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ALICE Training Opportunity for Oskaloosa Businesses

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ALERT is when you first become aware of a threat. The sooner you understand that you’re in danger, the sooner you can save yourself. A speedy response is critical. Seconds count.

LOCKDOWN might require you to barricade the room. Prepare to EVACUATE or COUNTER if needed. If EVACUATION is not a safe option, barricade entry points into your room in an effort to create a semi-secure starting point.

INFORM is to continue to communicate information in as real time as possible, if it is safe to do so. Armed intruder situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly, which means that ongoing, real time information is key to making effective survival decisions. Information should always be clear, direct and in plain language, not using codes. If the shooter is known to be in an isolated section of a building, occupants in other wards can safely evacuate while those in direct danger can perform enhanced lockdown and prepare to counter.

COUNTER is a strategy of last resort. Counter focuses on actions that create noise, movement, distance and distraction with the intent of reducing the shooter’s ability to shoot accurately. Creating a dynamic environment decreases the shooter’s chance of hitting a target and can provide the precious seconds needed in order to evacuate.

EVACUATION to a safe area takes people out of harm’s way and hopefully prevents civilians from having to come into any contact with the shooter.

This comprehensive and hands-on training opportunity is going to be available to businesses in Oskaloosa in mid-November.

If you or your business would like to participate in this event please register by November 3 by contacting the Oskaloosa Chamber at 641.672.2591 or email with total number of participants.

The Chamber will announce the date, time and location by November 3.

If you have any questions please contact the Chamber office.

Brooklyn Farmer Running for Secretary of Agriculture

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Craig Lang, a Poweshiek County dairy farmer who has served as president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Financial during one of its most-challenging eras, said today he will run for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture in 2018 to help lead the state to resolve the pressing issues of water quality, soil loss and a stagnant rural economy.

“We’re all in this together, as Iowans, and I believe our best opportunity for success is by working together to get things done,” said Lang, a former president of the State Board of Regents. “We can be doing a lot more for our state if we bring together the public and private sectors, rural and urban, business and farm interests, our public universities and private colleges to achieve all three goals: cleaner water, healthy soils and a stronger rural economy. “One way to achieve better health in the soil and improve the economy is by working to create more diversity in Iowa agriculture.”

Lang, who has been farming nearly four decades, will seek the Republican nomination for the post held by Bill Northey since January 2007. He will make a formal announcement tour at a later date. Northey, a Republican in his third term as agriculture secretary, received Senate Agriculture Committee confirmation Thursday as a U.S. Department of Agriculture undersecretary.

The Lang family, which includes Craig’s brother, father and two sons, who are the family’s sixth generation of farmers, milk 650 cows, farm 1,200 acres and run a cow/calf beef operation.

While vowing to bring together diverse groups to bolster Iowa’s agriculture sector, Lang also promised to encourage and stand up for all farmers and agribusinesses. “The fact is, there are groups that want to attack production agriculture, particularly our livestock and poultry growers, and I’ll be a strong and supporting voice to make sure we set the record straight.”

Lang was one of the longest serving leaders of both the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, where he served as president from 2001 through 2011, and the FBL Financial Group, where he served as chairman of the board for a concurrent term. He also was chairman of the Grow Iowa Values Fund and, under Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, vice chair of the Iowa Economic Development Board.

In addition to being a family farmer, Lang is president of The Prairie Strategy Group, a company engaged in identifying and solving complex challenges in food production, policy and logistics. Lang is recognized nationally and internationally as a consultant for rural economic development, consensus and opportunity building.  While working with the Ministry of Agriculture on agriculture bio-technology in China, Lang signed the first-ever non-governmental organization memorandum of understanding with the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology on behalf of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

Lang and his wife, Mary, have four grown children and seven grandchildren.

