OSKALOOSA, Iowa — It’s easy to forget what a name carries. For most of us, Mahaska is the county on our driver’s license, the statue at the courthouse square, the word that sits atop signs and letterheads. But long before it was a place, Mahaska was a man — and not just any man. He […]
OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The June 10 Oskaloosa School Board meeting not only resulted in the appointment of Sharma Parlett to a vacant seat but also ignited concerns about how public boards interact with their constituents, particularly regarding free speech, transparency, and the use of power. During the meeting, a warning was issued at the start […]
OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Sharma Parlett was appointed to the Oskaloosa Community School District Board of Directors Tuesday night in a 4-2 vote, following a public meeting marked by passionate support for Superintendent Mike Fisher and pointed remarks from board leadership that raised legal and ethical concerns. Parlett was one of six applicants for the vacancy […]
OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors convened for its regular meeting on Monday, June 2, 2025, with a full agenda that reflected an ongoing commitment to improving public infrastructure, enhancing administrative tools, and supporting economic development across the county. The meeting opened with standard procedural actions, including approval of the agenda, minutes from […]
OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Oskaloosa City Council convened on June 3, 2025, for its regular meeting, during which key infrastructure items and a significant council appointment were addressed. Following the recent resignation of Charlie Comfort, the council voted to appoint Andy Holmberg to fill the at-large vacancy. Holmberg was selected from a field of interested […]
Mahaska County Supervisor Mark Groenendyk recently sat down with Oskaloosa News to provide an update on county operations following the adoption of the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. With litigation-related expenses no longer burdening the county, Groenendyk confirmed that the county’s tax asking has been reduced by approximately $500,000. A key focus moving forward is infrastructure, […]
In the heart of northern Mahaska County, the Mahaska Health New Sharon Medical Center stands as a critical link in the region’s healthcare network. Located at 112 South Main Street, the clinic is more than just a family medicine practice—it’s a vital resource for rural residents seeking comprehensive, timely, and connected care without having to […]
OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Senator Chuck Grassley paid a visit to Mahaska County this week, addressing a small group of local media and constituents with a broad overview of national policy issues currently impacting Iowans. The discussion covered trade, agriculture, energy policy, tax reform, and the future of federal safety nets like Medicaid. A recurring theme […]
OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Oskaloosa Community School District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening in a special session to consider filling the vacancy left by the resignation of former board president Charlie Comfort, who stepped down on May 14. Two community members—Sharma Parlett and Scott Van Veldhuizen—were nominated by board members during the meeting. The […]
Mahaska County residents recently had a unique opportunity to purchase native Iowa plants through a fundraising sale organized by the Mahaska County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Held at the Environmental Learning Center and the Oskaloosa Farmers Market, the sale featured more than 20 varieties of flowering plants and grasses at just $3 each. […]
