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Indians Sweep Trojans to Open Season

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Oskaloosa Indians boys and girls basketball seasons began in earnest on Tuesday night with a doubleheader versus the Fairfield Trojans. The girls team, entering the season as the #15 ranked 4A team by the IGHSAU, looked to start strong in a campaign that has higher expectations compared to previous seasons, while the boys team, in year 1 under head coach Erik McGee, sought to begin his tenure on the right foot.

Girls Game

Oskaloosa’s girls entered the season with a more favorable outlook than the Fairfield Trojans: last year, the Indians finished 11-11 with their first playoff win since 2016, while the Trojans had won just 5 games in the previous two seasons. The Indians responded to the challenge in strong fashion on Tuesday night, controlling the game from start to finish.

In the first half, the Indians defense stifled the Trojans offense to the tune of 2 points allowed in the first quarter and 7 points allowed in the second quarter. The Indians applied consistent, controlled pressure to great effect.

Head coach TC Cunningham had plenty of praise to dish out for the defensive effort he saw.

“I liked the energy, I liked the pressure,” he said post-game. “That was one of the things we emphasized going into the game, we wanted to put pressure on the ball and not reach, we wanted to move our feet. I thought we did that for the most part.”

Offensively, the Indians maintained a solid pace throughout the game with star center Dasia Foster once again as the focal point. Foster finished the game with 22 points and 16 (unofficial) rebounds. The Indians hoped, coming into the season, that the offense around Foster could be more dynamic and more able to stretch opposing defenses to prohibit double and triple teams down low; on Tuesday night, the Indians weren’t able to get into a groove shooting from the outside, but Cunningham was still encouraged overall by what he saw from the newer, younger players stepping into bigger roles.

“I thought [our young players] came out and tried a little too hard instead of doing it like a practice and letting it come to them…we just have to calm them down, let them go through the flow, but I was impressed with the way they came out and played. They played hard, and that’s what I wanted them to do.”

Freshman Porah Cole was 2nd on the team with 7 points on the night, while four other Indian players picked up at least 4 points, including junior Leah Cohrt (6), freshman Dassah Cole (5), senior Hannah Nelson (4), and junior Naomi Cole (4). Ultimately, the team effort resulted in a convincing 58-21 win for the Indians, who will carry a 1-0 record into their first conference matchup of the season on Friday vs. Pella Christian.

Boys Game

After a 4-18 season last year that saw each of their top 4 players by points per game depart the program, the Oskaloosa Indians were starting fresh in year 1 under head coach Erik McGee. Going up against a Fairfield squad that had beaten them in each of the previous two years, the motivation was there for the Indians to start the season in the right way.

Similar to the girls game, the story of the first half was the defensive effort from Oskaloosa, as they held the Trojans to just 16 points in the first half on their way to building a 28-16 lead. However, early in the second half, the Trojans bounced back: success in crashing the offensive boards led to plenty of second chance opportunities as the Indians’ offense also stalled out. The Trojans began the second half on a 12-0 run to tie the game, and the Indians were in need of a quick response.

They were able to get it together late in the third quarter, holding a 34-33 lead entering the fourth. In the fourth quarter, the Indians started to thrive in precisely the way coach McGee wanted them to: defense and rebounding.

Senior Grady Kool notched a double-double on the night with 15 points and plenty of impactful offensive rebounds, several of which came in the fourth quarter.

When asked about his effort on the glass, Kool said it all came down to him doing his job.

“I think part of it is just my role on the team,” Kool said. “I know that my strengths are rebounding and posting up, so that’s what I’m going to do, and I’m going to go 100% at it.”

As a result of second-chance points and plenty of free throws generated from a desperate Fairfield defense, which saw two of its players foul out in the fourth, Osky enjoyed their highest-scoring quarter of the night when it mattered the most, scoring 20 points on their way to holding the Trojans off for a season-opening win. The final score was 54-46 in favor of Oskaloosa.

The Indians will look for a win in their conference opener on Friday night against Pella Christian. Coverage of the girls and boys doubleheader will start around 5:45pm on KBOE 104.9 FM and kboeradio.com.

ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION TO TOUR FOR FIRST TIME IN A DECADE

Posted on by Bob Ballard

It’s been a long time coming. Alison Krauss is hitting the road with her band, Union Station. On top of that, fans will be thrilled to know Alison and her band will also be headed back to the studio. The “Arcadia Tour” will be the first for the group in 10 years, while the album will be their first new studio effort in 14 years. The tour kicks off April 17 and 18, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky and consists of 73 dates, wrapping up September 26-28 in St. Augustine, Clearwater and Hollywood, Florida. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday. Pre-sales begin today at 10 a.m. local time on Alison’s website. See the entire tour itinerary here.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1944, Eddy Arnold held his first recording session at the WSM radio studios in Nashville. He recorded his first hit, “Each Minute Seems A Million Years,” and his first version of “The Cattle Call.”
  • Today in 1956, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis posed for a photo at the Sun studio in Memphis. The foursome conducted an impromptu jam session, which was dubbed “The Million Dollar Quartet.”
  • Today in 1965, Eddy Arnold net a #1 country single in Billboard Magazine with “Make The World Go Away.”
  • Today in 1971, seven months after eloping in Mexico, George Strait re-married Norma Voss.
  • Today in 1971, Charley Pride’s biggest hit, “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin” ascended to #1 on the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 1991, The Judds performed a final show of their Farewell Tour at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
  • Today in 2003, Ricky Skaggs received five nominations for the annual Grammy Awards, more than any other country artist.
  • Today in 2004, Gary Allan collected a #1 single on the Billboard country list with, “Nothing On But The Radio.”
  • Today in 2012, the Band Perry’s video for “Better Dig Two” premiered on CMT.
  • Today in 2013, Lee Brice and his wife, Sara, welcomed their second son, Ryker Mobley Brice.
  • Today in 2014, Chely Wright took part in the lighting of the national Christmas tree on the White House grounds in Washington, D.C. Also joining president Barack Obama on the PBS telecast: Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Steve Miller and Patti LaBelle.
  • Today in 2015, Carrie Underwood’s “Storyteller” album went gold.
  • Today in 2017, Luke Combs’ single “One Number Away” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2017, Love And Theft held the ‘Shine For Susie’ benefit for ALS charities at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, joined by Florida Georgia Line, Tyler Farr, Jerrod Niemann, Craig Campbell, Trent Tomlinson, Canaan Smith and The Warren Brothers.
  • Today in 2018, Brad Paisley threw a surprise concert at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville, where he also shot a new video.
  • Today in 2018, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated that pilot error was the cause of a helicopter accident that claimed the life of Montgomery Gentry’s Troy Gentry in 2017.

Philadelphia ready to go the distance with RockyFest week dedicated to ‘Rocky’ movies

Posted on by Sam Parsons

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Rocky Balboa fans are ready to go the distance — by bus, by ice skates, by 72 steps — to honor Philly’s favorite fictional fighter almost 50 years after the first movie launched the enduring series of an underdog boxer persevering despite the odds.

Yo, Adrian, Philly finally did it!

The city Rocky called home at last has a week dedicated to the box office heavyweight champion of the world a year after the inaugural Rocky Day was held with Sylvester Stallone in attendance at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps.

It’s Rocky, so of course there’s a sequel.

This year, it’s RockyFest.

The Rocky Bus Tour served as Round 1 over the weekend before the festival truly laced up its gloves for Tuesday’s opening event — on Dec. 3, the 1976 release date of “Rocky” — with area elementary school students running the Rocky steps.

A second cast of the Rocky statue was unveiled Tuesday at the top of the Rocky steps — where the original was featured in “Rocky III” — and will remain there through Dec. 31.

“This statue represents everything that the Rocky films stand for: resilience, heart, and the unbreakable bond between Rocky and the people of Philadelphia,” Stallone said in a statement.

