Caroline K. Bailey

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 2:45 pm CDT

Caroline Kay Bailey, 82, of Keosauqua, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Country Lane Manor in Keosauqua. Our mom was born February 12, 1943 in Keosauqua to Kenneth Harold and Nola Jeanette (Hervey) Robbins.

Our mom was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bulls sports fan, enjoyed playing Bingo, fishing, horses, and her pets. In her younger years, she was a fantastic bowler, and along with the Bonadome ladies, played some serious fast pitch softball. In her later years, she enjoyed following her grandchildren’s sports games and coffee with her friends.

Those left to honor her memory include her sons, Ken (Nancy) Nelson of Franklin, Jason (Shelley) Nelson of West Point, Vince (Heather) Nelson of West Point, and Danny Bailey of Bloomfield; and 12 grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Verne Michael Bailey; brother, Kenneth Wayne Robbins; and sister, Connie Sue Robbins Singer.

Mom has been entrusted to Behner Funeral Home and Crematory in Fairfield for cremation. There will be no service at this time; a private graveside service will be held at a later date at Harness Cemetery in Mt. Sterling. Cards may be sent to the family at 203 Franklin Liberty St., West Point, Iowa 52656. Memorials will be made to Harness Cemetery or Every Step Hospice in Mt. Pleasant.

Recap of the 32nd Annual Music In Motion Show Choir Invitational

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 12:28 pm CDT

Christopher Jive and the Uptown 45 from West Branch captured the Grand Championship at the 32nd Annual Mount Pleasant Music in Motion Show Choir Invitational.

The invitational took place Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Mount Pleasant High School and featured a full day of performances from across the region. In total, nine middle school and eleven high school show choirs competed, with Mount Pleasant’s middle school and high school choirs performing in exhibition to close out the event.

You can hear more below as KILJ’s Shelbi Swinscoe got in on the action at Music in Motion:

 

Congratulations to the Mount Pleasant Music Department for putting together this massive invitational and thank you to all the parents, teachers, and volunteers that help make it happen year after year. This is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Mount Pleasant Music Department.

4A Division:
Crimson & Black: Fort Madison High School – First Place
Xuberance: Xavier High School – Second Place
Jubilation, Inc.: Benton Community High School – Third Place

3A Division:
Celebration Co.: Benton Community High School – First Place and Best Band
Voices Unlimited: West Liberty High School – Second Place
Swingspan: Fort Madison High School – Third Place and Best Represented Group
Summit Street Singers: Center Point-Urbana High – 4th Place
Sound Attraction: Williamsburg Jr/Sr High School – 5th Place
Purple Harmony: Keokuk High School – 6th Place
Outstanding Bass Soloist (Carter Killoren)

2A Division:
Christopher Jive and the Uptown 45: West Branch High School – First Place and Best Crew
CENTRifugAL Force: Central Lee High School – Second Place

Walmart Employee Arrested for Public Intoxication in Washington

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 12:20 pm CDT

A Washington man was arrested Thursday, February 5, 2026 for public intoxication at the Walmart Supercenter in Washington.

According to the Washington Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 9:46 p.m., after receiving a report of an intoxicated employee at the store.

Officers responded to the scene and subsequently arrested Michael Adair, 34, of Washington, for Public Intoxication. Adair was transported to the Washington County Jail. A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities Board Approves Contracts, Budget Changes in January Meeting

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 12:17 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities Board of Trustees held its regular meeting January 20, 2026 at the utility offices on North Adams Street.

The board approved minutes from its December meeting, along with more than one million dollars in bills and electronic payments. Trustees also approved the December Treasurer’s Report as presented.

Among major action items, the board approved a consulting contract with LEV Consulting and authorized a reallocation of 250-thousand dollars in the water capital budget. The funds were moved from the Well 7 drilling budget to the EDR stack upgrade project. EDR is a water cleaning process.

Trustees also approved a Veolia contract totaling more than 815-thousand dollars to replace EDR water treatment equipment.

Updates were provided on several ongoing projects, including the Cedar Lane Well 7 and water distribution project, advanced metering infrastructure installation, water treatment maintenance, and the Hoaglin Drive overhead-to-underground improvement project.

