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Whooping cough cases are rising again in the US

Posted on by Sam Parsons

WASHINGTON (AP) — Whooping cough cases are rising, and doctors are bracing for yet another tough year.

There have been 8,485 cases reported in 2025, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s twice as many cases as this time last year, based on the CDC’s final tally.

Rates of whooping cough, or pertussis, soared last year, which experts said wasn’t unexpected. The number of cases fell during COVID-19 because of masking and social distancing. Plus, experts said, the illness peaks every two to five years.

But experts say the outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses, like measles and whooping cough, could be indicative of changing attitudes toward vaccines. U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates fell last year, and the number of children with vaccine exemptions hit an all-time high.

“There’s unfortunately been increasing anti-vaccine sentiment in the United States,” said Dr. Ericka Hayes at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Our recovery is not nearly as quick as we expected it to be and we needed it to be. And again, when you fall below 95% for vaccinations, you lose that herd immunity protection.”

Whooping cough tends to peak around this time of year and in the fall. It’s usually spread through respiratory droplets in the air, when people with pertussis cough, sneeze or breathe close to others. The symptoms are similar to a cold but the cough becomes increasingly severe with a distinctive sound — a “whoop” as the person tries to take in air. It is treated with antibiotics.

In the past six months, two babies in Louisiana and a 5-year-old in Washington state have died from whooping cough.

The pertussis vaccine, which also protects against diphtheria and tetanus, is given at two months, four months and six months. The CDC recommends adults get follow-up doses every 10 years.

The illness is most dangerous for infants, especially before they receive their first round of vaccinations. That’s why the vaccine is also recommended for expecting mothers — it can protect newborns. But not enough people are getting the vaccine during pregnancy, said Hayes, who is the hospital’s senior medical director of infection prevention and control.

“The uptake of the vaccine for pregnant mothers is not where we need to be at all,” she said.

Pennsylvania, one of the states hit hardest by the illness last year, has recorded 207 whooping cough cases in 2025.

Neil Ruhland, a state health department spokesman, said the biggest increases are in populated areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and in middle and high schools and colleges. He said 94.6% of the state’s kindergarteners are vaccinated.

Michigan is on track for a similar pertussis season to last year’s, said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state’s chief medical executive. The state has recorded 516 cases thus far, mostly among children aged 5 to 17, and saw a total of 2,081 cases in 2024.

Bagdasarian said vaccination rates vary from county to county. Some schools have rates as low as 30%, creating pockets of vulnerable communities to vaccine-preventable diseases like pertussis and measles, she said.

“We’re watching pertussis numbers very carefully, but a lot of our resources are going into contact tracing our measles cases right now,” she said. “And public health is doing much more with fewer resources in 2025 than we’ve had to do before.”

Iowa House votes for radon mitigation in new home construction

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

The Iowa House has sent the Senate a bill to require that home builders install passive radon mitigation systems in new homes. It also would establish a state tax credit for the installation of radon mitigration systems in existing homes and buildings.

EPA ratings show every county in the state has an elevated level of radon. “Seven out of 10 homes in Iowa have radon levels that pose a health risk,” Representative Hans Wilz of Ottumwa said. “This isn’t limited to old homes or those with basements. Radon can be found in any home — new, old, anywhere where in our state.”

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in Iowans who are not smokers. Wilz said radon mitigation systems can save the state and its citizens hundreds of millions of dollars that would be spent on health care costs.

“Every dollar spent on radon mitigation is going to save $20-$40 of avoided health care costs,” Wilz said.

The bill would set up a state tax credit of up to $1000 for installation of a radon mitigation system in existing structures. Individuals could claim the credit on their personal income taxes. The credit would be available to some businesses as well as the managers of estates or trusts working to prepare a property for sale after the owner’s death. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Starting in 2027, state law already requires regular radon testing of Iowa school buildings and mitigation if unsafe levels are found.

Oskaloosa Band to Host National Drum Corps This Weekend

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — When the nationally recognized Colts Drum & Bugle Corps pulls into Oskaloosa this weekend, it won’t just be a pit stop on their tour; it will be a milestone moment for the Oskaloosa High School band program and a powerful learning opportunity for local students.

