Helen Caris

By Kathy Snow · Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 at 10:03 am CDT

Helen Caris, 91, died July 4, 2026, at the Wesley on Grand care facility in Des Moines, Iowa. She was born on March 10, 1935 at home near Denmark, Iowa. Helen was the first of four daughters born to Fred and Pauline (Smith) Holsteen who farmed near Denmark.

Helen graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. It was there she met Crane Caris, to whom she was married for 57 years until his death in 2014. Helen was an elementary school teacher for over 30 years in public schools in Shenandoah, Iowa, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and Lehigh Acres, Florida, directly impacting the lives of thousands of children over her career. Helen and Crane lived in Shenandoah and Mt. Pleasant, and then moved south to Ft. Myers, Florida in 1990 to enjoy more sunshine. Following Crane’s death, Helen moved to Des Moines and resided there until her death.

Helen was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and Presbyterian Churches in Shenandoah, Mt. Pleasant and Ft. Myers. She was a frequent member of the church choir. Helen had a beautiful voice and growing up, she and her sisters performed a cappella for various events around the community. She also was an avid reader and accomplished seamstress. Helen always had a positive outlook on life and was a devoted wife and mother.

Helen is survived by her son, David (Hallie) Caris of Des Moines, and daughter, Marty Caris of Des Moines. She also is survived by her grandson, Charlie Caris of Arlington, Virginia, granddaughter Libby (Caleb) Holder of West Des Moines, and great granddaughter Sophie Holder of West Des Moines. Helen also is survived by her sisters Dorothy (Roman) Klodnycky of Peoria, Illinois, and Bette (Sonny) Mynatt of Denmark, Iowa and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by her sister Carol Kelly, brother-in-law, Aaron Kelly, and brother-in-law, Barry Caris.

A private funeral and burial will be held in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa in August with family. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Enhance Henry County Community Foundation, 2411 Radio Road, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 52641, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Friends may sign the guest book at www.IlesCares.com.

Henry County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees Meeting Wednesday, July 15th at 7:30am

By Kathy Snow · Monday, July 13th, 2026 at 10:56 pm CDT

The Henry County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees Meeting will be held Wednesday, July 15th at 7:30am in the HCHC Board Room.

In addition to the consent agenda, financial and capital update, annual review of administrative service fee, and unbudgeted capital of a command vehicle and garage, the Board will also be discussing the hospital inspection. There will be a closed session executive conference at the end of the meeting to discuss strategic objectives, quality, and legal matters.

For the full agenda, click here.

Lee County’s Free Resource Link Program Helps Connect Southeast Iowans to Resources

By Kathy Snow · Monday, July 13th, 2026 at 10:19 pm CDT

The Lee County Health Department is reminding Southeast Iowans about a free resource designed to connect residents with local services.

The “Local Help for Local Resources” Lee County Resource Link is a non-emergency assistance program that provides information and referrals for a wide variety of needs, including medical care services, child care, housing assistance, food pantries, job placement, mental health services, child and family programs, and help applying for assistance programs like SNAP and WIC.

Resource navigators will listen and ask questions in confidence to better understand and connect you with the support, referrals, and assistance you need.

You can reach the Resource Link by phone or text at 319-470-5045, meet in-person at the Lee County Health Department located at 5001 Avenue O in Fort Madison during Resource Link office hours, or request help on their website.

Once again, this is a free non-emergency assistance program open to anyone in Southeast Iowa looking for local support and services. Contact the Lee County Health Department to learn more about accessing their Local Help for Local Resources directory. You can also check out the LCHD Facebook page for the Resource Link schedule.

Mt. Pleasant’s United Thru Play Playground Update

By Kathy Snow · Monday, July 13th, 2026 at 9:25 pm CDT

The City of Mount Pleasant is reminding families that this week is the final opportunity to enjoy the United Thru Play Playground before it’s replaced.

Sunday, July 19th, will be the last day the playground is open to the public. Beginning Monday, July 20th, the playground will be closed and barricaded while Parks and Recreation staff prepare the site for demolition.

During the closure, staff will carefully remove the commemorative family bricks, handprints, and personalized wooden sticks before demolition begins on Monday, July 27th.

Anyone who has already contacted the Parks and Recreation Department about retrieving their commemorative family brick, handprint, or personalized wooden stick will be contacted with pickup information once a date has been set and arrangements have been finalized.

The City extends their appreciation to the community for their patience and support as work begins on a new playground.

For questions or more information, please contact Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation Assistant Director, Ashley Lohmann at 319-385-1475 or via email at ashley@citymtpia.com.

