WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s punishing inflation rate likely kept simmering in October, giving the Federal Reserve little cause to ease up in its drive to slow price increases by steadily raising interest rates. The Labor Department is expected to report that consumer prices jumped 8% from 12 months earlier and by a sharp 0.6% from September to October. A separate measure called core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, is expected to have surged 6.5% in the past year and 0.5% from September to October. Like many other countries, the United States is struggling to control inflation, which is pressuring millions of households and dimming the outlook for the economy.
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Iowa reaches second highest turnout in state history for midterm election; post-election audits begin
Posted on by Sam Parsons
DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate announces the unofficial turnout for the November 2022 general election was the second highest in state history for a midterm. More than 1,220,000 Iowans voted. The all-time high for an Iowa midterm election was 1,329,930, set in 2018.
“My thanks to Iowans from every corner of the state who made their voices heard by voting,” Secretary Pate said. “I also want to thank the poll workers and county election officials across Iowa for their hard work and dedication. However, our work is not finished.”
Every county will now conduct post-election audits in randomly selected precincts to help ensure the integrity of the vote. Secretary Pate added another layer of protection to Iowa’s electoral process this year by ordering a second race to undergo hand count audits in every county. The audits will ensure the numbers match the totals reported by the ballot tabulators. The gubernatorial race and constitutional amendment ballot measure will be audited.
“Post-election audits add another layer of integrity to the election process,” Secretary Pate said. “I want all Iowans to know their vote counts, and it will be counted correctly.”
All election results remain unofficial until canvassing is complete, and results are certified. The deadline is December 5.
Unofficial totals are available at sos.iowa.gov.
Monroe County Hospital and Clinics Alerts Publics of Scam
Posted on by Sam Parsons
ALBIA — Monroe County Hospital & Clinics has been made aware that people are receiving phone calls from someone posing as Monroe County Hospital & Clinics, asking for personal information, trying to sell COVID test kits at no cost with Medicare covering the fee, and some are saying they will send a free COVID test kit.
This is not Monroe County Hospital & Clinics. MCHC does not make telephone solicitations. Please hang up if you receive this phone call.
Oskaloosa CSD Receives Mental Health Grant, Approves Parking Lot Lighting Project
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
The Oskaloosa Community School Board met earlier this week and heard a presentation from Director of Student Services Melanie Hatch about a mental health grant that the district applied for and received. Hatch gave us some basic info about the grant.
The grant will bring over $180,000 to the district over the course of 2 years to allocate to various programs and partnerships related to mental health. One of those partnerships is with Evolution Mental Health Services in Oskaloosa.
The board also approved a construction project that will improve the lighting of the parking lots at the elementary, middle, and high schools, addressing safety concerns. The cost of the project encompassing all 3 schools is approximately $500,000.
The 56th CMA Awards Are In The Books
Posted on by Bob Ballard
The 56th Annual CMA Awards are in the books. Hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, the live show went down at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
- The big winners of the night? Luke Combs – who scored Album of the Year and Entertainer. Lainey Wilson walked away as Female Vocalist of the Year and Chris Stapleton (Male Vocalist of the Year) Old Dominion (Group of the Year) and Brothers Osborne (Duo of the Year)
- Big moments of the night? There were many! But the biggest?
- The Loretta Lynn tribute, which saw Carrie Underwood performing “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” Miranda Lambert singing “Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ ” and Reba McEntire offering up “You’re Lookin at Country.” Then? They teamed up on Lynn’s classic, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Later in the night, Carly Pearce – with Ricky Skaggs by her side – performed her own tribute, “Dear Miss Loretta.)
- Cole Swindell performed “She Had Me at Heads Carolina”…and was joined by Jo Dee Messina to duet her 1996 hit “Heads Carolina, Tails California.” Epic.
- Lainey Wilson blew the roof off of the Bridgestone Arena when she and Hardy sang their duet, “Wait In The Truck.”
