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Tis the Season of Giving for Jasper County Sheriff’s Office

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On Friday, December 15th, 2017, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Employees participated in a gift card give away.

For the 2nd year in a row, an anonymous donor generously provided funding for gift cards.

During the evening hours, Sheriff’s Office employees randomly chose shoppers at area businesses and handed them a $100 gift card. Twenty gift cards were provided to persons in Jasper County.

We would like to thank our donor for their generous giving during the holiday season. The recipients were very thankful for this kind gesture.

On a side note, the Sheriff’s Office staff was also on the receiving end of a little holiday spirit. After our shift of playing Santa Claus, several of us dined at a local restaurant. Much to our surprise, a very generous citizen anonymously picked up the tab for all of our meals! So we would also like to offer our appreciation to our benefactor!

Kevin DeRonde Named CEO at Mahaska Health Partnership

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The Mahaska Health Partnership (MHP) Board of Trustees announces Kevin DeRonde as Chief Executive Officer. DeRonde brings more than 15 years of healthcare business management and executive leadership experience to MHP.  He is expected to join the organization on Feb. 19, 2018.

DeRonde is currently the CEO of Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, P.C. (DMOS), the largest for-profit orthopaedic physician practice in Iowa.  Since joining DMOS in 2012, he has provided leadership to support physicians in their business operations and growth in new services lines.  He has also helped DMOS advance their presence in local and regional markets through benchmarking, innovation, business ventures, networking and best practices.

DeRonde has ties to MHP, serving as the Executive Director of Specialty Services and as a member of the Executive Team from April 2011 to November 2012. During his time with MHP, DeRonde helped drive growth through the recruitment of specialty physicians and by fostering collaboration between departments.

MHP Board of Trustees Chairman David Langkamp said the board unanimously chose DeRonde for the CEO position after a nation-wide search. “We’re very pleased with the leadership we received from Interim CEO Chris Jepsen, who will remain on the Executive Team.

“With Chris and Kevin working together, along with the rest of the Executive Team members, we feel that we have an unbeatable leadership team guiding the organization and we are so excited for what the future holds.”

Chief Medical Officer Tim Breon said he is thrilled to have DeRonde return to MHP. “Kevin brings passion, commitment and is a tireless worker. He has a strong desire to return to MHP and has a wonderful vision for our future as a county hospital serving our region,” Dr. Breon said.

DeRonde has a strong resume of healthcare business management, professional leadership, and has been recognized for building high performing, cohesive teams focused on delivering high quality, compassionate care. He has led strategic initiatives to improve financial operations and enhance employee and physician recruitment and engagement. In his previous management and executive roles at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., UnityPoint Des Moines, John Stoddard Cancer Center in Des Moines and MHP, DeRonde led numerous capital improvement projects.

“Mahaska Health Partnership is a vital part of this community, and I am so appreciative of the warm welcome that I’ve received from so many and really looking forward to working alongside this dedicated team,” DeRonde said. “I am proud to call Oskaloosa home and will do all that I can to make sure our community members continue to have access to the best possible care, right here close to home.”

DeRonde holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Masters of Healthcare Management (MHM) from Middle Tennessee State University. Prior to earning his Master’s Degrees and playing football in the NFL, DeRonde earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Iowa State University, completed the Pre-Optometry program and served as a team captain for the ISU football team.

DeRonde will be relocating to Oskaloosa with his wife, Tori, and their rescue dog, Blitz.

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.

DRI HAS CREATED AN UNSAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR ELDORA EMPLOYEES

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DES MOINES – AFSCME Council 61 President Danny Homan issued the following statement following a town hall meeting with employees of the State Training School at Eldora:

“It has become clear to me that recent reports out of the State Training School at Eldora from Disability Rights Iowa (DRI) tell a one-sided story that disregards the employees who have dedicated their careers to dealing with some of the most difficult and vulnerable kids in Iowa. Employees unanimously confessed that their work environment has become significantly more dangerous in the past few years.

“The frequency of staff assaults, including stabbings and beatings, demonstrate why staff turnover has increased with Disability Rights Iowa’s witch hunts. DRI has emboldened the residents by teaching them that they are exempt from discipline in any form. Workers report that it is common for residents to physically or verbally abuse staff while taunting them with phrases like, ‘You’re not allowed to touch me, or I’ll call DRI.’ Resident escapes and police interventions have also increased, due to staff fearing that even trying to break up a riot will result in DRI intervention.

