Mount Pleasant Man Charged After Alleged Attempted Copper Theft at Utilities Substation

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, May 21st, 2026 at 11:30 am CDT

A Mount Pleasant man is facing multiple charges following an alleged attempted burglary at a Mount Pleasant Utilities power substation late Sunday night.

According to court records, 42-year-old Kenneth Dean Darbyshire was arrested May 17 after Mount Pleasant Police responded to a reported burglary in progress at the Mount Pleasant Utilities power substation located at 700 West Yocum Lane.

Authorities say utility personnel observed a suspect inside the secured facility on surveillance cameras carrying a backpack and immediately contacted law enforcement. Court documents note the substation had already experienced two burglaries within the last month involving stolen copper wire.

According to the criminal complaint, officers arrived at approximately 11:13 p.m. and allegedly found Darbyshire inside the fenced substation near spools of new copper wire. Police say he fled on foot after ignoring commands to stop. Officers later located an e-bike believed to belong to Darbyshire before continuing a search of the area.

Court records state officers eventually found Darbyshire hiding near a tree line around 11:20 p.m. Police say he again attempted to flee before officers took him into custody approximately five minutes later.

Investigators reported locating a backpack containing a battery-powered saw and socket-style tools, along with wire cutters both near the copper wire spools and in Darbyshire’s pocket. Officers also observed several lengths of wire that had allegedly been removed and cut from a spool.

Court documents further state the substation is protected by an eight-foot chain-link fence topped with barbed wire and secured by two locked gates. Investigators allege the rear gate lock had been disassembled to gain entry into the facility.

Mount Pleasant Utilities estimated the damaged copper wire at $1,332.26. Additional repairs needed to secure the facility, including damage to a rear gate lock, brought the total reported loss to $1,616.26, according to court documents.

Darbyshire has been charged with second-degree criminal mischief and third-degree burglary, both Class D felonies, along with possession of burglary tools and interference with official acts.

Don’t Forget Your Water Safety This Memorial Day Weekend

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, May 21st, 2026 at 10:38 am CDT

As warmer weather arrives across Iowa, residents are reminded to stay safe while enjoying lakes, rivers and other outdoor recreation areas this summer.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources warns that cold water temperatures, even during warm weather, can quickly lead to hypothermia and increase the risk of drowning. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, often with little splashing or cries for help.

Safety recommendations include always wearing a properly fitted life jacket, swimming with a buddy, supervising children closely, and avoiding alcohol while boating. Paddlers are also advised to avoid low-head dams, downed trees and fast-moving water.

The DNR is also encouraging Iowans to plan ahead before heading outdoors by checking river conditions, filing float plans, carrying safety equipment and staying hydrated.

In addition, the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the DNR have launched a new summer safety resource website focused on “Plan, Protect and Play” safety tips for outdoor recreation.

More information, including water trail maps and summer safety resources, can be found through the Iowa DNR.

Mount Pleasant Pool Set to Open May 30th

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, May 21st, 2026 at 10:33 am CDT

Summer is almost here in Southeast Iowa as the Mount Pleasant Family Aquatic Center prepares to open for the 2026 season.

Opening day is scheduled for Saturday, May 30th, with open swim available from 1 to 7 p.m. Daily lap swim hours will run from noon until 1 p.m., followed by open swim each afternoon.

The aquatic center, located at 600 West Clay Street in Mount Pleasant, is offering both family and individual season passes this year. Family passes are priced at $150 and include between two and five immediate family members living in the same household. Individual passes are available for $75.

Ticket books and daily admission options will also be available throughout the summer season. Children ages 3 and under are admitted free, while admission for ages 4 through 15 is $3.50. Admission for anyone 16 and older is $4.

City staff remind families that children ages 9 and younger must be supervised by someone age 16 or older while at the pool.

Season passes must be purchased in person at the Mount Pleasant Parks and Recreation Department office during normal weekday business hours. Cash and check are the only accepted forms of payment.

Residents with questions can contact the Parks and Recreation office at 319-385-1475.

