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Ottumwa Firefighters Respond to Cooking Fire

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OTTUMWA — Firefighters responded to a cooking fire at 322 East Park Avenue on Thursday, August 15, 2024. A call of fire and smoke came in at 6:16 p.m. and firefighters arrived on scene at 6:19 p.m. A cooking fire had occurred in an apartment on the third floor of one of the buildings. The fire was out upon arrival, but there was still a smoke presence. Firefighters looked for hot spots and disconnected power to the cooking appliance. Firefighters then used fans to clear up smoke in the area. ORMICS treated the two tenants on scene and both refused a trip to the hospital. The apartment was tagged as unfit for occupation due to the fire, but the property owner found other accommodations for the tenants. The fire affected no other apartments.

Firefighters would like to remind citizens that water should not be used to fight a grease fire. A metal lid or a properly rated fire extinguisher are the best ways. The fire extinguisher should be rated for a Class B fire. It will be marked on the side. Most home fire extinguishers are A, B, and C rated.

Iowa National Guard Soldier Receives Iowa Medal of Merit in Oskaloosa

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — An amazing story of military training put into a real-life scenario that saved a person suffering a massive heart attack.  

On December 18, 2023, Nathan Kessler was surveying a field in Peru, IA when he collapsed, suffering a massive heart attack. No less than five other people were in the area, but Staff  Sergeant Nicolas M Darland immediately sprang into action, a critical moment in the survival of Mr. Kessler.  

For this heroic deed, SSG Darland was awarded the Iowa Medal of Merit, with his family and Mr. Kessler present. The Iowa Medal of Merit is the second highest state award next to the Iowa Medal of Valor.  

The presentation was on Sunday, August 18th, at the Oskaloosa Armory (2260 Hwy 63)  on the north side of Oskaloosa.  

SSG Darland attributes his twelve-year career and military training to his effective response. SSG Darland is a true selfless servant, he holds the lessons and training he has learned as a member of the Iowa National Guard and applies them in his civilian and military career. His action in a real-world situation, resulted in the saving of not only a life but of one who is a close  friend, employee, father, and husband. His actions truly distinguish himself and exemplify selfless service to the highest degree. 

4 arrested in killing of former ‘General Hospital’ actor Johnny Wactor

Posted on by Sam Parsons

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles police arrested four people on Thursday in the fatal shooting of former “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor.

Robert Barceleau, Leonel Gutierrez, and Sergio Estrada, all 18 years old, were booked on arrest warrants for murder. Frank Olano, 22, was booked for being an alleged accessory to the crime.

They all were being held in lieu of $2 million bail, jail records showed. The Associated Press was unable to determine if they had attorneys to speak on their behalf after making calls to the county jail and Los Angeles Police Department seeking information.

Officers conducted search warrants at several locations throughout Los Angeles that led to the arrests Thursday morning, according to a news release from the LAPD. Officers also recovered additional evidence while conducting the searches, police said. No further details have been shared about the arrests or the evidence.

Wactor was shot and killed when he interrupted thieves stealing the catalytic converter from his car in the early morning of May 25. Police said the 37-year-old had left work at a rooftop bar with a coworker when he saw three men who had hoisted his car. Police said one of them fired at him without provocation and killed him.

The men fled in a car and Wactor was taken to a hospital, where he was later declared dead, police said.

Police on Aug. 5 asked for the public’s help in identifying the suspects, releasing surveillance images of them and their getaway car.

Wactor, a South Carolina native, portrayed Brando Corbin on the ABC soap opera “General Hospital” from 2020 to 2022. He also appeared in a variety of films and TV series, including “Station 19,” “NCIS” and “Westworld,” as well as in the video game “Call of Duty: Vanguard.”

His agent, David Shaul, said just after Wactor’s death that he “always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be.”

At a news conference earlier in the week, his mother described the feeling of losing him.

“Grief is my constant companion,” Scarlett Wactor said. “I can’t wish him happy birthday on Aug. 31 — he would have been 38. I can’t ask if he’s coming home for Christmas. I can’t ask how his day went.”

