KILJ has received updated information regarding a fatal overnight traffic accident on Highway 34 westbound near Middletown which shut down the westbound lanes of traffic for nearly 4 hours early Monday morning and re-routed traffic using ramps between Beaverdale and Old 34.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash occurred when an eastbound vehicle was traveling the wrong direction in the westbound lanes of Highway 34. At the 255-mile marker, that vehicle—a 2002 Chevy S10 truck—struck a westbound vehicle –a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The driver of Chevy was ejected from the vehicle.

According to the crash report, one fatality occurred and one injured person was transported to the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center. The names of those involved have not been released at this time.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Breuers Towing. Multiple agencies assisted at the scene including the Iowa State Patrol and the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office. The Iowa State Patrol says the crash remains under investigation.

State Representative Taylor Collins has released his December update, highlighting several statewide initiatives as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming legislative session.

The Iowa Department of Education is seeking committee members to help revise the Social Studies Essential Elements Standards — guidelines used for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The committee will meet between January and March of 2026, and Iowa educators, parents, and community members are encouraged to apply.

Rep. Collins also outlined Iowa’s newly submitted $1 billion Rural Health Transformation Plan, part of a federal funding opportunity under the One Big Beautiful Bill. The plan, called Healthy Hometowns, focuses on boosting rural health care through expanded Centers of Excellence, increased cancer prevention efforts including radon testing, and improved EMS access such as mobile care units and telehealth support for maternal and neonatal emergencies. Federal decisions on funding are expected by the end of 2025.

Collins further highlighted Iowa’s continued efforts to combat human trafficking. In recent years, the state has increased penalties for traffickers, expanded victim protections, and closed legal loopholes to make prosecutions easier. Updated laws now impose life sentences for trafficking minors, require stronger victim support in court, and clarify that buyers of sex or labor can be charged even if they claim they were unaware of trafficking.

The full newsletter can be found here. For questions or constituent concerns, Rep. Collins encourages residents to contact his office. Email him at taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov or call the Capitol Switchboard and leave him a message at (515) 281-7340.

KILJ has received initial reports of a serious overnight traffic accident on U.S. Highway 34 westbound, near Beaverdale, involving multiple vehicles. Burlington Police and multiple agencies were requested to the scene immediately, including the Iowa State Patrol and MedForce, and eventually the Medical Examiner.

By 2:15 AM early Monday morning, officials ordered Highway 34 westbound to be completely shut down at Beaverdale for what they said would be several hours. Crews worked to re-route traffic and shut down ramps detouring traffic from Beaverdale to Old 34. Drivers were urged to avoid the area.

According to Des Moines County Communications, U.S. Highway 34 westbound from Beaverdale to the Middletown exit reopened to traffic about 6:00 AM and has returned to normal.

This is a developing story, and KILJ will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available, including the condition of those injured and the cause of the crash.

Due to this weekend’s winter storm keeping many shoppers at home, the downtown retailers and Main Street Mount Pleasant have announced that Small Business Saturday activities have been extended through this coming Saturday, December 6^th.

Shoppers will now receive one ticket for every ten dollars spent at the participating local merchants all week long giving local businesses another chance to welcome holiday shoppers and highlight special promotions. The grand prize drawing is now scheduled for 1 pm on Saturday, December 6^th.

Main Street Mount Pleasant invites you to shop local this holiday season, supporting the small businesses that play such a vital role in the regional economy. For more updates on Small Business Saturday and what’s happening in downtown Mount Pleasant, keep it tuned to KILJ or visit Main Street Mount Pleasant on Facebook.

As the holiday season approaches, ImpactLife is encouraging Southeast Iowa residents to put good into the world and give back by rolling up their sleeves and donating blood. Blood donations often drop this time of year as people travel and schedules get busy, but the need at local hospitals remains constant. A single donation can help save multiple lives, supporting patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma care, and more.

ImpactLife donors not only provide a lifesaving resource locally and across the country — they can also take advantage of Donor Rewards, including a gift card or the option to pay it forward to a nonprofit of their choice.

There are several community blood drives scheduled across Henry County in the month of December. View the list of drives and schedule your donation appointment by visiting bloodcenter.org

Monday 12/15 (3-6:15 pm) – Faith Lutheran Church

Tuesday 12/16 (3:30-7:30 pm) – Lockridge Fire and Rescue

Friday 12/19 (12:30-3:30 pm) – Henry County Health Center

 Monday 12/22 (3-6 pm) – Swedesburg Lutheran Church

 Wednesday 12/31 (3-6:15 pm) – Winfield Lions Community

 Friday 1/2 (3:30-5:45 pm) – Mt. Pleasant REC Center

Mount Pleasant and much of Southeast Iowa spent the weekend digging out after the first significant winter storm of the season moved through the region. Heavy, wet snow began falling late Friday night, with totals ranging from 6 to 10 inches across Henry, Jefferson, Washington, and Louisa counties. Wind gusts topping 30 to 40 miles per hour created pockets of blowing and drifting, especially on rural roads.

City crews in Mount Pleasant were out early Saturday, clearing priority routes before moving into residential neighborhoods. County officials reported several slide-offs. The Iowa DOT reminds drivers to slow down and give plows plenty of room to work.

Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing through mid-week, meaning slick spots will continue. On top of lower temperatures, communities across Southeast Iowa are expected to receive more snow today as another Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 9 am to 9 pm across the listening area. Snow is expected with accumulated new snow of 2 to 4 inches.

According to the National Weather Service, most of the snow is expected to fall between 3 and 6 this afternoon and evening. Plan on slippery road conditions which could impact your afternoon and evening commute.

As always, residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, clear hydrants, and use caution when shoveling the heavy snow. And if you are out on the road, drivers are encouraged to slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road conditions visit 511ia.org, check the Iowa DOT app, or call 511.