Southeast Iowa saw several out-of-control field and grass fires on Friday (February 13, 2026). The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, Salem Fire, and Hillsboro Fire Departments were all dispatched to fight field fire and in one case, a structure caught fire.  Washington County Sheriff’s Dispatch reported yesterday that Wellman Fire and Crawfordsville Fire Departments were also called on to extinguish field fires.  The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department reminds all residents that you are required to report your controlled burn before you begin.  The number to call is the Henry County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number: 319-385-2712.  By calling, you allow local fire departments to keep equipment ready, and the phone call can prevent false alarms.

The MPFD and HCSO offer the following safe burning tips:

Check wind conditions, including wind gust speed, check for red flag warnings or open burning bans issued by the National Weather Service, clear the area, never leave a fire unattended, have a plan by keeping a water source or extinguisher nearby, and always call 911 if things get out of control.

A single vehicle rollover collision yesterday in Henry County resulted in the death of a WACO High School student.  Senior Kyler Rugg passed away yesterday (Friday, February 13, 2026) at University of Iowa Hospitals.  The Iowa State Patrol reports that the vehicle was southbound in the 1700 block of Franklin Avenue south of Trenton and failed to negotiate a curve which caused  loss of control of the vehicle.  The vehicle rolled multiple times.  Rugg was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle and was ejected.  He was transported to the University of Iowa hospital via Med Force where he later died.  According to the ISP crash report, a seatbelt was not in use.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Ambulance, Mt. Pleasant Fire and Med Force assisted.

WACO High School Superintendent Spencer Lueders posted a heartfelt message last night offering support for the family, friends, and WACO Community in the loss of Kyler Rugg.  Lueders said in order to “support students and staff, the WACO Community School District will have additional counseling support services available across the district on Monday.  They will be present to assist anyone who may need time, space, or someone to talk with” after the devasting loss.

Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies investigated and determined two dogs were in dire need of medical care and appropriate shelter on January 23, 2026.  The dogs were seized by the Sheriff’s Office and placed into the care of PAW Animal Shelter, according to a department press release.  An investigation was completed and led to the arrest of Jesse Elihu Burdette.  Burdette was charged with two counts of Animal Neglect Causing Injury and two counts of No Rabies Vaccinations, and jailed.  On February 10,2026, both dogs were court ordered to be surrendered to the custody of the Lee County Sheriff who transferred custody to PAW Animal Shelter to continue to receive the appropriate medical care.  The Lee County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Lee County Attorney’s Office and PAW Animal Shelter for their assistance in this case.

A charge is merely an accusation; a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Area fire departments, the Henry County Sheriff’s Department, and EMS responded to field fires this afternoon and a motor vehicle accident with injuries.

Just outside of Trenton, a motor vehicle accident was reported in the 1700 block of Franklin Avenue.  The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, EMS, and the Henry County Sheriff’s Department responded.

The Salem Fire Department along with the Hillsboro Fire Department worked to extinguish an out of control grass fire that eventually spread to a garage at 1425 Salem Road today.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to an out-of-control field fire threatening equipment in the 1900 block of Iowa Avenue this afternoon.

In addition, there have been multiple out of control field and grass fires reported throughout southeast Iowa this afternoon.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam targeting local families.

On February 12, 2026, authorities discovered that scammers have been impersonating the Sheriff’s Office by calling relatives of incarcerated individuals and requesting bail bond money over the phone.

Officials emphasize that the Sheriff’s Office will never call and ask for bail bond money on behalf of inmates. Bail bonds must be posted in person either at the Sheriff’s Office or at the Henry County Courthouse.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call like this is urged not to provide any personal or financial information and to report the incident to their local law enforcement agency immediately.

The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office has released details about an incident involving an inmate at the county jail.

According to Sheriff Kevin Glendening, deputies responded at approximately 9:44 a.m. on February 10, 2026 to the Des Moines County Correctional Center to assist with moving an inmate identified as Charles Lee Weddington, 32, of Burlington.

Authorities say Weddington was given verbal commands to approach his cell door to be handcuffed but refused to comply. When deputies opened the cell door and issued additional commands, Weddington allegedly threw an object and striking a deputy. He then charged at deputies and threw a punch.

Officials say Weddington continued to resist and fight, and a taser was deployed. During the struggle, Weddington allegedly attempted to disarm a deputy of the taser. He was eventually handcuffed and removed from the cell.

One deputy sustained an injury to his right hand during the incident.

Weddington has been charged with interference with official acts causing bodily injury, disarming a peace officer, and assault on persons in certain occupations.

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