TAG SEARCH RESULTS FOR: ""

Iowa Democrats approve mail-in system for 2024 Caucuses

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Iowa Democratic Party leaders have unanimously approved a plan to hold Caucuses on the same night as Iowa Republicans, but have Iowa Democrats use a mail in card to express their presidential preference.

The plan is being presented to the Democratic National Committee, which has already already voted to deny Iowa Democrats the first go at voting in the 2024 presidential campaign. Iowa Democratic Party chair Rita Hart says the new schedule of early voting states is still in flux, however, and the mail-in plan offers new flexibility.

Iowa GOP chairman Jeff Kaufmann says the mail-in idea is “a charade” and will do nothing to ensure both parties retain first-in-the-nation status for their Caucuses. Republican Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a law that makes it illegal to use a mail-in system for the presidential delegate selection that starts with the Caucuses, but Iowa Democratic Party chair Hart says Democrats are “united in conducting the most inclusive Caucuses in history” with mail-in participation.

Helping Hands Quilt Group Donates Quilts to Patients at Mahaska Health

OSKALOOSA — The Helping Hands Quilt Group in Oskaloosa recently donated many beautiful handmade quilts to Mahaska Health. The quilts will be gifted to patients of the Serenity Hospice House, Cancer Care & Infusion Center, Emergency Services, and Inpatient Care.

“We are so grateful for the generous donation of quilts from the Helping Hands Quilt Group,” shared Sally Blake, RN, Cancer Care & Infusion Center, Mahaska Health. “Our patients are delighted to receive a quilt from Helping Hands! We know it brings them much comfort when they need it most.”

The Helping Hands Quilt Group is a group who work together once a month to sew quilts for local charities. They have been donating quilts to Mahaska Health for over 10 years.

“We enjoy knowing that each patient starting cancer treatment at Mahaska Health has their own quilt to take home,” shared Linda Binns, President of the Helping Hands Quilt Group. “It is our way of showing them that we care and that they are not alone.”

Mahaska Health is so grateful for all that Helping Hands Quilters do for our community.

Man Dies in Fishing Accident at Rock Creek State Park

KELLOGG – An overnight fishing accident on Sunday resulted in the death of a man at Rock Creek State Park, according to local authorities.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office reports that at 12:06am on Sunday, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 call in which someone reported hearing a male subject yelling for help near the west side boat ramp of Rock Creek State Park in Jasper County.

An Iowa DNR officer arrived on scene and found an unresponsive male patient. The officer then requested medical assistance, to which Kellogg Fire/EMS, Newton Fire/EMS, the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist. Mercy One Helicopter was also requested and landed at the scene.

Unfortunately, medical intervention was unsuccessful and the subject was pronounced dead at the scene. The subject was identified as Larry D. Conner, age 76, of Marshalltown.

Authorities say that the initial investigation indicates that the two subjects were fishing together when one of the subjects fell off the dock and into the water. The second subject called for help and was able to get the first subject out of the water. 

The investigation remains active with the Jasper County Medical Examiner and the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner assisting. No other information has been released at this time.

Blocks to Neighborhoods Program to Fund Neighborhood Exterior Property Upgrades for Second Year

OTTUMWA — The City of Ottumwa is continuing an exterior home improvement incentive program for the second year. The Blocks to Neighborhoods program will reimburse property owners up to $2,500 for exterior property upgrades. In addition, the program hopes to strengthen neighborhoods by bringing at least three neighbors together to complete the improvement projects.

“This program is about making a difference block-by-block,” said Community Development Director Zach Simonson. “Projects on a neighborhood scale create a transformative change. We expect to see a magnified impact beyond what we would get from a project on just one property.”

Applications will be reviewed through a competitive grant process, with weight given to the location of properties, number of neighbors participating, and overall impact of exterior upgrades. If selected, residents will receive a 2-to-1 reimbursement for approved exterior upgrades to their property. Reimbursement will be provided to property owners after completing their project.

The Legacy Foundation has awarded $40,000 to the City to support the program, increasing their initial budget from $60,000 to $100,000 over two years. “We are excited to provide continued support to the Blocks to Neighborhoods program, which offers a remarkable opportunity for homeowners to enhance their properties. For every $1 invested by homeowners, the program will provide an additional $2,” stated Kelly Genners, President of the Legacy Foundation.

