Henry County Accepting Applications for Public Health Director Position

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 2:59 pm CDT

Henry County is now accepting applications for its next Public Health Director.

County officials announced the opening this week, inviting qualified candidates to apply for the leadership position. The Public Health Director will oversee the Henry County Public Health Department, guiding programs and services that support the health and well-being of residents across the county.

The role includes administrative oversight, staff supervision, budget management, and collaboration with community partners, healthcare providers, and local agencies. The director also works closely with the Henry County Board of Health and plays a key role in emergency preparedness and public health planning.

County leaders say they are looking for a motivated, experienced professional who is passionate about serving the community and leading a dedicated public health team.

Applications will be accepted through March 16, or until the position is filled. Interested candidates can find additional information about qualifications and responsibilities and submit an application by visiting the Henry County website at henrycounty.iowa.gov under the employment opportunities section.

For more information, applicants are encouraged to review the full job posting online.

Ollie Man Arrested on Felony Sexual Abuse Charge Following Tattoo Appointment Investigation

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 2:53 pm CDT

An Ollie man is facing a felony sexual abuse charge following an investigation by the Fairfield Police Department.

Forty nine year old Louis Stanley Fitzner the Second was arrested Monday and charged with Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, a Class C felony. According to court documents, the alleged incident stems from a February tenth tattoo appointment at Ink Therapy in Fairfield.

Police say the victim reported that while receiving a tattoo, Fitzner made unwanted sexual contact during the procedure. Officers took the report on February eleventh and began investigating. An arrest warrant was requested on February twenty sixth and granted March second. Fitzner was taken into custody without incident.

He is currently being held at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility on a $10,000 cash only bond.

Prep Girls’ Basketball: #7 Mediapolis Falls to #2 Maquoketa in Class 3A State Quarterfinals

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 2:28 pm CDT

Des Moines, IA- There are no more undefeated teams left in Class 3A after #2 Maquoketa defeated #7 Mediapolis last night, 57-23, in the state quarterfinals last night. A legendary season for the Bullettes might have come to an end before the team wanted it to, but the memories will last a lifetime, and the standard has now been set.

“Yeah, that’s what we talked about in the locker room,” said head coach Todd Borrison. “I mean, not the outcome we wanted today. But yeah, 24-1, and we accomplished a lot. We have a lot on our resume from this year, and something that these kids can be really proud of. And we’ve been close a lot of times in the last eight, nine years. And this group busted through, and they set the tone for the teams to come. And that’s something we’re really proud of. And they’re the nicest kids, and they work really hard. And like I told them in the locker room, when we qualified, the first thing that came to my mind was like, all right, I got another week or week and a half, two weeks to practice with them. Cuz, it makes coaching fun when you’re around a bunch of kids that are doing it for the right reasons. And they work their tail off, and they wanna be coached, and it makes it fun.”

It was a clash of two veteran lineups with legacy on the mind. The Cardinals had clinched their first trip to the state tournament a season before for Class 4A and was ousted in the quarterfinals. Maquoketa head coach Chad Specht and the team agreed that they needed a tough schedule to prepare themselves for another run at state.

The Cardinals then played six ranked teams this season including the two-time defending Class 5A champion Johnston, who is currently undefeated and advanced to the state semifinals earlier yesterday. Their four losses on the season were against teams in Classes 4A and 5A. Their all senior starting five had answered the challenge to a 21-4 record.

Mediapolis’ six seniors—five starters—knew what heartbreak felt like after losing in the regional semifinals a year ago at home to Benton, 50-47. The Bullettes were back in the gym the next day, as the team traveled up to Wisconsin Dells for a summer tournament, competing against some of the best teams from neighboring states.

Both had felt challenged, especially Mediapolis after they had to knock off the #6 team in Class 3A in PCM in the Region 6 championship to get to the state’s capital. A moment that coach Borrison called his favorite of a season full of memories,

“…It was one of those games where our toughness got challenged, and it got real physical. And I just thought our kids really stepped up. And I always told them, I said, and I was talking to them about this first round game, to me, the nervy game, the tough game is getting here, and then winning that regional final. And for them to do it the way they did it on the road at #6 PCM, that really stands out to me.”

Unfortunately, the offensive firepower that saw Mediapolis average nearly 12 three-pointers per game and knocked down 31 threes in their first two regional matchups had seemingly disappeared. Maquoketa’s tough defense ruled by speed and height overwhelmed the Bullettes, causing six turnovers in the first quarter and allowing only eight shots.

