Author: Kadie Johannson

Two people were injured Monday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of Main Street and McKinley Avenue in Keokuk.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 1:14 p.m. on Monday, June 29.

Investigators say a 2012 Jeep Patriot was stopped at the intersection of McKinley Avenue and Main Street, attempting to turn west onto Main Street. As the Jeep entered the intersection, it was struck by an eastbound 2012 Nissan Rogue traveling on Main Street.

Following the initial collision, both vehicles came to rest in the westbound lane of Main Street just east of McKinley Avenue. A westbound 2005 Dodge Ram, driven by Jan E. Snodgrass, 76, of Keokuk, attempted to stop but was unable to avoid the crash and struck the Nissan.

The drivers of the Jeep and Nissan, whose names have not been released, were both injured. One was transported by MedForce helicopter to University of Iowa Health Care, while the other was flown by Air Evac to the same hospital.

All three vehicles sustained disabling damage and were towed from the scene by Rairden’s Towing.

The Iowa State Patrol investigated the crash and was assisted by the Keokuk Police and Fire Departments, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County EMS and 911, Hancock County, Illinois Ambulance Service, Air Evac, and MedForce.

Families in Henry County and surrounding areas may qualify for free lead paint inspections and removal services through a grant administered by the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission.

The Lead Hazard Reduction Program is available to eligible households in Des Moines, Henry, Lee and Louisa counties. The program helps identify and remove lead-based paint hazards in homes built before 1978.

Lead exposure can pose serious health risks, especially for children under the age of five and pregnant women. Even small amounts of lead can contribute to learning and behavioral problems, slowed growth and other long-term health concerns.

The program is available to both homeowners and renters who have children five years old or younger living in or regularly visiting the home, or for households with a pregnant woman. Income guidelines also apply.

Lead hazards are commonly found in peeling or chipping paint, lead dust from painted windows and doors, and painted surfaces in older homes.

Jack Swarm with the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission and the Lead Hazard Reduction Program explained to KILJ the process:

Residents interested in learning more or applying for the program can contact the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission by calling 319-753-5107 or visiting the SEIRPC office at 211 North Gear Avenue in West Burlington.

Additional information is available by contacting SEIRPC directly. Information about eligibility, qualifying income limits, and contact details can also be found here.

Full interview with Jack Swarm from SEIRPC:

A Virginia man is facing multiple charges after a traffic stop in Henry County last week.

According to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 6 p.m. on June 25, a deputy observed a green Toyota Tacoma traveling north on Highway 218 near 195th Street at 80 miles per hour.

While attempting to catch up to the pickup, the Sheriff’s Office received a driving complaint matching the vehicle’s description. The caller reported the truck was speeding and unable to maintain its lane, observations that were later confirmed by the deputy.

The vehicle was stopped near 105th Street on Highway 218. Deputies say the driver, 48-year-old Jeffery White Owl of Suffolk, Virginia, showed signs of alcohol impairment during the traffic stop.

Following an investigation, White Owl was arrested and charged with Operating While Intoxicated, First Offense, a serious misdemeanor. He was also cited for speeding between 16 and 20 miles per hour over the posted limit and for possessing an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.

A Burlington home sustained significant damage Monday morning in a fire that investigators say was caused by an unattended stove.

The Burlington Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 8:50 a.m. to a home at 1228 Smith Street after a passerby reported the structure on fire. Firefighters arrived within four minutes and found heavy smoke coming from the two-story residence.

The home’s occupant escaped safely before firefighters arrived, and no injuries were reported to the resident or emergency personnel.

Firefighters rescued three kittens and one adult cat from the home, while several other cats escaped on their own. However, four chinchillas died due to smoke inhalation.

According to the Burlington Fire Department, investigators found there were no working smoke alarms inside the residence.

The fire has been ruled accidental, with the cause determined to be an unattended stove.

The Burlington Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Burlington Police Department, DESCOM, Alliant Energy, the West Burlington Fire Department, and the American Red Cross.

As Independence Day celebrations approach, Henry County and the City of Mount Pleasant are reminding residents to celebrate safely and follow Iowa’s fireworks laws.

Under Iowa law, consumer fireworks may be used from June 1 through July 8. Fireworks are only permitted on private property owned by the user or with the property owner’s permission. They are not allowed on public property, including streets and parks, and users must be at least 18 years old or be supervised by a parent or guardian.

In Henry County, fireworks may be used daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. through July 8, with extended hours until 11 p.m. on July 4 and July 5. The Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that cities may have more restrictive ordinances, so those living within city limits should check their local regulations before using fireworks.

In Mount Pleasant, consumer fireworks may be used from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Friday, July 3. Extended holiday hours allow fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5. On Monday, July 6, permitted hours return to 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Violations of the city’s fireworks ordinance may result in fines ranging from $50 to $500.

Officials encourage residents to be considerate of neighbors, pets, veterans, and others who may be sensitive to loud noises. They also recommend keeping fireworks away from homes, dry grass, and other combustible materials, having a water source nearby, closely supervising children, and never using fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Anyone with a fireworks complaint in unincorporated Henry County is asked to call the Henry County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 319-385-2712, rather than 911, so emergency lines remain available for urgent situations. Residents should call 911 immediately if a fire or other emergency occurs.

City and county officials also remind residents to clean up fireworks debris and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the U.S.A.