Stories written by Staff Writer with AI Assist

DES MOINES — The World Food Prize is based in Iowa, but former Iowa Governor and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says many Iowans still do not fully understand what it is. “I think it’s the most important question you can ask and the most important observation you just made, which is that […]

OSKALOOSA — Heart disease does not affect everyone the same way, and providers say understanding personal risk is just as important as healthy habits. Men and women can experience heart problems differently. Men are more likely to report classic chest pressure and pain radiating to the arm or jaw. Women often have subtler symptoms that […]

OSKALOOSA — While screenings are critical, cardiology providers say everyday habits have an even greater long-term impact on heart health. Exercise, diet, sleep, stress management, and avoiding tobacco remain the foundation of prevention. Regular activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation. A common goal is at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a […]

OSKALOOSA — February is American Heart Month, and cardiology providers at Mahaska Health are urging residents to treat it as a wake-up call. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, and providers say many of those deaths are preventable with early screening and healthier daily habits. Heart Month […]

Mahaska County, Iowa – Dry grass and strong winds are creating dangerous fire conditions across Iowa as spring begins. Fire officials say this time of year is one of the easiest times for outdoor fires to get out of control, even when no burn ban is in place. The Iowa State Fire Marshal warns that […]
Feb 17 2026 | Posted in
Local News |
Read More »

A recent wave of online comments from Oskaloosa residents called for more stores, restaurants, youth activities, and better downtown parking. Many people said they want cheaper places to eat, more clothing options, and more reasons to stay in town instead of driving elsewhere. The frustration is clear. But the conversation also shows a gap in […]
Feb 17 2026 | Posted in
Local News |
Read More »

The Oskaloosa freshman boys basketball team closed its season last night with a hard-fought win at Burlington, ending the year on a high note after months of steady improvement. The season began back in November with a strong opening victory at Fairfield, setting the tone for a group that continued to battle through a long […]

by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 16, 2026 Iowa lawmakers advanced two bills from House subcommittees Monday that would restrict the commercial operation of self-driving vehicles and assign liability to the owners of autonomous vehicles. The bills were opposed by automotive industry representatives who argued the legislation would prohibit situations like an automated car […]
Feb 17 2026 | Posted in
State News |
Read More »

The Oskaloosa boys wrestling team competed Saturday at the Class 3A District 8 tournament in Norwalk and came away with three state qualifiers. Colton Shaffer, Matthew Phillips, and Parker Jordan all earned spots in the State Wrestling Tournament, which begins at 4 p.m. Wednesday for Class 3A. The tournament decided who moves on to state […]

The Oskaloosa girls bowling team competed Monday at the district state qualifying meet at Plaza Bowl in Clinton, bowling both the team event in the morning and the individual event in the afternoon. The Indians stayed competitive all day and had one bowler advance to the state tournament. In the team competition, Oskaloosa finished in […]