Utility managers reported three electric outages and one water main break during December. Crews also continue work on underground electric projects, automated metering infrastructure installations, and preparations for the Winfield Avenue Road project.

The next Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th, at 1 p.m. This meeting is open to the public.

Fort Madison Man Stabbed on Sunday Identified

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 12:14 pm CDT

On February 8, 2026, the Fort Madison Police Department was called to the 3033 Avenue J address in reference to a disturbance involving an agitated male. While officers were in route, LeeComm advised that a male subject had been stabbed.

Officers from the Fort Madison Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Madison Fire Department, and Lee County EMS responded to the scene. The male subject was stabilized on scene and transported to Southeast Iowa Regional Hospital in Fort Madison.

The male was identified as Jacob Haage, age 32, of Fort Madison.

The Fort Madison Police Department conducted an initial investigation, and at this time no suspects have been charged. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time.

Washington Man Arrested After Driving Into Parked Car

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 12:12 pm CDT

A Washington man was arrested following a two-vehicle traffic accident reported Sunday night in Washington.

According to the Washington Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 9:48 p.m. on February 8, 2026, for a reported two-vehicle accident in Washington. The crash involved a vehicle operated by Griffin Leeroy McDole, 25, of Washington, and a legally parked vehicle.

Washington Police, Washington Fire Department, Washington County EMS, and the Iowa State Patrol responded to the scene. No injuries requiring transport were reported.

Following an investigation, McDole was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated, First Offense, and was cited for Failure to Maintain Control. During the incident, officers also requested a call for service related to seized drugs.

As a result, McDole was additionally charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The incident remains under investigation. A criminal charge is an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash Under Investigation in Jefferson County

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 6:05 am CDT

Authorities are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred on Sunday, February 8, 2026 in Jefferson County.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash happened in the 1400 block of Germanville Road in Brighton. A 1990 Ford Mustang was traveling northbound on when the driver lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons. The vehicle left the roadway and struck an embankment.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, Ole A. Olson, 19, of Brighton, was pronounced dead due to injuries sustained in the crash. Olson was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.

The vehicle was towed from the scene by RPM Towing of Fairfield. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

The incident remains under investigation. The Iowa State Patrol was assisted at the scene by multiple agencies.

Kay Miller

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 5:46 am CDT

Kay A. Miller, 88, of New London, died Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Sunrise Terrace in Winfield.  She was born December 11, 1937 in Fairfield to Verdon Wm “Bill” and Beatrice Eloise Baker Thomes.  On July 5, 1957, she married Ronald F. Miller in Ft. Madison.  He died July 10, 2001.

Kay graduated from Dallas City, Illinois High School.  While working full time and raising four children, she completed her teaching degree at Iowa Wesleyan College.  She taught fifth grade in New London for twenty-seven years.

For many years, she and Ron traveled to flea markets to sell their collection of dignified junk and antiques.  She was an avid reader and a firm believer that you shouldn’t go anywhere without a book.  She enjoyed crossword puzzles and going out to eat with her family and friends, especially if that included pie!  She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.  She took her grandchildren on many educational adventures and loved attending Broadway shows with her daughters and granddaughter.

She was a member of Chapter EV, PEO; a former member of Delta Kappa Gamma; and the retired Henry County Teachers Association.  She attended Calvary Baptist Church.

Those thankful for sharing in Kay’s life are her children Mitch (Tammy) Miller of Davenport, Kirk (Deb) Miller of New London, Marcy Vantiger of Mt. Union and Missy (Alan) Fear of Olds; ten grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and her siblings Gary (Jean Ann) Thomes of Dallas City, Illinois and Jean (Hans) Rabong of West Burlington. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and son-in-law Joe Vantiger.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, February 16, 2026 at Elliott Chapel, New London, with Pastor Matt Yaley officiating.  Friends may call after 9:00 with the family greeting friends from 10:00 until the time of the service.  Burial next to her beloved husband, Ron, will follow at Long Creek Cemetery, rural Danville.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Sunrise Terrace Activity Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.