OSKALOOSA — The OHS Storybook Players celebrated 40 years as a traveling theatre group on Saturday with two phenomenal performances at George Daily Auditorium. Forty-three Storybook Players took to the stage to perform Rumpelstiltskin, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Hansel and Gretel, and Sherklock Holmes: The Case of the Stolen Shoes.
First created in 1983 by Randy Wright, Storybook is largely unchanged by time and steeped in tradition. Sixteen of the original 80’s scripts are still in rotation today, in addition to several scripts from the 90’s. Each performance always starts with the Name Game and ends with the Final Song. The most notable change in the program’s history is the creation of the senior show. Beginning in the 29th season (2011-2012) seniors started writing, casting, and directing their own play. This year’s senior show, Sherklock Holmes (pictured) blends Shrek inspired characters with the well known detective, Sherlock Holmes.
PELLA — Central College senior, Grace Teig, Class of 2023, from Story City, Iowa, will present her work during the Senior Art Major Exhibition through Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Mills Gallery in the Lubbers Center for Visual Arts on Central’s campus. The Mills Gallery is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
An artist’s reception will be 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, in the Mills Gallery.
Teig’s exhibit is entitled “Diagnosis: Disrupted,” featuring mixed media sculptures and collages. In her artist’s statement, Teig explains the challenges in her life that influenced her art. She writes:
“Every. Day. Sucks. I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), so my body does not have enough normal collagen in its tissues. This creates various difficulties, but the main issue is my tendons and ligaments act like rubber bands when they are supposed to act more like springs to stabilize my joints and keep my muscles attached to my bones. Because of this I describe my body as ‘janky.’ Sometimes it feels like I am falling apart. Each day, my body can be uncomfortable, sore, numb, stiff, irritated, pained, creaky, floppy or crunchy. I often feel broken, dislodged or restricted. Overall, it creates chaos in my body and can completely disrupt my day-to-day life. My work visually personifies the hidden symptoms or ailments stemming from bodily disorders that I and some of my friends live with daily.”
With her 10-year career anniversary coming up, Maren Morris gave an emotional performance on Friday at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to end her “Humble Quest Tour.” She started her set by telling the crowd, “I cry at simple things, so this will be overwhelming.”
She was joined onstage by some other big musical stars, including Hozier, Tony Award-winner Kristin Chenoweth, and most of her fellow members of The Highwaywomen: Natalie Hemby and Amanda Shires plus Brittney Spencer and Sheryl Crow.
Today in 1967, Gary Herzberg was born in Montebello, California. Under the stage name Gary Allan; the scratchy-voiced singer debuted in 1996, with hits like “Smoke Rings In The Dark,” “Watching Airplanes,” and “Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain).”
Today in 1978, The Charlie Daniels Band recorded “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” in Nashville.
Today in 1987, Ricky Van Shelton made his first appearance at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with, “Somebody Lied.”
Today in 1992, George Strait topped the Billboard chart with “I Cross My Heart,” from the “Pure Country” soundtrack.
Today in 1993, Jeff Hanna, of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, married singer/songwriter Matraca Berg.
Today in 2000, the soundtrack to “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” was released.
Today in 2010, Merle Haggard, Oprah Winfrey, and Paul McCartney were recognized during the 33rd annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C.
Today in 2012, Hunter Hayes received three Grammy nominations, including one for Best New Artist, tying him with Taylor Swift for the most among country acts.
Today in 2013, Carrie Underwood took the role of Maria Von Trapp as NBC aired a three-hour live production of “The Sound Of Music.”
Today in 2014, Eric Church and Miranda Lambert received four nominations apiece to lead the country contingent as finalists were announced for the 57th annual GRAMMY awards.
Today in 2016, Craig Campbell is part of a USO tour that gets underway at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, joined by actors Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans and NBA athlete Ray Allen.
Today in 2018, Thomas Rhett shot an appearance on the PBS show, “Sesame Street” in New York.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says Democrats should give up “restrictive” caucuses and move to champion diversity in the order of their presidential primary calendar. His recommendation deals a major blow to Iowa’s decadeslong status as the state that leads off the process. In a letter to the rule-making arm of the Democratic National Committee, Biden does not mention specific states he’d like to see go first. But he’s told Democrats he would like to see South Carolina moved to the front of the calendar, according to three people familiar with his recommendation who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. He recommends that Michigan and Georgia move into the first five states.
