Community Corner

🌱 What did Keokuk residents demand on Lee County’s data center plans?

Spotted on the Keokuk calendar: Keokuk Farmers Market

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Tuesday September 29th Patch AM
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Hey there, Keokuk! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

  • What did Keokuk residents demand on Lee County's data center plans?
  • What Keokuk police handled in your neighborhood last Thursday night
  • What a new mental health grant means for Keokuk students

Also on today's calendar: A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Today's riddle: What do you call a one-legged Big Foot? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 79 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Rain and a thunderstorm, temps: high: 79, low: 67.
  • Thursday: Humid with rain and a t-storm, with a high of 70 and low of 51 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Lee County supervisors are hearing strong opposition to data centers as they work on an ordinance regulating the facilities (kbur.com) — Lee County supervisors are drafting new rules for data centers, and Keokuk residents turned out Thursday to question energy use, noise, tax breaks, and neighborhood impacts. At the Keokuk forum, some urged extending the construction moratorium, while others suggested the former Elkem-Carbide site as a possible location. Supervisors aim to finish the ordinance by December.
   

2. Friday, September 25, 2026 (pencitycurrent.com) — Keokuk residents can see a snapshot of recent local police activity, including an arrest on Main Street for third-degree theft and several reports of vandalism, burglary, and larceny across town. All individuals named are presumed innocent, but the report highlights where incidents are occurring and what types of crimes officers are handling.
   

3. KCSD earns mental and behavioral health grant to provide in-person care (mississippivalleypublishing.com) — Keokuk Community School District has secured a three-year Wellmark Foundation grant to bring an on-site licensed mental and behavioral health professional directly into local schools. This new in-person care, added to the district's existing virtual services, aims to make therapy more accessible for Keokuk students and families who struggle with travel and time off work.
   

4. Keokuk Middle School FFA earns $16,000 in grants (mississippivalleypublishing.com) — Keokuk Middle School FFA just landed $16,000 in new grant funding to help more local students participate in agricultural education and competitions. The money will cover fees and official FFA gear like jackets, ties, and scarves, expanding opportunities for Keokuk kids to represent their chapter and explore future ag careers.
   

5. President confirms Mesabi plans for Iowa (pencitycurrent.com) — A massive Mesabi Metallics steel plant is planned for Lee County, and local officials say the influx of workers could create a population hub rivaling Fort Madison and Keokuk. The $15–18 billion project promises thousands of construction and permanent jobs, but raises questions about tax incentives, housing, infrastructure, and utility capacity. State and county leaders are still sorting out details and protections for taxpayers.
   

📸 Around Keokuk

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • KFC posted a job opening for KFC Team Member in Keokuk. Apply here.
  • Pizza Hut posted a job opening for Server in Keokuk. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Keokuk here.

Ok Keokuk! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Hop Squatch! (Thank you Terri R. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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