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Oskaloosa High School Junior Joins National Council Advocating for 12 Million Students

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Oskaloosa High School junior Linus Morrison is no stranger to local leadership, but this year he’s stepping onto a national stage. Recently selected as one of just 16 students nationwide to serve on the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) National Student Advisory Council, Morrison is now helping shape the future of high school athletics and activities across the country.

The NFHS, which governs most high school sports and activities nationwide, launched the student council just two years ago. Morrison is one of eight juniors selected for a one-year term. Eight sophomores were also chosen and will serve two-year terms, creating a rotating leadership model.

“This is the second year they’ve done it,” Morrison said. “They picked eight juniors and eight sophomores. I was one of the juniors who got picked, and I’ll serve for a year.”

The council gives students a voice in decisions traditionally made by adults, including updates to national rules and initiatives that impact student-athletes. The goal is to ensure students’ perspectives are heard, especially in areas like team culture, sportsmanship, and leadership development.

“In years past, they haven’t had a student board,” Morrison explained. “They’ve just had people working there trying to come up with ideas. So they came to us to see what we see in the classroom and in sports, and how to improve that.”

Council members offer input on everything from rule changes and coaching certification processes to educational resources for athletes facing team-related challenges.

“Sometimes, if a student has problems on a team, they have classes for them to take,” Morrison said. “They also have coaching tests and certification materials, and we get to weigh in on all that.”

Morrison’s first experience with the council was an intensive in-person session in Indianapolis, where all 16 student members met for the first time.

“We were one big group for 40 hours straight,” he said. “We really got to know each other fast. It kind of felt like a family.”

That sense of camaraderie is especially important considering the responsibility the students carry. Morrison and a fellow student from Chicago represent Section 4, which includes much of the Midwest. Altogether, the council advocates for millions of students across the U.S.

“I think the number was 12 million students,” Morrison said. “It’s a huge group to represent. There’s a lot of pressure, but I’m super fortunate to have this opportunity.”

Morrison’s path to the national council began with a summer leadership camp hosted by NFHS in July. Around 300 students attended to sharpen their leadership skills and learn more about student involvement in school activities.

“I really loved it,” he said. “I liked the connection I had with all the kids, and I thought, ‘Hey, I kind of want to lead next year.’”

He and a peer filled out a brief application, and soon after, Morrison was notified of his selection to the national council.

His one-year term runs from spring 2025 to spring 2026. In addition to in-person meetings in Indianapolis, the group connects monthly via Zoom to share updates and collaborate on key topics. He’ll return to Indianapolis in July for further work with the council.

While Morrison is still early in his term, he’s already focused on what he hopes to contribute.

“I want to grow on the leadership side of things,” he said. “A lot of what we do ties into athletics, and that’s a big part of who I am. I just want to help improve the student experience.”

He credits Oskaloosa High School for giving him the foundation to pursue opportunities like this.

“Osky has so many opportunities,” Morrison said. “Mrs. Gile does a great job of getting kids out there and showing who they want to be. And the school pushes kids to get involved. That’s a big deal.”

Morrison recognizes the contrast between his experience in a larger district like Oskaloosa and what might be available in smaller schools.

“In a smaller school, they might not have the same resources or connections,” he said. “I really believe Osky has a great culture of getting kids involved, both in the school and in the community.”

Oskaloosa School Board Splits Vote on Appointment to Fill Vacancy

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Oskaloosa Community School Board held a special meeting last night to interview applicants for their vacant school board seat and to appoint a new school board member. The vacancy was created when former school board president Charlie Comfort announced his resignation, effective May 14. Two individuals were nominated at the end of the discussion: Sharma Parlett and Scott Van Veldhuizen.

After the board discussed the qualifications of the two candidates, they held three rounds of voting, and all three rounds were split down the middle, 3-3. Board members Matt Sherlock, Aaron Hinnah, and Sarah Hall voted for Parlett, while board members Kathy Butler, Amanda McGraw, and Clint O’Day voted for Van Veldhuizen. 

After the first two rounds, superintendent Mike Fisher said that putting Van Veldhuizen on the board could present a conflict of interest.

