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Master Gardener Plant Sales to be Held

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska County Master Gardeners will hold two plant sales in 2026.  The first will be an early sale on Saturday April 18 from 9-10:30 am and will feature early vegetable transplants and second time around gardening items.   The second sale their traditional annual sale on Saturday May 16 it will be held 8 – 11 am feauturing perennial divisions and annual transplants (flowers and vegetables).  Both sales will be held at the Mahaska County Extension and Outreach Office auditorium, 212 North I Street, Oskaloosa.

Proceeds from the sale support future Master Gardener activities in Mahaska County including speaker fees.  Many of the Mahaska County Master Gardener events are open to the public without cost because of plant sale proceeds.

Mahaska County Master Gardeners are celebrating their twenty-third year.  The local program was organized after the county held their first training in 2003.  The educational volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides current, research based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through programs and projects.  Master Gardeners receive horticulture training, and volunteer to promote a mission of education and service.  The program is open to anyone 18 or older with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community.

Prescribed Burn Scheduled at Memorial Park Tomorrow

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OTTUMWA — The City of Ottumwa has a prescribed burn scheduled at Memorial Park on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, beginning around 9:00 a.m.

The burn is part of ongoing maintenance of a 9.5-acre oak savannah restoration in the northern portion of Memorial Park. This restoration effort began in 2016 as part of a water quality improvement project through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the State Revolving Fund. Periodic prescribed burns are a necessary component of oak savannah management, as fire encourages native plant growth while keeping unwanted woody and non-native vegetation in check.

The burn date and time are weather dependent and subject to change. Signs will be posted around the park on the day of the burn. Residents should be aware that smoke may cause brief visibility issues on nearby roadways. Those in the area are asked to use caution and refrain from outdoor activities if smoke is present.

July 8 Is Officially “Toby Keith Day” In Oklahoma

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Oklahoma is recognizing the life and legacy of Toby Keith this summer. The state has proclaimed the late country legend’s birthday, July 8, as “Toby Keith Day.” Governor Kevin Stitt made the announcement during Oklahoma Music and Film Day at the state capitol.

“Born on July 8th, 1961 in Clinton, Oklahoma. He was raised in Moore and was later a resident in Norman, rising from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful, influential, and recognizable country music artists in American history…He remained deeply connected to his Oklahoma roots and proudly reflected the character, resilience, independence, and patriotism of our state through his music and through his steadfast support of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, including numerous USO tours…I now proclaim July 8, 2026 as Toby Keith Day.”

 

