Lee County deputies responded to a disturbance involving gunfire Monday afternoon in rural Lee County.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s press release, deputies were dispatched around 1:39 p.m. on December 29th to the 1800 block of West Point Road after reports of a disturbance in progress. While en route, dispatch advised that a male subject at the scene was reportedly armed with a firearm and that shots had already been fired.

When deputies arrived, they confirmed shots were actively being discharged. Deputies made contact with the male subject outside the residence. He complied with commands and was taken into custody without further incident.

Deputies then secured the residence and located a female occupant who had been hiding inside the home. Investigators determined the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute. The female also reported the male had made threats toward himself, law enforcement, and others.

No deputies or other individuals were injured during the incident. Firearms were secured at the scene, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Lee County deputies arrested 51-year-old Landon A. Rampy of West Point. He is charged with Harassment in the First Degree, Domestic Abuse Assault second offense, Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, and Reckless Use of a Firearm. Authorities remind the public that all charges are accusations, and Rampy is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is also reminding the public that domestic-related incidents involving firearms are extremely dangerous and encourages anyone experiencing a domestic crisis to seek help immediately through law enforcement or local support resources.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Henry County residents who use the rural sanitation collection site will see a change in service starting with the new year.

The county’s rural sanitation contract is now being handled by All American Sanitation, with updated hours taking effect Friday, January 2, 2026.

According to All American Sanitation representative Tim Myers, the transition will not impact what materials are accepted at the site located at 900 West Washington Street in Mount Pleasant. All separation requirements and disposal procedures will remain business as usual.

The primary change residents should note is the operating schedule. Beginning January 2nd, the collection site will be open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays; and from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The site will be closed on Sundays.

The facility will also observe closures on major holidays, including New Year’s Day, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Myers says signage will be posted at the site with updated hours and contact information to assist residents. All American Sanitation will move equipment into place on New Year’s Day and officially open under the new contract on Friday, January 2nd.

The rural sanitation service change in hours applies to residents across Henry County. This site is for rural residents only; city trash isn’t accepted. Proof of rural residency is required. They accept household trash and recyclables.

Residents with questions or concerns can contact All American Sanitation at 319-986-6355.

As New Year’s Eve celebrations approach, the Fort Madison Police Department is reminding residents and visitors to celebrate responsibly and make safe choices behind the wheel.

Police say New Year’s Eve is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for impaired driving. Alcohol and drugs can significantly reduce reaction time, judgment, and coordination, putting drivers, passengers, and others on the road at serious risk.

The department says driving under the influence is entirely preventable and urges people to plan ahead before celebrating. Officers encourage anyone who plans to drink to designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service or public transportation, or stay overnight at their celebration location. Police also stress the importance of never allowing a friend or family member to drive while impaired.

Fort Madison officers will be on patrol throughout New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, actively enforcing impaired driving laws to help keep roadways safe.

Police remind the public that impaired driving is illegal and remains a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities. Anyone who sees a suspected impaired driver is urged to contact local authorities.

The Fort Madison Police Department’s message is simple: celebrate responsibly, plan ahead, and don’t drink and drive.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a Keokuk man following an investigation into alleged misconduct at a juvenile detention facility in Montrose.

According to a press release, deputies were called on October 29th to assist with an investigation at the South Iowa Area Detention Service Agency, also known as the JDC. Officials emphasized the facility is not overseen by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began after the JDC director reported concerns involving inappropriate conduct between a detention officer and a 16-year-old juvenile detainee. Those concerns included excessive and unnecessary contact, attempts to obstruct camera views inside the facility, and violations of prior employment restrictions.

Investigators reviewed employee reports, surveillance video, and conducted multiple interviews. Authorities say the evidence showed the employee engaged in inappropriate behavior toward the juvenile and violated policies meant to protect youth in custody.

The investigation also revealed the employee made unauthorized contact with the juvenile’s parent and misrepresented his authority regarding bonding the juvenile out of custody. Search warrants were executed at the employee’s residence and for personal electronic devices.

As a result, 48-year-old Mark Young of Keokuk was arrested and charged with Sexual Misconduct with a Juvenile. Authorities stress that a charge is an accusation, and Young is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The sheriff’s office says the employee is no longer in a position of authority over juveniles. Due to the involvement of a minor, additional details are being withheld to protect the victim’s privacy.

This is your KILJ News 2025 Quarter Three Year in Review, brought to you by Two Rivers Bank & Trust, highlighting the biggest local stories from July through September 2025 – weather, agriculture, education, community events and economic developments in Mount Pleasant and the broader southeast Iowa region.

WEATHER

Quarter Three of 2025 in southeast Iowa saw a stormy midsummer give way to a warm, drier start to fall. July brought heavy rainfall — 9.2 inches, over 5 inches above average — keeping soils saturated and raising occasional flooding concerns across Iowa. August stayed warm and humid with occasional storms, while September was warmer but drier, signaling the transition into fall – a weather pattern that shaped local events, agriculture, and day-to-day life across southeast Iowa.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture in quarter three of 2025 blended solid harvest progress and generally good yields with economic and market pressures. Local weather patterns supported fieldwork and crop maturity, contributing to harvest activity that often ran ahead of schedule for the season. However, challenges including disease pressures, tighter margins, and a farmland market that is more stable than booming reminding Southeast Iowa farmers that profitability remains sensitive to commodity price and rising input cost trends.

COMMUNITY

The 75th Midwest Old Threshers Reunion held August 28–September 1, marked a historic milestone, celebrating three-quarters of a century of preserving our rich agricultural heritage, steam power, and rural traditions in Southeast Iowa. The weather was perfect, with clear skies, warm days, and comfortable evenings leading to a new attendance record, drawing more than 38,000 visitors over the five-day event.

