Americans nationwide did their part to reduce the opioid crisis by bringing the DEA and its more than 4,200 local and tribal law enforcement partners a record-setting 912,305 pounds—456 tons—of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for disposal at more than 5,300 collection sites. That is almost six tons more than was collected at last spring’s event. This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to 9,015,668 pounds, or 4,508 tons.
DEA’s St. Louis Division, which covers Missouri, Southern Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota, collected 76,294 pounds—38 tons of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for disposal at its more than 500 collection sites. Iowa’s 112 sites received a total of 11,526 pounds of drugs.
Now in its eighth year, this event continues to remove ever-higher amounts of opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they could be stolen and abused by family members and visitors, including children and teens. The DEA action comes just days after President Donald J. Trump announced the mobilization of his entire Administration to address drug addiction and opioid abuse by directing the declaration of a Nationwide Public Health Emergency to address the opioids crisis.
“More people start down the path of addiction through the misuse of opioid prescription drugs than any other substance. The abuse of these prescription drugs has fueled the nation’s opioid epidemic, which has led to the highest rate of overdose deaths this country has ever seen,” said Acting Administrator Robert W. Patterson. “This is a crisis that must be addressed from multiple angles. Educating the public and removing these medications from households across the Unites States prevents misuse where it often starts.”
This year, DEA worked with its tribal law enforcement partners to set up 115 collection sites on tribal lands. Opioid addiction impacts Native American communities just as it does all parts of American society. By partnering with FBI, BIA, and tribal law enforcement, the DEA was able to greatly expand tribal participation in the Take Back program. DEA remains committed to supporting public safety in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. DEA launched its prescription drug take back program when both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration advised the public that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—posed potential safety and health hazards.
Helping people to dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way DEA is working to reduce the addiction and overdose deaths plaguing this country due to opioid medications. Complete results for DEA’s fall Take Back Day are available at www.deatakeback.com.
DEA’s next Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 28, 2018.
A private college located in south-central Iowa is pledging to cover the first year of tuition for dozens of students from low-income Iowa families. Simpson College President Jay Simmons unveiled the “Simpson Promise” initiative on Monday, November 6th, at a news conference on the Indianola campus. Students who graduate from an Iowa high school and whose families have an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less will be eligible for the program.
“Simpson College will provide the cost of their tuition, free of charge to that family, for their first year of attendance at the institution,” Simmons said.
There are just under 1,300 full-time students at Simpson College this year. Simmons expects 25-to-40-percent of future incoming classes will qualify for the offer of free tuition.
“In absolute numbers, that would be somewhere in the order of 100 to 150 students in some years who would be able to take advantage of this opportunity,” Simmons said.
Tuition at Simpson this year is $38,412. School officials note, however, that all Simpson students receive at least some financial assistance regardless of their family income.
More information can be found on the Simpson College website.
In the early morning hours of Sunday, November 5th, the Oskaloosa Police Department received a complaint of a male breaking into vehicles in the 500 block of High Ave West. Officers conducted an investigation into this incident and made an arrest of a male identified as 22-year-old Jacob Tyrone Blackstone Jr.
At this time Blackstone Jr. has been charged with: Theft in the Second Degree, Theft in the Fifth Degree, 3 counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, Unlawful possession of prescription drug, Carrying weapons, Attempted burglary in the Third Degree, 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance and Possession of drug paraphernalia.
The police department is still taking reports from citizens that may have had items stolen from their vehicles. If you believe you may have had items stolen, please contact the Oskaloosa Police Department non-emergency 641-672-2557.
This is an ongoing investigation.
This is a good reminder to ALWAYS lock your vehicles and remove the keys.
** A criminal charge is merely an accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless
proven guilty.
Oskaloosa–William Penn University Athletics Director Nik Rule has announced the resignation of Jennifer Carlson as Head Volleyball Coach.
