A damaged garage at 2401 West Mount Pleasant Street. Joel Duffie is accused of ramming the building with his truck.

A West Burlington man has been jailed after allegedly ramming a garage with his pickup truck, causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.

Authorities were called to a house at 2401 West Mount Pleasant Street around 10:15 Wednesday night to a report that a truck had hit a garage, that truck was later located and stopped near Westland Mall. The driver, 37-year-old Joel Duffie, reportedly told police he had intentionally hit the garage with his Ford F-250 and then left the scene.

The West Mount Pleasant Street home is located adjacent to Rexroth Chiropractic, court documents show the damage was estimated at $7-9K. Des Moines County GIS lists the owner as Alan Bredfeldt.

Duffie was charged with second-degree criminal mischief, a Class D felony. He could face up to five-years in prison if convicted. He was taken to the Des Moines County jail and released Thursday morning.

St. Patrick’s Day weekend is upon us, and as people head out to enjoy green beer and good times local authorities have warned that traffic enforcement will be increased as a deterrent to drunk drivers.

One alternative to climbing behind the wheel that people may not be aware of in Burlington is Lyft, an app-based ride sharing service that recently began offering rides in Southeast Iowa. Local driver Mike Roundtree says Lyft 100% credit card based, so you won’t need cash to request a ride from the app.

“Whenever you’re ready for your lift, you open up the app and request a ride,” Roundtree says. “Whoever is available in the area can accept the ride and you’re on the road.”

The service officially began operating in Southeast Iowa in December. The Burlington City Council eased rules on local taxi companies last year to allow them to better compete with internet-based services, and Roundtree says aside from not needing cash, prices are comparable for both.

“With it being a new service in Burlington I think rates are very, very reasonable and very comperable to a taxi service,” Roundtree tells KBUR.

The Lyft app is available on both Android and Iphone devices. Roundtree says he will be logged on and available to give rides this weekend.

The season of summer music festivals is nearly upon us, for Country music fans the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion in Mount Pleasant rarely disappoints, and this year won’t be an exception.

The 2018 lineup for Threshers will feature of a staple at the event, Leroy Van Dyke’s Country Gold Tour will take the stage on Thursday, August 30th with Van Dyke, the Malpass Brothers, Darrell McCall, Charlie Rich Jr., and Dallas Wayne to kick off the series of concerts.

American Idol winner Josh Gracin and High Valley are featured for Friday, Sawyer Brown for Saturday, and three country music legends will take the stage in one night to finish the event out on Sunday. Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye, and Aaron Tippin as the Roots and Boots Tour will take the event home on the final night.

The Old Threshers Reunion runs five nights, starting August 30ths, and ending on September 3rd.

Admission to the main-stage country shows is included in the $15 gate admission to the grounds. Admission for the entire event is $20 if purchased before May 31st, and $30 after.

Tickets can be purchased online at shop.oldthreshers.com

Nearly 2,000 screaming fans packed the BHS gym to support the Midwest Magic Special Olympics team on Sunday afternoon.

The Magic played the Burlington Police department in their annual fundraiser, ultimately gaining the victory 107-20. Magic coach Brett Mitchell says everyone left the building with a smile.

“I think it was an amazing day…the community support was unbelievable,” Mitchell says. “It was not only a magical afternoon for all our players…but a magical afternoon for the community.”

The game, known for its Harlem globetrotter-eque antics, saw Burlington Police Chief Doug Beard released by his own team, only to be signed by the Magic at halftime. He then completed the game in a lime green jersey, and was finally able take part in the victory celebration. This will be Beard’s final year as a player in the game, as he is set to retire next month.

Throwing the ball for tipoff was Joshua Jorgensen, known across the state as “The Masked Veteran,” who completed a 320-mile ten day run across the state to raise awareness for veteran PTSD over the summer.

Mitchell says the players have already started talking about next year’s game, which he speculates may see a similar result.

