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Weekly Fuel Report

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 4 cents from last week’s price and is currently averaging $3.31 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $8.53 per barrel, and is currently priced at $90.54.
  • Brent crude oil fell by $7.25 cents and is currently priced at $101.66.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $69.48 and Brent crude was $73.78.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.31 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices fell 4 cents from last week’s price and are up 30 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.98, up 14 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 22 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.85.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.33 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 148 cents lower than the national average of $3.37.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.49 for U87-E10, $2.90 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $3.56 for ULSD#2, $3.69 for ULSD#1, and $2.28 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices were down 11 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.93 MMbtu.
  • Propane prices averaged $1.62 per gallon in Iowa.
  • Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $4.36 per gallon.

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

Iowa 14 Improvements between Monroe and Knoxville to Resume This Spring

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — Iowa 14 between Monroe and Knoxville will be improved beginning spring 2025 through 2029.

In 2026, the bridges over White Breast Creek and the bridge over Teter Creek will be overlayed.

Traffic Impacts

Iowa 14 will remain open to traffic during the bridge overlays on White Breast Creek and Teter Creek.

Starting spring 2026 through fall, traffic impacts will include staged lane closures on both bridges while the project is underway reducing the crossing to one lane with temporary traffic signals.

White Breast Creek Bridge

The bridge over White Breast Creek was constructed in 1965. Previous work on the structure includes beam repair (1981), overlay and rail retrofit (1989), retrofit of rail ends (2001), and epoxy injection of the bridge deck (2014).  The existing overlay is at the end of its lifespan and there is deterioration of the bridge deck.

To address this we will make the following improvements:

  • Bridge deck overlay.
  • Reconstruct abutment backwalls, barrier rail, and end sections.
  • Reconstruct end of deck and abutment diaphragm.
  • Replace joints at both abutments.
  • Clean and paint girder bearings at the abutments.
  • Reconstruct the top floor beam pedestals at both abutments.
  • Replace approach pavement at both bridge ends.

Teter Creek Bridge

The bridge over Teter Creek was constructed in 1965. Previous work on the structure includes beam repair (1981), overlay and rail retrofit (1989), retrofit of rail ends (2001), and epoxy injection of the bridge deck (2014 and 2017).  The existing overlay is at the end of its lifespan and there is deterioration of the bridge deck.

To address this we will make the following improvements:

  • Bridge deck overlay.
  • Reconstruct abutment backwalls, barrier rail, and end sections.
  • Replace joints at both abutments.
  • Clean and paint girder bearings at the abutments.
  • Patch approach pavement at both bridge ends.

39th Annual Sweet Corn Serenade: Call for Vendor Applicants

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Oskaloosa Main Street announced that preparations are underway for the 39th annual Sweet Corn Serenade. This beloved community event has become a summer tradition for residents and visitors alike. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, July 23 from 12-9 pm in downtown Oskaloosa.

Looking to be a vendor? Oskaloosa Main Street is now accepting applications! The event is an excellent opportunity for local and regional businesses, crafters, and artisans to showcase their products to a large, vibrant crowd. Sweet Corn Serenade draws over 4,000 attendees each year, making it the perfect platform to connect with the Oskaloosa and surrounding communities.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating our 39th year of Sweet Corn Serenade this summer,” said Angie Foster, Oskaloosa Main Street Director. “This event has become a cornerstone of the summer season, and we look forward to another year of celebration with freshly cooked sweet corn, Mahaska County Cattlemen’s hamburgers, Jaarsma pie, and Mahaska drinks. In addition, be sure to check out local food trucks surrounding the square.”

The early bird vendor deadline is June 15, 2026, and the final registration deadline is July 1, 2026! Don’t wait, sign up now! Sweet Corn Serenade will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, live music, and more! Stay tuned to Oskaloosa Main Street’s Facebook page or visit https://www.mahaskachamber.org/mainstreet/page/sweet_corn_serenade/ for more information.

