Mahaska Health Boosts Local Economy and Provides Expanded Care for Community

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — A recent study from the Iowa Hospital Association reported that in 2023 alone, Mahaska Health generated nearly a thousand jobs that contributed over $68 million in wages for Oskaloosa’s economy. These local employment and income sources enrich the financial health of the county and state of Iowa by serving patients locally. Mahaska Health continues to serve its community with the highest level of care possible by adding comprehensive cardiology, cancer care, OB/GYN and Women’s Health Services. With four nationally recognized and award-winning Centers of Excellence in Maternity Care & Birthing Center, Cardiology, General Surgery, and Surgical and Medical Oncology, Mahaska Health continues to lead in providing exceptional healthcare services.

Every year, the American Hospital Association surveys data from hospitals. Last year, their study found that Iowa hospitals employed 137,841 people, providing over $9 billion in wages. This positively impacts local communities throughout Iowa as it allows individuals and families to thrive financially. Additionally, hospital expenses accounted for over $21.3 billion of the state’s gross domestic product, contributing to the overall financial health of the state.

“We are fortunate to have a hospital of this caliber in our community,” shared Chuck Webb, Mahaska Country Board of Supervisors Member. “There are services offered here that are only available in large metro areas. Not only is the economic impact great, but the services provided are strongly needed.”

The employment opportunities, wage generation, and expenses expressed in the survey results are direct responses to local community needs. These increases are positive effects of expanding programs and services made possible by community-focused leadership and support.

“Iowa’s hospitals and health systems implemented the programs and services accounted for in this study in response to their communities’ needs,” shared IHA President and CEO Chris Mitchell. “With IHA’s advocacy, these efforts help ensure the financial stability of hospitals, making it possible for them to provide the services and programs most needed by the people they serve.”

Mahaska Health, a physician and nurse led hospital, is committed to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for residents. By continuing to expand services and programs, Mahaska Health seeks not only to address the immediate health needs of patients but also to keep contributing to the economic vitality of Oskaloosa and the Southeast Iowa region. To learn more about Mahaska Health and the services offered, visit mahaskahealth.org.

OMS Principal Mark Scholes Dies in Tragic Swimming Accident

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — The Oskaloosa Community is mourning the loss of Oskaloosa Middle School Principal Mark Scholes.

The Oskaloosa School District said in a statement yesterday that Scholes passed away in a tragic swimming accident in Lake Michigan while on vacation with his family. He was 44 years old.

Scholes had been with the district since 2013 and became the principal of Oskaloosa Middle School in 2019. The district said that they will share further information regarding any memorial services or other ways they can support the Scholes family as they learn more, but for now, the family is asking for privacy at this time.

Oskaloosa Schools will be offering student grief counseling today at the middle school from 9am-3pm.

JOE BONSALL OF THE OAK RIDGE BOYS PASSES

Posted on July 10, 2024July 10, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Just months after long-time Oak Ridge Boys member Joe Bonsall announced he was retiring for health reasons, the country singer has passed. According to a press release shared with “PEOPLE” magazine, Bonsall died yesterday from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Bonsall had been a member of The Oak Ridge Boys for over 50 years, joining the legendary group in 1973. Bonsall was a member of the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, and with his band, was also a member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Bonsall was 76.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 10, 2024July 10, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1967, Kenny Rogers left the New Christy Minstrels and later formed the First Edition.
Today in 1967, Bobbie Gentry recorded the hit single “Ode to Billie Joe” at a Hollywood studio.
Today in 1970, Johnny Cash recorded Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”
Today in 1972, Tom T. Hall entered the charts with “I Remember The Year That Clayton Delaney Died.”
Today in 1982, “Any Day Now” by Ronnie Milsap peaked at #14 on the pop singles chart.
Today in 1982, “Love’s Been A Little Bit Hard On Me” by Juice Newton peaked at #7 on the pop singles chart.
Today in 1998, Collin Raye’s “I Can Still Feel You” hits the top of Radio & Records’ country chart.
Today in 2000, U-S Customs officials at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport seize a shipment of Kenny Chesney’s single, “I Lost It.” The promotional C-D singles were assembled with a package that included imported “English water.” On the cover, Kenny, who was dressed in a black suit and black hat, appeared to be partially immersed in a pool of water.
Today in 2001, it was officially announced that Chalee Tennison had become officially engaged to guitar player Mark Gillespie. The happy couple tied the knot on November 10^th in a private ceremony in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Today in 2002, Dolly Parton launched a 13-city tour, marking her first tour in decades.
Today in 2010, Carrie Underwood married hockey player Mike Fisher at the Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia.
Today in 2012, Luke Bryan performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Kellie Pickler sang “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch.
Today in 2013, Randy Travis underwent emergency brain surgery after suffering a stroke at the Heart Hospital at Baylor Plano in Texas.
Today in 2016, Dierks Bentley announced that his 15-year-old dog, Jake, had died. His pet was a sidekick through much of Bentley’s career, introduced in the video to “What Was I Thinkin’.”
Today in 2017, Brett Eldredge was high on the platinum single he scored from the RIAA for “Drunk On Your Love.”
Today in 2017, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood joined Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter to help construct a new house in Edmonton in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity.
Today in 2018, Halfway To Hazard launches a monthly residency at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville with surprise guests Chris Young, Jon Stone and Ira Dean.