Applications for the program will be accepted by the City of Ottumwa from June 2 – June 30. Approved projects will be notified by July 13, 2023.

KENNY CHESNEY TAKES KELSEA BALLERINI ON VACA TO CELEBRATE END OF A SUCCESSFUL TOUR

He works hard, he plays hard. Kenny Chesney just wrapped his hugely successful “I Go Back” tour with two dates last weekend in Alabama. Once the fans filed out and the lights came up, Kenny let the road crew pack things up as he packed his bags – and headed for a well-earned vacation in the Caribbean.

The superstar – in a show of friendship and gratitude towards his tour opener – took Kelsea Ballerini along with him for the much needed few days off. And accompanying them both was Kelsea’s boyfriend, “Outer Banks” actor Chase Stokes. “Tour mates turned family. Thanks to everyone that gave so much to the #IGOBACKTOUR. Kenny loves Tekelsea,” Kenny wrote on Instagram (“Tekelsea” is his nickname for Kelsea – springing from the many shots of tequila the two shared on while on tour).

Kelsea also jumped on Instagram during the trip. “spent the last few months touring with my hero turned brother @kennychesney. My heart is so full from a beautiful collection of new memories. Thank you to everyone who made it so dang special”

Source: CountryNow

This day in Country Music History

  • Today in 1953, Elvis Presley graduated from L.C. Humes High School in Memphis.
  • Today in 1986, Randy Travis’ “Storms Of Life” album was released.
  • Today in 1992, Hal Ketchum’s Past “The Point Of Rescue” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1992, Martina McBride began her first major concert tour, opening for Garth Brooks in Denver, Colorado.
  • Today in 1993, Pam Tillis’ “Homeward Looking Angel” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1995, Wade Hayes’ “Still Dancin’ With You” was the #1 single.
  • Today in 1998, Brooks & Dunn’s “If You See Her” album was released. On the same day, Reba McEntire’s released her album “If You See Him.”
  • Today in 1998, Diamond Rio’s Jimmy Olander, a skydiving veteran who had jumped more than 200 times, had his picture taken at 9,500 feet, with the Space Shuttle Discovery streaking skyward in the background over Cape Canaveral.
  • Today in 1999, Shania Twain’s “Come On Over” album was certified for sales of eleven million, temporarily tying it with her own “The Woman In Me” as the best-selling album by a female country artist.
  • Today in 2000, the Dixie Chicks kicked off their first headlining tour in Winnipeg, Canada.
  • Today in 2001, Kenny Chesney‘s single, “Don’t Happen Twice,” was at #1 on “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart.
  • Today in 2002, Mary Chapin Carpenter married contractor Timmy Smith. Well-known for being intensely private, the nuptials weren’t confirmed until weeks later, by friends of the couple – not from anyone in Mary Chapin’s camp.
  • Today in 2000, with his wife Faith Hill on his arm, Tim McGraw was officially named Father of the Year by the National Fatherhood Initiative, at a ceremony in Washington D.C.
  • Today in 2003, Alan Jackson’s duet with Jimmy Buffett, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” was released.
  • Today in 2009, Kellie Pickler earned her first gold single with “Red High Heels.”
  • Today in 2010, Faith Hill and Emmylou Harris performed at the White House as Paul McCartney received the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize. Also playing for the president: Jack White, Elvis Costello, and The Jonas Brothers.
  • Today in 2011, Shania Twain received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
  • Today in 2014, the fifth Darius Rucker and Friends benefit raised $120-thousand for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. Guests included the Eli Young Band, Kenny Rogers, Charles Kelley, Clint Black, David Nail and Cassadee Pope.
  • Today in 2015, the Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard album, “Django And Jimmie,” was released.
  • Today in 2017, Lee Brice and his wife, Sara, welcomed their daughter, Trulee Nanette Brice.
  • Today in 2017, Brad Paisley delivers a surprise show for graduating students at a high school commencement in South Barrington, Illinois. He performs “Letter To Me,” “Today” and “Last Time For Everything.”
  • Today in 2017, Luke Combs’ debut album, “This One’s For You,” was released.

