Alecia Clouse

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 3:54 pm CDT

Alecia Clouse, 80, of Mount Pleasant, died Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Alecia was born October 27, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of John and Mary Jane (Schwarz) Scallen. Alecia spent the first 39 years of her life in Detroit, where she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and Mary Grove College. On December 30, 1967, she married Ronald Clouse.

The couple made their home in Detroit and later spent four years in Angola, Indiana, before settling in Mount Pleasant, where they have resided for the past 37 years. Alecia operated a daycare for many years and later worked in the Stores Department at the Henry County Health Center. She was a devoted member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and sang in the church choir for many years. She was also a member of T.T.T. Chapter DD and Mount Pleasant Kiwanis. Alecia enjoyed collecting Angel figurines and gifted Angel pins to everyone she encountered.  Her dedication to community, family, and faith defined her life. Alecia will be remembered for her kindness, and caring spirit.

Alecia is survived by her husband Ron; daughter Kathleen Clouse Johnson of Mount Pleasant; two sons Kelly Clouse of St. Augustine, Florida, Thomas Clouse of Burlington; two granddaughters Chloe Clouse of Burlington, Kayla Johnson of Kirkwood, Illinois; and four great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Thomas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Fr. Ross Epping will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be at a later date in the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Monday, December 8, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory where the family will be present to greet friends from 4:00-6:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and Mount Pleasant Kiwanis.  The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for Alecia and her family. Condolences may be given to the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com

December Update from State Rep. Taylor Collins

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 10:32 am CDT

State Representative Taylor Collins has released his December update, highlighting several statewide initiatives as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming legislative session.

The Iowa Department of Education is seeking committee members to help revise the Social Studies Essential Elements Standards — guidelines used for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The committee will meet between January and March of 2026, and Iowa educators, parents, and community members are encouraged to apply.

Rep. Collins also outlined Iowa’s newly submitted $1 billion Rural Health Transformation Plan, part of a federal funding opportunity under the One Big Beautiful Bill. The plan, called Healthy Hometowns, focuses on boosting rural health care through expanded Centers of Excellence, increased cancer prevention efforts including radon testing, and improved EMS access such as mobile care units and telehealth support for maternal and neonatal emergencies. Federal decisions on funding are expected by the end of 2025.

Collins further highlighted Iowa’s continued efforts to combat human trafficking. In recent years, the state has increased penalties for traffickers, expanded victim protections, and closed legal loopholes to make prosecutions easier. Updated laws now impose life sentences for trafficking minors, require stronger victim support in court, and clarify that buyers of sex or labor can be charged even if they claim they were unaware of trafficking.

The full newsletter can be found here. For questions or constituent concerns, Rep. Collins encourages residents to contact his office. Email him at taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov or call the Capitol Switchboard and leave him a message at (515) 281-7340.

Serious Traffic Accident Shuts Down HWY 34 Westbound for Several Hours Early Monday Morning

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 7:52 am CDT

KILJ has received initial reports of a serious overnight traffic accident on U.S. Highway 34 westbound, near Beaverdale, involving multiple vehicles. Burlington Police and multiple agencies were requested to the scene immediately, including the Iowa State Patrol and MedForce, and eventually the Medical Examiner.

By 2:15 AM early Monday morning, officials ordered Highway 34 westbound to be completely shut down at Beaverdale for what they said would be several hours. Crews worked to re-route traffic and shut down ramps detouring traffic from Beaverdale to Old 34. Drivers were urged to avoid the area.

According to Des Moines County Communications, U.S. Highway 34 westbound from Beaverdale to the Middletown exit reopened to traffic about 6:00 AM and has returned to normal.

This is a developing story, and KILJ will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available, including the condition of those injured and the cause of the crash.

Small Business Saturday in Mount Pleasant EXTENDED through 12/6

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 7:48 am CDT

Due to this weekend’s winter storm keeping many shoppers at home, the downtown retailers and Main Street Mount Pleasant have announced that Small Business Saturday activities have been extended through this coming Saturday, December 6th.

Shoppers will now receive one ticket for every ten dollars spent at the participating local merchants all week long giving local businesses another chance to welcome holiday shoppers and highlight special promotions. The grand prize drawing is now scheduled for 1 pm on Saturday, December 6th.

Main Street Mount Pleasant invites you to shop local this holiday season, supporting the small businesses that play such a vital role in the regional economy. For more updates on Small Business Saturday and what’s happening in downtown Mount Pleasant, keep it tuned to KILJ or visit Main Street Mount Pleasant on Facebook.

Give the Gift of Life – Donate Blood This Holiday Season

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 7:31 am CDT

As the holiday season approaches, ImpactLife is encouraging Southeast Iowa residents to put good into the world and give back by rolling up their sleeves and donating blood. Blood donations often drop this time of year as people travel and schedules get busy, but the need at local hospitals remains constant. A single donation can help save multiple lives, supporting patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma care, and more.

ImpactLife donors not only provide a lifesaving resource locally and across the country — they can also take advantage of Donor Rewards, including a gift card or the option to pay it forward to a nonprofit of their choice.

There are several community blood drives scheduled across Henry County in the month of December. View the list of drives and schedule your donation appointment by visiting bloodcenter.org

Monday 12/15 (3-6:15 pm) – Faith Lutheran Church

Tuesday 12/16 (3:30-7:30 pm) – Lockridge Fire and Rescue

Friday 12/19 (12:30-3:30 pm) – Henry County Health Center

 Monday 12/22 (3-6 pm) – Swedesburg Lutheran Church

 Wednesday 12/31 (3-6:15 pm) – Winfield Lions Community

 Friday 1/2 (3:30-5:45 pm) – Mt. Pleasant REC Center

First Winter Storm of the Season Continues – Winter Weather Advisory in effect 9a to 9p

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 7:17 am CDT

Mount Pleasant and much of Southeast Iowa spent the weekend digging out after the first significant winter storm of the season moved through the region. Heavy, wet snow began falling late Friday night, with totals ranging from 6 to 10 inches across Henry, Jefferson, Washington, and Louisa counties. Wind gusts topping 30 to 40 miles per hour created pockets of blowing and drifting, especially on rural roads.

