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Oskaloosa City Manager Shawn Metcalf’s First Six Months: A Deep Look at Growth, Housing, Infrastructure, and the Future of the City

Oskaloosa City Manager Shawn Metcalf

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — When Shawn Metcalf accepted the position of Oskaloosa City Manager in early 2025, he knew he was stepping into a community with a proud history, a strong sense of place, and no shortage of complicated challenges. Six months later, Metcalf says he and his family feel firmly at home in Oskaloosa — […]

Oskaloosa’s Darrin Alderson Elected Iowa American Legion Commander

Darrin Alderson

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — For the first time since 1971, Oskaloosa has produced a state commander for the American Legion. Darrin Alderson, a longtime member of the local post and former Oskaloosa commander, has been elected to lead the Legion at the state level. “This is the first one we’ve had since 1971,” Alderson said, noting […]

Concert on the Square Celebrates 10th Year with Thousands in Attendance

Concert on the Square 2025 (photo provided)

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The community gathered downtown over Labor Day weekend to celebrate the 10th Concert on the Square, an event that has grown into a signature tradition for Oskaloosa. Organizer Wyndell Campbell reflected on the milestone, calling this year’s turnout and support “extremely positive.” Attendance remained steady with estimates again in the 6,000 to […]

Rob Sand Brings Governor Bid to Smokey Row in Oskaloosa

Rob Sand, Iowa’s State Auditor and Democratic candidate for governor, speaks to a crowd at Smokey Row in Oskaloosa during his “100 Town Hall Tour.” Sand outlined his campaign themes of accountability, school funding, and political reform as part of his bid for the 2026 open governor’s race.

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — State Auditor Rob Sand stopped at Smokey Row this week as part of his “100 Town Hall Tour,” outlining his bid for governor and fielding questions on school funding, taxes, and how Iowa runs elections. Sand, the only Democrat currently holding statewide office, is campaigning ahead of the 2026 race created when […]

Oskaloosa Public Library Expands Community Engagement With New Programs and Exhibits

The Oskaloosa Public Library held its first-ever community engagement event, bringing residents together to hear directly about what is happening in the city and county.

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Oskaloosa Public Library has long been more than a repository of books, and this fall it is stepping deeper into its role as a community hub. As part of its strategic plan, the library launched its first-ever community engagement event, bringing residents together to hear directly about what is happening in […]

Oskaloosa’s Kim Dixon Installed as President of American Legion Auxiliary of Iowa

Kim Dixon

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Leadership in Iowa’s veterans community has taken on a distinctly local flavor this year. On July 20, Oskaloosa’s own Kim Dixon was installed as president of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Iowa, marking a milestone for both the city and the state. At the same time, Oskaloosa native Darrin Alderson is […]

Oskaloosa Prepares for November City and School Elections

2024 Mahaska County Iowa ballot

September 18, 2025 OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The upcoming November 4, 2025, City/School Election will put both Oskaloosa City Council seats and Oskaloosa School Board positions before voters. With ballots set and candidate forums scheduled, the fall election season is now underway. City of Oskaloosa Races At the city level, Mayor David Krutzfeldt is seeking reelection. […]

Kargol Files Federal Lawsuit Against Oskaloosa Schools

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa

September 18, 2025 One day after his contract was terminated, former Oskaloosa High School art teacher Matthew Kargol filed a lawsuit in federal district court against the Oskaloosa Community School District. The Lawsuit The case, Kargol v. Oskaloosa Community School District, No. 4:25-cv-00351, was filed Thursday in the United States District Court for the Southern […]

Oskaloosa School Board Terminates High School Art Teacher Matthew Kargol

Oskaloosa Community School Board

September 17, 2025 The Oskaloosa Community School District Board of Directors voted Wednesday evening to terminate the continuing contract of Oskaloosa High School art teacher Matthew Kargol, concluding a process governed by Iowa’s teacher termination statutes. Board Action and Closed Session During the special session, Board President Kathy Butler announced that Superintendent Mike Fisher was […]

Fatal Crash at Highway 63 and Ewart Road Claims Two Lives

Poweshiek County Sheriff's Office

September 14, 2025 POWESHIEK COUNTY, Iowa — Two people lost their lives Saturday evening, September 13th, following a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 63 and Ewart Road in Poweshiek County. According to the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 5:32 p.m. when a vehicle traveling eastbound on Ewart Road failed […]

                 

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