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Weekly Fuel Report

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — The price of regular unleaded gasoline held steady, averaging $2.89 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $2.65 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $75.55.
  • Brent crude oil fell by $1.25 and is currently priced at $79.08.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $75.26 and Brent crude was $81.70.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.89 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices held steady from last week’s price and are up 20 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.13, up 4 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 5 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.44.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.58 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 23 cents lower than the national average of $3.67.
  • Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.04 for U87-E10, $2.21 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.42 for ULSD#2, $2.67 for ULSD#1, and $1.92 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices were up $.14 at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.89/MMbtu.
  • Propane prices averaged $1.67 per gallon in Iowa.
  • Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $3.04 per gallon.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Upcoming Webinar viewings at Mahaska County Extension

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — ISU Extension and Outreach -Mahaska County to host viewing of two exciting webinar series this winter/spring.  To register to join the viewing at the Mahaska County Extension office- please call 641-673-5841 or email striegel@iastate.edu

North Dakota State University Extension will host their Field to Fork webinar series starting  begin Feb. 12. The webinars will be held online from 2 to 3 p.m. through May 7.
Experts from across the region will provide information about growing, preserving and preparing specialty-crop fruits and vegetables safely in this 10th annual webinar series.
Topics that will be covered:
  • Feb. 12: How to Start Your Own Flower and Vegetable Transplants Indoors — Don Kinzler, Extension horticulture agent, NDSU
  • Feb. 19: Anatomy of a Food Recall — Bryon Chaves, Extension associate professor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Feb. 26: Growing Tips for Summer and Winter Squash — Tom Kalb, Extension horticulturist, NDSU
  • March 5: Let’s Preserve Salsa (Live Demonstration) — Julie Garden-Robinson, Extension food and nutrition specialist and professor, NDSU
  • March 12: The Science Behind Indoor Plant Lighting — Esther McGinnis, Extension horticulturist and associate professor, NDSU
  • March 19: Pickling Safety — Cindy Brison, Extension educator, University of Nebraska
  • March 26: Tips and Tricks for Vegetable Production — Susie Thompson, associate professor and potato breeder, NDSU
  • April 2: Plant Pathology 101: Common Plant Diseases — Sam Markell, professor and interim plant pathology department chair, NDSU
  • April 9: All About Alliums: Garlic, Green Onion, Dry Bulb Onion, Leeks and Shallots — Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, professor, NDSU
  • April 16: Ghosts in Your Gardens — Janet Knodel, Extension entomologist and professor, NDSU
  • April 30: Food Preservation Toolkit — Karen Blakeslee, Extension associate, Kansas State University
  • May 7: Healthy Soil, Healthy Food — Carlos Pires, Extension soil health specialist and assistant professor, NDSU
The webinars will be held on Zoom, are free of charge, and can be watched independent of the group viewing at the Mahaska county Extension office.  Registration is required. Register on the Field to Fork website at ag.ndsu.edu/fieldtofork Participants will be sent reminder emails with the link.  The webinars also will be archived for later viewing, but participating in the live webinar allows participants to interact with the presenter.
This series is an ongoing collaborative effort with the North Central Food Safety Extension Network which includes experts from NDSU and around the region.  This project is made possible with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
Additionally, The North Central Food Safety Extension Network will present a trio of webinars about food trends for entrepreneurs.
This free series is designed to answer questions from food entrepreneurs about food safety. Each webinar is from 11 a.m. to noon.
“Through the power and popularity of social media and farmers markets, some home chefs are choosing to use their skills to sell food items following the requirements in their states,” says Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU professor and Extension food and nutrition specialist. “This webinar series is designed to provide information for food entrepreneurs to help them safely prepare foods for sale or home use.”  The courses will be taught by experts around the region.
The first webinar, Best Practices for Food Entrepreneurs, will be held on Jan. 28. The speakers are Garden-Robinson and Karen Blakeslee, Extension associate.
The second webinar, Freeze Drying Foods: Science, Safety, and Cottage Industry, will be held on Feb. 4. This session will cover the science and food safety aspects involved in producers freeze-drying foods for sale to consumers. Mary-Grace Danao, research associate professor at University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s Food Processing Center, will speak.
The final webinar, Sourdough Starters: Care, Safety, and Preservation, will be held on Feb. 11. Caitlin Clark, a food scientist at Colorado State University Spur, will speak. This course will cover the basics of sourdough, its makeup and benefits and how to stay safe when preparing and preserving it.
These webinars can be viewed independent of the viewing at the Mahaska County Extension office.  To register to view any of the webinars on your own at https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_25HYHfTvilNyage. Registrants will be emailed a Zoom link to participate.
Read the NDSU Extension publication “Food Safety Best Practices for Local Food Entrepreneurs” for more information about preparing food for sale.