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1959, George Jones’ “White Lightning” picked up his first #1 country single in Billboard magazine as a recording artist.
  • Today in 1963, Bill Anderson’s “Still” reached #1 on Billboard’s country chart.
  • Today in 1965, Roger Miller set a record by winning five GRAMMYS in one night. No other country star has ever won that many at one time.
  • Today in 1970, Bettie Azevedez picked up five trophies on behalf of Merle Haggard in the Academy Of Country & Western Music awards at the Hollywood Palladium.
  • Today in 1996, Lonestar’s “No News” topped Billboard for the first time.
  • Today in 2002, Faith Hill was inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. She wasn’t there, though, and only about 70 people attended the induction ceremony at the University of Southern Mississippi. Other new inductees include jazz diva Cassandra Wilson; former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley; Walter Turnbull, the founder and conductor of the Boys Choir of Harlem; blues great Howlin’ Wolf; pop musician Van Dyke Parks; and former member of the Temptations David Ruffin.
  • Today in 2003, Andy Griggs, Kris Kristofferson, Jeffrey Steele and others teamed up to play in a Waylon Jennings tribute concert in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event was one of three shows with the theme “Crossing the Bound’ries,” an acoustic evening of Waylon music and anecdotes that also raised funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Also participating were Waylon’s widow, Jessi Coulter, and son Shooter Jennings.
  • Today in 2005, Willie Nelson’s attorney sent a Texas Senator a letter declining to have a toll road named for the singer. Nelson told the Austin American-Statesman, “I’d put my name on an electric chair, too, but I don’t think that’d be too great a thing.”
  • Today in 2009, Big Machine released Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” to radio.
  • Today in 2012, Jana Kramer performed “Why Ya Wanna” as she made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2013, Jason Aldean performed the first of a handful of stadium dates on his 2013 itinerary, at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, with Luke Bryan, Jake Owens and Thomas Rhett. Ludacris made a surprise appearance.
  • Today in 2014, Taylor Swift made a surprise cameo appearance during Seth Rogen’s show-opening monologue on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” “You’re getting really upset,” she exclaimed. “And whenever a man shows emotion, I appear!”
  • Today in 2014, the late Johnny Cash was atop the “Billboard” country albums chart with “Out Among The Stars.”
  • Today in 2015, Trace Adkins embarked on a USO tour that took him to Kuwait, Afghanistan and Germany.
  • Today in 2018, Jason Aldean dropped his album, “Rearview Town.”
  • Today in 2018, the John Prine album, “The Tree Of Forgiveness,” was released.
  • Today in 2019, George Strait’s “Honky Tonk Time Machine” was locked in the top spot on the Billboard country albums chart.
  • Today in 2020, Luke Bryan’s single, “One Margarita,” was released.
  • Today in 2020, “Biography: Kenny Rogers” aired on A&E. On it, Rogers and Dolly Parton sang their classic, “Islands In The Stream,” and featured interviews included thoughts from Lady A, Justin Moore, Reba McEntire, Jamey Johnson, Kim Carnes and Chris Stapleton.
  • Today in 2021, the Dustin Lynch single, “Thinking ‘Bout You,” which features MacKenzie Porter, hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2021, Morgan Wallen wrote a letter to fans, announcing he was dropping out of the upcoming Luke Bryan tour as he continues to work out personal issues.

Artemis II astronauts describe their lunar voyage as surreal and profound ahead of Earth return

Posted on by Sam Parsons

HOUSTON (AP) — Drawing ever closer to Earth, the Artemis II astronauts tidied up their lunar cruiser for the upcoming “fireball” return and reflected on their historic journey around the moon, describing it as surreal and profound.

As the next-to-last day of their flight dawned Thursday, humanity’s first lunar explorers in more than half a century were less than 150,000 miles (240,000 kilometers) from home with the odometer clicking down.

“We have to get back. There’s so much data that you’ve seen already, but all the good stuff is coming back with us. There are so many more pictures, so many more stories,” said pilot Victor Glover, adding that “riding a fireball through the atmosphere is profound as well.”

Being cut off from all of humanity for nearly an hour while behind the moon was especially “surreal,” according to commander Reid Wiseman.

“There’s a lot that our brains have to process … and it is a true gift,” Wiseman said late Wednesday during the crew’s first news conference since before liftoff.

While out of contact behind the moon Monday, Wiseman, Glover, Christina Koch and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen became the most distant humans ever, clocking in at a record 252,756 miles (406,771 kilometers) from Earth before heading back. As they emerged from behind the moon, they experienced a wondrous total solar eclipse as the orb blocked the sun from their perspective.

Launching from Florida on April 1 diminished the amount of illumination on the lunar far side, Glover noted, but the eclipse was the consolation prize “and it was one of the greatest gifts.”

While acknowledging anxiety over Friday’s return, NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya said the crew’s “expressions of love and devotion to family” have warmed hearts worldwide and served as “a great example of why we go and do these missions.”

”If you can’t take love to the stars, then what are we doing?” he said. “That’s why we send humans instead of robots sometimes, that’s why we have that firsthand witness.”

Friday’s reentry and Pacific splashdown off the coast of San Diego — as dynamic and dangerous as liftoff — now topped everyone’s minds. The recovery ship, USS John P. Murtha, was already at sea, with a squadron of military planes and helicopters poised to join the operation.

