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Pella School Board Holds Organizational Meeting, Reviews Budget

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Pella Community School Board met last night and held their annual organizational meeting. Joan Corbin was re-elected as president of the board, while Elisa Klahsen was elected VP.

The board also reviewed their budget for the current fiscal year. There is a current projected deficit of $536,965 which will be covered by the general fund. Superintendent Greg Ebeling said that one of the important indicators to look at was the district’s solvency ratio, or cash position. According to the IASB, districts’ solvency ratio should stay between 7-17%, not to exceed 25%. Last fiscal year, Pella’s solvency ratio was 15.3%, but it is expected to drop to 12.6% this fiscal year. Ebeling explained the importance of keeping that number right around where it is.

Current forecasts for future solvency ratios are dependent on Supplemental State Aid received by the district, so Ebeling said that it is difficult to make assumptions based on that. The projected number for 2024 is currently 9.5%.

Oskaloosa Main Street Young Ambassador Winners Announced

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — The Oskaloosa Main Street Young Ambassador Contest winners were announced in an enjoyable event at Penn Central Mall on Monday evening. In attendance were twenty-seven contestants and their families and friends. The Young Ambassador Contestants were introduced by Master of Ceremonies, Joe Milledge of KIIC Radio. Katie Trainer from Oskaloosa Early Childhood Center read a delightful Christmas story for the children. The winners were announced, and gifts were presented by Santa.

“The contest is open to children ages 3 to kindergarten. We had 27 children in the running this year,” shared Deb Bruxvoort, Oskaloosa Main Street/Mahaska Chamber. “The funds raised support the Oskaloosa Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade, but each year we also donate a portion of the proceeds to a local preschool. This year, that recipient is Little Creations Preschool.”

This year’s 2022 Young Ambassador Princess is Preslee Breuklander, daughter of Dave & Amie Breuklander. The Prince is Myles McGee, son of Megan & Erik McGee. Those participating in addition to our winners were Addilyn Dekleine, Anna Haage, Ariana Adams, Avery Wickenkamp, Brighton Brown, Gemma Stalling, Hattie Shelquist, Harmione Shrader, Jayla Stalling, Kenzlie Owens, Kyleena Raymie, Lany Ward, Lynley Rodriguez, Mia Weigle, Piper VanderBeek, Rose Miller, Sapphire Greenlee, Serenity Asher, Teagan Wiley, Anthony Weinreich, Jamari Kamerick, Jude Edgington, Lennon Fairchild, and Logan DeGroot.

All children received gifts donated by local merchants, including Mahaska Drug and Hy-Vee. All will be invited to help spread the magic of Christmas by riding on the Clow Train during the “Christmas Canvas” Lighted Christmas Parade this Saturday, December 3, at 7 pm.

Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, And More Decorate Opryland Trees For Charity

Posted on by Bob Ballard

For the 39th year, Gaylord Opryland Resort is hosting its “A Country Christmas” event that features its Parade of Trees, a set of Christmas trees decorated yearly by some big names. Universal Music Group hosted the Parade of Trees this year and brought in some Grand Ole Opry members to decorate for the holidays.

