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North Mahaska Inducts 9 Members into NHS in 2023

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW SHARON — North Mahaska’s annual induction ceremony for the National Honor Society was held on March 16, in North Mahaska Auditorium. A total of nine students, a mixture of juniors and seniors, were inducted this year into the school’s chapter. They include Ben Bunn, Carson Doak, Cole German, Lucy Gipple, Katie Fogle, Andy Knockel, Jalayna Shipley, Clay Thompson, and Brock Walkup. They join the current members Dinah DeBoef, Trace Goemaat, Lane Harmon, Ben Johannes, and Peter Stout. 

NM NHS is under the advisement of Ms. Rachel Martin and Mrs. Kate Hite. Following the candlelight induction ceremony, a time of fellowship was held in the cafeteria. We wish to thank Mrs. Deanna Lee’s Culinary class for providing the dessert. 

To be eligible for membership consideration, students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 Additionally, candidates must meet high standards of service, leadership, and character. Leadership is based on the student’s participation in community and school activities. To meet the service requirement, the student must have been active in service projects in the school and community. Character is measured in terms of integrity, behavior, ethics, and cooperation with both students and faculty. Students are then reviewed by a faculty council before acceptance is given.

As members of NHS, these students will now engage in a number of individual and chapter service projects. This includes hosting their annual blood drive; this year it will be the afternoon of Thursday, March 23 in the North Mahaska High School Gym. If the community knows of any additional service projects, please reach out to us to find out how we can help.

NHS is the nation’s oldest and best-known student recognition program and was founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Pella City Council Moves Forward with Indoor Rec Center Design

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Pella City Council met this week and discussed the schematic design of the proposed Indoor Recreation Center. The meeting began with several citizens of Pella speaking out against moving forward with the recreation center with many of them citing financial uncertainty, and councilmember Lynn Brandenhorst requested to table action on the project. However, the council did approve the design in its proposed form, which currently entails a 78,000 square foot facility. The cost of the design development phase is expected to be around $550,000 while the total estimated cost of the facility is just over $43 million.

City administrator Mike Nardini said that it’s the largest chunk of the city’s long-term facilities plan, which has projects currently totaling about $58 million. Between private pledges and city funding, Nardini said that over $35 million has already been raised, but that still leaves about $23.3 million still to be funded. With the council approving the design of the rec center, Nardini said that Shive Hattery expects the design phase to take about 3 months to complete.

The council also set the date for the public hearing on their Maximum Property Tax Dollars for the upcoming fiscal year. The date was set for April 4. Nardini said that the city has one of the lowest property tax rates in the state and it’s been the same for 21 years. The council directed city staff to proceed with the same maximum levy as last year.

The next Pella city council meeting will be held on April 4.

Dolly Parton Announces New Book: “Behind The Seams – My Life In Rhinestones”

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Dolly Parton announced yesterday that she has a new book coming out this fall – all about her lifelong passion for style and fashion. Titled “Behind The Seams – My Life In Rhinestones,” the book will detail the many fashions and looks the icon has had in her 50+ years in the entertainment industry. It offers a look at Parton’s private costume archive, with photographs highlighting many of her most iconic looks, beginning with the 1960s and chronicling her style through present-day. The book spotlights her famous wigs, towering heels and sparkly stage clothes – including the bunny suit she wore on the cover of “Playboy,” outfits worn at the legendary Studio 54, and costumes from many of her film and television roles.

And it wouldn’t be true Dolly without plenty of stories and humor, as she also discusses fashion that had an impact on her childhood and career, such as the clothes her mother would sew out of feed sacks (including her famous “Coat of Many Colors”). The book comes out October 17.

