Apartment Building Intentionally Set on Fire in Mount Pleasant Saturday

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 at 9:14 am CDT

A southeast Iowa man was arrested late Saturday after authorities say he intentionally set fire to his own apartment in Mount Pleasant.

Police were dispatched around 11:47 p.m. on December 6 after Eric Shroyer, 33, called Henry County Dispatch and reported that he had deliberately set fire to his residence. Both the Mount Pleasant Police Department and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded on scene. Shroyer told dispatchers he would be waiting in the parking lot of the Open Bible Church, where Sergeant Body later located him. Officers say Shroyer immediately confessed, and smoke was already visible coming from the apartment building.

Shroyer was detained while Sergeant Body and Officer Swanson went to the scene at 909 East Henry Street and found the apartment fully engulfed. Crews from the Mount Pleasant Fire Department quickly arrived and extinguished the flames. The building, a single-row structure with shared roofing, sustained significant structural, electrical, and plumbing damage, forcing all residents to evacuate for the night. No injuries were reported. Henry County Emergency Management and Henry County Health Center ambulance crews assisted displaced tenants.

According to investigators, Shroyer admitted he poured a gallon of gasoline on his bed and couch before lighting the fire with a lighter. He told officers he was “tired of living” and wanted to return to prison. When asked about the safety of his neighbors, Shroyer allegedly said he had not considered them and would not have warned anyone.

Shroyer was arrested and charged with First-Degree Arson, a Class B felony, and transported to the Henry County Jail. He is being held on a $25,000 bond. Court records also show Shroyer has a prior conviction for Second-Degree Arson from December 2, 2019, in Greene County, Missouri.

KILJ reminds readers, a criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Burlington Man Arrested After Two Separate Assaults with a Knife

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 at 8:51 am CDT

A man was arrested after police say he cut two people Sunday night in Burlington.

Officers came to a home for a report of an assault at about 8:08 p.m. in the 400 block of Maple Street, according to an arrest affidavit.

A man met with officers and took them into a bedroom where they found a man with an open wound on his left shoulder. Officers said the man’s eye was swollen and he could barely open it. The injured man told officers he was assaulted by Kelvin Willform, 58. Police said he could not remember how Willform assaulted him. The injured man was taken to an area hospital.

Police said the man who met officers at the home told them he saw Willform at a Circle K gas station about 10 minutes before finding the injured man in the home. At Circle K, Willform told the man that he assaulted the injured man according to an arrest affidavit.

Police said officers headed to the Circle K for a report of a woman who was assaulted at about 8:43 p.m. in the 1000 block of Maple Street. At the Circle K, police said officers found a woman with a cut to her cheek. The woman told officers she was with Willform in the 500 block of South 10th Street and that he was rambling to her that she knew what “they” did to him and that she was a part of it.

The woman told police Willform held a knife to her face and caused the cut, according to an arrest affidavit. Police said the woman described the knife as a silver pocket knife.

Officers went to a home in the 500 block of South 10th Street and spoke with the homeowner. Police said they were allowed in to look for Willform. While inside, police said they saw fresh blood on the carpet. The homeowner told officers the blood was from Willform.

Officers later found Willform in an alley to the west of the 500 block of South 10th Street. Police said when they arrested him, he said that people tried to kill him and “roofied” him. Officers also saw Willform drop a silver pocket knife that was covered in blood, according to an arrest affidavit.

Willform is charged with:

  • Willful injury – causing bodily injury, a Class D felony
  • First-degree harassment, an aggravated misdemeanor
  • Assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, an aggravated misdemeanor

A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 17, court records show. Willform is being held at the Des Moines County Jail on bond. A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Sports, December 9th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 at 6:36 am CDT

High School Basketball

The Holy Trinity Catholic boys’ team picked up their first win of the season off a strong second half effort that saw them put up 41 points in a 69-54 final against WACO last night. Layne Rung poured in 27 points for the Crusaders, while Sam Meyer scored 15 points to lead the Warriors. 

WACO will face off against Louisa-Muscatine tonight at 6 pm on the road.

The Wapello girls’ team steamrolled Prince of Peace last night 62-30 behind a 25 point/14 rebound performance from Macey Kuntz. Wapello will travel to Lone Tree tonight with the boys’ team playing at 7:30 pm.

