Salem Writes a New Chapter on History

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, June 19th, 2026 at 9:46 am CDT

A new chapter of Salem history is set to be preserved in print.

The Salem History Book Committee has announced the upcoming publication of Place of Peace II: Memories of Salem, Iowa, 1835 to 2026.

The new book is a second edition of the original Place of Peace, first printed in 1996. Committee members say growing public interest and outdated printing technology led to the decision to reprint and expand the book.

The updated edition includes information from the original book, along with new material covering the last 30 years of Salem history. Topics include the town’s founding timeline, business histories, homes, city government, churches, schools, cemeteries, biographies, and personal memories.

The hardcover book will be 250 pages and available through Old Settlers in Salem.

Pre-publication orders are being accepted now for $45. After publication, the price will increase to $50. Order forms and payment can be sent to the Salem History Book Committee in Salem.

Those with questions can contact Kelly Patterson at 319-931-9598.

Two Henry County Campgrounds Closed From Flooding

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, June 19th, 2026 at 9:45 am CDT

Rising river levels have forced the Henry County Conservation Department to once again close two popular campgrounds.

According to a social media update posted Thursday, both the South Shore and Water Works campgrounds are closed until further notice due to flooding concerns.

This marks the second closure in just over a week. Staff had recently cleaned up and reopened both areas earlier this week after previous high water, only to see river levels rise again.

The road and boat ramp at Water Works have also been closed and barricaded. Conservation officials are asking the public not to move barricades or attempt to drive around them, stressing they are in place for public safety.

For those needing river access, Faulkner’s Access remains available at this time.

The South Access and Dam Area are still open for now, but staff say they are continuing to monitor river levels and will provide updates as conditions change.

Today is Juneteenth!

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, June 19th, 2026 at 9:44 am CDT

Some local banks, government offices, and businesses are closed today in observance of Juneteenth, the federal holiday recognized each year on June 19th.

Residents are encouraged to check ahead before making trips to banks, post offices, or other offices, as hours may vary depending on the business. While many retail stores and restaurants remain open, some local operations may be observing the holiday as well.

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. The day is widely recognized as the end of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 and is observed as a time to reflect on freedom, history, and the continued pursuit of equality.

Fort Madison Woman Arrested on Drug Charges in Burlington

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, June 19th, 2026 at 9:43 am CDT

A Fort Madison woman is facing drug charges following a traffic stop early Wednesday morning in Burlington.

The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office says deputies stopped a vehicle around 1:59 a.m. on June 17th at North Roosevelt Avenue and Kirkwood Street for a moving violation. During the stop, deputies conducted a consent search of the vehicle.

Authorities say methamphetamine was found inside clothing belonging to a passenger, identified as 60-year-old Margery Dawn Kirchner of Fort Madison.

Kirchner was taken into custody and transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center. Before entering the facility, deputies say she informed staff she had marijuana concealed in her pants. A correctional officer then conducted a search and recovered the marijuana.

Kirchner has been charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense.

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

Nadine Martin – PENDING

By Allison Jacobs · Friday, June 19th, 2026 at 9:40 am CDT

Nadine Martin, 75, of Mount Pleasant died Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly. Services are pending at Olson-Yoder Funeral Home. 

Sports, June 19th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, June 19th, 2026 at 6:35 am CDT

High School Softball

Mt. Pleasant was shutout by Fairfield last night, 6-0. Leah Helmick pitched the complete game shutout, notching 10 strikeouts in the victory. The Trojans will travel to Oskaloosa for a tournament tomorrow, June 20th.

Mt. Pleasant will compete in the Wapello Tournament tomorrow.

Holy Trinity Catholic defeated West Burlington last night, 4-1, in a late rally. Madelyn Thomas smacked an RBI double in the loss. The Crusaders will host New London tonight at 7 pm.

West Burlington will stay at home to play Danville tonight at 7 pm.

Mediapolis took down Danville last night, 9-1. Avery Crear smacked a double for two RBIs in the winning effort. 

Central Lee will tangle with Mediapolis tonight in a road doubleheader with game one at 5 pm.

Washington nearly knocked off Burlington last night, but fell short in the effort, losing 6-5. The Demons will take on Carlisle tonight at 7 pm.

Van Buren County will stay at home to take on Louisa-Muscatine tonight at 7 pm.

Columbus will make the trip to Highland at 7 pm tonight. 

WACO will face off against Hillcrest Academy tonight at 7 pm.

Wapello will take on Lone Tree at 5 pm tonight. 

High School Baseball

Grayson Lowery’s five strikeout, complete game stunned Fairfield last night, as Mt. Pleasant knocked off the Trojans 2-1. Ryan Helling had both RBIs, while Aiden Westercamp tabbed the lone RBI in the loss.

Mt. Pleasant will take on Wapello tonight at 5 pm on the road. 

Fairfield will host Central DeWitt tonight in a doubleheader with game one at 5:30 pm.

Wapello scored five runs in the seventh inning, but still fell to Hillcrest Academy last night, 6-5. Wyatt Marlette hit a double for two RBIs in the loss. 

