WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has officially kicked off the application process for his student debt cancellation program. He announced Monday that 8 million borrowers had already applied for loan relief during the federal government’s soft launch period over the weekend. Biden is encouraging the tens of millions eligible for potential relief to visit studentaid.gov and touting the application form, which he says will take less than five minutes to complete. He says an early, “beta launch” version of the online form released late Friday handled the early stream of applications “without a glitch or any difficulty.”
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Report suggests $900 million in annual wage theft impacts 250,000 Iowa workers
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)
A new study suggests Iowa workers are underpaid by at least $900 million a year.
Common Good Iowa, the group issuing the report, calls that wage theft. Sean Finn, the report’s author, says an estimated 250,000 Iowans are impacted.
“That means that on average one in seven workers in Iowa are shorted $300 a week,” Finn says.
Finn says some workers are not paid the overtime they’re owed or their employers fails to follow minimum wage laws. Other full-time workers are misclassified as a independent contractor, which Finn says lets the employer avoid paying taxes and benefits.
“Theft in Iowa whether it’s larceny, robbery, burglary — all of those crimes, costs around $90 million a year according to the FBI,” Finn says. “We estimate wage theft being at least $900 million a year, so this problem is ten times greater than other theft and, at the same time, very little is being done to stop it.”
Finn’s report is titled “A Heist in Plain Sight” and he argues businesses that are violating wage laws are hurting responsible employers who are following the rules.
“Businesses are using wage theft to cut costs and illegally cut corners,” Finn says. “They can artificially lower their costs and offer lower bids on projects or just run with lower operating costs, maybe keep their prices lower.”
The Iowa Workforce Development agency is using part of a federal grant to investigate businesses that may be misclassifying employees as independent contractors. Last year the agency collected a quarter of a million dollars to settle 341 claims over unpaid or underpaid wages.
Oskaloosa Council Receives Fire Code Enforcement Update
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
The Oskaloosa City Council met last night and heard a quarterly report from the fire department related to code enforcement. The report found that 56 cases of code violations were opened during the third quarter, with 50 of them being closed as of now. The most common case category of those opened was that of grass and snow, which saw 23 cases open and close. The fire department reported that their top priorities for the remainder of the year included dilapidated structures and working with owners to solve those issues, as well as staying on top of grass and weeds and preparing for snow removal requests as the weather continues to cool down.
The next regular meeting of the Oskaloosa City Council is scheduled for November 7.
Mahaska County Board of Supervisors Weighs Soil Compaction Study Contribution
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors met yesterday and discussed a potential contribution to a study from Iowa State University on soil compaction as it relates to proposed carbon capture pipelines that may be built in the state. Supervisor Chuck Webb described what the contribution would entail.
The contribution agreement includes the provision that, if ISAC does not receive adequate funding from all 99 counties for the study, they will return the original contributions to the counties. Ultimately, however, the board decided to table the decision until their next meeting in November, pending more information from ISAC.
Shania Twain To Play Mrs. Potts On ‘Beauty & The Beast’ Special
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Shania Twain has landed a very special gig. The singer has signed on to appear in ABC’s upcoming “Beauty and the Beast” special, airing December 15th at 8 pm.
Shania will perform the role of teapot Mrs. Potts, made famous in the original movie by the late Angela Lansbury. In a post on Twitter Shania shares that she’s “unbelievably honored…and excited…and all of the emotions” to be joining the special, noting Mrs. Potts is “my favourite character.”
She added, “And of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t pay tribute to the iconic Angela Lansbury, I mean she IS Mrs. Potts and the reason why this character is so beloved,” noting, “To follow in the foot steps of such an icon is a huge honor and I hope to do the part justice.”
- Others joining the special include Martin Short, David Alaan Grier, Rizwan Manji, Jon Jon Brriones, and Leo Abelo Perry. As previously announced, H.E.R. will take on the role of Belle, while Josh Groban will be the Beast, Joshua Henry will play Gaston and Rita Moreno will be the narrator.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1983, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton received a gold single for “Islands In The Stream.”
- Today in 1984, Mickey Gilley was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Today in 1997, Deana Carter ended up at #1 on the Billboard chart with “How Do I Get There.”
- Today in 2002, a new episode of “CMT Crossroads” aired, pairing The Dixie Chicks and James Taylor.
- Today in 2005, Carrie Underwood’s single, “Jesus, Take The Wheel,” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2007, Alison Kraus teamed up with Robert Plant for a “CMT Crossroads.”
- Today in 2009, Toby Keith was named Songwriter/Artist of the Decade and “Live Like You Were Dying” author Craig Wiseman is honored as Songwriter of the Decade by the Nashville Songwriters Association International.
- Today in 2009, Tammy Wynette was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with “I Hope You Dance” author Mark D. Sanders and “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” creator Kye Fleming.
- Today in 2011, Colt Ford announced the creation of his own brand of alcohol, Goodtime Moonshine and Goodtime Vodka.