DES MOINES – Secretary of State Paul Pate announced the Iowa State Board of Canvassers officially certified the results of the 2022 general election on Thursday. Election turnout was the second highest in state history for a midterm election, with 1,230,416 voters casting ballots.
“I’m very proud of Iowans for stepping up in high numbers once again,” Secretary Pate said. “My thanks to our county election officials and 10,000 poll workers across the state. We could not do this without them. They’re on the frontline of our elections and step up to do a great service for our state and nation.”
There are two Iowa House races still conducting recounts and a third county needs to complete their recount canvass, so a special canvass for those three races, in House Districts 59, 73, and 81, will be held after the recounts are completed.
Below are some statistics from Iowa’s 2022 general election:
55% of all registered voters participated in election. 65% of active registered voters participated. Iowa had 1,880,415 active registered voters on November 8.
The last time Iowa’s entire congressional delegation was represented by one political party was 1955, when all eight congressional districts and both U.S. Senators were Republicans. We have that again now with all four congressional districts and both U.S. Senators being Republicans.
859,835 voters cast their ballots on Election Day. 370,581 voters cast absentee ballots.
Winneshiek County had the top turnout in the state with 64% of all registered voters casting ballots.
DES MOINES — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced a total of nearly $20 million in investments to advance homeownership opportunities for more than 90 families through the development and rehabilitation of single-family homes and down payment assistance initiatives in dozens of Iowa communities. The grants were awarded to 16 organizations, including 12 Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the state to assist in meeting local housing needs.
Habitat for Humanity of Marion County was among the organizations to receive funding. They will receive $1,540,356 for a total of 6 homes.
“We know that homeownership is the leading driver of wealth creation,” said Gov. Reynolds. “The investments announced today will not only assist many Iowan families in opening the door to homeownership, upward economic mobility and the ability to live in the communities where they work.”
“The awards made to Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the state will fuel a historic and transformational investment into sustainable homeownership opportunities for Iowans,” said Lisa Houser, Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity of Iowa. “Habitat for Humanity of Iowa commends Gov. Reynolds’ commitment and leadership in advancing housing opportunities for Iowans.”
Examples of projects awarded funds include:
The construction of 69 single-family homes by Habitat for Humanity affiliates to be sold to income eligible families in communities throughout the state.
The development of six 3-D printed homes for first-time homebuyers in Muscatine with a specific focus on qualified first-time homebuyer teachers.
The program had $20 million available for awards and received 24 applications requesting more than $30 million in funding.
The Iowa HOME Grant Program was created as a part of Gov. Reynolds’ $100 million investment to increase the supply of housing options and protect and expand housing opportunities for Iowans to live in or near the communities where they work. The funds are made available through Federal American Rescue Act State and Local Fiscal Relief Funds.
One of Oskaloosa’s most beloved holiday traditions makes its return tomorrow night.
The 35th annual Lighted Christmas Parade is happening at 7pm in downtown Oskaloosa. This year’s theme is Christmas Canvas, and Oskaloosa Main Street Director Amy Brainard says that even now, in its 35th year, the parade is still growing.
“We have over 60 entries,” Brainard says. “All of our entries will be lighted, and a dozen of those are actually new. They’ve never been in the parade before. So it’s really exciting to see the parade growing.” In addition to the parade itself, Oskaloosa and surrounding communities have plenty of other festivities lined up, so Brainard says that whether you’re a newcomer to the parade or if you’ve been enjoying it for years, she recommends making an entire day out of it.
“We will have different stores that will be open,” she says. “Some will be doing specials, some will be doing treats and goodies, just different things within our local retailers. So, just lots of things for everybody to do, see, experience, and enjoy their time in downtown Oskaloosa and the communities surrounding.” She also had some advice to share with a chilly weekend ahead and streets that will be full of parade-goers.
“The biggest thing we’re saying is to bundle up. It’s going to be cold, but it’s going to be a great one. We’ve definitely had parades where it’s been colder, so we’re pretty fortunate that it’s not going to be crazy cold. But bundle up, head down to the parade route. Parking is always kind of a tricky situation, so we recommend finding a side street and just parking on that.”
