by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 18, 2026 Iowa could avoid state government shutdowns if the Legislature does not pass a budget before the next fiscal year starts under a measure advanced by a Senate subcommittee and committee Wednesday. Senate Study Bill 3176 would establish a continuing appropriation for fiscal years when the Iowa […]
OSKALOOSA, IOWA – For the first time ever, Oskaloosa, Iowa, will host the Junior League Softball Central Region Tournament from July 23 – 29, 2026. This will be the qualifying tournament for the 2026 Junior League Softball World Series (JLSWS) to be held at Everest Park in Kirkland, Washington. One of seven World Series events […]
OSKALOOSA — February is American Heart Month, and cardiology providers at Mahaska Health are urging residents to treat it as a wake-up call. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, and providers say many of those deaths are preventable with early screening and healthier daily habits. Heart Month […]
by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 17, 2026 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources released a draft version of its 2026 biennial integrated report Tuesday, which listed more than 700 segments of rivers, lakes or wetlands in the state as impaired. The impaired list looks at retroactive data and determines if a water segment […]
Mahaska County, Iowa – Dry grass and strong winds are creating dangerous fire conditions across Iowa as spring begins. Fire officials say this time of year is one of the easiest times for outdoor fires to get out of control, even when no burn ban is in place. The Iowa State Fire Marshal warns that […]
A recent wave of online comments from Oskaloosa residents called for more stores, restaurants, youth activities, and better downtown parking. Many people said they want cheaper places to eat, more clothing options, and more reasons to stay in town instead of driving elsewhere. The frustration is clear. But the conversation also shows a gap in […]
by Mike Comfort Criticism of the umpires continued as the season marched to its end. In July, Redmond, the former Ottumwa pitcher who had been hired to umpire during the season after complaints about other umpires, was released by President Norton. In his spot he hired none other than William Tiley, who had just recently […]
by Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 16, 2026 Iowa lawmakers advanced two bills from House subcommittees Monday that would restrict the commercial operation of self-driving vehicles and assign liability to the owners of autonomous vehicles. The bills were opposed by automotive industry representatives who argued the legislation would prohibit situations like an automated car […]
Mahaska Health is pleased to announce the opening of its new Medical Weight Loss Clinic, which offers a physician and nurse-led approach to weight management focused on long-term health and personalized care. The Medical Weight Loss Clinic is led by Mark Zacharjasz, MD, Tara Stout, DNP, ARNP-BC, and Makayla Leathers, PA-C. The medical weight loss […]
by Amanda Watford, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 14, 2026 Criminal justice has emerged as one of the most wide-ranging and politically charged areas on lawmakers’ agendas in this year’s state legislative sessions. Across the country, legislators are weighing proposals that affect nearly every part of the criminal justice system, including policing, gun policy, solving crimes, […]
