Mount Pleasant Hotel Disturbance Leads to Arrest

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 at 7:29 am CDT

A domestic disturbance at the Quality Inn & Suites in Mount Pleasant on February 18, 2026 has resulted in multiple charges.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department was called to the 1200 block of East Baker Street just before midnight. The victim told police she and Steven Piccinino, 60, of Saint Ann, Missouri, had been drinking before returning to their hotel, where he allegedly punched her several times in the arm. Officers reported visible bruising.

When police attempted to make contact, Piccinino allegedly barricaded himself inside the room. Officers breached the door and took him into custody after a brief struggle. During the arrest, he is accused of kicking an officer.

Piccinino is being held at the Henry County Jail on a $9,000 cash or surety bond. He faces a Class D felony charge of Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations causing bodily injury, along with domestic abuse and additional assault charges. A no-contact order has been issued, and a court appearance is scheduled for February 27th.

As a reminder, a criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Mount Pleasant Man Charged Following Domestic Altercation

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 at 7:26 am CDT

A Mount Pleasant man is facing multiple charges following a reported domestic altercation earlier this month.

Mount Pleasant Police officers responded around 11:00 p.m. on February 7, 2026 to the 400 block of North Cherry Street for a report of a physical disturbance. When officers arrived, the suspect had already left the residence.

The suspect, identified as Idryss Williams, 35, of Mount Pleasant, allegedly choked the victim during an argument that escalated inside the home, impeding the victim’s breathing. Officers reported observing injuries on both sides of the victim’s neck consistent with hand placement.

Authorities say the couple has been in a relationship for more than a year and shares three young children. Two of the children were reportedly present during the altercation, while a third child was asleep downstairs.

When law enforcement contacted a witness, they reported seeing Williams corner the victim in the bathroom and hearing the victim tell him to remove his hands.

Due to concerns for the victim’s safety and the suspect leaving the scene, police requested an arrest warrant. The warrant was served on February 18, 2026 and a no-contact order was issued the following day. Williams is currently being held at the Henry County Jail.

He faces one charge of domestic abuse assault—impeding the flow of air or blood—an aggravated misdemeanor, along with two counts of child endangerment. A bond review hearing is scheduled for March 14, 2026.

As a reminder, all charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Elevated Fire Danger as Dry, Windy Conditions Move In

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 at 7:25 am CDT

Residents across the KILJ listening area are being urged to take extra precautions today as dry air and gusty winds increase the risk of grass and brush fires.

According to the National Weather Service, a combination of low humidity and winds gusting between 20 and 30 miles per hour will create conditions favorable for rapid fire spread, especially in open fields and rural areas.

Officials recommend avoiding or postponing any outdoor burning activities. Cigarette butts and cigars should be fully extinguished and disposed of properly, and drivers are reminded to secure trailer chains to prevent sparks. The use of outdoor equipment that could generate sparks is also discouraged during peak wind hours. Fire crews note that even a small spark can quickly ignite dry vegetation and grass.

Winds are expected to diminish later this evening as temperatures fall into the low 30s. Sunshine and lighter winds are forecast for tomorrow, though dry conditions will persist.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed of any local burn restrictions and to report signs of wildfire immediately.

Margaret H. Steele

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at 5:10 pm CDT

Margaret Helen Steele, 87, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

A visitation for family and friends will be 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Burial will follow at Glasgow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Glasgow Cemetery or EveryStep Hospice.

Margaret was born June 14, 1938, the daughter of Merle and Helen (Carper) Leazer. Helen later married Harold Simmons. Margaret married Herman “Dale” Steele, September 5, 1956 in Glasgow. He preceded her in death October 9, 2008.

Margaret worked for the Fairfield Community School District for 30 years, first in the lunchroom at Lincoln School, and then in laundry at the High School.

Margaret enjoyed gardening and yardwork, watching movies, birdwatching, and working on the farm. She cherished her time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Those left to honor her memory include her son, Don (Debi) Steele of Fairfield; grandchildren, Sandra (Chad) Vice, Nathan (Shana) Steele, Mike (Ashley) Harmon, Kyle (Ashley) Harmon, and Abigail Stickels; 14 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Richard “Dick” (Lynn) Leazer of Verona, Wisconsin.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Merle Leazer, and Helen and Harold Simmons; and her son, John Steele.

Margaret’s family wishes to thank Jefferson County Health Center and EveryStep Hospice for their loving care.

