Author: Kathy Snow

The Fairfield Police Department, with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a report of harassment near Waterworks Park on the evening of July 3^rd.

While investigating the incident, officers and deputies learned that a possible male suspect left the area prior to their arrival. Officers checked the surrounding area and located the subject nearby.

Upon making contact with 33-year-old Bowe James Cook from Winfield, officers determined he had an active felony warrant for his arrest. As officers attempted to take Cook into custody, he actively resisted arrest and struck a Fairfield Police Department officer in the face.

Officers were able to quickly subdue Cook and take him into custody. The officer who was struck did not require medical treatment.

Cook is charged with Assault on a Peace Officer—a Serious Misdemeanor, and Interference with Official Acts—a Simple Misdemeanor.

Cook was transported to the Jefferson County Jail, where he was held pending an initial appearance. Cook was also served with his outstanding felony warrant from June 9th held by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office in Davenport for Dominion and Control of a Firearm/Offensive Weapon by a Felon, and Violation of Parole.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation. All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The 2026 Henry County Fair is off to a strong start, with several local 4-H members earning the opportunity to compete at the Iowa State Fair.

Henry County 4-H recently held its annual Clothing and Communication Day, where youth showcased their talents in public speaking, educational presentations, clothing selection, and fashion.

Participants receiving purple ribbons and advancing to the Iowa State Fair in the Communications division are Jacie Campbell, Lindsey Steele, Addison Striegel, and Veda Watson.

Representing Henry County in the Clothing division will be Mara Hobbs, Alexa Lair, Madelynn Nelson, Maison Nelson, and Lily Syfert.

Also recognized were State Fair runner-ups Zenlynn Lee in both Communication and Clothing and Quintrie Lee in Clothing.

These businesses along with KILJ congratulate all and wish the best of luck as Henry County 4Hers prepare to compete in Des Moines this August:

Community First Credit Union, Double SS Fencing of Wayland, Francis Heating and Air Conditioning, Gerling Repair and Service of Winfield, and Hair Designers.

The New London and Cardinal Community School Districts have both announced the addition of Dr. Jamie Cranston to their leadership teams for the 2026-2027 school year through a partnership with Great Prairie Area Education Agency.

New London Community School District says Dr. Cranston will serve as the district’s contracted superintendent three days each week, providing leadership and support for students, staff, and the community. District officials say they are excited to begin the new chapter and welcomed Dr. Cranston to the Tiger family.

At the same time, Cardinal Community School District announced that Dr. Cranston will serve as its new shared special education director through the same Great Prairie AEA partnership. Cardinal officials welcomed Dr. Cranston to the Comet family as the district prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary during the upcoming school year.

The shared arrangement through Great Prairie AEA allows Dr. Cranston to provide leadership services to both southeast Iowa school districts during the 2026-2027 academic year.

In a press release, on July 1st, the Iowa Finance Authority Board of Directors awarded more than $1.1 million in annual federal Housing Tax Credits and $500,000 in State HOME funds to support the redevelopment of the former Lincoln Elementary School in Fort Madison—into 30 affordable rental homes for seniors. The tax credit award is expected to generate more than $8.7 million in private equity.

Following the withdrawal of a previously awarded project, 9% tax credits became available for reallocation so in accordance with its Qualified Allocation Plan, the Iowa Finance Authority reviewed the 2026 waiting list and identified Lincoln Elementary School as the next eligible project based on credit request, available credits, and competitive scoring.

The federal Housing Tax Credit program is one of the primary tools used to expand affordable rental housing nationwide. The Internal Revenue Service allocates federal Housing Tax Credits to each state annually, and Iowa Finance Authority administers Iowa’s allocation to qualified affordable housing developers. Developers sell the credits to investors, generating private equity that helps finance affordable housing development.

The Iowa Finance Authority has awarded federal Housing Tax Credits to support the development or preservation of 368 affordable rental homes across the state of Iowa in 2026.

Governor Kim Reynolds has appointed Elizabeth Lee as the newest District Associate Judge for Iowa’s Eighth Judicial District. Lee currently serves as an Assistant Wapello County Attorney and will fill a newly created full-time judicial position serving southeast Iowa.

Lee earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Iowa. She was selected from a field of four finalists, which also included Debra George, Steven Westercamp, and Misty White Willis. The Judicial Nominating Commission conducted interviews June 4 at the Keokuk County Courthouse before forwarding its recommendation.

The new judgeship was created to replace three part-time magistrate positions—one in Poweshiek County and two in Wapello County. The position was authorized through an administrative order issued in April by Eighth Judicial District Chief Judge Shawn Showers and will officially take effect August 1st.

Iowa’s Eighth Judicial District serves 15 counties across southeast Iowa, including Henry, Washington, Des Moines, Jefferson, Lee, Louisa, Van Buren, Wapello, Appanoose, Davis, Keokuk, Mahaska, Monroe, and Poweshiek counties.

A Crawfordsville man is facing multiple felony charges in Oklahoma following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct at a regional hospital.

Fifty-seven-year-old Michael Todd Ralls, a former nurse anesthetist at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City, has been charged with three counts of felony sexual battery. The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office.

According to court documents, the investigation began after an 18-year-old hospital intern reported receiving inappropriate messages allegedly sent by Ralls to hospital staff, her school, and the hospital’s human resources department.

Investigators and hospital administrators subsequently interviewed additional employees. Court records state that three female hospital workers described separate incidents involving alleged unwanted sexual touching, inappropriate comments, blocking employees from leaving situations, stalking, and abuse of authority in the workplace.

Hospital officials conducted an internal investigation, after which Ralls was terminated from his position. Court records indicate an arrest warrant was issued on May 4, the same day the charges were formally filed.

Ralls was later arrested by Oklahoma authorities. If convicted on all three felony counts, he could face a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison.

As with all criminal cases, the charges against Ralls are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.