Category archives for: Local News

Oskaloosa’s Main Street Shines as Durham Tours Projects Driving Local Revival

Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority, tours businesses around the Oskaloosa Square on Thursday, visiting active storefronts such as Spirit Cafe, the Book Vault, Hunter’s Gift and Coffee Café’s, and Brown’s Shoe Fit, as well as emerging projects including Hunter’s upper-story housing concept and the construction site of the new Jaarsma Bakery. Durham’s afternoon visit highlighted Oskaloosa’s momentum in Main Street revitalization and ongoing downtown investment.

“You Don’t Find This Everywhere:” Durham Applauds Oskaloosa’s Collaboration OSKALOOSA, Iowa – When Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham walks through downtown Oskaloosa, she doesn’t speak like a visitor. She talks as someone who has been watching the community’s steady rise for years, someone who sees the long arc […]

Mahaska County Celebrates National Adoption Day With Five New Forever Families

Mahaska County Courthouse

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Mahaska County Juvenile Court joined more than 400 locations across the United States on Tuesday in celebrating National Adoption Month, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness for children in foster care who need permanent homes and to honor the joy adoption brings to families. Judge McAvan presided over five adoptions during […]

The Climb in Oskaloosa Asking for Holiday Help to Serve Local Families

Canned foods on grocery store shelves. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

The Climb, a local outreach effort connected with Give It Up, Mahaska, is asking for volunteers and donations as it works to support families in Mahaska County during the holiday season and beyond. This year, volunteers at The Climb are preparing Christmas for 293 children. Each child on the list will receive gifts that are […]

Statesmen Hosting Texas Wesleyan for First Round of NAIA Football Championship Series

William Penn Athletics

Oskaloosa–For the first time in 13 years, the William Penn football team is headed to the postseason as it will host Texas Wesleyan in the First Round of the 2025 NAIA Football Championship Series. The No. 13-seeded Statesmen (10-1) will be hosting the No. 20-seeded Rams (7-4) on Saturday at noon at Statesmen Community Stadium. […]

United Way Reports Rising Need as Winter Coat Drive Wraps Up in Mahaska County

Winter Coat Drive

United Way of Mahaska County has finished its annual Winter Coat Drive, and the results show a growing need across the community. The organization also reports an increase in families seeking food support as the cost of living continues to rise. United Way Director Michella Friesen provided information to help explain what local families are […]

Lights, Music, and Community Spirit

"Painting with Lights" returned to Oskaloosa this past week.

Oskaloosa Welcomes the Holiday Season on the Square OSKALOOSA, Iowa – When the lights flicker on across Oskaloosa’s historic square each November, the town steps into a season defined by tradition, wonder, and the feeling of togetherness that only a small community can create. This year’s “Turn on the Lights” celebration promises to deliver that […]

Government reopens after 43 days: Trump signs bill ending record shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., talks with reporters inside Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

by Jennifer Shutt and Shauneen Miranda, Iowa Capital Dispatch November 12, 2025 This report has been updated. WASHINGTON — The longest shutdown in U.S. history ended Wednesday night when President Donald Trump signed a spending package that  reopens the government and funds most of it through January. The Oval Office ceremony came just hours after […]

Mahaska County Conservation Board Celebrates 50 Years of Stewardship and Education

Photo courtesy Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska County Conservation Board (MCCB) marked a milestone this month, celebrating 50 years of conservation, education, and community involvement with the grand opening of the new Nature Playscape at the Environmental Learning Center. Formed in January 1975 by a countywide vote, the MCCB was created to manage and preserve Mahaska County’s natural […]

The End of the Penny — and Why the Nickel Could Be Next

Questions on how this penny will be spent continue to swirl in regards to LOST funding projects.

WASHINGTON — The United States Mint struck the final circulating one-cent coin on November 12, 2025, ending 232 years of penny production. The coin will remain legal tender, but no new pennies will enter general circulation. According to the Mint, it cost 3.69 cents to produce and distribute each penny during Fiscal Year 2024 — […]

Ottumwa Police “No Shave November” Helping Local Boy Battling Brain Cancer

Five-year-old Leo Rodriguez of Ottumwa has shown remarkable courage while battling an inoperable brain tumor. This year’s Ottumwa Police Association No Shave November fundraiser is dedicated to helping Leo and his family as they continue his ongoing treatment and care. (photo submitted)

Ottumwa Police Officer Levi Ritz has turned what started as a simple department fundraiser into something that’s made a real difference in people’s lives. His 11th Annual No Shave November is underway, and this year, the Ottumwa Police Association is raising money for 5-year-old Leo Rodriguez, a little boy who’s been fighting an inoperable brain […]

             

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