Author: Kadie Johannson

On Monday, February 9, 2026, at approximately 3:55pm, the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 24000 block of Highway 34 for a motor vehicle accident involving injuries. During the investigation, it was determined that a construction worker was struck by a motor vehicle.

The victim was airlifted from the scene by MercyOne. The extent of the victim’s injuries is unknown at this time.

The names of the driver and the victim are being withheld pending notification. More information will be released at a later time.

The Wapello County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Blakesburg Fire & Rescue, ORMICS, MercyOne, and Wapello County Emergency Management.

With temperatures warming up this week, ice conditions at many Iowa lakes are changing quickly. DNR conservation officers urge caution as conditions for ice- related activities, such as fishing and OHV riding, deteriorate.

“Ice conditions have been changing by the day, and even by the hour in some places,” said Craig Cutts, Iowa DNR Law Enforcement Bureau Chief.

Lack of snow cover, which typically slows winter ice melt even on slightly warmer days, means sunshine and warm temps will cause the ice to crack and contract, making ice unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

According to Cutts, when there is no snow cover, areas closest to the bank of the lake will become dangerous first. “This is where you can go through quickly, so be sure and check ice thickness every step of the way.”

Use caution if heading out and keep plenty of distance from open water. The standard safety practices of checking ice thickness frequently, and including a life jacket, throwable floatation and 50 feet of rope with your fishing equipment is encouraged.

“We emphasize that ice thickness varies on each body of water. It’s a good reminder that no ice is 100 percent safe – and to trust your instincts – if it doesn’t look right, stay off,” Cutts said

A traffic stop early Saturday morning in Washington resulted in an arrest on multiple charges, according to the Washington Police Department.

Officers conducted a serious traffic stop at approximately 1:43 a.m. on February 7, 2026, at the intersection of East Third Street and North 12th Avenue.

During the stop, police arrested Stanley Ray Butterbaugh Jr., 23, listed as homeless. Authorities say Butterbaugh was charged with driving while license suspended, with five prior suspensions.

Police also report Butterbaugh faces two counts of first-degree harassment and contempt of court for violating a no-contact or protection order. In addition, warrant paperwork connected to the incident has been submitted for judicial review.

No further details have been released at this time. The incident remains under investigation.

Mount Pleasant residents are being advised that recent contacts from Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities regarding water meters are legitimate.

Municipal Utilities is currently upgrading its water metering system and is installing new water meter radios across the community. The upgrades allow for remote meter readings, improved accuracy, and quicker detection of potential water leaks.

As part of the project, utility staff may contact customers directly, leave notices on doors, or visit residences to schedule installation. Officials stress that these visits are not a scam and are part of an authorized utility project.

There is no cost to customers for the upgrade, and any service interruption will be minimal or, in most cases, none at all.

Municipal Utilities thanks residents for their cooperation as the work continues and encourages customers with questions to contact Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities directly at (319) 385-2121.

Important Notice: Water Meter Upgrade in Your Area.

Dear Valued Customer,
Mt Pleasant Municipal Utilities is currently in the process of upgrading our water metering system to better serve our community.
As part of this upgrade, we will be installing water meter radios. These new radios allow for real-time remote meter readings, which improves accuracy and enables us to better monitor water usage. This technology also helps identify potential water leaks more quickly, giving customers greater insight into their water consumption.
We are now scheduling appointments for these installations. Our staff may contact you directly, leave notices on your door, or visit your residence to coordinate the installation. The process is automated, accurate, and designed to be efficient.
There is no cost to customers for this upgrade, and service interruption will be minimal or, in most cases, none.
We appreciate your cooperation as we work to improve our system and provide better service to our customers. Thank you for your continued support of Mt Pleasant Municipal Utilities.

Sincerely,
Mt Pleasant Municipal Utilities

Three people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon near Montrose, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the crash at approximately 2:17 p.m. on February 9, 2026, at the intersection of Highway 61 and 255th Street, just north of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say all three individuals involved in the crash were from outside the area and sustained injuries.

Due to the nature of the incident, Highway 61 was temporarily shut down to allow first responders to safely manage the scene and to permit both MedForce and Air Evac medical helicopters to land on the roadway. The highway was later reopened once the scene was deemed safe for travel.

The Sheriff’s Office noted the incident highlighted strong coordination among local and regional emergency agencies, with the scene processed quickly and efficiently.

Agencies assisting at the scene included the Fort Madison Fire Department, Montrose Fire Department, Des Moines Township Fire Department, Rairden’s Towing, Dunkin Towing, Lee County EMS, LeeComm, the Iowa Department of Transportation, and area law enforcement personnel.

Officials thanked the public for their patience and cooperation during the temporary road closure. The crash remains under investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.