The New London boys’ team attempted to rally back in the fourth quarter, scoring 22 points, but fell short in a 58-54 final. The Tigers will face off against Columbus on Thursday, December 11th, at home with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame split the night against West Branch with the girls’ team losing 56-31, while the boys’ team walloped the Bears 72-54. 

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team will travel to Burlington Notre Dame tonight at 7:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 7:15 pm.

The Mt. Pleasant and Holy Trinity Catholic girls’ teams brawled last night in a low-scoring affair that the Panthers escaped with a 33-27 victory. Kynlee White led the Panthers with 10 points on the night. The Panthers will hit the road to take on Oskaloosa tonight at 7 pm.

Holy Trinity Catholic will host West Burlington on Friday, December 12th, with game one at 6 pm.

West Burlington will take on Van Buren County on the road tonight at 6 pm.

Mediapolis will make the trip to Washington tonight with the night starting at 6 pm and the boys’ game to follow at 7:30 pm.

Winfield-Mt. Union will head to Hillcrest Academy tonight with game one at 6 pm on the road.

Fairfield will face off against Ottumwa tonight with the girls playing first at 6 pm at home.

Columbus will throw down against Highland tonight with the girls’ playing first at 6 pm.

The Danville girls’ team will square off against Fort Madison on Thursday with tip-off at 6:30 pm. The Danville boys’ team will host Central Lee on Friday at 7:30 pm.

High School Bowling

Fairfield competed in a triangular yesterday and the girls’ team bowled 1,795 pins for 2nd place, while the boys’ team tallied 2,598 pins for 3rd place. Emma Cass led the Trojans with 290 total pins. Fairfield will duel Mt. Pleasant on Monday, December 15th, at home.

Mt. Pleasant will host Keokuk on Thursday, December 11th. 

High School Wrestling

The Mt. Pleasant and Wapello girls’ teams competed at the Raider Invitational last night and the Arrows led the charge, capturing 58 points for 14th place overall. Kenadee Helscher kept her undefeated season alive, finishing the night 3-0, while Clara Ball picked up an extra victory for a pair of championships for Wapello. Mt. Pleasant had Quintrie Lee and Courtney Smith each take 7th place in their respective weight classes. 

The Wapello girls’ team will compete in a tournament on Saturday, December 13th, at Marion High School.

Mt. Pleasant will square off against Keokuk on Thursday, December 11th, at home.

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will wrestle at a triangular in Lisbon tonight.

The WACO boys’ team will participate in a dual meet at Sigourney tonight.

The New London boys’ team will wrestle in a quad tonight on the road. 

The Van Buren County boys’ team will dual Mediapolis on Thursday.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will face off against Highland and Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union on Thursday at home.

The Van Buren County and Fairfield girls’ teams will compete at the Washington meet on Thursday.

The Mediapolis girls’ team will travel to Keokuk for an Invite on Saturday.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will travel to Des Moines Area Community College tomorrow, December 10th, at 5:30 pm.

The men’s basketball team will travel to Malcom X College tomorrow at 7 pm.

College Football

#23 Iowa will take on #14 Vanderbilt on December 31st at 11 am for the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida. 

College Basketball

The women’s Cy-Hawk series, pinning #10 Iowa State against #11 Iowa, will be played in Ames tomorrow, December 10th, at 6 pm.

The men’s Cy-Hawk series will be renewed on Thursday, December 11th, with tip-off at 7 pm as the unranked Hawkeyes look to knock off #4 Iowa State. KILJ 105.5 FM will have the call. 

This Day in Sports History

1951 – Bob Waterfield (Los Angeles Rams) became the first professional football player to kick five field goals in one game.

1978 – The first game of the Women’s Pro Basketball League (WBL) was played between the Chicago Hustle and the Milwaukee Does.

1984 – Eric Dickerson (Los Angeles Rams) became only the second pro football player to run for more than 2,000 yards in a season. O.J. Simpson held the previous record at 2,003.

Joel R. Sallee

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 8th, 2025 at 4:12 pm CDT

Joel R. Sallee, 73, of Mount Pleasant, died Thursday, December 4, 2025, at his home.

Joel was born October 8, 1952, in Michigan, the son of Oscar and Dorothy (Webber) Sallee. He graduated high school and began a career as a Draftsman. Joel lived in Georgia before relocating to Mount Pleasant 15 years ago. He enjoyed music of all kinds, spending time reading, and fishing. Joel was a talented woodworker.