James Harlan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Honors 5 Henry County Seniors

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, May 21st, 2026 at 10:32 am CDT

The James Harlan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has recognized five Henry County seniors with its annual Good Citizen Award for 2026.

The award honors students who demonstrate the qualities of good citizenship, service, and dependability in their schools and communities. Each student was recognized during their school’s senior awards assembly.

 

Honorees include:

From Mt. Pleasant High School, Jacie Campbell, daughter of Jason and Melissa Campbell. Campbell plans to attend Iowa State University.

From WACO High School, Baefe Davidson, son of Ross and Brittany Davidson. Davidson plans to attend Ozark Christian College in Missouri.

From Winfield-Mt. Union High School, Katie Miller, daughter of Mary and Tom Miller. Miller plans to attend Muscatine Community College.

From New London High School, Zoe Long, daughter of LuAnne and Eric Long. Long plans to attend Southeastern Community College.

And from the Christian School, Roen Bailey, son of Ann and Jeff Bailey. Bailey also plans to attend Southeastern Community College.

The DAR Good Citizen Award recognizes students for leadership, service, and patriotism both in and out of the classroom.

Sports, May 21st

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, May 21st, 2026 at 6:40 am CDT

High School Golf

The Wapello girls’ team hosted the Class 1A Region 5 finals yesterday and Highland and Easton Valley finished atop the standings to advance to the state tournament, while the hosts and Winfield-Mt. Union finished in 4th and 5th place, respectively.

Highland shot a 377 as a team with Emersyn Schultz and Adisyn Prottsman turning in silver and bronze-medal cards of 82 and 83, respectively. Individually, Emmalin Marshall of Wapello advanced to state with the 5th place score of 90, as Hillcrest Academy’s Claire Withrow rounded out the top six. 

Van Buren County’s Sophia Jirak collected 10th place with a round of 93, while the Wolves had Ella Kann lead the team with a score of 99, which was good enough for 13th place. Hailey Wellington of Columbus finished in 22nd place.

The Class 1A state meet is scheduled to take place at Cedar Pointe Golf Course in Boone on May 28th. 

In the Class 2A Region 5 final, Burlington Notre Dame’s Alexandria Booten took home the gold medal with a card of 76 to punch her ticket to the state meet, which will take place at the American Legion Golf Course in Marshalltown. 

The Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield girls’ teams made the trip to Edmundson Golf Course for the Class 3A Region 3 finals yesterday and the Panthers took home a team score of 409 for 8th place, while Fairfield finished with a 427 for 10th place. 

The Panthers were anchored by Ashlynn Beauchamp’s 18th place score of 96, while Ellanor Bentler led the Trojans with a card of 99 for 22nd place. 

The Washington girls’ team just missed the team cut at the Class 3A Region 4 finals, grabbing 3rd place with a team score of 392. Adalyn Long led the charge with a 10th place score of 89. Fort Madison’s Kylie Lumino advanced to the state meet after turning in a bronze medal round of 81. 

The Class 3A state meet will take place in Cedar Falls at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course on May 28th.

The boys’ Class 1A state tournament will take place at Westwood Golf Course on Tuesday, May 26th, from Newton as Winfield-Mt. Union and Hillcrest Academy’s Rowan Miller get ready to compete.

The boys’ Class 2A state tournament is slated to start on Tuesday at South Hills Golf Course in Waterloo with Central Lee, Mediapolis, and Burlington Notre Dame’s Sam Yonker making the trip. 

High School Soccer

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team made up their contest against Clear Creek Amana last night and fell to the Clippers, 3-2. Dylan White netted both goals for the Panthers. Mt. Pleasant finished the regular season with a 12-4-2 record.

The Washington girls’ team will travel to Williamsburg tonight at 5 pm.

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will host Mediapolis tonight at 4:30 pm. 

High School Postseason Soccer

In Class 1A Substate 5, Mediapolis will take on Pella Christian on Wednesday, May 27th, at 7 pm on the road. 

Danville will travel to Burlington Notre Dame on Wednesday at 7 pm.

In Substate 6, the Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will hit the road to play Tipton on Wednesday at 7 pm. 

