The Mount Pleasant Police Department is investigating reports of vandalism at the Maple Leaf Athletic Complex over the weekend. The incident involved the field house at the complex, where offensive words and graphic images were drawn on the field house doors.

Authorities say the investigation remains open as they work to identify individuals who may have been involved.

Mount Pleasant Community School District Superintendent John Henriksen addressed the situation, noting that, at this time, no individuals involved appear to be active students within the Mount Pleasant Community School District.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department continues to handle the investigation. Updates regarding any arrests or additional information will be shared with the public as they become available.

KILJ will keep the community informed as more details emerge about the vandalism at the Maple Leaf Athletic Complex. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Mount Pleasant Police Department.

On May 10^th, 2025, Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting a possible sexual assault. This started an investigation.

After investigation it was found the defendant, Kyle L. Wyatt, of Palo Iowa, did sexually assault a juvenile minor and did expose himself to the juvenile minor victim.

June 17^th, 2025, Kyle was arrested on one count of indecent exposure Iowa code section 709.9(1) and one count of sex abuse 3^rd-child victim related by blood Iowa code section 709.4(1)(B)(2)(B).

The curtain is rising on a new chapter for young performers in Southeast Iowa. Fairfield Youth Performing Arts (FYPA), a newly established nonprofit children’s theatre organization, is preparing to make its debut with a production of Mary Poppins Jr., promising an uplifting showcase of talent, creativity, and collaboration.

FYPA’s mission is to empower youth by providing a welcoming and inclusive space where children can explore and develop their artistic abilities. Through theatre, the organization aims to nurture confidence, imagination, and teamwork while enriching the broader Fairfield arts community.

“We want to create an environment where every child feels valued and inspired,” said FYPA organizers. “Our hope is to make Fairfield a destination for children’s theatre and a hub for cultivating the next generation of theatrical talent.”

FYPA’s inaugural production of Mary Poppins Jr. will be staged at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center with evening performances on July 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. and a matinee on July 27 at 3 p.m. Featuring young actors from Fairfield and surrounding Southeast Iowa communities, the beloved musical promises to delight audiences of all ages with its timeless story and memorable songs.

Tickets for Mary Poppins Jr. are now on sale through the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center Box Office and online at fairfieldacc.com. Community members are encouraged to come out and support the region’s rising stars as they bring this magical production to life.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is inviting communities across the state to apply for funding through its popular Trees for Kids grant program. Applications will be accepted through August 22, giving cities, schools, and local organizations an opportunity to enhance their green spaces while engaging youth in hands-on environmental education.

The grant offers up to $2,500 per award to purchase trees and mulch. All trees funded by the program must be planted on public community grounds such as parks, community centers, or public school campuses. A key component of the program is youth involvement — kids are encouraged to take part in the planting process, giving them a chance to contribute directly to their community’s natural environment.

“Planting trees is a fun way to connect kids to nature, build on their sense of wonder and explore the benefits trees provide at their school and in their community,” said Chip Murrow, urban forestry program specialist with the Iowa DNR.

Research shows that trees planted near schools and in neighborhoods can provide significant benefits for young people, including improved concentration, reduced aggression, lower obesity rates, and fewer symptoms associated with ADHD.

Organizations interested in applying can find more information and submit applications online at www.iowadnr.gov/urbangrants.

The Washington Economic Development Group (WEDG) has stepped up in support of the Washington County Fair Association, donating $25,000 to help fund the Northside Restroom Project at the fairgrounds. The contribution will assist with construction costs for a new permanent, ADA accessible restroom facility — a much-anticipated improvement that is already generating excitement among fair supporters.

Work on the project began on May 23, with Leichty & Son Construction, Inc. leading the removal of old concrete and excavation for the building’s footings. The fair board hopes the new restrooms will be ready in time for the 2025 Washington County Fair, which runs July 13 through July 18.

The restroom facility will feature five stalls for women, two stalls and four urinals for men, and two family bathrooms. Each family bathroom will be equipped with a toilet, sink, hand dryer or paper towels, and an adult changing table. The design ensures easy, level access for strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers.

The 2025 Washington County Fair will kick off on Saturday, July 12, with a free concert. To learn more about the fair, visit www.washingtoncountyfairia.com or follow the Washington County Fair Association on Facebook.

A significant fire broke out Monday afternoon at a multi‑unit residence located at 505 North Iowa Avenue, Washington, IA, prompting a large-scale response from local fire departments.

At approximately 2:15 p.m. on June 16, 2025, the first 911 call reported flames engulfing the top apartment of the home. Units from the Washington Fire Department were dispatched immediately, followed swiftly by mutual aid from Ainsworth Fire, Keota Fire, Kalona Fire, Riverside Fire, and Wayland Fire Departments.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find the top-floor unit actively burning. Coordinated efforts from multiple crews quickly brought the blaze under control and eventually extinguished the fire. No injuries have been reported.

As of now, the cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have not released further details.

Residents in the area are urged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity around the property to local law enforcement, as the investigation continues.