Massive Brawl Ensues After 18 Year Old Strikes Man With Vehicle

By Yorke Prough · Monday, August 5th, 2024 at 10:13 am CDT

Chaos erupted in Keokuk on Friday due to a disturbance at 15th and Orleans Avenue.

The LeeComm Dispatch Center received a 911 call at approximately 11:07am, and officers arrived on scene just two minutes later to discover a large group of people fighting, a two-vehicle collision, and a male subject who had been struck by a vehicle. Once the fight was dispersed, officers began interviewing taking evidence and interviewing involved parties.

The Keokuk Fire Department and the Lee County Ambulance Service arrived just a few minutes later to assist the individual that was struck by a vehicle. That individual was transported to the Keokuk Municipal Airport where they would then be taken to a medical facility via helicopter with serious injuries.

During the investigation, Sean McCarty, 23, of Keokuk, was arrested for Interference With Official Acts, a simple misdemeanor.

Regarding the individual that was struck, it was found that 18 year old Robert Howes willfully struck a person with a vehicle he was operating. He was arrested for Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury.

This incident is connected to an earlier investigation into an assault which occurred on August 2nd, at approximately 10:12am near Brookshire Drive and Messenger Road. That investigation resulted in the arrest of Skylar West, 23, of Keokuk. West was charged with Burglary In The 1st Degree, a class B felony.

The next day, the Keokuk Police department made several additional arrests in reference to the brawl.

Christina Cook, 45, of Keokuk, was arrested for Unlawful Assembly, an aggravated misdemeanor, Disorderly Conduct, a simple misdemeanor, and Assault Causing Bodily Injury, a serious misdemeanor.

Kayla Castellow, 20, of Mt. Pleasant, was arrested for Unlawful Assembly, an aggravated misdemeanor, Disorderly Conduct, a simple misdemeanor, and Assault Causing Bodily Injury, a serious misdemeanor.

Grace Cook, 20, of Keokuk, was arrested for Unlawful Assembly, an aggravated misdemeanor, Disorderly Conduct, a simple misdemeanor, and Assault Causing Bodily Injury, a serious misdemeanor.

Cecil Austin, 42, of Keokuk, was arrested for Unlawful Assembly, an aggravated misdemeanor, Disorderly Conduct, a simple misdemeanor, and Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree, an aggravated misdemeanor.

Aaron Cook, 22, of Keokuk, was arrested for Unlawful Assembly, an aggravated misdemeanor and Disorderly Conduct, a simple misdemeanor.

All arrested parties were taken to the Lee County Correctional Center to await a court appearance.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Keokuk Fire Department, LeeComm Dispatch Center, Montrose Police Department, Lee County Narcotics Task Force, and the Lee County Ambulance Service provided valuable assistance during this event.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation supported by probable cause and all parties are presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law.

Mary Kitch

By Yorke Prough · Monday, August 5th, 2024 at 9:38 am CDT

Mary Rose Kitch, 63, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024 at her home.

Visitation for family and friends will be 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 9, 2024 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for her daughter’s education, or Fairfield Community School District for and ESL Scholarship.

Mary Rose was born August 9, 1960 in Fairfield, the daughter of Marvin John and Gene Lois (Schwab) Kitch. She was an ESL Teacher for Fairfield Community School District.

Mary enjoyed music, singing, her pets and getting hugs. She loved her students and cherished time spent with her daughter.

Those left to honor her memory include her daughter, Addie; sisters, Kathy Kitch of Dubuque, Iowa and Jan (Ken) Levinson of Ft. Collins, Colorado; and aunt, Shirley Kitch of Fairfield.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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

Leo Meade

By Yorke Prough · Monday, August 5th, 2024 at 8:49 am CDT

Leo William Meade, 69, passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Kenedy, Texas.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 10:30 at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant with Father Ross Epping.  Burial will be in the St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery.  Following the service there will be a time of food and fellowship in Manning Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Martha Meade Memorial Scholarship Fund (#5449), Silicon Valley Community Foundation, 444 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94041. www.siliconvalleycf.org/donate

 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

 

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant, is caring for his arrangements.

