Tornado confirmed in southeast Iowa
No injuries were reported from an EF2 tornado that struck in Lee and Des Moines counties on Tuesday, April 16.
But the tornado damaged numerous structures along a 25-mile stretch near the towns of Houghton, Salem, New London, and Yarmouth, according to the National Weather Service.
Multiple storms in southeast Iowa, northeast Missouri, and western Illinois on Tuesday also produced hail, some of it as large as an inch in diameter in several locations, including Kahoka, West Point, and West Burlington.
The Des Moines County Emergency Management Agency is asking county residents to report any property damage from Tuesday’s tornado. Property damage can beself-reported online.
Residents might be eligible for assistance under the Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Program. Information on the program can be found on the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management website.
Fatal ATV accident in Knox County
One person is dead after an ATV accident in rural Knox County.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 2800 block of Knox Road 900 East around 10:45 p.m. on April 13.
A preliminary investigation indicates the ATV was traveling through a field and struck an embankment.
Angus Carlson, 25, of Altona, died in the accident. A 19-year-old Cambridge man was life-flighted to Peoria.
Council approves “Macombopoly” agreement
Macomb city council members approved an agreement with the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau regarding the placement and maintenance of Monopoly sculptures on the downtown square.
The sculptures are part of the upcoming “Macombopoly” promotion that will be unveiled at 11 a.m. May 9.
The MACVB is creating a virtual Monopoly board around the square to celebrate the city’s connection to the game.
Macomb is the birthplace of Lizzie Magie. She created The Landlord’s Game, which later became Monopoly.
Macomb man guilty in child sexual assault case
A McDonough County jury found a Macomb man guilty on three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.
The jury announced its verdict against Joshua Dye, 26, on Wednesday evening, April 17.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 7.
State’s Attorney Matt Kwacala said each count carries a mandatory prison sentence between 6 and 60 years, and under Illinois law they must be served consecutively.
Dye must serve 85% of each sentence.
Dye was arrested in May 2023 following an investigation by the Macomb Police Department.
Arson suspected in Galesburg fire
A Galesburg home is a total loss following a fire that police believe was intentionally set.
Firefighters responded to the 1100 block of East Brooks Street around 5:40 a.m. April 14.
They found heavy smoke and flames on the east side of the home.
No occupants or pets were found in the home.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Galesburg Police or Fire Department at (309)343-9151.
Rail crossing upgrade in McDonough County
The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved a stipulated agreement to install new automatic warning devices and make grade improvements at the North 2200th Road rail crossing near Prairie City.
The total estimated cost of the signal design and installation is $300,918. The ICC recommended the state’s Grade Crossing Protection Fund be used to cover 95% of the cost, with BNSF picking up the rest.
The total estimated cost to renovate the existing highway approaches is nearly $84,000. The state fund will pay the entire cost.
A starting date for the project has not been announced.
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