Multiple fire and rescue crews responded to a pipeline fire near the Skunk River in Washington County after reports of an explosion on Saturday morning at about 10:50am.

Smoke and flames from the explosion and fire near Brighton could be seen for miles.  Washington County Communications Center confirmed a pipeline fire between 315^th and 325^th streets north and south of the Skunk River by Brighton. No injuries were reported and at 3pm this afternoon, fire crews remained on the scene.

The Danville City Council will meet in regular session on Monday, February 16^th at Danville City Hall, 105 W. Shephard Street.  Items on the agenda include department reports and a work session on the 2026-27 budget.  No action will be taken during the work session.  The meeting is open to the public.

The Van Buren County Hospital (Community Services Center) announced the availability of a Blessing Box at the hospital in Keosauqua. The Blessing Box was created by the Van Buren County Community School District construction classes.

This community pantry is for anyone who may need a little extra support and is stocked with non-perishable food items and basic necessities. The idea is simple: Take what you need. Leave what you can.

If you’d like to donate items, we welcome contributions of canned goods, hygiene products, and other shelf-stable essentials. (non-perishable, non-expired, unopened items. Together, we can make sure no neighbor goes without.

The box is in the Community Services Center Parking lot (308 Mulberry St. in Keosauqua, IA) if you have questions, you may call 319-293-8728.

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.