Author: Yorke Prough

There has been an update to the shooting in Keokuk over the weekend that saw one person dead. On July 28^th just after 9:00am, the LeeComm Dispatch Center received two 911 calls resulting in Keokuk Police Officers being dispatched to 510 Morgan Street in reference to an adult male with a gunshot wound.

Keokuk Officers arrived on scene less than three minutes later and observed a male subject, identified as 27-year-old Colby Deck, with a single gunshot wound to the chest. Deck was receiving life-saving measures at the time of arrival.

The Lee County Ambulance Service arrived and took over medical aid. Deck would be pronounced deceased on scene at approximately 9:39am.

The supervisor on duty immediately contacted Keokuk Police Detectives and additional Patrol Officers, who responded to the scene. The department also requested the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for assistance in this case.

The scene was processed for anything of evidentiary value. The scene was photographed, videos were taken, and interviews were completed. A canvas of the neighborhood was conducted to identify any additional witnesses or locate additional evidence. Multiple search warrants were applied for, received, and served in connection with this incident. Items of evidentiary value were collected.

The subject that fired the fatal shot has been identified. That person’s name is not being released currently due to the ongoing investigation. No charges have been filed at this time and all relevant information related to this case will be forwarded to the Lee County Attorney’s Office for consideration.

*Updated at 9:12am* Another round of strong to severe storms will move through southeast Iowa, far northeast Missouri and west central Illinois between 1030 AM and 2 PM. Very heavy rain, quarter sized hail and wind gusts potentially of 70 mph can be expected from these storms.

*Original post* The severe thunderstorms meteorologists are keeping eyes on will basically track the same path as the storms did this morning. These will develop from northwest Iowa/Central Iowa and move southeast into southeast Iowa which could impact Keokuk, Henry, Washington, Jefferson, Van Buren, and Lee Counties between Noon and 5:00 pm. Stay tuned to KILJ for more updates.

Below is a press release courtesy of Access Energy Cooperative regarding a scam.

“Access Energy Cooperative has been alerted to a recent scam targeting our members. Over the weekend, a member reported receiving a call from someone claiming to represent Access Energy Cooperative. The caller offered discounts on their electric bill, which is a fraudulent claim.

We want to make it clear that Access Energy Cooperative does not have any groups or individuals making such calls. If you receive a call offering discounts or any other offers from someone claiming to be with Access Energy Cooperative, please be aware that this is a scam.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your service, please contact our office directly at 319-385-1577 or toll-free at 866-242-4232.”

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Sweltering temperatures and scattered thunderstorms dotted much of Iowa over the weekend,” said Secretary Naig. “The mid-growing season heat and timely rain helped push crops along through the pivotal weeks of July. August looks to start warmer and drier and will shift toward more seasonal conditions through the beginning of the Iowa State Fair.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report
Scattered rainfall allowed Iowa farmers 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 28, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting oats for grain, cutting and baling hay, and applying fungicides.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 11 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus.

Corn silking hit 85 percent this week, 2 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Thirty-four percent of the corn crop has reached dough stage or beyond, 1 day ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of average. Two percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage. Corn condition was rated 77 percent good to excellent. Eighty-three percent of soybeans were blooming, 4 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of normal. Soybeans setting pods reached 43 percent, 2 days behind last year. Soybean condition was 76 percent good to excellent. Ninety-six percent of oats were turning color or beyond. The oat harvest for grain reached 67 percent complete, 6 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of the five-year average.

The State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 87 percent complete, 4 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. The State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 16 percent, 6 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Hay condition rated 78 percent good to excellent.  Pasture condition rated 71 percent good to excellent. Heat stress in livestock was reported.  

One business in Mount Pleasant certainly enjoyed the RAGBRAI riders coming through town on Friday. Up Dog RV Park received donations from riders for Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, whose mission is to “provide veterans with a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit monuments and memorials built in their honor for the sacrifice and service they made for our freedom.

A person affiliated with the campground served in the Vietnam War, while his father and all of his siblings served in World War II. One of his uncles went Missing in Action during Pearl Harbor. The man who served was able to take part of the honor flight in May, 2024, and experience firsthand what it was like.

After receiving overwhelming support, Up Dog RV Park has decided to donate $2500 toward the organization, which comes from all camping fees received during RAGBRAI, as well as donations and a personal contribution. If you believe this is a worthy cause, or would like more information on Easter Iowa Honor Flight, head to their website at www.eihonorflight.org

Des Moines County Conservation is hosting a free Shooting Safety and Basics event for anyone 10 and older on Tuesday, August 6^th from 5:30-7:30pm. The event will take place at the Big Hollow Shooting Range where participants will get a safety briefing and hands-on experience with BB guns, rifles, and shotguns. There will be a second event on August 14^th from 5:30-7:30pm as well. They recommend bringing a water bottle and wearing weather-appropriate clothing. The event will be rescheduled in the case of bad weather. Registration is required and can be completed by calling 319-753-5808. DMCC will provide transportation from Starr’s Cave to Big Hollow if individuals request it during registration.

Senator Grassley’s office is holding traveling office hours in Henry and Lee Counties on Wednesday, July 31. His Regional Director, Penny Vacek, will be there. Senator Grassley himself will not be in attendance, as the Senate will be in session and voting.

They will be set up at the Mount Pleasant City Hall, 307 E Monroe Street, between 9:30 and 10:30am on Wednesday. They will then head to Lee County to the Keokuk Public Library small meeting room from 12p-1.

His office helps Iowans contact federal agencies to resolve problems with Social Security payments, military service matters, immigration cases and other issues. You are also able to seek assistance through his website at www.grassley.senate.gov .