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Ottumwa Man Sentenced to 125 Months in Federal Prison for Firearm Charge

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES, Iowa – An Ottumwa man was sentenced today to 125 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, in early 2024, Nolan Ryan Rork, 19, was on probation with the State of Iowa. In April 2024, Rork removed his electronic ankle monitor. In June 2024, law enforcement located Rork. While fleeing, Rork threw his backpack, which had two loaded firearms and more than 60 grams of methamphetamine.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Rork will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office and the Ottumwa Police Department.

Jamie Jacobs Hired as New Oskaloosa Activities Director

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Oskaloosa Schools is thrilled to announce Jamie Jacobs as the next Activities Director for Oskaloosa Schools, pending board approval. She brings a bold vision and a passion for student success both on and off the field. Jacobs is set to elevate Oskaloosa’s activities programs to new heights as an advocate for success in all activities. She will begin on July 1, 2025.

Jacobs is currently the Elementary Principal at Oelwein Community School District. Prior to this, she also served as the Assistant Principal and Activities director of the high school in Oelwein. Jacobs taught 6th to 8th grade band at George Washington Carver Academy in Waterloo and would assist at East High School. She coached four sports in Waterloo, including volleyball, cheerleading, track and field, and softball. Jacobs started her teaching career in Wapsie Valley, teaching 5th – 12th grade band.

 Jacobs said the enthusiasm surrounding Oskaloosa’s activities program stood out immediately. “What I am most excited about in accepting the activities role for Oskaloosa is the passion, the energy, and the desire for growth that I felt from the coaches, the sponsors, directors, students, community members—everybody came out to be a part of this interview process,” Jacobs said. “The excitement was there for what potential there is in the district. I’m honored and ready to be a part of that.”

Jacobs said building relationships will be her top priority. “My goal is to establish strong connections with all stakeholders for our activities programs and really embrace the vision culture that Oskaloosa has set up,” she said. “I want to share that with others and make sure everyone feels connected and invested in what we’re building.”

“We’re excited for the future of Oskaloosa activities with Jamie Jacobs leading the way,” said Oskaloosa High School Principal Jeff Kirby. “Her passion and commitment to building a culture of teamwork and school pride—across academics, arts, and athletics—will strengthen opportunities for all students. She understands the importance of uniting our community behind a shared vision.”

Jacobs earned her bachelor’s degree in music education with a minor in religion from Wartburg College in 2016. She went on to complete a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University in 2018. Currently, she is pursuing advanced studies toward a superintendent certification, further expanding her leadership expertise in education.

Outside of education, Jacobs is deeply involved in her community. Jacobs plans to move to Oskaloosa this summer. She serves as a volunteer firefighter in Oelwein. She contributes to several local organizations, including the Plentiful Pantry Board, the United Way Board, and the MacDowell Club, where she chairs the scholarship committee. An outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys camping and hiking in her free time. At home, she shares her love of animals with her two Siamese cats, Humphrey and Delilah, and her red standard poodle, Cleo.

Jacobs is eager to get started and embrace her new role. “I am excited to be ALL IN on being part of the Oskaloosa school district and community!”

Trump’s portrait to be taken down at Colorado Capitol after president claimed it was ‘distorted’

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DENVER (AP) — A painting of Donald Trump hanging with other presidential portraits at the Colorado state Capitol will be taken down after Trump claimed that his was “purposefully distorted,” according to a letter obtained by The Associated Press.

House Democrats said in a statement that the oil painting would be taken down at the request of Republican leaders in the Legislature. Colorado Republicans raised more than $10,000 through a GoFundMe account to commission the oil painting, which was unveiled in 2019.

Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, a Republican, said that he requested for Trump’s portrait to be taken down and replaced by one “that depicts his contemporary likeness.”

“If the GOP wants to spend time and money on which portrait of Trump hangs in the Capitol, then that’s up to them,” the Democrats said.

The portrait was installed alongside other paintings of U.S. presidents. Before the installation, a prankster placed a picture of Russian President Vladimir Putin near the spot intended for Trump.

Initially, people objected to artist Sarah Boardman’s depiction of Trump as “nonconfrontational” and “thoughtful” in the portrait, according to an interview with Colorado Times Recorder from the time.

But in a Sunday night post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he would prefer no picture at all over the one that hangs in the Colorado Capitol. The Republican lauded a nearby portrait of former President Barack Obama – also by Boardman – saying “he looks wonderful.”

“Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves, but the one in Colorado, in the state Capitol, put up by the Governor, along with all other Presidents, was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before,” Trump wrote.

The portraits are not the purview of the Colorado governor’s office but the Colorado Building Advisory Committee. The ones up to and including President Jimmy Carter were donated as a collection. The others were donated by political parties or, more recently, paid for by outside fundraising.

