KEOKUK, Iowa – The Keokuk Community School District is continuing its path of improvement with nearly $300,000 in new state grants, expanded academic offerings, and updated facilities.

Recent staffing and program updates include the launch of a new Agriculture department and FFA chapter with over 100 members at Keokuk High School, expanded reading and math interventions at Keokuk Middle School, full-time automotive and industrial technology instructors, and growth in welding and other Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs. The district also added a dedicated elementary science teacher and a work-based coordinator at KHS.

Facility upgrades feature a refinished gym floor in Wright Fieldhouse, a renovated track and turf football field with advanced lighting, updated tennis courts, and improved landscaping across the district.

KCSD was awarded three state grants:

• Credentials to Careers Grant (up to $50,000) to expand CTE pathways and help students earn industry-recognized credentials.
• Iowa Early Childhood Continuum of Care Grant ($100,000) to expand full-day early learning through Torrence Preschool and the Keokuk Community Child Development Center.
• Therapeutic Classroom Grant ($144,000) to create a sensory-sensitive classroom, provide trauma-informed staff training, and expand mental health supports.

“These grants are investments in the future of our students,” said KHS Principal Nathan Harrison. “They open doors to new opportunities and prepare graduates for success.”

Funding will be distributed this fall for use during the 2025-26 school year.

DES MOINES COUNTY, Iowa – The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has released new details regarding an officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier this month in rural Des Moines County.

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at approximately 9:04 p.m., the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance call.

When a deputy arrived at the residence, he made contact with 46-year-old David Maupin.

According to preliminary findings, during the course of a verbal exchange, Maupin became uncooperative and produced a firearm. The deputy discharged his weapon, striking Maupin. Despite receiving emergency medical treatment at the scene, Maupin died from his injuries. The deputy was not injured.

In accordance with department policy, the deputy has been placed on paid critical incident leave while the investigation proceeds.

The DCI is leading the investigation, and once complete, the case will be forwarded to the Office of the Iowa Attorney General for review.

A previous press release regarding the incident can be found here

Southeast Iowa’s lakes and rivers remain warm as late summer heat holds on, with water temperatures in the low to mid-80s. Anglers are finding fish moving between deeper waters and nearby shallows as feeding activity begins to increase ahead of fall.

Big Hollow Lake
Fish are holding in deeper water, but activity is picking up.

• Black Crappie – Fair: Look for crappies in 7–8 feet of water in flooded timber. Vertically jigging in trees or drift trolling along the outer edge of cover has been productive.

• Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are still in their summer pattern, about 6 feet down in flooded timber.

• Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are becoming more active. While still near deeper water, they are beginning to feed in slightly shallower areas.

Cedar River (Moscow to Columbus Junction)
The river is running about two feet below bank full, offering better access for fishing.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
Levels are a foot or so below bank full, keeping conditions relatively stable.

Lake Geode
The lake remains green in color, but clarity is slowly improving to around 1.5 feet.

• Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are around artificial habitat in 8–10 feet of water, suspended just above the bottom.

• Bluegill – Fair: Most bluegills are holding in 8–10 feet along steeper banks.

• Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass action is improving as more fish venture into shallower water. Crankbaits in 5–6 feet along drop-offs are working well.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
River levels have fallen several feet since last week, but the water is still well over half bank full. Anglers are urged to use caution, as muddy water can hide new snags brought in by recent high water.

For more information on these lakes and rivers, contact the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.

The North Lee Community Foundation (NLCF) and the Keokuk Area Community Foundation (KACF) are honored to announce the receipt of a significant estate gift from the Sandrock Trust, established by longtime community supporters Dr. Austin Sandrock and Carole Wallis – Sandrock. The Sandrock’s had previously created permanent endowment funds with the Foundations and were generous supporters throughout their lifetimes. They also championed local causes such as the Fort Madison Public Library and the Fort Madison Community Schools. The couple cared deeply about their hometown and Lee County, and their legacy will continue to strengthen the region for generations to come.

This extraordinary act of generosity will allow the Foundations to substantially expand their annual grantmaking and scholarship awards. Beginning in 2026, the gift will directly increase funding for The North Lee Community Foundation Grant Fund and The Lofton-Eichacker Grant Fund of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, providing an additional $400,000 annually to nonprofit organizations and schools throughout the greater Tri-State area. This increase will bring the total annual grant funding from both Foundations to approximately $700,000–$800,000.

“The impact of this gift will be felt for generations to come,” said Executive Director Roger Ricketts. “It strengthens our ability to help nonprofit organizations dream bigger, reach farther, and make a lasting difference in our communities.”

In the coming weeks, nonprofit organizations in Lee County will be invited to a series of informational meetings with the leadership of both Foundations to learn more about application deadlines, timetables, and available funding opportunities.

About the Keokuk Area Community Foundation Established in 2004, the Keokuk Area Community Foundation receives charitable gifts and
grants from individuals, families, businesses, and corporations to establish permanent endowments for the benefit of our communities. Together with its affiliate, the North Lee Community Foundation, which was established in 2005, the two foundations work to build stronger communities and enable nonprofit organizations to fulfill their missions.

To learn more about the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, visit www.keokukfoundation.org. To learn more about the North Lee Community Foundation, visit www.northleecf.org.

Iowa drivers are seeing continued relief at the pump as fuel prices dropped again this week.

According to AAA, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa was $2.89 per gallon as of Wednesday. That marks a three-cent decrease from last week and a 31-cent drop compared to this time last year. Nationally, the average price for regular unleaded was $3.13, also down three cents from last week.

Diesel prices in Iowa followed a similar trend. Retail diesel fell by five cents this week to an average of $3.51 per gallon. A year ago, diesel in Iowa averaged $3.52. Iowa’s diesel prices remain below the national average of $3.70 by 19 cents.

Wholesale fuel costs also reflected current market conditions. On Wednesday, Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices were reported at $1.97 for U87-E10, $2.26 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.37 for ULSD#2, $2.68 for ULSD#1, and $1.91 per gallon for E-70.