Board member Amanda McGraw responded to Dr. Fisher by saying it wasn’t appropriate to discuss a candidate in that way.

As a result of the tied vote, the board decided to table the appointment process until their next regular meeting on June 10.

Board president Kathy Butler noted that Iowa code stipulates that school boards have 30 days from the date of the vacancy to make an appointment, otherwise the vacancy must be filled by a special election. Superintendent Fisher noted that such an election could cost the district approximately $10,000. The next regular meeting on June 10 does fall within that 30 day window. Butler said that the two candidates will automatically be nominated during that next meeting, and the board will consider other candidates in the meantime as well.

France’s first lady seems to push her husband as they land in Vietnam. He says they were joking

Posted on by Sam Parsons

PARIS (AP) — They were just playfighting.

That was French President Emmanuel Macron ‘s explanation Monday for video images that showed his wife, Brigitte, pushing her husband away with both hands on his face before they disembarked from their plane to start a tour of Southeast Asia this weekend.

The moment quickly made headlines in France, with media trying to decipher the interaction that cameras spotted through the just-opened door of the plane. The headline of a story on the website of the daily Le Parisien newspaper asked: “Slap or ‘squabble’? The images of Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron disembarking in Vietnam trigger a lot of comment.”

Macron later told reporters that the couple — married since 2007 after meeting at the high school where he was a student and she was a teacher — were simply joking around.

“We are squabbling and, rather, joking with my wife,” he said, adding that the incident was being overblown into “a sort of geo-planetary catastrophe.”

In video taken by The Associated Press as the Macrons arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Sunday, a uniformed man can be seen pulling open the plane door and revealing the president standing inside, dressed in a suit and talking to someone who wasn’t visible.

Brigitte Macron’s arms — in red — were seen reaching out and pushing Macron away, with one hand covering his mouth and part of his nose while the other was on his jaw. The French leader recoiled, turning his head away. Then, apparently realizing that he was on camera, he broke into a smile and gave a little wave.

In subsequent images, Macron and his wife, wearing a red jacket, appeared at the top of the stairs. He offered an arm but she didn’t take it. They walked down the carpeted stairs side by side.

The French leader argued that the images and reaction to them offered a cautionary tale about disinformation in the social media age, noting that in recent weeks, other videos had been used to circulate made-up stories about him.

“Everyone needs to calm down,” he said.

His office also downplayed the interaction.

“It was a moment where the president and his wife were decompressing one last time before the start of the trip by horsing around. It’s a moment of complicity. It was all that was needed to give ammunition to the conspiracy theorists,” his office said.

Brigitte Macron was Brigitte Auzière, a married mother of three children, when they met at his high school. A teacher, she supervised the drama club where Emmanuel Macron, a literature lover, was a member.

He moved to Paris for his last year of high school, but promised to marry Brigitte. She later moved to the French capital to join him and divorced before they finally married.

New Iowa law limits crypto ATM transaction amounts, caps fees

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

There are new rules for “crypto ATMs” in Iowa that let people buy or sell digital currency.

The governor has signed a bill into law that limits transaction amounts, so customers may transfer or accept no more than $1000 worth of crypto in a single day. Crypto ATM fees may be no more than 15% of the transaction amount. And crypto ATM operators must provide a full refund if a customer reports they were scammed and can show there was fraud involved in the transaction.

During House debate earlier this month, Republican Representative Shannon Lundgren of Peosta cited an investigation by Iowa’s attorney general that found “hundreds” of Iowans who used crypto ATMs lost $20 million in the past three years. “I’m not saying that cryptocurrency is a bad thing. I’m not saying that our folks here in Iowa are causing these scams,” Lundgren said, “but what they certainly haven’t done…is regulate themselves.”

The law gives Iowa’s attorney general authority to levy hefty fines against crypto ATM operators who violate the law. The Iowa Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association, the Iowa Bankers Association and AARP are among the groups that lobbied for the bill.

