OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors’ regular meeting for Monday, January 20 has been canceled.
County Auditor Jody Groenendyk said the cancelation was due to a lack of items placed on the meeting agenda.
The next regular Board of Supervisors meeting will be held on Monday, February 3.
OSKALOOSA — All ages are invited to a special OWLS program on Friday, January 24th from 11:00 am -12:00 pm at the Mahaska County Environmental Learning Center.
The talented Oskaloosa High School Storybook Players return to perform in the lower level of the Environmental Learning Center. This group will perform their own versions of the Princess and the Pea, the Frog Prince, and Peter Pan. The MCCB says they had a full room for this event last year, so be sure to make your reservations! Reservations are made by contacting MCCB at (641)673-9327 or decook@mahaskacountyia.gov.
The Environmental Learning Center is located at 2342 Hwy. 92, Oskaloosa, IA. Parking and the program entrance is on the south side of the building.
This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Lucy”, a sweet 1 and a half year old American Eskimo mix who is super-affectionate, gets along great with other dogs, cats, kids and adults, and would love to meet you! Lucy loves attention, loves to play, loves toys and has a lot of energy, so she would be great for a family with kids. Lucy is fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go to a loving home.
And because Lucy is the Pet of the Week, the adoption fee is only $100 this week!
If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Lucy 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 Lucy with Shanna & Nicole from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
Zach Bryan got his friend Matthew McConaughey to help him tease two new projects in the works. (Matthew was in Zach’s music video for “Nine Ball” last year, so they’re buds now.)
Zach posted an audio clip yesterday where Matthew talks about one more album with Zach’s current label, Warner Records. And, also a FILM.
He says the film is called “Motorbreath”, about Zach and his friends road tripping across the country on motorcycles while he records “one final major-label album.”
No word on release dates for the movie or the album yet. But Zach posted a 90-second clip from a song called “Birdie” that’s apparently on it.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Trump’s pick for national security adviser, Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, said in an interview on Wednesday that the president-elect is exploring options to “preserve” TikTok.
Waltz made the comment when Fox News anchor Bret Baier asked him about a report from The Washington Post that said Trump was considering an executive order to suspend enforcement of a federal law that could ban the popular platform nationwide by Sunday.
Last week, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a legal challenge to the statute brought by TikTok, its China-based parent company ByteDance, and users of the app. The Justices seemed likely to uphold the law, which requires ByteDance to divest TikTok on national security grounds or face a ban in one of its biggest markets.
“If the Supreme Court comes out with a ruling in favor of the law, President Trump has been very clear: Number one, TikTok is a great platform that many Americans use and has been great for his campaign and getting his message out. But number two, he’s going to protect their data,” Waltz said.
“He’s a deal maker. I don’t want to get ahead of our executive orders, but we’re going to create this space to put that deal in place,” he added.
Separately on Wednesday, Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick for attorney general, dodged a question during a Senate hearing on whether she’d uphold a TikTok ban.
Trump has reversed his position on the popular app, having tried to ban it during his first term in office over national security concerns. He joined TikTok during his 2024 presidential campaign and his team used it to connect with younger voters, especially male voters, by pushing content that was often macho and aimed at going viral. He pledged to “save TikTok” during the campaign and has credited the platform with helping him win more youth votes.
DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is advising Iowa pet owners to keep their cats and dogs away from sick or deceased wild birds and animals. Pet owners should also discourage indoor/outdoor cats from hunting wildlife because of the ongoing threat posed by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) circulating within wild and migratory birds.
Tips to Help Keep Your Pets Healthy
About H5N1 HPAI
H5N1 HPAI is a viral disease that can travel in wild and migratory birds and is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. H5N1 HPAI can also impact dairy cattle and other mammals, including dogs and cats.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources recently reported a resurgence of H5N1 HPAI within wild and migratory birds in Iowa. Several states have confirmed cases of H5N1 HPAI in cats, with several tied to the consumption of raw milk, uncooked pet food, or interactions with diseased wildlife, including birds. Recently, a predominantly outdoor domestic cat in Hamilton County displayed clinical signs consistent with H5N1 HPAI and tested positive for H5N1 HPAI after the veterinarian ruled out other diseases.
Signs of H5N1 HPAI in Pets
If your pet exhibits clinical signs of HPAI, please contact your veterinarian. Cats and dogs can both get H5N1 HPAI, but cats are more susceptible. Clinical signs may include:
Pet owners should always consult their veterinarians if they have questions about the health and wellbeing of their animals.
Guidance for Veterinarians
Iowa veterinarians should call the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305 if they see cats or dogs displaying signs of H5N1 HPAI and have ruled out other potential diseases.
