Jennifer Melcher, a licensed nurse from Salem, has voluntarily surrendered her nursing license following new disciplinary action from the Iowa Board of Nursing involving allegations of drug use and on-duty impairment.

In its most recent case, the board charged Melcher with excessive use of drugs that may impair a licensee’s ability to practice safely and competently. The charge stemmed from allegations that Melcher repeatedly used marijuana and was suspected by co-workers of being impaired while on duty. The board has not released the name of Melcher’s employer, her specific role, or whether any patients were affected.

Without admitting to the allegations, Melcher agreed to surrender her nursing license to resolve the matter.

This is not the first time Melcher has faced disciplinary action. In September 2024, the Board of Nursing charged her with a similar violation, again alleging repeated marijuana use. In that case, there was no indication she was under the influence while working. Melcher accepted an indefinite suspension of her license at the time, with reinstatement contingent upon her being deemed fit to return to practice.

Court records also show a pattern of impaired driving incidents. In February 2025, Melcher was arrested in Henry County after a single-vehicle accident and charged with second-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI). She later pleaded guilty. The incident marked at least her third OWI arrest, with prior convictions in 2010 in Wapello County and in 2017 while she was employed by GrapeTree Medical Staffing. In the 2017 case, she initially faced a second-offense OWI charge but ultimately pleaded guilty to a reduced first-offense charge.

Melcher’s nursing license status and disciplinary history are publicly recorded by the Iowa Board of Nursing and will remain part of the state’s official record.

MOUNT PLEASANT – A Mount Pleasant woman accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with an inmate and smuggling contraband into a correctional facility has pleaded guilty to one felony charge as part of a plea agreement.

Kimberly Jo Kerr, 47, a former counselor at the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, pleaded guilty Monday in Henry County District Court to one count of conveying contraband in or onto the grounds of a correctional facility without a weapon—a Class D felony. In exchange for the guilty plea, two additional charges were dismissed: ongoing criminal conduct-unlawful activity (Class B felony) and sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist (Class D felony).

Kerr now faces up to five years in prison and a potential fine. Her sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on September 22 at the Henry County Courthouse.

The charges stem from allegations that between July and October 2024, Kerr maintained an inappropriate relationship with an inmate and helped smuggle contraband—including tobacco—into the facility. According to court records and a criminal complaint, Kerr and the inmate allegedly engaged in sexual activity in private counselor rooms. Investigators say Kerr denied physical contact but admitted to a romantic relationship.

Authorities also uncovered “love letters” from Kerr to the inmate and reported that Kerr helped facilitate the sale of contraband through a third-party Cash App account, receiving more than $5,600 in payments over several months. Witnesses stated that the contraband originated from the inmate and had been supplied by Kerr.

A warrant for Kerr’s arrest was issued on February 25. She was taken into custody by Mount Pleasant Police the same day and released after posting a $35,000 bond.

The Iowa Department of Corrections has declined to comment on the case or Kerr’s current employment status.

Kerr is being represented by defense attorney Steve Ort.

With August upon us, thoughts turn to “Back to School” and here are a few things to put on your calendar!

Henry County Public Health is hosting a “Back to School Health Fair” on Monday, August 11^th from 4p-7p at MPCSD Central Campus Gym.  The back-to-school fair provides families with information, immunizations, and screenings.  Please find details at KILJ.com, community calendar for August 11^th.

The Fellowship Cup in Mt. Pleasant is holding the annual school supply distribution on Monday, August 18^th from 10am – 2pm in the community room, 203 N. Jefferson Street.  Basic school supplies for each grade level will be provided and there is no need to sign up.

The Fellowship Cup is also looking for help in restocking their pantry with canned fruit.  Requested items include applesauce, peaches, pears, pineapple, fruit cocktail, and apricots.  The items will help supplement groceries for Fellowship clients.  Please drop items off on Monday and Thursday from 8am-4pm or call 319-385-3242.

The Midwest Central Railroad is looking for conductors for the Old Threshers Reunion August 28^th through September 1^st.  Collecting tickets, greeting and assisting passengers, sharing history and facts are all part of the duties; plus, conductors get to dress in a cool uniform from the past!  A conductor must be 16 years of age or older and a junior conductor must be at least 12 years of age.    Visit mcrr.org for more information or contact the head conductor, Ryan Johnson at ryan.johnsonmcrr@gmail.com!