Author: Kadie Johannson

Fort Madison Fire & Rescue responded yesterday, Thursday, around 4:15 p.m. to a structure fire at 1817 Avenue F after dispatch received a 911 call reporting smoke coming from the roof of the residence.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke coming from the home and active fire in the kitchen area with extension into the attic space.

Conditions at the time were snowy and extremely slick road conditions.

Crews made an interior attack to knock down the kitchen fire while additional firefighters worked from the exterior to address flames within the attic and roofline. As conditions deteriorated and portions of the roof began to sag, crews were withdrawn from the interior for safety and suppression continued from the exterior.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 5:15 p.m.

Utility crews from Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy responded to secure electrical and natural gas services.
One dog was safely removed from the residence prior to the fire department’s arrival by a passerby who noticed smoke coming from the home. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is believed to have originated in the kitchen, in a toaster located on the stovetop. The residence did not have active homeowner’s insurance.

Fire crews remained on scene into the evening performing overhaul and checking for hot spots. All units were cleared from the scene by 6:30 p.m.

Units responding included: 9400, 9411, 9415, 9442, 9454, and 9473, along with the Fort Madison Police Department, Lee County EMS, and LeeComm Dispatch.

Fort Madison Fire & Rescue would like to thank responding agencies, utility partners, and the members of the public for their assistance.

Holiday plants bring color and life to our homes during the winter months. From the scent of a fresh-cut Christmas tree to the bright bracts of poinsettias and the bold blooms of amaryllis, these plants are a big part of seasonal decor.

Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist at Iowa State University, offers care tips to keep holiday plants healthy and appealing throughout the holidays and beyond.

Keep cut trees watered
A fresh-cut Christmas tree is often the centerpiece of holiday decorating. When choosing a tree, look for green needles that bend easily and stay attached when you shake the branches. Before placing the tree in its stand, cut about half an inch off the base of the trunk. This helps the tree absorb water. Keep the stand filled with water at all times. A tree can absorb a gallon or more in the first day.

Additionally, place the tree away from fireplaces, radiators and sunny windows to prevent it from drying out too quickly. “Checking the water level daily is the most important thing you can do to keep your tree fresh,” said Steil.

Live wreaths stay fresh outdoors
Live wreaths are another holiday favorite. To keep them looking fresh, start with greenery that is not dry or losing its needles. “The ideal conditions for wreaths are moist and cool,” Steil noted.

In most cases, live wreaths will only last a week indoors before drying out; however, in outdoor winter temperatures, they can remain green for months. Keeping wreaths out of direct sunlight and heat can also further their longevity. Additionally, an anti-desiccant spray can help slow moisture loss, keeping them fresher for a longer period.

Don’t overwater poinsettias
Poinsettias are known for their colorful bracts and deep green leaves. They thrive in bright, indirect light and temperatures between 65 F and 75 F. Keep them away from drafts and heating vents to avoid leaf drop. Water them only when the top of the soil feels dry, and avoid letting the plants sit in water.

If your plant is wrapped in decorative foil, drain the excess water. “Most poinsettias do not need abundant watering through December,” said Steil. “Overwatering might be the number one reason why poinsettias die before the end of the year.”

Amaryllis makes an easy-to-care-for gift
Amaryllis bulbs produce large, showy flowers that brighten any space. Plant the bulb in a pot with the top third of the bulb above the soil. Water lightly until growth starts, then keep the soil moist. Next, place the pot in bright light so the stalk grows strong. “When growing in low light, the stalk may get quite tall and lean. By placing it in abundant light, flower stalks will stay shorter and are less likely to tip over,” mentioned Steil.

Waxed amaryllis bulbs have become popular for their convenience and ease. They require no soil or watering. Simply place the bulb in a bright location and enjoy the blooms. “Waxed bulbs are a great low-maintenance option, making them a great gift,” Steil said.
Save plants at the end of the holidays

After the holidays, don’t throw your holiday plants away. While poinsettias and waxed amaryllis bulbs are intended to be composted at the end of the season, they can be saved and even rebloom with the right care. After the flowers fade on amaryllis bulbs, cut the stalk, but leave the leaves. Continue watering and fertilizing to allow the bulb to store energy for next year. “Amaryllis can bloom year after year if you care for the bulb properly,” Steil explained.