Winfield-Mt. Union’s seniors were celebrated last night and they were also the heroes in a 3-2 walk-off of Louisa-Muscatine. Trevor Phillips struck out 10 in the complete game effort, while Tyson Kaalberg and Jaxton Jones each snared an RBI. The Wolves will stay at home to play Pekin tonight at 6:30 pm. 

Central Lee trounced Highland last night, 13-6. Wyatt Day and Blake Davis each clubbed a home run for two RBIs. The Hawks will welcome Mediapolis tonight at 7 pm.

Washington picked up their first victory over Burlington last night since June 25th, 2020, in a 9-5 final. The Demons will travel to Fort Madison tonight at 7 pm.

Burlington Notre Dame clipped West Burlington last night, 15-1. The Falcons will compete against Danville tonight at 6 pm on the road. 

In their makeup game, New London defeated Van Buren County last night, 7-4. Kye Reighard sat down seven batters in five innings of work. 

New London will play Burlington Notre Dame tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

Van Buren County will host Louisa-Muscatine at 7 pm tonight.

Mt. Pleasant Cross Country

Summer runs are underway for the Mt. Pleasant Cross Country team. These runs are optional but a great way to run with others and get in shape for the fall season. The runs are available to anyone entering 7th through 12th grades. Coaches may not be present at every run, as they are often led by upperclassmen.

On Mondays, the runs will take place at 6:30 am at the Old Threshers Museum Theatre. Wednesdays will be high school speed day at 7 am at Mapleleaf and Tuesdays and Thursdays will take place at Saunders Park by the swimming pool at 7 pm. 

The runs will continue through the middle of August until the Mt. Pleasant Cross County camp. If you have any questions, you can contact Coach Lyle Murray at 319-850-0867. 

Local Summer Athletic Camps

Mt. Pleasant girls’ basketball is offering up a camp for any girls’ basketball players entering 3rd through 12th grades from June 23rd through the 25th located at the Mt. Pleasant High School Gym. The camp will focus on the fundamentals and introduce team concepts employed by the high school’s system.

If you would like to sign-up, then follow this link and fill out the form: https://kilj.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mp-girls-bball-camp.pdf. Or you can show up the day of and still receive a t-shirt. 

Prospect League

The Burlington Bees fell to Normal CornBelters last night, 11-9. Lucas Krebs smashed a three-run homer in the loss. The Bees will stay at home to play the Alton River Dragons tonight at 6:30 pm.

The Clinton LumberKings had their six-game winning streak snapped last night by the O’Fallon Hoots, 9-8. Gavin Awbrey clobbered a home run and finished with two RBIs in the loss. The LumberKings will look to avenge their loss tonight at home at 6:30 pm.

This Day in Sports History

1942 – Paul Waner (Boston Braves) became the third National League player to get 3,000 hits. 

 1970 – Jim Bouton’s controversial baseball diary “Ball Four” is published.

1999 – Stanley Cup, Marine Midland Arena, Buffalo, NY: the Dallas Stars edge the Buffalo Sabres 2-1 in triple overtime for a 4-2 series win; Brett Hull clinches the series with infamous “No Goal” ruling.

Yak Attack Celebrates 75 Years of Geode State Park

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, June 18th, 2026 at 1:22 pm CDT

The Friends of Geode are inviting the public to celebrate 75 years of Geode State Park during the annual Yak Attack event on Saturday, June 20th.

The celebration runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Geode State Park, with kayak event registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. Participants are welcome to bring their own kayaks or canoes for the paddling event.

A $25 registration donation includes an event T-shirt while supplies last. The day will also feature grilled hot dogs and chips, a concession open house, free boogie boards and floaties for kids, and activities designed for all ages.

The event is hosted by the Friends of Geode and sponsored by the Danville Lions Club as part of the park’s 75th anniversary celebration.

Organizers encourage families, paddling enthusiasts, and community members to come out for a day of outdoor recreation and help celebrate one of southeast Iowa’s most popular state parks.

Danville Senior Awarded National P.E.O. Scholarship

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, June 18th, 2026 at 11:36 am CDT

A Danville Community School senior is being recognized for her academic achievement, leadership, and future goals in healthcare.

Macie Wagner has been selected to receive a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Wagner, the daughter of Valerie and Jared Wagner, was recommended by the organization’s Chapter NZ in Mount Pleasant.

The STAR Scholarship is a competitive award presented to high school senior women planning to attend an accredited college or university. It recognizes excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular involvement, community service, and future potential.

During her time at Danville, Wagner was active in volleyball, basketball, and track, while also participating in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This summer, she is gaining hands-on medical experience working in the emergency room at Great River Health.

This fall, Wagner will attend Coe College, where she plans to study nursing. Her long-term goals include working in trauma care, becoming a flight nurse, and serving with Doctors Without Borders.

The P.E.O. Sisterhood has supported and celebrated women’s education for more than 150 years and includes more than 5,400 chapters across North America. Mount Pleasant’s Chapter NZ says it is proud to honor Wagner as this year’s STAR Scholarship recipient.