Artists like Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, George Strait, and more all pitched in to decorate for the event. Each star also donated a “Once in a Lifetime” VIP experience to benefit the First Responders Children’s Foundation.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1959, “The Battle Of New Orleans” won Song of the Year for composer Jimmy Driftwood and Best Country & Western Performance for Johnny Horton during the second annual GRAMMY Awards.
  • Today in 1960, “Are You Lonesome Tonight” by Elvis Presley peaked at #1 on the pop singles chart and stayed there for six weeks. (Fun fact: Elvis also released a version of that song where he breaks up into laughter.)
  • Today in 1961, the Grand Ole Opry came to Carnegie Hall, with Patsy Cline, Grandpa Jones, Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves, Faron Young and The Jordanaires. The performance benefitted the Musicians’ Aid Society. In the crowd: Jimmy Dean and comic Jack Benny.
  • Today in 1964, Willie Nelson made his debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry, following his induction.
  • Today in 1979, Mac Davis’ “Greatest Hits” album was released.
  • Today in 1987, Steve Wariner held the #1 country chart position with “Lynda.”
  • Today in 1992, Marty Stuart joined the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 1994, Toby Keith’s “Boomtown” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1994, Alan Jackson earned triple platinum certification for his album, “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.”
  • Today in 1994, Brooks & Dunn’s “Hard Workin’ Man” album was certified triple platinum, while their “Brand New Man” project scored quadruple platinum honors.
  • Today in 1996, Deana Carter made her debut on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
  • Today in 1996, Alan Jackson had more than a “little” to be happy about. He hit #1 with the single, “Little Bitty,” and released his album, “Everything I Love.”
  • Today in 1998, Faith Hill topped the charts with “Let Me Let Go.
  • Today in 1999, Jo Dee Messina appeared on CBS TV’s “Touched by an Angel” for the first time.
  • Today in 2000, with two albums (his debut project, “One Voice,” and his Christmas album, “Classic Christmas”) in the top 10, Billy Gilman was the country’s top selling artist.
  • Today in 2000, the finalists for the 2000 Billboard Music Awards were announced, and Faith Hill was the leading nominee.
  • Today in 2000, the “Lonely Grill” album by Lonestar was certified triple platinum.
  • Today in 2001, NBC-TV aired Faith Hill’s TV special, “Faith Hill: When The Lights Go Down.” The show performed very well among the holiday offerings. Barely edging out her husband, Tim McGraw’s, first-ever special, which aired the night before, the show was watched in 6.9-million U.S. households.
  • Today in 2001, Lee Ann Womack kicked off a unique Christmas tour in Sewell, New Jersey – performing with the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
  • Today in 2006, when Trick Pony performed at the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas, it marked Heidi Newfield’s final tour stop as a member of the trio.
  • Today in 2008, Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” rose to #1 on the Billboard country albums chart. It ultimately spent a total of 35 weeks in that position over the next 15 months.
  • Today in 2010, Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles hosted the ABC special, “CMA Country Christmas,” with Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker and Little Big Town. Most of the cast also joined forces for the finale, “Jingle Bell Rock.”
  • Today in 2013, a new installment of “CMT Crossroads” debuted with The Band Perry and Fall Out Boy. They combined forces on “Better Dig Two,” “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely,” “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)” and “DONE.”
  • Today in 2014, Luke Bryan’s brother-in-law died. As a result, Luke postponed recording of his album, “Kill The Lights,” which had been set to begin in days. He also moved his orphaned nephew, Tilden Cheshire, into his family home…and is now raising him.
  • Today in 2017, Old Dominion scored a platinum single from the RIAA for the song, “Snapback.”
  • Today in 2018, Jana Kramer and her then-husband, Michael Caussin, welcomed son Jace Joseph Caussin. The couple finalized their divorce July 2021.
  • Today in 2018, Luke Combs announced his engagement to Nicole Hocking. The happy couple became “Mr. and Mrs.” in August 2020.
  • Today in 2019, Midland’s Mark Wystrach and his wife, Ty Haney, welcomed their daughter, Sundance “Sunny” Leon Wystrach. While the couple hasn’t ever explained it, it turns out that little Sunny developed a medical emergency, and Midland was forced to postpone a series of concerts in Europe and the U.S. The best news? She’s all good now!
  • Today in 2020, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen” by Chase Rice – and featuring Florida Georgia Line – was released.
  • Today in 2021, Gabby Barrett sang “Silent Night” on ABC’s “CMA Country Christmas.” Also appearing: Carrie Underwood, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, BRELAND, Brett Eldredge, Jimmie Allen and Barrett’s co-host, Carly Pearce.

Oskaloosa’s Lighted Christmas Parade This Weekend

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Oskaloosa Main Street’s 35th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, December 3rd in downtown Oskaloosa at 7:00 p.m. Main Street Director Amy Brainard encourages visitors to “make a day of it by shopping local, dining local, and supporting local. The lights will go on at 4:45 p.m. and remain on until 11:00 p.m., so there will be plenty of opportunities for selfies and family photos in our illuminated historic district.”