Carlson was 42-125 (5-50 conference) during her five-year career as the leader of the program. The Statesmen were 12-25 this fall (3-16 Heart), highlighted by starting the season with 11 wins in their first 28 matches.
Carlson coached eight all-conference players, nine academic all-conference honorees, and six NAIA Scholar-Athletes over her tenure at William Penn.
“We want to thank Coach Carlson for her efforts in leading the Statesmen volleyball program,” Rule said. “Being a leader of a college program is more than just coaching games; it is also managing academics and young people. Coach Carlson did a nice job in areas that the public does not see. In the end, we assessed the future of the program and accepted her resignation, seeing it as an opportunity to establish a fresh direction with the goal of being a leader in the Heart of America Athletic Conference and the NAIA.”
The cupboard is fairly stocked for the future of WPU volleyball. Junior libero Ashley Miller led the NAIA with 832 digs during the regular season. The Statesmen also have five underclassmen who posted over 100 kills this year, which accounted for 78{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b} of the squad’s offense. WPU’s underclassmen recorded 83{99cd714f394079a7f0ed2eb1518dd31342ff3ceb5b6c267c3ad8acd5b5a7d66b} of the team’s blocks as well and all three of William Penn’s varsity setters have eligibility remaining.
William Penn will begin a national search for a new head coach immediately.
Northern Mahaska Specialty Care in Oskaloosa received a rating of 4 out 5 in the U.S. News & World Report 2017-18 Nursing Home Finder report released last month. The report uses existing federal nursing home rating information and federally reported health care data to come up with their own rating system. Criteria such as annual state survey results, medical quality measures, staffing levels and rehabilitation outcomes are all formulated to reach the rating. More than 15,000 skilled nursing facilities in the United States were reviewed.
This recognition is in addition to Northern Mahaska Specialty Care’s 2017 deficiency-free survey from the state of Iowa’s Department of Inspections and Appeals. Administrator Tabitha Tjaden says the caring environment the staff provide every day is the reason for their success. “We have such a great staff who take pride in what they do and how they care for our residents. Receiving deficiency free surveys, quality awards or being named a top nursing home by U.S. News and World Report’s Nursing Home Finder are achievements based on certain measurements. We don’t receive those distinctions unless we meet high standards. It’s our caring staff who make the difference.”
Northern Mahaska Specialty Care is a non-profit, 79-bed skilled nursing facility offering rehabilitation services, skilled nursing care, long term care and hospice care. Its parent organization is Care Initiatives, which proudly serves over 3,000 Iowans through 44 skilled nursing care locations, eight assisted living locations, three senior housing apartment locations, and six hospice office locations.
Care Initiatives, based in West Des Moines, Iowa is committed to providing compassionate care for Iowans through all of life’s health transitions.
The Iowa Department of Transportation held two part hearing for the public on the night of Thursday, November 2. The open forum began activities at 6 PM where the public was welcomed to view copies of a map containing the proposed bypass specifications. This map was derived from the Environmental Assessment, which was conducted and later released to the public on August 15th, 2017.
The infancy stages of this proposed project date back to August 15, 2013. On April 16, 2014, a second meeting was held for the public to discuss the three conceptual alternatives for the U.S. 63 Northwest Oskaloosa Bypass. On December 16th of that same year, a public information meeting was set to discuss the four refined alternatives for the bypass and gather more public input.
“The purpose of the meeting is to bring up to date the community in the progress that we have made on this project. We have had three public hearings since the conception of this project,” said Hector Torres-Cacho, Iowa DOT District 5 Transportation Planner. “The purpose is to collect public input on Environmental Assessment and comments on preferred alignment.”
Jim Armstrong, the Iowa DOT District 5 Engineer, began the formal meeting by introducing the video which offered the history and background information on this project. During countless studies and assessments, “between 2010 and 2014, there were 171 crashes on U.S. 63 within the Oskaloosa corporate limits,” according to Torres-Cacho. Per the 100 million vehicle miles traveled, it is approximately 1.8 times the 5-year statewide crash rates.
