Mary Carolyn (Danielson) Ellingson

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, June 18th, 2026 at 11:23 am CDT

A much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Mary Carolyn (Danielson) Ellingson of Roland, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Fell Cemetery in Libertyville. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

Carolyn was born on July 31, 1940, at home in Libertyville, to Clifford and Martha (Barker) Danielson. She graduated from Fairfield High School and was a devoted mother to her son, Douglas Danielson. Carolyn worked as a bookkeeper at Winfrey Electric and later at United Federal Savings Bank in Fairfield.

On April 7, 1984, she married Phillip Ellingson at the Birmingham Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Iowa. She and Phil created a beautiful life together. Carolyn embraced farm life with devotion and grace. Her gardens bloomed with vibrant color, a reflection of her generous spirit and eye for beauty. Whether it was tending to her garden or preparing a home-cooked meal for Phil, to deliver to a neighbor, or the visiting family and friends. Carolyn found joy in the simple, meaningful moments that made up a life well lived. She generously volunteered her time at several nursing homes, the McCallsburg Presbyterian Church, and McCallsburg American Legion Auxiliary.

Carolyn was known for her warmth, hospitality, and culinary talents. She delighted in cooking and baking, always eager to host family and friends for holidays and special occasions. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and delicious meals.

She found joy in traveling, attending musical concerts, quilting, and playing dominos with loved ones. Carolyn stayed active in her community, especially with her water aerobics group and the coffee gatherings that followed.

She was always ready to lend a hand, never asking for help herself. Her heart of gold touched everyone who knew her, and her kindness will be remembered for generations.

She is deeply missed by her husband, Phil of Roland; daughter-in-law Roberta Danielson of Fairfield; grandchildren Adam Danielson of Des Moines, Brian Danielson of Manchester, NH, and John Danielson of Fairfield; and great-grandson, Nolan Danielson.

Also surviving are her siblings Jessie (Ralph) Caves of Douds; Linda (Jim) Dougherty of Libertyville; and Carl (Sandy) Danielson of Buffalo, WY; sisters-in-law Chris Danielson and Evelyn Danielson, both of Fairfield; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Doug Danielson; parents, Clifford and Martha Danielson; and brothers, Bob and John Danielson.

Fort Madison Bridge Set to Open at Noon Today

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, June 18th, 2026 at 10:00 am CDT

Drivers in southeast Iowa will soon have easier access across the Mississippi River as the Fort Madison Toll Bridge is set to reopen at noon today.

The bridge has been closed to automobile traffic since April 22 for scheduled maintenance by BNSF Railway. The closure affected Illinois Route 9 between Niota, Illinois, and Fort Madison, forcing drivers to use alternate routes during the repair period.

BNSF says the maintenance work included replacing floor beams and associated support structures at multiple locations on both the east and west approaches of the bridge.

The railroad says toll revenue collected on the bridge helps cover part of the maintenance costs, with BNSF covering the remaining balance. No public tax dollars are being used for the repairs.

A second closure is still planned later this year, from September 21 through November 20, as crews complete additional work.

BNSF says it coordinated the construction schedule with local officials to reduce disruptions during major summer events in Fort Madison, including the Tri-State Rodeo, Mexican Fiesta, and the new Summer Roundup.

Fort Madison PD Looking for Tips Related to Poor Animal Care

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, June 18th, 2026 at 9:58 am CDT

The Fort Madison Police Department is asking for the public’s help after officers found two severely neglected dogs in recent weeks.

Police say both Shih Tzu-type dogs were discovered in the area of Storms Court and 26th Street near Avenue D in Fort Madison. Officers say the animals were in extremely poor condition, suffering from severe matting so bad they were nearly unrecognizable as dogs.

Both dogs are now receiving veterinary care and are expected to survive.

Investigators believe the dogs may have come from the same owner or residence and are concerned there could be additional animals still living in similar conditions.