Three Muscatine Residents Busted for Meth Dealing

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Late last week, three Muscatine residents were sentenced to over 8 years in prison. Danielle Graves, 35, Nathan Wagner, 36,  and Charles Rhoades, 39, were sent to prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Graves and Rhoades were ordered to serve three years of supervised release following their imprisonment, Wagner was ordered to serve five years.

On May 31, 2017, Rhoades pled guilty to methamphetamine conspiracy charges arising from individuals transporting methamphetamine from Des Moines to Muscatine and distributing it in southeast Iowa. The plea agreement stated that Rhoades distributed approximately seven grams of methamphetamine and also possessed with the intent to distribute over 100 grams of methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Nichols. Rhoades and Graves were arrested in December of 2016 after the traffic stop and charged with controlled substance violation, a Class B Felony, as well as failure to affix drug stamp. Rhoades will face 106 months in prison.

On June 2, 2017, Graves and Wagner pled guilty to methamphetamine conspiracy charges; they distributed approximately 25 to 30 pounds of methamphetamine from Des Moines to Muscatine. The conspiracy involved the defendants’ agreement to distribute the methamphetamine throughout the Muscatine area and the surrounding communities. Graves is sentenced to 135 months in prison and Wagner faces 300. Wagner was also previously arrested for three possession-related charges after an arrest warrant was issued in 2013.

This matter was investigated by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force, the Des Moines Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Smith To Be Named Chamber Director

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The Mahaska Health Partnership Executive Board and Leadership Team met Monday evening to discuss business as usual. As the reports rounded the table, Jacky Bresnahan, Director of Human Resources, informed the board of various hires and resignations.

Bresnahan had gone through the listing of new hires, including a  Polysomnographic Technologist, and the listing of 13 other open jobs. She also noted that the Community Wellness Coordinator, Ann Smith, had given her resignation.

“We are looking at what that would look like, are we or are we not going to replace that at this time,” said Bresnahan.

She continued on to notify the board that Smith will be moving on to be the new Chamber Director.

“We are very excited to have Ann on board as the Chamber Director. She is an excellent communicator, and has proved herself to be driven and diligent in her work. She will undoubtedly be an asset to our organization,” said Carri Vander Ree, OACDG Board President.

Executive Director. Smith will be responsible for leading the Chamber’s efforts in community development, membership, tourism and events. Smith will fill her position on November 6.

Smith most recently served as the Mahaska Health Partnership’s Community Wellness Coordinator where she was heavily involved in community events and outreach ensuring wellness is an important part of the community. Smith graduated from Pekin High School and holds a BS in health sciences with an emphasis in Health and Wellness from William Penn University. Ann has a son, Ezekiel, in Newton. In her free time Smith enjoys drinking good coffee, reading European history, hiking, cooking and visiting with family and friends.

 