Vermeer Charitable Foundation Announces $100k Grant for Ice Rink Chiller Fundraiser

Posted on by Sam Parsons

PELLA — The board of the Vermeer Charitable Foundation recently announced the awarding of a $100,000 grant to the Spirit of Pella to jumpstart the purchase of an ice rink chiller targeted for installation at Pella’s Caldwell Park in November once the remaining $400,000 for the project can be raised.

“We are deeply grateful to the Vermeer Charitable Foundation for recognizing the opportunity to support such an exciting new amenity for Pella residents and visitors of all ages,” said Bob Zylstra, Spirit of Pella board member and chair of the group’s placemaking committee. “Ice skating has long been a popular activity in the Upper Midwest, and that’s absolutely true in Pella. But recently, we’ve experienced sustained below-zero temperatures only long enough to offer a couple of skating days each year,” Zylstra explained.

Caldwell Park’s current 50 x 120-foot ice rink backerboard system was first installed in 2017. Every year, the rink’s opening date is entirely weather dependent because rink ice is built up over several days using a water layering system. To build ice, Pella’s park staff members need a minimum of four consecutive days with temperatures below 32 degrees and no anticipated temperatures above 45 degrees in the 14-day forecast. The chiller will create and maintain ice whenever average daytime temperatures are below 50 degrees.

Spirit of Pella board member Kyle Nelson chairs the group’s Fundraising Committee. Their efforts have already generated a number of individual chiller project donations through Spirit of Pella’s Giving Tuesday and year-end outreach. The group is also submitting several grant applications and planning fundraising events over the next several months, hoping to raise the full $500,000 for the project by mid-summer. Chiller equipment will then be purchased, installed and then donated to the City of Pella which will manage and maintain the rink.

Those interested in making a donation can do so at spiritofpella.org/donate.

POST MALONE VENTURES INTO COMIC BOOKS WITH “BIG RIG”

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Post Malone must be creatively restless. The rapper/pop star/country star is venturing into the world of comic books. The singer has teamed up with Vault Comics for “Big Rig,” a graphic novel described as “Evil Dead” meets “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Not only is he the brains behind the graphic novel, but the comic is set to be adapted into a feature film. The book will be published later this year, but the first chapter will be made available exclusively at local comic shops on Free Comic Book Day (May 3). But why wait? You can see several sample pages of the book here.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1969, Elvis Presley recorded the song “Suspicious Minds” at the American Studios in Memphis.
  • Today in 1987, “Whoever’s in New England” by Reba McEntire became a gold album.
  • Today in 1990, the album “Killin’ Time” by Clint Black became a platinum album.
  • Today in 2005, Big & Rich’s Big Kenny Alphin married his wardrobe stylist Christiev Carothers, whom he met on the video shoot of Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman.”
  • Today in 2008, Carrie Underwood won four awards at the second annual CMT Online Awards.
  • Today in 2011, at the AFC Championship Game, the Steelers beat the New York Jets 24-19. Martina McBride sung the national anthem, and Joe Nichols and Hank Williams Jr. performed at halftime.
  • Today in 2013, Brantley Gilbert and Chris Young guest starred on ABC-TV’s “Nashville.” The episode’s music included Jack Ingram’s “Barefoot and Crazy,” along with songs by Thomas Rhett and Edens Edge.
  • Today in 2017, Big & Rich earned a double-platinum single from the RIAA for “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)” and a platinum one for “Lost In This Moment.”
  • Today in 2018, Lari White died of cancer in Nashville. Married to songwriter Chuck Cannon, she earned three Top 10 hits in 1994-1995, had a role in the Tom Hanks movie, “Cast Away,” and co-produced hits for Billy Dean and Toby Keith.
  • Today in 2018, the World Wildlife Fund launched a campaign to battle the poaching of snow leopards with the Rascal Flatts song, “I Won’t Let Go,” providing musical support.

