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 […]
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 […]
by Robbie Sequeira, Iowa Capital Dispatch November 14, 2025 School districts have made some progress in addressing the national shortage of school bus drivers, but there still aren’t as many drivers as there were in 2019, according to a new study. The number of drivers has increased by 2,300, or 1.1%, since last year, according […]
JOHNSTON, IA — Fareway Stores, Inc. celebrated a major milestone this week after earning its first-ever Prometheus Award at the 2025 ceremony hosted by the Technology Association of Iowa. The honor marks a new chapter for the Midwest-based grocery chain, highlighting its growing impact in retail technology. Zachary Lane, Fareway’s Director of Retail Systems, received […]
by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch November 13, 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will be issued to Iowans by Friday, Nov. 14, following the end of the federal government shutdown, according to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service directed the Iowa HHS to […]
Oskaloosa High School football players, coaches, and families gathered this week to celebrate another season of hard work and dedication, as Head Coach Brett Doud presented the annual team awards recognizing performance, leadership, and character both on and off the field. The night’s top honor, the Benz Award, went to Holden Braundmeier. Established in 1933, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