City crews in Mount Pleasant were out early Saturday, clearing priority routes before moving into residential neighborhoods. County officials reported several slide-offs. The Iowa DOT reminds drivers to slow down and give plows plenty of room to work.

Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing through mid-week, meaning slick spots will continue. On top of lower temperatures, communities across Southeast Iowa are expected to receive more snow today as another Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 9 am to 9 pm across the listening area. Snow is expected with accumulated new snow of 2 to 4 inches.

According to the National Weather Service, most of the snow is expected to fall between 3 and 6 this afternoon and evening. Plan on slippery road conditions which could impact your afternoon and evening commute.

As always, residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, clear hydrants, and use caution when shoveling the heavy snow. And if you are out on the road, drivers are encouraged to slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road conditions visit 511ia.org, check the Iowa DOT app, or call 511.

Marlene Melcher

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 5:48 am CDT

Marlene Melcher, 87, of Fairfield, passed away Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Prestige Care Center in Fairfield. 

Funeral services celebrating her life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield, with Pastor John Wilbur officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Fell Cemetery in Libertyville. Memorials may be made to Fell Cemetery or Libertyville First Responders and left in care of the family at 2525 Hawthorne Ave., Fairfield, Iowa 52556. 

Marlene was born May 24, 1938, in Des Moines, the daughter of Clayton and Martha (Olmsted) Morgan. She married Dale Melcher on November 2, 1956, in Libertyville, and they were blessed to recently celebrate 69 years of marriage together. 

Over the years, Marlene owned and operated a beauty shop, sold life insurance for Prudential Life Insurance, and was a dedicated, hard-working farm wife. She loved anything pretty – flowers, clothes, jewelry – and she took joy in keeping herself polished, always wearing her hair styled and her nails looking lovely. Just as much, she delighted in noticing beauty in others, never missing a chance to tell you when she liked what you were wearing or when something caught her eye. 

One of her greatest joys was hosting sleepovers for her grandchildren. Her refrigerator and cabinets were always stocked with snacks and treats just for them. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, including her children’s friends, and later those who joined the family, always leaving you with the feeling that you belonged. 

Marlene and Dale enjoyed many family trips to the Lake of the Ozarks, beginning when their children were young. They made lifelong friends there, often hosting gatherings and building memories with people from near and far. As their children grew, the trips expanded to include friends during the high-school years, and the tradition carried on with the grandchildren as they grew. Marlene had her own special seat on the boat, where she’d work on her tan, keep a loving eye on the younger grandchildren, and cheer on whoever was water-skiing at the moment. The couple also enjoyed camping in their camper and RV and spent several winters in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. 

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Dale; her children and their spouses, Allen and Darla Melcher of Fairfield, Shelley Oren of Altoona, Marilee and Brian Caves of Douds, and Renee and Phillip Laux of Richland; her grandchildren and their spouses, Amber and Mark Thornton, Dana and Mitch Anderson, Abby and Thomas Hasley, Tasha Greene and Brody Norton, Joshua Oren, Jacob Oren, Morgan and Bryce VonAhsen, Brock and Paige Caves, Phillip Laux III, and Mackenzie and Trevor Taghon; and her great-grandchildren, Luke, Lauren, Castle, Gabriella, Emerson, Max, Grady, Ty, Levi, Gentry, Weston, Emberly, and Brexley. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Madelyn and Alex Tarkanov of Fayetteville, Arkansas; her lifetime friend, Donna Neil; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, Millard and Sharon Morgan; her brother-in-law, Jerry Kennedy; and her son-in-law, Glenn Oren. 

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

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Ronald D. “Ronnie” Parker

By Kadie Johannson · Friday, November 28th, 2025 at 10:45 am CDT

Ronald D. “Ronnie” Parker, 74, of Fort Madison, Iowa, formerly of Van Buren County, passed away at 5:25 a.m. Thursday, November 27, 2025 at the Madison in Fort Madison, Iowa.

He was born on October 26,1951 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Louie and Bessie (Winters) Parker. On May 9, 1971 he married Carolyn Rains in Birmingham, Iowa, they later divorced. On February 15, 1997 he married Kimberley Vickers in Bonaparte, Iowa.

Survivors include his wife Kim of Fort Madison, Iowa; four children: Lesa (Brian) Prevo of Bloomfield, Iowa, Amanda Lyons of Bloomfield, Iowa, Chris (Jamie) Scott of Mansfield, Texas, and Amanda (Jody) Dodson of West Point, Iowa; five grandchildren: Jaden Prevo, Brock Prevo, Ashton Lyons, Aiden Lyons, and Bailey Dodson; one great-grandchild Lennox Lyons; sister Bev (Dan) Medaris; and brother Rick (Lori) Parker. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and two sisters.

Ron was a 1969 graduate of Harmony High School. He owned and operated Milton Locker from 1977 to 1987, he then joined Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as Deputy for ten years, he was then elected Sheriff and retired in 2007. Ron served in the United States Army Reserves, Milton City Council, and Milton Fire Department and first responders. He founded the neighborhood watch program in Milton. He enjoyed fishing, going to yard sales, restoring cars, camping, gardening, canning, and caning chairs.

His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation. A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, Iowa with Reverend Earl Beal officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established in his memory for Bonaparte Cemetery Association. Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.