Over in Class 2A Substate 4, the Washington boys’ team will square off against Mt. Vernon on Wednesday at 7 pm on the road. 

The Fairfield boys’ team will look to knock off Solon in the substate semifinals on Wednesday at 7 pm on the road. 

High School Track and Field

The Iowa High School State Track and Field meet is scheduled to start today and run through Saturday, May 23rd, with KILJ providing updates throughout the three-day event.

Classes 1A and 4A will compete during the morning schedule with Classes 2A and 3A rounding out the afternoon and evening schedule. 

For a full look at today’s schedule for our local athletes, then follow this link: Thursday’s Schedule

High School Boys’ Tennis

Mt. Pleasant took on Assumption last night in Class 1A Substate 7 play and fell to the Knights 5-1. Max Heater picked up the lone victory of the night for the Panthers, winning his singles match 6-1 and 6-2. The Panthers finished the regular season with an 8-2 record.

Fairfield was shutout by Central DeWitt yesterday, 5-0. The Trojans collected a 6-3 record for the season. 

High School Baseball

Fairfield picked up their first win of the season in a 6-0 shutout of Eddyville-Blakseburg-Fremont. Dain Burkhart did it all, notching two RBIs along with striking out five on the mound in six innings of shutout ball. The Trojans will travel to Central Lee on Wednesday, May 27th, at 7 pm. 

Mt. Pleasant fell to Grinnell last night, 10-0. Griffen Jones tallied the lone hit, as he also stole a pair of bases. The Panthers will look for redemption tonight in a road contest against Cardinal at 7 pm. 

Wapello will get back to action tonight at 5 pm at home against North Cedar. 

Van Buren County will face off against Keokuk at 5:30 pm tonight at home.

Central Lee will square off against Lone Tree tomorrow, May 22nd, at 5:30 pm at home.

High School Softball

West Burlington/Notre Dame defeated Fort Madison last night, 7-4. Orayana Gonzalez knocked a double for two RBIs, while Madelyn Thomas notched 12 strikeouts from the circle. The Falcons will host West Liberty on Tuesday, May 26th, at 7 pm. 

Central Lee will take on Holy Trinity Catholic tonight at 7 pm at home. 

Wapello will square off against Columbus on Tuesday at 7 pm on the road.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Mt. Pleasant was our school of focus for last night’s episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook with special guests Alex Scott and Meadow Carter, as the pair prepares to compete at the 2026 Iowa High School State Track and Field championships.

 Scott will be making her 3rd trip to the state meet, yet the nerves will still need to be settled for the senior,

“I would say that I’m taking in the fact that I just need to relax when I get there, especially when it comes to my races. I feel like I’ve just gotten so scared of it. It’s not as scary. I shouldn’t think of it as being scared. I should think of it as a blessing to be there instead of being anxious about the race.” 

Carter will be running in the shuttle hurdle relays tonight and for the senior it has been a season full of memories,

“My favorite moment of the season is actually the whole season. I feel like this season, we really came together as a team, and everyone’s super supportive of each other, especially for me and the hurdles. Hurdles are a very mentally challenging thing. You have good days, you have bad days. I just think that our hurdlers are all super supportive of each other, and it just really helps throughout the season.” 

If you missed last night’s episode, then follow this link: Mt. Pleasant Episode

College Baseball

Iowa fell to Michigan State last night, 4-3. The Hawkeyes will tangle with Purdue today at 2 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1819 – The first bicycles (swift walkers) in the US were introduced in New York City.

1943 – Fastest 9 inning American League baseball game. The Chicago White Sox beat the visiting Washington Senators, 1-0, in 89 minutes.

2006 – The Swedish ice hockey team Tre Kronor takes gold in the World Championship, becoming the first nation to hold both the World and Olympic titles in the same year.

Mount Pleasant Woman Pleads Not Guilty After Dog Attack

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, May 21st, 2026 at 6:25 am CDT

A Mount Pleasant woman charged following a dog attack that seriously injured a three-year-old girl has pleaded not guilty in Henry County Court.