 

Danville City Council Meeting Agenda 08/05

By Yorke Prough · Monday, August 5th, 2024 at 8:01 am CDT

Monday, August 5, 2024

Order of business, Regular Session

Danville City Council, Danville City Hall

NOTE:  The regular session may be conducted electronically

as allowed by Iowa Code 21.8

Citizen comments:  Comments must be directed to the subject under consideration.  The presiding officer shall rule on the relevance of the citizen comments.  Citizens making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks may be barred by the presiding officer from further comment before the Council during the meeting.

 

  1. Call to order, 5:00 p.m.. PLEASE NOTE THE STARTING TIME

 

  1. Accept or amend the agenda.

 

  1. Open forum: A time set aside to receive comments from the public regarding city business.  The Mayor and City Council welcome comments from the public on any subject pertaining to City business, including items on this agenda.  You are asked to state your name and address for the record and to limit your remarks to five minutes in order that others may be given the opportunity to speak.  The Order of Business is at the discretion of the Chair.  No action will be taken.

 

  1. Ryan Gerling, City Attorney. Action to be taken on individual topics if needed.
  2. Pat Walker to discuss the nuisance letter received on his property on North Main Street.
  3. Update on nuisance letters sent out July 17, 2024 to other property owners.
  4. Discussion on 400 South Third Avenue, Lot #12, condition of the mobile home.
  5. Discussion on any other properties in the community needing nuisance letters sent out.
  6. Update on the animal shelter invoice with the City of Burlington.
  7. Update on the status of West Plank Road.
  8. Review of procedure to rezone a property from Commercial to Residential status.

 

  1. Jack Swarm, SE IA Regional Planning Commission
  2. Presentation of proposed Ordinance Number 240 pertaining making changes to the City’s electrical city code.
  3. Action on Resolution 2024-19, setting of public hearing to receive comments on proposed Ordinance Number 240.

 

  1. Matt Walker, City Engineer.
  2. Update on the city wastewater treatment plant project.  Action by council if needed.

 

  1. Discussion and action on Resolution 2024-20, authorizing the Mayor to sign two contracts with Regional Planning, administering grant funds for the city.

 

  1. Proposed Ordinance Number 239, adding a section to Chapter 5.14 Municipal Rights of way.
  2. Second reading of proposed Ordinance Number 239.
  3. Action on the second reading of proposed Ordinance Number 239.
  4. Action on the third reading (waiving)

 

  1. Review of request from resident of 703 South Main Street, adjusting sewer fee due to a water leak. Action by council.
  2. Discussion and action on the payment to Viking Industrial Painting (water tower).

 

  1. Fire Chief/building inspector report – action by council if needed.

 

  1. Public Works report.
  2. Public Works written report.  Action if needed.

 

  1. Approval of consent agenda.
  2. Council minutes of July 15, 2024 (full & summary minutes).
  3. Cigarette permit for Old 34 Gas & Grill.
  4. Payment of bills.

 

  1. Council reports and correspondence.
  2. Review of information received from QPS Employment Group.  Action if needed.
  3. Discussion on presenting invoices to Regional Planning for reimbursement to the electrical fund using the Wastewater and Drinking Water Treatment Financial Assistance Program (WTFAP).  Action by council if needed.
  4. Discussion and action setting the date and time for the next city council meeting.

 

  1. Adjournment.

Severe Weather Possible Today, Cooler Weather Rest of Week

By Yorke Prough · Monday, August 5th, 2024 at 7:51 am CDT

If you thought that the severe weather that has impacted much of Iowa was done for the year, you’d be wrong.

The National Weather Service believes severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon into the evening, and then again overnight. It will be a hot day as well, with heat indices this afternoon in the upper 90s to near 100.

There is uncertainty on if storms will form this afternoon. If they do, they are expected to be severe with large hail and damaging winds, the main threats. Tornadoes and torrential rainfall are also possible, though less likely.

Currently, there is a 15% chance of damaging winds and the same percentage for hail. Stay tuned to KILJ Radio for additional updates throughout the day.

The highs for the rest of the week will be in the low 80s, high 70s, so cooler weather is right around the corner.

