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Musical and Agricultural Heritage of Oskaloosa to be Celebrated at 36th Annual Sweet Corn Serenade

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — The 36th Annual Sweet Corn Serenade is being held on Thursday, July 27 in downtown Oskaloosa.  This year’s event includes kids’ activities, food vendors, and a Craft & Vendor Fair starting at 12 pm and going through 9 pm. Starting at 4 pm, hamburgers, beverages, pie, and sweet corn will be served until 9 pm or until it runs out. The hamburgers are being grilled courtesy of the Mahaska County Cattlemen’s Association. Two concerts will be held, the first being the Royce Johns Concert from 4:30-7:30 pm. The Oskaloosa City Band will play in the Bandstand from 8 pm-9 pm. 

Food Vendors include Chick-A-Bock Chicken Bowls, Eatery Island, Fat Cow Creamery, Grubby’s Kettle Korn, Honeybee Camper Co, My Eatzz, Sno Biz, Tacos Jalisco, and The Barnyard Tenderloin Xpress. The Children’s Coloring Contest is returning as well, with entries being due by 5 pm on Friday, July 28th. There will be prizes! Other fun events include the Farm Bureau’s Activity Zone (5-8pm), featuring a petting zoo, face painting, wagon rides, a coloring table, and more. Various businesses will be offering creative stations, including Smokey Row’s lotus drink station, ISU Extension Storywalk® (5-8 pm), Kids Pedal Tractor Pull (5:30-7:30 pm), YMCA’s Imagination Blocks (5-8 pm), the Community 1st Train, Lions Club’s Spin art station, a big chair photo op and craft station at the Oskaloosa Public Library, and Red Rock Threshers’ tractor and wagon rides. United Way of Mahaska will be hosting a 9-square game from noon-7 pm. 

The food line will be a little different this year. Purchase one meal ticket for a hamburger, an ear of corn, and a drink for $8. Meal order tickets will not be used this year. If you are looking to purchase extra corn or pie only, look for the additional tent that will be located across from the ‘Meal Only’ tent for these food items. Extra corn will be $1 per ear and pie will be $2 per slice. Be sure to bring your cash. 

For more information about Sweet Corn Serenade, contact the Mahaska Chamber at chamber@mahaskachamber.org, or call 641-672-2591.

MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: SHELDON

Posted on by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Sheldon”, a 7 year old Domestic Longhair/Mix kitty. Sheldon is a chill dude, and is the perfect companion for someone looking for a lap cat to cuddle up with on the couch. He’s an affectionate fellow who gets along with other cats, and even dogs! Sheldon is fully vaccinated, vetted and would love to meet you?

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Sheldon or any of the pets at Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, visit https://www.stephenmemorial.org/ and fill out an adoption application.

Check out our visit about Sheldon with Shanna from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:

How hard is it to win the lottery? Odds to keep in mind as Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots soar

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — There’s no shaking it. Your chances of winning the lottery are extremely slim — even as more and more eye top prizes soaring to jaw-dropping heights.

Ahead of Wednesday night’s drawing, the estimated jackpot for Powerball reached $1 billion — marking the seventh largest prize across U.S. lottery history. And Mega Millions’ jackpot grew to an estimated $720 million after there was no winner Tuesday.

But don’t plan on entering a new tax bracket anytime soon. The odds of winning a Powerball jackpot — no matter the size — stand near 1 in 292.2 million. Chances of taking home Mega Millions’ top prize are even lower, at about 1 in 302.6 million.

Because of the almost impossible chance of winning big, experts stress that you shouldn’t spend all your money on lottery tickets. If you choose to play, it’s important to be mindful of what you can afford — and maybe consider other places to put your money, even if it’s just a few dollars at a time.

Lottery tickets are “definitely not good investments,” Matthew Kovach, an assistant professor in Virginia Tech’s economics department told The Associated Press. “They’re not even investments … there’s an expectation you will always lose money.”

Here are some things to know about the odds of winning the lottery.

WINNING THE LOTTERY IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. WHAT’S MORE LIKELY?

There’s a long list of rare events that are more likely than winning the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.

“Imagine you have scrabble tiles that spell out ‘Powerball.’ Mix them up and then select them in a random order,” Kovach explained. “The chance of correctly spelling ‘Powerball’ is about 1 out of 180,000, which is very unlikely. Still, that is over 1,600 times more likely than winning the Powerball lottery.”

Another common comparison is getting struck by lighting. Even if you bought a lottery ticket for every drawing over 80 years — two times a week for Mega Millions and three times a week for Powerball — you would still be far less likely to win than to be struck by lighting once in your lifetime, Syracuse University mathematics professor Steven Diaz added.

