Author: Kadie Johannson

A Burlington man is in custody following a traffic stop Tuesday night on Winegard Drive.

Burlington Police report that officers stopped Ethan Ehrhart, 25, at approximately 10:21 P.M. on January 20, 2026.

After discovering Ehrhart was driving on a suspended license, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun on his person. A K9 unit was called to the scene and alerted officers to the vehicle, where a small amount of methamphetamine was recovered.

Ehrhart was arrested and faces charges including: Possession of a Controlled Substance, Driving Under Suspension, and Ineligible Carry of a Dangerous Weapon.

He is currently being held at the Des Moines County Jail. As a reminder, a criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The Henry County Historic Preservation Commission met Wednesday, January 21, 2025 at the Henry County Heritage Center.

Commissioners in attendance included Chad Brousseau, Joel Garretson, Caroline Lehman, Jeff McPheron, and Judy Rawson. Also attending were Nancy Amos, Peggy Waters, and Cathy McCoy, who have expressed interest in joining the commission.

During the meeting, commissioners approved the minutes, agenda, and treasurer’s report. Members also discussed progress on the Henry County historic guidebook, with the goal of completing the project by this summer.

The commission reviewed its accomplishments from 2025 and set new goals for 2026 as part of its annual Certified Local Government (CLG) report. The CLG report is due in February and will be submitted to the Henry County Board of Supervisors for review and approval ahead of the March deadline.

Commissioners also noted that several terms were scheduled to expire in 2025. Those members will remain seated during the onboarding of new commissioners and until the historic guidebook project is completed.

The update was submitted by Commission Chair Joel Garretson.

A Van Buren County man has been sentenced to prison following a burglary investigation that began last year.

According to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy responded to a report of a burglary in progress on January 4, 2025 at a residence in the 1800 block of 160th Street in rural Birmingham.

Travis L. Gonterman, 50, was identified by the occupants as the suspect and was taken into custody later that evening at his residence in rural Kilbourne without incident. He was initially charged with first-degree burglary.

Court records show that on January 16, 2026 Gonterman was sentenced in Van Buren County District Court to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree burglary, a class C felony.

Authorities say Gonterman was already in the custody of the Iowa Department of Corrections on an unrelated conviction and will serve the sentences concurrently.

State legislators report a busy week of the 2026 legislative session as lawmakers move newly introduced bills through sub-committees and committees. Big topics discussed include property taxes, eminent domain, and energy reliability. Plus, it was 4H and FFA Day on the Hill.

Representative Taylor Collins serves House District 95. You can read his newsletter “Collins Capitol Connection” here. To reach Rep. Collins with any questions or concerns email taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov or call the Capitol Switchboard and leave a message at (515) 281-7340.

Representative Blaine Watkins serves House District 100. You can read his update on week two in “The Watkins Wire” here. Email blaine.watkins@legis.iowa.gov or call the Capitol Switchboard and leave a message (515) 281-7340.

Two people have been arrested following a narcotics investigation in West Burlington.

According to the West Burlington Police Department, the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant Tuesday morning around nine o’clock at a residence in the one-hundred block of Ballard Street. The warrant followed an ongoing investigation into suspected methamphetamine trafficking and other illegal narcotics at that location.

During the operation, officers identified sixty-year-old Mickel Anthony Simmons of West Burlington. Simmons was taken into custody and transported to the Des Moines County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including failure to appear on a prior methamphetamine charge, delivery of methamphetamine, and possession of controlled substances involving methamphetamine and marijuana.

Officers also arrested Christelle Denniston, who was booked into the Des Moines County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force was assisted by the West Burlington Police Department, the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Eighth Judicial District, and DESCOM.

Authorities say the operation is part of a broader effort to disrupt drug trafficking activity and improve community safety across the region.

All charges are accusations, and those charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Fairfield Police Department has announced that Joel Smith is serving as Interim Chief of Police following an unexpected loss of Chief David Thomas at the department.

In a statement, Smith said his focus during the interim period is maintaining stability and continuity for both the department and the community. He praised officers and staff for their professionalism and commitment, and thanked residents and community partners for their continued trust and support.

Smith said it is an honor to lead the department during this time.