergency Medical Services to Henry County Health Center for further evaluation and treatment. No additional injuries were reported.

An investigation revealed that a 2007 Suzuki SX4 was traveling east on Washington Street and attempted to turn north onto Walnut Street on a green light. The Suzuki was struck on the passenger side by a westbound 2018 Ram 2500. Police determined that both drivers’ view of oncoming traffic had been blocked by another truck that was attempting to turn south onto Walnut Street.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Mount Pleasant Fire Department, Henry County EMS, and Breuer Towing & Recovery.

The Mount Pleasant Chorale, accompanied by the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, will present its annual Lessons and Carols program on Saturday, December 6, offering the community a chance to step into the spirit of the season with music and scripture. 

The event will take place at the First United Methodist Church of Mount Pleasant, beginning at 3 p.m. Admission is free, with a free-will donation accepted to support future performances. 

Lessons and Carols is a long-held tradition for many choirs across the country, blending Biblical readings with choral arrangements and instrumental selections. The program typically reflects themes of hope, anticipation, and celebration leading into the Christmas season. 

Organizer Blair Buffington says the Chorale looks forward to bringing this meaningful musical experience to the community once again. 

For more information, community members may contact the Mount Pleasant Chorale at mountpleasantchorale@gmail.com 

The New London High School Masqued Tigers are gearing up to delight audiences with their fall production of Game of Tiaras, a fast-paced and hilarious parody written by Don Zolidis. The show brings together classic fairy-tale characters and the dramatic flair of a fantasy epic, resulting in a performance full of comedy, twists, and over-the-top royal theatrics.

Join the Masqued Tigers for one of their performances on November 14th at 7:00 p.m., and on November 15th at 2:00 p.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. The Saturday evening performance is also Senior Night, recognizing the hard-working seniors who have contributed their talent and leadership to the program.

All performances will be held in the New London High School Auditorium. Tickets are available online and can also be purchased at the door. Please note that passes are not accepted for this production.

Game of Tiaras is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc., and showcases the dedication of New London’s student actors, technical crew, and directors. With its clever humor and high-energy cast, the show promises a fun night out for families, students, and community members alike.

Don’t miss the chance to experience this royal comedy on stage and support the talented performers of New London High School!

If you receive SNAP benefits in Iowa, the Department of Health and Human Services says your November benefits are now being released following the end of the federal government shutdown. Many Iowans may see their balance as early as tonight, with all benefits expected to be available within the next several days.

The 43-day government shutdown had delayed November payments, but with federal agencies reopened, the USDA has authorized states to resume distribution. Iowa HHS says their team is moving quickly to make sure every eligible household receives its benefits as soon as possible.

HHS Director Larry Johnson says the state is grateful to get this support flowing again and thanked volunteers who helped food banks and pantries meet the increased need during the shutdown.

Governor Kim Reynolds also recognized the community support that kept families fed during the delay. Iowa’s six regional food banks have now met the state’s $1 million donation match challenge—funds that helped purchase food, expand distribution, and support local pantries in all 99 counties.

SNAP recipients are encouraged to check their EBT card balances to see when their November benefits are available and visit hhs.iowa.gov/snap for updates.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating the well-earned retirement of K9 Axel, who officially signed off for his final 10-42 at 12:06 p.m. on November 13, 2025.

Since joining the force in 2021, K9 Axel has served as an invaluable partner to his handler, Deputy Scott Bell. The bond between a K9 and their handler is unlike any other, built on trust, dedication, and shared purpose—and the strength of that partnership has been evident throughout Axel’s years of service.

Together, Deputy Bell and K9 Axel have formed a formidable team, responding to countless calls across Henry County. During his career, Axel played a vital role in detecting narcotics, tracking fleeing suspects, locating missing persons, and assisting in the arrest of dangerous offenders. His intelligence, discipline, and unwavering loyalty made him an indispensable member of the department and the community he served.

As K9 Axel hangs up his leash and begins a well-deserved retirement, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt gratitude for his courage and commitment to public safety.

“We wish you a retirement filled with rest, playtime, and plenty of treats—you’ve earned every bit of it.” – HCSD