For Oskaloosa Band Director Lucas Trainer, the upcoming weekend residency of the Colts is more than an exciting event; it’s a vision come to life.

“Oskaloosa has a rich tradition in marching band,” Trainer said. “We’ve had several students over the years march with a drum and bugle corps, and this year, Hudson VanEngelenhoven, class of 2025, will be performing with the Colts.”

What began as a conversation with Hudson’s parents about rehearsal space for the group quickly turned into something much more. Trainer saw an opportunity not only to support a student but to bring nationally elite talent into Oskaloosa High School halls and to spark inspiration throughout the band program.

“I thought this would be a great opportunity for the whole program,” he said. “Selfishly, I’ll get to learn from their directors, watch how they rehearse, how they organize, how they handle logistics. There’s so much we can take from their model.”

The scale of the Colts’ arrival is nothing short of extraordinary. More than 33 states are represented among the performers, along with international members from Japan and Canada, making Oskaloosa a global gathering point for music excellence. On Friday alone, more than 114 flights are scheduled to arrive at Des Moines International Airport specifically for this event, with members traveling from around the world to launch their season right here in Iowa. It’s a powerful reminder that the impact of music and leadership knows no borders.

The Colts will be staying at Oskaloosa High School this weekend, sleeping in the gym, rehearsing in multiple school spaces, and practicing on the outdoor fields. The color guard will rehearse in the Oskaloosa Middle School gym because the higher ceilings are required for their routines. Sectional practices will take place in classrooms across the high school campus.

“Watching how efficiently the Colts operate is a masterclass,” Trainer said. “Every second of their 10-minute show is choreographed. It takes an unbelievable amount of focus and time to learn, and then perfect, that kind of performance.”

Trainer sees tremendous value in exposing students to this level of excellence, not just for the thrill, but for the structure, discipline, and insight it provides.

“We talk in education about visiting other high-performing schools to learn from what they do. This is the marching band version of that,” he said. “Even if a student doesn’t bring out their instrument, just seeing how the best of the best go about their business can be inspiring and instructional.”

The visit may be temporary, but Trainer is already thinking long-term. He hopes this is just the beginning of an annual partnership between the Oskaloosa band program and the Colts, which are based out of Iowa.

“I’d love for our students to feel like this is their home corps,” Trainer said. “And if we build a strong enough relationship, maybe we can work something out for our kids. That would encourage more of them to take the leap.”

The weekend residency also includes added benefits. Trainer shared that in exchange for the school’s hospitality, the Colts will help outfit the OHS band, contributing a significant amount of musical materials. It’s a win-win arrangement with both immediate and lasting impact. “We’re doing this because the value of what we’re receiving back in resources, in training, in inspiration, is huge.”

Trainer is also optimistic about how this experience will shape the physical and mental preparation of his students for their own marching season. The Colts’ intense focus on conditioning, stretching, and breath control will provide a model for summer readiness.

“They’ll go through an entire physical training regimen,” he said. “Our kids can learn how to better prepare their bodies so when August hits and we’re deep in band camp, we’re not all dealing with sore shoulders and stiff backs. We’ll already be ahead.”

A public performance will cap off the weekend on Sunday at noon in the OHS gym, with the Colts presenting a musical showcase for the Oskaloosa community. Trainer said there’s a small chance the performance may move outdoors pending weather (if this location changes, information will be shared onsite in the main gym). The showcase won’t include full marching elements but will allow audiences to hear the full music ensemble in action.

“It’ll be a powerful way to close out the weekend,” Trainer said. “It’s their first major rehearsal with 98 percent of their contracted members for the season. Only a few spots remain for drumline and color guard. It’s really their kickoff.”

And it may just be the kickoff of a new chapter for Oskaloosa’s band program, too.

Trainer emphasized that none of this would be possible without a community that values music education and supports student growth beyond the classroom. He credited past leaders, like Vicki MacFarlane and Stephanie Campbell, Colts alum, and Frankie Ma, an OHS alumnus and choreographer for the Oskaloosa High School color guard and who currently serves on the Colts board of directors, for a tradition of pride and excellence that keeps pushing Oskaloosa’s program forward.