- Today in 2011, Miranda Lambert’s single, “White Liar,” went platinum. On the same date in 2013, she got a platinum award for the song, “Kerosene.”
- Today in 2014, Blake Shelton’s “Bringing Back The Sunshine” debuted in the top spot on the Billboard country albums chart.
- Today in 2014, Angaleena Presley made her Grand Ole Opry debut as a solo artist. The night’s lineup also featured Kristian Bush, Lorrie Morgan, Bill Anderson, Jean Shepard and “Nashville” actor Charles Esten.
- Today in 2016, Justin Moore’s single, “Somebody Else Will,” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2016, the children’s picture book, “Coat Of Many Colors,” which was based on the Dolly Parton song, was published.
- Today in 2016, Brothers Osborne sunk two out of three shots from center ice during intermission of an NHL game at the United Center in Chicago, winning $1,000 for charity. The Blackhawks defeat the Flyers, 7-4.
- Today in 2016, Randy Travis made a surprise appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
- Today in 2016, Kris Kristofferson was recognized with the Woody Guthrie Prize for embodying the spirit of the late singer/songwriter.
- Today in 2016, Blake Shelton joined Gwen Stefani to perform “Go Ahead And Break My Heart” for the final state dinner of Barack Obama’s presidency at the White House in Washington, D.C. Others in the room included Jerry Seinfeld, Mario Andretti and James Taylor.
- Today in 2017, Lee Brice picked up five sales awards from the RIAA. The albums “I Don’t Dance” and “Love Like Crazy” were certified gold, while his single, “That Don’t Sound Like You,” went gold; the song “Drinking Class” hit platinum and “Hard To Love” went double-platinum.
- Today in 2017, instead of accepting awards at the CMT Artists of the Year show in Nashville, singer Jason Aldean and other stars honored the victims of the mass shooting at a country music festival in Las Vegas.
- Today in 2018, Keith Urban visited a dying fan before a concert in Ohio, performing “Blue Ain’t Your Color” at the bedside of 25-year-old Marissa English at St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo.
- Today in 2019, it was a “golden” day for Keith Urban and Gary Allan, who each scored gold certifications for their respective singles, “Parallel Lines” and “Her Man.”
- Today in 2019, Brantley Gilbert’s single, “Stone Cold Sober,” was certified gold. On the same day, Dierks Bentley’s single, “Living,” went gold and Kacey Musgraves? She collected gold singles for “Rainbow” and “Biscuits.”
- Today in 2019, Cody Jinks album, “The Wanting,” was released.
- Today in 2019, Luke Bryan collects platinum singles from the RIAA for “Move” and “Knockin’ Boots.”
Iowa Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks Stoops in Oskaloosa
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
Iowa Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks kicked off her 20-county tour of Iowa’s first congressional district in Oskaloosa this morning and answered questions from citizens on topics ranging from abortion to gun control to the environment to voting laws. On the latter topic, Miller-Meeks discussed the voter reform that had already been passed in Iowa and cited continuous strong turnout.
For questions about voter registration, citizens are encouraged to visit voterready.iowa.gov.
Mahaska Chamber Seeking Award Nominations
Posted on by Sam Parsons
OSKALOOSA — Would you like to nominate a business or individual who has made a big difference in Mahaska County in the past year? Mahaska Chamber & Development Group will again be presenting several civic awards. You are urged to submit nominations for these awards. The categories are as follows:
Retail Business and Service Business of the Year (2 awards) – The most outstanding retail or service business in the Mahaska community during this past fiscal year must be in business for minimum of two years, demonstrate success, with evidence of commitment and contribution to the community.
Industry of the Year – The most outstanding industry in the Mahaska community during the year will have a stable employment history, will have been in business for minimum of two years, showing evidence of commitment and contribution to the community and a commitment to sound management practices.
Business Person of the Year – This individual will have demonstrated those qualities which have distinguished him/her in business: proven commitment and contribution to the community, a commitment to ethical business practices, recognized within their profession, a Mahaska County resident, a history of success in their business.
Citizen of the Year – This individual will have demonstrated outstanding involvement in and support of his/her community over an extended period of time.
Community Improvement Award – This commercial or industrial property will have made improvements which enhance the appearance and /or economic vitality of the Mahaska community through new development or through the redevelopment of an existing property.
Educator of the Year – This individual from a Mahaska County school will display a true passion and devotion to the betterment of students.
Student of the Year -This individual will be a graduating senior or college student from a school in Mahaska County who is well-rounded and displays exemplary leadership and service for the betterment of Mahaska County.
Up & Comer – This young individual or new business owner will be recognized for their dedicated commitment, passion and high standard of excellence while leading the charge in Mahaska County.
Chuck Russell Award – This person or project will be recognized for their dedicated commitment in preserving the rich heritage and history of Oskaloosa and Mahaska County.
