Iowa is quietly climbing the ranks as a place people want to call home. According to U-Haul’s 2024 Growth Index, the state moved up to 23rd in the nation for growth, with more people moving into Iowa than leaving over the past three years. This trend highlights the state’s growing reputation for offering safe, affordable […]
OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors convened for their first meeting of 2025 on January 2, addressing a packed agenda that included organizational updates, appointments, fiscal policies, and service agreements. The session, held in the third-floor conference room of the Mahaska County Courthouse, served as an opportunity to establish priorities for the year […]
Coming soon: The 91st General Assembly January 3rd, 2025 It was less than two years ago that the above photo was captured just after I took my first vote on the House floor with both new and seasoned colleagues of mine. That vote was cast in record time – just short of two weeks from […]
DES MOINES—Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird congratulated Officer Cale Holmberg on their graduation from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (“ILEA”) in a ceremony held at The Bridge church in Johnston on Friday, December 13. The graduation ceremony was attended by family, friends, and law enforcement officials from across the state. Officer Cale Holmberg was part […]
DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Public Safety is proud to announce the graduation of the 51st Basic Academy on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Holiday Inn Airport Conference Center in Des Moines. The ceremony recognized a graduating class of 18 recruits who entered the academy in July 2024. Lieutenant Matthew Struecker […]
Jim Walker’s life story is one of dedication, service, and community spirit. A lifelong resident of Oskaloosa, Walker has spent his 68 years in Mahaska County, earning a reputation as a pillar of local service. From his childhood in the “rough side of town” to his leadership role in the Mahaska County CERT (Community Emergency […]
by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch December 16, 2024 A report from the Lake Restoration Program with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources details the completion of several years-long restoration projects in 2024 and outlines major project plans in 2025. The annual report is open to review and public comment through Dec. 18. Michelle Balmer, […]
At the Oskaloosa School Board meeting held on December 17, 2024, a significant portion of the public comment session focused on the employment status of Ryan Parker, the district’s athletic director. The community’s reaction has been mixed, with both strong support for Parker and calls for his removal. The board had added a special public […]
Oskaloosa, Iowa — The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors convened Monday, December 16, 2024, for their final scheduled meeting of the year. Key agenda items included personnel changes, budget adjustments, and discussions on a new animal ordinance. Recorder Resignation and Replacement Plan The board formally accepted the resignation of County Recorder Jody Van Patten, effective […]
Oskaloosa, IA – The Oskaloosa City Council approved the amended 28E agreement with the City of Pella for the South Central Regional Airport during its December 16 meeting. The contentious decision reflects the Iowa Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling and Mahaska County’s withdrawal from the original agreement. The resolution passed narrowly, with a 4-3 vote, following […]