During Senate debate in March, Senator Charlie McClintoch, a Republican from Alburnett, cited federal data from 2024 that found that more than two-thirds of crypto scams involved the use of crypto ATMs. “The targeted group that they have is usually over age 60,” he said, “and you can see the importance of why we’re trying to avoid this.”

The bill passed with the support of 122 members of the Iowa House and Senate, but 14 lawmakers did oppose the bill. Representative Ray “Bubba” Sorensen of Greenfield said the law won’t deter scammers. “Over regulation of crypto kiosks won’t stop the phishing scams. It will only further restrict access for law abiding citizens. Restricting crypto currency transactions hinders financial freedom and prevents individuals from participating in a growing investment sector,” Sorenson said earlier this month on the House floor. “…Just as we wouldn’t ban stock trading because of market fraud, we shouldn’t restrict cryptocurrency access to due to scams that can be better addressed through law enforcement.”

Representative Keenan Judge, a Democrat from Waukee, responded, saying the law doesn’t outlaw crypto ATMs. “It just puts some serious legislation into place,” Judge said, “and I think a big part of our job as legislators is to protect people from these type of scams.”

The first crypto ATM was installed in a coffee shop in Canada in 2013. Today, there are more than 30,000 crypto ATMs in the United States, located in convenience stores, bars, restaurants and grocery stores. Iowa’s new law requires detailed receipts for crypto ATM transactions and customers have to get several warnings in writing, including the following: “NEVER SEND MONEY TO SOMEONE YOU DO NOT KNOW.”

Only One in Iowa: Oskaloosa Elementary Recognized for Student Leadership

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA, Iowa – In a proud first for Oskaloosa Elementary School, and the State of Iowa, the student council has been recognized with a national Excellence Award for its commitment to school leadership and spirit, a distinction that places the young leaders in a class of their own as the only elementary school in Iowa to receive the honor.

The award, given by the American Student Council Association through the National Association of Elementary School Principals, celebrates the work of student councils that demonstrate exceptional leadership and school pride. For Oskaloosa Elementary, that recognition came in large part thanks to the school’s tour committee and kinder prep mentoring program.

“Our student council was selected for our school leadership and our school spirit,” said fifth-grader Gemma Lahner, president of the Oskaloosa Elementary Student Council. “We are leaders because we help out kinder preps and do different things around our school. I feel very proud of our student council for achieving this.”

School Counselor and Student Council Advisor Mrs. VanDerPol led the nomination effort, compiling months of documentation to showcase the students’ work. “It was a very long application process,” she said. “But I wanted to highlight the tour program and the Kinder Prep mentoring as examples of how these students go above and beyond. These students take initiative. They’re responsible. They’ve been a truly outstanding group to work with.”

VanDerPol added that Oskaloosa Elementary was the only school in Iowa selected for the award this year, making the recognition all the more special.

Among the standout initiatives was the student-led tour program, in which student council members guide new students, families, and staff through the building. Council Secretary Estelle Edwards, a fifth grader, said it’s her favorite part of being involved.

“I just have fun showing people around the school,” she said. “It’s nice to think they might start working here, or their kid might be coming here next year. We get our blazers and walk the visitors around. I do second-grade hallways, and my partner does first. We take turns.”

Estelle said the tours help visitors and new students feel more comfortable. “We usually tell them there are decorations above their classroom door, so they know where to go,” she explained. “That way, it’s not so scary on the first day.”

Students also lead reading and recess time with kinder preps, the school’s youngest learners, helping them build confidence and feel welcomed in their new environment.

Gemma said being part of the student council comes with clear expectations. “You have to be responsible, caring, helpful, and safe,” she said. “It means living up to the expectations of being a leader in our school.”

The tour committee has even hosted notable guests. “Last year, they gave a tour to the governor,” VanDerPol said. “They were so excited. They just do a wonderful job showing what’s going on in our school and setting an example for others.”

The Excellence Award is modeled after a similar national recognition given at the high school level, where Oskaloosa High School has earned Gold Council honors for more than a decade. Estelle said the elementary council members look up to their older peers and hope to follow in their footsteps.

“It’s really nice to see how much they [the high school students] do,” Estelle said. “A lot of times, they come up with their own ideas. I think that would be cool to do someday.”

