On Friday morning in North Lee County Court, Roy James Vowels, 34, of Fort Madison was sentenced to two years in prison on conviction of Harassment in the 1st degree. This comes after an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Fort Madison Police Department Detective Bureau.

On May 12^th, 2023, the detectives with the Fort Madison Police Department Detective Bureau received information from the FBI indicating that Vowels had made an online threat to carry out a mass killing at an unspecified daycare facility. The threat was received by an individual located outside of the United States who, with the assistance of a US resident, reported the threat to the FBI.

Vowels was taken into custody by detectives hours later and charged with making a threat of terrorism.  Vowels later plead guilty to an amended charge of Harassment in the 1st degree on October 13^th, 2023.

The Fort Madison Police Department was assisted in this investigation by the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Lee County Attorney’s Office.

The Fort Madison Police Department reminds individuals, if they see something, say something. Acts of violence can be prevented if suspicious activity or behavior are reported.

This conviction underscores the importance of reporting suspicious behavior in preventing violence. Only by investigation can we determine just how credible these threats are, and if an arrest is appropriate.

As of January 5th, 2024, it has been confirmed by the superintendent of Mt. Pleasant Community School District, John Henriksen, that the property purchase of former Iowa Wesleyan buildings is complete. In a statement, he mentioned that all documents have been signed and the funds have been transferred to the proper parties.

This central campus includes the Howe Student Activity Center and Ruble Arena, Student Union, Old Main, Pioneer Hall, P.E.O Memorial Building, and the University Chapel.

This does not mean that the property will be used to house the proposed “Central Elementary.” As of this moment, it is unclear what the buildings will be used for, but the school board will discuss this question in future meetings.

KILJ will continue to update the public on this matter as more information is released.

The Greater Iowa Swap Meet and Flea Market brings in visitors from all over for a weekend of trading. The Old Threshers Facebook Page has plenty of information regarding this event coming up on May 24^th and 25^th, but they want to make sure that the correct information is put out to the public. Facebook scammers are always a danger, and they can fool even the smartest of people. Old Threshers wants to be very clear that they do not sell outside spaces for this event in advance, and the inside spaces are sold over the phone with staff or in person at their office. If you are in the market to purchase a ticket, ensure that you are getting it from a staff member.

A scary situation occurred in Fairfield yesterday when the Fairfield Community School District went into lockdown. This was after the Fairfield Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was alerted of a male displaying a handgun in close proximity to the schools.

It is important to note that this incident had no relation to the tragic school shooting in Perry, Iowa, on January 4^th, 2024. No students or school employees were involved in the incident in Fairfield.

Around 12:03pm, the dispatch center received a 911 call reporting a male in the 100 Block of E. Broadway with a handgun. Deputies and Officers responded to this situation and took the suspect into custody. A search revealed a loaded firearm and a significant quantity of controlled substances.

Bowe James Cook, age 31 of Winfield, was subsequently charged with the following: Felon in Possession of Firearm, a Class D Felony, Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine, a Class C, Drug Tax Stamp Violation, Class D, Interference with Official Acts, a Simple Misdemeanor, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Simple Misdemeanor.

Please contact the Fairfield Police Department at (641) 472-4146, or call 911 in an emergency, if you have any information. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

FPD would like to thank the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety for their assistance in this investigation. This is an active investigation and additional charges may be filed.

Criminal charges are merely an accusation, and all persons are assumed innocent until found guilty in court.

The recent shooting at an Iowa school has affected people of all ages, with news and social media information circulating. Children, especially, might experience a wide variety of emotions, such as fearfulness, shock, anger, grief, and anxiety in response to this news, according to David Brown, behavioral health state specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Some of these difficulties might stem up in their concentration on schoolwork, changes in appetite, mood, and possible trouble sleeping. This is normal and should begin to disappear in four to six weeks, according to Brown.

The American Psychological Association offers the following advice.

• Listen to them. Take the time to actively listen to what your child or teen has to say. Many times, all children or teens want is someone to listen to them. In many cases, that is the best help you can offer.
• Affirm and support their need for help. If a child or teen tells you they are feeling afraid or upset, for example, tell them you are proud of them for sharing their feelings. Let them know you appreciate the courage it took for them to talk with you and for trusting you to help them.
• Be genuine. Try to avoid speaking from a script. Teens can tell when you’re not being genuine. When you are open, authentic and relaxed, they can be open, authentic and relaxed as well.
• Take “news breaks.” Your children may want to keep informed by gathering information about the event from the internet, television or newspapers. It is important to limit the amount of time spent watching the news or staying connected online because constant exposure may heighten their anxiety and fears.
• Check in often. Be sure to check in regularly with your children and teens as you monitor their coping. Provide extra time, attention and patience.

“If adverse reactions continue or at any point interfere with your children’s or teens’ abilities to function at home or at school, or if you are worried, you can find local mental health professionals by going to www.iowamhdsregions.org/,” Brown said.