Author: Lisa Grilliot

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is partnering with law enforcement across Iowa to support the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Click It or Ticket It high-visibility enforcement effort.  The seatbelt-focused enforcement campaign starts Monday, May 18 and runs through May 31, 2026. According to a press release from the Iowa State Patrol, seatbelts remain the single best defense against serious injury.  In 2025, 121 people who died in Iowa traffic crashes were not wearing a seatbelt.  These occupants not wearing their seatbelts accounted for 47% of all 2025 traffic fatalities; a number that is preventable.  GTSB said that if the enforcement effort helps people to start buckling up consistently, the mission will be a success.  GTSB works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce death and injury on Iowa roads using federally funded grants.

Henry County Secondary Roads announced a road closure beginning at 7:00am this morning (Thursday).  A Contractor will be patching on Oasis Avenue between 170^th Street and Highway 78 for 2.17 miles.  There will be a one-lane closure with pilot cars utilitzed for traffic control.  Work is anticipated to last about a week – please use caution.  Please call 319-385-0762 for construction updates and questions.

Sashae Alter was crowned KILJ Radio’s 2026 Mother of the Year!  KILJ’s Allison Jacobs spoke with Shae on balancing everything, motivation, and “showing up”.

The Mt. Pleasant Community Summer Band Series kicks off in June and continues through July!  Performances will be held in Mt. Pleasant’s Central Park at 7pm On Thursday evenings: June 11^th and 25^th, and on July 2^nd. Pie will be available at all concerts courtesy of P.E.O.! Director Adam Creager is encouraging community members and students to join the group.  The Community Band welcomes returning members and new members. Rehearsals are held at the middle school, and instruments are available if you need to borrow one.  Contact Adam Creager at the Middle School 319-385-7730 or adam.creager@mtpcsd.org.

Rehearsals:

• Tuesday, June 9, 2026
• Tuesday, June 23, 2026
• Tuesday, June 30, 2026

The primary election is less than a month away and early voting begins next week.  Early voting and absentee ballot mailings will begin on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.  Friday, May 18 is the deadline for voter registration and the last day to submit absentee ballot requests.  The Henry County Auditor’s Office is open Monday through Friday from 8am – 4:30pm.  Follow this LINK for more information. The primary election will be held on Tuesday, June 2^nd and the polls will be open from 7am – 8pm.  Absentee ballots must be received by 8pm.  KILJ has resources available for you to locate your polling place. Access KILJ.com and find this story under the news tab:  Click HERE To find your polling location.

The Mt. Pleasant Community School District Board of Education will meet in regular session on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6pm in the High School Media Center, 2104 S. Grand Avenue.  Items on the agenda include the superintendent report, and several motions under consideration including student registration fees, hot lunch/breakfast prices, and substitute teacher pay.  The complete board agenda can be found HERE. This meeting is open to the public.

The New London City Council will meet in regular session on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6pm in the city office, 112 W. Main Street.  Items on the agenda include department reports.  This meeting is open to the public.