Category: Civic Watch

Where Did the Money Go? An Investigative Report on ARPA Spending in Keokuk and Fort Madison, Iowa Introduction When the federal government passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021, it was intended as a financial lifeline to communities hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Billions were distributed to municipalities across the nation, including…

One of KVEC’s specialized search-and-rescue vehicles, used for water emergencies on the Mississippi River. The Keokuk Volunteer Emergency Corps (KVEC) has long been a vital part of the Keokuk, Iowa community, providing water search-and-rescue services and assisting with traffic control during emergencies. Founded on volunteerism and community trust, KVEC historically operated with transparency and member…

A Street Narrowed, A Community Ignored In 2024, Keokuk officials launched what was supposed to be a meaningful infrastructure upgrade: the complete reconstruction of South 18th Street, leading to Iowa’s only national cemetery. Marketed as a revitalization project and ceremonially renamed the “Road of Honor,” the undertaking was promoted as a tribute to local veterans…