Introducing Alan Jackson’s Five O’Clock Somewhere Fest

Posted on by Bob Ballard

He may be getting off the road, but that doesn’t mean Alan Jackson is through with live country music. Announced yesterday, the creation of the very first “5 O’Clock Somewhere Fest.” The inaugural event will be held at The Palm Beaches Waterfront Commons in West Palm Beach, Florida June 12-13. And when Alan Jackson calls and asks if you want to be a part, you mark your calendar and call your band. Headlining the two-day event are Ella Langley, Old Dominion and Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band. Dylan Scott, Clint Black, Shenandoah, John Anderson, Rodney Atkins, and more will also take the stage that weekend. In a statement, Jackson said, “I’ve gotten to enjoy so many experiences at my concerts over the years. I’m not touring anymore, but I like the idea of still being able to give people an opportunity to have a ‘Good Time’ and enjoy some great country music while they do.” All tickets fo on sale tomorrow; check out the event’s website for more information.

 

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1952, A Grand Ole Opry troupe featuring Hank Williams, The Carter Sisters, and Roy Acuff appeared on “The Kate Smith Show” show.
  • Today in 1955, the single “Ballad of Davy Crockett” topped the U.S. charts.
  • Today in 1961, Elvis Presley set a British chart first when he hit number one with three consecutive releases, “It’s Now Or Never,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight” and “Wooden Heart.”
  • Today in 1983, “We’ve Got Tonight” by Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton peaked at number six on the pop singles chart.
  • Today in 1983, John Anderson went to #1 on the Billboard country chard with “Swinging’.”
  • Today in 1986, 23-year-old Kerry McCarver Lewis — the sixth wife of then-51-year-old Jerry Lee Lewis – filed for divorce. The couple later reconciled. However, the couple split again in 2003.
  • Today in 1990, “Diamond & Dirt” became Rodney Crowell’s first gold album.
  • Today in 1993, Clint Black hit number one on the country charts with the single “When My Ship Comes In.”
  • Today in 1997, Garth Brooks held a press conference on a New York City rooftop to announce that he’d be giving a free concert in Central Park on August 7th. He also announced he would release his album “Sevens” the same day.
  • Today in 1998, Garth Brooks and rapper Warren G released a joint statement saying they had settled their five-month legal dispute over the use of the lower case letter “g.” Garth said he now had a whole new understanding of the alphabet, explaining he learned that in the rap world “g” represents young people who aren’t into violence and drugs but who are making positive contributions to society. He added, quote, “Knowing how much the symbol “g” means to Warren, I will strive to reach the standard that the “g” represents to him and to his community.”
  • Today in 2000, Faith Hill subbed for Whitney Houston during a medley of old Oscar-nominated songs at the 72nd annual Academy Awards. Garth Brooks was also involved in the segment. Later he said he was thankful Faith was gracious enough to step in at the last minute and that he felt for Whitney, who was “so sick.”
  • Today in 2002, Martina McBride was celebrating her second week at number one on the country charts with her single “Blessed.”
  • Today in 2002, Phil Vassar married his longtime love, Julie Wood, in a private ceremony on a beach in Florida.
  • Today in 2002, the NItty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Will the Circle be Unbroken” was re-released in a 30th anniversary by Capitol Records. It included additional tracks and new artwork.
  • Today in 2003, Darryl Worley’s single “Have You Forgotten” was at number one.
  • Today in 2005, Craig Morgan began a four-week visit at the top of the Billboard chart with “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”
  • Today in 2007, Kenny Chesney turned 39 by throwing a party at the Tin Roof in Nashville. He performed for hours, and Kix Brooks, Gretchen Wilson, John Rich, Jewel, Sara Evans, and Montgomery Gentry joined him onstage. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill attended the show.
  • Today in 2007, Danielle Peck organized her first Safe Haven event at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
  • Today in 2007, Tim McGraw performed his single “Last Dollar” on CBS’s “Early Show.”
  • Today in 2008, Clay Walker hosted the “Clay Walker Charity Classic,” a charity golf tournament in Houston, Texas, to support those battling multiple sclerosis.
  • Today in 2011, Styx frontman Tommy Shaw made his debut at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, performing in support of his solo bluegrass album, “The Great Divide.”
  • Today in 2012, Mercury released Lionel Richie’s “Tuskegee” album, featuring such guests as Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, Jennifer Nettles, Jimmy Buffett, Shania Twain, Billy Currington, Tim McGraw, and Willie Nelson.
  • Today in 2012, Kris Kristofferson received the Frances Williams Preston Lifetime Music Industry Award from the T.J. Martell Foundation at an event in Nashville. Martina McBride, Ronnie Dunn, and Charlie Daniels were among the performers at the gala along with Vince Gill, who also served as the event’s host.
  • Today in 2013, new country releases included Blake Shelton’s “Based on a True Story…,” Thompson Square’s “Just Feels Good,” Alan Jackson’s “Precious Memories, Volume 2,” and Crystal Bowersox’s “All That For This.”
  • Today in 2014, word surfaced that Trace Adkins and his wife Rhonda were ending their marriage of nearly 17 years. Rhonda filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
  • Today in 2014, Rodney Clawson, the Lady Antebellum songwriter, wrote “Bartender” on a bus ride from Kansas City to Omaha.
  • Today in 2015, Willie Nelson announced plans to launch his own brand of weed, Willie’s Reserve, in states where grass has been legalized.
  • Today in 2016, Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” kicked off a four-week run at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 2016, Clay Walker hosted his fourth annual Band Against MS bike ride in Humble, Texas.
  • Today in 2018, Old Dominion’s “Hotel Key” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2018, Lauren Alaina was named New Female Vocalist of the Year for the 53rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards, while Brett Young is tapped as New Male Vocalist and Midland took New Vocal Duo or Group.
  • Today in 2019, Chase Rice scored a gold single from the RIAA for “Eyes On You.”
  • Today in 2020, Brad and Kimberly Williams-Paisley were announced among the celebrities contributing to a Tennessee public service announcement campaign, “Do Your Part, Stay Apart.” The effort encourages citizens to maintain safe social distances and slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