Food Safety
It remains safe to enjoy eggs and poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F. There is also no concern about the safety of pasteurized milk or dairy products. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk.
Public Health
There are some instances of humans contracting H5N1 HPAI as a result of their connection to an infected poultry or dairy farm. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to stress the threat to the general public remains low. To date, there are no confirmed cases of HPAI spreading from human-to-human, dog- or cat-to-human, cat-to-cat or dog-to-dog. Any questions related to public health should be directed to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
OSKALOOSA, IA — Jestina Falconer and Jackson Sisul, seniors at Oskaloosa High School, are taking hands-on learning to new heights with their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects.
Part of the FFA curriculum, these projects allow students to apply classroom lessons in real-world settings, fostering innovation and creativity. The two students have created innovative ventures that reflect their individual interests and foster a unique partnership.
Falconer’s project, AJ Western Accessories, combines her passions for fashion and agriculture to create and sell items like jewelry, hats, and keychains. “Agriculture is more than land and cows,” Falconer said. “I want to educate people about agriculture in ways they wouldn’t expect—through jewelry and accessories.”
Her business, launched in October, offers jewelry, hats, T-shirts, and keychains. She also collaborates with Sisul through a subcategory of her business called J & J Creations. “Jackson does all my engraving work—coasters, leather patches, and wooden keychains,” Falconer said. “He’s even planning to sell some of his fish tank creations through my store. It’s been great to merge our projects under one umbrella.”
The partnership allows Sisul to showcase his talents while expanding Falconer’s business offerings. Sisul’s SAE focuses on aquaponics and fish tank design, reflecting his lifelong interest in nature and biology. “I’ve always loved fish and fishing,” he said. “This project lets me explore how different fish and plants interact in aquatic ecosystems.”
From building an epoxy coral reef tank last year to breeding betta fish, Sisul has expanded his project into redesigning fish tanks for the school’s science department and creating themed tanks for classrooms. “For the Spanish department, I’m designing a tank inspired by an Amazon River basin with fish native to Mexico and South America,” Sisul said. “It’s a way to combine science and cultural education.”
Lessons Beyond the Classroom
Both students credit their SAE projects with teaching them invaluable skills. Falconer said her experience running AJ Western Accessories has been a crash course in business management. “I’ve learned how to file taxes, manage profit margins, and even handle spreadsheets—things I never expected to master in high school,” she said.
For Sisul, hours spent researching fish care and habitat design have developed his patience and problem-solving skills. “It’s taught me how to approach challenges scientifically,” he said.
Their collaboration through J & J Creations has been a natural extension of their projects. “We complement each other,” Sisul said. “Jestina has the business platform, and I bring the technical skills.”
Falconer added, “Our partnership shows how diverse agriculture can be. We’re proving that agriculture isn’t just about farming—it’s about innovation and creativity.”
Looking Ahead
Both students have ambitious plans for the future. Falconer aims to expand her business into an LLC after high school, while pursuing a degree in psychology. “This has been a great way to test my entrepreneurial skills,” she said. “I hope to have two businesses one day.”
Sisul envisions turning his aquaponics expertise into a sustainable business. “I’m considering offering fish tank restoration and design services,” he said. “FFA has shown me how to take a hobby and make it into something meaningful.”
As Falconer and Sisul continue to develop their ventures, their projects demonstrate the power of engaged and transferable learning. From jewelry to aquaponics, these Oskaloosa students are proving that the possibilities within education are as varied as their imaginations.
KNOXVILLE — Marion County Development announced that applications to their 2025 Red Rock StartUP! Pitch Event are now open. The contest gives entrepreneurs and new small business owners in Marion County the opportunity to start a new business or expand their current one.
To be eligible:
• pitch idea must be for a for-profit business
• preference is given to Marion County residents
• no multi-level marketing companies
• an existing business located in Marion County that is less than 5 years old and has fewer than 5 full time employees or a new business concept that is to be in Marion County
The application deadline is February 14. The event itself will be held on April 14, 2025 at the Cordova Park Office Building starting at 5:30pm. More information is available here.
By Sam Parsons
The Oskaloosa Indians hosted the Ottumwa Bulldogs on Tuesday night for a non-conference doubleheader. Oskaloosa’s girls were coming in with a 4-game losing streak and a 5-5 record, while Ottumwa’s girls were 6-5; meanwhile, Osky’s boys were coming off their first conference win of the season, and Ottumwa’s boys were less than 24 hours removed from a win over Burlington.