“Beyond the culture of insubordination that has been created, the attorneys who make up Disability Rights Iowa have actually made the residents less safe when staff don’t feel they have the ability to do their jobs. For example, there was an incident in which a teenager escaped, stole a car, drove to Ankeny, and stabbed someone in the neck. If the staff felt empowered to stop this teenager from escaping, this incident likely would not have occurred.

“We absolutely believe that safety and oversight is extremely important, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations. What is equally important is that a balance is struck so that employees feel confident in creating the safest possible environment for both the residents and themselves.”

The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 61 represents 40,000 public employees in Iowa including law enforcement and correctional officers, firefighters, mental health workers, professional school staff, emergency responders, and many other workers. AFSCME Council 61 also represents home health care and child care providers across the state and private sector workers at Prairie Meadows, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Des Moines University, and ABM (Marshalltown).

Little Henley is Back

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Henley the Kitten is back!

“I met the good people of KBOE/KMZN two weeks ago when I had severe conjunctivitis and look at me now! I am nearly all healed up and ready for my forever home. Head out to Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter to fill out an application and don’t forget to take a peek at the other wonderful pets available for adoption.”

Special thanks to our sponsors at Faux Paws Bakery for making Pet of the Week possible. Not only that, but thanks to them, we will be sending Henley’s adopters home with a $10 Faux Paws Certificate!

Newcomers Reinvent ‘Look What You Made Me Do’

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Kalie Shorr, Lindsay Ell and Kelleigh Bannen’s reinterpretation of Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” is necessary right now. The trio performed the song as part of CMT’s Next Women of Country event in Nashville on Nov. 7, and you get to enjoy the finished product forever.

Their stripped-down version of the song starts with Shorr on acoustic guitar and a slowed rhythmic singing style that puts the focus on Swift’s powerful lyrics. In comes Bannen on vocals and Ell on guitar. It’s magic.

“Lindsay Ell and Kelleigh Bannen are two of my favorite artists and they both bring something amazingly unique to the table,” Shorr says. “Lindsay is one of the best guitarists in country music and Kelleigh’s lower range is so unmistakably her. I’ve always loved the music they put out and bonding over the arrangement and performance of this was so fun!”

Clips of the women performing at CMT Women of Country event is interspersed with footage of them backstage getting ready. This performance kicked off the show. Afterward, nine new members were inducted into CMT Women of Country 2017 class, including Shorr.

See the video below!

City Clerk for Webster in Hot Water for Questionable Financial Transactions

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A state audit shows the former city clerk of a tiny town in southeast Iowa made some questionable financial transactions. State Auditor Mary Mosiman says her office’s investigation of the City of Webster covered just over a two year period.

“The total impact to the city was $5,436,” Mosiman said. Around 90 people live in Webster. Lindsey Black was the city clerk for the Keokuk County town from December of 2014 through this past March. She resigned around the time the mayor of Webster started noticing some unusual payroll checks. Auditors found Black was paying herself more than her allotted salary.

“There was a little over $3,400 of improper payroll and $1,675 of improper reimbursements,” Mosiman said. According to Mosiman, it appears there was little oversight of Black’s work as the city clerk and she took advantage of the situation.

“Most cities do have a city clerk that handles all of the financial transactions, but we recommend that the city council on at least a periodic basis do some additional oversight…actually sit down with the city clerk and look at the invoices and they really should approve payroll each time payroll is to be authorized,” Mosiman said. “That’s one of their responsibilities.” Copies of the State Auditor’s report have been filed with the Division of Criminal Investigation, the Keokuk County Attorney’s Office, and the Attorney General’s Office.

Iowa Corn Growers Association Releases Top State and Federal Policy Priorities for 2018

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JOHNSTON, IA – December 20, 2017 – The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA), one of the most effective, longest-standing agricultural associations in the country, released today its final list of state and federal policy priorities for the upcoming year.

“The single most important thing we can do for our members is to support sound policy development,” said ICGA President Mark Recker, a farmer from Arlington. “Our dedicated members engage in policy development through member surveys, roundtable meetings, and our annual Grassroots Summit in establishing goals and guiding our priorities each year to aid in the success of the corn industry. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the coming year.”

2018 ICGA state priorities, listed in alphabetical order:

  • Conservation/Water Quality: Long term, increased funding for Iowa Nutrient Reduction
    Strategy
  • Ethanol: Obtain funding for Iowa’s Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP)Reducing
  • Regulation: Reduce regulatory barriers where possible
  • Taxes: Full state coupling of the federal Section 179 small business expensing provision
  • Taxes: Protect agriculture in comprehensive tax reform

2018 ICGA federal priorities, listed in alphabetical order:

  • Ethanol: Retain the Renewable Fuel Standard
  • Safety Net: Protect crop insurance funding as part of the 2018 Farm Bill
  • Taxes: Protect agriculture in comprehensive tax reform
  • Trade: Protect/expand funding for Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) as part of the 2018 Farm Bill
  • Trade: Expand bilateral and multi-lateral trade agreements

“I encourage all members to join us at a ICGA Day on the Hill on January 16, March 21, or visit with your local legislators to have your voice heard and to share your priorities with state policy makers,” stated Recker. “Finally, if you are not a member of ICGA, I encourage you to join us today and get engaged on issues impacting your farm.”