Of course, both Mega Millions and Powerball offer a handful of tiers below the top jackpots — with the lowest prizes starting at $2 and $4, respectfully. For both games, the odds of winning any prize stand at about 1 in 24.

HAS WINNING THE LOTTERY BECOME HARDER?

Yes. Winning the lottery has become harder in recent years, causing jackpots to grow bigger and bigger — and that’s by design.

Such big jackpots comes down to math and more difficult odds. In 2015, the Powerball lottery lengthened the odds of winning from 1 in 175.2 million to 1 in 292.2 million. Mega Millions followed two years later, lengthening the odds of winning the top prize from 1 in 258.9 million to 1 in 302.6 million. The largest lottery jackpots in the U.S. have come since those changes were made.

HOW MUCH DO JACKPOT WINNERS REALLY TAKE HOME?

When someone wins a lottery jackpot in games like Powerball or Mega Millions they have two options: an annuity that is distributed over 29 years or a (significantly smaller) cash payout.

The estimated $1 billion jackpot that we see for Powerball’s Wednesday drawing, for example, is the annuity option — and the cash value for this prize is nearly half that, standing at $516.8 million. Most jackpot winners opt for the cash.

Federal and state taxes will also lower the money you take home, with deductions depending on where you live.

IS BUYING A LOTTERY TICKET A GOOD INVESTMENT?

Because winning is so rare, experts maintain that lottery tickets are horrible investments — but note that every person’s reason for playing the lottery is different.

Some people might buy a $2 lottery ticket as a form of entertainment and find satisfaction in “the excitement of thinking you might win,” Diaz says. Meanwhile, others may enter the lottery out of feelings of desperation or financial struggle — with experts pointing to consequences that have disproportionately impacted low-income communities.

The lottery has historically acted as a regressive tax on the poor, meaning the people that can least afford to lose their money buy the most tickets, Lia Nower, a professor and the director of the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University, previously told The AP.

She said her “concern with lottery is really more people who are buying it every day or two or three times a week” as opposed to those who purchase one ticket as the jackpot nears $1 billion.

A $2 ticket may not seem like much — but it can add up for those who are regularly buying lottery tickets over time. Alternative spending options could include opening an investment account that allows you to invest in small amounts or buying partial stock, Kovach says.

“In reality, it’s probably best to diversify by something like an index fund — but if you’re just starting out, I would… (suggest putting it) in the stock market or something like that,” he said. “You will actually probably see a return over time.”

Reynolds’ update on her state gov’t realignment plan

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Governor Kim Reynolds says more than 2600 state employees have transitioned to a different state agency after her state government reorganization plan took effect July 1.

The number of state agencies has been cut from 37 down to 16. Over 500 open positions in state government have been eliminated. Reynolds said the workforce may shrink through attribution, as more as state employees resign or retire.

“We’re going to continue to look at ways that we can be lean and mean and just really provide a one-stop shop for Iowans,” Reynolds said Tuesday.

Reynolds hired a consulting firm to examine how other states operated, examine agencies within the executive branch of Iowa’s state government and come up with a realignment plan to present to the legislature. The governor said that was critical because “my small staff” didn’t have the capacity to do “an enterprise wide assessment.”

Central College Welcomes Six New Board Members

Posted on by Sam Parsons

PELLA — Central College announced changes to its Board of Trustees with the addition of six new members and the retirement of three individuals.

Joining the Central board are Lori Fegley, Kara Kohler Hoogensen, Shannan Mattiace, Marc Poortinga, Dave Smith and Kelly Vielmo.

“We welcome the diversity of experiences in the members joining the board,” says Central President Mark Putnam. “Our board members bring the perspectives of employers for our graduates, and as alumni, donors and community members. Our current board has done a fantastic job of cultivating the next generation of leaders and recruiting talented individuals. The college is fortunate to have such strong leadership from its board of trustees.”

A look at the new members:

Lori Fegley, a 1980 Central graduate, is a retired educator from Cedar Falls, Iowa. She previously served on Central’s Parent Advisory Council, National Advisory Council and a class reunion chair. She and her husband, Brian, a 1980 graduate, were selected as Mr. and Mrs. Alumni in 2009. They are past parents of Central alums Allison, a 2008 Central graduate, and Peter, a 2011 Central graduate.

Kara Kohler Hoogensen, a 1996 Central graduate, is a senior vice president of benefits and protection – head of workplace benefits, at Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, Iowa. She and her husband, Steve, have two children, Kate, Class of 2024 and Mallory.

Shannan Mattiace, a 1990 Central graduate, is a professor of political science and international studies at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. She received an honorary degree from Central in 2021. Her teaching and research focus on Latin American and Mexican politics, inspired by Central professors and study abroad experiences in Mérida and London. She is married to Tomas Nonnenmacher.