- Chris and Morgane Stapleton got an assist from Patty Loveless for a rendition of “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.”
- The War and Treaty and Brothers Osborne lit up the joint with their performance of the Rolling Stones’ “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll”…and later, Elle King and The Black Keys teamed up on Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire.” Speaking of being lit and things being on fire…Elle’s piano? Yup…actual fire.
- Wynonna Judd marking her first awards show appearance since the tragic April death of her mom, country legend Naomi Judd. She presented the award for Vocal Duo of the Year to Brothers Osborne.
- And John Osborne? He evealed onstage that his wife Lucie Silvas is not only pregnant…but with twins! “I love you, babe,” he said. “You’re going to be an amazing mom.”
- The biggest event of the night? Alan Jackson receiving the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award – and paying tribute..Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood and Lainey Wilson. Carrie kicked things off with Jackson’s classic, “Remember When”…then Dierks took over to perform Alan’s classic, “Chattahoochee.” Jon was up next with Alan’s “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” and then Lainey kicked out Alan’s “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow.” Rounding out the incredible performance was the man himself – who had the entire arena dancing and singing along to his hit, “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.”
What about the winner? They’re below.
Entertainer of the Year
- Luke Combs **WINNER**
- Miranda Lambert
- Chris Stapleton
- Carrie Underwood
- Morgan Wallen
Single of the Year
- “Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan (Producer: Paul DiGiovanni, Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley)
- “half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (feat. Kenny Chesney) (Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins, Mix Engineer: Dan Grech-Marguerat)
- “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde (Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore)
- “‘Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson (Producer: Trent Willmon, Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke) **WINNER**
- “You Should Probably Leave” – Chris Stapleton (Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Mix Engineer: Vance Powell)
Album of the Year
- “Growin’ Up” – Luke Combs (Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton, Mix Engineers: Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews) **WINNER** (His second win in the category)
- “Humble Quest” – Maren Morris (Producer: Greg Kurstin, Mix Engineer: Serban Ghenea)
- “Palomino” – Miranda Lambert (Producers: Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Mikey Reaves, Mix Engineer: Jason Lehning)
- “Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin'” – Lainey Wilson (Producer: Jay Joyce, Mix Engineer: F. Reid Shippen)
- “Time, Tequila & Therapy” – Old Dominion (Producers: Shane McAnally, Old Dominion, Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank)
Song of the Year
- “Buy Dirt” – Songwriters: Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins (performed by Jordan Davis and feat. Luke Bryan) **WINNER**
- “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Songwriters: Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce (performed by Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce)
- “Sand In My Boots” – Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Josh Osborne (performed by Morgan Whallen)
- “Things A Man Oughta Know” – Songwriters: Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson (performed by Lainey Wilson)
- “You Should Probably Leave” – Songwriters: Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley, Chris Stapleton (performed by Chris Stapleton)
Female Vocalist of the Year
- Miranda Lambert
- Ashley McBryde
- Carly Pearce
- Carrie Underwood
- Lainey Wilson **WINNER** (her first win in the category)
Male Vocalist of the Year
- Eric Church
- Luke Combs
- Cody Johnson
- Chris Stapleton **WINNER** (his sixth win in the category)
- Morgan Wallen
Vocal Group of the Year
- Lady A
- Little Big Town
- Midland
- Old Dominion **WINNER** (their fifth win in the category…and we’re talking consecutively)
- Zac Brown Band
Vocal Duo of the Year
- Brooks & Dunn
- Brothers Osborne **WINNER** (their fifth win in the category)
- Dan + Shay
- LOCASH
- Maddie & Tae
New Artist of the Year
- HARDY
- Walker Hayes
- Cody Johnson
- Parker McCollum
- Lainey Wilson **WINNER**
Musical Event of the Year
- “Beers On Me” – Dierks Bentley with BRELAND & HARDY (Producers: Dierks Bentley, Ross Copperman)
- “If I Didn’t Love You” – Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood (Producer: Michael Knox)
- “Longneck Way To Go” – Midland (featuring Jon Pardi) (Producers: Dann Huff, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
- “Never Say Never” – Cole Swindell (with Lainey Wilson) (Producer: Zach Crowell)
- “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde (Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne) **WINNER**
Music Video of the Year
- “I Bet You Think About Me” (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) – Taylor Swift (featuring Chris Stapleton) (Director: Blake Lively)
- “Longneck Way To Go” – Midland (featuring Jon Pardi) (Director: Harper Smith)
- “Never Say Never” – Cole Swindell (with Lainey Wilson) (Director: Michael Monaco)
- “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde (Director: Alexa Campbell)
- “‘Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson (Director: Dustin Haney) **WINNER**
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1956, “Billboard’s” annual DJ’s Poll found that Elvis Presley was the most-played country artist and male artist overall.