For VanDerPol, the recognition is about more than a plaque or certificate, it’s a validation of student-led impact. “They work so hard and don’t need a lot of guidance,” she said. “If I ask them to give a tour at a certain time, they’re on it. No issues, no hesitation. These are great kids.”

As the first elementary school in Iowa to earn this national honor, Oskaloosa Elementary’s student council has set a new standard for what young leaders can achieve. Through their service, school pride, and initiative, they’ve proven that leadership isn’t about age, it’s about action.

Search Continues for Missing Eddyville Man Following Sunday Boating Accident on Des Moines River

Posted on by Sam Parsons

EDDYVILLE – Authorities are continuing to search for a missing Eddyville man after a boating accident on the Des Moines River over the weekend.

The Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Sunday morning at around 9:50am, they received a call reporting the boating accident on the Des Moines River near 310th street. It was said that two individuals had been thrown from the boat that they were operating, and it was later reported that the boat likely struck concrete underwater. Shortly after deputies arrived in the area, 50-year-old Roseanne Benda of Corydon was safely rescued from the river with the help of two citizens.

First responders from multiple public safety agencies spent the following 10+ hours searching the river for the adult male that was thrown from the boat. That male is believed to be 47-year-old Waylon Straube of Eddyville. The search continued into the evening hours yesterday, and as of now, Straube still has not been located by authorities. The search remains ongoing.

Music talent agent among dead after jet crashes into San Diego neighborhood

Posted on by Sam Parsons

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A private jet carrying a music talent agent and five others hit a power line in foggy weather early Thursday and crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, slamming into a home and killing multiple people on the flight.

With the home engulfed in flames and jet fuel rolling down the streets, half a dozen vehicles ignited while residents in the neighborhood of U.S. Navy-owned housing were shaken awake just before 4 a.m. by the thunderous crash and subsequent explosions. Out their windows, they saw a wall of fire.

“I can’t quite put words to describe what the scene looks like, but with the jet fuel going down the street, and everything on fire all at once, it was pretty horrific to see,” San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said.

No one in the neighborhood died, but eight were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and injuries that were not life-threatening, including a person who was hurt climbing out a window, police officer Anthony Carrasco said.

Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and two employees were among those killed, the music agency said in a statement. Sound Talent Group has represented artists including American pop band Hanson, American singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton and the Canadian rock group Sum 41. Hanson is perhaps best known for its earworm 1990s pop hit, “MMMBop.” Shapiro also owned Velocity Records.

“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends. Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy,” the agency said.

Six people were on board the plane, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Authorities were still combing the scene and recovering the bodies before releasing an official number and identifying the dead, though there were not believed to be any survivors aboard the flight.

Daniel Williams, former drummer for metal band The Devil Wears Prada, posted on his Instagram on Wednesday afternoon that he was boarding the plane with Shapiro. The band posted a tribute to Williams on their Instagram page.

“No words. We owe you everything. Love you forever,” the band wrote.

A representative for the band referred to their social post when asked about Williams’ death.

Parts of Shapiro’s 1985 Cessna 550 Citation littered a large area, including fragments under the power lines and a section of wing on a road behind the homes, said Elliot Simpson of the National Transportation Safety Board.

Neighborhood hit hard

The home that was struck was destroyed, with its front heavily burned and its roof partially collapsed, and about 10 others were damaged in Murphy Canyon, the largest neighborhood of Navy-owned housing in the country, officials said.

Ben McCarty and his wife, who live in the home that was hit, said they felt heat all around them.

“My wife was screaming, and she’s like, ‘There’s a fire,’” McCarty, who has served in the Navy for 13 years, told local ABC affiliate KGTV.

When he walked toward the front of the house, he saw that the roof had fallen off and flames blocked their exit. They grabbed their children and dogs and ran to the back, where their neighbors helped them climb over the fence to escape.

The plane also hit both of the couple’s vehicles, which burned.

“It put my truck into our living room,” McCarty said.

Other vehicles along the block were melted and scorched into burned shells. One stubborn car fire sent smoke billowing up for hours.