The Legislature’s executive committee, made up of both Democratic and Republican leadership, signed a letter directing the removal of Trump’s portrait. Lundeen, the Republican senator who requested it, noted that Grover Cleveland, whose presidential terms were separated like Trump’s, had a portrait from his second term.

Boardman did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. In interviews from the time with The Denver Post, Boardman said it was important that her depictions of both Obama and Trump looked apolitical.

“There will always be dissent, so pleasing one group will always inflame another. I consider a neutrally thoughtful, and nonconfrontational, portrait allows everyone to reach their own conclusions in their own time,” Boardman told the Colorado Times Recorder in 2019.

Trump’s Sunday night comments had prompted a steady stream of visitors to pose for photos with the painting before the announcement that it would be taken down.

Aaron Howe, visiting from Wyoming on Monday, stood in front of Trump’s portrait, looking down at photos of the president on his phone, then back up at the portrait.

“Honestly he looks a little chubby,” said Howe of the portrait, but “better than I could do.”

“I don’t know anything about the artist,” said Howe, who voted for Trump. “It could be taken one way or the other.”

Kaylee Williamson, an 18-year-old Trump supporter from Arkansas, got a photo with the portrait.

“I think it looks like him. I guess he’s smoother than all the other ones,” she said. “I think it’s fine.”

Attorney General Bird Warns Iowans About Scammers Impersonating the Iowa Attorney General’s Office

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird today issued a warning about scammers posing as the Attorney General’s office to trick Iowans out of money.

The Iowa Attorney General’s office received reports that scammers are impersonating Attorney General Bird and her office on social media to con victims of cryptocurrency ATM scams. Scammers are attempting to convince these Iowans to send personal or financial information for an alleged “refund” of the money lost through a cryptocurrency ATM. The scammers are reaching people through social media platforms such as Facebook and Telegram. The scam accounts even use photos of Attorney General Bird and a seal claiming to be for the Division of Criminal Investigation.

“These con artists are so evil that they are even pretending to be me,” said Attorney General Bird. “If someone claiming to be from my office offers you a refund for crypto ATM scams, it’s fake. Call my office for help at 1-888-777-4590, and do not send money, personal information, or financial information.”

This scam follows Attorney General Bird’s announcement last month of two lawsuits against major crypto ATM companies for costing Iowans more than $20 million in scam transactions.

Although Attorney General Bird is fighting to get Iowans their money back, the lawsuits are still ongoing.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Know Where to Look: If someone claiming to be with the Iowa Attorney General’s office reaches out through social media and offers a refund for crypto ATM scams, it is a con artist. Any official refund opportunity would be announced on our website.
  • Verify the Source: If suspicious of someone claiming to be from a government agency, hang up or ignore the message. Use a verified phone number to directly call the agency.
  • Be Skeptical of Threats: Government agencies and law enforcement will not make threats of immediate arrest or ask for payment over the phone.
  • Never Click on Suspicious Links: These scams often provide links leading to fake websites designed to steal your personal information. Instead, visit the agency’s official .gov website to check for any real refund programs.
  • Government Agencies Do Not Charge Fees for Refunds: If you’re asked to pay a fee, send money, or provide banking details to receive a refund, it’s a scam.
  • Protect Your Pocketbook: Never provide personal or financial information over the phone, text, email, or on social media.

Any Iowans suspicious of a scam should contact the Iowa Attorney General’s office at 1-888-777-4590 or file a complaint online: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-consumers/file-a-consumer-complaint.

One Week Remains to Apply for Chamber Scholarships

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — High school seniors living in Mahaska County and attending any high school are eligible to apply now for a Chamber Scholarship sponsored by the Mahaska Chamber & Development Group. Information is available from one’s school counselor or the web at https://www.mahaskachamber.org/resources/scholarships/ where you will find a link to the fillable form. Scholarships are sponsored by area businesses and industries. Last year $25,750 was distributed to 22 students.

The application requests information such as participation in school and community activities and a short essay. Be prepared with a PDF of your transcript. Online applications and school transcripts are due no later than Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
“Area businesses and individuals are encouraged to contribute to the Chamber Scholars program to provide deserving students with financial support as they pursue their academic and career goals. This program would not be possible without the generous contributions we receive annually from local business leaders and individuals. We encourage more community members to get involved, as this program continues to strengthen the partnership between education and community,” Morgan McClendon stated. “Another way to contribute to this special program is by participating in the annual Chamber Golf outing on Friday, May 9. Teams of four and hole sponsorships raise additional funds for the Chamber Scholars program.”
The Chamber Scholars program, now in its 29th year, continues to partner with the “52577 Scholarship.” Contributions to the program are tax deductible and can be made in any amount. If one chooses to donate $1,000 it will be awarded this year. If one wants to contribute to the perpetual scholarship fund through “52577”, any amount may be donated to be used in future years.
For further information to apply or to contribute to the fund contact the Mahaska Chamber at 641.672.2591 or email events@mahaskachamber.org

Oskaloosa City Council Holds Public Hearing on Property Tax Levy

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Oskaloosa City Council held a special meeting last night to conduct a public hearing for their proposed property tax levy for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The city’s property tax levy was set at approximately $14.46 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, a decrease of roughly $0.95 from last year; however, due to projected increases in valuation, residents are expected to have to pay 5.6% more in property taxes. City Clerk and Finance Director Pamela Nimtz explained some of the mechanisms behind the changes.