This year’s parade has over 60 illuminated entries registered with 12 entries being first-time participants. Candy and other items may be handed out from each entry but will not be thrown as ordered by the Oskaloosa Police Department.

“We want to ensure all parade-goers and participants remain safe, so we are asking all viewers to stay behind the cones and roped off areas along the route. To keep your vehicles safe, please do not park along the parade route unless in the designated handicap parking areas, which are first-come, first-serve. The parade route will start on High Avenue and turn south down Market Street, turn west onto 1st Avenue, then around the mall’s south parking lot, wrap back around near the Oskaloosa Public Library, turn north onto Market Street, then finishes heading east on 1st Avenue near MidWestOne drive-up bank. Announcers will be located throughout the route”, said Brainard.

Updated parade details will be shared to the Oskaloosa Main Street Facebook page. Many events and activities will be held throughout Mahaska County this holiday season, to learn more about those events, visit www.mahaskachamber.org/calendar. As you prepare to do your holiday shopping, check out the Mahaska Wish Book. This publication was created to provide shoppers with gift ideas to support small and shop smart. The Wish Book can be found in many local shops and dining establishments and can also be found online at www.mahaskachamber.org/wishbook/. To learn more about Oskaloosa Main Street or Mahaska Chamber, please visit www.mahaskachamber.org or call 641-672-2591.

Ukraine on edge for more attacks, West eyes humanitarian aid

Posted on by Sam Parsons

KYIV (AP) — Ukraine is preparing for more Russian strikes and has warned of the possibility of a new round of evacuations from the capital. Russia has been attacking energy facilities and other key infrastructure in recent weeks, and authorities are struggling to make repairs as quickly as the damage is inflicted. In the West meanwhile, preparations are being stepped up to boost humanitarian aid to Ukraine so that the population can enjoy some warmth during their coldest months of need and keep the resolve of the nation as high as possible. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russian troops “are preparing new strikes and as long as they have missiles, they won’t stop.”

ISU economist says Iowa’s economy in recession, held back by tight labor market

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Iowa State University economist Peter Orazem says while there have been gains, the number of Iowans who are working continues to lag pre-pandemic levels.

“If you look at Iowans under the age of 45, labor force participation rates actually went up. It’s Iowans over 45 where labor force participation rates went down and they really went down for people over 55,” Orazem says. “…We don’t think that they’re coming back and so that’s going to be holding back the Iowa economy in terms of its ability to make up for for its lost labor.” Iowa had one of the oldest labor forces in the country prior to the pandemic and Orazem says it appears many who opted to retire in the past 18 months are not going to return to the workforce.

“We’re lagging the rest of the U.S. in terms of recovery of employment and that’s holding back, actually, the Iowa economy,” Orazem says.” Ten days ago, the Iowa Workforce Development agency announced the state had added back all the jobs that were lost due to the pandemic. Orazem says the total number of employed Iowans still remains about one percent below pre-pandemic levels — and the labor participation rate is about two percent below what it was in February of 2020.

“We’ve had three straight quarters of negative Gross State Product, which would meet the classic definition of a recession,” Orazem says. Orazem made his comments during a weekend appearance on “Iowa Press” on Iowa PBS.

2022 Oskaloosa Tour of Homes Set for This Weekend

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

Plenty of holiday festivities are right around the corner in the city of Oskaloosa, and one of the main events coming this weekend is the 2022 Tour of Homes. This will be the second consecutive year that the Tour of Homes will be hosted by Sieda Community Action, a local organization that offers support to alleviate symptoms of poverty. We spoke with Jennifer Fleener, director of Economic and Family Support Services with Sieda, to hear about the Tour of Homes, and she gave us a sneak peek of what folks could expect this year.