Ariya Waterworth said she woke up to a “whooshing sound” and then saw a giant fireball outside. She screamed for help as firefighters arrived and helped her get out with her two children and their family dog.

One of the family’s cars was “completely disintegrated,” and the other had extensive damage. Her yard was littered with plane parts, broken glass and debris.

“I definitely do feel blessed, because we’ve been spared,” she said.

At least 100 residents were evacuated. Hours after the crash, jet fuel rolled down Salmon Street. The smell of fumes lingered throughout the day, and officials said it was unclear when it would be safe for people to return.

“We have jet fuel all over the place,” Assistant San Diego Fire Department Chief Dan Eddy said.

Eddy added that the fog was so thick in the morning that “you could barely see in front of you.”

The plane originated from a small New Jersey airport

The flight took off from Teterboro, New Jersey, near Manhattan, at about 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and made a fuel stop in Wichita, Kansas, before continuing on to San Diego, according to Simpson.

Based on the flight path, it was bound for Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport when it struck power lines about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) southeast of the airfield, Simpson said.

Audio recorded by www.liveATC.net includes a brief transmission from the pilot saying he was on final approach to the airport and was about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) out at 3:45 a.m.

NTSB investigators planned to spend Thursday and Friday at the scene gathering evidence, Simpson said. He welcomed video or other details from any witnesses.

The plane was attempting to land in foggy weather

At that hour and in foggy weather, the plane was likely operating on an instrument flight rules plan, which is typically used during reduced visibility, said Barry Newman, a board-certified aviation attorney.

However, for that airport, once an aircraft reaches 673 feet (205 meters), the pilot also has to rely on sight.

“If a pilot descends to that level and he can’t see the runway, he has to call for a missed approach or divert to another airport,” Newman said.

In October 2021 a twin-engine plane plowed into a San Diego suburb, killing the pilot and a UPS delivery driver on the ground and burning homes. It was preparing to land at the airport.

And in December 2008, a Marine Corps fighter jet slammed into a house in San Diego’s University City neighborhood, causing an explosion that killed four people inside. The Marine Corps blamed the crash on mechanical failure and human error.

Iowa National Guard celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Dar Danielson (Radio Iowa)

The Iowa National Guard recognized the upcoming 250th birthday of the U.S. Army in a ceremony at Camp Dodge in Johnston on Thursday.

With a little pomp and circumstance, and cake, soldiers and airmen of the guard gathered to hear Adjutant General Stephen Osborn talk about the significance of the milestone. He says for a quarter of a Millennium, our army has stood as one of the oldest and most enduring institutions in our nation. “And nowhere is its legacy more alive than right here with the Iowa National Guard, whose roots trace back to 1636, earlier than the Army itself. And our Air Force brothers and sisters. They, too, share our proud lineage. Born from the Army’s early air power of the Army Air Corps and later Army Air Forces before becoming an independent branch of service in 1947,” he says.

Major General Osborn says the Army and the military have continued to change. “And over these past 250 years, we’ve learned a thing or two. First and foremost, we’ve learned that taking care of our people and our families is the foundation of our mission. Readiness begins with people,” Osborn says. He says the current Army has something in common with the first soldiers. “Our military has always been an institution of change, adapting to meet new challenges and emerging threats, and we must continue this evolution if we are to remain the trusted force that our state and our nation rely on. That means embracing the change in the changing environment that we now operate in,” Osborn says.

General Osborn says there is no choice but to move forward and adapt. “We must seek new and innovative ways to build readiness and to meet the expectations of our civilian leaders. This includes seeking greater efficiencies in all we do, from recruiting to training, transformation, and modernization are not simply buzzwords. They are reality. And they are a necessity,” he says.

The U.S. Army was established on June 14th, 1775.

Hometown Speech-Language Pathologist Joins Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Team at Mahaska Health

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Mahaska Health is proud to welcome Tessa Van Maanen, MS, CCC-SLP, to the Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Team as a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. 

Tessa provides therapy for patients with speech, language, voice, and swallowing difficulties. She is passionate about helping each person improve communication. By working closely with each patient, their family, and the Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy care team, she tailors treatment plans that reflect the unique needs of every individual.

