Author: Yorke Prough

On the first of the year just after 2 in the morning, Police Officers were dispatched to Lucky’s Irish Pub and Grub, in reference to a large fight in progress. The first officer arrived less than 60 seconds after being dispatched, with three more officers arriving on scene in less than three minutes.

While officers were on scene, they discovered a male victim who received multiple stab wounds during an altercation. The stabbing took place just outside of the establishment. One of the officers immediately rendered aid, placing a tourniquet on the subject, and requesting medical assistance through the dispatch center.

The victim was transported via Lee County Ambulance Service to a designated landing location for an air evacuation. The victim was then taken by helicopter to a medical facility, where they received treatment and would be released several days later.

Officers secured and processed the scene, collecting evidence, taking photographs, and speaking with possible witnesses. It was determined that this was an isolated incident and there was not an ongoing threat to the public.

This investigation was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) on January 2, 2024. The CID continued conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and following up on information received. A search warrant was served in connection with this investigation, where additional evidence was collected. Some of the evidence has been delivered to the Department of Criminal Investigations crime lab in Ankeny, Iowa, for further analysis.

This is an ongoing investigation, and the KPD encourages the public to contact our police department with any additional information regarding this event. The community plays a large role in helping their department suppress crime and keeping our community safe. You can reach our department through our social media (Facebook Messenger), the LeeComm dispatch center (319-372-1310), Lee County Crime Stoppers, calling our department directly (319-524-2741), or coming to the police department in person (1222 Johnson Street, Keokuk).

The Mt. Pleasant Community School board met for a work session on Monday evening. Although three new faces joined the board just two months ago, big changes are being discussed.

The world of social media is alive and well. Many businesses, churches, organizations, and school districts utilize popular apps such as Facebook and Instagram to reach the public. The school board watched through a presentation last night regarding the use of social media for the district. It is no easy task for all teachers and staff members district wide to get on the same page, which is where MonkeyThis comes in. This group boosts social media output in the form of an app.

Through this, staff can snap a picture of what is happening in the classroom, on the field, in the hallways, and then write a short caption about what is taking place. Then, the professionals edit the photo and caption, and then it is posted. The goal is to share what is happening to the whole community, not just those who have kids in school.

The board seemingly agreed that this is a great idea, as an app can bring great ease to what can be a large task. This would help get all schools in the district on the same page.

Superintendent Henriksen mentioned how the district is ready to get started with a district social media page and place someone in charge of the website and the page.

As this was a board work session, no decision was made, but there will be more conversation on this at a later time.

Regarding repairs to the Chapel, stress-fractures have been revealed in two of the three trusses. 325,000 to 375,000 dollars is on the high end for repairs, but the board is prepared for the worst case scenario.

Henriksen would like to begin the discussion into central office design in February, and open up the HOWE activity center in April for school use. It seems that the Chapel repairs will be completed in June. This is a rough estimate schedule, however, and certain items might be completed much sooner or later.

Certain members with the Mount Pleasant High School band had the privilege of spending the day on Saturday with the SEIBA Honor Band. SEIBA, Southeast Iowa Bandmasters Association, encompasses 17 counties in Southeast Iowa. Students were selected through a rehearsal a few short weeks ago.

This proved to be a great experience for students, as they were able to work with seasoned conductors, meet other students, and experience the thrill of performing in facilities at the University of Iowa Voxman School of Music.

The high school band commissioned 2 new pieces and got to meet the composers too! Jolynn Keomanivong, a senior, was selected as the 3^rd place winner of the Major Landers Scholarship. This award is given to students planning to major in Music Education at an Iowa College or University. According the Middle School band director, Mount Pleasant was well represented.

Once again, those students selected for the prestigious SEIBA were: Congratulations to: 8th graders Carly Mullin on Bass Clarinet, Swaylin Henderson on Clarinet, Chris Carapia-Segundo on Tenor Sax, and 7th grader Michael Gossen on Alto Sax.

From the highschool, 12th grader Drake Landau on guitar in the jazz band, 12th grader Jolynn Keomanivong as 1st chair tenor sax in the concert band, and 10th grader Elias Heaton on contra bass clarinet.