Sandra “Sandie” Kay Clark

By Kadie Johannson · Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 at 6:16 am CDT

Sandra “Sandie” Kay Clark, 72 of Wayland, died Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Sandie was born April 16, 1953, in Davenport, IA, the daughter of Robert G. and Ella Louise (Crafton) Ritz. She graduated from the WACO class of 1971 and Southeastern Community College in 2006 with a degree in Business. She was married to John Eagle, and later divorced. In 1974 she was united in marriage to John R. Clark in Hamilton, IL.

Sandie was employed with Two Rivers Bank in Burlington and Mt. Pleasant, retiring in 2019 after 16 years of service. She was Employee of the Month in 2008 and Best Bank Representative in Henry County in 2019. Sandie enjoyed reading, traveling, and just being outside boating, planting flowers, feeding and watching birds, and camping when she was younger. One of her favorite things to do was try her luck at the casino.ino, SSS She also loved to watch and brag about her grandchildren’s sports, concerts, and musicals.

Survivors include her son, Shannon (Criss) Eagle, daughter, Joni (Bill) Huisenga; siblings, Brenda (Joe) Alliman and Connie (Wayne) Stafford; grandchildren Bodhi Eagle, Mitchell (Abigayle) Huisenga, Jaden Williams, Jonah Clark, Ella Huisenga, and Louden Huisenga, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, John.

A celebration of her life will be held later in the spring. Beatty-Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Memorials may be designated to Everystep Hospice of Mt Pleasant and Wayland Fire and Rescue and mailed to (Sandie Clark, P.O. Box 111, Wayland, Iowa 52654).

Sandra "Sandie" Kay Clark Profile Photo

Sandra Marie (Hotle) Hoguet

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 4:53 pm CDT

Sandra Marie (Hotle) Hoguet, 79, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully, December 1, 2025 at Parkview Care Center in Fairfield with her daughter by her side.

Sandra was born September 24, 1946 in Fairfield, the daughter of Walter “Shorty” and Helen (Oswalt) Hotle.

In her earlier years, Sandra was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, and was a talented piano player – often playing during Sunday worship services.

Sandra spent her final years at Logan Apartments in Fairfield, where she formed deep friendships with neighbors who became like family. She found joy in the simple acts of connection—sharing conversations, and supporting those around her.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents. She leaves behind her two children, Darcie (Kevin) Hoguet Clingan, and Todd Henderson; sisters, Becky Vogt and Dee Lane; and her brother, Bob Hotle; as well as many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Her loved ones will remember her for her deep love of her family and friends.

Per her wishes, there will be no services held at this time. Private burial will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family.

Online condolences may be made to Sandra’s family at www.behnerfh.com.

Holiday On Main Parade Postponed to Friday, December 5 Due to Extreme Cold

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 12:09 pm CDT

The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that the Holiday On Main Christmas Parade, originally scheduled for Thursday, December 4, has been postponed to Friday, December 5 due to the dangerously cold temperatures forecast for Thursday evening.

“All of the beloved parade traditions remain exactly the same,” said Erica Martin, Membership Director for the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce. “Same time, same lineup location, same festive magic – we simply want families, children, and participants to enjoy the evening safely.”

The parade will now take place on Friday, December 5, stepping off at 5:15 PM in downtown Mount Pleasant. Parade lineup will still begin at 4:15 PM behind the Mount Pleasant Public Library on Madison Street. The route will remain unchanged, traveling from Madison to Jefferson to Monroe, with the parade concluding in front of the Public Library.

“We appreciate everyone’s flexibility,” Martin added. “This event is a special tradition for our community, and we want to make sure everyone can enjoy it without the extreme weather.”

For more information, contact the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce at 319-385-3101 or visit the Chamber’s Facebook page for updates.

It is Giving Tuesday – December 2, 2025

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 12:07 pm CDT

It’s Giving Tuesday, a day that encourages generosity across communities here at home and around the world. Observed each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday is dedicated to supporting nonprofits, charities, and local organizations that rely on community donations to continue to do their work.

Many Southeast Iowa groups are taking part – from local food pantries and youth programs to animal shelters and service clubs. Even small contributions can make a big impact, especially as demand for services rises during the winter months.

Organizers remind the public that giving isn’t limited to money. Volunteering time, donating goods, or helping spread the word on social media all support the mission of Giving Tuesday.