Osky Boys Notch Road Victory at Mount Pleasant

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Oskaloosa Indians boys basketball team hit the road on Tuesday night following a day in which school was canceled for the Oskaloosa School District, searching for their 5th win of the season against a struggling Mount Pleasant Panthers team that entered Tuesday night at 1-9.

The Indians were dealing with illnesses throughout their roster and were slightly shorthanded for the game. Between that and the school cancelation, the level of focus that the Indians brought to the matchup was going to be key going in; ultimately, there was no sign of lethargy to be found, as they came in ready to play.

Oskaloosa was able to pick up some early steam on offense thanks to some quality ball movement that set up close-range shots for senior forward Xavier Edwards. Edwards scored 8 points in the first quarter to help Osky jump out to a 16-12 lead.

From there, Oskaloosa’s defense stepped up and made life difficult for the Panthers. Edwards was tasked with limiting Mount Pleasant’s 6’7″ post player Noah Lange, and he consistently denied entry passes to Lange to prevent easy, efficient buckets for the Panthers. Players like Ethan Stek, Landon Romas, and Heavon Knox were poking balls free from Panther players’ handles all night long and jumping passing lanes to create turnovers. The Panthers weren’t able to get many shots up against the Indians because the Indians never gave them the real estate to find open looks; on top of the turnovers forced on-ball, the Indians forced multiple shot clock violations in the first half to frustrate Mount Pleasant.

“Compared to our last games, I think that our defense has been a lot better,” said Xavier Edwards post-game. “Especially coming off of that Norwalk loss…we definitely took some time to focus on getting back on defense, working on our talking and communication.”

The Indians defense limited the Panther offense to 28 points in quarters 2-4. Their offense maintained their pace to keep the Panthers from ever re-entering the game after the score was 27-20 Oskaloosa at halftime. The Indians hardly needed to feel any stress in the second half as they cruised to a 56-40 victory.

Tommy North led Oskaloosa with 16 points on the night. Xavier Edwards added 14, while Ethan Stek and Landon Romas each chipped in 7.

“We did enough to get it done,” said coach Erik McGee after the game. “There were some times where it wasn’t pretty, but when it came time, we were able to stretch that lead from 7 to 11…and we were able to put the game away late.”

Oskaloosa (5-7) will travel to Pella Christian on Friday night to take on the Eagles in a Little Hawkeye Conference girls and boys doubleheader. Coverage can be heard starting at 5:45pm on KBOE 104.9 FM and kboeradio.com.

Jason Aldean Announces 2025 “Full Throttle” Tour

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Jason Aldean has announced his tour plans for 2025. His “Full Throttle” tour will feature support from Nate Smith, RaeLynn and Dee Jay Silver, and will kick off with a stop in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio on May 23, with 31 dates taking him through most of America and most of 2025, winding up October 4 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Presales start today ahead of the first general on sale starting this Friday at 10am local time.

September 19th, Aldean’s tour makes a stop in Des Moines.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1969, Glen Campbell was awarded his first gold single for “Wichita Lineman.”
  • Today in 1990, for the third straight year Randy Travis lead country winners at the American Music Awards with three awards. Other country winners included Reba McEntire, Alabama and Clint Black.
  • Today in 1991, Aaron Tippin’s first album, “You’ve Got To Stand For Something,” was released.
  • Today in 1994, Hal Ketchum joined the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 2001, Kenny Chesney’s album “Greatest Hits” was certified gold and platinum.
  • Today in 2005, Darryl Worley’s “Awful, Beautiful Life” reached the top of the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 2012, Brad Paisley performed “Camouflage” in a halftime set during an NFL playoff game at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park where New York Giants beat the 49ers 20-17.
  • Today in 2013, Lady Antebellum’s single, “Downtown,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2018, Neil Diamond announced he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and is officially retiring from touring.
  • Today in 2018, the single, “What Ifs,” by Kane Brown featuring Lauren Alaina, went double-platinum single.

