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All District Football Teams for Class 4A District 3 Announced: 7 Oskaloosa Indians Honored

By Sam Parsons

The All-District Teams for Class 4A District 3 football were announced yesterday. 7 members of the Oskaloosa Indians were named either first or second team All-District.

Juniors Parker Jordan and Trey Parks, as well as seniors Lukas Toubekis and Caden Johnson, were all recognized as first team All-District. Second team honorees from the Indians included junior Heavon Knox and seniors Maddux Ashman and Domanic Piersel.

Parker Jordan led the Indians defense with 7.0 sacks this season. He tallied a total of 43 tackles, including 20 solo tackles and 10 TFLs, with two fumble recoveries and one defensive TD. He was a two-way starter, also starting every game on the offensive line.

Trey Parks was another two-way starter for the Indians, being recognized for his achievements at linebacker for the Indians. Parks finished 2024 with 42 total tackles, 21 solo tackles, 7 TFLs, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 sack. Parks also played RB/slot for the Indians, finishing the season with 12 receptions for 115 yards.

Lukas Toubekis was yet another two-way starter for Osky. He was honored for his contributions as a DE/LB after leading Oskaloosa with 44 tackles, including 20 solo tackles. Toubekis piled up 8 TFLs and 2.0 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and one interception. Toubekis was also a starter on the offensive line.

Caden Johnson started on both the offensive and defensive lines of Oskaloosa in his senior campaign. At DT, he finished the season with 23 tackles, 5 TFLs, and 2.0 sacks with 1 fumble recovery.

Heavon Knox was the lone Indian honored for his achievements on the offensive side of the ball. Knox had a breakout season as a junior WR for the Indians, hauling in 34 catches fore 550 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also scored a touchdown via a punt return on the season.

Maddux Ashman started at cornerback for the Indians as a senior and excelled at limiting the contributions of opposing WRs. Statistically, he finished 2024 with 32 tackles (23 solo), with 7 TFLs. Ashman was also a kick returner for the Indians, returning 16 kicks for 357 yards – an average of 22.3 yards per return – including a 93-yard touchdown.

Lastly, Domanic Piersel started at linebacker alongside Trey Parks. Despite missing two games, Piersel contributed 42 tackles (24 solo) with 10 TFLs, which tied for the team lead with Parker Jordan. Piersel also added a fumble recovery.

Class 4A District 3 also honored the All-Academic Team within the district. Oskaloosa’s Jaden DeRonde, Caden Johnson, Grady Kool, Merek Padgett, Lukas Toubekis, Brock Beerbower, and Parker Jordan were all celebrated for their achievements in the classroom.

Additionally, 5 members of the Oskaloosa cheerleading team were recognized as part of the All-Academic team for cheer: Sadie Blommers, Anastasia Boosalis, Rees Campbell, Emily Rice, and Gabriella Stropes.

The 2025 Grammy Award nominations are about to arrive. Here’s what to know

NEW YORK (AP) — The 2025 Grammy Award nominations are just around the corner — who will compete for the top prizes?

Nominees will be announced during a video stream live on the Grammy website and the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel on Friday at 8 a.m. Pacific and 11 a.m. Eastern, kicking off with a pre-show 15 minutes earlier.

A host of talent is on deck to announce the nominees, including Gayle King, Jim Gaffigan and a long list of past Grammy winners: Brandy Clark, Kirk Franklin, David Frost, Robert Gordon, Kylie Minogue, Gaby Moreno, Deanie Parker, Ben Platt, Mark Ronson, Hayley Williams and last year’s best new artist recipient, Victoria Monét.

Only recordings commercially released in the U.S. between Sept. 16, 2023 through Aug. 30, 2024 are eligible for nominations, so don’t expect to see album nods for Future’s “Mixtape Pluto” (though Future and Metro Boomin’s “We Don’t Trust You” is very likely to score a nomination), George Strait’s “Cowboys and Dreamers,” Tyler, the Creator’s “Chromakopia,” or “Warriors,” Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first full post-“Hamilton” musical with Pulitzer finalist Eisa Davis.

There’s plenty of unknowns going into the announcements: Will Beyoncé and Post Malone receive nominations in the country music categories following the success of their massive albums “Cowboy Carter” and “F-1 Trillion,” respectively, even though they are megastars previously not directly associated with the genre?

