Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Welcomes First Babies Born in 2026 – Both Girls

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 6:06 am CDT

Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center (SEIRMC) welcomed its first babies of 2026, both baby girls.

The Birthplace at SEIRMC, Fort Madison, greeted Josie Louise Johnson at the very start of the New Year on January 1st at 12:12 a.m. She is the daughter of Breann Jones and Quintin Johnson. Josie weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces and was 20 inches long! Dr. Timothy Staudte was the attending physician.

On the West Burlington campus, at the Women and Family Center, Phoebe Malone made her New Year debut on Friday, January 2nd at 7:43 p.m.  The daughter of Alexis Bell and Hunter Malone, she weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and was 19.5 inches long.  The attending physician was Dr. Erin Haeger.

The Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Auxiliary generously gifted each family a basket filled with essential baby gear to celebrate their newest additions.

In 2025, the health system celebrated more than 800 deliveries between The BirthPlace in Fort Madison and the Women & Family Center in West Burlington.

Henry County Public Health Updates Website

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 6:03 am CDT

Henry County Public Health has updated its website to make local health information and resources easier to access for residents.

Officials say the updated site now includes expanded details on public health services, additional information on key health topics, and new local resource pages to help residents find services throughout Henry County. The website now features an online version of the Directory of Community Services, along with dedicated pages focused on behavioral health, food assistance, healthcare access, and safe medication disposal.

Health topics highlighted on the site include cancer prevention, respiratory illnesses, healthy eating, and physical activity. The homepage has also been redesigned to include space for health alerts, public health news, and upcoming events.

Community Outreach Coordinator Kelly Carr says the goal was to make the site easier to navigate while providing more information on services and health concerns impacting the community.

The updated website can be found at HealthyHenryCounty.org and includes a translation option for multiple languages. Henry County Public Health is also working to update the printed Directory of Community Services, with new guides expected later this winter.

Temporary Closure Planned for 200th Avenue in Des Moines County Tuesday for Culvert Replacement

By Kadie Johannson · Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 at 5:58 am CDT

Drivers in Des Moines County are advised of a temporary road closure beginning Tuesday morning.

According to the Des Moines County Engineer’s Office, 200th Avenue will be closed starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6th, for a culvert replacement project. The closure will affect the area immediately south of 7676 200th Avenue.

Officials say the road is expected to reopen by approximately 3:30 p.m., weather permitting.

County Engineer Brian Carter says the closure is necessary to complete needed infrastructure improvements and thanks the public for their patience during the work.

Motorists are encouraged to plan alternate routes during the closure. For more information, contact the Des Moines County Road Department, 319-753-8241.

Mary E. Ruschill

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 4:00 pm CDT

Mary E. Ruschill, 90, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, January 4, 2026 at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Mrs. Ruschill, the former Mary Ellen Riley, was born July 11, 1935 in Glasgow, Iowa. She was the daughter of John Wilbur and Frances (Messer) Riley. She attended school in Denmark, IA and graduated from Denmark High School as a member of the Class of 1953. On September 5, 1953 at the Methodist Parsonage, Mary was united in marriage to James “Jim” Frederick Ruschill. Mr. Ruschill died Monday, June 17, 2013 at the Pleasant Manor Care Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Mary worked at Sylvania in Burlington for a few years following her marriage. After they started their family, Mary took on the role of a stay at-home mom to raise their family. Mary did some painting and wall paper hanging on the side, as well as doing the same for her husband Jim’s construction business, Ruschill Construction. For a time, she also kept the books for the construction company.

While living around the Lowell, IA area, Mary was a member of and taught Sunday School at the Lowell Baptist Church. After their move to Mt. Pleasant, Mary and Jim became members of the First United Methodist Church.

Mary was an extremely talented quilter. She loved to bake and cook as well. She enjoyed eating out with her “Once a Month Lunch Bunch”. Mary spent many enjoyable hours playing cards with friends. She gave of herself often, volunteering at nursing homes, the Oakland Mills Nature Center and the Quarter Maybe More Store.

Those thankful for sharing in Mary’s life include her children and spouses, Jeffrey & Cathy Ruschill of Mt. Pleasant, Sue & John Lambert of Burlington, Robin & Brent Lehman of New London, and Jerry & Kendra Ruschill of Mt. Pleasant; 12 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, several great grandchildren, step great grandchildren and step great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Mary Riley and Deloris Ruschill, both of Mt. Pleasant and brother-in-law Gary Yaley of Danville.

Her parents, husband and 2 brothers – John Riley, Jr. and Kenneth Riley precede Mary in death.

Friends may call from 12 Noon to 7PM on Wednesday, January 7 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The family will not be present at that time, but will receive friends from 10-11 AM on Thursday at the church.