Evergreen branches from wreaths and trees can also be composted or chipped for mulch. Trees can be set outside for the remainder of winter for birds and animals to use as shelter, or branches can be laid over perennial garden beds to provide additional protection from the cold. “With a little attention, holiday plants will stay fresh and add beauty to your celebrations,” said Steil.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Henry County office will be offering three opportunities to attend the Private Pesticide Applicator Continuing Instruction Course (P-CIC), led by Extension Field Agronomist, Virgil Schmidt.

The class is scheduled for Tuesday, December 23rd at 9:30am or 1:00pm at the Henry County Extension office. The course will be offered again on Tuesday, January 13th at 1:00pm at the Henry County Extension office.

Preregistration is required. Walk-ins on the day of the program will only be admitted if room allows. Please preregister online or call Henry County Extension at 319-385-8126 to register.

The course will run for approximately 2 ½ hours including check-in and breaks. The registration fee is $30. The course will fulfill 2025-2026 recertification requirements for private pesticide applicators.

Topics to be covered include:
• Personal protective equipment and safe handling
• Professionalism, Storage of pesticides, including chemical security
• Pests, pest management, and pesticides

To register or to obtain additional information about the P-CIC, contact the Henry County Extension office.

The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds, particularly across the northern two-thirds of Iowa. Outdoor ice enthusiasts are ready to get out ice fishing, snowmobiling, ice skating or fat-tire bike riding.

The DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of clear ice for fishing and at least five to seven inches for snowmobiles and ATVs. Larger off-road utility vehicles should wait for seven or more inches of clear ice.

Ice forms at different rates on each body of water depending upon the size and water depth. Once frozen, conditions change constantly and ice thickness can vary across the lake. Rocks, trees, docks or other things that poke through the ice will conduct heat and make the ice around it less stable. Trust your instincts – if the ice does not look right, don’t go out.

A blanket of snow on top of an ice-covered lake insulates the ice, slowing the growth of ice and hiding potential hazards or weak spots. River ice is 15 percent weaker than lake ice. Ice with a bluish color is safer than clear ice. Avoid slushy or honey-combed and stay away from dark spots on the ice. Don’t walk into areas where the snow cover looks discolored.

Safety Tips on the Ice:

• No ice is 100 percent safe.
• New ice is usually stronger than old ice.
• Don’t go out alone – if the worst should happen, someone will be there to call for help or to help rescue.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
• Check ice thickness as you go out – there could be pockets of thin ice or places where ice recently formed.
• Avoid off-colored snow or ice. It is usually a sign of weakness.
• The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process.
• Bring along these basic items to help keep you safe: hand warmers, ice cleats to help prevent falls, ice picks (wear around your neck) to help you crawl out of the water if you fall in, a spud bar, a life jacket, a floating safety rope, a whistle to call for help, a basic first aid kit and extra dry clothes including a pair of gloves.
• Use extreme caution when snowmobiling on ice. Snowmobiles can be difficult to steer and take a long time to stop with limited traction on ice. Slow down and avoid heavy braking.

On Tuesday, 12/9/25,  the Iowa Transportation Commission approved $9,752,043 in total funding for 28 separate projects from Iowa’s Traffic Safety Improvement Program. The program was created in 1987 for the purpose of increasing traffic safety on all of Iowa’s roadways. This funding is available for use on institutional, city, county, or state roads through an annual application process.

Two local cities will receive funding for their projects.

The City of Burlington will receive $500,000 for a roundabout on Division Street and West Burlington Avenue. The total project cost estimated at just over 1.4 million dollars.

The City of Fairfield will also benefit from the DOT Traffic Safety Improvement Program, receiving $212,630 for pedestrian improvements on Main Street and Burlington Avenue. Fairfield’s project is estimated at $373,000 for the full project.

The complete list of projects can be found on the Iowa DOT Traffic Safety Improvement Program web page or by visiting KILJ.com under the news tab.

Authorities say a man found dead near Snake Alley in Burlington on Sunday morning died of natural causes. At around 11:45 a.m., Craig “Doc” Patterson, 65, of Burlington, was found dead on the 600 block of Washington Street, according to the Burlington Police Department.

Emergency personnel and the Burlington Police Department had initially been called to the scene after receiving a report of an unresponsive man at the location. Patterson was pronounced dead at the scene. The preliminary investigation indicates that Patterson’s death was the result of medical event. No foul play is suspected.