Joel is survived by his son Corey (Heidi) Sallee of New London, Justin Sallee of Salem; four grandchildren, Anneliese, Elaina, Anthony, Thomas; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister.

According to his wishes his body has been cremated and there will be no services. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for Joel and his family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com.

LaVerne F. Loges

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 8th, 2025 at 2:16 pm CDT

LaVerne Fred Loges, 93, of rural Farmington, passed away on December 6, 2025, at River Valley Place in Fort Madison.

LaVerne was born on March 29, 1932, in rural Farmington, to Fred and Linda (Weber) Loges, and was raised with the values of hard work, faith, and family. On August 17, 1958, LaVerne married Barbara Simpson in Keokuk, Iowa.

LaVerne is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Barbara; and his children: Tami (Ross) Griffeth of Lowell, Michigan; Lori (Stuart) Davidson of Center Point; daughter-in-law Tina Loges of Farmington; Scott (Ann) Loges of Forest City; and Bradley Loges of Farmington. He was blessed with nine grandchildren: Margaret Griffeth, Freddy (Katie) Griffeth, Kathryn (Matthew) Ingram, Hannah Davidson (fiancé Taylor Brecht), Heather (Corey) Austin, Kelcey Loges, Addison Loges (fiancé Makayla Stair), Jessa Loges (fiancé Cole Wilkin), and Colette Loges; and six great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immeasurable pride and joy. LaVerne is also survived by his sister-in-law Sharon (Fran) Brownlee and his brother-in-law John (Julie) Simpson, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Randy; and his sister, Lois Orrock.

LaVerne attended country school in rural Lee County and graduated from Donnellson High School. After attending Iowa State University, he returned home to continue the family tradition of farming. LaVerne was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, where he served with the 39th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon, training scout dogs for patrol. His fellow servicemen became lifelong friends, and they continued to hold annual reunions for 70 years following their discharge.

LaVerne’s life was shaped by service—to his family, his church, and his community. He was an active member of Zion Mennonite Church, where he served in several leadership roles. He was also a member of the Donnellson American Legion, was a Harrison Township Trustee, and served on the Harmony School Board.

A lifelong farmer, LaVerne dedicated his life to working the land, tending his crops, and caring for his livestock. He also found joy in sports, both as a participant and a fan. He enjoyed bowling, baseball, basketball, and football, and he was a dedicated Iowa State Cyclones’ and Los Angeles Dodgers’ supporter. He especially loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. He also enjoyed puzzles and a good card game.

LaVerne’s legacy lives on in the family he loved, the example he set, and the memories held dear by all who were fortunate enough to share in his long and well-lived life.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Schmitz Funeral home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2025 at the Zion Mennonite Church in Donnellson with Pastor Rachelle Luitjens officiating. Burial will be in the Zion Mennonite Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his memory for Zion Mennonite Church or Honor Flight. Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Virgil Myers

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 8th, 2025 at 12:00 pm CDT

Virgil Lee Myers, 94, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025 in Fairfield.

Visitation for family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Funeral services celebrating his life will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 11th at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be determined.

Virgil was born May 26, 1931 in Fairfield, the son of Roy Marion and Cleo Helena (Briggs) Myers. He married Barbara Jean Blakeley, October 12, 1952. She preceded him in death August 24, 2016.

Virgil worked as a mechanic and truck driver. In his retirement, he spent many hours cleaning up Myers Cemetery located near Abingdon. Virgil enjoyed listening to Ray Price, horse sled pulls, spending time with family, and enjoying life.

Those left to honor his memory include his sons, Michael (Sue) Myers of Albia, and Lonnie Myers of Fairfield; daughter-in-law, Lee Ann Myers of Pleasant Plain; grandchildren, Mark (Lisa) Myers, Dan Myers, Katie (Bruce) Potts, Chris (Bianca) Myers, Andrew Myers, Phillip (Jodi) Myers, Jonathan (Morgan) Myers, Lizzie (Brandon) Helmick and Kassie (Ryan) Curran; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Quinton, Andrew, Taylor, Davin, Erica, Gantz, Corbin, Mackenzi, Alexandra, Benjamin, Leah, Ayden, Brylon and Maizie; and many great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; son, Chuck; brothers, Jack and Robert; and sisters, Marilyn and Delores.