The council also set the date for the public hearing they will conduct for their FY2026 budget. That will happen on April 21, 2025 at 6pm.

Hallelujah! A day to celebrate the Pope’s release from the hospital — and his beloved gelato

Posted on by Sam Parsons

ROME (AP) — “Hallelujah!” That’s what countless Catholics exclaimed as Pope Francis left the hospital Sunday after more than a month fighting pneumonia. It’s also the name of a new gelato flavor.

Hallelujah gelato made its debut in Rome in open-air kiosks in Piazza Risorgimento Sunday just a 5-minute walk from the Vatican, marking a preview of International Handmade Gelato Day.

The tasting attracted hundreds of pilgrims, tourists and gelato lovers eager to sample the divine new flavor that includes gianduia, an Italian combination of roasted hazelnuts and pure chocolate. It will be available in gelato parlors across Europe starting Monday.

Hallelujah quickly became a way to commemorate Francis’ discharge from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, a much-anticipated moment of relief for millions of Catholics in Rome and around the world.

Francis has long been a fan of gelato.

“It’s such a beautiful coincidence that Pope Francis went back home today,” said Ludovico Santasilia, one of the initiative’s organizers. “Francis has been following this project and I’m sure he would love the new flavor, as we know he’s a big gelato fan.”

The flavor was master gelato maker Vincenzo Squatrito’s winning entry in a European gelato contest, and its name was conceived to celebrate the Catholic Church’s Holy Jubilee Year.

Pope Francis kicked off the Jubilee in December, and it is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome.

The 88-year-old Argentine has never made a secret of his passion for gelato. A few years ago, his favorite gelato maker from his native Buenos Aires revealed that Francis’ favorite flavor was dulce de leche, a local caramel dessert.

Over the years, the pontiff has also built a friendship with Sebastian Padrón, an Argentine who runs an artisanal parlor just around the corner from the papal apartments in Casa Santa Marta, where he delivers regular orders of the pope’s favorite gelato.

“I’m sure the Pope also loves the idea that donations raised with this tasting will fund a project for homeless people around the world,” Santasilia said.

Iowa House bill says private school students must be allowed on public districts’ teams

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

A bill that’s cleared the Iowa House would mandate that Iowa’s public school districts let local private school students join the district’s sports teams if the private school isn’t offering the sport.

Representative Henry Stone, a Republican from Forest City, said kids should be allowed to compete in sports, whether they’re enrolled in a public or a private school.

“The impetus of this bill is not to show favoritism or to elevate non-public schools,” he said. “It’s being brought about because school districts started severing longstanding athletic agreement with non-public schools once non-public schools entered their accredidation process or after we passed ESAs.”

ESAs are state-funded Education Savings Accounts to cover private school expenses. Stone said the Clear Lake and Garner School Districts are not allowing students from the private Clear Lake Classical school to play sports.

“We have got to quit looking at every issue as a public versus a non-public school issue,” Stone said. “…What we’re talking about today are issues that are affecting our kids and affecting our grandkids. My two grandsons live in the Garner School District. In my opinion, we need to push past our differences and squabbles as adults and not take those differences out on our kids.”

The bill passed with the support of 63 House Republicans. The 33 Democrats in the House opposed it. Representative Heather Matson, a Democrat from Ankeny, said public school officials should be able to make local decisions based on serving students from families who’ve chosen to send their child to the public school.

“Our schools are in survival mode. Iowa also has a teacher shortage,” she said. “We cannot assume this requirement won’t be a problem.”

Matson said the bill applies to middle school as well as high school students. “Public schools will be required to have agreements on every sport they offer to those private school students who don’t have the sport at their school, regardless of capacity,” Matson said. “…If the team is full, would new sections be required? What about finding additional spaces to practice? The cost of adding staff members? The fact that it is already difficult to find volunteers to coach?”

The mandate in the bill also applies to other extracurricular activities. If the bill becomes law, private school students would have to be allowed to join competitive groups like show choirs or marching bands if their private school doesn’t offer it.

Front Row with Lisa Bluder and Harry Smith ’73

Posted on by Sam Parsons

PELLA — Central College and Pella Corporation welcome Lisa Bluder, three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year and former head women’s basketball coach at the University of Iowa, for a conversation with Harry Smith, a 1973 Central graduate, award-winning broadcast journalist and internationally renowned storyteller.

