The Fort Madison Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing juvenile.

Police say 15-year-old Kayden Breuer ran away from his home on December 27th. Breuer is described as standing approximately 5-foot-3 and weighing about 110 pounds.

Anyone with information about Kayden Breuer’s whereabouts is urged to contact Lee County Communications at 319-372-1310. Police also remind the public that anyone found to be harboring or concealing a runaway juvenile could face criminal charges.

Also missing is 17-year-old Kaleb Eujean Deuitch from Burlington, last seen on December 25, 2025.

Deuitch is described as a white male, about 5-foot-11 and weighing 145 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. The Burlington Police Department and the Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse are asking anyone with relevant information to come forward. Tips can be directed to the Missing Person Information Clearinghouse at 515-725-6036.

Officials urge the public to contact law enforcement with any credible sightings or information regarding either Breuer’s or Deuitch’s location.

Henry County Jail staff responded to an incident inside the jail Sunday night, December 28th, just before 9 p.m.

According to a press release from Henry County Sheriff Rich McNamee, an investigation determined that 33-year-old Seth Copeland of Washington, Iowa became agitated and began damaging property issued to him while in custody. The estimated cost to repair or replace the damaged item is about $200.

Copeland has been charged with Criminal Mischief in the Fifth Degree, a simple misdemeanor.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This is your KILJ News Quarter Two Year in Review, brought to you by Two Rivers Bank & Trust, highlighting the biggest local stories from April through June 2025 — weather, agriculture, education, community updates, and county developments.

Weather

As we look back at the weather from April through June 2025 in Mount Pleasant, the spring season delivered warmer-than-average temperatures and a generally active rainfall pattern typical for Southeast Iowa. Temperatures trended warmer than long-term normals, especially in April and June, contributing to an early transition toward summer warmth. Rainfall was episodic but close to seasonal expectations by the end of June, with May and June contributing the bulk of spring precipitation. Spring storm activity brought multiple rounds of thunderstorms to the region, reflecting classic Midwest severe-weather season dynamics.

The weather in Quarter Two of 2025 in Mount Pleasant was marked by a warmer spring with active thunderstorm patterns and seasonal precipitation — a transition from cool early spring into a typical summer pattern by June.

Agriculture

That spring weather shaped the planting season across Southeast Iowa — with farmers moving into fields early, some even in April. While localized reports varied the wet early spring conditions turned into warmer, more active fieldwork as the quarter progressed.

In livestock news, the Iowa Department of Agriculture confirmed the first documented case of Theileriosis, a tick-borne disease in cattle in Southeast Iowa. Producers were urged to monitor herds and work with veterinarians on prevention and treatment.

And Mogo Farms in Mount Pleasant received a $25,000 Choose Iowa value‑added grant from the Iowa Department of Agriculture to support construction of a new produce washing and processing facility, enhancing local farm business capabilities.

Schools & Education

In April and May, education was at the forefront of community attention in Mount Pleasant.

A special election to fill a vacancy on the Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education was held in early May. The voters chose Mark Overberg to serve on the school board, bringing a strong voice for Salem and surrounding communities to the district’s decision-making table. Overberg, a lifelong Salem resident and local business leader, ran on a platform emphasizing neighborhood schools and community inclusion.

In April, a special school board session revealed the results of a high-stakes Facilities Master Plan survey. The survey saw a response from over 1,000 residents who voiced a clear “No” to the proposed $35 million bond referendum. The primary point of contention was the board’s plan to consolidate elementary schools on the former Iowa Wesleyan University campus, which would mean the closure the neighborhood school in Salem as well as the 3 elementaries in town.

The school also denied plans to demolish the P.E.O. Memorial Building during quarter two of 2025, stating they were in an evaluation phase and not considering a demolition currently; a topic that will come up again as we move through the later months of the year.

City & County News

Other highlights in Quarter Two included celebrating local businesses and hosting community events.

Quality Equipment was named the 2025 Small Business of the Year at the Small Business Appreciation Breakfast hosted by the Mount pleasant area chamber of commerce in May. Other finalists were honored at the breakfast as well including Capstone Pharmacy, American Hair Academy, Crossfit Teo, and Family Medicine of Mount Pleasant.

The 26th Annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade rolled through southeast Iowa in early June, once again bringing hundreds of tractors and riders to Mount Pleasant. Hosted at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion grounds and McMillan Park, the three-day event featured daily rides through Henry, Des Moines, Jefferson and Washington counties and featured the best of Southeast Iowa’s small towns and people. With over 300 tractors participating, the Tractorcade highlighted Iowa’s agricultural heritage, multi-generational involvement, strong community support, and the enduring spirit of rural Iowa, wrapping up another successful summer tradition.

June 23-27, 2025 Mount Pleasant was selected as the subject of a week‑long “Our Town” spotlight by KCRG‑TV9. Filming included local landmarks and businesses, a boost for community visibility and regional branding. Segments featured Midwest Old Threshers, the public swimming pool, Henry County Conservation’s plans for an all-inclusive playground, highlights at local museums including the Van Allen House and the Harlan Lincoln House, and spotlighted local businesses.

As spring turned to summer, the momentum built for more infrastructure planning, community development, and long term planning in our schools. With strong civic engagement in local elections and active conversations about school facilities and agricultural resiliency, Quarter Two set the stage for what promises to be an engaged and eventful second half of the year.

And that’s your 2025 Quarter Two KILJ News Year in Review — bringing you the stories that matter in Mount Pleasant and all of Southeast Iowa courtesy of Two Rivers Bank & Trust.

The Iowa State Patrol was busy on the roads yesterday, December 28, 2025. A heavy day of travel after the holidays mixed with winter weather made driving conditions near impossible in some areas of the state. I-35 from Ames to the northern state border were closed Sunday and are expected to open back up some time this afternoon, Monday December 29th.

On Sunday, December 28th, between 6 a.m. to Monday, December 29th at 8 a.m., troopers responded to 193 calls for service statewide.
That included 37 traffic crashes, with 24 resulting in property damage, 12 causing personal injuries, and one fatal crash. Troopers also assisted motorists throughout the day and night, completing 156 motorist assists for drivers who needed help on Iowa roadways.

Thankfully, Southeast Iowa did not experience the same road conditions as much of the northern half of the state.

The Iowa State Patrol continues to remind drivers to slow down, watch road conditions, and stay focused behind the wheel as winter travel continues. You can visit 511ia.org or call 511 for the latest road conditions across the state of Iowa.

As we step into the New Year, many of us think about resolutions to improve our lives —And the National Lung, Heart, and Blood Institute is encouraging all of us to make 2026 the year we take control of our heart health.

Experts say that keeping tabs on your blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, blood sugar, and physical activity can help you stay ahead of heart disease — which is the leading cause of death in the U.S.

Start by tracking your activity every day — even simple walking counts. Wear a step tracker or jot down your workouts to see your progress over the weeks.

Get your blood pressure checked regularly and ask your doctor what your target numbers should be. Keeping blood pressure in a healthy range reduces strain on your heart and arteries.

Make a point to check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels with your healthcare provider — these silent numbers can quietly raise your risk if left unchecked.

Know your Body Mass Index (BMI) and work toward a weight that supports heart health. Tracking your food and activity in a journal can help you make heart-smart choices all year long.

Finally, eat heart-healthy foods, stay active, sleep well, manage stress, and avoid tobacco. These lifestyle steps, along with tracking your health numbers, add up to big benefits for your cardiovascular health.

This New Year’s resolution isn’t just about numbers — it’s about feeling better, living longer, and enjoying more time with family and friends. Make 2026 the year you take control of your heart health.

Visit the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute for more information.