The department is asking anyone who may know who owns the dogs, or who may have seen other animals in poor condition in that area, to come forward. Police say even small details could help identify the owner and ensure the safety of any other animals involved.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Fort Madison Police Dispatch at 319-372-1310 or send a private message through the department’s Facebook page. Officials are also encouraging the public to share the information to help spread the word.

Wapello County Operation Safe Streets Looking for Tips

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, June 18th, 2026 at 9:55 am CDT

Law enforcement agencies in Wapello County say a recent countywide operation aimed at monitoring registered sex offenders has led to multiple warrants and renewed attention on two offenders whose whereabouts remain unknown.

The Wapello County Sheriff’s Office, Ottumwa Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service partnered for “Operation Safe Streets,” a three-day compliance sweep across the county.

More than 20 officers conducted checks on 126 registered sex offenders to verify addresses and ensure they were complying with Iowa registry requirements. Authorities say most were found in compliance, but the operation resulted in 10 arrest warrants for registration violations.

Officials say the effort also highlighted two offenders currently listed as most wanted on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry. They include Jary Armando Jimenez, whose last known registered address in Ottumwa dates back to 2008, and Trista Marie Roberts, whose last registered address in Ottumwa was listed in September of 2025. Both are considered to have unconfirmed whereabouts.

The Iowa Sex Offender Registry remains an important tool for public safety, helping track offenders, assist investigations, and keep communities informed.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these individuals is encouraged to contact local law enforcement or submit an anonymous tip.

Barbara Joan Craig

By Allison Jacobs · Thursday, June 18th, 2026 at 8:50 am CDT

Barbara Joan Craig, 91, of Keosauqua, IA passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026 at her home. Memorial services honoring her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Keosauqua Congregational Church in Keosauqua, IA. Burial will be held at a later date in the Fellows Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions in Barb’s honor may be directed to the Van Buren County Sports Boosters or to Fellows Cemetery and may be mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Sports, June 18th

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, June 18th, 2026 at 6:29 am CDT

High School Softball

Van Buren County had their matchup against New London postponed last night due to the weather. 

New London will travel to Holy Trinity Catholic tomorrow, June 19th, at 7 pm. 

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

Mt. Pleasant will welcome Fairfield to town tonight at 7 pm. The Panthers are hoping to keep slugging at the plate, tallying 11 extra-base hits over the last four games. It has not been a change of philosophy for head coach Curtis Bjork but the mark of a comfortable squad,

“Yeah, some of it’s just reps and confidence. The biggest thing is confidence, knowing what you’re looking for and then being aggressive and playing loose and just playing with confidence, which our girls are starting to do, I think.”

Holy Trinity Catholic will make the trip to West Burlington/Notre Dame tonight at 7 pm.

Danville will travel to Mediapolis tonight at 7 pm.

Columbus will take on WACO tonight at 7 pm at home.

Central Lee will compete on the road against Highland tonight at 7 pm.

Wapello will face off against Hillcrest Academy tonight at 7 pm on the road. 

Washington will take on Burlington at home tonight at 7 pm. 

High School Baseball

Burlington Notre Dame dominated at a tournament in Waterloo yesterday, shutting out Davenport West 14-0 in game one and lapping Center Point-Urbana 14-2. The Nikes will look to continue the momentum in a road matchup against West Burlington tonight at 7 pm.

New London had their showdown with Van Buren County postponed last night. The Tigers will play Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow, June 19th, at 7 pm on the road. 

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

Fairfield will make the trip to Mt. Pleasant tonight at 5:30 pm. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will attempt to bounce back tonight in a home matchup with Louisa-Muscatine at 5:30 pm for senior night. 

Central Lee will stay on the road to face off against Highland tonight at 7 pm.

Mediapolis will head back home to play Danville at 6 pm tonight.

Washington will host Burlington tonight at 7 pm.

Wapello will take on Hillcrest Academy on the road at 7 pm tonight.

