07/01/2025
What a horrific and senseless tragedy this family and the community has to face. Her current bf is a dear friend who I hold close to my heart.
Domestic violence has skyrocketed over the years and affects men, women, children, and the elderly. Riots and Rebelle's is committed to training to recognize Domestic violence situations. I am currently completing training as we speak.
We encourage everyone to support our local DV shelter as well as the many local mental health services available. And always, just be kind. It costs nothing.
Dear Muscatine Community,
I want to offer my deepest thoughts and prayers for the family of Kalista Rae Hallberg, whose life was tragically taken in a senseless act of violence at our Hy-Vee on June 30, 2025. My heart aches for Kalista’s loved ones and friends, who are enduring unimaginable grief. As your Mayor, to every person who witnessed this terrible event, carrying the weight of trauma, and to the employees and customers of Hy-Vee and CBI Bank & Trust, we feel for you deeply and want to assure you that your safety is our priority. We stand with you, holding you in our thoughts and prayers as we navigate this sorrow together.
This act of violence, perpetrated by an individual who does not call Muscatine home, is a shameful affront to the values of our community. It has wounded the spirit of our close-knit community, and I explicitly condemn it. No one should fear for their safety in Muscatine, a place we call home—a place where we shop, gather, and build our lives. This tragedy reminds us how precious and fragile our sense of security is, and it strengthens our resolve to ensure such heartbreak does not define us.
I am extremely grateful for the courage and swift response of the men and women of our Muscatine, IA Police Department, Muscatine Fire Department, Muscatine County Emergency Management/911, Muscatine County Sheriff’s Department, and Iowa State Patrol. We are truly blessed to have these wonderful people who serve our state, county and community with such bravery and professionalism, protecting us in times of crisis. The City of Muscatine, pledges untiring support to our law enforcement as they work diligently to provide answers.
In this time of grief, I ask our community to come together—not just in sorrow, but in hope. Let us honor Kalista’s memory by embracing one another with compassion and kindness. Let us commit to building a safer Muscatine, where every resident feels secure. The City of Muscatine will collaborate with community leaders, law enforcement, and all of you to strengthen violence prevention efforts and foster a future where our children, families, and neighbors can thrive without fear.
Together, we will heal. Together, we will rise stronger. Let us hold Kalista’s family, her loved ones, and all those affected in our hearts as we work to make Muscatine a beacon of unity and peace.
God Bless
Mayor Brad Bark
City of Muscatine