Will Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” the biggest song of the year that combines his country twang with the familiar sample of J Kwon’s 2004 rap hit “Tipsy” dominate?

The 2025 Grammy Awards will air Feb. 2 live on CBS and Paramount+ from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Free Resources for Caregivers – Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Family Caregivers Month

DES MOINES — During National Family Caregivers and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November, and all year round, the Alzheimer’s Association offers free resources to families caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Caring for those living with this disease poses special challenges for family caregivers, and no caregiver should face this disease alone.

Currently, there are nearly 100,000 caregivers in Iowa providing care to more than 62,000 people living with Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter offers many free resources for families facing this disease including:

  • 50 local caregiver support groups in communities across the state and a virtual group for young-adult caregivers on the 3rdWednesday of each month.
  • In-person and virtual education programs, including a 7-part series to help empower caregivers throughout the holiday season on each Thursday at 11 a.m. via Zoom from Nov. 7 – Dec. 26.
  • 24/7 Helpline – 800-272-3900 – staffed by master’s level trained clinicians available 24/7, 365 days of the year to answer any question about the disease.

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s takes longer, lasts longer, is more personal and extensive than most other diseases, and takes a heavy toll on the health of the caregivers themselves. As a result, many dementia caregivers neglect their own health needs and that can lead to a crisis. The Alzheimer’s Association is here to make sure dementia caregivers have all the tools and support they need to care for not only their loved one living with the disease, but themselves as well. Visit alz.org/iowa for a full list of local care and support resources.

# # #

Alzheimer’s Caregiving: By the Numbers

  • More than 11 million people in the U.S. are providing unpaid care to a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
  • In 2023, these caregivers provided an estimated 18.4 billion hoursof unpaid care valued at $346.6 billion.

○      83% of the help provided to older adults in the U.S. comes from family members, friends or other unpaid caregivers.

○      Nearly half of all caregivers (48%) who provide help to older adults do so for someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

○      Among primary caregivers of people with dementia, over half take care of their parents.

○      Approximately two-thirds of caregivers are women, and one-third of dementia caregivers are daughters.

○      Approximately one-quarter of dementia caregivers are “sandwich generation” caregivers, meaning they care not only for an aging parent, but also for children under age 18.

  • The total lifetime cost of care for a person living with dementia is estimated at almost $400,000 ($394,683) with 70% of these costs borne by family caregivers in the forms of unpaid caregiving and out-of-pocket expenses.

○      41% percent of caregivers have a household income of $50,000 or less.

Water Summary Update: A very dry October concludes with some beneficial rainfall

DES MOINES — After the driest September in 152 years of records, nearly all of October experienced similar record dry conditions, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

October’s preliminary statewide precipitation was 1.90 inches, or 0.79 inches below normal. Total rainfall for September and October was nearly 3.5 inches below normal. Increased rainfall during the last week of October helped prevent worsening drought conditions.

At the end of October, Iowa’s Drought Plan showed overall drought conditions have worsened slightly, with all of Iowa carrying a drought watch designation. Statewide temperatures for the month were nearly six degrees warmer than normal. The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) shows nearly all of Iowa in abnormally dry conditions or drought conditions, with areas of northwest Iowa showing severe drought.

Conditions have improved slightly due to recent rainfall over the past week. Precipitation forecasts from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center indicate a likelihood of above-normal rainfall in the upcoming month. If the outlooks hold true, Iowa should show continued improvement in conditions in November.

“Nearly all of October was quite dry, and coming after a record dry September there were real concerns for hydrologic conditions in Iowa. The rains that came during the last week of October, and rains that have continued into early November have really helped improve conditions. The state remains short of rainfall for the fall months, but National Weather Service outlooks are favorable. Continued normal or above normal rain in November and December is critical as we head into the winter months,” said Tim Hall, the DNR’s Hydrology Resources Coordinator. “If Iowa continues to get rainfall before winter sets in, that will help get next year off to a good start.”

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

 www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.

Registration Open for Annual Home Decorating Contest and Window Decorating Contest Until December 2

OSKALOOSA — The Annual Home Decorating Contest held in conjunction with the Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade will soon be here. Now is the time to get your Christmas lights and decorations out of the attic, garage, or basement and test those bulbs while the weather is nice.