Source: Billboard

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1926, country instrumentalist great “Mother” Maybelle Addington joined the Carter Family when she married Ezra Carter.
  • Today in 1956, Singer/songwriter Harley Allen was born in Dayton, Ohio. He wrote Alan Jackson’s “Between The Devil And Me,” Darryl Worley’s “Awful, Beautiful Life” and Blake Shelton’s “The Baby.”
  • Today in 1961, Elvis Presley recorded “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Meanwhile, his single “Wooden Heart” began a six-week run at number one on the UK pop singles chart.
  • Today in 1961, the single, “Wooden Heart,” by Elvis Presley peaked at #1 on the U.K. pop singles chart and stayed there for six weeks.
  • Today in 1969, Elvis Presley recorded “Suspicious Minds” at the American Studios in Memphis.
  • Today in 1987, Reba McEntire received her first gold album for “Whoever’s In New England.”
  • Today in 1988, the album, “Quarter Moon In A Ten Cent Town,” by Emmylou Harris was certified gold.
  • Today in 1990, Clint Black collected his first platinum album for “Killin’ Time”
  • Today in 1993, Dwight Yoakam’s “This Time” album was released.
  • Today in 1998, at the Academy Awards ceremony, Trisha Yearwood sang her version of, “How Do I Live,” her hit song from the movie “Con Air.” The song, written by Diane Warren, was beaten out for the Oscar by Celine Dion’s “Titanic” hit, “My Heart Will Go On.” In fact, “Titanic” swept the awards, winning a slew of trophies including Best Picture.
  • Today in 1999, Jessica Andrews made her acting debut, playing herself on the daytime drama, Another World. The same day, her debut album, “Heart-Shaped World,” arrived in stores.
  • Today in 1999, Patty Loveless’ greatest hits collection, “Classics,” was released.
  • Today in 2000, Garth Brooks performed at the New Millennium Ball. The event was a benefit for the UCLA School of Medicine and was the largest fundraising event for the School of Medicine that year. Garth was joined by comedian and host of “Politically Incorrect,” Bill Maher as well as Brad At the time, it was said that one of the reasons behind Garth performing for the School was his late mother, Colleen. She received cancer treatment at the famed facility.
  • Today in 2002, A memorial service for the late Waylon Jennings was held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
  • Today in 2004, Alabama received the USO’s Merit Award at the organization’s annual event in Washington, DC. The group was honored for its support of the members of the military.
  • Today in 2004, Tim McGraw participated in a benefit dinner supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin/Williamson County in Franklin, Tennessee.
  • Today in 2004, Mary Chapin Carpenter released the album “Between Here and Gone.”
  • Today in 2004, Kenny Chesney’s single “When the Sun Goes Down” hit number one on “Radio & Records'” Country Top 50 chart.
  • Today in 2005, Big & Rich’s Big Kenny Alphin married wardrobe stylist Christiev Carothers on a mountaintop in Deadwood, South Dakota. They met during Gretchen Wilson’s video shoot for “Redneck Woman.”
  • Today in 2005, Kenny Chesney launched his Somewhere in the Sun Tour with the first of two shows in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The start of the road trip had been delayed two weeks because Chesney injured his ankle shortly before the original kick-off date, and needed the time to recover.
  • Today in 2005, Rascal Flatts was honored at a party in Nashville celebrating the group’s sales accomplishment. Total sales of the trio’s three albums had topped the six-million-mark.
  • Today in 2005, Miranda Lambert’s debut disc “Kerosene” debuted on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart at number one. The only other artists to have their first CDs enter the chart at the top spot are Wynonna, Billy Ray Cyrus, LeAnn Rimes, Buddy Jewell, and Gretchen Wilson.
  • Today in 2006, Kenny Chesney launched his The Road & The Radio tour with a concert in Dayton, Ohio. Dierks Bentley and Sugarland were also on the bill for the shows.
  • Today in 2006, Johnny Cash’s video “The Man, His World, His Music” and Joe Nichols’ album “III” were certified Gold.
  • Today in 2007, George Strait launched his 25th annual George Strait Team Roping Classic in San Antonio, Texas.
  • Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood claimed four victories at the top of the list as the CMT.com Loaded Awards winners were announced.
  • Today in 2008, Carrie Underwood picked up four nods to lead all artists as the nominees were announced for the second annual CMT Online awards.
  • Today in 2009, Darius Rucker has his second consecutive chart-topping country hit with “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” which hit number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
  • Today in 2009, Jamey Johnson and Shooter Jennings’ episode of “CMT Crossroads” had its premiere.
  • Today in 2009, Dolly Parton’s “Backwoods Barbie” Collector’s Edition was released.
  • Today in 2010, new releases included Mindy McCready’s comeback album, “I’m Still Here.”
  • Today in 2011, Alan Jackson announced that he was developing his own imprint, ACR (Alan’s Country Records), with Capitol Records Nashville.
  • Today in 2011, Martina McBride sang the national anthem at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field. Joe Nichols and Hank Williams Jr. perform at halftime in the AFC Championship Game.
  • Today in 2011, Taylor Swift performed “Mine,” “Fifteen” and “Love Story” during an intimate concert at London’s Abbey Road Studio for an audience that includes Amy Winehouse.
  • Today in 2013, Brantley Gilbert and Chris Young made guest appearances on ABC-TV’s “Nashville,” as they showed up at a music-business party.
  • Today in 2013, Lady Antebellum hosted their inaugural “Ping Pong & Song” fundraiser in Nashville. The event supported their LadyAID charity.
  • Today in 2013, Reba McEntire marked her eighth consecutive year hosting the annual Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix, Arizona, supporting the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and other charities.
  • Today in 2016, twelve days before the 51st annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Chris Stapleton was named New Male Vocalist of the Year, Kelsea Ballerini claimed New Female, and Old Dominion took New Vocal Duo or Group.
  • Today in 2017, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s “Speak To A Girl” hit the airwaves.