According to court documents, 21-year-old Katie Lynn Murdock of Mount Pleasant was cited for having a vicious animal following the May 13 incident in the 600 block of North Broadway.

The citation states two dogs were being introduced to a neighbor’s family when the dogs allegedly attacked the three-year-old female victim, resulting in injuries that required “over 70 stitches” and caused “level II trauma.” The document also notes the City of Mount Pleasant requested both dogs currently in custody at local shelters be euthanized.

As previously reported, Mount Pleasant Police officers responded to the scene around 4:30 p.m. on May 13 and found the child suffering from a head wound. Officers provided first aid until Henry County Ambulance crews arrived. The child was transported to the hospital for treatment.

The child’s parents shared that the girl suffered severe injuries, including exposed areas of her skull, and continues to experience emotional trauma following the attack. The child’s parents are also disputing details included in the citation. They say the family  had been invited to the end of the drive of the camper where the dogs were staying to get a first aid kit after the dogs allegedly attacked their own dog the night before. According to the parents, the dogs were inside the camper at the time, and the attack happened after the dogs were later let outside.

Newly filed court records show Murdock appeared in court May 19 and entered a plea of not guilty to the vicious animal charge. A pretrial conference has been scheduled for June 5 at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant.

Prep Track and Field: Thursday’s Schedule for the 2026 Iowa High School State Track and Field Championships for KILJ’s Local Schools

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 at 2:58 pm CDT

Des Moines, IA- The 2026 Iowa High School State Track and Field Championships is only a day away from the first starters gun signaling the start of the first race and there’s plenty of action to be excited about for the three-day event. Here’s a breakdown of Thursday’s schedule by time and who will be competing in each event for our local teams.

Field Events (9 am)

Girls’ Shot Put (1A): Kendra Schultz and Anna Hadley (Pekin) and Chloe Sexton (Highland)

Boys’ Long Jump (1A): Logan and London Franklin (New London), and Hayden Shelman (WACO)

Field Events (11:30 am)

Boys’ Shot Put (1A): Colin Anderson (Winfield-Mt. Union)

Girls’ Long Jump (1A): Alexa Hahn (Highland)

Field Events (2 pm)

Girls’ Shot Put (2A): Bella Forbes (Columbus)

Girls’ Discus (3A) Kylee Hill (Burlington) and Elyse Setterstrom (Fairfield)

Boys’ Long Jump (2A): Tyson Corneille (Columbus)

Boys’ High Jump (3A): Nolan Guzman (Fort Madison) and Eli Zillman (Fairfield)

Field Events (4:30 pm)

Boys’ Discus (3A): Urijah Brooks (Fort Madison) and Greyson Hartman (Washington)

Girls’ Long Jump (2A): Ella Howell (Columbus)

Girls’ High Jump (3A): Kylee Hoard (Keokuk) and Lilian Mennen (Burlington)

Running Events (Class 1A)

Girls’ Shuttle Hurdle Prelims (9 am): Pekin

Girls’ 3000-meter (9:40 am): Marie Yoder (Hillcrest Academy) and Chloe Glosser (Pekin)

Boys’ 3200-meter (10:10 am): Landry Loeffler (VBC)

Girls’ 200-meter Prelims (10:40 am): Rya Scott (Hillcrest Academy)

Boys’ 200-meter Prelims (11 am): Hayden Shelman (WACO)

Girls’ 4×800 (11:20 am): Van Buren County and WACO

Boys’ 4×800 (12:10 pm): Pekin and WACO

Girls’ 100-meter Prelims (12:50 pm): Rya Scott (Hillcrest Academy)

Boys’ 100-meter Prelims (1:05 pm): London Franklin (New London)

Girls’ 400-meter (1:20 pm): Alexa Hahn (Highland) and Alaina Gourley (Danville)

Boys’ 400-meter (1:40 pm): Justyn Faulkner (Wapello) and Lincoln Bainbridge (Van Buren County)