Online condolences may be made to Margaret’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Mark A. Hall

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at 5:06 pm CDT

Mark Alan Hall, 67, a lifelong resident of Fairfield, Iowa passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Graveside services celebrating his life will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield with Rev. Al Coffin officiating. Memorials may be made to the National MS Society or Jefferson County Park for the trail system. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Mark was born August 9, 1958, the son of William H. “Bill” and Oral E. (Carter) Hall. Mark was the nephew to Jack and Ruth Sellars.

Mark was an avid outdoorsman who loved nothing more than to spend the day bicycling the Fairfield Loop Trail, hiking at Jefferson County Park or just enjoying his backyard and his vegetable garden. He carried on his grandmother Hall’s tradition making pickles with her recipe and his cucumbers.

Mark was employed by the Walmart Distribution Warehouse in Mt. Pleasant and was recognized for his 35 years of service. He had also worked at Hy-Vee and for his father at Fairfield Industrial Supply.

He is survived by his sisters Sue Hall and Maggi (Jim) Manning, both of Dallas Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Robert.

Online condolences may be made to Mark’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

James “Jamie” Schultz

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at 4:37 pm CDT

James “Jamie” W. Schultz, 68, of Burlington, died Monday, February 2, 2026 at his home.  He was born January 24, 1958 in Galesburg, Illinois to Rodney E. Sr. and Jacqueline E. Kuhl Schultz.  He was of the Methodist faith.

He took auto body classes at Carl Sandberg College in Galesburg and worked as a truckdriver for Cessford and did concrete work for Carl A. Nelson Company and Raymond Smith Construction.  Jamie enjoyed music and art; mowing; walking the dogs; and when it snowed, he plowed the entire neighborhood.  He was the type of man who would pull over to check on someone, even in the rain.  Despite everything against him, he was fiercely independent.  If you knew Jamie, you were a lucky person.  He was a devoted father and Dog Grandpa to Kali and Capri.

Jamie is survived by his son Hunter (Mikayla) James Schultz; sister Patty (Will) Miner of Oquawka, Illinois; brother Rodney Schultz of Burlington; step-father Albert Keever of Oquawka; step-sisters Becky Kelly and Brenda Lox; step-brother Bruce Keever; and his two ex-wives Karen and Susan, whom he remained close with.  He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Megan Danielle Schultz; sister Kathy C. Schultz-Hillier; and half-brother John Reeder.

According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 28th from 2pm-4pm at the Moose Lodge, 2529 Mt. Pleasant Street, Burlington, Iowa.

Memorials may be sent to Hunter Schultz at 606 N. Gunnison Street, Burlington, Iowa 52601. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottchapel.com.

Sheryl Ann (Sommerfeld) Carhoff

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at 10:31 am CDT

Sheryl Ann (Sommerfeld) Carhoff, 71, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of the Mount Pleasant community passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Sheryl was born on May 6, 1954, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Paul F. and Virginia (Lane) Sommerfeld. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and went to further her education at Southeastern Community College graduating with a degree in Nursing.  Sheryl was united in marriage to John Carhoff in August of 2011, at the Trenton United Methodist Church. Sheryl worked at the Burlington Hospital and the Hospital in Lincoln Nebraska.  She retired from Home Health Care.   She enjoyed crafting, gardening and her flowers, shopping and traveling.  

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her husband, John Carhoff, of Cedar Rapids, her sister, Charlotte (Steve) Zihlman of Mount Pleasant and her brother, Richard (Lynne) Sommerfeld of Alamo, Texas, and several nieces and nephews, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marilyn Carhoff, William (Becky) Carhoff, James (Vickie) Carhoff, Rebecca (Greg) Smith, Naomi (Steve) Lipper and Suellen Schleisman.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents, her twin sister, Sharon Kay Hazen, and two brothers-in-law, Robert Carhoff and Brent Schleisman.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Richwood Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant with Reverend Jeffrey McPheron officiating.  Following the graveside service the family will receive friends at the Trenton United Methodist Church for a time of food and fellowship. A memorial has been established in her memory.  

The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Sheryl.  

 Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Henry County Supervisors Call a Special Election to Fill County Attorney Vacancy

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, February 20th, 2026 at 11:42 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors has voted to hold a special election to fill the vacancy in the office of County Attorney.

At their meeting this morning at the Henry County Courthouse, Supervisors approved the measure on a 2-to-1 vote, with Supervisor Steve Detrick casting the lone dissenting vote.

The Henry County Auditor’s Office will publish the official date of the special election on Monday.

Individuals interested in running for the position must file their intention to run along with a petition containing at least 50 valid signatures.

Currently, two individuals have publicly indicated their intent to seek the position: Becky Wilson and Abbie Liechty.

Additional details, including filing deadlines and election logistics, are expected to be released with the publication of the special election notice. KILJ will be sure to keep you informed as we move forward in this process.