Category archives for: News

March 1862 Election Revisited: Oskaloosa Once Elected a Woman as Mayor—But It Wasn’t What It Seemed

"The Old Brick" owned by Tara Rozenboom was one of the homes on the 2013 Tour of Homes.

Did Oskaloosa, Iowa, Elect The First Woman To Political Office? OSKALOOSA, Iowa — In one of the most unusual and little-known moments in local political history, a woman named Nancy Smith was elected mayor of Oskaloosa during a municipal election in 1862—but declined to serve. The event, while initially treated as a joke, remains one […]

Oskaloosa City Council Considers Downtown Revitalization Projects and Fiscal Planning

Oskaloosa City Hall

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Oskaloosa City Council met on June 16, 2025, for a regular session filled with infrastructure, fiscal, and personnel decisions impacting the community. The meeting began with the formal swearing-in of Andy Holmberg, who assumed the role of At-Large City Council Member, having been appointed earlier this month. A large portion of […]

Mahaska County Board of Supervisors Advance Key Agreements During June 16 Meeting

Mahaska County Courthouse

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors convened on Monday, June 16, 2025, approving several items ranging from intergovernmental agreements to insurance renewals and committee appointments. The meeting took place in the third-floor conference room of the Mahaska County Courthouse and was live-streamed for public access. Law Enforcement Center Agreement with City of […]

“No Kings” Protest in Oskaloosa Draws Regional Support Amid National Unrest

Demonstrators gather across multiple levels at the “No Kings” protest in Oskaloosa on June 14, 2025, with participants lining the pedestrian bridge near William Penn University and filling the surrounding hillside to display signs and call for the protection of democratic norms. (photo by Chad Farner)

OSKALOOSA, Iowa (June 14, 2025) — Amid escalating tensions over national protests and a wave of political violence, Saturday’s “No Kings” gathering in Oskaloosa highlighted both local discontent and a disturbing connection to recent murders of elected officials in Minnesota. The demonstration took place on the pedestrian bridge near William Penn University, drawing members of the Mahaska […]

Air-Cooled Antiques Return to Oskaloosa for Nostalgic Gathering

Attendees at the Air Cooled Antiques of Iowa car show in Oskaloosa take a closer look at a vibrant green Volkswagen bus—one of several vintage air-cooled vehicles showcased during the nostalgic gathering at Rock Island Tap.

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Rock Island Tap served as the nostalgic backdrop for the return of the “Air Cooled Antiques of Iowa” car show on Saturday, reviving memories and engines alike as classic air-cooled vehicles stole the show at the Rock Island Tap with personality and charm. Originally held in 2013 at the same location, […]

BBQ 4 Badges Returns for Its 8th Year: Smokin’ Good Food, Big Support for Local First Responders

Team 'Meat Sweats' during BBQ4Badges 2021.

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The smell of smoked meats will once again fill the air around the Oskaloosa Square as the 8th Annual BBQ 4 Badges takes place on Saturday, June 21, in support of Mahaska County’s emergency responders. The grassroots event, led by organizer Wyndell Campbell, has grown into a beloved community tradition, drawing in […]

The Mahaska Legacy: How a Native Peacemaker and a Union Gunboat Carried One Name into History

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — It’s easy to forget what a name carries. For most of us, Mahaska is the county on our driver’s license, the statue at the courthouse square, the word that sits atop signs and letterheads. But long before it was a place, Mahaska was a man — and not just any man. He […]

Mahaska Health Invites Community to 6th Annual Men’s Health Event and Tractor Ride

Health screenings were a major part of Mahaska Health Men’s Health and Tractor Ride on Saturday.

Mahaska Health is excited to invite the community to its 6th Annual Men’s Health Event and Tractor Ride. Each year, Mahaska Health recognizes June as National Men’s Health Month, by providing an opportunity for community members to receive free preventative screenings and men’s health education, and to participate in a tractor ride. The men’s health […]

Iowa governor vetoes bill restricting private pipelines’ use of eminent domain

Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch

by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch June 11, 2025 Gov. Kim Reynolds Wednesday vetoed a controversial bill pertaining to eminent domain and carbon sequestration pipelines in Iowa. House Republican leaders initiated an effort to reconvene the Legislature to override the veto, but Senate GOP leaders indicated that was unlikely. House File 639 would have increased […]

SIDEBAR: Legal Boundaries in Question Following School Board Comments

US Supreme Court Building

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The June 10 Oskaloosa School Board meeting not only resulted in the appointment of Sharma Parlett to a vacant seat but also ignited concerns about how public boards interact with their constituents, particularly regarding free speech, transparency, and the use of power. During the meeting, a warning was issued at the start […]

             

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