A southeast Iowa nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans is celebrating another successful year of giving back.

“Thank You Is Never Enough,” a 501(c)(3) organization that raises money to assist veterans and veteran organizations across southeast Iowa and surrounding areas, announced its third annual ride and benefit raised more than $15,000 over the weekend.

The event, held at the Mount Pleasant Vets Hall-VFW, brought together riders, volunteers, veterans, and community supporters for a day of fundraising, food, auctions, and fellowship.

Organizers say the event’s success was made possible by the overwhelming support of local volunteers, businesses, and organizations, including the VFW, VFW Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution, Iowa Patriotic Stitchers, and many others who helped with food, registration, auctioneering, and event logistics.

One of the highlights of the day included the presentation of five handmade quilts to veterans by the Iowa Patriotic Stitchers.

In a statement following the event, organizer Scott Adkison said he was humbled by the turnout and grateful for the continued community support, saying, “Without you, none of this would be possible.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s benefit ride, scheduled for Saturday, June 12th, as the organization continues its mission of serving those who have served.

Some Iowans who paid for COVID-19 testing during the pandemic may be eligible for refunds following a $4.87 million multistate settlement announced by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird.

The settlement resolves allegations that GS Labs overcharged patients, charged unlawful administrative fees, and failed to provide COVID-19 test results within the promised timeframe between 2020 and 2022.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, nearly $492,000 has been set aside for Iowa consumers. That includes more than $430,000 for patients who were charged administrative fees, nearly $60,000 for cash-paying customers who were overcharged for testing, and additional reimbursement for patients whose test results took longer than three days to arrive.

Attorney General Bird said GS Labs took advantage of Iowans during a national health crisis, adding that her office will continue working to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive business practices.

Eligible Iowans can apply for reimbursement through an online verification process at gslabstesting.com. The company will also contact eligible consumers by email with additional information. Payments will be processed on a rolling basis, and officials encourage eligible Iowans to complete the verification process as soon as possible.

In addition to consumer restitution, GS Labs will pay $1.25 million to the participating states, including more than $162,000 to Iowa. The company has told state officials it is no longer operating or providing testing services.

A mistrial has been declared in the murder trial of a Mount Pleasant man accused in a fatal shooting at a Burlington bar.

Kaysean Rice, 23, of Mount Pleasant is charged with first-degree murder, reckless use of a firearm, and intimidation with a dangerous weapon in connection with the March 2025 shooting death of 19-year-old Janea Osier of Mount Pleasant.

According to the Des Moines County Attorney’s Office, the mistrial was granted after testimony from a witness was determined to be too prejudicial for the trial to continue. Defense attorneys objected to the testimony and subsequently filed a motion for mistrial.

Des Moines County Attorney Lisa Schaefer says prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to meet next week to discuss scheduling a new trial. Under Iowa law, the retrial must be scheduled within the next 90 days.

Earlier this week, District Court Judge Joshua Schier denied a defense request for a change of venue.

Authorities say Burlington Police officers responded to Chavy’s Bar and Grill shortly before 11:20 p.m. on March 7, 2025, following reports of a shooting. Officers found Osier suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later died.

The case remains pending, and a new trial date is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Two Mount Pleasant residents were injured Tuesday afternoon in a crash involving a passenger car and a semi-truck at the intersection of southbound Highway 218 and 170th Street.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash happened shortly before 2:45 p.m. on June 9. Authorities say a 2008 Mack semi driven by 36-year-old Cody Fowler of Burlington was crossing the southbound lanes of Highway 218 from 170th Street when it was struck by a 2000 Chevrolet Impala driven by 57-year-old Johnnie Shondel of Mount Pleasant.

The impact sent the semi to the shoulder of 170th Street, while the Impala came to rest in the southbound lanes of Highway 218.

Johnnie Shondel suffered injuries and was transported by Henry County Ambulance to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. A passenger, 62-year-old Annette Shondel of Mount Pleasant, was also injured and was flown by MedForce to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The State Patrol reports both occupants were wearing seat belts.

The semi was operated by Ideal Ready Mix Company of West Burlington. Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Breuer Towing & Recovery.

The Iowa State Patrol says the crash remains under investigation. Trooper Crouse, with assistance from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Ambulance, and Mount Pleasant emergency responders, investigated the crash.

A Burlington house fire Thursday evening left a family displaced, but everyone inside — including several pets — made it out safely.

The Burlington Fire Department says crews were called just before 5:45 p.m. to a home at 523 South Gunnison Street for a fire in an upstairs bedroom. Firefighters arrived within four minutes and found smoke and flames coming from the rear of the two-story home.

Officials say all occupants escaped without injury. Firefighters also rescued 15 dogs, two cats, and two ducks from the home.

The house, owned by Lori Hand, was not insured at the time of the fire. Fire officials also noted the home did not have working smoke alarms.

Burlington Police, DESCOM, Alliant Energy, West Burlington Fire, the American Red Cross, and Mediapolis Fire all assisted at the scene.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal.