Author: Kadie Johannson

Abbie Liechty, current Assistant County Attorney for Henry County, has officially filed nomination papers for the upcoming special election for County Attorney.

Liechty submitted her petitions to the Henry County Auditor’s Office this week, securing her place on the ballot. The special election was scheduled following a 2-to-1 vote by the Henry County Board of Supervisors on February 20th to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former County Attorney Darin Stater. Liechty exceeded the required 50 signatures from eligible county voters to formalize her candidacy.

In a statement to KILJ, Liechty said, “I am honored by the overwhelming support I’ve received from the citizens of Henry County in such a short amount of time. My focus has been, and will remain, on ensuring a seamless transition for the office and providing the steady, professional legal leadership our community deserves. Handing in these signatures is the first step in asking the voters to let me continue the work we’ve already started.”

Liechty is a lifelong Henry County resident. She graduated in the top 15 percent of her class from Gonzaga Law School, was admitted to the Iowa Bar in 2024, and currently handles criminal, juvenile, and civil matters in the County Attorney’s Office.

Liechty says her campaign centers on three main priorities. First, professional integrity — maintaining high ethical standards and a commitment to fairness while advising county officials, prosecuting criminal cases, and protecting victims’ rights.

Second, stability and continuity — ensuring that ongoing criminal prosecutions and civil matters move forward without interruption.

And third, community safety — strengthening partnerships with local law enforcement to promote a proactive, community-supported approach to public safety.

The special election for Henry County Attorney is set for March 31, 2026. All nine county polling locations will be open, with early and absentee voting also available.

KILJ is currently securing a date for a candidate forum for the Henry County Attorney Special Election so you can learn more about both Abbie Liechty and Becky Wilson, who has also submitted her papers to appear on the ballot.

The Southeast Iowa Band is inviting the public to take a musical journey around the world — no passport required.

The group’s spring concert, titled “Musical Passport,” will be held Sunday, March 8th at 3 p.m. inside Chapel Auditorium in Mount Pleasant. Admission is free, with support provided through free-will donations. The performance will last about 90 minutes, include an intermission, and conclude with a reception in the lobby.

Music Director Robert McConnell says the program is designed to appeal to all ages, especially families with students who may be considering joining band. During the concert, musicians will introduce their instruments by playing short musical excerpts, giving young audience members a chance to hear the unique sounds that come together to form the full ensemble.

The afternoon’s repertoire will span the globe — from South America to Armenia to Latin America — and even into outer space. The concert opens with John Williams’ iconic “Superman” theme. Other featured works include “Armenian Dances” by Alfred Reed, the familiar “Light Cavalry Overture,” and a high-energy Latin finale.

Horn player Amanda Stout will be featured as soloist on “Cape Horn,” a piece inspired by the dramatic waters off southern Chile where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. Stout says the work is filled with powerful horn calls and driving energy, balanced by a lyrical middle section reminiscent of rolling ocean waves.

The 50-member ensemble includes band directors, music educators, professional musicians, and advanced student performers from across southeast Iowa. The group rehearses for five weeks before presenting fall and spring concerts, with a mission of challenging performers while promoting music education in the region.

Again, the Southeast Iowa Band’s “Musical Passport” concert is set for 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8th at Chapel Auditorium in Mount Pleasant. Admission is free.

The Great River Health system recently presented its latest DAISY Foundation Awards for Extraordinary Nurses of 2026. The national award honors nurses who demonstrate outstanding compassion and dedication to patients and families.

Among the recipients is Adrene Garcia, a registered nurse on the Medical-Surgical Unit at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington. She was nominated by the girlfriend of a patient recovering from hip replacement surgery. In the nomination, Garcia was praised for her warmth, empathy, attentiveness, and professionalism, as well as her encouragement during therapy and detailed communication during doctor visits.

Also honored was Amber Larkin, a registered nurse in the Women and Family Center at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington. She was nominated by a patient for her compassionate care during labor and delivery. The patient highlighted Larkin’s attentiveness, supportive bedside manner, and thoughtful gesture of writing “Have a Birthday Party” on the room’s whiteboard under the day’s care plan. The mother described the experience as the best of her childbirths and credited Larkin’s care as a major reason why.

Both nurses were recognized during special ceremonies attended by colleagues, family members, and patients. Each received a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved sculpture titled “A Healer’s Touch.”

Great River Health employs more than 800 nurses across its campuses in West Burlington, Fort Madison, and at Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant. Nurses can be nominated for the DAISY Award on an ongoing basis by patients, families, and coworkers.