Maquoketa took advantage of their height by dominating the offensive boards, collecting seven by the quarter’s end to take a 16 to 7 lead into the second quarter. The Cardinals were 21-2 entering last night when leading at the end of the first quarter. It became clear why that was true.

The Cardinals kept the pressure on defensively and continued to pound the paint with Aubrey Kroymann, who finished the night with 19 points, five offensive rebounds, three steals, and a block. Lacking made baskets, Mediapolis could not get set into their full-court pressure defense, resulting in a team averaging 19 steals per game managing just three for the night.

Overall, Mediapolis committed more turnovers, 29, than shots attempted, 25, while Maquoketa garnered 18 offensive rebounds and turned the ball over just eight times.

Despite the outcome, the senior class accumulated a four-year record of 84-12, all five starters were named 1st Team All-Conference, Grace Holsteen and Todd Borrison swept Player and Coach of the Year honors for the conference. For coach Borrison, this senior class stands among the legends of the Mediapolis’ girls’ basketball program,

“It was, and they all just bought into whatever role we kinda try to designate for them, and we’re really proud of them. And we just, yeah, they’re just great kids. And they understand the game, and they knew that they were just gonna do whatever they had to do. Basically, they didn’t care who got the credit, and they knew that was gonna be our best formula. And so that made it really easy for us to coach.”

The last time Mediapolis qualified for the state tournament, the Bullettes made the trip in consecutive seasons. Only time will tell if the next group will repeat history.

Jean Francis Scarff Leichty

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 2:25 pm CDT

Jean Francis Scarff Leichty of Wayland entered into the presence of her Savior on February 27, 2026, at the age of 94.

Funeral Services have been set for 10:30 AM, Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Independent Bible Church in Wayland. The service will be live-streamed on the Beatty-Peterseim Funeral Home Facebook page and YouTube Chanel Burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-7:00 PM, Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Independent Bible Church in Wayland. Memorials in the name of Jean may be designated to the Independent Bible Church.

She was born on September 28, 1931, in Mount Pleasant to Jesse Emil Scarff and Inez Gail (Bishop) Scarff. On November 5, 1950, she married Edwin C. Leichty at Bethel Mennonite Church, beginning a partnership that would span 74 devoted years.

Together Jean and Ed raised six children: Sidney, Barry, Nancy, Nanette, Scott, and Lisa. In 1968, at the age of 36, Jean accepted Christ as her Savior after hearing evangelist Mike Cocoris speak at Independent Bible Church. Soon after, she and Ed were baptized at Lake Darling, publicly affirming the faith that would anchor the rest of her life.

Jean’s first job was as a secretary at Nicholls Oil and Motor, a position that proved life changing. One day a young man named Ed walked in to purchase a ’98 Oldsmobile, and Jean processed the title paperwork. He asked her on a date. The rest was history. During their courtship Jean accidentally wrecked that very Oldsmobile. In a video recorded shortly before his passing, she fondly recalled that Ed “never got that mad,” and true to form, he simply said he “treated her good.” It became part of their family folklore, proof that grace can begin even with a crumpled fender.

In many ways, Ed and Jean were their family’s version of Priscilla and Aquila. They served side by side for decades. Ed often made the invitations, extending welcome with a handshake and a smile. Jean created the magic behind the scenes, preparing meals, organizing details, and ensuring that hospitality felt effortless. Together, they ministered not only through words, but through open doors and full tables.

For much of her adult life, Jean worked faithfully behind the scenes of Ed’s businesses, keeping invoices written, payments organized, and the household running with steady precision. She could stretch a dollar until it nearly asked for mercy. She led the family in canning corn and green beans year after year, turning summer harvests into neatly labeled rows of provision for winter. She taught her grandchildren how to embroider and sew, passing down both skill and patience, stitch by careful stitch.

Her most treasured calling was that of mother and grandmother. She maintained a home that was orderly yet welcoming. She mowed the yard, attended concerts and ball games, drove to swimming lessons, Vacation Bible School, and dance classes, and rarely missed a school event. Mornings began early with homemade breakfasts and devotions, sending each child out the door nourished in body and spirit. If you were especially fortunate, like her grandson Reid, your coffee cup might even be prewarmed, because details mattered to Jean.

Grandma Jean was also known for her love of Scrabble. Playing with her required both a dictionary and a careful eye. Family members learned to admire her impressive vocabulary while keeping a friendly watch on the board, just in case an especially creative word needed gentle verification. She played to win, but always with a twinkle.