Currently, all through traffic on U.S. 63 in the area must travel through the city of Oskaloosa and pass the busiest intersection at U.S. 63 and Iowa 92. The traffic volumes on U.S. 63 through oskaloosa range between 5,300 and 7,600 vehicles per day, up to 11-percent of that traffic is trucks or semis. On the existing U.S. 63, traffic volumes range from 3,500 to 4,500 vehicles per day having upwards of 16-percent truck or semi traffic.
It is projected that by 2040, the traffic volumes will increase to ranges of 5,200 to 8,800 – up to 13-percent semi traffic – and 4,200 to 6,700 – up to 20-percent semi traffic – respectively. These projections are based off the existing roadway and structures in and around the Oskaloosa area.
During the public comment section, John Bandstra, an Oskaloosa resident, spoke about the intersection of Highway 63 and Iowa 92 in particular. “This intersection is well documented with accidents occurring and in some cases traffic signals and buildings have been damaged by turning traffic,” said Bandstra. “One can suggest that instead of trucks turning at this intersection that they use the 163/I-92 interchange and travel 92 through Oskaloosa.” Bandstra believes that the proposed improvements may benefit direct and safe access to U.S. 63 and Iowa 92 for local business as well as the industrial areas along Highway 23. Bandstra concluded his statement by announcing he is not in support.
Over the last three years, there has been a no build and seven proposed alternatives. According to Torres-Cacho, “alternative one was dismissed due to an impact of a pipeline valve field. Alternative two was dismissed due to the use of Kirby Avenue alignment because of too many access points to the bypass. Alternative two and five were dismissed because of environmental impacts such as river crossings and the miles of bridges required. Alternative three was dismissed due to the location being closer to the proposed airport and existing railroad, requiring more grading and earthwork. Alternative four was dismissed because of the impact of the pipeline valve field and six homes in the proposal.“
The proposed bypass would be around 4 miles in length connecting U.S 63 north of Oskaloosa west to Highway 163.
The preferred alternative includes an interchange at 235th Street and Highway 163. The interchange includes a bridge over 163 and access roads to Independence Avenue and North Shore Drive on the north side of the interchange. On the south side, Jewell Avenue and Old Highway 163 to 235th Street of the interchange.
The next step in the process, is to document a final decision in a FONSI (Finding of No Significant Impact) document. Currently, this project is NOT included in the 2018-2022 Transportation Improvement Program. The cost of the project is estimated to be around the $35 million mark. According to Torres-Cacho, “combination of federal and state funding” will contribute to the cost of the project. “The locals also can, and more than likely will, be contributing too. Typically, through state and federal highway funding.”
From left to right: Tom Rielly, Oskaloosa; Mayor David Krutzfeldt, Oskaloosa; and Tom Walling, Councilman Oskaloosa, all spoke at the Iowa DOT public bypass meeting on Thursday, November 2nd.
As the presentation concluded, the time for open comments came. Three attendees spoke in favor of the northwest bypass including Mayor David Krutzfeldt, Beth Danowsky and Tom Walling.
“We [Oskaloosa] are town of about 12,000 people, that is slowly growing in population. We’re achieving growth by constantly working to make it a great place to live.” Krutzfeldt continued on to speak of one of the most pertinent issues facing Oskaloosa.
“My main concern is to fix the conflict of traffic with the enjoyment of life in town. As trucks come into town from the north, they come down a hill. Many use their engines to slow the truck, and there’s a noise factor to that. Once the truck slows down to speed limit, they climb a hill then go towards the William Penn campus. The highway runs between the campus and student housing with a signal crossing halfway up the hill. If the students are crossing , the truck needs to slow or stop. On the south side of that crosswalk, you can observe skid marks where northbound trucks have locked up their brakes in front of that crosswalk.”