Girls Game
Coming off their worst offensive showing of the season at Newton last Friday, and carrying a 4-game losing streak into Tuesday night’s game, Oskaloosa’s girls were looking for a spark to get their season back on track against Ottumwa.
They were able to find that spark early in the game. After a 4/26 night of shooting from 3-point range against the Cardinal defense, which had been allowing abundant space on the outside in exchange for constantly double-teaming center Dasia Foster on- and off-ball, the Ottumwa Bulldogs employed a similar defensive strategy; this time, however, Osky’s shooters were able to find their groove, and they punished Ottumwa for giving up so much space on the perimeter.
Osky’s guards drained 5 3-pointers in the first half against the Bulldogs: sophomore Haylee Parker knocked down a pair, while all three Cole sisters (Naomi, Dassah, and Porah) made one apiece. That early success from downtown freed up Foster to do what she does in the paint. Osky scored 15 points in the first quarter and 13 more in the second, a dramatic increase in offensive output after scoring just 29 points at Newton on Friday night.
Sophomore Naomi Cole said it was simply a matter of the team getting dialed in.
“We knew we were way better than how we played at Newton, and we knew we had to lock in and just be the team we know we are…our [shooting] percentage on Friday was not that good; this game, it was way better.”
Coach TC Cunningham echoed those sentiments.
“I think we came out focused, with a lot of energy. We were looking to bounce back from that loss on Friday night…[we were] shooting with confidence. And it helps shooting in your own gym, too.”
Defensively, the Indians were able to limit the Bulldogs throughout the night. Ottumwa wasn’t able to score double digit points in any quarter: Dasia Foster and Hannah Nelson were neutralizing forces in the interior, so the Bulldogs routinely had to settle for outside shots. They were only able to make 4 3-pointers on the night, with 3 of them coming from senior guard Camdyn Crouse. That lack of success was not nearly enough to keep pace with Oskaloosa, and the Indians were able to coast to the finish line for a 43-34 win to end their skid.
The win brings Oskaloosa’s record to 6-5 on the season.
Boys Game
In contrast to the girls team, Oskaloosa’s boys came into Tuesday night’s bout with Ottumwa off the heels of perhaps their best all-around performance of the season at Newton. Early on against Ottumwa, it seemed as though the Indians were riding the wave with success on both ends of the floor.
Junior Landon Romas was flying all over the court in the first half, chasing down rebounds, drawing fouls, and finishing well at the basket on his way to 10 first-half points and (unofficially) 8 first-half rebounds (5 of which were offensive boards). Romas spearheaded an Indians effort that saw them convincingly out-rebound the Bulldogs in the first half, and that success in the rebound battle allowed the Indians to jump out to a 31-21 lead at halftime. Romas, along with junior Heavon Knox, senior Xavier Edwards, and sophomore Tommy North, had the Indians offense working, while the whole team was moving well on the defensive end and preventing Ottumwa from settling in to their offense.
The second half, however, saw the Bulldogs bounce back. The Bulldogs leaned heavily on their star senior forward Trae Brown, who was consistently able to work his way to the hole, whether through strength or finesse, which in turn set up his own outside shot. Brown had scored 7 points for Ottumwa in the first half, but in the second half, he took over to the tune of 22 more points. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs were even in the rebound battle with the Indians in the second half. Those two factors combined to allow Ottumwa to draw within one point of Oskaloosa by the end of the third quarter. Oskaloosa led 42-41, setting the stage for an exciting fourth.
From there, the Indians and the Bulldogs battled back and forth. In addition to what they were getting from Brown, the Bulldogs got timely buckets from senior Chase Thompson and junior Nehemiah Wolfing. The Indians started taking more outside shots, but they were converting quite a few of them: Tommy North finished the night with 4 successful triples, while Heavon Knox made 3 and Carter Shinn chipped in with 1.
However, the one area where Ottumwa had a clear advantage over Oskaloosa was free throws. Each team attempted 13 free throws on the night: Ottumwa made 9 of them, but Oskaloosa only made 5.
The disparity in free throw success played a role in Ottumwa having the lead in the final minute. The score was 56-55 Ottumwa when, with roughly 20 seconds left, Nehemiah Wolfing buried a clutch three-pointer to give Ottumwa a 4-point advantage. The Indians weren’t able to make up that much ground in the remaining time, so even with a buzzer-beating three from Tommy North, they were still one point short, and with a couple of free throws mixed in for both teams, the final score was 60-59 in favor of Ottumwa.
Oskaloosa will host Norwalk on Friday night for their next doubleheader. Coverage can be heard on KBOE 104.9 FM and kboeradio.com.
All Oskaloosa sports broadcasts can be listened to on-demand here.
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