Author: Kadie Johannson

The Lee County Opioid Committee has recommended funding to help provide specialized medical training and emergency equipment for the county’s K-9 units.

During its June 18 meeting, the committee voted 4-to-1 to recommend approving a funding request totaling nearly $25,900. The proposal now moves to the Lee County Board of Supervisors for final consideration.

The request, submitted by Lee County Sheriff’s Deputy Bryson Hennigar, would provide K-9 Narcan administration certification and advanced canine emergency medical training for all seven law enforcement K-9 units in Lee County. The training would also be available to additional EMS personnel and veterinary staff who assist the county’s police dogs.

The funding would also purchase 10 advanced medical kits equipped with Narcan and other emergency supplies for K-9 teams and frontline EMS vehicles.

According to the application, the training is intended to prepare first responders to treat police dogs exposed to opioids and provide emergency medical care beyond Narcan administration if needed. The proposal also aims to help protect the county’s investment in its K-9 units.

The proposed cost includes approximately $19,400 for training and about $6,400 for the medical kits as a one-time expense.
The Lee County Opioid Committee reviews requests for opioid settlement funds before forwarding recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, which will make the final decision on the funding request at a future meeting.

A West Burlington man is facing multiple drug charges following a traffic stop last Tuesday night in Des Moines County.

According to the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, deputies stopped a vehicle around 9:33 p.m. on June 23, 2026 near North Roosevelt Avenue and Mount Pleasant Street after observing it being driven without headlights.

The driver was identified as Todd Edwards Mills, 48, of West Burlington.

During the stop, a Sheriff’s Office K-9 conducted an open-air sniff around the vehicle and alerted deputies to the presence of narcotics. A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered marijuana and methamphetamine.

Mills was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense, along with no insurance. He was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.

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

The Mount Pleasant City Council recognized a century of local Scouting history Wednesday by proclaiming 2026 as the 100th anniversary of Camp Eastman, honoring the camp’s lasting impact on generations of Scouts across southeast Iowa. Camp Eastman, located along the Mississippi River near Niota, Illinois, has served Scouts and youth organizations since 1926 and is celebrating its centennial this year.

Members of Mount Pleasant Boy Scout Troop 28 attended the meeting to accept the proclamation recognizing both Scouting America and Camp Eastman’s milestone anniversary.

Longtime Troop 28 leader Brad Holtkamp addressed the council, reflecting on his 25 years of involvement with the troop during Camp Eastman’s 100-year history. Holtkamp spoke about the positive influence Scouting has had on countless young people and said he has witnessed firsthand the character, leadership and life skills the program instills.

Holtkamp shared that his son earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2010 and expressed hope that more young people will become involved in Scouting. He said the program teaches youth to appreciate the outdoors, understand the world around them, and recognize their responsibility to care for it.

Also recognized during the meeting was Cub Scout leader Jason Vallone, who leads the largest Cub Scout pack in the local council. Vallone said the Mount Pleasant pack currently serves approximately 50 to 60 youth, demonstrating that Scouting continues to thrive locally as Camp Eastman begins its second century of service.

The proclamation recognized the contributions of Scouts and volunteer leaders who have helped shape the community through service, leadership and outdoor education while celebrating Camp Eastman’s 100 years of providing life-changing experiences for young people.

The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help as deputies investigate a string of road sign thefts in rural areas of the county.

According to a social media post from the Sheriff’s Office, numerous traffic signs have recently been stolen in the north-central and northeast portions of rural Des Moines County.

Officials say removing road signs creates a serious safety hazard for motorists by eliminating important traffic control devices. The thefts also cost Des Moines County Secondary Roads significant time and money to replace the missing signs.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to report anyone seen in possession of road signs or any suspicious activity involving the removal of signs from roadways.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is encouraged to contact the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office at 319-753-8212.

A Keokuk man is facing multiple charges following a narcotics investigation and search warrant executed earlier this week by the Lee County Narcotics Task Force.

Authorities say on June 22nd, investigators carried out a search warrant at a home in the 500 block of North 3rd Street in Keokuk after intercepting a suspicious package tied to the investigation.

During the operation, law enforcement conducted a controlled delivery of the package. After it was accepted and brought inside the residence, officers obtained and executed the search warrant.

Investigators say they found approximately 2,123 grams — or about 4.68 pounds — of marijuana inside the home. The marijuana was reportedly packaged in multiple bags, and officers also located a digital scale believed to be consistent with drug distribution.

In addition to the narcotics, authorities seized two pistols and an AR-15 style rifle from the residence.

As a result of the investigation, 24-year-old Xavier Addison Hutchcroft of Keokuk has been charged with possession with intent to deliver marijuana, failure to affix a drug tax stamp, maintaining a drug house, and persons ineligible to carry a dangerous weapon.

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force was assisted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Keokuk Police Department, Fort Madison Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force.

As always, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Residents in Mount Pleasant and across Henry County are being urged to prepare for dangerous heat as the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch beginning Sunday afternoon and continuing through Tuesday, with the potential for it to stretch deeper into next week.

Forecasters say heat and humidity will build quickly, with heat index values expected to range from 100 to 110 degrees across southeast Iowa. Nearby forecast points, including Fairfield and Burlington, show heat indices climbing above 100 each day from Sunday through at least Wednesday, meaning Henry County can expect similar oppressive conditions.

High temperatures in the Mount Pleasant area are expected to push into the low to mid-90s, but the humidity will make it feel significantly hotter. Health officials warn heat-related illnesses become much more likely in these conditions, especially for older adults, young children, and those working outdoors.

Residents are encouraged to stay indoors when possible, drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks if outside, and never leave children or pets in vehicles.

Before the heat arrives, the National Weather Service recommends checking air conditioners, stocking up on water, and making plans for possible power outages. Checking in on neighbors, family members, and pets during the hottest part of the week is also encouraged.

There is also a slight chance for isolated strong storms late tonight into early Sunday morning, mainly south of Highway 34. While the severe weather threat has decreased, gusty winds and small hail remain possible.

KILJ will continue to monitor updates from the National Weather Service as the heat wave approaches.