Joe Benedict

5 days ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Joe Benedict

Earlier this year, a new group was formed with the basic idea of neighbors helping neighbors. Keokuk Cares recently had its first big event that coincided with Keokuk’s city-wide cleanup and the group of volunteers did a great job helping those who need it. Calvin Stevens started the group and had asked the Keokuk City Council if he could get tipping fees at the Great River Regional Waste Authority transfer station waived for a cleanup event.

6 days ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Joe Benedict

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Coal Valley, Illinois woman was sentenced today to 72 months in federal prison for using interstate facilities in a murder-for-hire. According to public court documents, in late 2023, Autumn Jeanine Carianna Markley, 30, attempted to facilitate a murder-for-hire by wiring money through a financial services application, specifically Western Union. Markley, from her residence in Colorado, contacted a confidential source who was located in the Southern District of Iowa.

6 days ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Joe Benedict

Resource Enhancement and Protection or REAP grants have been an important source of funding for groups and governments for years in Iowa. Recently, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources made some changes to the program. One change is that grant applicants have to include a letter from the local REAP Committee Chair that confirms the project was evaluated to be consistent with the goals of the current county REAP plan.

6 days ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Joe Benedict

Some Keokuk first grade students have never really seen a tractor up close, or thought much about the agriculture industry. Brady Martin, the Keokuk High School FFA chapter advisor, set out to create an experience for the first graders and the first FFA Ag Day at the Keokuk Saddle Club was created. There were 160 students participating on Thursday at the Saddle Club, which sits behind Joyce Park. The students were able to take part in a host of activities, including a petting zoo.

6 days ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Joe Benedict

I want to compliment Jim Wolff for his article in Wednesday’s paper. It was excellent, on the Grand Theatre’s 100 year celebration, coming up in August. I have lived almost 81 years and remember my growing up life in Keokuk. The Grand Theatre was a special part of my memories as a child. Now it’s still very special to my heart in my golden years. A big question mark on the golden at times. Going in to this awesome, beautiful place, I am thankful I am still enjoying it.