Author: Yorke Prough

On July 11, 2024, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Deputies took a report of multiple acts of domestic violence that occurred at 111 N. Andrew St. in Mediapolis, IA between March 2023 and July 2024. An adult female victim advised deputies that her husband, Kameron Willis Meller, age 24, of Mediapolis, IA, was the person who assaulted her.

The victim advised deputies that he both punched and choked her causing bodily injuries. She advised he pointed a firearm at her while she was holding a small child, he held a knife to her body while threatening her, he displayed a bowie knife and an axe and threatened her, and he has made numerous threats to kill her and her family.

Detectives interviewed Kameron and he advised the allegations against him were true. Kameron was placed under arrest for domestic abuse assault strangulation causing bodily injury (D felony), going armed with intent (D felony), child endangerment, harassment 1st degree, 3 counts domestic abuse assault display a weapon, and 2 counts domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury.

Kameron Meller was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.

Lee County Fair 2024

Horse Show Results

Grand Champion Halter – Justin Snider

Reserve Grand Champion Halter – Ava Burkholder

Champion Senior Showmanship – Justin Snider

Champion Intermediate Showmanship – Bailey Palmer

Champion Junior Showmanship – Cayle Kelly

Champion Senior Horsemanship – Chloe Sokolik

Champion Intermediate Horsemanship – Bailey Palmer

Champion Junior Horsemanship – Camden Kelly

Poultry Show Results

Champion Poultry – Justin Snider

Reserve Champion Poultry – Justin Snider

Champion Duck – Baylor Ferreira

Champion Advanced Fowl Showmanship – Justin Snider

Champion Senior Fowl Showmanship – Allison Gruntmeir

Champion Intermediate Fowl Showmanship – Baylor Ferreira

Champion Junior Fowl Showmanship – Derrick Gruntmeir    

The Henry County Health Center Foundation Board of Directors has selected Savannah Collins as the new Director of the Henry County Health Center Foundation. The announcement comes from the board following the retirement of Mark Hempen in May after nearly a decade of service.

Collins graduated from Drake University with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Her professional background includes working in the Iowa Legislature for Speaker Pat Grassley, in the United States Senate for Senator Joni Ernst, and in the Burlington Community School District prior to her work at Great River Health. Most recently, Savannah served in the Donor Relations role for the Great River Health Foundation and brings an abundance of relevant experience to the job.

“I’m honored to lead the Foundation and continue to plant seeds to support the continuation of high-quality care for our patients, families, and associates. The legacies left in the care of the Foundation have the opportunity to make a major impact on the future of healthcare for generations to come,” said Collins.

“For those of you who have not had the chance to meet Savannah, I think you will be impressed by her energy and confidence,” said David File, HCHC Foundation and Henry County Health Center, Inc. board member. “With that, I invite us to warmly welcome Savannah Collins to her position as Director of the HCHC Foundation.”

Citizens in attendance at the Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting on Thursday morning expressed their concerns about the public comment section on the agenda. In the past, citizens have seemingly been allowed to ask questions at any time of the meeting and respond back and forth with each other and those on the agenda. The agenda for Thursday’s meeting had the public comment section at the very beginning, before being put behind the Conservation Department update due to an appointment. Citizens spoke up, saying that the public comments section should not be before the presenters, as they often have questions over specific things said during the meeting.

Steven Giebelhausen, assistant County Attorney, addressed the issue at hand, mentioning that the Board of Supervisors meetings are for the board to get work done. If a citizen has a question that arose during the meeting, they can follow the person they wish to address outside of the meeting and ask it in private or send an email.  He also said that they are trying to run more efficient meetings.

One citizen spoke up, saying that allowing public comments only during a specific section makes it seem like they are trying to limit public input. Multiple attendees asked if the public comments section could be inserted at the end of the agenda instead, and it seems like that is what will happen from now on. It was made clear that if a “hot topic” were discussed at a meeting, additional time for public comments may be allowed.

The board also approved a motion to approve the transfer of four horses, which were subjected to neglect just outside of town. The four horses will be given to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, who has been caring for the animals. Sgt. Cargill and Deputy Kraft were acknowledged by the assistant county attorney for their help in this, as they got hold of the state veterinaries and brought in an expert.

The County Attorney’s Office also mentioned that monies have been recovered from a law firm that was paid for representation of the Sheriff’s Office in the past. A check has been received from the County with all funds previously paid to the law firm.

An officer with the Fairfield Police Department found himself in a peculiar situation on Saturday morning while he was on patrol in the 300 block of West Kirkwood Avenue. He observed a female who he knew to have an active warrant for her arrest.

What he didn’t know, is that he would soon be attacked. As he was attempting to take the female into custody for her warrant, a 75 year old made approached him from behind and struck him with a baseball bat.

A struggle ensued, with the officer ultimately winning, and as a result, 75 year old, Larry Bell of Fairfield, was arrested and charged with Assault on a Peace Officer, Going Armed with Intent, Interference with Official Acts, and Willful Injury. He was transported to the Jefferson County Correctional Center and being held on bond pending an initial court appearance.