It’s the first time that NASA and the Defense Department have teamed up for a lunar crew’s reentry since Apollo 17 in 1972. Their Orion capsule will come screaming back, hitting the atmosphere at a predicted 34,965 feet (10,657 meters) per second — or 23,840 mph (38,367 kph) — not a record but still mind-bogglingly fast.

Flight director Jeff Radigan said the capsule must nail the reentry angle within a single degree.

“Let’s not beat around the bush. We have to hit that angle correctly — otherwise we’re not going to have a successful reentry,” he said.

Mission Control will be paying close attention to how the capsule’s heat shield holds up. During the only other Orion test flight to the moon — in 2022 without a crew — the heat shield suffered considerably more damage than expected from the 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,760 degrees Celsius) of reentry.

Instead of replacing Artemis II’s heat shield, which would have forced another lengthy delay, NASA tweaked the capsule’s descent through the atmosphere to reduce the blisteringly hot exposure. Next year’s Artemis III and beyond will fly with redesigned heat shields.

Artemis III will see astronauts practice docking their capsule with a lunar lander or two in orbit around Earth. Artemis IV in 2028 will attempt to land two astronauts near the moon’s south pole, setting the stage for what NASA hopes will be a sustainable lunar base.

NASA officials have been loath to provide their risk assessment numbers for the nearly 10-day mission, acknowledging launch and entry as the biggest threats.

“We’re down to the wire now,” said NASA’s Lakiesha Hawkins. “We’re down to the end of the mission, and obviously getting the crew back home and getting them landed safely, is a significant part of the risk that’s still in front of us.”

Water Summary Update: Statewide conditions improve, northwest Iowa remains under drought watch

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES – Recent rainfall improved drought conditions across the state, however, areas of northwest Iowa remain under a drought watch, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

Statewide precipitation for March totaled 1.97 inches, which is 0.02 inches below normal. This ranks as the 88th driest March in 154 years of records, with significant precipitation deficits of over an inch occurring in southern, eastern, and western Iowa. Temperatures were notably warm, averaging 42.6 degrees – 6.2 degrees above normal – tying for the 12th warmest March on record. A new statewide record high for the month was set in Little Sioux, which reached 97 degrees on March 21.

While the southeast saw improvement, a drought watch remains in effect for northwest Iowa as conditions there continue to deteriorate. According to the Iowa Drought Plan, drought regions across the rest of the state currently carry a normal designation, despite nearly half of Iowa being classified as abnormally dry or worse by the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM).

Streamflow levels across much of the state have returned to largely normal or above-normal conditions for this time of year. Additionally, soil moisture levels show varying degrees of saturation across the state’s upper and lower soil layers.

The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center’s outlook for April indicates a trend toward a wetter and milder month, with likely above-normal precipitation and warmer-than-normal temperatures statewide. However, the Seasonal Drought Outlook suggests that while much of the state is expected to remain drought-free through June, existing drought conditions in far northwestern Iowa are likely to persist.

“Recent precipitation brought much-needed relief to southeastern Iowa, allowing us to remove the drought watch in that area. However, a drought watch continues in northwest Iowa, and the seasonal outlook suggests these dry conditions may persist through the start of summer,” said Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR Environmental Specialist.

For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, visit

 www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.

Oskaloosa High School Announces 2026 Prom Court

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — The Oskaloosa Student Council is excited to announce the annual Oskaloosa High School prom, themed “A Night of Chance,” scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The promenade, which is open to the public, will commence at 5:30 PM in the large Oskaloosa High School gym. Spectators are asked to enter through the north side gym doors. Promenade student attendees should enter through the south side gym door entrance. If you can’t make it to promenade in person, you can watch it live at indiansnetwork.tv.