- Today in 1969, Gene Autry’s “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” recording is certified gold.
- Today in 1973, David “Stringbean” Akeman (a regular on the “Porter Wagoner Show” and “HeeHaw”) and his wife, Estelle, were murdered by burglars in their home.
- Today in 1984, “Dukes of Hazzard” actor-turned-singer John Schneider had his first #1 country single with “I’ve Been Around Enough to Know.”
- Today in 1994, Tracy Lawrence earned a gold record for “I See It Now.”
- Today in 1999, George Strait’s “Blue Clear Sky” album was certified triple-platinum. The same day, the “Pure Country” film soundtrack was certified multi-platinum for sales of 6-million.
- Today in 1999, Vince Gill’s album, “The Key,” was certified platinum.
- Today in 1999, Reba McEntire’s album, “What If It’s You” was certified double platinum.
- Today in 2000, Billy Yates made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
- Today in 2000, Travis Tritt’s single, “Best of Intentions,” was #1 on “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart.
- Today in 2001, Toby Keith appeared on CBS’s “Touched by an Angel” series.
- Today in 2001, after a three-year romance, Chalee Tennison married her guitar player, Mark Gillespie, in a private ceremony in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. About 50 of the couple’s closest friends and family members attended the intimate event, which took place in a wedding chapel nestled in the Great Smokey Mountains.
- Today in 2003, an incredible list of stars converged on Nashville to honor the late Johnny Cash. The public event, which was hosted by actor Tim Robbins and taped by CMT for broadcast, celebrated the life and musical legacy of the Man In Black. The list of performers included his daughter Rosanne; Brooks & Dunn, Jack Clement, Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Larry Gatlin, George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Kid Rock, Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt, Hank Williams Jr., Dwight Yoakam, Sheryl Crow and others.
- Today in 2004, “Redneck Woman” became Gretchen Wilson’s first gold single.
- Today in 2005, Rascal Flatts video for “Skin (Sarabeth)” debuted on CMT.
- Today in 2010, Miranda Lambert won three trophies at the 44th annual CMA awards.
- Today in 2013, Rodney Atkins married Rose Falcon in Florida.
- Today in 2014, Sam Hunt’s single, “Take Your Time,” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2019, Kellie Pickler starred alongside Patrick Duffy as the Hallmark Channel premieres a Christmas movie, “The Mistletoe Secret.” Recurring themes in the two-hour production include deception, community and pie.
- Today in 2019, Little Big Town performed “Why Me” at Cash Fest, a Johnny Cash celebration at Nashville’s Memorial Auditorium that raised money for MusiCares. Also appearing are Elle King, Morgan Wallen, Devin Dawson, Cam, Grace Potter and Midland, who cover “(Ghost) Riders In The Sky.”
- Today in 2019, Blake Shelton is named Country Artist of 2019 in the E! People’s Choice Awards at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Taylor Swift’s “Lover” took Album of 2019, and P!nk was named the People’s Champion for her activism.