Attendees experienced 88 steam engines, 1,047 tractors, 101 antique cars and trucks, and 643 gas engines on working display. The entertainment on the KILJ Stage included the Malpass Brothers on Thursday, Cooper Alan on Friday, Priscilla Block on Saturday, and, for the first time ever, Sunday night featured a comedian versus a musical performance. Legendary comedian Jeff Foxworthy performed to a sold out crowd and if the laughs were any indication, it was the perfect rounding out to celebrate 75 years!

Along with a great Old Threshers Reunion, Mount Pleasant High School capped the quarter with spirited 2025 homecoming festivities, including “Pink Panther Day,” the traditional Boom Night with Powder Puff football, Royalty Court announcements, and a rivalry football game that energized the community’s support for the Panthers. Ramzey Davis was crowned MPHS Homecoming King and Alex Scott took the title of 2025 Homecoming Queen.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

In August, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) approved a major manufacturing investment for ContiTech USA, LLC in Mount Pleasant. The project — a substantial expansion of the existing facility — represents a multi-million-dollar capital infusion and is projected to create approximately 50 new jobs with competitive wages. The expansion includes a new state-of-the-art compounding center that will enhance production, warehousing, and office capacity, reinforcing Mount Pleasant’s manufacturing sector.

This project reflects ongoing regional economic momentum by leveraging industrial strengths and workforce development opportunities.

SCHOOL

From July through September, the Mount Pleasant Community School District was busy preparing for the new school year and advancing key projects.

In July, Superintendent John Henriksen announced his intent to retire at the end of the 2025–2026 school year. The school board prepared for a superintendent search anticipated later in the academic cycle, which you’ll hear more about in Quarter Four. Enrollment opened in mid‑July, and students returned to classes on August 25th.

A new Personal electronic devices policy was implemented statewide in 2025. The use of all cell phones, smart phones, gaming devices, and media players was prohibited during instructional time at school – an adjustment for students, parents, and school staff.

In September, a special session board meeting included discussions on a proposed agricultural education greenhouse and initial plans for the demolition of the PEO Memorial Building, which led to much discussion on preservation efforts from local organizations and community members.

PUBLIC SAFTY

On September 2, law enforcement executed a significant narcotics investigation resulting in the arrest of a Mount Pleasant individual and the seizure of a shipment containing illegal THC vape devices, marijuana products, and related contraband. The case underscored ongoing coordinated efforts by the Mount Pleasant Police Department, DEA, Iowa State Patrol, and the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force.

CITY

City Council actions during September included consideration of community development projects and support measures for business expansions, including resolutions connected to potential ContiTech growth. Infrastructure planning — such as street grading and airport hangar expansion — was also part of council discussions, reflecting ongoing operational priorities in municipal governance.

The council also held a scheduled public hearing regarding the proposed plans and specifications for the Second Baptist Church Project. On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, council members voted to table both the resolution to accept bids and a related asbestos removal contract. The committee advised that the city should step back, reevaluate options, and consider alternative planning before moving forward.

The City of Mount Pleasant and the Mount Pleasant School Board of Education spent much of October gearing up for the upcoming election in November. We will hear more about the results of that election, in our quarter four report.

COUNTY

In county news the Henry County board of supervisors focused on both governance and infrastructure. At the July 31 meeting, in addition to routine administrative items, the board took up a third reading of a standard penalty amendment and discussed the moratorium on commercial solar and battery storage zoning, reflecting ongoing consideration of local land‑use policy.

In August and September, the board turned its attention to local infrastructure projects. Planning and approvals moved forward for a bridge replacement on Fremont Avenue, along with ongoing maintenance and improvements across county roads, including Old Highway 34, Franklin Avenue, and 170th Street.

Supervisors also continued routine administrative work, keeping an eye on county finances and preparing for the next fiscal year’s budget. Public input remained a key part of each meeting, allowing residents to weigh in on matters ranging from infrastructure improvements to local ordinances.

As quarter three concluded, Mount Pleasant positioned itself for year-end momentum. Community traditions like the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion reinforced the city’s cultural identity and economic impact, while strategic industrial investments pointed toward expanded employment opportunities. Education leadership planning and active civic engagement suggested sustained community involvement as the region enters quarter four. And that’s your 2025 Quarter Three KILJ News Year in Review bringing you the stories that matter in Mount Pleasant and southeast Iowa, courtesy of Two Rivers Bank & Trust.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors met for their regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, December 30 at 9AM.

Following approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes, County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss provided an update on county road projects. Hotchkiss reported that the bridge deck on 235th Street has been completely removed, and a second crane is now in place. Contractors are expected to return next week to continue work on the bridge replacement project.

Supervisors also reminded residents that the County Roads Department will be closed on Thursday, January 1 for the holiday and will close at noon on Friday, January 2 due to staffing shortages.

The board then discussed a recommendation from the county compensation board regarding elected officials’ salaries. The recommendation proposed a 10 percent increase for all elected officials, excluding the supervisors. Supervisor Steve Detrick said he could not support a 10 percent increase given the county’s current financial position. All three supervisors voted to oppose the recommendation, stating they would prefer to revisit compensation later in the budget process once county revenues are clearer.

Supervisors also made several board appointments for the 2026 calendar year. Brooke McArtor was appointed to the Regional Homeless Coordinating Board. Additional appointments and renewals were approved for the Compensation Commission related to eminent domain proceedings.

The board noted strong interest in the Henry County Board of Health, with more applicants than available openings. Supervisors plan to contact applicants to schedule interviews, as one position is expected to become available.

County residents interested in serving on a board or commission can find a current list of openings and application information on the Henry County website at henrycounty.iowa.gov under the Board of Supervisors tab.