Mark A. Hall

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at 5:06 pm CDT

Mark Alan Hall, 67, a lifelong resident of Fairfield, Iowa passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Graveside services celebrating his life will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield with Rev. Al Coffin officiating. Memorials may be made to the National MS Society or Jefferson County Park for the trail system. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Mark was born August 9, 1958, the son of William H. “Bill” and Oral E. (Carter) Hall. Mark was the nephew to Jack and Ruth Sellars.

Mark was an avid outdoorsman who loved nothing more than to spend the day bicycling the Fairfield Loop Trail, hiking at Jefferson County Park or just enjoying his backyard and his vegetable garden. He carried on his grandmother Hall’s tradition making pickles with her recipe and his cucumbers.

Mark was employed by the Walmart Distribution Warehouse in Mt. Pleasant and was recognized for his 35 years of service. He had also worked at Hy-Vee and for his father at Fairfield Industrial Supply.

He is survived by his sisters Sue Hall and Maggi (Jim) Manning, both of Dallas Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Robert.

Online condolences may be made to Mark’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

James “Jamie” Schultz

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at 4:37 pm CDT

James “Jamie” W. Schultz, 68, of Burlington, died Monday, February 2, 2026 at his home.  He was born January 24, 1958 in Galesburg, Illinois to Rodney E. Sr. and Jacqueline E. Kuhl Schultz.  He was of the Methodist faith.

He took auto body classes at Carl Sandberg College in Galesburg and worked as a truckdriver for Cessford and did concrete work for Carl A. Nelson Company and Raymond Smith Construction.  Jamie enjoyed music and art; mowing; walking the dogs; and when it snowed, he plowed the entire neighborhood.  He was the type of man who would pull over to check on someone, even in the rain.  Despite everything against him, he was fiercely independent.  If you knew Jamie, you were a lucky person.  He was a devoted father and Dog Grandpa to Kali and Capri.

Jamie is survived by his son Hunter (Mikayla) James Schultz; sister Patty (Will) Miner of Oquawka, Illinois; brother Rodney Schultz of Burlington; step-father Albert Keever of Oquawka; step-sisters Becky Kelly and Brenda Lox; step-brother Bruce Keever; and his two ex-wives Karen and Susan, whom he remained close with.  He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Megan Danielle Schultz; sister Kathy C. Schultz-Hillier; and half-brother John Reeder.

According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 28th from 2pm-4pm at the Moose Lodge, 2529 Mt. Pleasant Street, Burlington, Iowa.

Memorials may be sent to Hunter Schultz at 606 N. Gunnison Street, Burlington, Iowa 52601. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottchapel.com.

Sheryl Ann (Sommerfeld) Carhoff

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at 10:31 am CDT

Sheryl Ann (Sommerfeld) Carhoff, 71, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of the Mount Pleasant community passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Sheryl was born on May 6, 1954, in Mount Pleasant, the daughter of Paul F. and Virginia (Lane) Sommerfeld. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and went to further her education at Southeastern Community College graduating with a degree in Nursing.  Sheryl was united in marriage to John Carhoff in August of 2011, at the Trenton United Methodist Church. Sheryl worked at the Burlington Hospital and the Hospital in Lincoln Nebraska.  She retired from Home Health Care.   She enjoyed crafting, gardening and her flowers, shopping and traveling.  

Those thankful for sharing in her life include her husband, John Carhoff, of Cedar Rapids, her sister, Charlotte (Steve) Zihlman of Mount Pleasant and her brother, Richard (Lynne) Sommerfeld of Alamo, Texas, and several nieces and nephews, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marilyn Carhoff, William (Becky) Carhoff, James (Vickie) Carhoff, Rebecca (Greg) Smith, Naomi (Steve) Lipper and Suellen Schleisman.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents, her twin sister, Sharon Kay Hazen, and two brothers-in-law, Robert Carhoff and Brent Schleisman.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Richwood Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant with Reverend Jeffrey McPheron officiating.  Following the graveside service the family will receive friends at the Trenton United Methodist Church for a time of food and fellowship. A memorial has been established in her memory.  

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

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

Henry County Supervisors Call a Special Election to Fill County Attorney Vacancy

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, February 20th, 2026 at 11:42 am CDT

The Henry County Board of Supervisors has voted to hold a special election to fill the vacancy in the office of County Attorney.

At their meeting this morning at the Henry County Courthouse, Supervisors approved the measure on a 2-to-1 vote, with Supervisor Steve Detrick casting the lone dissenting vote.

The Henry County Auditor’s Office will publish the official date of the special election on Monday.

Individuals interested in running for the position must file their intention to run along with a petition containing at least 50 valid signatures.

Currently, two individuals have publicly indicated their intent to seek the position: Becky Wilson and Abbie Liechty.

Additional details, including filing deadlines and election logistics, are expected to be released with the publication of the special election notice. KILJ will be sure to keep you informed as we move forward in this process.