The two industry legends will host a casual conversation at 7 p.m. Monday, April 14, in Douwstra Auditorium in Central Hall on the Central campus. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

“We are thrilled Harry Smith wanted to host an open conversation with Lisa Bluder,” says Central President Mark Putnam. “With Harry’s flair for interviewing and Lisa’s career stories, the evening is sure to be memorable. We thank Pella Corporation for partnering with the college to bring Coach Bluder to campus.”

“With her exceptional leadership, Lisa built a championship-winning team, inspiring greatness on and off the court,” says Karmen Gardner, Pella Corporation vice president and executive director of the Pella Rolscreen Foundation. “Her unwavering dedication to academics and coaching excellence promises an incredible and insightful discussion.”

Front Row with Lisa Bluder and Harry Smith ’73 is open to the public. Tickets are free but required due to limited seating. Secure tickets at tickets.central.edu/specialevent. When you reserve your ticket, you may submit a question to Harry and Lisa for the conversation.

Oskaloosa Schools Narrows Activities Director Search to Two Finalists

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Oskaloosa Schools search for its next Activities Director has sparked nationwide interest, drawing candidates from 18 states and a U.S. territory. Oskaloosa Schools was pleased to work with TWR Consulting who assisted in recruiting and screening of our candidate pool. After a thorough selection process, the candidates have been narrowed to two standout finalists. On Monday, March 24, they will engage in a full-day interview process as the district moves one step closer to selecting its next leader in student activities.

The activities vision team, comprised of district leadership, coaches, teachers, and community stakeholders, reviewed a diverse group of applicants. After careful deliberation, the team selected two highly qualified finalists: Mr. Abu Ibrahim and Ms. Jamie Jacobs.

The comprehensive interview process will conclude with more than 60 leaders, teachers, students, staff, and community members. Each finalist will begin the day with a meet and greet session with a student ambassador, followed by a tour of the schools and the community. They will have lunch with students and staff before participating in two formal interviews. Candidates will also present on the Oskaloosa Schools vision culture, lead a coaching session with an activity coach, and engage in a parent conversation session. The day will conclude with final questions from the leadership team as the district evaluates the best fit for this important role.

The team of 60 people will evaluate the two candidates using a structured rubric system. This system measures their ability to collaborate, lead, and handle challenges, as well as their knowledge of student activities and program management. Their interactions with students, staff, and community members are also assessed to determine their ability to build strong relationships. To ensure a fair decision, the hiring team uses a scoring rubric to guard against bias or outside influence in the selection process.

Finalists 

Abu Ibrahim brings a wealth of leadership experience and deep ties to the Oskaloosa community. He currently serves as the assistant athletic director for Human Performance at William Penn University and has a background in athletic training, sports management, and business leadership. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Northeastern University in 2013, followed by a Master of Business Leadership from William Penn University in 2015 and a Master of Sport Management from William Penn in 2022.

Before his tenure at William Penn, Ibrahim worked at Wayne State College in Nebraska from 2015 to 2017. His professional journey began as a graduate assistant at William Penn from 2013 to 2015. While he does not have direct coaching experience, Ibrahim views this as an asset, offering him a unique perspective on program oversight without the singular focus of a coaching mindset for over a decade in both the NCAA and the NAIA. His passion for Oskaloosa extends beyond athletics—he serves on the city council and remains committed to community engagement. His leadership roles include service on various national athletic training committees and an elected position within the Iowa Athletic Trainers’ Association. An avid golfer, Ibrahim also serves on the school board for his elementary alma mater, demonstrating his commitment to education and youth development.

Jamie Jacobs is an accomplished educational leader with a diverse background spanning music education, athletics, and school administration. Currently an elementary principal, Jacobs has a strong history of program building and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a minor in Religion from Wartburg College (2016) and a Master’s in Education Administration from Concordia University (2018). She is also pursuing advanced studies to earn a degree in superintendency.

Jacobs began her career in education as a band director at Wapsie Valley Community School District, later teaching middle school band and assisting at East High School in Waterloo. In Waterloo, she served as the middle school activities director for her building. Her coaching experience includes volleyball, cheerleading, track and field, and softball. After Waterloo, she moved to Oelwein to be the Assistant Principal and Activities Director for Oelwein Community Schools before moving to her current role. She has served as a panelist for education programs at the University of Northern Iowa and Wartburg College, contributing to the professional development of future educators. Jacobs has also presented at major conferences, including the Iowa Music Educators Association Conference and the Iowa Bandmasters Conference.

Beyond her work in education, Jacobs is deeply involved in her community. She volunteers as a firefighter in Oelwein and serves on multiple local boards, including the Plentiful Pantry Board, the United Way Board, and the MacDowell Club, where she chairs the scholarship committee. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.

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