Sports, August 5th

By Slaten Swords · Monday, August 5th, 2024 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Baseball Wrap-Up

The Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association released the 2024 All-District Teams for all four classifications and here’s who clinched a spot from our local teams for the Southeast District.

In Class 1A for the First-Team, Burlington Notre Dame’s Jaxon Sadler claimed a spot as a pitcher with the senior collecting a 1.33 ERA and a 9-1 record on the mound. The Nikes had four more players make the team with Spencer Brent being named First-Team second baseman, Caden Schwenker at shortstop, Dylan Kipp and third base, and Landry Haberichter in the outfield. All four players batted above 0.400 and brought in at least 28 runs. 

On the Second-Team, Payne Prottsman of Notre Dame nabbed a spot as a pitcher. Other Nikes to make the list were Eli Oleson and Maddox Diewold. New London’s Gavin Menke-Bailey batted 0.435 with three home runs and 14 RBIs as he made the team as a shortstop. 

In Class 2A, Lance Ludens of Mediapolis grabbed a spot as a First-Team pitcher with a 1.29 ERA and an 8-2 record on the mound. West Burlington had Brock Thuleen make the team as a first baseman with a 0.519 batting average with a team leading 21 RBIs.

Jackson Hutcheson and Kam Stotlar of Mediapolis both claimed a spot on the Second-Team, while Van Buren County’s Lucas Fett made it as utility player.

For Class 3A, Mt. Pleasant had two players make the First-Team with J.C. Sitar claiming the first base slot with a 0.327 batting average with a home run and 30 RBIs and Ben Newton being a utility player as he batted 0.341 and posted a 9-1 record on the mound. Blake Chase of Keokuk was also named as a utility player and Fairfield’s Caden Allison claimed a spot as a catcher. 

On the Second-Team, Washington’s Caleb Zieglowsky, Payton Hagans and Payson Coleman of Mt. Pleasant, and Dain Burkhart, Aiden Kreuter and Tallon Bates of Fairfield clinched a spot.

High School Baseball

Over the weekend, the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association finished their All-Star Series in Pella with Burlington Notre Dame’s Jaxon Sadler competing for the Small East team. 

Over the course of the three days, the Small East Team finished 0-3, falling 9-4 to the Large East Team, 10-9 to the Small West Team, and 2-0 to the Large East Team. 

High School Softball

The Iowa Girls Coaches Association released their All-State teams and Class 3A led the way with six total nominees for our local teams.

Starting with Class 1A, Wapello’s Ada Boysen made the Second Team with three home runs and 39 RBIs to go along with a 19-9 record in the circle with a 1.45 ERA and 321 strikeouts.

Lily Coil of Columbus made the Class 2A Second Team along with Ashlynn Huff of Van Buren County.

Central Lee and West Burlington/Notre Dame headlined the Class 3A First Team as Kenna Sandoval for the Hawks and Logan Kelley for the Falcons each earned a spot. Sandoval clobbered the ball to the tune of a 0.588 average to go along with seven home runs and 48 RBIs. Kelley swatted seven home runs to collect 42 RBIs with a 0.481 batting average. 

For the Second Team, Shanna Buford of Central Lee and Leighton Salazar of Washington each claimed a spot. Washington’s Bella Salazar and Lauren Krieger of West Burlington/Notre Dame each grabbed a spot on the Third Team.

Lastly, Burlington had Saydee Plummer make the Class 4A Second Team and Kylee Hill took a spot on the Third Team.

High School Athletics

Family week is officially over and the fall athletic season is ready to get underway with camps and practices. Here’s a look at some specific schools and times.

High School Football

Winfield-Mt. Union will be hosting their youth football camp tonight that runs through Wednesday, August 7th, from 7:15 to 8 pm for 1st through 6th graders. You can register at drop-off for $30, which includes a WMU hat. 7th through 12th graders will practice from 5 to 7 pm tonight through Friday, August 9th.

WACO will have their football practice starting at 5 pm. 

High School Volleyball

Mt. Pleasant starts their volleyball camp tonight with 5th through 8th graders practicing from 4 to 5:30 pm and high school players going from 6 to 8:30 pm at the high school gym.

