Justice has been served after Burlington Police Officers arrested a woman who struck and killed a man with her car in 2021.

Megan Marie Kalar, 36 years old, was arrested after an investigation was completed into a fatality accident that occurred just after 9:00pm on February 26^th, 2021. A blind man, Jacob Sexton, was walking home using a red and white cane and GPS on his phone, when he was struck by Kalar’s vehicle. He was transported to the University of Iowa Hospital and pronounced deceased at that time.

Officers spoke with Kalar at the time of the accident and noted signs of intoxication. After telling officers that she had not been drinking, she submitted to a breath test. The results of the test proved that Kalar’s blood alcohol content was over the legal limit.

Officers obtained a search warrant to obtain a blood sample from Kalar. This blood sample was sent to the Department of Criminal Investigation laboratory, where it was determined that the blood alcohol content was over the legal limit to drive a vehicle.

Kalar was charged with Homicide By Vehicle – Operating Under The Influence, a Class B felony, and Homicide By Vehicle – Reckless Driving, a Class C felony.

The presidents of Southeastern Community College and Mount Mercy University, MMU, signed an agreement on Monday that provides students a pathway to earn a four-year teaching degree. Students complete a specialized two-year program from SCC and then transfer to MMU for two years to complete the requirements for an education degree. MMU classes will be offered face-to-face on SCC’s West Burlington campus.

SCC President Dr. Michael Ash said strengthening our local education system is critical to the success of the region, “We’ve entered into numerous partnerships with other higher ed institutions but this one is special,” Ash said. “We’re educating our students to become educators themselves.”

This is vital for our communities and the growth of Iowa. Students will be able to acquire a four-year degree in the same region they went to preschool in.

In 2020, SCC launched education programs that would prepare students to enter the workforce within a childcare setting or continue to complete a teacher licensure program. In addition to students being able to directly enter the childcare workforce, students can choose from early childhood, elementary, and secondary programs to start their path toward a teaching degree.

In addition to dedicated coursework, students regularly engage with children in real-world childcare settings including Kiddie Campus and Kid Zone Day care centers and the Corse Early Childhood Center in Burlington.

Fueled by the initial success of SCC’s two-year programs, college officials looked to expand offerings and opportunities for students interested in pursuing teaching careers.

The resulting partnership agreement provides a seamless pathway for students who complete SCC’s elementary or early childhood education program to complete two more years with MMU right here. Select coursework will be taught by local education professionals and students will participate in field experiences every semester. Classes will be held on the West Burlington campus during the evening. Students can choose from three different teaching endorsements: early childhood education, reading and special education.

For more information on SCC’s education programs and the SCC-Mount Mercy University partnership, contact Dr. Ashlee Spannagel at (319) 208-5380.

For more information about Mount Mercy University, visit www.mtmercy.edu

A 19-year-old has been arrested after attempting to meet a minor in a parking lot.

At approximately 4:30pm on October 17^th, a 19-year-old, identified as Kevin Shirley of Mt. Pleasant, was stopped at the HyVee parking lot in Mt. Pleasant after attempting to entice a minor. Once officers approached him, Kevin attempted to flee in his vehicle, striking an officer and a parked vehicle. He was taken into custody in the parking lot.

Shirley was transported to the Henry County Jail and charged with two counts of Enticement of a minor, one count of Enticement of a minor from a different case, Assault with intent to inflict serious injury, and Distribution or intent to distribute a controlled substance to a minor.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the Mt Pleasant PD at 319 385-1450.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department arrested a man on Wednesday evening after he exposed himself in public.

On October 17^th at 8:49am, officers were made aware of a male in a vehicle exposing himself inappropriately in front of several women. The subject, identified as Jacob Noble, 32, of New London, was observed in his vehicle by officers on E Monroe St. Noble took off and a short pursuit ensued. The vehicle was stopped near the train track on N Adams St.

Jacob Noble was taken into custody and transported to the Henry County Jail, where he was charged with three counts of Indecent Exposure and one count of Eluding or attempting to Elude Law Enforcement.

The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office is seeking employment for a full-time male jailer. This position includes full time employment benefits including paid vacation, holiday pay, health insurance, life insurance, sick leave and an IPERS retirement program.

Applications can be obtained at the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, 12635 Co. Rd G56 Ste 102, Wapello or at www.louisacountyia.gov. Interested applicants should submit a formal application by mail, in person or via email to: Susie Garrett, Jail Administrator, 12635 Co. Rd. G56 Ste. 102, Wapello IA 52653 or SGarrett@louisacountyia.gov.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the county policy. Applicants must be able to work all shifts including weekends, holidays, and overtime. Salary per Union Contract is $36,878.40 to $50,939.20, starting salary will be based on years of service, education, or previous experience. This starting wage per Union Contract will increase come July 1^st, 2024.

This position will remain open until filled. Facebook applications are not accepted. The Louisa County Jail is an equal opportunity employer.

Application deadline is, October 27th, 2023.

Officers with the Ottumwa Police Department responded to a stabbing late Monday night.

At approximately 10:46pm, officers were dispatched to 301 S. Ward St for a report of a stabbing. They found an injured male outside the home, who was identified as 34-year-old Samuel Gallegos-Ramirez of Ottumwa. He was transported to the Ottumwa Regional Health Center and pronounced deceased.

An autopsy will be conducted at the Office of the Iowa State Medical Examiner to determine the cause and manner of death for Mr. Gallegos-Ramirez.

The Ottumwa Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation continue the investigation. No charges have been filed. There is no known ongoing threat to the public.

No additional information is being released at this time. KILJ will provide updates as they are released.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 Time:  7:30 a.m.

HCHC Board Room

1. CALL TO ORDER

II.         ROLL CALL

1. Prottsman ____             4. Mrs. Bender                        ____                7. Mr. Welcher ___
2. Olson ____                5. Mrs. McNamee       ____
3. Heaton ____                6. Mr. Blake                ____

III.        CONSENT AGENDA

1. Minutes of previous meeting and committees
2. Administrative memo and EMS report

IV.        OLD BUSINESS

1. Financial Update
2. Capital Update
3. HOSPITAL INSPECTION Welcher

1. NEW BUSINESS

 VII.      EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE

Closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 21.5 to discuss strategic and proprietary              objectives.

VIII.      ADJOURNMENT