Following the promenade, the dinner and dance for high school student participants only will take place at Debbie’s Celebration Barn from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM, followed by After Prom activities at the Penn Central Mall.

After Prom doors open at 11:00 PM, and attendees must arrive before 12:00 AM for entry. The festivities will include activities such as prize giveaways and many fun games, concluding at 3:00 AM.

All junior and senior students and their guests are invited to join in the celebration and create lasting memories at the “A Night of Chance,” prom.

PROM COURT:

Back row: (Left to right) Javion Reeves, Tate Peterson, Mason Muir, Trey Parks, Blake Herny

Front row: (Left to right) Taylor Roorda, Ana Boosalis, Emily Rice, Karley Armstrong, Tierney Carter

Ottumwa Man Arrested Following Sex Abuse Investigation

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OTTUMWA – An Ottumwa man faces numerous felony charges after authorities say an investigation revealed that he had been sexually abusing multiple juveniles.

According to the Ottumwa Police Department, the investigation began on Tuesday, March 31 after they received a report of inappropriate messaging taking place involving a male and a juvenile female who resides in Ottumwa. Over the course of the investigation, 3 female victims were identified to have been sexually abused while they were under the age of 18.

On Wednesday, April 8, authorities executed a search warrant at 629 Blake Street in Ottumwa and arrested 59-year-old Darrin Leroy Hill, who was a resident at that address.

Hill now faces a total of 13 felony charges and a misdemeanor charge, including:

  • 7 counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Abuse of a Child (class B felonies)
  • Continuous Sex Abuse of a Child (class B felony)
  • 2 counts of 3rd Degree Sexual Abuse by Force (class C felonies)
  • 2 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (class C felonies)
  • Grooming (class D felony)
  • Lascivious Conduct with a Minor (aggravated misdemeanor)

Hill is currently being held in the Wapello County Jail with no bond.

The investigation into this incident remains active.

ACM Awards Nominations Are Out

Posted on by Bob Ballard

The ACM Awards nominations are out. Remember not that long ago when it seemed country music was dominated by men? Not so much these days. Megan Moroney has the most nominations this year with nine, followed closely by Miranda Lambert with eight and Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson with seven each. The first male artist to show up on the list of top nominees is Chris Stapleton with six. Zach Top has five nominations for this year’s ACMs, and Riley Green and Cody Johnson are tied with four. The 61st Academy of Country Music awards happen May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Prime Video will air them live starting at 8 pm ET/5pm PT, viewable on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch as well as the Amazon Music app. See the complete list of nominees below. 

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson
Megan Moroney
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top

GROUP OF THE YEAR
49 Winchester
Flatland Cavalry
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays

DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Muscadine Bloodline
Thelma & James

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Avery Anna
Mackenzie Carpenter
Dasha
Caroline Jones
Emily Ann Roberts

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gavin Adcock
Vincent Mason
Shaboozey
Hudson Westbrook
Tucker Wetmore

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

“Ain’t In It For My Health” – Zach Top
Producer: Carson Chamberlain
Record Company-Label: Leo33

“Cherry Valley” – Carter Faith
Producer: Tofer Brown
Record Company-Label: Gatsby Records / MCA

“Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe)” – Riley Green
Producer: Dann Huff, Michael Knox
Record Company-Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment

“I’m the Problem” – Morgan Wallen
Producers: Joey Moi, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Durrett
Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records

“Parker McCollum” – Parker McCollum
Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse
Record Company-Label: MCA

SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

“A Song to Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure
Publishers: I Wrote These Songs; Pink Dog Publishing; Songs for the Munch Music; Songs of Influence; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp

 

“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
Songwriters: Megan Moroney, Luke Laird, Jessie Jo Dillon
Publishers: Big Ass Pile of Dimes Music; Big Music Machine

“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
Songwriters: Ella Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor
Publishers: Bada Bing & Bada Langley Publishing; Little Louder Songs; Sony Music Publishing

