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, […]
DES MOINES, Iowa — It’s hard to have a happy holiday if you’re arrested for drunk driving. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement across Iowa to urge drivers to designate before you celebrate. Through January 1, 2025, drivers will see officers supporting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) high-visibility […]
by Casey Quinlan, Iowa Capital Dispatch December 15, 2024 A rise in food prices makes for a less-than-merry holiday season. Grocery prices rose 0.4% in November, according to the Consumer Price Index, released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Eggs made one of the biggest jumps at 8.2% over the month, and 37.5% over the […]
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 […]
DES MOINES— Gov. Reynolds today announced she has appointed Chris Cournoyer as Lieutenant Governor of Iowa. Cournoyer, a resident of LeClaire, Iowa, was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2018. She chaired the inaugural Technology committee, from which position she wrote and managed the legislation that made Iowa the sixth state in the nation to […]
by Peter Hall, Iowa Capital Dispatch December 9, 2024 Police in Altoona, Pennsylvania arrested a suspect Monday in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last week in New York, authorities announced. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch identified the man arrested as Luigi Mangione, 26, whose last known address was in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mangione […]
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 […]
Oskaloosa, IA — During its December 16, 2024, session, the Oskaloosa City Council addressed a range of issues focusing on infrastructure improvement and financial management, aiming to enhance community well-being. The council voted to appoint Randy DeGeest as the interim city manager, effective December 17, 2024. The appointment follows the resignation of the previous city […]