- Today in 2020, Justin Moore, Craig Morgan and Kellie Pickler perform during Salute To Our Heroes, a virtual benefit for the Robert Irvine Foundation on the eve of Veteran’s Day.
- Today in 2021, Chris Stapleton won four trophies during the 55th annual CMA Awards, televised on ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. He takes Male Vocalist of the Year, earned Album for “Starting Over” and claimed Single and Song for the title track.
Federal and State Elections Recap
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
Here are the results from Iowa’s general election last night for federal and state level positions relevant to our listening area. Winners are denoted in bold.
Federal – US Senate
(R) Chuck Grassley – 678,738 (56.0%)
(D) Michael Franken – 531,589 (43.9%)
Federal – US Representative
(R) Mariannette Miller-Meeks – 160,441 (53.4%)
(D) Christina Bohannan – 140,403 (46.6%)
State – IA Governor/Lt. Governor
(R) Kim Reynolds and Adam Gregg – 706,299 (58.0%)
(D) Diedre DeJear and Eric Van Lancker – 481,399 (39.5%)
(L) Rick Stewart and Marco Battaglia – 28,887 (2.4%)
State – IA Secretary of State
(R) Paul D. Pate – 720,395 (60.0%)
(D) Joel Miller – 478,857 (39.9%)
State – IA Auditor of State
(D) Rob Sand – 598,617 (50.1%)
(R) Todd Halbur – 595,448 (49.8%)
Note: this race is currently too close to call with 97/99 counties reporting.
State – IA Treasurer of State
(R) Roby Smith – 612,466 (51.2%)
(D) Michael L. Fitzgerald – 581,995 (48.7%)
State – IA Secretary of Agriculture
(R) Mike Naig – 727,414 (61.1%)
(D) John Norwood – 462,057 (38.8%)
State – IA Attorney General
(R) Brenna Bird – 608,947 (50.8%)
(D) Tom Miller – 588,874 (49.1%)
State Senator District 19
(R) Ken Rozenboom – 18,115 (68.6%)
(D) Tyler Stewart – 8,282 (31.4%)
State Senator District 44
(R) Adrian Dickey – 15,311 (66.5%)
(D) Rich Taylor – 7,695 (33.4%)
State Representative District 37
(R) Barb Kniff McCulla – 10,590 (74.6%)
(D) Mike Overman – 3,590 (25.3%)
State Representative District 88
(R) Helena J. Hayes – 8,450 (73.7%)
(D) Lisa Ossian – 2,976 (25.9%)
Slavery rejected in some, not all, states where on ballot
Posted on by Sam Parsons
WASHINGTON (AP) — Voters in several states have approved ballot measures that will change their state constitutions to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crime. The measures curtail the use of prison labor in Alabama, Tennessee and Vermont. And in Oregon, “yes” on an anti-slavery ballot initiative was leading but was too early to call early Wednesday. In Louisiana, a former slave-holding state, voters rejected a ballot question asking whether they supported a constitutional amendment to prohibit the use of involuntary servitude in the criminal justice system. Anti-slavery advocates celebrated the results as a signal for what’s possible in the effort to end the slavery exception in the U.S. Constitution.
NM Students Receive ‘Attitude Adjustment’
Posted on by Sam Parsons
NEW SHARON – North Mahaska students had a visit first thing Monday morning from Desi Payne and came away with an attitude adjustment. Payne is a member of the John Maxwell Team and made a Youth Max Plus presentation in the auditorium.
Payne opened the day with seventh and eighth graders then visited with high school students later in the morning. The high-energy Payne brought humor, music and life lessons as part of a busy speaking itinerary. Monday’s appearance was made possible by Community 1st Credit Union. Payne resides in Ottumwa.
Payne, according to her website, describes herself as “The Attitude Adjuster.” Her message to the students at North Mahaska is that they are valuable, and their lives are valuable. She told them that many times their lives are driven by illusions. The illusion occurs when they compare themselves to others.