To make any nominations or if you have an innovative idea for a “special award” for exceptional achievement in a category not mentioned, you are encouraged to phone 641-672-2591 or email ddegroot@mahaskachamber.org with “Mahaska Chamber Award” in the subject line to present the suggestion to the Chamber. Nominations must be received by Friday, November 4.
Oskaloosa Comes Up Short at Cedar Rapids Washington
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
The Oskaloosa Indians entered Friday night’s game at Cedar Rapids Washington short handed, but that didn’t preclude them from putting up quite the fight against the Warriors on a chilly Friday night.
The game started inauspiciously for Osky: the Warriors received the first half kickoff and on their fifth offensive play, star running back Watts McBride took a screen pass from sophomore QB Malik Epps-Keller 68 yards to the house. After a successful PAT, the score was 7-0 Warriors less than a minute into the game.
After Osky responded with a 3-and-out in their opening offensive drive, the Warriors struck again, this time on a 10-play, 57-yard drive quarterbacked by junior Stephen Cain, who capped it off with a 1 yard QB sneak to make it 14-0, and the game script seemed to be going off the rails once again for the Indians after back-to-back blowout losses coming in.
However, things would steady from here. An Osky interception in Washington territory, as well as a Washington fumble in Osky territory, played a role in the score remaining where it was through the end of the first half as both defenses firmed up. The Indians were led by great play from their front 7, which was missing a pair of starting linebackers, as well as excellent open-field tackling from their defensive backfield, particularly from the likes of Waylon Bolibaugh and Jaden DeRonde. The Indians being down several starters prior to kickoff was a key storyline, but the Indians played inspired football, particularly on the defensive side. Over the course of the game, Osky forced a total of 4 turnovers on defense and special teams and committed just two of their own.
In the 2nd half, the Warriors stopped using their 2-QB approach and moved forward exclusively with Epps-Keller at the helm, but they couldn’t muster any points for most of the the third quarter against an Indian defense that continued to respond with stops. One such stop gave the Indians the ball on the Washington 48 midway through the quarter, and the Osky offense finally got on the board with a 6 play drive that culminated in screen passes of 25 and 11 yards to Wyatt Grubb and Dom Piersel, respectively, with Piersel navigating his way to the end zone. The Indians couldn’t field their PAT team until late in the play clock, though, leading to a rushed operation and freshman kicker Linus Morrison’s first missed extra point of the season to keep the score at 14-6.
Prior to the end of the quarter, though, the Warriors struck back with yet another explosive play from McBride, who galloped 43 yards up the middle of the defense three drives later to extend the Warrior lead to 21-6.
The fourth quarter began with the Indians taking over on their own 11 yard line after forcing a turnover on downs. They moved the ball 48 yards in 6 plays into Washington territory, but incompletions led to the drive sputtering out at the Warrior 36. The defenses traded stops from there and the Indians, though they battled to the end, came up short, with 21-6 as the final score.
Oskaloosa (1-7) wraps up their season at #2 Cedar Rapids Xavier this Friday. Cedar Rapids Washington (5-3) travels to Pella.
Oskaloosa Passing
Trevor Willett: 20/44, 151 yards, TD, INT; 3 sacks, 20 yards lost, 0 fumbles
CR Washington Passing
Malik Epps-Keller: 9/19, 141 yards, TD; 0 sacks, 0 fumbles
Stephen Cain: 3/6, 40 yards; 0 sacks, 0 fumbles
Oskaloosa Rushing
Dom Piersel: 12 carries, 17 yards
Wyatt Grubb: 1 carry, 8 yards
Trevor Willett: 7 carries, 3 yards
CR Washington Rushing
Watts McBride: 12 carries, 117 yards, TD
Alex Taylor: 15 carries, 42 yards, 1 fumble
Malik Epps-Keller: 3 carries, 6 yards, 1 fumble
Stephen Cain: 1 carry, 1 yard, TD
Oskaloosa Receiving
Dom Piersel: 6 rec, 59 yards, TD
Wyatt Grubb: 7 rec, 50 yards
Waylon Bolibaugh: 6 rec, 33 yards
Maddux Ashman: 1 rec, 9 yards
CR Washington Receiving
Michael Blank: 6 rec, 86 yards
Watts McBride: 3 rec, 76 yards, TD
Jaden Harris: 1 rec, 13 yards
Miles Thompson: 1 rec, 6 yards
Alex Taylor: 1 rec, 0 yards
Most say voting vital despite dour US outlook: AP-NORC poll
Posted on by Sam Parsons
WASHINGTON (AP) — A new poll shows 71% of voters think the future of the country is at stake when they vote in November’s midterm elections. That’s according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The poll findings suggest voters are motivated to turn out despite deep pessimism about the state of U.S. politics and dissatisfaction with the country. With less than a month to go, about 8 in 10 registered voters say casting their ballot this year is extremely or very important. That’s true of voters who prefer Republicans win majorities in Congress, and those who want to see Democrats remain in control.
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