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Private Well Stewardship Program to be held November 7

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska and Poweshiek County Extension offices will host a free, one-hour learning session for private well owners on Thursday November 7. The program will help attendees understand their well’s water quality and connect them to resources to manage their well.

The free program will take place on Thursday November 7 from 6-7 pm at the New Sharon City Park Building located at 108 North Pearl Street in New Sharon.  Registration is requested by November 4.  To register, use https://go.iastate.edu/ICGWY1  or contact the Mahaska County Extension office by phone 641-673-5841 or email striegel@iastate.edu or the Poweshiek county Extension office by phone 641-623-5288 or email clents@iastate.edu .

Did you know that Iowa has a unique funding source for free or low-cost annual testing of private wells? Or that some water pollutants are odorless, tasteless and will not be removed by boiling water? If you’re curious about the answers to these questions, then take advantage of the upcoming learning session which will detail how to test your well and who can help, common contaminants, and factors that affect well water quality.

The program will be taught by Catherine DeLong, Water Quality Program Manager for ISU Extension and Outreach. According to DeLong, “About 230,000 Iowans rely on private wells as their home’s main water source, yet many do not know they should be testing once a year and that Iowa has a unique funding source to help cover the cost of testing.”

William Penn’s Homecoming Festivities Start This Week

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Homecoming festivities are set to start this week for William Penn University. Events are scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The full schedule of events can be found below.

Thursday, October 24

6:00pm – Early Bird Alumni Social
Statesmen Lanes | Downstairs Banquet Room
6:30pm – Back Alley Big Band
Musco Technology Center

Friday, October 25

8:15am – Registration for Ed Thomas Memorial Golf Outing
Edmondson Golf Course | Hosted by Tau Kappa Epsilon
9:00am – Ed Thomas Memorial 9-Hole Golf Outing (4-Person Teams)
Proceeds go to the Ed Thomas Memorial Scholarship Fund
10:00am – Coffee & Conversation with the President
Dana M. Atkins Memorial Union | Chief Mahaska Room
11:00am – Alumni Association Council Meeting (All Alumni Invited)
Dana M. Atkins Memorial Union | Chief Mahaska Room
11:30am – Registration for All Alumni Picnic
George Daily Pavilion
12:00pm – All Alumni Picnic
George Daily Pavilion
Featuring classes of: 1994, 1984, 1974, 1964
Scheduled Reunions: 1973-1974 Women’s Basketball Championship Team, Alpha Eta Omega 55th, 1984 Wales Tour, 1974 Poultry Bowl Team
(inclement weather | Chief Mahaska Room)
2:00pm – Campus Tours
George Daily Pavilion
5:30pm – Registration for Alumni Recognition Banquet
Musco Technology Center
6:00pm – Registration for Alumni Recognition Banquet
Musco Technology Center
7:00pm – Women’s Volleyball vs. Missouri Valley
Penn Activity Center (PAC) Court
8:00pm – All Alumni Social Hosted by Alpha Sigma Chi
Statesmen Lanes | Downstairs Banquet Room

Saturday, October 26

8:00am – Continental Breakfast
Penn Activity Center (PAC) | 2nd Floor Foyer
8:30am – Authors & Artists
Penn Activity Center (PAC) | 2nd Floor Foyer
9:00am – Athletic Hall of Fame Presentation
Penn Activity Center (PAC) | 1st Floor AHOF Alcove
10:00am – Alumni Volleyball Game
Penn Activity Center (PAC) Court
10:30am – Reserved Times for Alumni Clubs & Organizations
Greek Alumni Council | PAC 208
Pi Gamma Xi | PAC 209
Sigma Phi Sigma | Ware Auditorium/PAC 305
Tau Kappa Epsilon | PAC 319
11:00am – Women’s Soccer vs. Benedictine
Drost Field | Statesmen Community Stadium
12:00pm – All Alumni Tailgate
Statesmen Community Stadium | North Side
1:30pm – Men’s Soccer
Drost Field | Statesmen Community Stadium
2:30pm – Football vs. Clarke
Statesmen Community Stadium
Halftime
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, 1974 Poultry Bowl Team, Homecoming Court Presentation
6:00pm – Women’s Volleyball vs. Central Methodist
Penn Activity Center (PAC) Court
6:30pm – Alumni Overtime Hosted by WPU Alumni Association Council
Statesmen Lanes | Downstairs Banquet Room