Conference Realignment News

The Central Lee Community School District Board of Education approved the official request to leave the Southeast Iowa Super Conference after over 30 years of membership to join the Southeast Conference for the 2028-29 school year with middle school athletics beginning in the 2027-28 school year.

The school district has been discussing the move for the last several months with enrollment growth projecting Central Lee jumping up to Class 3A in nearly all sports within the next few years. Along with enrollment size, geographic location and range of activities made the SEC a strong fit for the Hawks.

The move still needs approval by both the Southeast Conference Schools along with the Conference Realignment Committee appointed by the Iowa Legislature. This is on the heels of Oskaloosa announcing the move to the SEC beginning with the 2028-29 school year, as well.

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 had their matchup against the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp postponed to July 1st to be made-up as part of a doubleheader. The Bees will be back at home to face off against the Normal CornBelters at 6:30 pm tonight.

The Clinton LumberKings continue to rattle off wins after mashing the Normal CornBelters last night, 10-0. Keegan Luxem pitched a complete game, two-hitter, striking out nine in the process. The LumberKings will look to continue the streak tonight at home against the O’Fallon Hoots at 6:30 pm. 

This Day in Sports History

1911 – The Detroit Tigers trail the Chicago White Sox 13-1 at Bennett Park, Detroit; the Tigers recover to win 16-15 for the biggest comeback in Major League Baseball history at the time.

1972 – The US Supreme Court, 5-3, confirms the lower court rulings in the Curt Flood case, upholding baseball’s exemption from antitrust laws.

2000 – 100th US Open Men’s Golf, Pebble Beach GL: Tiger Woods wins his first US Open by a major championship record-setting 15 strokes over Ernie Els and Miguel Ángel Jiménez.

Flooding Concerns Continue as More Storms Threaten Southeast Iowa

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 at 11:33 am CDT

Mount Pleasant and much of southeast Iowa are dealing with flooding concerns after heavy rain soaked the area this morning, with 2.36 inches of rain recorded in the last 24 hours — including 2.1 inches this morning alone.

The heavy downpour has overwhelmed storm drains in Mount Pleasant, causing water to collect on streets and in low-lying areas.

Drivers are urged to use caution and never drive through flooded roads. Officials warn it only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep a vehicle away, and road damage may be hidden beneath the surface.

And the weather threat is not over yet.

The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities says storms are expected to redevelop through 6 p.m. this evening, with the greatest severe weather threat focused across southern and eastern Iowa. Forecasters say the biggest concern remains recurring heavy rain, which could lead to more flooded roads, low-lying areas, fields, and even basements.

There is also the potential for damaging winds, frequent lightning, and isolated tornadoes, depending on how far north the severe weather threat pushes.

The National Weather Service reminds everyone: When thunder roars, head indoors — and always stay alert for watches and warnings. Stay tuned to KILJ for the latest weather updates throughout the day.

Residents in Des Moines and Jefferson Counties Urged to Report Storm Damage

By Allison Jacobs · Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 at 11:05 am CDT

Following this morning’s severe storms that brought strong winds, heavy rain, and scattered damage across southeast Iowa, residents in Des Moines and Jefferson counties are being asked to report any storm-related damage to help local emergency management officials assess the impact. Severe weather moved across Iowa in recent days, with damage reports ranging from downed trees and power lines to structural damage and flooding.

Officials say submitting damage reports is important because it helps determine whether state or federal disaster assistance may be available.

Residents are encouraged to report damage to homes, farm buildings, vehicles, and other property, along with any debris cleanup costs or flooding impacts.

Damage reports can be submitted online at the following county links:

  • Des Moines County: HERE
  • Jefferson County: HERE

When filing a report, residents should include photos if possible, a description of the damage, and an estimate of costs if known.

County officials stress that submitting a report does not guarantee reimbursement, but it is a critical step in documenting the overall impact of the storm.

Anyone with questions should contact their local emergency management office.