Mittens the cat becomes an accidental frequent flyer after getting mistakenly left on a plane

Posted on by Sam Parsons

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A Maine coon cat named Mittens became an accidental jetsetter this month when her cage was overlooked in a plane cargo hold and she made three trips in 24 hours between New Zealand and Australia.

Mittens, 8, was booked for one-way travel with her family from Christchurch, New Zealand to their new home in Melbourne, Australia on Jan. 13. But owner Margo Neas said Wednesday that as she waited for Mittens to be unloaded from the plane’s freight area, three hours passed with no sign of the cat.

It was then that ground staff told Neas the plane had returned to New Zealand — with Mittens still on board. The return trip involves about 7.5 hours in the air.

“I said, how can this happen? How can this happen? Oh my God,” Neas said.

The Air New Zealand pilot was told of the extra passenger during the flight and turned on the heating in the cargo hold to keep Mittens comfortable, she added. Neas was told that a stowed wheelchair had obscured a baggage handler’s view of Mittens’ cage.

“It was not a great start to our new life in Melbourne because we didn’t have the family, we weren’t complete,” she said.

But the saga had a happy ending. The pet moving company that Neas used to arrange Mittens’ travel met the cat on her return to Christchurch and ensured she was back on the plane for another trip to Melbourne — this time just one way.

Mittens had lost weight but was otherwise unharmed.

“She basically just ran into my arms and just snuggled up in here and just did the biggest cuddles of all time,” Neas said. “It was just such a relief.”

Air New Zealand would reimburse all costs associated with Mittens’ travel and has apologized for the distress caused, the airline said in a statement.

“We’ll work closely with our ground handler in Melbourne to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” said spokesperson Alisha Armstrong.

Meanwhile Mittens, not usually an affectionate pet, is “the cuddliest she’s ever been,” said Neas.

“The cat gets as much attention as she wants right now because we’re just so absolutely and utterly relieved to have her back.”

More than 30 bands, musicians to be inducted as Iowa’s rock ‘n’ roll elite

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Pat Powers (Radio Iowa)

The 2025 inductees into the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame will be recognized this summer at Arnolds Park. Ralph Kluseman, president of the northwest Iowa-based association, says more than 30 bands, individuals, and music venues are set for recognition.

“We get to celebrate the talent that Iowa is so blessed with and this is the thing we look forward to all year long,” Kluseman says. “Of course, when we bring everybody together, it creates even a bigger family every year. This is our 28th induction since this great idea was brought into the world.”

Kluseman says the induction celebration later this year will feature a range of activities.

“One part that always gets people excited is the ceremony itself, where you get to hear and see the people who have impacted their lives,” Kluseman says. “They may have been listening to them or seen them when they were teenagers, or young parents, or whatever the case may be, but when we get the bios done and we get the presentations done, it’s a very moving event.”

Tickets for the Labor Day weekend event will go on sale this spring. The dates are August 29th through the 31st. The opening ceremony is held that Saturday morning and the “meet and greet” for inductees is Saturday night.

“That following evening, on the Sunday night, we get over to the roof garden, and we get to put a lot of them that are still performing up on stage, and it just brings back such a thrill,” Kluseman says. “So I wouldn’t distinguish between any of these. All are world class people that need to be recognized for the impact they’ve had on our lives.”

Bands being inducted include: Galaxy, Witch Hazel, Wicked Liz & the Belly Swirls, Kory & the Fireflys, Sons of Gladys Kravitz, The Chevrons, Homegrown Band and Mirage.

In the individual category: Gary Lambert, Tory Steffregen, Kenny Kugel (deceased), Mark Doyle, Dick Howard, Scott Moore, Stacy Peterson, Chad Elliott, Tim Miller and Larry Hrubes.

Two venues are also being singled out: The Depot in Shenandoah, and the Ollinger Ballroom in Pocahontas.

For the full list, visit: https://www.iowarocknroll.com/

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