Marc Poortinga, a 1998 Central graduate, is a co-owner of Distinctive Custom Cabinetry in Phoenix, Arizona. He spent his early work career serving in various roles for Pella Corporation before starting Distinctive Custom Cabinetry in 2007. He is married to Ellen Gallinger Poortinga, a 2004 Central graduate. They have four daughters, Maree, Ellie, Audrey and Jolie.

Dave Smith is president and owner of Ridgeway Petroleum, Inc., a gas station, convenience store and car wash operation located in Lansing, Illinois. Dave and his wife, Kathy, are past parents of three Central alumni – Cal, a Class of 2018 graduate, Carter and Cody, both 2020 graduates.

Kelly Vielmo, a 1999 Central graduate, works at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the technology field, in the Washington, D.C. area. He and his husband, Jack, have three teenage children.

Three Board of Trustees members were granted trustee emeritus status in recognition of their years of service to the college.

Shayla From, West Des Moines, Iowa, served for 15 years with many leadership roles as board secretary, and a member of the executive committee and others. She was a guiding force behind the creation and development of the Central RED Society along with board colleague Donna Davisson Smith, Central Class of 1981.

Sophie Mathonnet-VanderWell, a retired pastor from Pella, Iowa, completed 21 years on the board. She served as the chair of the academic excellence committee and member of the executive committee, student development committee and others.

Bill Rankin, a 1969 Central graduate, from Seattle, Washington, was a board member for eight years since 2015. Through his years of service, he was on the executive committee, student development committee, enrollment committee and others.

“These committed and brilliant trustees provided excellent leadership throughout their time on the board. They are, and continue to be, devoted to Central students and their success,” says Tej Dhawan, Central Board of Trustee chair and 1991 graduate.

Pella City Council Discusses Community Center, Ambulance Services

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Pella City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday and had policy and planning discussions on the Community Center and ambulance service.

In April, the council approved an architectural and engineering agreement with Schemmer, who gave an update to the council on the project, which is currently estimated to cost approximately $4.3 million after the city allocated $5.5 million for a base plan. The base plan includes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades, as well as improved accessibility, exterior improvements, renovations to reopen the community gym, and fire protection enhancements. No official action was taken regarding the Community Center at the meeting this week.

The council also discussed their ambulance service after it was proposed at a recent council meeting for the city to expand its ambulance service to surrounding rural communities, including the city of Leighton and several townships in the area. It was estimated at that meeting that it would require a subsidy of roughly $130,000 per year to serve the surrounding rural areas, who had offered to pay $36,000 per year over a three year term to start. City staff said that an advisory group has been formed in Marion County to make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors regarding an essential services tax, which would entail a $.75 tax levy that would assist in subsidizing the service expansion if it were approved by 60% of voters in a referendum. The advisory group has not yet targeted a date for a referendum, but city staff recommended March 5, 2024.

The next regular meeting with the Pella City Council will be held on August 1.

TAYLOR SWIFT CLOSES IN ON DOLLY PARTON RECORD

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Taylor Swift now has more than 100 career hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with 22 new entries from her album “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).” Swift now has 108 career hits on the chart. She is the second woman to have more than 100 career hits on the chart, just behind Dolly Parton’s record of 110 hit songs.

Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart lists the most popular country music songs on a weekly basis, based on digital downloads, streaming, and radio airplay. Swift’s first song to make it onto the Hot Country Songs chart was “Tim McGraw” in 2006, which debuted at number 60 at the time.

