Category archives for: Local News

Literacy Leap in Little Learners

Kindergarten students at Oskaloosa Elementary work in small groups during a literacy block, supported by a team of educators who rotate into the classroom to provide individualized instruction. The collaborative model is credited with dramatic gains in reading proficiency.

Oskaloosa Elementary Sees Literacy Soar with New Teaching Model OSKALOOSA, Iowa — At Oskaloosa Elementary School, reallocating an additional educator from pulling students out of the classroom to pushing extra teachers into the classroom has led to extraordinary gains in early literacy in just one year. With 91% of kindergarten students now meeting or exceeding […]

Eastern Iowa’s Hidden Gem: A Vintage Sign Collection That Draws Visitors from Across the Country

Hal Colliver shares a vibrant display of restored vintage signs on his eastern Iowa property, showcasing decades of roadside history and Americana charm.

West Chester, Iowa – About 50 miles east of Oskaloosa, nestled near the town of West Chester, Iowa, lies a surprising roadside attraction that has steadily gained attention from collectors, travelers, and vintage Americana enthusiasts. What started as a single salvaged sign decades ago has grown into a sprawling, private outdoor museum of antique advertising […]

Charlie Comfort Announces Resignation from Oskaloosa City Council

Oskaloosa City Hall

Oskaloosa City Council member Charlie Comfort formally announced his resignation during the May 6, 2025, council meeting, stating that he and his family are moving to a new home outside the city limits. His resignation will take effect on May 14, 2025, bringing his term on the council to a close after more than three […]

William Penn University Celebrates 150th Commencement in Oskaloosa

Penn Hall on the campus of William Penn University celebrated 100 years of serving the students during Homecoming 2017.

Oskaloosa, Iowa — William Penn University marked a milestone on Saturday, May 11, 2025, as it hosted its 150th annual commencement ceremony. The event, held in the university’s sports complex, drew a standing-room-only crowd, with more than 2,500 in attendance to honor the graduating class of 2025. A total of 353 students received degrees this […]

Oskaloosa City Council Advances Recreation Center Work, Downtown Plan, and Housing Project

Oskaloosa City Hall

The Oskaloosa City Council approved numerous measures during its May 5, 2025, meeting, advancing several key community initiatives related to recreation, infrastructure, and downtown development. The council authorized five payments totaling over $180,000 to Carl A. Nelson & Co. for work associated with the Natatorium Completion Project at the Early Childhood Education and Recreation Center. […]

Supervisors Appoint New Auditor, Advance Road Closures and Conservation Plans

Mahaska County Courthouse

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors held its regular meeting Monday morning, addressing several key administrative actions, personnel changes, and public policy matters affecting the county. One of the most significant items on the agenda was the appointment of a new county auditor following the resignation of Jody, effective April 30. After […]

Iowa House and Senate Republicans reach budget agreement

The rotunda in Iowa Capitol as seen May 8, 2025. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch May 8, 2025 Majority-party lawmakers in the Legislature have reached a budget agreement, House Republicans announced Thursday, signaling the 2025 legislative session is nearing an end. In a news release, House and Senate Republicans released the spending figures from their budget agreement — a total of $9.425 billion in […]

Iowa receives federal waiver for summer nutrition program 

USDA approved a waiver from Iowa to implement its own program to distribute food to families in need over the summer. (Photo by Lance Cheung/USDA)

by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch May 7, 2025 The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the Healthy Kids Iowa demonstration project in lieu of the federal government’s summer nutrition program for children, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday. A press release from the governor’s office called the program an alternative to the federal program that […]

Mock Crash at Oskaloosa High Delivers Powerful Lesson on Dangers of Impaired and Distracted Driving

OHS students experience a mock crash this past week in an effort to help young people understand more the importance of not driving impaired or distracted.

Oskaloosa, Iowa — A dramatic and emotional mock vehicle crash unfolded at Oskaloosa High School this week, offering students a deeply impactful reminder of the consequences of impaired and distracted driving. Staged just days before prom weekend, the simulation included student actors, emergency responders, a Life Flight helicopter, and realistic scenes of injury, arrest, and […]

Local Protest in Oskaloosa Echoes National Discontent Over Tariffs, Executive Power

Protestors march around the Oskaloosa town square, voicing concerns over executive overreach, trade policy, and threats to democratic institutions.

Oskaloosa, Iowa — More than 50 residents gathered on the town square this week to express growing concern over what they described as the overreach of presidential authority and the economic fallout from federal trade policies. The grassroots protest, made up of citizens from Mahaska County and surrounding communities, marked a rare political demonstration of […]

           

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