Residents interested in participating can check with local organizations or visit their websites for ways to contribute. Just be aware about scams if you do choose to give online; make sure you’re donating to a legitimate non-profit on their vetted website.

On this Giving Tuesday, communities across Southeast Iowa are encouraged to lend a hand, give what they can, and help strengthen the organizations that support our region year-round.

Iowa 4H Foundation announces 2026 Scholarship Opportunities

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 12:00 pm CDT

The Iowa 4H Foundation announces the 2026 scholarship programs for 4H’ers attending or planning to attend college in the fall of 2026. The current scholarship program offers nearly 90 scholarships worth $100,000.

The various awards range in amounts from $500 – $5,000. Some of the scholarships are open to students pursuing any field of study, while others are open to those seeking specific degrees in various fields like agriculture, food and nutrition, ag business, animal science, and journalism. Former Iowa 4H’ers and current 4H’ers graduating from high school are eligible applicants.

Many of the scholarships will be awarded to students attending Iowa State University. Some scholarships are also available to students planning to attend another Iowa Regent University, Iowa private college, or Iowa community college.

There is an online application form to apply for all 90 scholarships. Recommendation letters are also done online. Visit iowa4hfoundation.org/scholarships for more information.

All applications must be completed online no later than Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Body Discovered in Parked Car at Fairfield Walmart

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 11:51 am CDT

Fairfield Police are investigating an unattended death after a body was found inside a vehicle at the Fairfield Walmart parking lot. Officers discovered the deceased on November 22, 2025 after Walmart requested a welfare check on a car that hadn’t moved for an extended period.

Fairfield Police Chief, David Thomas, says the individual was the sole occupant of the vehicle, and there is no threat to public safety or indication of a crime. The person’s identity is being withheld until family members are notified.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.

Harold W. Swailes

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 8:37 am CDT

Harold W. Swailes, 87, of Olds passed away at his home on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

Harold was born on June 4, 1938, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Arthur Thomas and Erma Frances (Brownell) Swailes. He graduated from Olds High School in 1956. Harold worked at the Spahn and Rose Lumber Yard in Olds and for several local farmers before he began working for the Henry County Secondary Roads Department as a road grader retiring in 2000 after 38 years. He enjoyed hunting and trapping. He always raised a large garden and was proud to give his produce to friends and family. Over the years he has fixed many bikes for the local kids in town. He enjoyed woodworking. Most Saturday nights you would find him at the car races. Harold enjoyed spending time with his friend’s drinking coffee at the Saint Avenue Stop and most importantly spending time with his family.

Those thankful for sharing in his life include his children, Artie (Cami) Swailes of Sioux City and Treasa Swailes of Washington, his daughter-in-law, Sherry Swailes of West Chester, and his grandchildren, Ryan, Chelsey, Kenny, Alixzandra, Gabrielle and William, his great grandchildren, Kayden, Kellyn, Kemsley, Carver, Trey, Berkley, Imari, Malachi, Sophya, Athena, Paul and Caleb, his brother, James (Madeline) Swailes of Mount Pleasant and his two sisters, Janice (Jack) Murphy of Lockridge and Betty Farley of Mount Pleasant along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Bruce Swailes, one grandson, Brandon Swailes, two great grandsons, Isaiah Swailes and Ryan Schafer and his brother, Robert Arthur Swailes.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant with Pastor Steve English officiating. Burial will follow in the Grant Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. that evening. Memorials may be directed to the Iowa SIDS Foundation or to Hospice Compassus in his memory.

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

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

UPDATE: Wrong Way Driver Shuts Down HWY 34 Westbound for Several Hours Early Monday Morning

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 4:35 pm CDT

KILJ has received updated information regarding a fatal overnight traffic accident on Highway 34 westbound near Middletown which shut down the westbound lanes of traffic for nearly 4 hours early Monday morning and re-routed traffic using ramps between Beaverdale and Old 34.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash occurred when an eastbound vehicle was traveling the wrong direction in the westbound lanes of Highway 34. At the 255-mile marker, that vehicle—a 2002 Chevy S10 truck—struck a westbound vehicle –a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The driver of Chevy was ejected from the vehicle.

According to the crash report, one fatality occurred and one injured person was transported to the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center. The names of those involved have not been released at this time.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Breuers Towing. Multiple agencies assisted at the scene including the Iowa State Patrol and the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office. The Iowa State Patrol says the crash remains under investigation.