But Krutzfeldt concerns do not end with the area near William Penn campus, but also in the downtown square where Highway 63 runs along the west side. “The square can be a serene reflective place, but that’s mostly at night when the traffic subsides.” Krutzfeldt mentions the additions of the summertime Thursday night concert by the city band and the renovated Alley due to the efforts of five determined women who are referred to as the Alley KADTS. “The Alley KADTS turned it from a littered passageway into a space that’s complete with seating, lighting, landscape, history and art. It was recognized by Main Street Iowa and Travel Federation of Iowa. With close proximity to the square, people are able to go back and forth to different events if they can get across 63.” The Mayor requested that the Iowa DOT prioritize this project for the safety and concern of all of the residents in Oskaloosa.
Beth Danowsky works with local business and government representatives to advocate for transportation improvements in the area. The group Danowsky is associated with supports the bypass around Oskaloosa and “requests the important work continues on this project we request it be include as part of the next five-year plan.”
“I came tonight to speak in favor with two different hats on,” began Tom Walling, Oskaloosa City Councilman. “Our corporate office is located on South Market. We have watched the traffic grow and grow and grow and it just continues. What is going on down in Eddyville is amazing for the area but it’s causing a truck traffic problem. Noise and safety of our employees affect our business.”
Walling continued on the say that for roughly 25 blocks, Highway 63 runs through Oskaloosa. Three of those are past the city square which contains four stoplights. Walling noted that there are times where it takes forever to get through because of tractors or trucks. “And this is all nothing new, understand that. But I highly support to put it on the 5-year plan so we can move forward.”
Residents along the proposed area, specifically the interchange area, may see the negative effect of this bypass construction. Brenda Williams, a resident of the West Lake subdivision addressed the Iowa DOT staff and public in attendance. “In 2012, my late husband and I purchase lot five, our sole purpose of purchasing that particular lot was the close proximity to 163 we built our home that year.” Williams continued, “In 2013, we purchase lot number 6 to build a shop to match our home. The total spent on those lots were 35,000. And i can guarantee you that I would not have bought these properties if they were on a gravel road. “
According to Williams, there is a proposed gravel frontage road that would be over a half-mile in length in front of her private drive to connect to the pavement.” All of the gravel roads in this area are so poorly maintained that I have seen car washes in town shut down because they do not want the mess that the rural customers leave behind.” This is a big concern of Williams as well as the toll it will take on her vehicles.
“The proposed gravel frontage road would decrease all of our property values, who would be reimbursing this to us? I am not opposed to change and I do actually see a benefit to the bypass,” stated Williams. “But I was told at the last meeting, and I quote, ‘we will put you back to how you were.’ Right now, I am a private drive onto pavement not private drive onto poorly maintained gravel onto pavement.”
Carl Drost had registered to share his comment, but declined as his opportunity passed.
Tom Rielly is an Oskaloosa resident but also a part of the Iowa DOT Commission. “Earlier this year Governor Branstad appointed me to a seven member commission and we set the five-year road program.”
Reilly has some insight into this project and spoke about the struggles local companies are having such as Cargill, John Deere, Clow, Musco, Pella Corp and Vermeer. “For years, it’s been very hard for them to go north and east, but very easy for them to go north and west.” The Iowa DOT has been trying to find a way, regionally, where communities could work together to create a safe and efficient way to go north and east.
Community members look over the maps provided for the proposed alternative.
In all, roughly 50 people were in attendance to this public hearing for the northwest bypass. The Iowa DOT still wants to hear the public comments or concerns. Those wanting to voice their opinions and share with the Iowa DOT are asked to comment by December 4th. If you prefer to submit your comments electronically, a link has been provided for you here.
The volleyball season has wrapped up for South Central Conference teams and the All-Conference players have been voted on and released. The SCC is made up of Knoxville, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, Davis County, Albia, Centerville, Chariton, and Clarke.
The first team had seven players named and five of them were unanimous selections.