Mount Pleasant Man Charged with Domestic Abuse Strangulation

By Kathy Snow · Monday, July 13th, 2026 at 7:27 pm CDT

A Mount Pleasant man is facing charges following a domestic disturbance early Sunday morning.

According to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 3:15 a.m. on July 12th to the 2400-grid of Diane Lane, just outside Mount Pleasant, after receiving a 9-1-1 call reporting a domestic disturbance.

Authorities say their investigation determined that 23-year-old Dallyn Kern of Mount Pleasant allegedly placed his hand over the victim’s mouth, interfering with the victim’s normal breathing. Investigators also allege Kern took the victim’s phone to prevent a call to law enforcement.

Kern has been charged with Domestic Abuse Strangulation, an aggravated misdemeanor, and Obstruction of Emergency Communications, a simple misdemeanor.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Mount Pleasant Police Department.

As in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

John Lewis Christner

By Kathy Snow · Monday, July 13th, 2026 at 7:03 pm CDT

John Lewis Christner, 94, of Burlington and formerly of the Kalona community, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington surrounded by his loving family.

John was born on April 20, 1932, in Kalona, the son of Elam and Nettie (Swartzendruber) Christner. John was united in marriage to Nellie M. Bachmann on June 28, 1953, at the East Union Mennonite Church.  She preceded him in death on. September 27, 2007. John later married Marilyn Hiatt on July 11, 2009, at the Marion Avenue Baptist Church.

John was a longtime farmer in the Kalona area. For many years he owned and operated a corn shelling business until he lost his arm in a farming accident. He later became a salesman for Moorman Feed.

He was one of the founding members of the Marion Avenue Baptist Church where he enjoyed teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, being a deacon, treasurer, bus captain and soul-winner. After moving to Burlington, he became a member of the Heritage Baptist Church where he continued to serve faithfully in many different capacities. He also enjoyed planting flowers and tending to his yard.

Those thankful for sharing in his life are his wife, Marilyn, his son, Steve (Sally) Christner of Turner, Maine, a daughter, Joyce (Terry) Anglea of Bourbonnais, Illinois, and another daughter, Heidi (Brad) Cranston, of Burlington, Iowa, 18 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren, (with one great, great grandchild on the way!), his sister, Eudora Mullet of Kalona, Iowa, and his brother, Leo Christner of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was blessed to share his life with his four stepchildren and their families, Jim (Patricia) Hiatt of Fairfield, Linda (Chris) Von Wiesenthal of Cyprus, Texas, Margaret (Mick) Schneider of Shawnee Mission, Kansas, and Marcia (Dacid) Wagner of Burlington, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nellie, and one brother, Cecil Christner.

A Celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Marion Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, Iowa. Burial will follow in the Elm Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Heritage Baptist Church of Burlington, Iowa.

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

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

Central Lee School Board Meeting Tuesday, July 14th at 7am

By Kathy Snow · Monday, July 13th, 2026 at 6:55 pm CDT

The Central Lee School Board will meet in regular session on Tuesday, July 14th in the High School Commons.

Along with routine business, agenda items include: volunteer coaching approvals, financial reports, board appointments and policies, hot lunch guidelines, and an overnight trip request for students accepted into the Iowa All-State Show Choir and Band, July 17th – 20th in Pella.

The superintendent’s report will also include updates on summer projects, annual AEA staff training, and a reminder that online school registration is now open as the district prepares for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.

For the complete school board meeting agenda, click here.

Central Lee Community School District is also reminding families that the first day of school for students is Monday, August 24th.

Parents should note that there will not be a scheduled, in-person registration day this year. Registration for all students in kindergarten through 12th grade must be completed online through the district’s registration portal. Families are encouraged to review the registration information to help guide them through the registration process.

If you have any questions, please contact the Central Lee Community School District office at 319-835-9510.

Henry County 2-Week Road Closure Begins Wednesday, July 15th: 245th Street and Hickory Avenue

By Kathy Snow · Monday, July 13th, 2026 at 5:27 pm CDT

Just a heads up that starting Wednesday, July 15th, the Henry County Road Department will begin re-grading 245th Street and Hickory Avenue from 235th Street to the bridge at the County Quarry entrance.

245th Street and Hickory Avenue will be closed to through traffic for two weeks, depending on weather. In addition, drivers should expect daily closures at various crossroads while crews replace drainage pipes, and are also encouraged to plan alternate routes as well as allow extra travel time.

If you have any questions, please call the Henry County Road Department at 319-385-0762.

And from all of us at KILJ, please remember to “respect the cone zone”—slow down, stay alert, and give road construction crews plenty of room to work safely.

Here’s a map link of the road construction area to help plan your alternate route.