“I’m thrilled,” Trainer said. “We’re opening our doors to one of the best drum corps in the country, and in return, our students are going to walk away better players, better performers, and maybe even inspired to shoot higher than they ever thought possible.”

As for the future?

“If the Colts want to come back every year, I’m all for it,” he said. “The more our kids can learn from organizations like this, the better. And I’ll keep working to make sure we’re ready to make the most of it, every time.”

With its tradition of excellence and a new opportunity on the horizon, the Oskaloosa High School band program is striking all the right chords. As the Colts prepare to roll into town, the echoes of their presence may reverberate far beyond a single weekend, fueling student growth, program innovation, and a deeper connection between Oskaloosa and the world of competitive marching music.

Clow Valve Grant Fuels Growth of Oskaloosa High School Robotics Program

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — A $5,000 grant from Clow Valve is powering up the Oskaloosa High School robotics program, helping students build more robots, explore bold ideas, and connect directly with local industry leaders in automation.

The grant, awarded this month, will provide critical funding for robotics parts, 3D printing materials, and new laptops to support a growing number of students enrolled in the school’s robotics class. It will also help launch a second competitive team, a goal that Oskaloosa robotics teacher Cory Sheeley has been eyeing since participation in the program nearly doubled after transitioning from an extracurricular activity to a daily class.

“We need to buy a couple more laptops so we can code,” Sheeley said. “Now that we have more kids in class, we’re going to be building more robots.”

The program has grown in student interest and involvement. Last year, seven students participated in the team. This year, 15 are enrolled in the class, with projections as high as 20 for next year.

“Kids are more apt to do things during the school day than they are after school,” Sheeley said. “Now that it’s in my classroom, kids see it all the time. They’re getting to participate without having to give up sports or other activities.”

The Clow Valve grant doesn’t just fund parts and equipment; it strengthens a meaningful partnership between the school and one of Oskaloosa’s leading manufacturers. Clow, which uses robotics extensively in its own operations, recently hosted students on a field trip to tour its automation facilities. The visit gave students an up-close look at real-world applications of the technology they are studying in class.

“They invited us in, and they’re going to pull us in again before the end of the year,” Sheeley said. “We’re going to get to code and play with one of their robots. I think the kids are going to love that.”

The partnership also opens the door for mentorship and technical collaboration. Clow engineers expressed interest in helping students with robot design, camera programming, and movement tracking – all critical skills for competitive robotics.

For students like sophomore Cecil VanWeelden, the experience of securing the grant has been just as valuable as the money itself. VanWeelden was part of the team that helped develop the grant proposal.

“I feel really accomplished,” VanWeelden said. “It shows that not just my hard work, but the hard work of multiple people on our team, benefited us with $5,000, which is pretty good.”

That funding, he said, will help the team replace worn-out parts and try things they hadn’t been able to afford in the past.

“We might be able to buy parts we couldn’t use before, either because they were too expensive or just didn’t seem worth it,” he said. “Now we can fund new ideas.”

Senior Oliver Smith agreed, calling the grant a milestone that brings the team closer to the community and gives them more creative flexibility in design.

“It allows us to fund more adventurous ideas and consider different options when it comes to building,” Smith said. “It gives us the resources to explore those more ‘innovative’ ideas, which could turn into something great.”

After graduation, Smith plans to study mechanical engineering through William Penn University’s partnership with Iowa State, He said his time in robotics has been instrumental in shaping his career goals.

“It’s helped me understand how to work as a team and lead a team,” he said. “It’s also helped me get better at designing and building.”

The team saw major growth in competition this year. Starting the season ranked 20th out of 24, the team climbed to eighth place and advanced to the final tournament, where they pulled off an upset against the league’s top team before falling in a close match.

Looking ahead, Sheeley said the team will focus on improving its portfolio, a critical piece of competitive scoring, and increasing community outreach to boost its profile.

“We’re going to start doing some things that help us do better in that portfolio section,” he said. “Community outreach projects, fundraising – it’s all part of it [competition scoring].”

But continued success in robotics comes at a cost. As the program grows more competitive, it also grows more expensive, with costs for registration fees, travel, equipment, and tournament participation rising.