“Who knows what next season will bring, I feel really bad for the police department because… it’s not looking good for their chances of trying to ever win one.”

Road crews are set to resume work on Broadway Street in West Burlington Monday.

A Facebook post by the City of West Burlington over the weekend warned drivers that construction would resume, weather permitting, on Monday. It was closed for much of the fall, and reopened shortly before Black Friday.

The street had been identified by city officials as one of their top priorities at a goal setting session in 2016.

There is no official word on how long the construction is expected to last.

Pictured: Michael J. Morgan (MCCC)

A LaHarpe man is facing multiple drug charges following a Saturday night traffic stop.

The McDonough County Sheriff’s office reports that 30-year-old Michael J. Morgan was arrested after authorities stopped him for a turning signal violation and found scales, a taser, and drug paraphernalia with possible methamphetamine residue.

After Morgan was taken to the McDonough County jail a further search revealed several baggies containing around 3 grams of Methamphetamine, marijuana, and several ritalin pills.

Morgan is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, and multiple traffic violations.

Claire’s Stores filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday, March 19th. (KBUR, DH)

A Westland Mall store’s future is uncertain after Claire’s stores filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday.

Store management says the West Burlington location won’t likely be affected, calling the bankruptcy more of a “restructuring.” They say sales are up locally, and the location consistently ranks among the top stores in the district.

The girls accessory chain says lower mall traffic led to the filing. Claire’s hopes to reduce their debt by up to $1.9B with the restructuring. They have secured $575M worth of new capital from an agreement with creditors.

It’s unclear if the chain plans to close any of its US-based stores as a result of the filing.

The Chicago-based chain had more than $1.3B worth of annual sales last year, it is the second major retailer to declare bankruptcy this month. Toys R’ Us filed last week, saying they would close all their stores.

Six people work for the West Burlington location.

Pictured: Nicholas Queen (LCCC)

A Burlington man is facing felony drug charges in Lee County.

Authorities say 39-year-old Nicholas Ryan Queen was arrested Thursday at a house in the 1000 block of Fulton Street in Keokuk. He’s facing delivery of methamphetamine charges, with a subsequent offense enhancement.

Queen could face up to 90 years in prison if convicted on the charges, he’s being held at the Lee County jail on a $15K bond.

The Burlington City Council approved plans to rework two parking lots and put Mount Pleasant Street on a diet at Monday night’s regular meeting.

The parking lots both came in over budget, a lot at 6th and Washington streets was budgeted at $66K but comes in at $135K due to needed storm sewer improvements and inflation.

The other lot at Main and Valley streets near the US Bank building that is currently being renovated into the new Burlington Police Station was originally budgeted at $50K and comes in at around $66K.

Councilman Matt Rinker last week asked about the possibility of building a mural wall at that parking lot, which would add anywhere from $22K – $74K to the cost of the project, according to Assistant City Manager Nick MacGregor’s estimates. The council elected to table that for the time being with the possibility of revisiting the idea later.

Plans for both lots were approved, as well as a “road diet” for Mount Pleasant Street from Roosevelt to Gear Avenue. The diet is an overlay which would bring the current four lane design down to two with a center turn lane, and bicycle lanes on each side.

The council also approved a new lease with the Humane Society, a no parking zone near Corse School, and a new agreement with the Burlington/West Burlington Chamber of Commerce.

The Des Moines County Supervisors officially accepted IT Director Gina Erickson’s resignation at Tuesday’s meeting.

“I would like to be the first one to wish you well on your new job Gina,” Board Chairman Jim Cary said. “Congratulations,” Cary’s sentiments were soon echoed by Bob Beck and Tom Broeker.

Erickson submitted her resignation last week following a dispute with Supervisors over pay. She asked for a 9% salary increase in addition to a $6K stipend for serving as the County HIPAA officer. Supervisors never made an official decision prior to Erickson’s resignation, however did not voice support for the request.

A work session will be held next week to start the process of finding a new County IT Director. Erickson told Supervisors they have a great staff to keep things going and recommended hiring her replacement from within.