A timeline of the deadly collision at LaGuardia Airport

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — It took less than a minute for a routine landing to spiral into a deadly crash Sunday at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. But the collision between an Air Canada flight and a fire truck crossing the runway was the culmination of a series of events that began much earlier.

The Associated Press created this timeline based on a review of air traffic control recordings and information from the Federal Aviation Administration, publicly available flight tracking data and the National Transportation Safety Board, including information it obtained from the jet’s cockpit voice recorder.

A late departure from Montreal

10:12 p.m.: Air Canada Express Flight 8646, operated by Jazz Aviation, leaves Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, two hours and 13 minutes late. By the time the aircraft reaches New York, it is part of an influx of late-arriving flights, including some waiting extended periods for a gate.

Issues on the ground at LaGuardia

11:16:42 p.m.: A United aircraft, Flight 2384, aborts takeoff for a second time because of an anti-ice warning light in the cockpit.

11:20:48 p.m.: “We have an odor on the plane as well here at this time,” the United pilot reports. “We are going to be going back to the gate, request fire as well,” using shorthand for the airport’s fire rescue team.

11:21:12 p.m.: Another pilot chimes in: “If that’s a sewer smell … we smelled that too going around the terminal there.”

11:22:24 p.m.: A controller asks the United pilot if it is a smoke odor. He responds: “No, it was a weird odor. I don’t know exactly how to describe it,” and says he can’t get ahold of anyone to obtain a gate assignment.

11:24:49 p.m.: The controller confirms there is no gate available. He asks the pilot, “Do you still need us to send fire there?” The pilot says yes, citing the odor.

11:27:44 p.m.: United 2384’s pilot tells the controller he doesn’t plan on evacuating the plane. The controller instructs the pilot to move to another taxiway.

11:29:54 p.m.: United 2384 makes a wrong turn and ends up in a different part of the taxiway, but the controller doesn’t sound concerned. “You can just stay over there … and we’ll have the guys go over there,” he says.

11:31:41 p.m.: United 2384 declares an emergency. The pilot says: “The flight attendants in the back are feeling ill because of the odor. We will need to go into any available gate at this time.”

11:31:59 p.m.: The controller asks again if there’s an available gate, telling the person he’s speaking with, “now they’re declaring an emergency. They want to get out.”

11:33:39 p.m.: The controller tells United 2384 there is still no open gate, but fire trucks are headed over with a stair truck if they want to evacuate. “Let me know if you do,” he says.

Flight 8646 is cleared to land

11:34:18 p.m.: In a routine step near the end of a flight, the air traffic controller handling approaches into LaGuardia instructs the pilots of Air Canada Express Flight 8646 pilots to contact the airport’s control tower, which will guide them the rest of the way.

11:35:08 p.m.: Flight 8646 is cleared to land on Runway 4/22.

