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Rep. Helena Hayes Announces 2026 Re-Election Bid

This week, Helena Hayes announced her candidacy for re-election to the Iowa House, representing House District 88 which includes most of Mahaska County, all of Keokuk County and the northern half of Jefferson County.

OSKALOOSA, Iowa (Oct. 1, 2025) — Iowa Rep. Helena Hayes (R-New Sharon) has officially announced her candidacy for re-election in the 2026 campaign cycle. The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Hayes currently represents Iowa House District 88, which includes portions of Mahaska, Jefferson, and Keokuk counties. She was first elected in […]

Oskaloosa Schools Release 2025–26 Free and Reduced Meal Guidelines

As director of dining services, Oldes has already been actively involved in her first major project: leading the Oskaloosa Summer Lunch Program.

The Oskaloosa Community School District has released information for families regarding free and reduced-price meal eligibility for the 2025–26 school year. The guidance follows policy finalized by the Iowa Department of Education’s Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services and applies to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program, […]

Oskaloosa School Board Candidates Present Competing Visions at Forum

Oskaloosa School Board candidates took part in a forum at Penn Central Mall on Tuesday evening.

Editor’s note: This article summarizes the positions expressed by candidates during the forum and does not independently fact-check any claims. The full video of the forum is available at the bottom of this article so readers can watch and judge for themselves. OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Eight candidates for the Oskaloosa Community School Board took part […]

Oskaloosa 8th-Grade B Teams Battle Osky Christian in Six-Set Match

Oskaloosa Indians

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Oskaloosa Middle School 8th-grade B volleyball teams took the court Tuesday night against the Osky Christian Crusaders, turning in a spirited six-set contest that saw momentum swing back and forth throughout the evening. Osky opened the night in commanding fashion, taking the first set 21–15 with aggressive serving and steady play. […]

Grinnell, Monmouth Battle to Scoreless Draw at Springer Field

Central Dutch Athletics

GRINNELL, Iowa — September 30, 2025 — Despite a steady flow of chances from both sides, neither Grinnell College nor Monmouth (Ill.) could find the back of the net Tuesday afternoon, settling for a 0–0 draw in Midwest Conference women’s soccer at Springer Field. The Pioneers (3-5-2, 0-1-1 MWC) dictated much of the pace, outshooting […]

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 […]

               

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