The parade is scheduled for tomorrow night at 7pm in downtown Oskaloosa. The festivities tomorrow include the Holiday Tour of Homes, horse-drawn carriage rides, specials offered at local retail stores, hot cocoa, photo ops, and more. Brainard recommends parking on a side street away from the parade route, which can be found on the Mahaska Chamber website.
Our full conversation with Brainard can be listened to below.
Clay Walker kept it to himself, but he says he recently spent six months unable to feel his body below his armpits because of multiple sclerosis. The singer was diagnosed more than 25 years ago, and he says it was scary when his doctor said “he couldn’t guarantee anything” after the third month with no feeling.
His doctor changed his treatment, and he’s had no major flare-ups since then, and he says his wife is how he makes it. “My wife, no way would I have made it without her. She is perfect in every way, and she really is the greatest mom.”
Today in 1957, “Jailhouse Rock” gave Elvis Presley a #1 country single in Billboard magazine.
Today in 1989, Randy Travis went to #1 on the Billboard country chart with “It’s Just A Matter Of Time.”
Today in 1998, Garth Brooks helped first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton light the Christmas tree at New York’s Rockefeller Center. Along with Jewel, Babyface and Cyndi Lauper, he did the honors on NBC-TV’s “Christmas In Rockefeller Center.”
Today in 2002, Kenny Chesney’s album “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” was served with a double-platinum certification.
Today in 2004, Marty Stuart and Connie Smith provided music for the lighting of the national Christmas tree in Washington, D.C. Willard Scott served as Santa Claus for the event, attended by president George W. Bush.
Today in 2005, Robert Earl Keen’s “Merry Christmas From The Family” ranked at #1 in the holiday special “CMT 20 Merriest Christmas Videos.”
Today in 2009, Taylor Swift picked up eight nominations for the 52nd annual GRAMMY Awards. Her haul included Record and Song of the Year, for “You Belong With Me”; and Album of the Year, for “Fearless.”
Today in 2010, Lady A scored six nominations for “Need You Now” for the 53rd annual GRAMMY awards, including Record, Song and Album of the Year, plus Best Country Song, Country Album and Country Performance by a Duo or Group.
Today in 2011, Rodney Atkins joined president Barack Obama, Carson Daly and Kermit The Frog for the lighting of the national Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., singing “Winter Wonderland” with the entire cast at the end of the event on the White House grounds.
Today in 2011, Miranda Lambert’s album, “Four The Record,” was certified gold by the RIAA.
Today in 2012, Shania Twain began a two-year, 120-show residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Included on her set list? “You’re Still The One” to a horse, and does “Up!,” “Any Man Of Mine,” “That Don’t Impress Me Much” and “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!”
Today in 2014, Little Big Town’s single, “Girl Crush,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2014, Carrie Underwood performed “Something In The Water” during a World AIDS Day concert in New York’s Times Square, also featuring U2, Bruce Springsteen, Chris Martin and Kanye West.
Today in 2016, Kelly Clarkson performed “Please Come Home For Christmas” during the lighting of the national Christmas tree at the White House in Washington, D.C. With President Barack Obama attending, the event includes Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, James Taylor and The Lumineers, who cover “Blue Christmas.”
Today in 2017, Jason Aldean and his wife, Brittany, welcomed their son, Memphis Aldean Williams.
Today in 2017, the Zac Brown Band raised $1.7-million with the second annual Evening To Remember, a benefit concert in Atlanta for Camp Southern Ground.
Today in 2017, Chris Stapleton’s album, “From A Room: Volume 2,” was released.
Today in 2018, Dan + Shay hit #1 on the Billboard Country Singles chart with “Speechless.”
Today in 2018, Vince Gill and “Forever And Ever, Amen” songwriter Don Schlitz performed at Charlie Worsham’s third annual Follow Your Heart benefit, raising $50-thousand for a scholarship fund in Grenada, Mississippi.
Today in 2018, Marie Osmond, Donny Osmond, The Beach Boys and Clare Dunn were among the guests as the CW airs “The Hollywood Christmas Parade.”
Today in 2019, Toby Keith joined former Oklahoma Sooners football coach Bob Stoops and Santa Claus to deliver gifts to children suffering from cancer.
Today in 2020, Tenille Townes performed a Giving Tuesday benefit for two charities at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works.