MONTE, PEKIN, AND PC ADVANCE TO REGIONAL SEMIFINALS

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Monday night was a full night of postseason volleyball in Class 1A and 2A and three area teams kept their state tournament dreams alive.
In Class 1A Region 4, the Montezuma Bravettes swept Grand View Christian in three sets (26-24, 25-23, 25-18). Grand View Christian battled back late in all three sets, but Monte was able to hold off the Thunder with a balanced offensive attack. The Bravettes were led by junior Riley Gatton, who finished with 16 kills.
Montezuma will now face off against #8 North Tama in Traer on Thursday in the Region 4 semifinals. Monte enters at #11 in the final IGHSAU rankings. That game can be heard on 104.9 FM KBOE and kboeradio.com starting around 6:45 PM on Thursday evening. First serve is at 7 PM.
Region 6 saw BGM get ousted in straight sets. The Bears were beaten on the road by Iowa Valley in Marengo by scores of 25-5, 25-12, 25-9. BGM’s season ends with a record of 4-25.
In Class 1A Region 7, English Valleys battled hard in Victor but eventually fell in straight sets to HLV (25-15, 25-14, 25-21). EV ends their season with a record of 12-15.
Class 1A Region 8 included Moravia, but the Mohawks were dominated by New London on the road in straight sets (25-5, 25-7, 25-7). Moravia finishes 2017 with a 13-15 record.
In Class 2A Region 4, Pleasantville was eliminated at the hands of Des Moines Christian in straight sets (25-11, 25-7, 25-11). The Trojans end their season with a record of 6-14.
Class 2A Region 5 produced two winners from our listening area. Pekin took out Sigourney in straight sets in a game heard on 99.5 FM/740 AM KMZN and 97.1 FM KMYQ. The Panthers moved on with scores of 25-17, 25-20, 25-16. Sigourney’s season finishes with a record of 11-17.
Pekin will now face Pella Christian, who upset Van Meter on the road in four sets. The Eagles won the first, second, and fourth sets in a tight matchup. The final scores were 25-21, 25-19, 20-25, 28-26. Pekin and PC will now play at Pella High School at 7 PM on Thursday night in the regional semifinals.
The action doesn’t stop as Class 3A, 4A and 5A play their regional semifinals Tuesday night.
Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont will host Davis County in a matchup between South Central Conference opponents in Class 3A Region 8. John Hirl and Tony Fenton will be on the call on 104.9 FM KBOE and kboeradio.com. Pregame show will start around 6:45 PM for the first serve at 7 PM.
Oskaloosa will be in action in the Class 4A Region 4 semifinals against #9 Pella. This matchup is a rematch between two Little Hawkeye Conference schools. You can hear all the action with Emery Songer on 99.5 FM/740 AM KMZN and radiokmzn.com with the pregame show starting at 6:40 PM with the first serve at 7 PM.
In Class 5A Region 5, Ottumwa travels to face Waukee at 7 PM.
Be sure to stay up to date on all postseason volleyball action on kboeradio.com and radiokmzn.com.

Albia High School Student Arrested On Terrorism Threat

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An Albia High School Student was arrested and charged with Threat of Terrorism after a weekend incident.

On Saturday, October 21st, the Albia Police Department and Monroe County Sheriff received reports of a threatening post on an Instagram account by the student. The post had indicated a non-specific threat of an active shooting.

A deputy with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department conducted an investigation, interviewing high school student and his family at their residence in the county. The original threat was deemed “not credible” and there was no legitimate threat of a shooting incident, according to a press release from Monroe County Sheriff, Dan Johnson.

The juvenile, who attends school in the Albia District, has been charged Threat of Terrorism, in addition to any administrative action instituted by the school district.

Police Department Officers and Deputies of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department stood by at local schools Monday morning to reassure parents that no credible threat currently exists.

Coat Drive To Help Local Iowans In Need

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

BURR! It’s getting chillier out there. Help share the warmth with those in our community that need it!

The 10th Annual Winter Coat Drive is taking place now until January 31st, 2018.

Collection boxes for the drive will be placed at 18 locations around Oskaloosa. The drive is a great opportunity for community members to clean out their closets and make an impact during the season of giving. Items collected during the Winter Coat Drive are given to people in need at no charge.

Accepted donations include winter coats, snow boots, snow pants, winter hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, and other winter outerwear. Whenever possible, please launder items prior to donation. Organizers stress that the collection boxes for the drive are strictly for donations of winter outerwear.

Donations of other items including sweatshirts, fall jackets, rain coats, ball caps, etc. must be made directly to New Hope Community Center at 308 5th Ave West.

The need for warm winter clothing is a serious one, especially in Iowa. The average winter temperature in Iowa for 2016/17 was 26.5 degrees F. Last year, 300 warm winter coats were distributed to those in need, many of whom would have otherwise gone without.