“The better we get, the more money it takes,” Sheeley said. “We’re always looking for more partners in the community to support us.”

With support from Clow Valve and a passionate team of students and educators, Oskaloosa’s robotics program is poised for another leap forward. As interest grows and the team sets its sights on new competitions and capabilities, and robotic students hope the community will continue to rally behind them, helping build not just better robots, but stronger leaders for tomorrow.

Weinstein’s #MeToo rape retrial opens with added allegations from a former model

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein ’s #MeToo retrial opened Wednesday, giving a new jury a fresh look at familiar rape and sexual assault allegations — plus a newly added claim from a former model.

For the first time, prosecutors publicly identified Kaja Sokola and detailed her account of what unfolded between her and the Oscar-winning movie producer in the early 2000s. He is criminally charged with forcing oral sex on her in 2006, but she also accused him in a civil lawsuit of groping her against her will four years earlier, when she was 16.

Like the two other accusers in the case, Sokola alleges a complex series of encounters and reactions — being sexually assaulted, yet staying in touch, wary of Weinstein but wanting to remain on good terms with a power broker who dangled the possibility of an acting career.

“Why did the defendant hold this level of power and control in the eyes of these three women? … It’s because Harvey Weinstein defined the field,” prosecutor Shannon Lucey told jurors in an opening statement. “He knew how tempting promises of success were. He produced, he choreographed, he therefore directed, their ultimate silence for years.”

Weinstein has pleaded not guilty, and defense lawyer Arthur Aidala countered by portraying the accusers as willing partners in a showbiz quid pro quo.

“The casting couch is not a crime scene,” Aidala told the majority-female jury. He compared prosecutors’ allegations to the preview of a movie that “falls flat on its face.”

A reversal and a retrial

The 73-year-old Weinstein, seated in the wheelchair he now uses because of health problems, didn’t look at Lucey or the jury during her presentation. But Weinstein watched intently as Aidala outlined his defense.

The retrial is happening because New York’s top court last year threw out Weinstein’s conviction, which in 2020 was a watershed moment for the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct. The high court found that the previous trial judge allowed prejudicial testimony about allegations separate from the charges.

Weinstein’s retrial is playing out at a different cultural moment than the first. #MeToo, which exploded in 2017 with allegations against Weinstein, has evolved and ebbed.

When Weinstein’s first trial began, chants of “rapist” could be heard from protesters outside. This time, there was none of that.

Sokola’s lawyer, Lindsay Goldbrum, has called Weinstein’s retrial a “signal to other survivors that the system is catching up — and that it’s worth speaking out even when the odds seem insurmountable.”

A teenage model and a movie model

While this jury won’t hear about the allegations that got the first conviction thrown out, the panel is expected to hear from Sokola. After the high court sent the case back for retrial, prosecutors added a criminal sex act charge based on her allegations.

The Polish-born Sokola met Weinstein in 2002 after traveling alone to New York for a modeling trip at age 16, according to prosecutors. She alleges he invited her to lunch to discuss potential acting jobs but detoured to his apartment and demanded she take off her shirt if she wanted to make it in the movie business. Then, Sokola alleges, Weinstein fondled her while making her touch his genitals.

Over the next few years, Sokola stayed in contact with Weinstein, even after telling him off for allegedly groping her in a car around 2004, Lucey told jurors. She said Weinstein arranged for Sokola to be an extra in the 2007 rom-com “The Nanny Diaries,” and she invited him to lunch to impress her visiting sister.

After the lunch, he asked Sokola to check out some scripts in his Manhattan hotel room, ordered her to undress, held her down on a bed, and performed oral sex on her while she tearfully implored him not to do so, Lucey said.

In the weeks after, Sokola was photographed with Weinstein and a third person at an event, and his company wrote her an acting-school recommendation, the prosecutor said. Lucey told jurors that power imbalances often “cause victims to behave in ways that laypersons possibly might not expect.”

After other allegations emerged against Weinstein in 2017, Sokola sued. Prosecutors said she received $3.5 million in compensation.

Two of the original charges remain

Aidala said the accusers were “trying to take advantage of Mr. Weinstein when he was at the top,” then benefited from making allegations amid his downfall.