MORGAN WALLEN ANNOUNCES “SAND IN MY BOOTS” MUSIC FESTIVAL

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Morgan Wallen has announced a new music festival, to take place next year. “Sand In My Boots,” named after his 2021 hit, will take place on the Hangout Festival site on the shores of Gulf Shores, Alabama, May 16-18, 2025. Morgan’s doing more than just attaching his name to the festival; it features a multi-genre lineup with some of Wallen’s closest friends, favorite artists, and those who have inspired him, and that he has always wanted to perform with. Every artist, activity, and experience will be handpicked by Wallen himself.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1983, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton received a gold single for “Islands In The Stream.”
  • Today in 1984, Mickey Gilley was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
  • Today in 1997, Deana Carter ended up at #1 on the Billboard chart with “How Do I Get There.”
  • Today in 2002, a new episode of “CMT Crossroads” aired, pairing The Dixie Chicks and James Taylor.
  • Today in 2005, Carrie Underwood’s single, “Jesus, Take The Wheel,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2007, Alison Kraus teamed up with Robert Plant for a “CMT Crossroads.”
  • Today in 2009, Toby Keith was named Songwriter/Artist of the Decade and “Live Like You Were Dying” author Craig Wiseman is honored as Songwriter of the Decade by the Nashville Songwriters Association International.
  • Today in 2009, Tammy Wynette was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with “I Hope You Dance” author Mark D. Sanders and “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” creator Kye Fleming.
  • Today in 2011, Colt Ford announced the creation of his own brand of alcohol, Goodtime Moonshine and Goodtime Vodka.
  • Today in 2011, Miranda Lambert’s single, “White Liar,” went platinum. On the same date in 2013, she got a platinum award for the song, “Kerosene.”
  • Today in 2014, Blake Shelton’s “Bringing Back The Sunshine” debuted in the top spot on the Billboard country albums chart.
  • Today in 2014, Angaleena Presley made her Grand Ole Opry debut as a solo artist. The night’s lineup also featured Kristian Bush, Lorrie Morgan, Bill Anderson, Jean Shepard and “Nashville” actor Charles Esten.
  • Today in 2016, Justin Moore’s single, “Somebody Else Will,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2016, the children’s picture book, “Coat Of Many Colors,” which was based on the Dolly Parton song, was published.
  • Today in 2016, Brothers Osborne sunk two out of three shots from center ice during intermission of an NHL game at the United Center in Chicago, winning $1,000 for charity. The Blackhawks defeat the Flyers, 7-4.
  • Today in 2016, Randy Travis made a surprise appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 2016, Kris Kristofferson was recognized with the Woody Guthrie Prize for embodying the spirit of the late singer/songwriter.
  • Today in 2016, Blake Shelton joined Gwen Stefani to perform “Go Ahead And Break My Heart” for the final state dinner of Barack Obama’s presidency at the White House in Washington, D.C. Others in the room included Jerry Seinfeld, Mario Andretti and James Taylor.
  • Today in 2017, Lee Brice picked up five sales awards from the RIAA. The albums “I Don’t Dance” and “Love Like Crazy” were certified gold, while his single, “That Don’t Sound Like You,” went gold; the song “Drinking Class” hit platinum and “Hard To Love” went double-platinum.
  • Today in 2017, instead of accepting awards at the CMT Artists of the Year show in Nashville, singer Jason Aldean and other stars honored the victims of the mass shooting at a country music festival in Las Vegas.
  • Today in 2018, Keith Urban visited a dying fan before a concert in Ohio, performing “Blue Ain’t Your Color” at the bedside of 25-year-old Marissa English at St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo.
  • Today in 2019, it was a “golden” day for Keith Urban and Gary Allan, who each scored gold certifications for their respective singles, “Parallel Lines” and “Her Man.”
  • Today in 2019, Brantley Gilbert’s single, “Stone Cold Sober,” was certified gold. On the same day, Dierks Bentley’s single, “Living,” went gold and Kacey Musgraves? She collected gold singles for “Rainbow” and “Biscuits.”
  • Today in 2019, Cody Jinks album, “The Wanting,” was released.
  • Today in 2019, Luke Bryan collects platinum singles from the RIAA for “Move” and “Knockin’ Boots.”