Fire truck is cleared to cross

11:36:45 p.m.: At the airport, a controller asks: “Is there a vehicle that needed to cross the runway?”

11:37:00 p.m.: “Truck 1 and company, LaGuardia Tower, requesting to cross 4 at Delta,” the firefighter says, meaning he is requesting clearance to use Taxiway D to cross Runway 4 — the same runway where Flight 8646 is about to land.

11:37:05 p.m.: “Truck 1 and company cross 4 at Delta,” the controller says, authorizing the truck and other emergency vehicles to cross Runway 4. Simultaneously, on a different frequency, the pilot on the odor-stricken United flight reports that his plane has finally been cleared to go to a gate.

11:37:08 p.m.: “Truck 1 and company crossing 4 at Delta,” a firefighter in Truck 1 repeats, confirming that the controller has cleared the vehicle to cross.

11:37:11 p.m.: An electronic call out in Flight 8646’s cockpit indicates the plane is 50 feet above the ground.

11:37:12 p.m.: A controller tells the pilot of an outbound Frontier Airlines flight to stop on a taxiway.

Flight 8646 lands and collides with the fire truck

11:37:15 p.m.: “Sorry, Truck 1,” a controller says as Flight 8646 bears down on Runway 4/22.

11:37:16 p.m.: A controller then frantically tells the fire crew: “Stop. Stop Stop. Stop. Truck 1. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop.”

11:37:17 p.m.: Flight 8646’s cockpit voice recorder captures a sound that investigators say is consistent with the plane’s landing gear touching down..

11:37:19 p.m.: Flight 8646’s first officer, who was flying the plane, transfers control to the captain.

11:37:20 p.m.: The controller continues, “Stop Truck 1. Stop. Stop Truck 1. Stop.” As he speaks, an alarm begins to beep.

11:37:25 p.m.: Flight 8646 slams into the fire truck. The cockpit voice recording stops.

Aftermath

11:37:45 p.m.: A controller tells the pilot of the next plane set to land to “go around,” meaning he should keep flying instead of landing.

The controller then tries to raise the pilots of Flight 8646. “I see you collided with a vehicle there. Just hold position. I know you can’t move. Vehicles are responding to you now.” Other rescue vehicles race to the crash site.

11:55:37 p.m.: The pilot of another plane tells a controller: “That wasn’t good to watch.” The controller responds: “Yeah, I know. I was here … We were dealing with an emergency earlier. I messed up.” The pilot says: “Nah, man, you did the best you could.”

Improve paddling skills with DNR canoe and kayak schools

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — Naturalists, youth group leaders and others who take people out on the water in canoes and kayaks are encouraged to attend one of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) paddling schools.

Participants will learn paddling skills, how to identify hazard and river features, tips for teaching different learning styles, and risk management strategies. Instruction time will be one-third classroom and two-thirds on-water in both lake and river environments, solo and tandem.

All courses will be taught at Briggs Woods, along the Boone River in Hamilton County. The canoe school is limited to 12 participants and the kayak school is limited to eight participants. This is not a beginner level course; participants should have previous paddling experience.

The schedule for 2026 paddling schools is:

  • May 12-13, Canoe School
  • June 17-18, Kayak School
  • Aug. 5-6, Kayak School
  • Sept. 15-16, Canoe School

DNR paddling schools are designed for either canoeing or kayaking instruction. Make sure you register for your preferred instruction. Registration fee is $65 for each two-day course. Overnight accommodations are not included in the registration fee. Participants have the options to camp, rent a cabin, or stay in Webster City at a motel while participating in the two-day school.

To register or for more information, go to www.iowadnr.gov/paddling-schools. Get your registration in quickly, these classes fill up fast.

Oskaloosa School Board Approves 2026-27 Calendar, Holds Public Hearing for Property Tax Levy

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Oskaloosa Community School Board held a regular meeting last night and approved their academic calendar for the 2026-27 school year. The first day of school for K-12 students will be on August 24, while the last day will be on May 27, 2027.

There is one major change beginning next school year for Oskaloosa students: Wednesdays will be full school days with no more early dismissals on those days. In exchange, there will be a few additional days during the year when teachers will be working, but students will not be in school. According to the district, this adjustment will help with instructional time for students while still meeting required staff professional learning and work time.

The full calendar can be viewed here.

