Monmouth vet laid off by federal govt to attend SOTU
A disabled Monmouth veteran who was recently laid off from the Internal Revenue Service is headed to Washington D.C. next week for the State of the Union address.
James Diaz will be the guest of Congressman Eric Sorensen, D-17.
Diaz, who served during the Gulf conflicts, joined the federal workforce last year as a Fuel Compliance Officer in the IRS field office in Galesburg, according to a release form Sorensen’s office.
Diaz supports many of President Donald Trump’s policy goals, but said he is disappointed in how federal workers, especially veterans, are being treated. Diaz was unexpectedly laid off in February as a result of actions taken by the Trump administration and Elon Musk, the release states.
“I’ve given my life to this country, and to be laid off without warning or respect is disheartening. I want to bring attention to how military veterans are being treated, especially when it comes to the way terminations are handled,” Diaz said. “My notice of termination cited performance, and I know my performance was documented as excellent, yet we were treated like garbage. I understand the need to trim the fat, but you can’t treat people this way.”
The State of the Union address is on Tuesday, March 4.
Sorensen said he hopes that by sharing Diaz’s story, he can advocate for more fair treatment of federal workers and highlight the need for a budget that prioritizes the well-being of his constituents.
Keokuk woman arrested for stealing police car
A Keokuk woman faces multiple charges after stealing a fully marked patrol car outside the police department, then leading police on a pursuit.
Megan Jo Plowman, 32, is charged with first-degree theft, assault on a police officer, driving while barred, interference with official acts causing injury, and two counts of fifth-degree criminal mischief.
Police said Plowman came to the police station around 11:35 p.m. Tuesday to speak with an officer. She stole the patrol car as she was leaving, then drove north towards Fort Madison.
A Fort Madison police officer attempted to stop the vehicle on Highway 61, which led to the pursuit.
Plowman then turned around and drove back to Keokuk. The pursuit ended near Oakland Cemetery when the car was disabled.
Plowman and a police officer were treated for minor injuries.
SCC names activity hall after first Black graduate
Southeastern Community College has dedicated its multi-purpose building in honor of its first Black graduate.
The new activity hall and FEMA safe room on the West Burlington campus is named after the Rev. Dr. William Amos “Booker” Smith, Sr.
Smith became the first Black student to graduate from SCC in 1931, when the school was known as Burlington Junior College. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Drake University before returning to Burlington.
Smith was ordained a minister at Union Baptist Church in 1934, becoming the first Black minister ordained in Burlington.
The college held a dedication ceremony and open house on Tuesday.
Carthage hospital marking milestone
Memorial Hospital in Carthage is marking its 75th anniversary this year.
A celebration event will be held on Saturday, September 27. Details will be available soon.
The hospital also plans to make available special anniversary memorabilia, and will post archival photos on its Instagram and Facebook accounts.
They’re also looking for memories or stories about the hospital. Those can be submitted to info@mhtlc.org to be included in an anniversary storytelling series.
Two arrested for Abingdon ATM burglary
Authorities say two suspects arrested for the burglary of a Knox County ATM have been linked to similar burglaries elsewhere.
Marol Maglui Aguiar Rodriguez, 20, and Leandro Magdiel Bordones Villegas, 26, are charged with burglary to a building, criminal damage, and theft between $10,000 and $100,000.
They used a false key to open a drive-up ATM in Abingdon and withdraw large sums of money, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators obtained surveillance videos and other information that link the suspects to other ATM burglaries in Illinois and in other states.
The suspects were apprehended in Havana. The investigation is ongoing.
Weber named interim director of United Way of Knox County
United Way of Knox County has a new interim director.
Jeannie Weber, executive director of United Way of Greater Warren County, is now serving as part-time director for United Way of Knox County.
Weber’s appointment was approved by the boards of both Knox County and Greater Warren County United Ways.
Weber will provide leadership and administration to both United Way operations as Knox County is reorganizing.
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