Multiple Agencies Respond to Structure Fire in Rural Louisa County Wednesday Afternoon

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, February 20th, 2026 at 8:02 am CDT

The Wapello Fire and Rescue responded to a structure fire Wednesday afternoon in rural Louisa County.

At approximately 1:00 p.m. on February 18th, crews were dispatched to the 8600 block of 172nd Street for a reported fire within the walls of a structure. Wapello Fire and Rescue responded with Tower 112, Engine 113, Brush 118, and Brush 115. Automatic aid was simultaneously requested from the Grandview Fire Department, and the Fruitland Fire Department was also called in to assist.

Upon arrival, firefighters made entry into the structure and located smoldering insulation inside the walls. Interior crews worked to extinguish the fire, while exterior crews addressed several spot fires that ignited after airborne embers set combustible materials on fire around the property.

Tower 112 was used to apply water to multiple areas of the structure where materials were smoldering at various levels. Crews remained on scene until 4:39 p.m., and all apparatus were returned to service by 5:40 p.m. after being prepared for the next call. A total of nine Wapello firefighters responded to the incident. There were no reported injuries to firefighters or occupants.

Assisting at the scene were the Grandview and Fruitland Fire Departments, along with the Louisa County Ambulance Service and the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office.

Arkansas Man Arrested in Burlington on Multiple Charges After Leading Deputies on Vehicle and Foot Pursuit

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, February 20th, 2026 at 7:57 am CDT

The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office reports a Luxora, Arkansas man is facing multiple charges following a vehicle pursuit Wednesday night in Burlington.

According to a press release from the Sheriff Kevin Glendening, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle for equipment and moving violations around 9:04 p.m. near Division and South 8th Streets. Authorities say the driver accelerated and attempted to elude deputies, who were pursuing with emergency lights and sirens activated. During the chase, the vehicle reportedly reached speeds more than 25 miles per hour over the posted limit.

The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle pulled into an apartment complex in the 300 block of Angular Street. The driver then exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Deputies pursued and apprehended the suspect after a short foot chase.

The driver was identified as Terence Jay Gordon, 33, of Luxora, Arkansas. Deputies say Gordon was found in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, and an open container of alcohol was located inside the vehicle.

Gordon was arrested and charged with:

  • failure to obey a stop sign
  • improper rear lamps, open container
  • no valid driver’s license
  • eluding
  • interference with official acts
  • two counts of possession of a controlled substance

Authorities also report he had outstanding warrants for escape from custody and failure to appear on a driving under suspension charge. He was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.

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

Local Sunday School Class Raises $1,150 for The Fellowship Cup Food Pantry

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 4:32 pm CDT

A local church class is making a meaningful impact in the Mount Pleasant community.

The Three-0 ~ Five-0 Class at the First United Methodist Church recently hosted a soup luncheon fundraiser to support area families in need. The event raised $1,150, which will go directly toward supporting the food pantry at The Fellowship Cup.

Ken Brown, director of The Fellowship Cup, accepted the donation on behalf of the organization. Presenting the check was class representative Jason Smith.

The funds will help stock pantry shelves and provide food assistance to individuals and families throughout the community. Organizers say they appreciate the generous support from those who attended the luncheon and contributed to the cause.

Sam Riepe Announces Candidacy for Henry County Supervisor

By Kadie Johannson · Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 3:52 pm CDT

In a press release sent to KILJ News today, February 19, 2026, Mount Pleasant resident Sam Riepe announced his intention to run for the open seat on the Henry County Board of Supervisors.

Here is Mr. Riepe’s letter:

“This is to advise that I am a candidate for the Henry County Board of Supervisors. The election is November 3, 2026. I am a registered Democrat.

I am 55 years old and a resident of Mt Pleasant. I greatly value our communities and wish to contribute to the well-being of Henry County through public service.

I believe I have life experiences that will contribute to the work of the Board and the County. I have been a small business owner for the past ten years, and served on many local boards and organizations, including Main Street Mt Pleasant, Iowa WINs, All God’s Creatures and its predecessor The Vintage Raven Kitten Haven, which was founded by my wife Jen.

Henry County is my home and as a small business owner I appreciate the important role of local government in our daily lives. Communication, cooperation and trust among our government agencies is vital.

Teamwork with community partners such as the Chamber Alliance, Planning Commission, social services and city and township leadership builds a healthy work and home environment for our citizens.

I firmly believe the best decisions by public officials are made with frank, transparent exchange among those having an interest in issues regarding our county.

In the coming months, I hope to hear from as many citizens as possible. Thank you for your attention. I can be reached via text or phone at 512.983.7770.”

The deadline to file your intention to run for office in the November 2026 General Election is Friday, March 20 at 5 p.m. On the ballot for county openings in Henry County:

  • County Attorney
  • County Treasurer
  • County Recorder
  • Board of Supervisors – 1 seat