Tessa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska in Omaha. Throughout her career, she has worked in care-giving roles supporting patients of all ages.

“Tessa brings a heart for people and our community,” said Ryan Rowley, Director of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy at Mahaska Health. “She partners with each patient and their family to create compassionate, individualized care plans that reflect their goals. We’re thrilled to have her on our team.”

An Iowa local, Tessa grew up in Sully and New Sharon and is proud to return home to serve her community. On the Mahaska Health Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy team, she supports patients navigating developmental delays, neurological conditions, swallowing challenges, voice disorders, and other communication-related concerns. Mahaska Health is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to help each patient reach their goals.

To learn more about Physical and Occupational Therapy services or to schedule an appointment at Mahaska Health, visit mahaskahealth.org/pt or call 641.672.3306

From Kindergarten to Leadership: Steddom Comes Full Circle at Oskaloosa Elementary

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Oskaloosa Elementary School is proud to welcome a new leader with deep roots in the community as its new associate principal, pending school board approval. A seasoned educator and administrator with nearly four decades of experience, John Steddom brings a wealth of knowledge and a lifelong connection to Oskaloosa to the associate principal role. Born in Oskaloosa and now returning to serve the district where his journey began in Kindergarten, Steddom is eager to support students, staff, and families while building on the school’s tradition of excellence.

Steddom is most recently the principal at Madison Elementary in Pella, Iowa. He began his career in education in 1985 as a secondary language arts teacher in northwest Iowa. After earning a master’s degree in school counseling in 1990, he served as a school counselor in the Southeast Polk and West Des Moines school districts. His leadership journey continued with a second master’s degree in educational leadership from Drake University in 1995, followed by earning his superintendent license in 1998. Over the years, he has held a variety of administrative roles, including assistant principal positions in Urbandale and Newton, and head principal at Des Moines Christian School for 12 years, and currently in Pella. His wide-ranging experience across grade levels and school settings has prepared him well for his new role as associate principal at Oskaloosa Elementary.

“There’s just a good buzz around Oskaloosa right now, a good vibe,” Steddom said. “There are so many great projects happening in the community. I’m excited about the opportunity to come back, reconnect with my hometown, and play a part in the school’s mission. Osky has always meant something to me. It’s where I was born, where my family is, and now it’s where I get to contribute as part of a dedicated team focused on kids.”

Steddom will be working with Kailey Hills and Katie Trainer, who will be taking on their principal duties at Oskaloosa Elementary School this summer. Also on the leadership team at OES is Steven Sattz, another associate principal, with expanded responsibilities next year with the district’s special education. “I’m excited about the administrative team. Katie and I have worked together prior; I hired Katie several years ago at my school to teach preschool. Kailey and I have connected over the last few years while she’s been an assistant principal. Steven Sattz and I worked together before he came to Oskaloosa, so I know Steven a little bit already, too.”

As he steps into his new role at Oskaloosa Elementary, Steddom is focused on building strong relationships from day one. “Oskaloosa Elementary is a big school with a lot of students and staff, so my top priority is getting to know everyone and becoming integrated into the daily rhythm of the building,” he said. “The sooner I get up to speed, the sooner I can be helpful to Katie and Kailey and support the great work already happening here.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome John to our team,” said Oskaloosa Elementary Principal Katie Trainer. “He brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to students and families, and a genuine connection to the Oskaloosa community. I’ve had the privilege of working with him before, and I know he’ll be a tremendous asset to our school and is #ALLIN on our vision culture.”

Steddom’s return to Oskaloosa is more than just a new role, it’s a homecoming. Born in Oskaloosa and still deeply connected through family and community ties, he says he’s “#ALLIN” when it comes to supporting students and staff. Steddom and his wife, Linda, who works in the Education Department at Central College, live on an acreage near the Marion-Mahaska County line, where they enjoy gardening, camping, and caring for their pets. Their daughter, Nicole, is an attorney in Oskaloosa, and both of their mothers live nearby, making the move to Oskaloosa Elementary a natural fit for both family and purpose.

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