Iowa Finance Authority and Iowa Economic Development Authority Announce 2025 Iowa Thriving Communities

Posted on by Sam Parsons

(DES MOINES) – The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today announced their newly designated 2025 Iowa Thriving Communities.  The communities of Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Mason City, Newton and Waterloo have received designations.

“Housing is the foundation of upward economic opportunity, and when all Iowans have access to affordable homes, families, communities, and businesses can truly thrive,” said IEDA|IFA Director Debi Durham. “Iowa Thriving Communities have stepped up as leaders in embracing housing for all income levels, and I extend my congratulations to our newly designated communities.”

Addressing the housing needs of our thriving economy requires a strategic, proactive, and innovative approach. Iowa communities, local partners, and employers must work together to ensure that all Iowans can afford to live in the communities where they work.

To highlight and encourage these efforts, IFA and IEDA launched the second annual Iowa Thriving Communities designation. This initiative recognizes communities that are going above and beyond, using innovative strategies to attract housing opportunities for their workforce.

“We are thrilled to receive the Iowa Thriving Community designation,” said Mason City Mayor Bill Schickel. “This recognition not only affirms our commitment to providing housing for our workforce but also energizes our ongoing efforts to build a brighter future for all residents. With this designation, we can continue to create a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to prosper.”

These communities demonstrated their commitment and innovation in welcoming housing for all income levels through a rigorous application process. By showcasing best practices in attracting housing development, they aim to serve as models for both state and national efforts. In addition to the recognition, the designation comes with valuable scoring points for the Federal Housing Tax Credit and Workforce Housing Tax Credit programs, effective through 2025 for each community.

In addition, the following 2024 Iowa Thriving Communities were granted extensions to encourage additional development: Charles City, Creston, Knoxville, Manning, Muscatine, Stanton and West Des Moines.

More information about Iowa Thriving Communities is available at iowafinance.com.

Osky Food Park and Mahaska County YMCA Present Final Family Movie Night of Summer

Posted on by Sam Parsons
OSKALOOSA — The Osky Food Park, in partnership with the Mahaska County YMCA, is excited to announce the third and final installment of its highly successful summer Family Movie Night series. This free event will take place on Saturday, August 17, at the Osky Food Park (610 1st Ave. West).
Event Details:
  • Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024
  • Time: Starting at 5 PM
  • Location: Osky Food Park, 610 1st Ave. West, Oskaloosa
  • Admission: Free
The evening will feature a double feature of beloved family films:
  • 7 PM: “Inside Out”
  • 9 PM: “The Sandlot”
In addition to the movies, attendees can enjoy a variety of yard games suitable for all ages. Five food and concession trucks will be on-site, offering a diverse range of dining options for moviegoers.
The summer movie series has been a resounding success, with over 835 adults attending previous events. When including children, attendance has surpassed 1,000 people per event.
“We’re thrilled with the incredible turnout for our Family Movie Nights this summer,” said Barry Martin, CEO of the Mahaska County YMCA. “It’s heartwarming to see our community come together in such large numbers to enjoy these family-friendly evenings.”
“These movie nights have become a highlight of the summer for many families,” commented Loken Vande Vegte of Osky Food Park. “The combination of great films, fun activities, and delicious food options in a family-friendly environment has created an experience that resonates with people of all ages.”
Families are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for comfortable seating.

Mahaska Health Opens New CareRx Pharmacy to Enhance Patient Experience

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Mahaska Health announces the opening of its new on-site pharmacy, CareRx, providing convenient, comprehensive, and cost-effective pharmaceutical services to the community. The new pharmacy is located next to the Walk-in Clinic through Door #4 at the Mahaska Health Oskaloosa campus.

Mahaska Health’s CareRx Pharmacy offers a seamless healthcare experience by providing patients with immediate access to prescription medications, non-prescription medications, and expert pharmaceutical advice. In addition to ensuring patients can fill and refill their prescriptions quickly and efficiently after their medical appointments, the pharmacy offers a Meds-to-Beds program to give patients direct access to their medication needs, onsite and through their recovery at home. 