Hyundai recalls hydrogen fuel cell vehicles due to fire risk and tells owners to park them outdoors

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai is telling the owners of nearly 1,600 Nexo hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the U.S. and Canada to park them outdoors and away from structures due to the risk of fuel leaks and possible fires.

The Korean automaker is recalling the hydrogen-powered SUVs from the 2019 through 2024 model years.

Hyundai says in documents posted Thursday by U.S. safety regulators that a pressure relief device can break and cause a hydrogen leak. That could cause a fire even while the SUVs are parked.

The company says the SUVs can still be driven but should be parked outside until repairs are made.

Hyundai says it has no reports of fires anywhere across the globe.

Owners will be notified by letter starting Dec. 10. Dealers will replace the pressure release devices.

The automaker said in a statement that it’s doing the recall “to ensure the safety of its customers.”

Owners with questions can go to https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/campaignhome or call Hyundai customer service at (800) 633-5151.

Attorney General Bird Warns Iowans of Government Imposter Scams After Scammer Spoofs Office Phone Number

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES—Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird today warns Iowans to be on high alert for government imposter scams. This warning follows an instance last Thursday where a scammer attempted to defraud a woman by calling from what appeared to be the Iowa Attorney General’s office’s phone number.

Government imposter scams occur when a scammer pretends to be affiliated with a government agency to trick Iowans into sending money. Scammers often claim to be from agencies such as the Iowa Department of Revenue, Social Security Administration, or law enforcement.

“Scammers are master manipulators who will lie and scare people to get their way,” said Attorney General Bird. “I am warning Iowans to be on the lookout because these scammers will stop at nothing to steal from you, even if it means impersonating my office or law enforcement. If you or someone you know is suspicious of a call, please hang up and call my office at 888-777-4590.”

Last Thursday, the Iowa Attorney General’s office was alerted of a scammer who was spoofing the Iowa Attorney General office’s phone number to deceive people. A scammer, using an Iowa phone number, called a woman in Oregon and left a voicemail claiming to be a special agent with the Department of Justice. The concerned woman immediately forwarded a transcript of the voicemail to her husband. He returned the scammer’s call and asked for proof of identification or government affiliation. The scammer refused and instead insisted on calling back from a “main line” to prove they were a special agent. As the scammer called back from a different Iowa phone number, the husband found online that the number appearing on the caller ID was associated with the Iowa Attorney General’s office. The husband then confronted the scammer, but the scammer evaded questions and abruptly ended the call. The husband immediately reported the scam to the Iowa Attorney General’s office.

How to Spot a Government Imposter Scam:

  • Unexpected Contact: Scammers call out of the blue and claim to be affiliated with a government agency.
  • Threats: They use scare tactics, including threats of arrest, deportation, or fines.
  • Demands for Immediate Payment: Scammers ask for money to solve a problem, such as paying taxes, fines, or fees. They also ask for the money to be sent via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency—all methods where it is near impossible to retrieve the stolen money.
  • Flawed Emails or Letters: They send fake letters or emails that look like they are from a legitimate agency but contain spelling errors or mismatched logos.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Verify the Source: If suspicious of someone claiming to be from a government agency, hang up or ignore the message. Use a verified phone number to directly call the agency.
  • Use Official Channels: Always check the official website of the government agency for communication, guidelines, or instructions.
  • Be Skeptical of Threats: Government agencies and law enforcement will not make threats of immediate arrest or ask for payment over the phone.
  • Protect Your Pocketbook: Never provide personal or financial information over the phone, text, or email.