Just days to spare, Senate gives final approval to debt ceiling deal, sending it to Biden

WASHINGTON (AP) — Fending off a U.S. default, the Senate gave final approval late Thursday to a debt ceiling and budget cuts package, grinding into the night to wrap up work on the bipartisan deal and send it to President Joe Biden’s desk to become law before the fast-approaching deadline.

The compromise package negotiated between Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy leaves neither Republicans nor Democrats fully pleased with the outcome. But the result, after weeks of hard-fought budget negotiations, shelves the volatile debt ceiling issue that risked upending the U.S. and global economy until 2025 after the next presidential election.

Approval in the Senate on a bipartisan vote, 63-36, somewhat reflected the overwhelming House tally the day before, relying on centrists in both parties to pull the Biden-McCarthy package to passage — though Democrats led the tally in both chambers.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said ahead of voting that the bill’s passage means “America can breathe a sigh of relief.”

Afterward he said, “We’ve saved the country from the scourge of default.”

Biden said in a statement following passage that senators from both parties “demonstrated once more that America is a nation that pays its bills and meets its obligations — and always will be.”

He said he would sign the bill into law as soon as possible. “No one gets everything they want in a negotiation, but make no mistake: this bipartisan agreement is a big win for our economy and the American people,” the president said. The White House said he would address the nation about the matter at 7 p.m. EDT Friday.

Fast action was vital if Washington hoped to meet next Monday’s deadline, when Treasury has said the U.S. will start running short of cash to pay its bills, risking a devastating default. Raising the nation’s debt limit, now $31.4 trillion, would ensure Treasury could borrow to pay already incurred U.S. debts.

In the end, the debt ceiling showdown was a familiar high-stakes battle in Congress, a fight taken on by McCarthy and powered by a hard-right House Republican majority confronting the Democratic president with a new era of divided government in Washington.

Refusing a once routine vote to allow a the nation’s debt limit to be lifted without concessions, McCarthy brought Biden’s White House to the negotiating table to strike an agreement that forces spending cutbacks aimed at curbing the nation’s deficits.

Overall, the 99-page bill restricts spending for the next two years, suspends the debt ceiling into January 2025 and changes some policies, including imposing new work requirements for older Americans receiving food aid and greenlighting an Appalachian natural gas line that many Democrats oppose.

It bolsters funds for defense and veterans, cuts back new money for Internal Revenue Service agents and rejects Biden’s call to roll back Trump-era tax breaks on corporations and the wealthy to help cover the nation’s deficits. It imposes automatic 1% cuts if Congress fails approve its annual spending bills.

After the House overwhelmingly approved the package late Wednesday, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell signaled he too wanted to waste no time ensuring it became law.

Touting its budget cuts, McConnell said Thursday, “The Senate has a chance to make that important progress a reality.”

Having remained largely on the sidelines during much of the Biden-McCarthy negotiations, several senators insisted on debate over their ideas to reshape the package. But making any changes at this stage would almost certainly derail the compromise and none were approved.

Instead, senators dragged through rounds of voting late into the night rejecting the various amendments, but making their preferences clear. Conservative Republican senators wanted to include further cut spending, while Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia sought to remove the Mountain Valley Pipeline approval.

The energy pipeline is important to Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and he defended the development running through his state, saying the country cannot run without the power of gas, coal, wind and all available energy sources.

But, offering an amendment to strip the pipeline from the package, Kaine argued it would not be fair for Congress to step into a controversial project that he said would also course through his state and scoop up lands in Appalachia that have been in families for generations.

Defense hawks led by Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina complained strongly that military spending, though boosted in the deal, was not enough to keep pace with inflation — particularly as they eye supplemental spending that will be needed this summer to support Ukraine against the war waged by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Putin’s invasion is a defining moment of the 21st century,” Graham argued from the Senate floor. “What the House did is wrong.”

They secured an agreement from Schumer, which he read on the floor, stating that the debt ceiling deal “does nothing” to limit the Senate’s ability to approve other emergency supplemental funds for national security, including for Ukraine, or for disaster relief and other issues of national importance.

All told, most of the Democratic senators voted for the package, while most of the Republicans opposed it. The tally was 46 Democrats and 17 Republicans in favor; 31 Republicans along with four Democrats and one independent who caucuses with the Democrats opposed.

