Pen City Current

LEE COUNTY FAIR Posted Monday, July 13, 2026 6:55 am DONNELLSON - The Lee County Fair’s Kids' Day on Friday was buzzing bright and early even on a hot midsummer day, with livestock showings and the ‘cutest rabbit’ contest. The Keith Leff magic and comedy show played routinely throughout the afternoon. Crowds ricocheted from the animal show and concessions to carnival games and rides.

AREA NEWS Posted Sunday, July 12, 2026 12:18 pm MIDDLETOWN - The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant announced today that it has been granted an extension of its emergency permit for the storage of lead azide as it continues to work toward a safe disposal solution. The material was stored on site for production purposes. However, as it is no longer needed for production, it has been reclassified as hazardous waste.

AREA SOFTBALL Posted Sunday, July 12, 2026 8:09 am ELDRIDGE – A big third inning proved to be too much for Fort Madison as they held their own against the No. 5 North Scott Lancers early on Saturday at North Scott. Lucia Darnell and the Lady Hounds gave up three runs in the bottom of the first inning and then held the Lancers in check in the second before a big fifth inning put Fort Madison in a big hole.

Fort Madison Police Report Keokuk Police Report 07/09/26 - 2:20 AM - Keokuk police responded to a report of vandalism in the 20th block of South 5th Street. 07/09/26 - 10:47 AM - Keokuk police responded to a report of vandalism in the 300 block of Concert Street. 07/09/26 - 11:33 AM - Keokuk police arrested Stephen Carl Mack, 40, of Keokuk in the 2000 block of Main Street on a charge of driving while barred. He was held in Lee County Jail.

HOUND BASEBALL Posted Saturday, July 11, 2026 12:54 am We came in with a mindset of this is postseason ball—records don't matter. I love these guys. It's a special group of guys, and I'm beyond proud to be able to play with my guys. They mean everything to me. That's why they are my brothers.” FORT MADISON — The regular season records were left behind when the postseason began, and on Tuesday night, the Fort Madison Bloodhounds proved exactly why.

LEE COUNTY FAIR Posted Thursday, July 9, 2026 9:03 pm (I) Just work all summer on being in the barn and spend all summer working and training these animals. It's pretty fun to see the work i did all summer pay off after I win.” DONNELLSON - When people visit the Lee County Fair, they often see polished sheep, confident exhibitors, and exciting competitions in the show ring.

PCC OBITUARIES Posted Wednesday, July 8, 2026 1:46 pm Visitation will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 2-5 PM at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The funeral mass will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his memory. Travis J. Lozano, 54, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at his home.

PCC OBITUARIES Posted Wednesday, July 8, 2026 2:55 pm No services will be held. Betty Lee Sherrill, 70, of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away at her home on Sunday, July 5, 2026. Betty was born on January 21, 1956, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Larry and Mary (Henley) Sherrill. She graduated from Mt. Zion High School in Mt. Zion, Illinois, with the Class of 1974. Throughout her life, Betty held a variety of occupations.

CITY NEWS Posted Wednesday, July 8, 2026 1:17 pm But if our program doesn’t have any teeth and people just pay the fine to get out of it, we’re really just spinning our wheels.” FORT MADISON – Changes to the city’s vacant rental property code were approved Tuesday night, and compromise and accountability were at the foundation of the changes.

BURLINGTON – The Central Lee Lady Hawks dropped a doubleheader to Burlington Monday night wrapping up the regular season and setting up their entry into post season play at West Liberty Thursday night. Central Lee opened up a 5-0 lead in the top of the second highlighted by Aubree Bunnell’s three-run bomb with two-outs.