High School Cross Country

Danville will be having an informational meeting on Thursday, August 8th, at 6:30 pm at the high school chorus room about the upcoming season. If you are unable to attend, then you can email Coach Gourley at lucas.gourley@danvillecsd.org.

Prospect League

The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp, who knocked out the Clinton LumberKings in the first round of the playoffs, will take on REX in Indiana for the Prospect League Championship tonight at 6:35 pm in a best-of-three game series.  

This Day in Sports History

1921 – KDKA Pittsburgh presents first radio broadcast of MLB; Pirates beat Phillies, 8-0; Harold Arlin first play-by-play broadcaster for the MLB.

1979 – Pete Rose collects the Nation League record 2,427th career single in a 5-2 home loss versus the Pirates.

2006 – Warren Moon becomes the first Black quarterback to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio; joined by Troy Aikman, John Madden, Rayfield Wright, Harry Carson, and Reggie White.

Mariannette Miller-Meeks “District Blitz” Through Many Southeastern Counties

By Yorke Prough · Monday, August 5th, 2024 at 5:54 am CDT

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks is excited to announce the commencement of her 20-County “District Blitz” tour throughout the congressional district this August.

Throughout the first half of August, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks will visit each of the 20 counties within her district. “I am thrilled to embark on this tour across our district,” said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. “It’s essential to connect with the people I serve. I was able to visit all 20 county fairs and now look forward to visiting more great Iowans across southeast Iowa!” said Miller-Meeks.

The tour will start this Monday, August 5th, and conclude August 14th, making stops in all 20 counties of Iowa’s First Congressional district.

 Tour Schedule:

Jackson: 8/5, 9:00 AM, INNOVATE 120, 120 S Main Street, Maquoketa, IA

 

Jones: 8/5, 11:00 AM, Yeoman & Company HQ, 16525 Hardscrabble Rd, Monticello, IA

 

Cedar: 8/5, 12:30 PM, Tipton Family Restaurant, 101 E 4th St, Tipton, IA

 

Johnson: 8/5, 6:00 PM, Miller Learning Center, 2010 Keokuk St, Iowa City, IA

 

Henry: 8/6, 7:00 PM, Saunders Park Log Cabin, 712 W Clay St. Mt Pleasant, IA

 

Muscatine: 8/7, 11:00 AM, Muscatine Co. GOP HQ, 215 W 2nd St, Muscatine, IA

 

Des Moines: 8/7, 2:00 PM Des Moines Co. GOP HQ, 3010 Division Street, Burlington, IA

 

Lee: 8/7, 3:30 PM, Fort Colony Restaurant, 5102 Avenue O, Fort Madison, IA

 

Van Buren: 8/7, 5:30 PM  Ice Cream Social at Riverfront Park, 500 Park St, Keosauqua, IA

 

Jefferson: 8/11, 6:00 PM, Pizza Ranch, 1103 W Burlington Ave, Fairfield, IA

 

Clinton: 8/12, 9:00 AM, American Legion Dewitt, 704 9th St, DeWitt, IA

 

Scott: 8/12, 10:30 AM, Tanglewood Hill Pavilion, 4250 Middle Rd, Bettendorf, IA

 

Louisa: 8/12, 1:00 PM Jamie Lynn’s Coffee House, 324 Van Buren St, Wapello, IA

 

Washington: 8/12, 6:00 PM, Washington Co. GOP HQ, 120 W Second St, Washington, IA

 

Keokuk: 8/12, 3:30 PM, Sigourney Cafe, 619 E Jackson St, Sigourney, IA

 

Jasper: 8/13, 8:00 AM, Cratty Shack Diner, 2426 1st Ave E, Newton, IA

 

Mahaska: 8/13, 2:00 PM  Social at Edmundson Park – Kiwanis Shelt. 1304 Edmundson Dr, Oskaloosa, IA

 

Iowa: 8/13, 4:00 PM Ice Cream Social, 501-599 Elm St, Williamsburg, IA

 

Marion: 8/14, 9:00 AM, Coffee Connection, 213 E Main St #101, Knoxville, IA

 

Warren: 8/14, 11:00 AM, Meeting at Billy O Phillips Park Shelter, 2500 Lexington Drive, Norwalk, IA