For weeks negotiators labored late into the night to strike the deal with the White House, and for days McCarthy had worked to build support among skeptics.

Tensions had run high in the House the night before as hard-right Republicans refused the deal. Ominously, the conservatives warned of possibly trying to oust McCarthy over the issue.

But Biden and McCarthy assembled a bipartisan coalition, with Democrats ensuring passage on a robust 314-117 vote. All told, 71 House Republicans broke with McCarthy to reject the deal.

“We did pretty dang good,” McCarthy, R-Calif., said afterward.

As for discontent from Republicans who said the spending restrictions did not go far enough, McCarthy said it was only a “first step.”

The White House immediately turned its attention to the Senate, its top staff phoning individual senators.

Democrats also had complaints, decrying the new work requirements for older Americans, those 50-54, in the food aid program, the changes to the landmark National Environmental Policy Act and approval of the controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline natural gas project they argue is unhelpful in fighting climate change.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the spending restrictions in the package would reduce deficits by $1.5 trillion over the decade, a top goal for the Republicans trying to curb the debt load.

In a surprise that complicated Republicans’ support, however, the CBO said their drive to impose work requirements on older Americans receiving food stamps would end up boosting spending by $2.1 billion over the time period. That’s because the final deal exempts veterans and homeless people, expanding the food stamp rolls by 78,000 people monthly, the CBO said.

Governor approves limits on state auditor’s authority

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Republican Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that limits the Iowa state auditor’s ability to access some information, like tax returns or medical records, for audits and investigations.

State Auditor Rob Sand, the only Democrat in statewide elected office, said it’s “the worst pro-corruption bill in Iowa history.” It forbids Sand from going to court to compel reluctant state officials to turn over records. Sand said the mediation process set up in the bill gives the governor the power to block access to information that would expose wrongdoing.

During a recent appearance on Iowa Press on Iowa PBS, Reynolds said executive branch officials should be able to resolve disagreements without going to court. She also said Sand shouldn’t have access to information just because he’s curious about it.

Governor Reynolds signed 67 bills into law yesterday, completing action on all the bill that cleared the 2023 Iowa legislature.

Ask a Master Gardener sessions to be held

OSKALOOSA — Do you have horticulture questions?  The Mahaska County Master Gardeners would like to answer them.  They will hold “Ask a Master Gardener” sessions on Tuesday mornings from 9 am to Noon, Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Mahaska County Master Gardeners are celebrating their twentieth year.  The local program organized after the county held their first training.  The educational volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides current, research based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through programs and projects.  Master Gardeners receive horticulture training, and volunteer to promote a mission of education and service.  The program is open to anyone 18 or older with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community.

Clients with questions may also call the office at 641-673-5841 or email striegel@iastate.edu some inquires may need additional information (such as pictures). For more information you may contact the Mahaska County Extension Office; 212 North I Street; Oskaloosa and www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska.

Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter’s Bark-A-Que is Next Weekend

By Sam Parsons

The Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter is hosting its 5th Annual Bark-A-Que fundraiser next Saturday (6/10) in the Mahaska Drug parking lot. The No Coast Network sat down with Shanna Smith, the director of the shelter, to hear about what’s new and what’s coming back for this year’s event.

Smith gave a rundown of some of the main highlights for this year’s Bark-A-Que.

Smith said that this event, along with the Shelter’s annual Bark-and-Boo-A-Que in the fall, are the two biggest fundraisers that the Shelter puts on each year.

She said that fundraising accounts for roughly one third of the money brought in by the Shelter each year, with the rest coming from simple donations and local government entities (about a third each).

There will be some adoptable dogs on hand at the Bark-A-Que as well, so you could go home with your new best friend; Smith says that with the Shelter currently being over capacity, they’re hoping that the event can lead to some eventual adoptions.

For those who think they might want to adopt a dog on the spot, Smith encourages you to submit an application for adoption beforehand.

The Bark-A-Que will be held from 10am-2pm on June 10 at the Mahaska Drug parking lot. More information can be found at the Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter Facebook Page or by calling the Shelter at 641-673-3991.

Our full conversation with Shanna Smith can be listened to below.

NEWSLETTER

Stay updated, sign up for our newsletter.