She was equally well known for her succinct and steady advice. When plans began to drift or stories grew suspiciously elaborate, her counsel was ready: “Stick to the original plan!” and “Stick to the facts!” It was practical wisdom that served her family well in everything from road trips to lively discussions.

Jean would not wish this to be a time defined by sorrow. She longed to see the Lord she faithfully served, and her greatest desire was that others would know the same joy and peace she found in her personal relationship with Christ.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Cynthia, Thelma, and Karole; her beloved husband, Ed; her daughter Lisa England; her grandson Aaron Brown; and her great grandson Jeremiah Keatts.

She is survived by her children: Sidney Leichty; Barry (Joanie) Leichty; Nancy (Barry) Sellergren; Nanette (Ken) Brown; Scott (Kim) Leichty; and son in law Todd England.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Faith Leichty; Hilary (Joshua) Keatts; Nate (Lindsey) Sellergren; Brooke (Jeremy) Carter; Sara (Donovan) Yoder; Reid (Jessie) Leichty; Eric Brown; Tyler (Jessica) Leichty; Katlin Leichty; Hunter (Katelyn) England; and Lauren England, along with ten great grandchildren and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

Jean’s life was marked by quiet strength, steadfast faith, capable hands, and a love expressed in steady service. Her legacy lives on in the generations she shaped, the faith she shared, the gardens she preserved in glass jars, and the well played Scrabble games that will never quite be the same without her.

Edith Kuhens

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 9:20 am CDT

Edith Kuhens age 98 passed away Sunday March 1st at the Grandview Care
Center in Oelwein, Iowa. She was born near Lamont, Iowa where she
attended school and then attended cosmetology school in Waterloo.  She
then married Robert Kuhens and they farmed in N.E. Iowa until his
death in 1988.  They had four children…Diane (Bill Brownell) of
Oelwein.  John (Susie Kuhens) Mt. Pleasant, Suzanne (Vince Carbone )
Georgia and Joel (Cathi) Kuhens of Arkansas. She enjoyed 8
grandchildren, 12 great grand and 1 great great grandchild.  A
celebration of life will be held in Oelwein on 4/18/26  2-4 pm at the
Coliseum.

Louisa County Man Released On Bond After Charged With Grooming Minor

By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 7:52 am CDT

On February 18th, 2026, Dylan Earl Lumsden, age 49, was arrested without incident for Dissemination and Exhibition of Obscene Material to a Minor and Grooming. This arrest resulted after a 7-month long investigation by the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office. Lumsden was released on bond and is awaiting trial. The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Felon Arrested After Armed Suspicion Call in Milton

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 6:55 am CDT

A Van Buren County deputy arrested a Fairfield man Sunday morning after responding to a report of a suspicious individual possibly armed with a firearm at the Milton Jet Stop.

According to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred March 1, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m. A deputy arrived at the convenience store and encountered a man exiting the building carrying a soft pistol case. The deputy identified the individual as 55 year old Randy C. Reid of Fairfield.

Authorities stated Reid has an extensive criminal history that includes multiple felony convictions. Upon investigation, the deputy found Reid in possession of a Ruger 9mm pistol and two loaded magazines. The firearm was later determined to have been reported stolen in the Des Moines metro area.

Reid was taken into custody and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and trafficking in firearms.

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office noted that a criminal charge is an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

FFA Chapters Conclude National FFA Week with Bush Hog Raffle Drawing at KILJ

By Shelbi Swinscoe · Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 6:53 am CDT

Local FFA chapters wrapped up a week of celebrating National FFA Week with a visit to the KILJ studios, where members from Mount Pleasant, Fort Madison, and Central Lee gathered to draw the winner of a Bush Hog mower raffle. The mower was donated by Armstrong Tractor in Donnellson, with proceeds from ticket sales supporting chapter activities and educational opportunities.

Each chapter plans to use the funds raised in different ways, including helping cover travel expenses for leadership trips, conferences, and competitions. The Mount Pleasant FFA Chapter will direct its share toward their greenhouse, supporting hands-on learning and expanding opportunities for students in plant science and horticulture.

The winner of the Bush Hog mower was Gabe Van Ausdall, whose ticket was sold by the Central Lee FFA Chapter.

Students present for the drawing included Aubrey Weber, President of Central Lee; Avery Peterson, Central Lee member; Adelyn Lampe, Treasurer of Fort Madison; Finley Johnson, Secretary of Fort Madison; Hannah Kirchner, Fort Madison member and Jacie Campbell Mount Pleasant President. Their participation highlighted the collaboration between local chapters and the shared goal of strengthening agricultural education and leadership opportunities for area students.