Knoxville’s senior Kayla Moats and sophomore Katie Keitges were honored as they led the Panthers to an unbeaten season in conference play.
They are joined by the EBF senior tandem of Torie Alexander and Emma Bunnell. The Rockets went 5-1 in the SCC this year.
Davis County’s Bailea Yahnke was the final unanimous choice. The junior led the Mustangs to a 4-2 SCC mark and a first round upset of EBF in regional play.
Albia sophomore Alex Beard and Centerville senior Madeline McDonald rounded out the first team honorees.
On the Second Team, EBF was the only school with multiple players named. The Rockets had senior Lexi Taylor and sophomore Grace Roberts honored.
Other players on the second team included Knoxville senior Cassidy Pearson, Davis County senior Alexa Francis, Chariton junior Grace Gengtson, Albia sophomore Abbey Griff, and Centerville senior Abby Sweet.
All seven teams had honorable mention players named from the conference coaches. Albia had sophomore Abbie Martin listed, EBF had junior Taylor Caves listed, and Knoxville had the trio of senior Ashley Vance, freshman Marley McKay, and sophomore Peyton McMurray on the honorable mention list.
Knoxville won the South Central Conference regular season title with an unbeaten 6-0 record, finishing the year 17-23 overall. EBF was the lone team to have a winning record on the season, going 21-16, although they finished second in the SCC with at 5-1.
The New Sharon Fire & Rescue and the Oskaloosa Fire Department were honored in the US House of Representatives by Representative of the 2nd Congressional District, Dave Loebsack.
Loebsack had entered his praise into Congressional Record for the volunteer work of both departments after Hurricane Harvey.
” Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of
firefighters from my district. Millions across the country watched
Hurricane Harvey hit parts of Texas in late August, causing tragic loss
of life and devastating damage to areas such as Houston. A group of
Iowa first responders with a history of helping out during national
disasters knew they had to help.
On Thursday, September 14th, members of the New Sharon Fire and
Oskaloosa Fire Departments loaded up materials and drove twenty-two
hours to Rockport, Texas to help a community in need. Over the course
of their time in Texas, these volunteers worked tirelessly to help
their fellow first responders clean up and recover from this storm. In
a time of disaster, Iowans step up to help out those in need. To the
volunteers from the New Sharon and Oskaloosa Fire Departments, I am in
awe of your selflessness, and you have undoubtedly made a significant
impact on a community devastated by Hurricane Harvey.”
** The extension of remarks was dated on October 4, 2017. Full remark can be found here: E1324. **
The Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office happily announces the hiring of David J. Wilke as their newest Deputy Sheriff.
Deputy Wilke will be filling the position created by the retirement of Trevor Wells. Deputy Wilke has over four years of Law Enforcement experience and is certified through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
Deputy Wilke was born and Raised in Mahaska County. He is currently married with two small children.
Wilke will take on his first day of patrol duties on Monday, November 6th with the sheriff’s office.
Near the end of September, the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office receive a complain that a 7-year-old female may have been sexually assaulted at a rural Mahaska County residence.
The complaint was that there may have been multiple incidents between this child and an adult male. It was reported that these incidents occurred between May 1st and September 29th of this year.
As part of the investigation, this child was taken to the Unity Pointe Health Care Center in Hiawatha, Iowa to be interviewed and examined by medical personnel. Also, as part of this investigation, Mahaska County Sheriff’s Deputies interviewed 67-year-old Robert William Hulseburg of Williamsburg. This interview took place in the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office on November 2nd.
Following Hulseburg’s interview, he was taken into custody and transported to the Mahaska County Jail, where he was incarcerated on three counts of Second Degree Sexual Abuse, all Class B Felonies.
Hulseberg will make his initial appearance in the Mahaska County District Court later today.
The Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office was assisted with this investigation by the members of Unity Pointe and by members of the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office.
**As a reminder, a criminal charge is merely an accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