“I would reccomend definitely hiring internal… they know our system inside and out,” Erickson said. “You have a fantastic staff to pick from here… but to be fair and honest you need to open it up to everybody.”

Friday will be her final day with the County.

The board also approved design and engineering services for two county bridge projects, and set rural clean-up dates for the month of April.

Hancock County State’s Attorney Jason Pohren (Hancock County Website)

CARTHAGE, Ill. (AP) — Authorities in western Illinois say preliminary reports show Hancock County State’s Attorney Jason Pohren has died after having a heart attack.

Hancock County Sheriff Scott Benzinger says 39-year-old Jason Pohren of Carthage died Monday after complaining of feeling ill. Hancock County Coroner Kendall Beals says preliminary indications are that Pohren died of a heart attack.

Pohren became state’s attorney in December 2014. He ran unopposed as a Republican, succeeding Stephanie Hilton who was appointed to the post in January 2014 after state’s attorney Jim Drozdz died in a traffic accident in Georgia.

Pohren grew up and graduated from high school in Keokuk, Iowa. He is a Southern Illinois University School of Law graduate and was a judicial intern for Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier.

A Burlington man accused of shooting at the mother of his child in November of 2016 has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Burlington police arrested 29-year-old Adderryl Akeem Harris late Thursday night. He’s accused of firing four .40 caliber rounds at a group consisting of his child’s mother and two of her friends.

A criminal complaint filed in Des Moines County District Court says the incident occurred following a custody swap when Harris got into an argument with the woman’s friend and her boyfriend. He reportedly left the residence at 925 Angular Street, and fired rounds at the group from across the street shortly after.

Authorities say the suspect was captured on surveillance footage firing the gun, his brother Jermaine, who was with Adderryl the night of the incident, also told police he had fired the shots.

Harris was taken to the Des Moines County jail where he is being held on a $510K cash-only bond. He is due back in court on March 30th, he faces up to 30 years in prison for the charges.

Construction on Broadway Street in West Burlington is underway — although one local business owner would like it to move a little faster.

Steve Ritter from Ritter’s Landscaping spoke at Wednesday’s city council meeting, he says the project may have officially started Monday but not much has been accomplished.

“Is there some accountability?” Ritter asked West Burlington council members. “It’s a two week project… one half-week is gone…does that mean its only a week and a half project left?” Laughter can be heard. “That’s my reaction too,” Ritter said.

Ritter says when Broadway was closed for construction in September and October of last year he had a 50% decrease in sales, which he can’t afford as he heads into his busiest season of the year.

“Losing 50% of my sales in  October and the last half of September hurt,” Ritter said. “Losing 10% of my sales in April and May…would be devastating.”

Ritter says nearly a third of his yearly sales are generally made in April, and they cannot be made up later in the year.

West Burlington officials originally estimated the project would take two weeks, they now estimate the completion date for April 15th. They did agree to look at moving the road closed signs to the north side of the Ritter’s entrance.

Mayor Hans Trousil said the only thing the city could do to speed up the work is assess a penalty if the project drags on past the deadline.

The West Burlington council also approved around $700K in construction and engineering work for the Waste Water Treatment plant and installing a new traffic light at the St. Mary’s crosswalk on Mt. Pleasant Street.

Rural firefighters responded to a late night fire at a hog confinement north of Mediapolis on Wednesday.

Assistant Mediapolis Fire Chief Andy Kerr says the fire was mostly contained to the gestation room in the confinement at 26000 Northfield Road Wednesday night. Around 10 mother pigs and 100 babies died in the blaze.

Oakville fire department responded with a tanker and manpower on mutual aid.

Kerr says damage is estimated at $50K for the building, and $20K for the contents. Randy Nelson is the owner of the property.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, however it is not considered suspicious.

A Keokuk man has pleaded guilty to murdering his mother in January of last year.