A funeral service for Mary will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 8 at the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The Rev. Court Fischer, Senior Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Oakland Mills Nature Center or The Fellowship Cup.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

Salem Man Arrested After Traffic Stop Near Oakland Mills Involving Juvenile Passengers

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 3:53 pm CDT

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office reports an arrest following a traffic stop late New Year’s Eve near Oakland Mills.

According to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, just before midnight on December 31st, a deputy stopped a vehicle in the 1500 block of 253rd Street for displaying no license plates. During the investigation, deputies determined the driver, 20-year-old Mathew Weller of Salem, was in possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

Authorities say the vehicle also contained three juvenile female passengers between the ages of 13 and 14. Alcoholic beverages and vape pens were found inside the vehicle.

Weller was arrested on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and hemp inhalation. He was also cited for possession of tobacco or vaping products under the age of 21, operating a non-registered vehicle, and no insurance.

The juvenile passengers were transported from the scene and released to their guardians.

Henry County Board of Health Meeting Agenda for Wednesday, January 7, 2026

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 1:56 pm CDT

The Henry County Board of Health will meet on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. in the Henry County Public Health Conference Room. Henry County Public Health is located at 106 North Jackson Street in Mount Pleasant.

Among other business, some agenda items include approval of previous meeting minutes, an environmental health report, and a public health update covering the department budget, board of health matters, and general assistance. Board members will also hear a presentation from Jack Swarm with the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission regarding a HUD grant.

You can view the full agenda here.

Charles C. “Chuck” Espy, Jr.

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 10:37 am CDT

Charles C. “Chuck” Espy, Jr., 84, a resident of Fairfield for over 50 years, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.

A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Fairfield with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. Following the service a reception will be held at the Fairfield Country Club from 2:30-4:30pm

Chuck was born July 19, 1941 in Berkeley, California, the son of Charles, Sr. and Ruby (Johnson) Espy. He was raised in Rockford, Illinois, excelling in both academics and sports. In his senior year he won an Illinois State swimming championship and earned an academic scholarship to Northwestern University. After a year in the Big 10 Chuck transferred to his father’s alma mater Iowa Wesleyan University where he met the love of his life Janice McCurdy. After Chuck and Jan graduated from Iowa Wesleyan they were united in marriage April 17, 1965 at Central Methodist Church in Oskaloosa.

Chuck served his country proudly in the United States Army from 1963 – 1965 and continued his service as a Captain in the Army National Guard in Mt. Pleasant.

Chuck served as a financial advisor for Edward Jones from 1974-2006 opening one of the firm’s first branch offices. Chuck served in a variety of leadership roles for the firm, mentored many fellow advisors and loved helping his clients. He enjoyed his profession so much that he recruited dozens of individuals over the years, many from Fairfield, to change careers and join Edward Jones.

In his retirement Chuck enjoyed golfing, traveling and researching the stock market. Chuck was heavily involved in philanthropy for the betterment of Fairfield. Most of all Chuck loved being a father, grandfather and loving and devoted husband. He and his wife Jan were married for over 60 years. They loved each other very much and had a wonderful life together.

Those left to honor his memory include his loving wife, Jan; sons, Jason (Rhonda) Espy of Chesterfield, Missouri, Bob Espy of Holland, Michigan, and Jonathan Espy of Palm Springs, California; grandchildren, Amanda, Aidan, Noah, Lauren, Jackson, and Mason; great-grandson, Damian; and his brother, Bruce (Jane) Espy of Sanibel Island, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be made to Fairfield United Methodist Church, The Well or Main Street Fairfield. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is caring for Chuck and his family.

Online condolences may be made to Chuck’s family by viewing his obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

High-Speed Chase From Washington County Ends in Fiery Crash and Arrest

By Kadie Johannson · Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 7:26 am CDT

A high-speed pursuit that began in Washington County ended with a fiery crash and multiple felony charges on Sunday.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies attempted a traffic stop Sunday afternoon near Ainsworth after spotting a silver Chevy Impala without license plates traveling at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. The driver fled, prompting a multi-agency pursuit.

Authorities say the vehicle ultimately crashed in Louisa County and caught fire. The car was confirmed to be stolen from Cedar Rapids.

The driver, identified as 30-year-old Victor Richard Hughes of Cedar Rapids, was taken into custody. He faces numerous charges, including felony eluding, operating while intoxicated first offense, driving under suspension, possession of a controlled substance, reckless driving, theft, misuse of 911, and multiple traffic violations.

Hughes was transported to and booked into the Washington County Jail. No injuries were reported.

All charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.