“We are thrilled to enhance our services with the addition of the new pharmacy,” shared Ellen Alexander, Mahaska Health Director of Outpatient Pharmacy. “This development reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare to our community. Our patients can enjoy the convenience of having their pharmaceutical needs met on-site at Mahaska Health.”

Most insurance plans are accepted at Mahaska Health’s CareRx Pharmacy, including Medical Assistance and Medicare to help reduce or avoid out-of-pocket costs. Patients in need of financial support may be eligible for additional discounts. 

CareRx Mahaska Health pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For more information, please visit the Mahaska Health website, mahaskahealth.org/care-rx, or call the pharmacy directly at 641-672-3144.

Pictured (left to right): Amy Brisel, Mary Smith, Kaitlin Monohon, Shauna Richardson, Jessica Waits, Ellen Alexander and Jenny Anderson

Disney argues wrongful death suit should be tossed because plaintiff signed up for a Disney+ trial

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — Does signing up for Disney’s popular streaming service mean you have agreed to never sue the entertainment giant over anything forever?

That is what Disney argues in a wrongful death lawsuit involving a 42-year-old New York doctor whose family claims had a fatal allergic reaction after eating at an Irish pub in Disney Springs in October.

Disney is asking a Florida court to dismiss a lawsuit brought against it by Jeffrey Piccolo, the husband of Kanokporn Tangsuan, a family medicine specialist with NYU Langone’s office in Carle Place, on Long Island.

The company argues Piccolo had agreed to settle any lawsuits against Disney out of court through the arbitration process when he signed up for a one-month trial of Disney+ in 2019 and acknowledged that he had reviewed the fine print.

“The Terms of Use, which were provided with the Subscriber Agreement, include a binding arbitration clause,” the company wrote in its motion. “The first page of the Subscriber Agreement states, in all capital letters, that ‘any dispute between You and Us, Except for Small Claims, is subject to a class action waiver and must be resolved by individual binding arbitration’.”

Disney also notes in its response that Piccolo agreed to a similar arbitration provision when he created an account on Disney’s website and app ahead of the ill-fated theme park visit.

But Piccolo’s lawyer, in a response filed earlier this month, argued that it was “absurd” to believe that the more than 150 million subscribers to Disney+ have waived all rights to sue the company and its affiliates in perpetuity — even if their case has nothing to do with the popular streaming service.

“The notion that terms agreed to by a consumer when creating a Disney+ free trial account would forever bar that consumer’s right to a jury trial in any dispute with any Disney affiliate or subsidiary, is so outrageously unreasonable and unfair as to shock the judicial conscience, and this court should not enforce such an agreement,” Brian Denney, Piccolo’s attorney, wrote in the Aug. 2 filing.

Disney, in its May 31 filing, argued that whether Piccolo actually reviewed the service terms is “immaterial.” It also noted the arbitration provision “covers ‘all disputes’ including ‘disputes involving The Walt Disney Company or its affiliates’.”

Arbitration allows people to settle disputes without going to court and generally involves a neutral arbitrator who reviews arguments and evidence before making a binding decision, or award.

Disney said late Wednesday that it is “deeply saddened” by the family’s loss but stressed the Irish pub is neither owned nor operated by the company. The company’s stance in the litigation doesn’t affect the plaintiff’s claims against the eatery, it added.

“We are merely defending ourselves against the plaintiff’s attorney’s attempt to include us in their lawsuit against the restaurant,” the company wrote in an emailed statement.

Raglan Road, the Irish pub in Disney Springs where Tangsuan dined, didn’t respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday. Disney Springs is owned by Disney, which leases some of the spaces in the outdoor dining, shopping and entertainment complex to other companies.

Piccolo’s lawsuit, which was filed in February, claims that he, his wife and his mother decided to eat at Raglan Road on Oct. 5, 2023 because it was billed on Disney’s website as having “allergen free food.”

After informing their server numerous times that she had a severe allergy to nuts and dairy products, Tangsuan ordered the vegan fritter, scallops, onion rings and a vegan shepherd’s pie.

The waiter then “guaranteed” that the food was allergen-free even though some of the items were not served with “allergen free flags,” the lawsuit states.