The board also held a public hearing for their proposed property tax levy for Fiscal Year 2027. The proposed levy of approximately $14.30 per $1,000 of taxable valuation is about $0.40 higher than last year’s levy of approximately $13.90. 

Superintendent Mike Fisher explained that the proposed number will likely not match the final number, which is expected to be lower.

Fisher added that the increase in the levy largely boiled down to rising special education costs.

The next regular meeting with the Oskaloosa Community School Board is scheduled for April 14.

Oskaloosa Police Investigating Church Burglaries

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA – The Oskaloosa Police Department is currently investigating several burglaries that have taken place at churches in the Oskaloosa community.

In a statement released on social media, the Oskaloosa Police Department asked churches, nearby residents, and businesses to review any security camera footage from the past several days, including and especially during overnight hours.

Law enforcement is particularly interested in:

  • Suspicious vehicles parked near churches late at night
  • Individuals walking around church property after hours
  • Anyone checking doors or attempting to enter buildings

Church leaders are encouraged to:

  • Ensure doors and windows are secured
  • Check alarm and camera systems
  • Report suspicious activity immediately

Those with video footage or information that may assist investigators are encouraged to contact the Oskaloosa Police Department at 641-673-3201; or, if you observe any suspicious activity in progress, call 911.

Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, and Newton Recognized with Tree City USA Awards; William Penn University Named Tree Campus USA

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES – Every year the Urban Forestry Awards luncheon recognizes cities, college campuses and utilities that demonstrate a variety of dedication to the importance of trees in their respective communities.

Awards will be presented April 8 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, on behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. A full list of award winners follows.

Tree City USA Award – To qualify for the Tree City USA award, a city must have either a city forester or an active city tree board, have a tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita annually for its community forestry program, and have a tree planting and maintenance plan.

The award recipients are Adel, Ames, Arnolds Park, Atlantic, Belle Plaine, Bettendorf, Bondurant, Boone, Burlington, Carlisle, Carroll, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Clarinda, Clarksville, Clinton, Clive, Coralville, Council Bluffs, Cresco, Davenport, Decorah, Denver, Des Moines, DeWitt, Dubuque, Dysart, Fort Dodge, Greene, Grimes, Grundy Center, Hampton, Hillsboro, Hopkinton, Huxley, Indianola, Iowa City, Jefferson, Johnston, Livermore, Luxemburg, Manchester, Maquoketa, Marion, Marquette, Marshalltown, Mason City, Maxwell, Muscatine, Newton, North Liberty, Odebolt, Oelwein, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Red Oak, Sioux City, Spencer, Story City, Tipton, Urbandale, Washington, Waterloo, Waukee, Waverly, Webster City, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, and Winterset.

Tree City USA Growth Award – To qualify for the Tree City USA Growth award, cities must provide education and public relations, partnerships, planning and management, and tree planting and maintenance in their community.

The award recipients, which were also recipients of the Tree City USA award, are Ames, Bettendorf, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Decorah, Des Moines, Dysart, Grundy Center, Iowa City, Johnston, Marion, Marquette, Mason City, Oelwein, Polk City, Story City, Waverly, West Des Moines, and Winterset.

Tree City of the World – Recognition through the Tree Cities of the World program represents the first step toward achieving a green vision for your city. To receive recognition, a town or city must meet five core standards: responsibility for the care of trees, official policy that governs the management of forests and trees, updated inventory or assessment, a dedicated annual budget for the routine implementation of the tree management plan and an annual celebration of trees.

Burlington, Decorah, Des Moines and Iowa City are this year’s award recipients.

Tree Campus USA Award – To qualify for the Tree Campus USA award, a campus must have a campus Tree Advisory Committee, a tree care plan, a tree program with dedicated annual expenditures, an annual Arbor Day observance and a service learning project to engage the student body.

The award recipients are Divine Word College, Drake University, Hawkeye Community College, Iowa State University, Kirkwood Community College, University of Northern Iowa, University of Iowa, and William Penn University.

Tree Line USA Award – To qualify for the Tree Line USA award, a utility must meet five minimum requirements, including quality tree care, annual worker training, tree planting and public education, a tree-based energy conservation program and an annual Arbor Day celebration.

The award recipients are Alliant Energy, MidAmerican Energy and Waverly Utilities.

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