Author: Kadie Johannson

The Wapello Fire and Rescue responded to a structure fire Wednesday afternoon in rural Louisa County.

At approximately 1:00 p.m. on February 18th, crews were dispatched to the 8600 block of 172nd Street for a reported fire within the walls of a structure. Wapello Fire and Rescue responded with Tower 112, Engine 113, Brush 118, and Brush 115. Automatic aid was simultaneously requested from the Grandview Fire Department, and the Fruitland Fire Department was also called in to assist.

Upon arrival, firefighters made entry into the structure and located smoldering insulation inside the walls. Interior crews worked to extinguish the fire, while exterior crews addressed several spot fires that ignited after airborne embers set combustible materials on fire around the property.

Tower 112 was used to apply water to multiple areas of the structure where materials were smoldering at various levels. Crews remained on scene until 4:39 p.m., and all apparatus were returned to service by 5:40 p.m. after being prepared for the next call. A total of nine Wapello firefighters responded to the incident. There were no reported injuries to firefighters or occupants.

Assisting at the scene were the Grandview and Fruitland Fire Departments, along with the Louisa County Ambulance Service and the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office.

The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office reports a Luxora, Arkansas man is facing multiple charges following a vehicle pursuit Wednesday night in Burlington.

According to a press release from the Sheriff Kevin Glendening, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle for equipment and moving violations around 9:04 p.m. near Division and South 8th Streets. Authorities say the driver accelerated and attempted to elude deputies, who were pursuing with emergency lights and sirens activated. During the chase, the vehicle reportedly reached speeds more than 25 miles per hour over the posted limit.

The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle pulled into an apartment complex in the 300 block of Angular Street. The driver then exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Deputies pursued and apprehended the suspect after a short foot chase.

The driver was identified as Terence Jay Gordon, 33, of Luxora, Arkansas. Deputies say Gordon was found in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, and an open container of alcohol was located inside the vehicle.

Gordon was arrested and charged with:

• failure to obey a stop sign
• improper rear lamps, open container
• no valid driver’s license
• eluding
• interference with official acts
• two counts of possession of a controlled substance

Authorities also report he had outstanding warrants for escape from custody and failure to appear on a driving under suspension charge. He was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.

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

In a press release sent to KILJ News today, February 19, 2026, Mount Pleasant resident Sam Riepe announced his intention to run for the open seat on the Henry County Board of Supervisors.

Here is Mr. Riepe’s letter:

“This is to advise that I am a candidate for the Henry County Board of Supervisors. The election is November 3, 2026. I am a registered Democrat.

I am 55 years old and a resident of Mt Pleasant. I greatly value our communities and wish to contribute to the well-being of Henry County through public service.

I believe I have life experiences that will contribute to the work of the Board and the County. I have been a small business owner for the past ten years, and served on many local boards and organizations, including Main Street Mt Pleasant, Iowa WINs, All God’s Creatures and its predecessor The Vintage Raven Kitten Haven, which was founded by my wife Jen.

Henry County is my home and as a small business owner I appreciate the important role of local government in our daily lives. Communication, cooperation and trust among our government agencies is vital.

Teamwork with community partners such as the Chamber Alliance, Planning Commission, social services and city and township leadership builds a healthy work and home environment for our citizens.

I firmly believe the best decisions by public officials are made with frank, transparent exchange among those having an interest in issues regarding our county.

In the coming months, I hope to hear from as many citizens as possible. Thank you for your attention. I can be reached via text or phone at 512.983.7770.”

The deadline to file your intention to run for office in the November 2026 General Election is Friday, March 20 at 5 p.m. On the ballot for county openings in Henry County:

• County Attorney
• County Treasurer
• County Recorder
• Board of Supervisors – 1 seat

Women involved in agriculture across southeast Iowa are invited to gather next month for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration in Washington.

“Beyond the Fields” is the theme of the 2026 Women in Agriculture Conference, set for March 21, 2026 at the Jim and Evelyn Eash Banquet Room at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Washington.

The event is hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Washington County, along with the Washington County Women in Agriculture Advisory Board.

Organizers say this year’s conference is designed to equip attendees with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and inspiring stories from women shaping agriculture today.

Rebecca Vittetoe, ISU Extension field agronomist and advisory board member, says organizers are looking forward to the eighth annual conference and have assembled a strong lineup of speakers to help participants truly think “beyond the fields.”

Sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including beginning farm programs with representatives from the Farm Service Agency and the Iowa Finance Authority; estate and succession planning with Kristine Tidgren of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University; building a farm-based brand with Ashley Recknor of Purple Ribbon Beef; communication styles through the Real Colors® framework; and a personal look at farm life from Joan Maxwell of Cinnamon Ridge Farms.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the program running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The conference is open to all. Cost is $25, or $15 for students, and includes a light breakfast and lunch. The early registration deadline is March 14th. After that date, fees increase to $35, or $25 for students, with late and walk-in registrations accepted as space allows.

To register or learn more, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County office at 319-653-4811 or register online. Early registration is encouraged.

The conference is made possible through support from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Azariah and Martha Foster Heritage Endowment, Hills Bank, and other local sponsors.

Iowa farm families with deep roots are invited to be part of a special America250 celebration this year.

Mike Naig is encouraging eligible landowners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

The program, created in partnership with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, honors families who have owned their farms for 100 years as Century Farms and 150 years as Heritage Farms.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Century Farm Program and the 20th anniversary of the Heritage Farm Program. Since the programs began, more than 21,000 Century Farms and 2,000 Heritage Farms across Iowa have been recognized.

Families honored in 2026 will receive a certificate featuring a special America250 seal and will be recognized during a ceremony August 20th in the Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair.

To qualify for 2026 recognition, completed applications must be postmarked or received by June 1st. Applications are available on the Department’s website or by contacting the Century and Heritage Farm Program coordinator at the Department’s office in Des Moines.

According to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 1:00 p.m. on February 13, 2026 to a report of a burglary at a residence in the 100 block of East Oak Street in Milton.

Investigators say a locked door had been forced open and a firearm was taken from the home.

Later that same day, at approximately 5:00 p.m., deputies took Jagger W. Crees, 18, into custody at a residence in the 200 block of North Iowa Street. During the arrest, authorities recovered the stolen firearm.

Crees has been charged with Burglary in the Second Degree and Making a False Report to Law Enforcement.

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