Under pressure from cities, DoorDash steps up efforts to ensure its drivers don’t break traffic laws

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — DoorDash said Tuesday that it’s stepping up efforts to identify dangerous delivery drivers and remove them from its platform after a flood of complaints from cities.

In a letter sent last month to DoorDash and other food delivery companies, Boston officials said they were seeing an increase in the unlawful and dangerous operation of motorcycles, mopeds and motorized scooters by delivery workers.

The city said riders were running red lights, traveling the wrong way on one-way streets, exceeding posted speed limits and driving on sidewalks.

San Francisco-based DoorDash said it has created a dedicated point of contact for the Boston Police Department to make it faster and easier to process requests for drivers’ records. The company said it would also consider removing drivers from the platform if police report they have broken traffic laws.

DoorDash said it was starting the effort in Boston but may expand it to other cities.

DoorDash said it’s also partnering with Boston and other cities to share guidance on vehicle registration requirements in multiple languages. It will also warn delivery workers about activities that break local laws, like driving on sidewalks.

“We will remind Dashers that failing to comply with local laws or our standards could lead to removal from our platform,” the company said.

Officials in Boston, New York and other cities have said that in many cases, drivers are using unregistered vehicles for deliveries. Some drivers may also share accounts, so a person with multiple traffic violations might be using a vehicle registered to someone else.

In New York, authorities have seized 13,000 scooters and mopeds so far this year that were unregistered or used to break traffic laws.

“They have terrorized many of our pedestrians, particularly our senior and older adults,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said last month at an event where 200 motorized two-wheeled delivery vehicles were destroyed. “Riders who think the rules don’t apply to them, they’re going to see an aggressive enforcement policy that’s in place.”

In response, DoorDash said it will more frequently prompt drivers to submit a real-time selfie to prove their identity while they’re making deliveries. The selfie is then compared to previously submitted government identification.

DoorDash said it would remove drivers who fail to confirm their identities.

DoorDash wouldn’t say Tuesday how many drivers it typically removes from its platform each year for breaking traffic laws.

Learn to Hunt program opens registration for beginner fur harvesting workshops

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a program to teach skills needed to trap furbearers to people with little to no trapping experience.

The workshop will feature knowledge and skill building sessions with instructors that will teach the basics of trapping in Iowa.

“For those interested in the tradition of trapping as a means of sourcing fur, this program provides the opportunity to gain the skills and the knowledge it takes to do it all yourself,” said Jamie Cook, program coordinator with the Iowa DNR.

Participants will learn basic strategies for trapping such as proper equipment, trap placement, trapping regulations and steps for preparing hides for trade. Participants are expected to dress appropriately for the weather as a significant portion of the class will be held outdoors.

The workshops will take place on various dates and locations across the state. The course is designed for participants of all ages. Space is limited so be sure to register right away.

For more information and to begin the registration process, visit the link below and search by Trapper Education Class event type:

https://license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/EventsHome.aspx

The program is provided through a partnership with the Iowa DNR and Iowa Trappers Association. It is part of a national effort to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters, anglers and trappers due to the overall decline in hunting and outdoor recreation.

Lake Red Rock Beaches Reopened

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Sam Parsons

KNOXVILLE, Iowa – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, has reopened North Overlook and Whitebreast beaches at Lake Red Rock. Closed since July 3 due to high water levels, swim lines have been re-established, and the area is now safe for use. Please continue to use caution while in or near the water.

For more information, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Red Rock at 641-828-7522 or email: lakeredrock@usace.army.mil.

Make Ottumwa Shine Litter Cleanup Set for July 18-22, 2024

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Sam Parsons

OTTUMWA — The City of Ottumwa is proud to announce that the annual Make Ottumwa Shine litter cleanup event will take place from July 18-22, 2024. This event typically coincides with Earth Day, but this year will take place the weekend before Ottumwa hosts an overnight stop for RAGBRAI.

