The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, working in partnership with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Child Protection Services), the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Columbus Junction Police Department, conducted a significant child protective operation on June 12th and 13th. The joint effort led to the execution of search warrants at two locations: 10431 Q Avenue, Columbus Junction, and 1101 5th Avenue, Fredonia.

Authorities initiated the operation following reports of child endangerment. The effort focused on ensuring the welfare of children associated with the Kingdom Ministry of Rehab and Recreation and the Shekinah Glory Camp.

In total, 88 children were taken into protective custody during the operation. The children were safely transported to the Wapello Methodist Church, where they were met by multiple child protection workers. From there, arrangements were made to reunite children with their parents, or place them with temporary foster care or under the supervision of HHS, pending further safety evaluations.

The Wapello Methodist Church, Wapello Community Ambulance, Wapello Community School, local food pantries, and numerous volunteers assisted with care and logistics throughout the process.

The investigation remains ongoing. Officials remind the public that a criminal charge or report is merely an accusation, and any defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has announced the first confirmed case of Theileriosis in Iowa cattle. The disease, caused by a parasite was detected in a herd in southeast Iowa, marking a concerning development for the state’s cattle industry.

Theileriosis infects the red and white blood cells of cattle, leading to anemia and, in severe cases, death. The disease is spread by the Asian Longhorned Tick (ALHT), a species identified in Iowa for the first time this year. Experts warn that while these ticks will remain active throughout the summer, infestations typically spike when cattle are first introduced to new pastures, where the presence of hosts triggers females to lay thousands of eggs.

Cattle infected with Theileriosis may show signs of lethargy, difficulty breathing, anemia, jaundice, ventral edema (swelling of the lower body), exercise intolerance, and in some cases, abortions. While symptoms may resemble those of anaplasmosis, younger cattle and calves tend to suffer more severe effects of Theileriosis. Combined with the stress of tick infestations, the risk of death in affected animals can increase significantly.

Veterinarians advise producers who suspect Theileria or ALHT exposure to have samples collected and submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for confirmation.

In terms of prevention, experts emphasize that insecticide ear tags alone will not provide sufficient protection against ticks. They recommend using additional measures such as backrubbers, routine applications of pour-on insecticides. In cases of increasing tick populations, avermectin pour-on treatments may offer the most effective intervention.

While Theileria and the Asian Longhorned Tick pose serious threats to cattle and other ungulates, officials reassure the public that neither presents a health risk to humans.

Cattle producers seeking guidance on parasite management are encouraged to consult their veterinarians or local extension offices as the summer grazing season continues.

A single-vehicle accident occurred Saturday evening on the 2700 block of Highway 27 southbound lanes after debris fell from an unidentified semi-truck. The incident took place at approximately 8:19 p.m., prompting a response from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and local fire department.

According to the report filed by Deputy Jordan Maag, 25-year-old Alejandra Villarreal of Monmouth, Illinois, was driving a 2015 black Nissan Altima when a large metal piece detached from a semi-truck traveling ahead. The debris struck the front of Villarreal’s vehicle, causing significant damage to the front end and undercarriage. The semi continued without stopping and has not been identified at this time.

Villarreal and four passengers were in the vehicle. All occupants were wearing seatbelts and reported no injuries. Emergency services were initially called due to smoke coming from the vehicle, but no fire occurred. The airbags did not deploy during the incident.

The vehicle was disabled, and Villarreal arranged for a private tow, which was en route at the time deputies cleared the scene.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident. Anyone with information about the semi-truck involved is encouraged to contact authorities.

Fairfield, Iowa — A Fairfield man is facing multiple charges following a violent incident in the early hours of June 13, 2025, that involved a break-in, property damage, and assaults.

According to the Fairfield Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 2:40 a.m. to the 900 block of West Harrison Avenue after receiving reports of screaming and possible fighting. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a male suspect had forcibly entered an apartment by breaking a window. The apartment belonged to a female victim who had an active No Contact Order against the suspect.

The victim managed to escape the residence and seek assistance from a neighbor. Meanwhile, the suspect continued his destructive behavior, allegedly breaking additional windows, damaging vehicles in the parking lot, and assaulting individuals nearby. Officers identified three victims in connection with the incident.

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Aaron Daniel Alvarez of Fairfield, was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Jefferson County Jail. Alvarez is being held on a $50,000 bond. He faces several charges, including:

• Going Armed with Intent (Class D Felony)
• Interference with Official Acts (Simple Misdemeanor)
• Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree (Class D Felony)
• Willful Injury (Class D Felony)
• Harassment 1st Degree (Aggravated Misdemeanor) – 2 counts
• Attempted Burglary 2nd Degree (Class D Felony)
• Assault committed by a person whom a protective order is issues (class D Felony)
• Violation of a No Contact Order (simple Misdemeanor)
• Burglary 2^nd Degree (Class C Felony)

Anyone with further information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Fairfield Police Department at (641) 472-4146.