Superbug fungus cases rose dramatically during pandemic

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. cases of a dangerous fungus tripled over just three years, and more than half of states have now reported it, according to a new study.

The COVID-19 pandemic likely drove part of the increase, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wrote in the paper published Monday by Annals of Internal Medicine. Hospital workers were strained by coronavirus patients, and that likely shifted their focus away from disinfecting some other kinds of germs, they said.

The fungus, Candida auris, is a form of yeast that is usually not harmful to healthy people but can be a deadly risk to fragile hospital and nursing home patients. It spreads easily and can infect wounds, ears and the bloodstream. Some strains are so-called superbugs that are resistant to all three classes of antibiotic drugs used to treat fungal infections.

It was first identified in Japan in 2009 and has been seen in more and more countries. The first U.S. case occurred in 2013, but it was not reported until 2016. That year, U.S. health officials reported 53 cases.

The new study found cases have continued to shoot up, rising to 476 in 2019, to 756 in 2020, and then to 1,471 in 2021. Doctors have also detected the fungus on the skin of thousands of other patients, making them a transmission risk to others.

Many of the first U.S. cases were infections that had been imported from abroad, but now most infections are spread within the U.S., the authors noted.

DOT, AAA team up on traffic safety

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Dar Danielson (Radio Iowa)

The Iowa Department of Transportation and Triple-A Iowa are working together to highlight the need for drivers to improve their habits to cut traffic fatalities. The DOT’s Andrea Henry says part of the effort is their “What Drives You?” campaign.

“What drives them to get home safely every night. So whether that be their loved ones waiting at home, their pets, hobbies, or anything else that they’re really anxious to get home to,” Henry says. She says the campaign focuses on some key habits.

“Buckling up, slowing down and making sure that you’re driving chill, which means that you’re not speeding or driving aggressively,” she says, “making sure that you’re sober when you get behind the wheel, and always paying attention and focusing on the task of driving.” Triple-A has focused on the “Slow Down, Move Over” laws in Iowa and across the country. Henry says that the law is also something the DOT wants to remind drivers about.

“Which means that if you see any vehicle, whether that’s an emergency vehicle, or just a motorist who is stranded on the side of the road with flashing lights, you should move over if you can, if it’s safe to do so,” Henry says. If you cannot move over, then you should slow down to a safe speed to allow you to get around those vehicles safely.” Triple-A says nearly 350 people are struck and killed nationwide outside a disabled vehicle each year, and roughly one quarter of motorists don’t know that Slow Down, Move Over laws exist in their state. Henry says the big drop in traffic on the roadways during the pandemic led to some bad driving habits that still remain.