Winter Coat Drive collection boxes can be found at the following Oskaloosa businesses:

  • Central United Methodist Church
  • Fareway
  • Hawkeye Real Estate
  • Gatton Realty
  • Homestead of Oskaloosa
  • Hy-Vee
  • KBOE/KMZN Radio
  • Mahaska
  • Mahaska County YMCA
  • Mahaska Drug
  • MCG
  • MidWestOne Bank
  • Musco
  • New Hope Community Center
  • Oskaloosa Public Library
  • Remax Pride Realty
  • St. Mary’s Catholic Church
  • First Christian Church
  • United Way of Mahaska County

United Way and New Hope need your help to spread the word and help keep our community warm this winter. Challenge friends and family to clean out their closets and donate winter items they no longer use – every donation helps keep someone safe and warm!

All donated items from the Winter Coat Drive are distributed at New Hope Community Center, at 308 5 th Ave. West. New items arrive each week. For assistance, check with a volunteer, or call New Hope at 641-676-1602.

Volunteers are needed to help with the drive. For more information about this service opportunity, please contact Timothy Gibson at 641-673- 6043, or uwmc.coordinator@gmail.com.

Weekend Rain Helps Diminishing Drought

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

Although Oskaloosa, and much of the surrounding area received rain this weekend, over 80{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b} of Mahaska County is still considered to be in a moderate drought, according to the online National Integrated Drought Information System.

Oskaloosa rainfall totals marked in at about seven-tenths of an inch for this weekend. This rain helped numerous communities in Southeast Iowa by plunging the percentage of moderate drought from 24{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b} to only 8.7{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b} in only 7 days.The first reading was taken on the 10th of October, while the most recent occurred on October 7th.

Overall for the month of October, the Oskaloosa area has received approximately 2.5 inches of rain.

Reynolds Inaugurates New Daycare Facility

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will visit Centerville on Tuesday, October 31st to join Lee Container President Robert Varnedoe for a ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Curious Kids Day Care Center.

On August 1st, the Centerville School Board announced the purchase of the former Garfield Elementary School by a Lee Container affiliated company. The school building will now house a day care center to serve the families of Lee Container employees, as well as Centerville area families. The day care center will be staffed and operated by Curious Kids, a long-time Centerville day care operator.

The inauguration will take place at 2:30 PM at the daycare center, located in the old Garfield Elementary School building at 505 E Walsh Street. This event will conclude at 3:00 PM.

Governor Reynolds and President Robert Varnedoe will be joined by Michelle Brooke, the director of Curious Kids Day Care, who will conduct a tour of the facility. Following this visit, Governor Reynolds, Robert Varnedoe and Michelle Brooke will all deliver prepared statements.

Robert Varnedoe will then lead Governor Reynolds on a tour of the Lee Container production facility, located at 2800 Industrial Park Road.

Facade Improvements May See Second Phase

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

Construction on the Downtown Facade Improvement Project began in May of this year, while the discussion on the project is dated back to September of 2015. This project has made leaps and bounds to improve the presentation of the downtown square.

At the October 16 City Council meeting, Development Services Director Andrew Jensen, presented an update to the council about the facade improvements. Noting the direction of improvements being made as Christner Contracting Inc. moves east across North Market Street.

Soon the contractors will be rounding the corner of N. Market and High Avenue East, starting at the ReMax Office.

The contractors will continue down High Avenue East and turn north on South 1st Street to finish up the 16 building facade project.

With the current project set to wrap up by June of 2018, so far the contractors have spent $434,351.33 of the over $1.13 million that was awarded to the project, according to Jensen.

The source of funds for this project are allocated from a variety of different areas including a Block Grant through the IEDA; Tax Increment through the City of Oskaloosa; a percentage from the property owners involved with the project; and the George Daily Family Trust.

In the council meeting, the idea of pursuing a second phase was also discussed. This second phase would begin on North Market street along the corridor including Brown’s Shoe Fit, Smokey Row and Bridal Dreams. From there, this anticipated project will diverge onto First Avenue East and touch Big Ed’s BBQ and Tropical Rayz Salon.

The funds for the second phase will also come from similar sources. During the second phase, Jensen noted that approximately 10 to 14 buildings will be included on the next installment. That number, however, will be dependent on how many businesses wish to be involved and the amount of funds that can be accumulated.

 

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