Online condolences may be made to Virgil’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Marilyn Darlene Glass

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 8th, 2025 at 11:24 am CDT

Marilyn Darlene Glass, 93, of Fairfield, passed away Friday, December 5, 2025 at the home of her son, Bob, in Libertyville.

A Rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield with visitation to follow from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. A Memorial Mass for Marilyn and her husband, Robert W. “Bob” Glass will be held at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Ross Epping as celebrant. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or Hospice Compassus. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Marilyn was born September 16, 1932 in Fairfield, the daughter of Gilbert and Goldie (Smith) Pruden. She graduated from Fairfield High School and later married Robert W. Glass. He preceded her in death. Together, they raised four children.

Marilyn lived her entire life in Fairfield and called South Eighth Street home. There she stood by her husband and raised her family and is where memories began which will be carried forward.

Marilyn was a homemaker, caring for her family, home and yard, and hosting neighborhood coffee gatherings. She was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church, serving on the funeral dinner committee and as chair of the prayer chain. Marilyn was also a member of TTT, Chapter E.

Those left to honor her memory include her sons, Danny Jo (Debra) Glass of North Liberty, and Robert Dean (Dale Sue) Glass of Libertyville; eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Roberta Pruden; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Lani Sue; son, David Kirk; stillborn grandson, Bryce; great-grandson, Atticus; and siblings, Gilbert Melvin Pruden, Marjory Royer, Bonnie Dille, and Karen Luke.

The Glass family is thankful for the blessing of Hospice Compassus and their care.

Online condolences may be made to Marilyn’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Paul L. Tinder

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, December 8th, 2025 at 11:13 am CDT

Paul L. Tinder, 81, of Mt. Pleasant and formerly of Keokuk, died Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Paul Leon Tinder was born November 9, 1944 in Croton, IA. He was the son of Ora Carl William and Violet M. (Bradley) Tinder. The family moved to Keokuk where Paul graduated from Keokuk High School. Following high school, Paul enlisted in the United States Army. He was inducted on August 12, 1965 at Ft. Des Moines, IA and was transferred to the US Army Reserves on March 8, 1966 at Ft. Ord, CA. He remained in the reserves until August 11, 1971.

On December 11, 1966 in Hamilton, IL, Paul was united in marriage to Ethel Lorraine Bryant. Mrs. Tinder passed just over a month ago on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at their home in Mt. Pleasant.

Paul graduated from an air conditioning school in Quincy, IL after his marriage. He then accepted a position as a Firefighter with the Keokuk Fire Department. Paul was the first African American to serve on the Keokuk Department. His interest in fire safety led Paul to accept a position as a Deputy State Fire Marshall for the state of Iowa, being the first African American to serve in that capacity. He remained with the State Fire Marshall’s office until retirement. Paul was asked to come out of retirement to work as a Structural Engineer Inspector for the state, from which officially retired.

Paul was a member of the Second Baptist Ministries of Mt. Pleasant. He played bass guitar for Tinder’s Gospel Family Band. Paul was a member and devoted many hours to the Mt. Pleasant Historical Preservation Commission.
Paul had a love and penchant for cooking. This led him to operate two restaurants, Tinder’s Ribs with locations in Wayland and Mt. Pleasant.

He enjoyed playing golf, primarily at the Thursday Men’s Golf League at the Deerwood Country Club. When time allowed, Paul was an avid photographer.

Those thankful for sharing in Paul’s life include his children – Sharon (Medgar) Harris of Rock Island, IL, Dempsey Dixon of Mt. Pleasant, Paul Tinder, Jr. of Chaska, MN and William (Esther) Tinder of Belleville, IL; 4 siblings – Sharon Sangster of Keokuk, Larry Tinder of West Point, Tommy (Vickie) Tinder of Keokuk and Robin Holmes of Milwaukee, WI; 5 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. His parents, wife and a great grandchild precede Paul in death.

Friends may call to sign the register and pay their respects on Friday, December 12 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will receive friends from 11AM-12PM on Saturday at the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The funeral service for Paul will be 12 Noon on Saturday at the church. The Reverend Tony Campbell, Pastor, Second Baptist Ministries, will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Gardens, Keokuk with military honors conducted by the Iowa Military Funeral Honors Detail.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.