The Henry County Historic Preservation Commission met Wednesday October 19 at the old Pilot Grove No. 6 schoolhouse at East Grove Farms. Pat White announced that the Lincoln Harlan House Museum has a new director, Spencer Barton. Larry Roth provided an update on the Wayland historic residential district national register nomination project. There was discussion of a joint project between the Historic Preservation Commission and the Pioneer Cemetery Commission to develope a comprehensive book on the county’s cemeteries. Commissioner Joel Garretson shared photos taken of Danny Graber’s 1886 Beckwith bank barn to see if the barn would qualify for placement on the National Register of Historic Places. Mary Savage reported on the recent visit to the Lewelling Quaker Museum by John and Genie Gerdes and friends. John is the great great great grandson of Ruel Daggs who owned slaves in Missouri that had escaped to Salem through the underground railroad. Judy Rawson announced several upcoming history related events in the Winfield Museum; Vintage Toys on November 6 and open house on December 17, and Caroline Lehman announced that a new display on Iowa history will be at the Dover Museum on October 30. The next meeting will be November 16 at the courthouse. These meetings are open to the public.
Iowa State Patrol Investigates Two Crashes
On Tuesday just before 7 am the Iowa State Patrol investigated a single vehicle accident on Highway 218 near the intersection with Kentucky Avenue. According to the report Kenneth Ostofi of Durant was driving south on 218. His car went off the road into a ravine. He told officers that a semi was merging into his lane and when he swerved to avoid a collision he lost control. Ostofi was taken by ambulance to Henry County Health Center. His passenger, Sheila Ostofi, was taken to University Hospitals in Iowa City.
Tuesday afternoon at 3 pm, the State Patrol responded to a two vehicle crash on East Washington Street. A vehicle driven by Julie Cravens of Middletown struck a pickup driven by Samuel Blint of New London from behind. Blint had slowed down and was stopping to make a turn into a drive. Cravens said she did not see the pickup’s brake lights but a collision sensor went off on her dashboard. She looked down and when she looked up again it was too late avoid hitting the Blint pickup.
Dean W. Messer
Dean W. Messer, 82, of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, October 20, 2022 at his residence.
Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. On-Line condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com
From the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office Re: Pursuit
On October 19, 2022, at approximately 4 p.m., Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a high-speed vehicle pursuit with speeds exceeding 120 MPH entering the east side of Jefferson County on Highway 34. Iowa State Patrol and US Marshals pursuing the vehicle requested assistance in the pursuit. Jefferson County deputies spotted the suspect vehicle near Lockridge and pursued the vehicle to east side of Fairfield. Near the exit 214, the suspect vehicle lost control, crossed the median and entered the opposite side of highway, driving against traffic. The suspect vehicle ultimately came to rest on the shoulder and driver fled the vehicle on foot.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Fairfield Police Department immediately set up a perimeter consisting of several acres of farm land and timber southeast of Fairfield. Information received by local agencies was that the suspect was an out-of-state fugitive who was wanted on charges in Missouri and Kansas.
An immediate search for the suspect was conducted within the perimeter. At approximately 7:12 p.m., Sean Diontae Frost, age 22, of Kansas City, Missouri, was located and arrested. Frost is being held in the Jefferson County Jail on charges of Interference with Official Acts While Armed with a Firearm, a D Felony; Eluding, an aggravated misdemeanor; Excessive Speed, and Reckless Driving. A firearm was located within the perimeter and seized during the search for Frost. He is being held on a $10,000 cash only bond.
Frost has pending for charges of Unlawful Use/Possession of Weapon in Clay County, Missouri and Resisting Arrest Creating Substantial Risk of Injury/Death in Cooper County, Missouri. Frost is also wanted on charges of Aggravated Assault Criminal Discharge of Firearm in Johnson County, Kansas.
Assisting the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in the apprehension of Frost were Iowa State Patrol, Fairfield Police Department, US Marshals, Iowa State Patrol Air Wing, Jefferson County Conservation, Burlington Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Drone Unit, and the Henry County Sheriff K9 Unit.
Special thanks to the communication Specialist working dispatch at the Jefferson County Law Center for her excellent work. Additional thanks to the Fairfield Municipal Airport who offered any assistance need by the Iowa State Patrol Air Wing.
Jefferson County residents are encouraged to return to normal activities. They are further encouraged to visit Alert.Iowa.gov and sign up to receive emergency notifications. A number of residents were able to receive updates on their phone as the events unfolded yesterday evening.
You are reminded that a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Roll Over Near Jewel Avenue
On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report for a vehicle roll over on 200th Street near Jewel Avenue, Mount Pleasant. The reporting party was also the driver, a juvenile female from Mount Pleasant, IA. Deputies responded and observed a 2002 GMC Sierra pickup truck laying on its side almost completely on its top in the north side ditch of 200th Street. Upon investigation, it appeared the vehicle was traveling west bound on 200th Street and drifted down into the south ditch for approximately 150-200’ before entering the roadway again and then over into the north ditch where it rolled and came to rest. No injuries were reported at the scene.
Senate Candidate Forum
The 2022 midterm elections on November 8 are important but it’s always important to exercise your right to vote. KILJ wants you to be an informed voter. That’s why we will again host your opportunity to learn about the candidates for the Iowa Senate. October 20 Republican Adrian Dickey and Democrat Rich Taylor seeking the Senate District 44 seat will be our guests at 5:30 pm. If you have questions or issues you wish the candidates to address please email them to news@kilj.com or you may call 319-385-8728 ahead of time or during the broadcasts. Join us for this important opportunity to learn more about these candidates.
Henry County Supervisors Meeting Agenda
“Feed the Farmer” event to be held this Saturday
Members of the Mt Pleasant Community High School FFA Chapter will once again be participating in a “Feed the Farmer” event this Saturday
from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Agri-Center on Winfield Avenue in Mt. Pleasant and Chem Gro at 2952 Salem Road. Sack lunches prepared by the Mt. Pleasant Hy-Vee will be given to the first 100 farmers. Mrs. Jerry Mabeus will be handing out sack lunches with the FFA students at
Chem Gro. The Mabeus family donated funds for the sack lunches. Brady Martin, MPCHS Ag instructor and FFA advisor, commented: “We know Martha Mabeus has prepared her share of meals for her family when they were in the field! We are happy to have her expert help!”
He further commented that his students appreciate the opportunity to support farmers as they complete the harvest and appreciate the community support for their program. The forecast for Saturday looks good but in case of inclement weather, the sacks will be distributed inside the Agri-Center and Chem Gro buildings.