The City of Salem will meet in special session on Monday, March 16th at the Community Center, 201 S. Main Street in Salem at 5:30pm. There are several items on the agenda including a Fire Department Grant, insurance renewal, and a kinetic permit request. Following the special session meeting, the Salem City Council will hold a budget work session. No action will taken at the work session and the meeting is open to the public.
Mt. Pleasant American Legion Fundraiser for Iowa Boys State
Iowa Boys State is a week-long, hands-on leadership and civics program for high school junior run by the American Legion Department of Iowa. Mt. Pleasant American Legion Post #58 is a proud supporter of this event and is hosting a soup and salad fundraiser on Saturday, March 21st. Boys State is a mock government experience where students create a miniature version of the Iowa State government and is for boys who are juniors in high school. Students learn how the government works by running for office, passing laws, debating issues, and collaborating to solve problems. The Mt. Pleasant American Legion fundraiser meal is a free will donation and will be held at the Mt. Pleasant Veterans Hall, 300 W. Monroe Street from 5:30pm – 7pm, 3/21/26.
“Safe Driving Takes More Than Luck” – GTSB
Local law enforcement is partnering with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau in their statewide “Safe Driving Takes More Than Luck.” enforcement weekend to combat drunk driving. St. Patrick’s Day is Tuesday, March 17th and last year, the Iowa Department of Transportation reported 148 crashes and five traffic fatalities on Iowa roadways. Young drivers ages 21-34 accounted for the highest percentage (35%) of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes during the 2023 St. Patrick’s Day holiday.
If your plans include drinking for this holiday, make sure you have plans for a designated driver or other sober ride.
Winter Weather “Advisory”- What to Expect
Winter weather is in the forecast Sunday into Monday, and a Winter Weather ADVISORY is issued when the forecast calls for blowing snow, accumulations of more than 3 inches of snow in a 12-hour period, freezing rain, or sleet. Also, a reminder that Unplowed/less traveled roads may be slick, and road conditions can change quickly. Headlights should be ON not on auto, distance, slow down and ease into braking. Buckle up, avoid distractions and use extra caution on ramps, bridges and overpasses and of course: don’t crowd the plow! Check 511ia.org for the latest road conditions in Iowa.
Early Voting for Henry County Attorney Begins on Monday, 03/16/26
The Henry County Auditor’s Office in Mt. Pleasant received the ballots for the upcoming special election to fill the position of Henry County Attorney and early voting begins on Monday, March 16th. The Henry County Courthouse is located at 100 E. Washington Street and is open from 8am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday. Citizens of Henry County can cast their vote up until the time of the special election.
The special election will be held on Tuesday, March 31st. On that day, voters will cast their ballots at their regular polling locations across Henry County. Residents looking for information about their polling place or voting details can find a full list of polling locations at KILJ dot com under the news tab.
To listen to the Candidates forum with Abbie Liechty and Becky Wilson visit the KILJ spotify page found on our website, or tune in to 105.5 FM and KILJ.com Monday night (3/16/26) at 6pm for the rebroadcast.
Friday Afternoon: Lockridge Fire Department- Grass Fire/Washington County Accident
Lockridge Fire & Rescue Department was dispatched to a grass fire on Friday afternoon in the 2900 block of 239th Street in Lockridge.
Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies and Washington County Fire & Rescue responded to an overturned semi tractor trailer with an attached manure spreader late Friday morning at Highway 92 and Hwy 1. Washington County dispatch reported that Both occupants of the vehicle were transported to the University of Iowa hospitals.
Henry County Public Health: COVID-19 Boosters Available/Clinic Hours
Henry County Public Health Department announced on Friday afternoon that they have COVID-19 boosters for eligible adults. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all people aged 65 years or older receive a second 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine dose to boost protection. The booster dose can be given 6 months after the first shot. Henry County Public Health office is located at 106 N. Jackson Street. Immunization Clinic hours are: Tuesdays 9-11am, Wednesdays and Thursdays 1-4pm, and the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month 1-6pm. No appointment is necessary, but you will need your insurance card if you have one. Uninsured and underinsured individuals can still receive the vaccine through a government funded program.
Charles William Sibley
Charles William Sibley, a veteran, devoted family man, and longtime resident of Iowa, passed away March 12, 2026 at the age of 78.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Lord’s Cupboard of Jefferson County. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.
Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Chuck/Bill developed an early foundation of discipline and leadership at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy. Shortly after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the U.S. Army and completing a tour of duty in Vietnam.
Upon returning home, he built a life centered on family. He and his beloved wife, Cheryl, settled in Luna Pier, Michigan, where they raised their four children.
A dedicated provider, he spent many years working for Champion Spark Plug, where he retired after many years of service. He brought the same commitment to his career that he gave to his country.
For the past 37 years, he called Iowa home, enjoying a slower pace of life and the company of his growing family.
He was a man of quiet strength and enduring loyalty. He is preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl, and his eldest son, Matthew.
His legacy lives on through his two daughters, Patricia and Maggie, and his son, David. He was the proud “Poppie” to seven grandchildren and “Great-Poppie” to three great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss his stories and his presence.