24-year-old Devan Williams entered a guilty plea to 2nd-degree Murder charges in North Lee County District Court on Tuesday. He’s accused of suffocating his mother Lori Williams with a pillow and crushing her Larynx.

Williams was originally charged with first-degree murder, by accepting a deal with prosecutors he avoids a mandatory life sentence in prison had he been convicted. He could receive up to 50 years for 2nd-degree murder.

He’s due in court May 18th for sentencing.

Burlington city council members spent a four-hour marathon work session on Thursday deciding on policy goals for the next two years.

Jeff Schott from the Iowa Institute for Public Affairs led four of the five council members through the process. Mayor Shane McCampbell was home sick, he’ll have input on the final outcome later.

The top goal that was decided on, with a vote from all four council members, was building policies and guidelines to make building projects easier, which came together as a combination of ideas such as checklists for property owners and builders, putting together resources for homeowners receiving nuisance violations, and establishing a clear TIF policy.

Other goals that were set include supporting the effort to build an indoor “bubble” structure near the Burlington Rec Plex, reexamining the trash tag program and looking into the larger cans that were discussed last month, searching for new revenue sources such as a utility franchise fee, and possibly bringing new riverfront features such as a splash pad, amphitheater seating, and shade structures to the Burlington Riverfront.

Vandalized Truck in Keokuk (Credit: Carrie Noel Hammer)

Keokuk police are investigating thousands an overnight vandalism spree that resulted in thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.

Authorities say the incidents took place early Friday morning when a group used spray paint and eggs to damage vehicles, buildings, and signs in Keokuk.

In total, sixteen cases were reported to police on Friday morning. The investigation is ongoing, and police say charges are expected to be filed next week.

Keokuk police were assisted by Hancock County, IL law enforcement and community members in the investigation.

Pictured: Travis Ingram is running for Iowa House District 87

A Burlington man has announced a run for the Iowa Statehouse.

Travis Ingram, a native Burlingtonian, and alumni of both SCC and the University of Iowa has announced a run for Iowa’s House District 87, currently represented by Democrat Dennis Cohoon.

Ingram is seeking the Republican nomination, and says he will run on a platform of criminal justice reform, infrastructure repair, and defense of the second amendment.

Ingram has previously worked for the Iowa Public Defenders office, worker in multiple political campaigns, and been a city councilman in Kellogg, a small town of around 600 near Newton.

Des Moines County attorney Amy Beavers has faced statewide criticism after deferring charges against an Illinois man accused of stealing money from nursing home residents in Danville.

Beavers says charges against 47-year-old Marc Johnson were reconsidered after the Danville Care Center reached out to her office.

“We were forced with looking at prosecuting the defendant, where he might get probation or a deferred judgement… as balanced against closing an entire nursing home and displacing all of those residents,” Beavers said. “This is a small community with one care center.”

Beavers says the charges against Johnson were not necessarily dropped, but deferred.

“We did do a deferred prosecution…which is not just an outright dismissal,” Beavers said. “Should he violate that or commit any criminal acts we would re-file the criminal charges against him.”

Johnson was charged with Financial Exploitation of a Dependent Adult after allegedly taking around $1700 from a resident to buy a TV for the center.

A Des Moines Register editorial published this week was critical of Beavers decision not to prosecute Johnson, she maintains that is was in the best interest of the center’s three-dozen residents, who may have had nowhere else to go.

Court documents say the state agreed to not prosecute the charges in part because Johnson didn’t profit from the alleged incident, but rather used the money for residents and the center. It also notes that an audit on the Care Center revealed “no irregularities.”

Second-half property tax payments are due next week for Des Moines County residents.

Treasurer Janelle Nalley-Londquist says payments are due on Monday, Apriil 2nd. Payments can be made in person at the Treasurers office or paid online at iowatreasurers.com.

E-checks and credit cards are accepted online and in person, however a service delivery fee will be added.

Late payments will have 1.5% interest added per month starting April 3rd. Checks being mailed need to be postmarked by April 2nd to avoid interest.