The Lee County Narcotics Task Force reports the arrest of a Keokuk man on felony drug charges.

Nathan Kull, age 47, was arrested on Sunday, March 29th at his residence located at 722 Timea Street in Keokuk, Iowa on an outstanding warrant.

Kull is charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver Less than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine, a Class C Felony.

This arrest stems from an investigation by the Lee County Narcotics Task Force into allegations that Kull was involved in the distribution of illegal drugs in the Lee County area. Kull is charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver Less than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine, a Class C Felony.

The Lee County Narcotics Task Force was assisted by the Keokuk Police Department.

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Lee County Narcotics Task Force is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Justice, with funds administered by the Iowa Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy.

Three businesses in Fairfield are among those receiving a boost from the State of Iowa to expand local food production and agricultural products.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that 30 projects statewide have been awarded Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants, totaling $500,000. The funding helps farmers and small businesses grow their operations and bring more Iowa-made products to market.

Among the recipients, three Fairfield businesses were selected.

Jefferson County Ciderworks received $25,000 to install a new six-head canning line, which will expand processing capacity and allow for new product lines using Iowa-grown ingredients.

Mundo Lindo Farm was also awarded $25,000. The farm plans to convert a grain bin into a retail store, complete with refrigeration, offering products from their operation and other local producers.

And Pickle Creek Herbs received just over $20,000 to build a new washing and packing facility, along with cold storage and freeze-drying equipment to extend the life of herbs and produce.

State officials say the program continues to grow in popularity, with more than four times as many applications as available funding this year.

Since launching in 2022, the Choose Iowa program has supported 130 projects statewide, helping expand local food production and create new economic opportunities in communities like Fairfield.

Officials say the investments reflect increasing consumer demand for locally grown and made products, while helping small businesses scale up and reach new markets.

Rural 911 address signs can help first responders locate your address quickly. The blue address signs are required at homes and businesses but can also be placed at land parcels. If yours is missing or damaged, you can request a new sign from planning and zoning. For Henry County Residents, that number is 319-385-2146.

Des Moines County authorities responded to a reported domestic disturbance late Monday morning that resulted in multiple charges against a Burlington man.

According to the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 11:20 a.m. on March 30th to a residence located at 10994 115th Avenue. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with a female victim who reported she had been assaulted.

Officials say the victim sustained injuries to her arm, neck, and face. She also told deputies that the suspect had threatened to burn down her home with her and her child inside, and that he was in possession of a firearm.

The suspect was identified as 30-year-old Brett Alexander Young of Burlington, Iowa.

Deputies later made contact with Young and took him into custody without incident. He now faces charges including domestic abuse assault, second offense, possession of a firearm by a felon, and first-degree harassment.

Young was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center, where he is being held pending further proceedings.

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

A changing weather pattern is expected to bring multiple rounds of active weather to our area this week, including thunderstorms, elevated fire danger, and the potential for heavy rainfall.

Forecasters say scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening, with activity becoming more widespread overnight. Despite the rain chances, an elevated fire risk remains in place through today due to dry conditions and gusty winds.

A series of three storm systems is expected to move through the area between now and Saturday. The most impactful period looks to arrive Wednesday through Friday, when widespread soaking rains are likely.

The heaviest rainfall is expected Wednesday night into Thursday, bringing a low-end risk for flash flooding. Drivers are urged to use caution during heavy downpours, as reduced visibility and wet pavement could lead to hazardous travel conditions. Slowing down can help prevent hydroplaning.

Residents are also encouraged to stay weather-aware, especially overnight. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings while asleep.

Stay tuned to KILJ for updates as this active weather pattern develops.

Students in the New London Community School District will soon begin statewide assessments.

District officials say ISASP (which stands for Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress) testing is set to begin the week of April 6 for students in grades 3 through 11, including Clark Elementary, New London Middle School, and New London High School.

The assessments are designed to measure student growth and academic progress over the school year. School leaders say the goal is not only to evaluate learning, but to ensure students feel calm, confident, and supported throughout the testing process.

Families are encouraged to help students prepare by making sure they get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive to school on time. Keeping routines consistent and stress levels low can also make a big difference.

District staff say the most important message for students is simple, take your time and show what you know.