About 45 minutes after finishing their dinner, Tangsuan had difficulty breathing while out shopping, collapsed and eventually died at the hospital, despite self-administering an EpiPen during the allergic reaction, according to the lawsuit.

A medical examiner’s investigation determined later she died as a result of “anaphylaxis due to elevated levels of dairy and nut in her system,” the lawsuit said.

An Oct. 2 hearing has been scheduled on Disney’s motion in county court in Orlando. Piccolo seeks more than $50,000 in his lawsuit.

Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards Presented to 44 Farm Families at the 2024 Iowa State Fair

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon today recognized 44 Iowa farm families with Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards at the 2024 Iowa State Fair. The award acknowledges farmers who take voluntary actions to improve and protect our state’s natural resources, including our soil and water, serving as leaders within their communities.

These farm families use cover crops, no-till, wetlands, bioreactors, saturated buffers, grass waterways and many other proven conservation practices that improve water quality, enhance soil health and support the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. These worthy recipients recognize that the benefits of conservation practices extend beyond their farms, and their leadership encourages others to adopt similar conservation practices.

“Farming and environmental stewardship have always gone hand-in-hand,” said Governor Reynolds. “Today, we’re proud to honor farm families who have gone above and beyond, often for generations, to safeguard the land that feeds the world and makes our way of life possible. Congratulations to the 2024 IFELA award winners and thank you for preserving our state’s natural resources for decades to come.”

“Iowa continues to set records for conservation and water quality practice implementation, and this award recognizes our state’s farm families who are leading the way and serving as positive examples for others,” said Secretary Naig. “We are committed to accelerating our state’s water quality efforts in the years ahead and I am confident that Iowa’s farmers and landowners will rise to meet to this challenge.”

“We take great pride in recognizing these leaders in our farming communities throughout our state who prioritize sound conservation practices,” said Director Lyon. “Their commitment to conservation is paving the way for future generations and inspiring other farmers.”

The winners were chosen by a committee representing conservation and agricultural groups. A total of 821 Iowa farm families have been recognized since the creation of the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award in 2012. A list of previous recipients is available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website.

High-resolution photos will be available for within one month of the ceremony on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Flickr page.

The 2024 award recipients, listed alphabetically by last name, are:

Tom and Mary Beth Adam – Keokuk County

Green Country Farms LLC – Alec Amundson and Adam Norby – Mitchell County

Balderston Farms – Aaron and Dawn Balderston – Linn County

Bretz Farms LLC – Michael and Lisa Bretz – Buchanan County

Marty and Lisa Danzer – Carroll County

Tamara Deal – Guthrie County

Divan Farms – Jeff and Haley Divan – Winnebago County

Sean and Sara Dolan – Buchanan County

Brandt and Stacy Ferry – Shelby County

Matt Goodman – Marshall County

David and Julie Guthrie Family – Delaware County

Steve Henze and Joan Meester – Grundy County

Conner and Ashley Hildreth – Calhoun County

Jay and Marlowe Jung – Floyd County

Jason and Jordan Klinge – Clayton County

Kubik Farm – Tama County

Hunter Lindgren – Ida County

Dallas and Rebecca Linkenmeyer – Howard County

Keith Lovrien Farm – Butler County

Maxwell Farms – Story County

Andy and Lisa Merron – Kossuth County

Eric A Miller – Dubuque County

Metairie Ltd – Stan and Martha Nelson – Des Moines County

Bloomsbury Farm – David and Karen Petersen – Benton County

Broken Kettle Feedlot – Plymouth County

Kevin Prevo – Davis County

David and Mary Robinette – Montgomery County

Oaklawn Farms – Leon Schau – Lee County

Tony and Shirley Schroeder – Plymouth County

David, Amy, Aaron and Ean Scott – Muscatine County

Nick and Mary Sennert – Buena Vista County

Joseph and Janice Shirbroun – Carroll County

Jessob and Jenna Steffen – Clay County

Sterling Farms – Wapello County

Steve and Sue Anne Stoermer – Clay County

Tim and Jana Terwilliger – Humboldt County

Eric and Tali Vander Stouwe – Sioux County

Tom and Jen Vaske Family Farm – Delaware County

Mark and Brennen Vogel – Guthrie County

Brent and Cara Wells – Pocahontas County

Weston Family Farms – Luke and Alicia Weston – Buchanan County

Russell and Beth Winterhof – Cherokee County

Brush Creek Henhouse LLC – Mark and Alana Yoder and Sara Yoder – Decatur County

Dennis and Ann Youngquist and Timothy and Amanda Youngquist – Sac County

George Daily Auditorium to Present Goldpine Performance at Woodhaven Amphitheater

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The George Daily Auditorium is set to continue what has been a summer full of activity next week.

The Auditorium has partnered with the Woodhaven Amphitheater in University Park this month to host multiple free performances with musical artists, and next Thursday, the Woodhaven Amphitheater will see the return of the Nashville-based Americana duo Goldpine, which features Oskaloosa native Ben Wilson and his wife Kassie Wilson.

Ben Wilson told the No Coast Network that it won’t be the first time the duo has brought their music to his hometown.

The performance will be free to attend, though free will donations will be accepted, and the auditorium recommends $5 per person, if possible. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food to munch on while they enjoy the music. Kassie Wilson gave some insight on the style of music that Goldpine brings to the table.

The Woodhaven Amphitheater will host Goldpine next Thursday, August 22nd, at 7pm. More information is available online at georgedaily.org.

Our full interview with Goldpine is available below.

Oskaloosa Schools Appoints Interim Middle School Principal

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Oskaloosa Schools has appointed a one-year interim principal for Oskaloosa Middle School for the 2024-25 school year.

At a time of healing and transition, OMS welcomes Linda Brock as the interim principal. Brock, a retired school administrator with over 37 years of experience, is stepping out of retirement to provide leadership and support for the school community following the passing of Mark Scholes, who died in a tragic swimming accident in Lake Michigan while on vacation with his family this summer.

Brock’s distinguished career in education includes roles as superintendent of the Fort Dodge Community School District and director of special education and assistant superintendent in the Fort Madison Community School District. She has also been an adjunct professor in educational leadership at Western Illinois University, as well as an internship field supervisor.

Brock is known for her innovative approach and unwavering dedication to improving educational outcomes, always focusing on creating nurturing and inclusive environments for students and staff. Her leadership was characterized by a focus on growing the capacity of both staff and students, ensuring that educational environments were nurturing, inclusive, and effective.

Her leadership and compassion will be crucial in helping the school staff and students through this season of transition, ensuring stability and continued growth for both students and staff.

“I just fell in love with Oskaloosa when I was there during the last two searches,” Brock said. “I’m really excited and honored to spend time with [Superintendent] Mike Fisher and the other administrators, teachers, and students, and help in any way I can. My number one goal is to listen. I need to quickly get up to speed on the campus and the direction we are going, and take care of the people who are making it happen.”

Brock holds degrees from Truman State University and Western Illinois University, including a specialist degree in education. She has remained active in the field since retiring. Her recent work as a consultant with GR Recruiting, where she assisted Oskaloosa Schools in its search for superintendents, underscores her ongoing commitment to educational leadership.

“Linda Brock is an exceptional addition to the middle school team this year,” said Superintendent Fisher. “She embodies our vision culture to love, empower, and inspire people—exactly what we need to guide our students and staff through this transition. We’re thrilled she’s willing to join us.”

Brock, who has faced personal loss herself, finds strength in her close-knit family.

“My daughter and three grandchildren have lived with me in Packwood since my husband’s passing—they are number one and feed my soul,” she said.

Her son and his family reside nearby, while her late mother, who passed at 97, lived just across the neighbor’s yard.

“I know there’s a lot of grieving going on, and I’ve been through it numerous times myself,” Brock added. “I’m here to help in this process.”

As she steps into this interim role, Brock brings not only her professional expertise, but also a deep understanding of resilience and community.

A comprehensive search for a permanent, long-term principal will commence this fall to ensure Oskaloosa Middle School’s continued leadership and success.

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