Category archives for: News

Third Graders Explore Agriculture and Safety at Local Educational Events

Third grade students observe a pair of chickens during the Agriculture Education Day at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds. The event, supported by local FFA members and volunteers, gave students hands-on experiences with farm animals while learning where their food comes from. (Photo by Oskaloosa News)

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Hundreds of area third graders got hands-on exposure to Iowa’s farming roots and vital safety lessons during an educational event hosted at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds this week. With the support of local volunteers, FFA students, and organizations like Mahaska County Extension, the events highlighted how agriculture and safety education continue to […]

Students Build Future Through Construction Trades Program

Students in the Construction Trades program gain hands-on experience as they build a house from the ground up. Senior Maddox Ashman installs light switches and outlets, Lukas Toubekis measures and trims interior finishes, and Jaden DeRonde secures cabinets. The project provides real-world skills that prepare students for careers in the construction industry.

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Students in Oskaloosa High School’s Construction Trades program are putting the final touches on this year’s house, gaining hands-on experience in nearly every phase of home construction under the guidance of instructor Dave Bower. “This is the stage I call the finishing touches,” Bower said. “We’re hanging interior doors, doing casing and […]

Oskaloosa School Board Meeting Addresses Budget Transparency, Leadership Hiring, and Facility Upgrades

The Oskaloosa School Board on April 14th, 2025.

OSKALOOSA — The Oskaloosa School Board met Monday, April 14, 2025, with a full agenda that included public comment on administrative hiring practices, consultant spending, and approval of significant facility upgrades. Several community members used the public comment period to call for greater transparency and accountability in school district decision-making, particularly in areas of fiscal […]

Ban on students’ use of cellphones during class time heads to governor’s desk

The Iowa Capitol

by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch April 8, 2025 Gov. Kim Reynolds said Tuesday she intends to sign a bill setting a statewide ban on public school students using cellphones during class time. The Iowa House passed the bill, which the governor introduced in January, on a 92-4 vote Tuesday and sent it to her […]

“Creating Buzz: The Joy, Ease, and Challenge of Supporting Pollinators”

A honey bee collects pollen during the spring in Oskaloosa. (file photo)

Presentation at the Environmental Learning Center Oskaloosa, IA — April 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM — Join us at the Environmental Learning Center, 2342 Hwy 92, on April 11 for an engaging and inspiring presentation titled “Creating Buzz: The Joy, Ease, and Challenge of Supporting Pollinators” with Jamie Beyer, Lifetime Master Gardener and President of […]

Oskaloosa School Board Tables Budget Amendment Amid Illness-Shortened Meeting

Oskaloosa Community School Board

Oskaloosa, Iowa — The Oskaloosa Community School District Board of Directors held a shortened meeting on Tuesday, April 8, after multiple staff members and a board member were unable to attend due to illness. In the interest of full transparency, the district notified the public in advance that several agenda items would be postponed until […]

$80,000 Grant Boosts All-Inclusive Nature Playscape in Mahaska County

Friends of Mahaska County Conservation

Oskaloosa, Iowa — A major boost for outdoor recreation and accessibility is on its way to Mahaska County, thanks to an $80,000 grant from the McWane Foundation. The funding will support construction of the Mahaska County Conservation All-Inclusive Nature Playscape and Community Area, with groundbreaking set for April 2025. The grant was awarded to Friends […]

Oskaloosa City Council Welcomes New City Manager, Approves Sewer Project and Rezoning

Oskaloosa City Hall

The Oskaloosa City Council met in regular session on Monday, April 7, addressing a full agenda that included infrastructure improvements, development plans, and community engagement efforts. The meeting opened with the formal swearing-in of Shawn Metcalf as the new city manager. Metcalf took the oath of office administered by Mayor David Krutzfeldt and expressed appreciation […]

Peer-Led Lessons Aim to Curb Drunk and Distracted Driving Among Teens

Oskaloosa High School Peer Helpers lead a lesson on the dangers of distracted and drunk driving for ninth-grade Oskaloosa students. A bowl filled with BBs represents the staggering number of teen deaths nationwide caused by distracted driving each year, reinforcing the importance of making safe choices behind the wheel.

OSKALOOSA, Iowa – A group of Oskaloosa High School students stood at the front of the library, leading a lesson that could save lives. As part of the school’s Peer Helpers program, they spent the day teaching ninth graders about the dangers of drunk and distracted driving. “The goal is for each student to walk […]

Mahaska County Supervisors Tackle Road Vacations, Training Updates, and Law Enforcement Agreements

Mahaska County Courthouse

The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors met Monday morning, April 7, to address a range of items from public safety contracts to staff training compliance and quarterly financial reports. Supervisors approved claims for March totaling $1,602,029.72 and accepted meeting minutes from March 17 and March 31. A Carosh Compliance quarterly update highlighted that 90% of […]

               

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