“You think others are better because they have different clothes than you, live in a better house, drive a better car,” said Payne. “All of these are just illusions.”
She opened the presentation with student Aydan Groom selecting four paper bags, one of them containing teacher Bonnie Dawley’s cell phone. One of them was thrown across the stage, another dropped in a pitcher of water, one set aside and Payne told Groom that magically he was holding the bag with the phone. However, when he opened it there was a block of wood.
Payne had actually placed the phone in an eraser.
She explained that it is the illusions of life that can change a person’s attitude. She said a number of ways that students’ attitudes are affected by other influences.
“What you think of yourself, changes you,” said Payne. “How I see me is how others see me. The way you see yourself will determine who you are.”
Payne asked the students if they knew what their talents and passions are. She explained that they needed to take control of those things that control them.
As Payne introduced a video of Nick Vujicic, a man who was born with no arms and no legs. She talked about CPR for your attitude. Another student came to the stage to select a box. Choices were red, blue and yellow. Students in the crowd yelled for the student to pick red or blue, but she chose yellow. The choice earned her a $10 bill. Payne went on to explain the dangers of allowing others to make your choice.
CPR in this lesson was Choice, Perspective and Respect. Vujicic told students via video that every person makes choices in how to handle situations. He said 4,300 students a year commit suicide. About 1,400 because of abusive homelife or bullying at school.
Both Payne and Vujicic talked about respect for oneself and others. Payne said for students to consider when they post a message on social media or write a note to someone, “Would I want that message sent to me?”
Junior-senior high principal Amber Goemaat introduced Payne and was pleased with how she met the students where they are in life.
“We appreciate Desi’s willingness to bring her talents and experiences to NM. She was able to connect with our students in a way that provided authentic reflections on life’s struggles as well as how our attitudes have such an impact on our day.”
Before wrapping up the presentation Payne asked students to write on a card the answers to three questions. 1. What is your biggest struggle in school? 2. What is your biggest struggle in life? 3. What will you remember most today that will help you?
Payne closed with telling the students that their altitude in life will be governed by their attitude. She then chose five students to come up and the entire student body performed “YMCA.” Leaving the presentation, Payne said she hoped their attitudes would be changed. Judging by the smiles and laughter as the students left the event, mission accomplished.
Local Election Results 2022: Contested Races Recap
Posted on by Sam Parsons
By Sam Parsons
The 2022 General Election took place yesterday, and all of the local elections have been decided. Below, you can find a recap of the local elections that were contested in Mahaska and surrounding counties. Winners are denoted in bold.
Mahaska County – County Auditor
Teri Cirbo-Rodgers – 5,417 (70.7%)
Valerie Lindenman – 2,241 (29.2%)
Wapello County – County Board of Supervisors At Large
Darren Batterson – 5,532 (30.4%)
Bryan Ziegler – 5,368 (29.5%)
Jerry L. Parker – 3,991 (22.0%)
Connie Hammersley-Wilson – 3,259 (17.9%)
Jasper County – County Board of Supervisors At Large
Brandon Talsma – 8,805 (34.0%)
Denny Carpenter – 6,873 (26.5%)
Bev Price – 5,626 (21.7%)
Pam Olson – 4,560 (17.6%)
Poweshiek County – County Board of Supervisors At Large
Jeff Tindle – 4,330 (37.1%)
Jason Roudabash – 4,079 (34.9%)
Paul Pohlson – 3,204 (27.4%)
Monroe County – County Board of Supervisors At Large
Sonny Schroeder – 2,239 (77.0%)
Deb Ballalatak – 655 (22.5%)
Iowa County – County Board of Supervisors At Large
Jonathan Degen – 4,701 (27.5%)
Chris Montross – 4,635 (27.1%)
Kevin Heitshusen – 4,333 (25.4%)
Kristie Wetjen – 3,307 (19.4%)
For a complete view of county-level election results (including uncontested races), click here.
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