This weekend, Burlington will be buzzing with energy as two major events transform the city into a hub of creativity, community, and celebration. Whether you’re drawn to fine art or live music, there’s something for everyone between the Snake Alley Art Fair and Burlington River Days.

Snake Alley Art Fair – Sunday, June 15

A beloved Burlington tradition, the Snake Alley Art Fair returns to 301 Jefferson Street this Sunday, hosted by the Art Center of Burlington. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors will stroll the famously crooked street while exploring handmade and original creations by artists from across the Midwest.

More than just an art sale, the fair is a full-day celebration of creativity. Guests can meet the artists, hear the stories behind their work, and take home one-of-a-kind pieces. The event also features:

• Live music performances
• Kids’ art activities
• Local food vendors

Now in its 50+ year history, the Snake Alley Art Fair continues to bring the community together through the power of art.

Burlington River Days – June 12–14

Starting Thursday and rocking through Saturday night, Burlington River Days takes over the riverfront with an explosive lineup of music, carnival rides, contests, and even a boat giveaway.

This three-day celebration of Burlington’s river heritage includes:

• Live music every night, headlined by Saliva on Saturday
• A full carnival with family-friendly fun
• Boat parade and boat show
• Outdoor River Days Olympics with activities like archery and casting contests
• “Boatload of Prizes” giveaway – including a brand-new boat

Proceeds from the event support the Partners for Conservation Foundation, helping fund local riverfront projects, outdoor recreation improvements, and conservation efforts.

The Olds Fire Department was dispatched Tuesday afternoon to a fire in the median of Highway 218 near the intersection with 140th Street, just outside of Swedesburg.

When KILJ News arrived at the scene around 2:20 p.m., firefighters from Olds were actively working to extinguish flames in the grassy median dividing the highway. Iowa State Patrol and the Henry County Sheriff’s Department were also present, assisting with traffic control and monitoring the flow of vehicles through the area.

The fire was brought under control and extinguished quickly, with the scene cleared shortly after KILJ’s arrival. No injuries were reported, and traffic continued to move safely around the scene during the response.

At this time, the cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities have not released any further information regarding the incident.

KILJ News will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more details become available.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa – This summer, let your star shine! Mount Pleasant Community Theatre and KILJ are teaming up to offer a one-of-a-kind Youth Theater Camp for aspiring young performers.

From Monday, June 23 through Friday, June 27, kids ages 7 to 18 will have the opportunity to step into the spotlight and explore the exciting world of live theater. Campers will learn the ins and outs of acting, costumes, lighting, and stagecraft in a fun and supportive environment.

The camp runs daily from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the cost is $50 per camper. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Sign up today through the link available at

Don’t miss this chance to help your child discover their passion for performance and create unforgettable summer memories!

The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Directors held their June meeting Monday evening, approving several items ranging from a new student support option through a virtual learning agreement to policy updates and facility changes.

Online Learning Partnership with Burlington

In a significant step to support students with unique needs, the Board approved a 28E agreement with the Burlington Community School District to allow Mount Pleasant students to access Burlington’s virtual education program. The option, available for students in grades 6-12, is intended for short-term use in cases where in-person attendance is not viable due to medical, emotional, or family-related challenges.

“We’ve been clear from the beginning: this is not about Mount Pleasant offering a general online school,” said Superintendent John Henriksen. “This is a targeted tool in our toolbox for students who, for reasons beyond their control, need an alternative temporarily. We want to bring these students back into our classrooms when the time is right.”

Board members acknowledged the flexibility this program offers, particularly for students facing medical emergencies, anxiety, or other hardships. They emphasized the importance of regular evaluation and intentional reintegration planning.

Updated Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

The Board also approved the first reading of a revised policy concerning student use of personal electronic devices. The policy, required by new state legislation, defines “instructional time” as the full school day, excluding lunch and recess, and prohibits student use of phones, smartwatches, and other devices during that time unless permitted under an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 plan, or for medical necessity.

Superintendent Henriksen noted that this change would mostly affect high school students. Communication to families will be emphasized in the weeks leading up to the 2025-2026 school year.

2025-2026 Student Handbook Updates

Handbook revisions were also reviewed and approved. These updates included minor language corrections, additions for preschool, and clarifications across all grade levels. Principals collaborated on the changes, which reflect current practices and board policy.

Central Campus Facility Update

The Board approved a $47,000 change order to add air conditioning to the warehouse portion of the Central Campus receiving and transportation facility. The space stores sensitive materials such as paper, which require temperature and humidity control. The initial bid package failed to include HVAC for this area.

Instead of installing multiple wall units, the district chose a more efficient solution involving a rooftop air handler and outdoor condenser. The new system is expected to reduce long-term maintenance and improve reliability.

Additional Items Approved

• 12-Month Employee Vacation Schedule: No changes were proposed, and the Board unanimously approved the continuation of the current schedule.
• 2025-2026 Bread Bid: The district renewed its bread supply contract with Bimbo Bakeries (Holsum) after receiving no other bids. Slight price increases were noted for sandwich buns and other items.
• Great Prairie AEA Contract: The Board approved the annual agreement for training and services related to the Special Education Plan, part of statewide changes under House File 612, shifting funding allocations between districts and Area Education Agencies (AEAs).

The meeting concluded with all items passing with unanimous support. Board members voiced continued commitment to ensuring the district remains flexible, student-focused, and well-equipped for the coming school year.

Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating 17-year-old Lily Ann Schuelka, who has been reported missing since June 5, 2025.

According to the Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse, Lily is described as a white female, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 130 pounds. She has red hair, hazel eyes, and was last in contact with anyone on Thursday, June 5.

The Fort Madison Police Department is actively investigating her disappearance and urges anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward.

If you have seen Lily or have any knowledge of her whereabouts, please contact the Fort Madison Police Department or the Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse.

Your assistance could make a critical difference in bringing Lily home safely.

Naig Highlights Crop Progress Amid Shifting Weather Conditions Across Iowa

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig offered comments today following the release of the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, published weekly by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The report provides vital updates for producers and stakeholders throughout the growing season from April through November.

“While the highest rainfall totals were concentrated in western Iowa over the past week, much of the state received some rain and cooler temperatures,” Secretary Naig noted. “The crops could use some heat, and it looks like it’s on the way. The warmer weather and possible showers in the forecast this week should give the corn and soybeans a lift.”

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship also issues a weather summary alongside each weekly crop report, providing context on how conditions are influencing field progress and plant development.

According to the report for the week ending June 8, Iowa farmers had an average of 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork. Key field activities included hay cutting and crop spraying.

Crop and Soil Conditions:

• Topsoil moisture: 4% very short, 21% short, 71% adequate, 4% surplus

• Subsoil moisture: 5% very short, 28% short, 64% adequate, 3% surplus

Corn Progress:

• Emerged: 92% (4 days ahead of 2024, 2 days behind the 5-year average)

• Condition: 85% rated good to excellent (up 1 percentage point from last week)

Soybean Progress:

• Planted: 97% of expected acres

• Emerged: 88% (10 days ahead of 2024, 4 days ahead of average)

• Condition: 80% rated good to excellent (down 1 percentage point from last week)

Small Grains and Forage:

• Oats: Emergence nearly complete, with 53% headed and 10% turning color

• Oat Condition: 84% rated good to excellent

• Alfalfa Hay: 77% of first cutting completed, with some second cutting reported

• Hay Condition: 82% good to excellent

• Pasture Condition: 70% good to excellent (slight decrease from last week)

The weekly report, along with weather summaries and additional agricultural data, is available online at nass.usda.gov.