“People did get into some bad habits during that pandemic when there might have been fewer people on the road and there was that perceived bubble of safety. We saw speeds increase quite a bit over the pandemic so now people are just getting used to what normal driving is like,” Henry says. She says if you have bad habits and get into an accident, then you may never get to your destination and see the people you want to see. Speeding is a good example of that.

“Studies have shown that honestly, even just a few miles an hour over (the speed limit) only gets you there maybe a couple of seconds up to a minute or two faster. But then the risk is infinitely more than that. And yeah, if you don’t make it to your destination it there’s no point really in speeding,” Henry says. The “What Drives You?” campaign is currently running on social media, TV and radio.

Ottumwa City Council Approves Fiber Network Project with MCG

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Ottumwa City Council met last night and approved an agreement between the city and MCG for the installation of a Fiber Optic Network in both residential and commercial areas of the city. Under the agreement, MCG would begin work on fiber optic network installation across the city in the spring of this year and it’s estimated that it will take about 3 years to build out the entire city. The agreement was approved unanimously.

The council also held a public hearing on their Maximum Property Tax Dollars for the upcoming fiscal year. The city had previously approved their maximum levy in February, but due to changes in state legislation, city administrator Philip Rath said that the city’s assessed valuation dropped by $17 million, so adjustments had to be made; the rate had previously been set at $17.11 per $1,000; it would increase by about 23 cents with the adjustment. 

And the council heard from the Ottumwa Historic Preservation Commission for their certified local government annual report. Commission chair Dennis Wilhoit said that much of last year was focused on finding financial support to draft a new historic preservation plan for the city, as the previous plan had been drafted in the 1990s. He said that process remains ongoing but that after gathering more community feedback, the commission hopes to present the completed plan to the city.

The next regular council meeting for the city of Ottumwa is scheduled for April 4.

Oskaloosa, Ottumwa Among Nearly 2 Dozen School Districts to Receive Swatting Calls

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — Yesterday, about two dozen school districts across Iowa – including the Oskaloosa and Ottumwa school districts – received “swatting calls” that referend an alleged active shooter scenario. According to Department of Public Safety officials, the first swatting call originated in Clinton County at approximately 8:00 a.m., and the last call was received at 10:30 a.m. in Creston. Officials estimate that approximately 30 calls were received by local law enforcement agencies.

A “swatting call” refers to a false claim intended to trigger an immediate and widespread law enforcement deployment or emergency service response to a specific location. Hoax reports such as the ones experienced yesterday commonly consist of claims of serious violent attacks, such as a bomb threat, active shooter, and/or a hostage situation.

Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan K. Bayens said these false reports are a tactic intended to illicit a large-scale law enforcement response. “The design of it is to create confusion and chaos. It’s designed to draw a large law enforcement presence to a school even though there is no active threat. And by all accounts and for all intents and purposes, it appears thus far that is what Iowa experienced today.”

Bayens said yesterday’s swatting calls impacted the following communities:

•    Cedar Rapids
•    North Liberty
•    Iowa City (multiple schools)
•    Clinton
•    Davenport
•    Muscatine
•    Cerro Gordo County
•    Story County
•    Lee County (multiple schools)
•    Waterloo
•    Boone
•    Mason City
•    Charles City
•    Clear Lake
•    Creston
•    Des Moines
•    Oskaloosa
•    Marshalltown
•    Monona
•    Nevada
•    North Liberty
•    Ottumwa
•    Decorah

Immediately after receiving these calls, local law enforcement and school officials reported all relevant information to the Department’s Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, which then re-disseminated the information to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state. Bayens said this proactive information sharing allows schools and law enforcement to better determine their response protocols should one of their schools receive a similar call. “By reporting these calls to us, we can quickly inform our school and law enforcement partners, which in this case may have impacted the nature of their response and stemmed the flow of more calls to other communities,” Bayens said.