Outside court, Sokola’s attorney decried Weinstein’s defense as full of “victim blaming” and “rape myths.”

In addition to the charge related to Sokola, Weinstein is being retried on a criminal sex act charge for allegedly forcibly performing oral sex on then-production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006, and a third-degree rape charge for allegedly assaulting then-aspiring actor Jessica Mann in 2013.

Weinstein’s 2020 acquittals on predatory sexual assault and first-degree rape charges still stand.

After the attorneys’ statements, testimony started Wednesday with details of Weinstein’s high-flying workdays around 2006. Witness Stefan Sterns — who was then one of Weinstein’s assistants — expounded on the producer’s reputation as a Hollywood kingmaker, recalled dropping him off to meet Haley in a hotel lobby and remembered seeing her name on a call log.

The Associated Press generally does not identify people alleging sexual assault unless they consent to be named, as Haley, Mann and Sokola have done.

Weekly Fuel Report

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — The price of regular unleaded gasoline held steady, averaging $2.98 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $.65 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $61.92.
  • Brent crude oil fell by $.08 and is currently priced at $65.76.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $84.17 and Brent crude was $88.29.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.98 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices held steady from last week’s price and are down 31 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.17, steady from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 2 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.37.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.76 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 20 cents lower than the national average of $3.57.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.06 for U87-E10, $2.42 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.30 for ULSD#2, $2.54 for ULSD#1, and $1.95 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices were down $.20 at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.07 MMbtu.
  • We will continue reporting retail heating oil and propane prices in Iowa in October.

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

Rabedeaux to Step Down as William Penn AD, Remain at WPU in New Role

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Aleesha Rabedeaux has announced she will step down as William Penn Athletics Director to pursue a new career opportunity within the University.

Rabedeaux, who has served as AD since February 2024, will transition into a role as the Director of University Operations this summer.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served as the Athletics Director at William Penn,” Rabedeaux said.  “It has been a privilege to work alongside such talented coaches, athletes, and staff members.  Together, we achieved significant milestones, both on the field and in the classroom.  I am excited to continue contributing to the University in my new role and look forward to supporting our continued success.”

During her tenure, William Penn has won five conference titles (men’s lacrosse and men’s volleyball last year, and men’s soccer, men’s lacrosse, and women’s golf this year), while the shotgun sports team won a national crown recently (men’s soccer was national runner-up last fall).

Academic success was also achieved under Rabedeaux as 15 programs posted a 3.0 Grade Point Average last school year, while the overall department GPA was 3.12.  Additionally, 231 Statesmen student-athletes were above the 3.0 mark with 164 making the Dean’s List (3.5+ GPA) and 103 reaching the President’s List (3.9+ GPA).

A total of 94 WPU student-athletes were named Heart of America Athletic Conference Scholar-Athletes and 84 garnered NAIA Scholar-Athlete recognition.

The addition of eSports was announced under her guidance as well.

“I am grateful for the outstanding leadership and dedication Aleesha demonstrated during her time as Athletic Director,” William Penn President John Ottosson said.  “Her impact extended far beyond the athletic department, leaving a lasting mark on our entire institution.  It was exactly what was needed at this time.  I look forward to working even more closely with her in this new role and am excited to see the broader influence she will have across our campus community.”

A nation-wide search for William Penn’s next Athletics Director will commence immediately.

Participation in Central’s Hoo-Rah Day Exceeds Record

Posted on by Sam Parsons

PELLA — Central College set a new participation record during its ninth annual Hoo-Rah Day. In total, a record-breaking 437 donors gave $347,568 to support Central students.

Central’s Hoo-Rah Day is an annual celebration of spirit and an opportunity to share Central pride with the college community all around the world. In addition to fundraising efforts, the day invites alumni and friends of the college to share photos, stories and videos through social media channels and enjoy festivities on campus. Social posts from across the country can be viewed on the Hoo-Rah Day website.

“What an incredible display of Central Hoo-Rah spirit and generosity!” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, vice president for advancement and 1999 Central graduate. “We are energized by and deeply grateful to our alumni and friends who rallied with such passion for the Central family on Hoo-Rah Day. Their generosity directly fuels students’ success and empowers them to achieve amazing things and truly do a world of good. It’s fantastic proof of the vibrant, caring community we cherish here at Central.”