Rocky is feted this week with a mural unveiling, movie marathons, RockyU discussions on the enduring appeal of Stallone’s most famous character, look-alike contests and even a bus tour. The tour — with QR codes that pull up scenes from the movies at designated sites – weaves Rocky fanatics through the city and includes stops at Adrian and Paulie’s fictional graves (not far from the real one for former Phillies announcer Harry Kalas), the Italian Market where Rocky trained, and the exterior site of Mighty Mick’s Gym.

“If no one has seen the movie,” tour guide Adam Clements said before a recent trip, “there will be spoilers.”

Rocky fans can even recreate Rocky and Adrian’s first date at a local ice rink.

It seems almost as improbable as Rocky Balboa lasting 15 rounds with champion Apollo Creed that it took so long for Philadelphia to properly honor “Rocky” and the other eight movies in the series (including three “Creed” films).

Whether natives like it or not, Rocky is as much a part of the fabric of the city as the Founding Fathers and the Liberty Bell.

Before most fans chug their first raw eggs of the day, the Rocky statue at the base of the museum steps already boasts a line that often snakes around the corner for most of the day. Movie clips are played ad nauseam — usually Adrian imploring Rocky to win — on the big screen at sporting events. The strains of “Gonna Fly Now” stir ahead of kickoff for all Eagles games. Rocky’s faithful followers run a 50-kilometer race each year that follows his trumped-up training route in a grueling tribute to their mythical champ.

There’s even a merchandise stand at the steps that sells “Italian Stallion” robes and plush Clubber Lang dolls a short run from where Paul Cézanne and Claude Monet’s works hang in the museum.

Choose your favorite canvas, there’s a little something for everyone.

While Stallone and “Creed” star Michael B. Jordan have made previous promotional stops at the Rocky steps, no actors were expected to attend this year’s events.

The 78-year-old Stallone did appear last year at a rain-soaked Rocky Day and credited the city for the character’s success as much as anything the weathered fighter achieved on the big screen.

“I’ve been around the world,” Stallone said. “But for some reason, these 72 steps inspire me, excite me. It’s like you get to the top, you feel inspired, you feel special, hopeful, happy. Most of all, proud of yourself. To all of you, who, believe it or not are real-life Rockys, because you live your life on your own terms, you try and do the best you can and you just keep punching.”

The 1976 film won a best picture Oscar and in 2020 finished tied for No. 2 in The AP Top 25 favorite sports movies poll.

The Philadelphia Visitors Center hatched RockyFest — which runs through Dec. 8 — in part for an overdue appreciation of the series as well as connecting locals and tourists to movie sites beyond the bronze statue.

“For years, there were tourists coming every single day to get their photo at the Rocky statue and there was nothing here officially to greet them,” said Maita Soukup, of the Philadelphia Visitor’s Center. ”There were no maps, no signage, no sort of visitor services infrastructure here at the Rocky statue and steps, even though it was such a big tourist attraction. That’s why we wanted to open a visitor’s center here. In the process of the city pursing that, Sly Stallone reached out to us and was like, let’s do this in partnership.”

Just like Rocky, if the first festival is successful, expect II and III and IV and more.

Iowa fall months end up being in the top ten for warmth

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Dar Danielson (Radio Iowa)

State Climatologist Justin Glisan says this fall is going down among the warmest we’ve ever seen in Iowa.

“Over four degrees above average for meteorological fall, September, October, November, so with 152 years of records looking like in the top 10 warmest falls on record,” Glisan says. The fall was on course to be one of the driest on record through the first two months. “The driest September, on record, 51st driest October, and then we get into a wet November. So kind of a balancing act there, but overall, we were drier than average, and that’s where we did see some drought conditions reemerge across the state. Recently we’ve had improvements with a wetter November,” he says.

He says rains late in November kept it from a dry overall outcome. “Not too much snow. We had a few flakes flying through the month, some rainfall, though we were about three inches, three and a quarter inches across the state, and that’s almost an inch-and-a-half above average,” Glisan says. Glisan says November was wet enough to push it up the record chart. “Overall for November, this looks like it will be in the top 20 wettest November is on record,” he says. November also saw temperatures about three degrees above average.

