Author: Yorke Prough

There was a fatal car crash in Lee County early this morning according to a report from the Iowa State Patrol. Limited details have been released, but we do know that this accident occurred at 3511 Main Street in Keokuk just before 1:00am. The report states that the driver lost control of their vehicle and struck a utility pole. The report also states that they were not wearing their seatbelt. The name of the victim is currently being withheld.

**UPDATED as of 8/30/24 to remove incorrect information which was taken from a crash in Polk County, Iowa.

The Iowa State Fair was a whopping success once again, with people flocking from all over to enjoy the music, animals, and anything fried in butter. One Henry County couple was recognized at the fair for their dedication and service to 4-H. David and Lisa Oetken have been committed to volunteering to 4-H and the Henry County Fair for years and were inducted into the 4-H hall of fame this year.

According to the Iowa 4H Foundation, Dave is known for his “patience and ability to inspire young minds to fulfill their full potential”. Meanwhile, Lisa has a “heart for her community and a willingness to go above and beyond”. Congratulations to Dave and Lisa, and make sure to share your thanks with them if you see them in public!

Late night drivers on Highway 218 may have noticed a strange sight on Monday, as many called to report a wrong-way driver. Reports stated that a vehicle was going southbound in the northbound lanes. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded just after 9:00pm and located the vehicle in the 1400-grid of Highway 218.

A traffic stop was performed, and the driver was identified as Jannette Vermeiere, 55 of Rock Island, Illinois. Unsurprisingly, it was determined that she was under the influence of alcohol. Vermeire was arrested for OWI, 1 Offense, Open Container, and Driving on Wrong Side of Two-Way Highway.  The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Iowa State Patrol.

One man is facing a long list of offenses after stealing a dump truck in Keokuk. On Monday evening just before 8:30pm, a white dump truck with an attached trailer was noted driving erratically near 12^th and Main streets. The truck was loaded with a small excavator. The driver would later be identified as Joseph Leeper, 48, of Keokuk.

The Officer activated his emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop on the driver. Leeper chose to disregard the lights and sirens and lead Officers on a pursuit.

While traveling east on Timea Street at speeds estimated in excess of 40 miles per hour, at 16th and Timea, Leeper swerved in the dump truck causing a loss of the trailer and excavator in the 1500 block of Timea. The excavator would land on two vehicles parked in that area, causing total losses to both. These vehicles would be towed from the scene.

This chaos would continue, as Leeper turned into the Oakland Cemetery. The dump truck would collide with several headstones within the cemetery before Officers were able to position their patrol vehicles in a fashion to ensure the pursuit could not continue.

Leeper was taken into custody without further issue. It was determined through an investigation that Leeper had entered a structure and stole keys to the dump truck, which already had the loaded trailer attached to it. He then stole the dump truck, leading Officers on a pursuit endangering the lives of our citizens, damaging vehicles, a utility pole, and a mailbox.

Leeper is charged with Burglary 3rd Degree Second Offense, a class D felony, Theft 1st Degree, a class C felony, Eluding 2nd or Subsequent Offense, an aggravated misdemeanor, Driving While License Revoked, a serious misdemeanor, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor. Leeper also received 23 traffic citations related to this incident.

This is an ongoing investigation.

The LeeComm Dispatch Center, Keokuk Fire Department, Lee County Ambulance Service, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and Rairden’s Auto Salvage and Towing provided valuable assistance during this event.

Southeast Iowa is no stranger to severe weather this year, as a large storm ripped through the Burlington area last night. The Des Moines County Emergency Management has stated that they are aware of multiple trees down across the county. Currently, they do not have enough resources to respond to all of the calls they are receiving. They ask that you call 911 if anything is on fire, power lines are down, or life and property are in danger.

The Burlington Police Department is aware of the danger of flooded roads and downed trees. Please stay home if you do not need to go anywhere today.

Many people are still without power. Please be patient with first responders and utility workers as they work hard to restore power and assist during this difficult time.