Author: Kadie Johannson

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office reports a Niota, Illinois man was arrested early Sunday morning after allegedly driving the wrong way on Highway 34.

According to Sheriff Rich McNamee, deputies were dispatched at approximately 2:10 a.m. on February 22, 2026 after receiving reports of an SUV traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Highway 34. Henry County Dispatch received multiple 911 calls throughout the incident, with callers providing updated location information on the vehicle.

Deputies located the SUV still traveling in the incorrect lanes and conducted a traffic stop near mile marker 239. Authorities say the vehicle was brought to a safe stop without further incident.

Following an investigation, deputies determined Chad Hohenthaner, 54, of Niota, Illinois, was operating the vehicle on the wrong side of the two-way highway. Hohenthaner was arrested and transported to the Henry County Jail.

He has been charged with Operating While Intoxicated, First Offense, a serious misdemeanor, along with Open Container and Driving on the Wrong Side of a Two-Way Highway, both scheduled violations.

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

Attorney Becky Wilson has announced her plans to appear on the ballot for Henry County Attorney, according to a recent press release to KILJ. In the release, Wilson details her legal experience and explains why she believes she is well-qualified for the position.

Attorney Wilson explains she has a total of 17 years of legal experience, consisting of 7 years as a National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) certified paralegal and 10 years as a practicing attorney in Iowa. She has practiced many areas of law; bankruptcy, family, personal injury, criminal defense, probate, child in need of assistance, guardianships, juvenile delinquencies, and more.

She grew up in small-town Iowa and now lives in Winfield. She and her husband have been married 37 years and have three sons and two grandchildren. Her husband is pastor of the Winfield Open Bible Church.

In a statement, she said she believes Henry County deserves a prosecutor who can restore public trust and place the interests of the community first.

Wilson says she welcomes opportunities to speak with local organizations and voters ahead of the election.

You can view her letter announcing her candidacy in its entirety here.

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office has released details surrounding an early Sunday morning investigation in Keosauqua.

According to Sheriff Brad Hudson, at approximately 4:30 a.m. on February 22, a deputy responded to a report of a stolen vehicle and a possible missing person.

The reporting party told authorities her boyfriend had taken her car to Tillie’s Bar earlier in the night and had not returned home. She later learned from individuals at the bar that an unknown male had loaded her intoxicated boyfriend into her vehicle and driven away.

At approximately 5:30 a.m., the vehicle was located near Hotel Manning in downtown Keosauqua. Both male subjects were found in the immediate area.

Trenton A. Miller, 36, of Danville was arrested and charged with assault causing bodily injury.

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

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.

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. 

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.