The Mount Pleasant Childcare Center will continue serving local families after securing a temporary location ahead of its current lease expiration.

KILJ recently spoke with Mount Pleasant Childcare Center Board President Matt Barton about the future of the facility. The childcare center was founded by a group of community leaders in 2020 and officially opened in July of 2021 at its current location, the former Family Video building at 304 West Washington Street.

That lease is set to expire at the end of February, requiring the center to find an alternative location that meets state licensing requirements and remains financially sustainable. Barton says the center will not be closing and will continue offering all current services.

With the help of community partners—particularly the City of Mount Pleasant—the childcare center has secured a temporary location adjacent to Cottrell Gym. The move will allow the center to maintain operations while leaders work toward a long-term solution that balances state regulations, staffing needs, and overall sustainability.

The Mount Pleasant Childcare Center currently serves approximately 30 families and employs between four and six full-time staff members, along with several part-time employees. Many of the part-time workers are high school students exploring careers in childcare or education.

In addition to daytime care, the center will continue its after-school programming Monday through Friday at Harlan Elementary School. Transportation is provided through the school district, with programming running from 3:10 to 5:30 each afternoon.

Barton emphasized that the temporary move ensures continuity of care for families while discussions continue regarding a permanent location that meets long-term needs.

A formaldehyde chemical spill was reported in the Surgery Department (OR) at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center (SEIRMC), West Burlington, at approximately 8:45 a.m. yesterday, Tuesday, February 3rd. The West Burlington Fire Department was contacted to assist the SEIRMC hazmat team in cleaning up and neutralizing the spill and mitigating any further risk of exposure.

Formaldehyde, in the form of formalin, is an inert chemical used for tissue preservation in the OR. The room where the spill occurred has been made unavailable for use. No patients were exposed to the chemical. One employee did suffer an exposure and was immediately treated in the Emergency Department. Patient and employee safety remains a top priority for GRH.

Great River Health appreciates the support and response of the West Burlington Fire Department, West Burlington Police Department, and the Des Moines County Local Emergency Planning Committee.

A 61-year-old Fairfield man is facing multiple felony charges following a narcotics investigation conducted by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.

According to court records, agents executed search warrants early Monday morning after intercepting a FedEx package destined for the 900 block of South 5th Street in Fairfield. Inside the package, investigators allegedly found approximately six pounds of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

The package was addressed to “Options Open Inc.” Investigators believe that business name was an alias connected to Gregory Allen Warnke. Agents conducted a controlled delivery before executing a search warrant at Warnke’s residence.

During the search, authorities say they seized methamphetamine, marijuana, digital scales, packaging materials, drug paraphernalia, U.S. currency, and suspected drug ledgers. Investigators also recovered three firearms, including a handgun and two unmarked rifles. Court documents indicate Warnke is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.

Warnke was taken into custody at a separate location and has been charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, and three counts of felon in possession of a firearm.

Warnke has not yet made an initial court appearance. Bail and a preliminary hearing have not been scheduled. As a reminder, criminal charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Burlington Police Department is reminding drivers that beginning today at approximately 9:30 a.m., the school speed zone on Mason Road will be removed. The affected area includes the 2700 through 3000 blocks near Edward Stone Middle School and will return to the regular 35 mile-per-hour speed limit. Drivers are reminded that school speed zones on Willow Avenue and Sequoia Drive are not changing and remain in effect. Motorists are urged to slow down in those areas, stay alert, and watch for students.

The Iowa Insurance Division is reminding Medicare beneficiaries about two upcoming enrollment deadlines. Iowans currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan have until March 31, 2026, to change plans or return to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. Those whose Medicare Advantage or Part D plans were cancelled at the end of 2025 have until February 28, 2026 to enroll in new coverage.

Free, confidential, one-on-one assistance is available through SHIIP. In Henry County, trained SHIIP counselors are available by appointment at Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant by calling 319-385-6774. Statewide help can also be reached at 1-800-351-4664 for guidance with Medicare decisions, comparing plans, or enrollment assistance.

Click here for more information on the important plan enrollment dates for Medicare beneficiaries, provided by the Iowa Insurance Division.