The Hoo-Rah Day challengers set the stage by pledging more than $200,000 in matching funds for the day’s challenges. These donors include  Dave ’86 and Kristi Jaarsma Balk ’88, Pam and Rick Boat ’80, Shirley Van Konynenburg Borgman ’55, Steve De Cook ’65, Jeff ’87 and Kristin Sickler De Vries ’88, Tom DeVries ’73, Amy and Bret Doerring ’87, John ’87 and Julie Pothoven Fisher ’90, Barb and Tom Gaard ’61, Rich ’62 and Mary Roorda Glendening ’62, Chip Griffith ’92, Dixie and Will Hoekman ’67, Tim Hoekstra ’95, Steve and Kara Kohler Hoogensen ’96, Dan Huitink ’04, Jon Huitink ’00, Mike Huitink ’93, Mark Koskamp ’80, Mike Main ’87, Dana and Doug McCaulley ’83, Darin ’87 and Teresa Brown Messerli ’87, Jeff Oliver ’79, Thad ’80 and Teresa Andersen Scarrow ’81, Scott ’03 and Abby Koch Schmailzl ’04, Penny and Steve Sikkink ’83, Paul ’83 and Nancy Thies Van Farowe ’86, Scott and Cindy Van Tasell, Jim ’10H and Eunice Vander Zyl VanTuyl ’68, Mike ’96 and Myndi Amdor Van Voorst ’95, Marty Vanden Herik ’80, Michele and Mark VanderLinden ’78, Dale ’69 and Eileen Miller Vander Wilt ’70, Marlena Wichhart and others.

For more information about supporting the Journey Scholarship Fund, visit central.edu/give or 641-628-5154.

Ryan Young, PA-C, Brings Over 25 Years of Cardiology Experience to Mahaska Health

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Mahaska Health is pleased to welcome Ryan Young, PA-C, to Mahaska Health Iowa Center of Excellence in Cardiology. Ryan brings over 25 years of experience as a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in cardiology and is dedicated to improving healthcare access in rural communities like Oskaloosa and the surrounding areas.

Ryan Young earned his degree from the Physician Assistant Program at the University of South Dakota. Ryan previously served at the Iowa Heart Center in Des Moines, Iowa, where he specialized in heart rhythm and device management including pacemakers and internal cardiac defibrillators. Prior to that, his focus was on the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) including the development of a heart failure clinic for patients with advanced CHF. His expertise in these areas will be a great addition to the Mahaska Health Cardiology team.

Dr. John Pargulski, Medical Director of Cardiology at Mahaska Health, welcomed Ryan to the team, sharing, “Ryan’s extensive background in cardiovascular care, including his experience in Des Moines, and his thoughtful, patient-first approach make him a tremendous addition to our team. We are grateful that he has chosen to bring his expertise to our community and are pleased to welcome him to the Iowa Center of Excellence in Cardiology as we continue to expand access to expert care in southeast Iowa.”

Ryan Young, along with the entire Cardiology team, is committed to making sure every patient feels comfortable and confident throughout their care journey. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit mahaskahealth.org or call the Cardiology at (641) 672-3360. 

High Speed Pursuit in Mahaska County Results in Accident on Highway 92

Posted on by Sam Parsons

MAHASKA COUNTY – A high speed chase in Mahaska County last night resulted in a crash involving 3 drivers, and one had to be airlifted to the hospital.

According to traffic records, police were pursuing 52-year-old Laverne Brackett of Indianola westbound on Highway 92 when he lost control of his vehicle near Dean Avenue. The vehicle ended up facing eastbound in the westbound lane when it was struck by a State Patrol vehicle being driven by officer Jacob Vanderpol of Mt. Pleasant. A third vehicle involved in the accident was driven by Oskaloosa police officer Cale Holmberg.

No injuries were reported for Holmberg or Vanderpol, but Brackett was transported to Mercy Hospital via Mercy Air. The report shows that Brackett was wearing a seatbelt during the crash.

Law enforcement officials have not yet released details of what charges Brackett could potentially be facing at this time.

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