Source: Billboard

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1966, Jim Reeves’ “The Best Of Jim Reeves” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1978, Willie Nelson’s “Stardust” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers’ album, “Ten Years Of Gold,” was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1988, the video, “George Strait Live,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1990, Keith Whitley’s album, “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me,” was certified gold – he had died from alcohol poisoning a year earlier.
  • Today in 1992, the album, “For My Broken Heart,” by Reba McEntire was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Some Gave All” album was certified gold, platinum and double platinum simultaneously.
  • Today in 1992, George Strait’s “Ten Strait Hits” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1992, the “Whatcha Gonna Do With A Cowboy” album by Chris Ledoux was released.
  • Today in 1994, John Michael Montgomery’s “Kickin’ It Up” video was certified gold.
  • Today in 1996, Garth Brooks played to a special crowd in Denver, Colorado: The audience included the one-millionth ticket-buyer for his three-year-long world tour. Garth celebrated the occasion by giving the buyer – Coral Volland – flowers, tour merchandise and a brand new Chevrolet Z-28 Camaro.
  • Today in 2002, Toby Keith occupied the #1 position in the Billboard with “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).”
  • Today in 2012, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus and his wife, Allison, welcomed their son, Dylan Jay Marcus.
  • Today in 2013, Jason Aldean headlined at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, the last of three stadiums on his 2013 tour itinerary. Also on the bill were Kelly Clarkson, Jake Own, and Thomas Rhett.
  • Today in 2015, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert are granted a divorce by an Oklahoma judge
  • Today in 2016, the video for Dierks Bentley’s “Different For Girls,” featuring rocker Elle King, premieres on NBC’s “Today”
  • Today in 2017, Josh Abbott announced his engagement to Taylor Parnell
  • Today in 2017, Toby Keith performed at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater in his first Music City concert in 13 years.
  • Today in 2018, Charles Esten makes his 100th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 2018, Garth Brooks finished #2 among Billboard’s Money Makers for receipts of $52.2-million. Other country acts among the Top 25 include: Luke Bryan, #15 (with $21-million); Florida Georgia Line, #16 (adding $20.9-million to their bank account); Eric Church, #19 (after racking up $19.4-million); and Chris Stapleton, #21 (collecting $17.9- million).
  • Today in 2019, T Graham Brown is named an Arkansas Traveler by Governor Asa Hutchinson when he performs at the Independence County Fair in Batesville.

Iowa’s Newest Certified Site Recognized and Promoted by State Leaders

Posted on by Sam Parsons

MAHASKA COUNTY — Oskaloosa and Mahaska County are one step closer to being home to several major employers, and the space is ready for development right now. The Mahaska Chamber & Development Group, the City of Oskaloosa, and the County of Mahaska partnered together to register the Oskaloosa Innovation Park as a Certified Site for the State of Iowa.

State officials celebrated the accomplishment Tuesday, and both IDEA and the Mahaska Chamber & Development Group immediately started work on promoting the certified site for development.

One notable trend in the site location industry is the growing requirement for readily available industrial sites primed for projects. Companies are consistently decreasing the timeframe for making location decisions and expediting the start of construction and project completion.

“Companies are making location decisions quickly, and the timeframe from start to finish has to be quick and efficient,” says Deann De Groot, Mahaska Chamber & Development Group Executive Director. “The certified site process ensures potential employers that these site-related details are resolved, and they won’t run into surprises. We also appreciate the willingness of the landowners of the property to see the community value in allowing this land to be developed to move the community forward with economic development.”

The State’s newest certified site is located in southeast Iowa on Highway 23. The 500-acre property is zoned general industrial and is ready for new businesses to buy and develop the land. It is the fifth-largest certified site in Iowa. The process started in 2020 and will be certified later this month. The area has access to a four-lane highway, an on-site railroad, and an airport.

“This is a project that is greatly needed. I appreciate everyone’s effort to make it happen,” says Mark Groenendyk, Mahaska County Supervisors Chairperson.

Another added benefit to this project is the recent announcement in June of more than $10 million from the RISE Local Development program to assist in constructing approximately 10,000 feet of new roads connecting Iowa 23 and U.S. 63 for the Oskaloosa Innovation Park. The grant will cover 65% of the cost of the streets for the Innovation Park.

“Partnerships are key in accomplishing projects that will grow our community,” says Oskaloosa Mayor David Krutzfeldt. “The recognition of this site elevates Oskaloosa and Mahaska County’s State and national profile. We wholeheartedly commit to embracing new businesses and inviting them to become part of our thriving and remarkable community.”

Iowa’s Certified Sites program considers national site location standards, the State’s natural assets, and the needs of key business sectors, including advanced manufacturing, finance and insurance, and biosciences. State officials say site certification has enabled Iowa communities to better compete for projects with development-ready sites. More than $1.3 billion in capital investment have already been built across the State due to this program.

TOBY KEITH TO RECIEVE COUNTRY ICON AWARD AT PEOPLE’S CHOICE COUNTRY AWARDS

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Toby Keith will be making an appearance at the upcoming People’s Choice Country Awards this fall as he will be awarded the very first “Country Icon” award. Fellow Oklahoman Blake Shelton will be handing the trophy off to the “Big Dog Daddy.”

The awards show, an offshoot of the annual People’s Choice Awards, will be hosted by Little Big Town and will air and stream at 8 p.m. ET/PT across NBC and Peacock, live from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

  • In other Toby news, the singer continues to not-so-gradually make his way into playing shape by once again taking the stage, this time joining LoCash at the Tin Roof in Orlando for a rousing rendition of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” . On their socials, LoCash said, “[Toby Keith] was in the house the other night. We loved gettin’ to play some songs up there with him and tear it up.” And fans loved to see it.

Source: Billboard

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