“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
Songwriters: Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols
Publishers: Music and Magazine Publishing; Rio Bravo Music Inc; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; Too Broke to Quit Music; Zach Top Music

“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Songwriters: Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Andy Albert, Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg
Publishers: Concord Sounds; Dtown Boogie Music; Emi Feist Catalog Inc; Songs Of Riser House; Songs Of Wild Cat Well Music; Sony/ATV Countryside; Story Farmer; Tacklebox Music Publishing

SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney
Producers: Kristian Bush
Record Company-Label: Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records

“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
Producers: Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Ben West
Record Company-Label: SAWGOD / Columbia Records

“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
Producers: Carson Chamberlain
Record Company-Label: Leo33

“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Producers: Jay Joyce
Record Company-Label: BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville / Broken Bow Records

“The Fall” – Cody Johnson
Producers: Trent Willmon
Record Company-Label: CoJo Music / Warner Records Nashville

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

“A Song to Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb
Record Company-Label: Republic Records

“Amen” – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll
Producers: Danny Majic, Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook
Record Company-Label: Empire

“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green feat. Ella Langley
Producers: Dann Huff, Michael Knox
Record Company-Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment

“Trailblazer” – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson
Producers: Tony Brown, Reba McEntire
Record Company-Label: MCA

“You Had to Be There” – Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney
Producers: Kristian Bush
Record Company-Label: Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records

 

VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]

“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney
Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: CeCe Dawson, Megan Moroney

“A Song to Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Producers: James Stratakis
Director: Alexa King Stone, Stephen Kinigopoulos

“Cuckoo” -Stephen Wilson, Jr.
Producers: Tim Cofield
Director: Tim Cofield

“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Producers: Katie Babbage
Director: TK McKamy

“The Fall” – Cody Johnson
Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: Dustin Haney

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Jessie Jo Dillon
Ashley Gorley
Charlie Handsome
Chase McGill
Blake Pendergrass

ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Morgan Wallen

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1971, John Denver makes his pop chart debut with “Take Me Home Country Roads.”
  • Today in 1979, the “Greatest Hits” album by Waylon Jennings was released.
  • Today in 1982, the single, “Always On My Mind,” by Willie Nelson entered the Top 40 chart.
  • Today in 1982, Merle Haggard’s “Big City” hit the top of the charts.
  • Today in 1989, after winning countless awards, racking up over 20 #1 hits and selling 50 million records worldwide, Alabama was named “80’s Artist of the Decade” by the Academy of Country Music. Kathy Mattea won Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses.”
  • Today in 1993, Reba McEntire & Vince Gill share the top spot on the Billboard country singles chart with “The Heart Won’t Lie.”
  • Today in 1995, George Strait recorded “Check Yes Or No,” and “I Know She Still Loves Me.”
  • Today in 1996, Lorrie Morgan’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 2002, after enjoying more than 4 decades of success in the music business, the Statler Brothers announced plans to say goodbye to touring. The band played their three last shows the following October with the grand finale on October 26th in Salem, Virginia.
  • Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood was the only double-winner at the CMT Music Awards. Keith Urban claimed Video of the Year for “Better Life.”
  • Today in 2007, the former home of Johnny Cash and June Carter burned to the ground in Hendersonville, Tennessee, while workers are restoring it for new owner Barry Gibb. Watching helplessly: Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Tommy Cash, T.G. Sheppard and several Oak Ridge Boys.
  • Today in 2009, “Hannah Montana: The Movie” debuted in theaters. Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Bucky Covington and Rascal Flatts all appeared on screen.
  • Today in 2010, Jerrod Niemann sang “Lover, Lover” in his Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2012, Keith Urban was invited by Vince Gill to join the Grand Ole Opry during a benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. He was inducted the following April 21st.
  • Today in 2013, Kenny Rogers, Bobby Bare and songwriter/producer Jack Clement were announced as the 2013 inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

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