Mahaska Health Welcomes Ashlyn Rosol, DNP, CRNA, to the Anesthesiology Team

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Mahaska Health is proud to welcome Ashlyn Rosol, DNP, CRNA, to the Anesthesiology team. As an anesthesiologist, Ashlyn brings a passion for patient-centered care with a focus on serving rural communities.

Ashlyn Rosol earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Allen College in Waterloo, Iowa, before completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia at the University of Iowa. She has experience working in ICU and critical care settings, as well as surgical specialties, including OB/GYN, Urology, ENT, Pediatrics. Her extensive experience and knowledge enable her to provide high-quality anesthesia care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Before pursuing her career in healthcare, Ashlyn served as a fitness specialist for the U.S. Air Force, where she planned and managed fitness programs for service members. Today, she brings the same dedication and commitment to her role at Mahaska Health, creating anesthetic plans with patient safety as her top priority and ensuring every patient receives the compassionate care they deserve.

“We are thrilled to have Ashlyn join our team,” shared Andrea Hagist, RN, MSN, Chief Nursing Officer at Mahaska Health. “Her expertise and dedication to personalized patient care are exactly what we strive for at Mahaska Health. I am confident that she will make a positive impact on our patients and community.”

Ashlyn is excited to join the Mahaska Health team and contribute to the well-being of patients in the Oskaloosa community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time on her family’s acreage with her husband and their family, enjoying hobbies like hunting, fishing, and gardening.

2025 Dog Licenses to be Available Soon in Ottumwa

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OTTUMWA — Ottumwa dog owners are reminded that City dog licenses are required for any dog over the age of four months in the City of Ottumwa, unless the dog is kept in a kennel licensed by the State of Iowa for breeding and sale purposes.

City of Ottumwa 2025 dog licenses will be available starting December 16, 2024. The license fee is $10 per dog for spayed/neutered and $20 for unspayed/unneutered, now though January 31. On February 1 of each year, licenses from the previous year become delinquent and the fee increases to $15 per dog for spayed/neutered or $25 for unspayed/unneutered. The last day to purchase a 2025 license, without penalty, will be Friday, January 31, 2025.

The owner must present a current certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian showing the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. City dog licenses are available at the Ottumwa Police Department, the City Clerk’s Office on the second floor of the Train Depot located at 210 West Main Street, Eastview Animal Clinic – 11596 Bladensburg Road, Ottumwa Family Animal Care – 2830 North Court Street, Thomas Veterinary Clinic – 17591 Highway 34, and Animal Health Center of Ottumwa – 305 Richmond Avenue.

In addition to licensing being a city law, it also provides the Animal Control Officer with a means of identification for quickly reuniting an owner with lost pets. For more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 641-683-0621.

Jennifer Arriesgado Named 2024 Oskaloosa Police Officer of the Year

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — The Oskaloosa City Council met on Monday night for a regularly scheduled meeting and announced the city’s 2024 Police Officer of the Year.

The awardee was officer Jennifer Arriesgado. Officer Arriesgado was born and raised in Ottumwa and graduated from Ottumwa High School before enlisting in the US Navy. She served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln as a weapons elevator mechanic, serving two deployments and visiting six countries.

Officer Arriesgado recently completed her Bachelor of Science at William Penn University and currently teaches there as an adjunct instructor.

The Oskaloosa Police Department shared that officer Arriesgado was a deserving recipient for several reasons, including her positive attitude, community engagement, and willingness to take on additional investigative and leadership roles.