Individuals, families, and businesses are invited to volunteer to adopt and tidy an area of Ottumwa. Locations can be adopted by visiting www.ottumwa.us/about/make_ottumwa_shine. Volunteers can pick up bags and gloves for collecting litter at the temporary City Hall on the Second Floor of the Ottumwa Train Depot, the Recycling Center, and Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress on July 18, 19, and 22.

“Hosting RAGBRAI is an important responsibility and an economic opportunity for Ottumwa,” said Mayor Rick Johnson. “Combining Make Ottumwa Shine with the preparations for hosting the ride is a great way to put our best face forward as we welcome over 20,000 riders to Ottumwa.”

For more information on the Make Ottumwa Shine litter cleanup event, please visit www.ottumwa.us/about/make_ottumwa_shine or contact Janice Bain at the Recycling Center at 641-683-0685.

WYNONNA RETURNING TO VEGAS FOR “THE GREATEST HITS” SHOW DURING NFR

Posted on July 9, 2024July 9, 2024 by Bob Ballard

It’s been almost a decade, but Wynonna Judd is making her way back to Las Vegas. Her three-show run, titled “The Greatest Hits,” will coincide with NFR Week (National Finals Rodeo week) and will be held at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort December 11, 13 and 14. General on-sale opens to the public this Friday at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 9, 2024July 9, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1973, Kris Kristofferson’s “Why Me” reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 1987, Hank Williams Jr.’s “Born To Boogie” album was released.
Today in 1988, John Berry and his wife, Robin, were married.
Today in 1991, Roy Acuff was one of 12 recipients of the National Medal of Arts at a White House ceremony hosted by president George Bush
Today in 1996, LeAnn Rimes released her debut album, “Blue.”
Today in 1998, Garth Brooks got all kinds of good news. His self-titled debut was certified for sales of 9-million, his “Fresh Horses” album was certified for sales of 6-million copies and his album, “In Pieces,” was certified for sales of 8-million. That’s not all, his “No Fences” album was certified for sales of 16-million, Garth’s album, “Ropin’ The Wind,” was certified for sales of 13-million and his album, “The Chase,” was certified for sales of 8-million. Doing the math – that total added up to an astounding total of 60-million albums sold.
Today in 1999, Kenny Chesney became the first artist in five years to sell out Cowboy’s in Arlington, Texas.
Today in 1999, just minutes before curtain, Mary Chapin Carpenter cancelled a concert at Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts in Springfield, Missouri. Soon afterwards, a hall official broke the news that Mary Chapin had to fly home to tend to her very ill golden retriever.
Today in 1999, Lonestar began a nine-week run at #1 on “Radio & Records’” country chart with “Amazed.”
Today in 2001, the Country Music Association announces 12 honorees will be added to the Country Music Hall of Fame: Bill Anderson, Waylon Jennings, Sam Phillips, The Louvin Brothers, The Delmore Brothers, The Jordanaires, Webb Pierce, Don Gibson, The Everly Brothers, Don Law, Ken Nelson and Homer & Jethro.
Today in 2002, the “Halos and Horns” album from Dolly Parton and Andy Griggs’ “Freedom” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith’s single, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” topped the “Radio & Records” and “Billboard” singles charts.
Today in 2004, Wynonna and the rock band Heart teamed up in an installment of “CMT Crossroads,” hosted by Radney Foster. The episode included performances of “Only Love,” “No One Else On Earth” and “Love Hurts”
Today in 2010, A “CMT Crossroads” episode featuring Kenny Chesney and Steve Miller debuted. The set list included “I Go Back,” “Rock N’ Me” and “Living In Fast Forward”
Today in 2011, Cheyenne Kimball shocked her bandmates by quitting Gloriana via Twitter after a concert at the Franklin County Fair in Missouri.
Today in 2016, Jon Pardi’s “California Sunrise” debuted at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
Today in 2016, Chris Stapleton opened for hard-rock band Guns N’ Roses at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, performing “Nobody To Blame,” “You Are My Sunshine” and “Tennessee Whiskey” before GNR cranks out “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Paradise City.”
Today in 2017, Maren Morris got engaged to Ryan Hurd while visiting his family in Michigan. The were married March 24, 2018.
Today in 2017, it was revealed that Cassadee Pope and All Time Low’s Rian Dawson had called off their engagement. Together for seven years and engaged for five months, she channeled her feelings into a song – it’s been speculated that it’s either “Take You Home” or “Don’t Ask Me.”
Today in 2018, Eli Young Band vocalist Mike Eli and his wife, Kacey, welcomed son, Kash Eli, in Dallas.

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