The Tour of Homes is set for this Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4, 2022, and will run from 1-4pm both days. It’ll include a silent auction, with bidding open now. Tickets can be purchased through several different options, including at Mahaska Drug, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Legacy Real Estate Group, and the Mahaska Chamber in person up until the days of the tours, at which point they can be purchased at Jubilee Family Church. Tickets can also be purchased online with more information available at sieda.org.

Our full interview with Fleener can be found below.

Shania Twain Releases Deluxe ‘Come On Over’ Including Duets With Nick Jonas And More

Posted on by Bob Ballard

A new deluxe version of Shania Twain’s 1997 album “Come On Over” was given to fans yesterday thanks to Apple Music’s holiday countdown. The album’s deluxe version includes several duets, including two live versions of “You’re Still The One,” one with Chris Martin recorded earlier this year and another with Elton John taped in 1999.

Fans will also find a duet from Stagecoach in 2017 when Twain and Nick Jonas teamed up for “Party for Two.” The album is the best-selling studio album by a female solo country artist ever and had 12 number-one singles

Source: People

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1925, WSM first broadcast the radio show “Barn Dance,” the program that eventually became the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 1964, Connie Smith’s debut single, “Once A Day,” landed at #1 position on the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 1972, Charlie Rich recorded his classic, “Behind Closed Doors,” in Nashville.
  • Today in 1992, Marty Stuart joined the Grand Ole Opry – he was the first new member added following the death of Roy Acuff.
  • Today in 2003, Dolly Parton was paired with Melissa Etheridge as the latest episode of “CMT Crossroads,” hosted by Radney Foster, debuted. Songs in the one-hour telecast include “Bring Me Some Water,” “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
  • Today in 2006, Little Big Town’s Kimberly Roads married Stephen Schlapman on a Caribbean island. Witnessing the moment are her bandmates: Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook – who married each other six months earlier – and Phillip Sweet.
  • Today in 2009, Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” began a five-week ride at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 2013, Florida Georgia Line performed “Cruise” and Brett Eldredge sang “Don’t Ya” during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Also riding down Broadway were Kellie Pickler, Jimmy Fallon and Fall Out Boy. Carrie Underwood briefly appeared on the NBC telecast, promoting the December special, “The Sound Of Music.”
  • Today in 2014, Jason Aldean was paired with Bob Seger as a new installment of “CMT Crossroads” debuts. The set list includes “Tattoos On This Town,” “Turn The Page,” “Against The Wind” and “Night Train.”
  • Today in 2016, Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock,” The Everly Brothers’ “Wake Up Little Susie” and the Merle Haggard album, “Okie From Muskogee,” were announced as GRAMMY Hall of Fame additions. Other new entries include records by Arlo Guthrie, The Beach Boys, Dion and Sonny & Cher.
  • Today in 2017, Chris Stapleton was the leading country nominee as finalists are announced for the 60th annual GRAMMY Awards. He was in the running for Best Country Song, for “Broken Halos”; Best Country Album, “From A Room: Vol. 1”; and Best Country Solo Performance, “Either Way.” His take home? A sweep.
  • Today in 2018, the celebration of lighting of the national Christmas tree near the White House in Washington, DC included LoCash singing “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town.” Also performing: Thompson Square, Gabby Barrett, Abby Anderson and The Zac Brown Band’s John Driskell Hopkins, who duets on “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.”
  • Today in 2018, Brett Eldredge, Martina McBride and Kellie Pickler performed from New York City on the NBC special “Christmas In Rockefeller Center.” Also in the lineup were Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, John Legend and Pentatonix, who served up an a cappella version of “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.”
  • Today in 2018, the Dan + Shay single, “Tequila,” was certified double-platinum.
  • Today in 2019, Miranda Lambert performed “Bluebird” and “Settling Down” during “The Thanksgiving Day Parade On CBS.” Chris Janson lip synced “Good Vibes” during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on NBC. Also riding floats through midtown were Tenille Townes and Chris Young, who covered “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).”
  • Today in 2020, Chris Stapleton’s “Starting Over” landed at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.

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