Boys’ Shuttle Hurdle Prelims (2:05 pm): Winfield-Mt. Union

Running Events for Class 2A and 3A

Boys’ Shuttle Hurdle 2A Prelims (2:40 pm): Columbus

Boys’ Shuttle Hurdle 3A Prelims (3 pm): Mt. Pleasant and Burlington

Girls’ 3000-meter 3A (3:35 pm): Emma Horak (Washington), Quintrie Lee (Mt. Pleasant), and Avery Rump (Fort Madison)

Boys’ 3200-meter 2A (3:50 pm): Simon Wendel (Mediapolis)

Boys’ 3200-meter 3A (Time: 4:05 pm): Silas Hulett (Mt. Pleasant)

Girls’ 200-meter 3A Prelims (Time: 4:30 pm): Jaedyn Moore (Washington) and Mylee Stiefel (Burlington)

Boys’ 200-meter 2A Prelims (Time: 4:40 pm): Landry Haberichter (West Burlington/Notre Dame) and Lamar Ceant (Columbus)

Boys’ 200-meter 3A Prelims (Time: 4:50 pm): Ryan Bair (Keokuk) and Keshawn Wyldon (Burlington)

Girls’ 4×800 2A (Time: 5 pm): Mediapolis

Girls’ 4×800 3A (Time: 5:25 pm): Fort Madison

Boys’ 4×800 2A (Time: 5:50 pm): Columbus, West Burlington/Notre Dame, and Mediapolis

Boys’ 4×800 3A (Time: 6:10 pm): Washington and Fort Madison

Girls’ 100-meter 3A Prelims (Time: 6:30 pm): Mylee Stiefel (Burlington), Jaedyn Moore (Washington), and Alex Scott (Mt. Pleasant)

Boys’ 100-meter 2A Prelims (Time: 6:45 pm): Domonic Garcia (Columbus) and Landry Haberichter (West Burlington/Notre Dame)

Boys’ 100-meter 3A Prelims (Time: 6:53 pm): Ryan Bair and Kurt Joy (Keokuk)

Girls’ 400-meter 2A (Time: 7 pm): Ella Howell (Columbus)

Girls’ 400-meter 3A (Time: 7:10 pm): Charley Huebner (Fort Madison) and Avery Fedler (Mt. Pleasant)

Boys’ 400-meter 2A (Time: 7:20 pm): Nathan Schmidgall (Mediapolis)

Boys’ 400-meter 3A (Time: 7:30 pm): Chayce Smith (Keokuk)

Girls’ Shuttle Hurdle 3A Prelims (Time: 7:40 pm): Keokuk and Mt. Pleasant

More

Stay tuned to KILJ for updates and end-of-day recaps throughout the three-day event, as we thank our sponsors for allowing up to cover the 2026 State Track and Field Championships!

Felony Charges Dismissed Against Burlington Nurse Accused of Stealing Medication

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 at 11:47 am CDT

A judge has dismissed felony criminal charges against a Burlington nurse accused of stealing pain medication from residents at a Southeast Iowa nursing home.

Thirty-year-old Ashley Bessine had been charged in December of 2025 with four felony counts involving controlled substances, along with charges of tampering with records and dependent adult abuse.

According to prosecutors, Bessine was working at New London Specialty Care when she allegedly took prescribed oxycodone and hydrocodone medications from residents and falsified records to make it appear the drugs had been administered.

Court records allege that in one case, oxycodone pills were replaced with medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure in an attempt to conceal the theft.

However, Bessine’s attorney argued the state failed to meet a required filing deadline. Under Iowa law, prosecutors must file approved trial information within 45 days of charges being filed. The judge agreed, ruling the documents were not approved and officially filed in time, leading to the dismissal of the criminal case.

Despite the dismissal, Bessine is still facing disciplinary action from the Iowa Board of Nursing.

The board has accused her of conduct that could adversely affect patient welfare, failing to properly document patient care, and attempting to misappropriate medications belonging to patients. The board has not publicly released details about the allegations or where the incidents are alleged to have occurred.

A disciplinary hearing before the Iowa Board of Nursing is scheduled for June 26th.

The information was first reported by the Iowa Capital Dispatch.