Mahaska Heath Welcomes Dr Jay Blomme to the Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Team

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Mahaska Health is pleased to welcome Jay Blomme, MD, a board-certified Family Medicine Physician and Sports Medicine Physician who specializes in Pain Management to their esteemed team of healthcare providers. 

Dr. Blomme completed his medical degree at the University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, where he was a member of the Carver Rural Iowa Scholarship Program. He completed his residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, followed by a fellowship in Sports Medicine. His experience includes providing medical coverage at various sports events and clinics, enhancing his proficiency in musculoskeletal (MSK) medicine. 

Alongside serving patients on the Mahaska Health campus, Dr. Blomme will also be providing more sideline coverage at Oskaloosa and William Penn sporting events. Adding to the Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine team, with more Fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Specialists than anyone in the region, Dr. Blomme will provide innovative solutions and the latest technology to help community members enjoy an active, pain free life. Mahaska Health’s Orthopaedics department is recognized with the Joint Replacement Excellence Award by Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa, the organization’s commitment to providing physician-led healthcare in the region.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Blomme join our Orthopedics and Sports Medicine teams,” shared Jon Gehrke, MD, FAAOS, Mahaska Health Chief of Staff and Orthopaedic Medical Director. “His expertise will further enhance our ability to help our patients achieve their best health, whether they’re recovering from an injury or striving to improve their athletic performance.”

Dr. Jay Blomme recently relocated to Oskaloosa with his wife, Erica Blomme, MD, who also practices at Mahaska Health, as a Hospitalist on the Internal Medicine Team. The Blomme Doctors are looking forward to becoming involved in the community.

GoFundMe Created for Family of Osky Couple Killed in Car Accident

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Oskaloosa community is helping a grieving family with a GoFundMe page after a couple was killed in a car accident in Mahaska County last week.

Tim Van Maaf started the page to benefit the family of Sy and Rachel Yang, who died after their vehicle struck the rear of a tiller implement that was being pulled by a tractor. Their children, who were also in the car, were injured and taken to Mahaska Health for treatment.

The GoFundMe has already surpassed its $30,000 fundraising goal, but donations are still being accepted here. Donations can also be made directly through SONshine Preschool (Rachel’s employer, located within Oskaloosa Christian School) and may be left at the office, or at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa.

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

Posted on by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is Leilani, an adorable 3 year old American Eskimo mix who loves everyone and gets along great with other pets. Leilani is a real cuddlebug who loves to play, loves attention and shows signs of being housetrained.

Leilani is fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped, spayed and ready to go to a loving home.

And because Leilani is the Pet of the Week, her adoption free is only $100!

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Leilani 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 Leilani with Shanna from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:

ZACH BRYAN DOESN’T WANT TO BE CONSIDERED “A COUNTRY MUSICIAN”

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Zach Bryan may be one of the biggest draws in country music, but he doesn’t want to be known as such. In a conversation with Bruce Springsteen for “Rolling Stone” magazine, Bryan insisted he doesn’t want to be pigeonholed. “I don’t want to be a country musician. Everyone calls me it. I want to be a songwriter, and you’re quintessentially a songwriter.” He adds, “No one calls Bruce Springsteen – hate to use your name in front of you – but no one calls Bruce Springsteen a freaking rock musician, which you are one, but you’re also an indie musician, you’re also a country musician,” he added. “You’re all these things encapsulated in one man. And that’s what songwriting is.” Bruce seems to think that Bryan covers multiple genres well, saying, “You bust all those different genre boundaries down.”

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