ZACH BRYAN CHANGES THE BACKSTORY OF HIS SONG “28”

Posted on by Bob Ballard

When you’re telling the truth, it doesn’t vary. When you’re embellishing, it’s tough to remember what the story is. A couple months back, Zach Bryan took questions on X, when one fan asked what inspired the song “28,” to which he replied, “Boston, our puppy was going into surgery, and I told Brianna (his now ex-girlfriend Brianna LaPaglia), “How lucky are we?” to have -had- a puppy so beautiful, and she came out of it just fine; I wrote it the next day because I felt like the luckiest man on the planet.” Great story, touching. BUT…more recently, Zach had a different story about the song, introducing it in concert by saying, “I wrote this song because one night I and all the boys were bowling in New York City, and I felt lucky to have each and every one of them. And I was so glad to be alive, I wrote a song called ’28.'” No ex-girlfriend, no puppy, but now it’s bowling with the boys that inspired the track.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1948, “Here Comes Santa Claus” by Gene Autry entered the Top 40 chart.
  • Today in 1964, Bobby Bare married his wife, Jeannie.
  • Today in 1966, Charley Pride entered the charts for the first time with “Just Between You And Me.”
  • Today in 1968, Elvis Presley’s NBC-TV special” Elvis,” aired for the first time. “Elvis” constitutes the King’s first big step toward his successful comeback. It drew rave critical reactions and also the year’s largest viewing figures for a musical special at the time. It was his first live performance in eight years — his first TV performance in seven. It has since been cited by “TV Guide” as the tenth most memorable moment in television history.
  • Today in 1984, the “Once Upon A Christmas” album by Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
  • Today in 1984, Kenny Rogers’ “What About Me” album was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
  • Today in 1991, the album, “Okie From Muskogee,” by Merle Haggard was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1991, “The Best Of The Best Of Merle Haggard” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1992, Alan Jackson’s album, “A Lot About Livin’ (And A Little ‘Bout Love),” was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1993, Little Texas topped the country charts with the single, “God Blessed Texas.”
  • Today in 1993, the “20 Years Of Dirt: Best Of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1998, Shania Twain’s album, “The Woman In Me,” was certified for sales of 11-million.
  • Today in 2001, Martina McBride won $125,000 for the New York Police and Fire Widows and Children’s Fund on a special celebrity edition of the syndicated game show, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”
  • Today in 2003, Toby Keith’s “American Soldier” video debuted on CMT.
  • Today in 2004, Trace and Rhonda Adkins welcomed a daughter, Trinity Lee Adkins.
  • Today in 2005, Dierks Bentley’s “Come A Little Closer” got cozy in the #1 position on the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 2006, Dolly Parton and Smokey Robinson were awarded Kennedy Center Honors in a Washington, D.C. event attended by president George W. Bush. Also recognized were Steven Spielberg and theatrical composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
  • Today in 2007, Sugarland picks up a double-platinum album from the RIAA for “Enjoy The Ride.”
  • Today in 2008, “Raising Sand,” the collaboration album by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss nabbed five GRAMMY nominations.
  • Today in 2010, Miranda Lambert’s single, “Gunpowder & Lead,” was certified platinum by the RIAA.
  • Today in 2010, Love And Theft performed “Runaway” at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in its final Grand Ole Opry appearance as a trio.
  • Today in 2010, Brooks & Dunn’s double-disc album “#1s… and then some” was certified gold and platinum by the RIAA.
  • Today in 2011, George Jones played a benefit at Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Mississippi, to raise money for a Tammy Wynette memorial project. His set list includes two of the former couple’s duets: “Take Me” and “Golden Ring.”
  • Today in 2012, Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck” video debuted on CMT.
  • Today in 2012, Taylor Swift received the Ripple of Hope Award from the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights during a dinner in New York.
  • Today in 2012, Lady A announces the formation of a new charitable foundation, LadyAID.
  • Today in 2014, Darius Rucker sang “White Christmas” from New York City during NBC’s annual “Christmas In Rockefeller Center,” which also featured Trisha Yearwood and LeAnn Rimes. Also performing on the special were Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Cyndi Lauper and Idina Menzel.
  • Today in 2016, Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood played Westpac Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand – the first concert in the country for each of them. The special occasion also marked the first time they performed “The Fighter” together publicly.
  • Today in 2019, “Brad Paisley Thinks He’s Special” aired on ABC with Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Hootie + The Blowfish and Kelsea Ballerini, who performed “Miss Me More” with Paisley on guitar. Paisley also offered up portions of “Celebrity,” “Mud On The Tires,” “Letter To Me,” “American Saturday Night” and “Alcohol.”

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