The Department is continuing to work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate and identify the caller. Bayens said the initial information leads investigators to believe the calls are similar in nature and likely originated from a single source.

State school safety officials and Governor Kim Reynolds were able to quickly inform the public about the swatting calls as part of a scheduled press conference and launch of a new school safety app called Safe+Sound Iowa. The app was made available to all public school districts and accredited non-public schools yesterday. Parents, students, and community members can anonymously report any tips to law enforcement through dps.iowa.gov/SafeandSoundIowa, downloading the free Safe+Sound Iowa app, or by calling 800-224-6018.

Author Miranda Lambert Embarks On Her Book Tour

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Miranda Lambert is a woman of many talents: singer/songwriter/author. It’s Miranda Lambert the author who is heading out on her very first book-signing tour next month to promote her cookbook, “Y’all Eat Yet? Welcome To The B*tchin’ Kitchen”.

The mini tour kicks off at Barnes & Noble in New York City April 25; B&N in Los Angeles April 28; then to her own Pink Pistol in Lindale, Texas on May 9.

Can’t wait to get your copy? It came out yesterday in all formats at book sellers everywhere.

Source: Miranda Lambert/Instagram

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1956, Carl Perkins got into a car accident, breaking his collarbone.
  • Today in 1958, 8-year-old Hank Williams Jr. made his stage debut in Swainsboro, Georgia. His father, the late country singer Hank Williams, passed away New Year’s Day 1953.
  • Today in 1971, at the Academy of Country & Western Music Awards, Merle Haggard won Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year, and his band Strangers won Top Touring Band.
  • Today in 1977, John Denver’s TV special, “Thank God, I’m a Country Boy,” aired on ABC-TV.
  • Today in 1979, Kenny Rogers performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City with Oak Ridge Boys and Dottie West as his opening acts.
  • Today in 1984, Kathy Mattea released her self-titled debut album.
  • Today in 1988, the album, “80’s Ladies,” by K.T. Oslin was certified gold.
  • Today in 1988, Restless Heart’s album, “Wheels,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1991, Garth Brooks topped the “Radio & Records” chart for the second straight week with “Two Of A Kind, Workin On A Full House.”
  • Today in 1995, the “Buenos Noches From A Lonely Room” album by Dwight Yoakam was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1996, Clay Walker’s “Hypnotize The Moon” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1999, the album, “Come On Over,” by Shania Twain was certified for sales of 9-million.
  • Today in 1999, Diamond Rio’s album, “Unbelievable,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1999, Sheryl Crow played the Grand Ole Opry to an audience that included Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Deana Carter, and the Dixie Chicks.
  • Today in 2000, Reba McEntire’s “Video Bio” premiered on CMT.
  • Today in 2001, after months of speculation, Shania Twain and her music producer/husband Robert John “Mutt” Lange confirmed that they were expecting their first child. The happy couple welcomed their son, Eja (pronounced “Asia”) Lange, on August 12th. Here’s the best part – Shania and Mutt were able to keep the news private until August 20th.
  • Today in 2003, The Dixie Chicks hit the top of the Billboard country chart with “Travelin’ Soldier.”
  • Today in 2007, Jason Aldean’s “Johnny Cash” video debuted on CMT.
  • Today in 2013, the album, “Here’s To the Good Times,” by Florida Georgia Line went gold.
  • Today in 2015, Dwight Yoakam served as the honorary starter for NASCAR’s Auto Club 400 at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.
  • Today in 2015, Dierks Bentley, Amy Grant and several stars from “Nashville”—Connie Britton, Charles Esten and Lennon and Maisy Stella – played a benefit for the African Children’s Choir at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville.
  • Today in 2017, Willie Nelson’s publicist told the Associated Press that a story claiming that he was “deathly ill” was without merit, pointing out that he was well enough just days after the initial report to perform at RodeoHouston.

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