The complete 2018 policy resolution book is available at www.iowacorn.org/policy or in hard copy for free upon request by emailing corninfo@iowacorn.org or calling 515-225- 9242.

Shots Fired on Dec. 19 in Oskaloosa

Posted on by KBOE Administrator

On the night of Dec. 19, just before 10:30 PM, officers with the Oskaloosa Police Department were dispatched to a call for service involving shots being fired. It was reported that 26-year-old male Deon Freeman was at the intersection of Pella Avenue and Green Street in Oskaloosa, where an 18-year-old male identified as Cellous Glover who was inside another vehicle pointed a firearm at Freeman.

Freeman has a valid permit to carry weapons and was armed with a pistol. Freeman reported he fired upon Glover in self-defense striking the vehicle in which Glover was riding.

No injuries were reported as a result of this shooting. All involved parties – except Glover – were located and questioned at the time.

Later in the evening, Glover was located in Pleasant Hill Iowa by police and subsequently arrested on unrelated charges. Charges of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, an aggravated misdemeanor, have been filed on Glover related to the shooting. Glover is not considered a danger to the public as this appears to be an isolated incident between the involved parties.

The investigation is still ongoing with further charges pending.

Osky Boys Move to 9-0 For First Time with Slim Win Over Newton

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It wasn’t pretty down the stretch, but the Oskaloosa boys’ basketball team did just enough to hold off the hard-charging Garrett Sturtz and the Newton Cardinals on the road. The Indians outlasted the late push and won by a final score of 56-53. Earlier in the evening, the Osky girls showed some improvement but ultimately fell to Newton, 50-30.

The boys’ game started with Newton slowing the pace to try to limit Osky’s chance to get up and down the floor. The Indians were still much more efficient in the offensive half, outscoring the Cardinals in the first half, 33-18, with great balance across the stat sheet.

Sturtz would ignite a comeback for Newton, however, as he would score nearly every point for his team down the stretch. The senior would finish the game with 44 points and 9 rebounds in an impressive showing while his running mates were cold from the field.

The Cardinals’ comeback would get them within two after a steal and layup on the fastbreak, but Osky’s Cole Henry hit a huge shot fading away from the left block to give the Indians a two possession edge.

Henry led the way for Osky with 21 points and 9 rebounds. The rest of the Indian offense was inconsistent. Xavier Foster finished with 10 points, but was quiet for most of the second half. Same could be said for Spencer Tucker who ended up with just 7 points and no made field goals in the last two quarters. Jarad Kruse never really got it going in the game, finishing with 7 points as well, but hit a couple of shots in the second half as the Indians tried to secure the lead.

Again, it was Rian Yates sinking a couple of free throws to help ice the game for Oskaloosa, but shots at the charity stripe continue to haunt the Indians. The finished the game shooting just 7 for 14 on freebies.

A win is a win, however, and the victory moves Osky to 9-0 for the first time in boys’ basketball history. They are also 4-0 in the Little Hawkeye Conference as we head to the holiday break. Newton is now 4-2 and 2-2 in the LHC.

The girls’ game had its ups and downs for Osky, but it was a slow first quarter that really decided the contest.

The Indians fell behind 18-4 at the end of the first. They were only outscored by six points the final three quarters, but that obviously wasn’t enough to grab their first win of the year. The girls were led by Marleigh Denburger, who had 14 points, 4 boards, and two blocks.

Osky is now 0-8 on the year and 0-4 in the LHC, while Newton is 3-5 overall and 1-3 in conference play.

Oskaloosa should have a very competitive doubleheader out of the break on January 5th as they host Norwalk. The Warriors are still unbeaten on the boys’ side and that will set the table for a battle for the top spot in the Little Hawkeye Conference as we near the halfway mark of the season. The Norwalk girls are just 3-6 and are winless in league play.

That doubleheader can be heard on 99.5 FM and 740 AM KMZN and can be viewed with a live video stream on radiokmzn.com and MCG Channel 7 in Oskaloosa. The broadcast begins at 6 PM on Friday, January 5th.

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