Five winners will receive $100 each in Chamber Cash. This year’s theme is “Twinkling Christmas”. Categories include ‘Best Use of Lights’, ‘Best Use of Color’, ‘Most Festive’, ‘The Griswold Award’, and ‘Best in Show’.
Judging will take place beginning at 6 PM on Monday, December 2, 2024. Call Lori Oaks at Hawkeye Real Estate at 641-660-7011 or the Chamber at 641-672-2591 to register your address as a contestant. Deadline is noon, December 2, 2024.  There is no charge to enter–only your creativity.
Sponsors for this event include Mahaska Chamber, MidAmerican Energy, Southeast Iowa Regional Board of Realtors, Mahaska Drug, KBOE, Oskaloosa Herald, and Champion Signs.
Window Decorating Contest
Calling all area businesses and organizations, large and small!
The annual Window Decorating contest is back again this year and we can’t wait to see businesses and organizations rise to the festive occasion as we welcome holiday shoppers and visitors!
The Mahaska Chamber and Oskaloosa Main Street encourage all community participants to add a special touch of holiday spirit. Whether it is putting up lights on buildings, or creating window displays with Christmas trees and holiday decorations. There is no cost to enter.
Additionally, participants may want to have displays up by November 23 for the ‘Turn on the Lights!’ event in downtown Oskaloosa. The event begins at 5:30 pm. Let’s make this holiday season fun for all who shop small and local in Oskaloosa!
CONTEST DETAILS:
-Open to area businesses and organizations
– $50 Chamber Cash Prize to the winner and the coveted traveling trophy
– Displays must be up Monday, December 2 and should remain through the holiday season.
– Judging will take place on Wednesday, December 3 & Thursday, December 4.
– Contest winners will be announced on Friday, December 5.

TO ENTER:
Complete the Participation form located at www.mahaskachamber.org under Oskaloosa Main Street’s Holiday Events page.

If you would like a form emailed to you, please contact events@mahaskachamber.org or 641-672-2591.

Wild winds fuel Southern California wildfire that has forced thousands to evacuate

CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) — A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds was tearing through a community northwest of Los Angeles for a second day Thursday after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee when it exploded in size in only a few hours.

The Mountain Fire prompted evacuation orders Wednesday for more than 10,000 people as it threatened 3,500 structures in suburban communities, ranches and agricultural areas around Camarillo, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. The fire was at 0% containment late Wednesday, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

The National Weather Service said a red flag warning, which indicates conditions for high fire danger, would remain in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday. Winds were expected to decrease significantly by Thursday night, the weather service said.

Officials in several Southern California counties urged residents to be on watch for fast-spreading blazes, power outages and downed trees amid the latest round of notorious Santa Ana winds.

The Mountain Fire was burning in a region that has seen some of California’s most destructive fires over the years. A thick plume of smoke rose hundreds of feet into the sky Wednesday, blanketing whole neighborhoods and limiting visibility for firefighters and evacuees. The fire grew from less than half of a square mile (about 1.2 square kilometers) to more than 16 square miles (62 square kilometers) in little more than five hours.

First responders pleaded with residents to evacuate. Deputies made contact with 14,000 people to urge them to leave as embers spread for miles and sparked new flames.

Ventura County Fire Captain Trevor Johnson described crews racing with their engines to homes threatened by the flames to save lives.

“This is as intense as it gets. The hair on the back of the firefighters’ neck I’m sure was standing up,” he said during a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

Two people suffered apparent smoke inhalation and were taken to hospitals Wednesday, fire officials said. No firefighters reported significant injuries.

Officials said they were using all resources, including water-dropping helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft dropping fire retardant, but it was still burning out of control. Andrew Dowd, a Ventura County fire spokesperson, said he did not have details of how many structures had been damaged.

Meanwhile to the south, Los Angeles County Fire Department crews were scrambling to contain a wildfire near Malibu’s Broad Beach as authorities briefly shut down the Pacific Coast Highway as flames burned near multimillion-dollar properties. Residents were urged to shelter in place while aircraft dropped water on the 50-acre (20-hectare) Broad Fire. By late Wednesday, the fire was at 60% containment and its forward progress was stopped, the Los Angeles County Fire Department said in a statement. Fire officials said two structures burned.

With predicted gusts up to 50 mph (80 kph) and humidity levels as low as 9%, parts of Southern California could experience conditions ripe for “extreme and life-threatening” fire behavior into Thursday, the weather service said. Wind gusts topped 61 mph (98 kph) on Wednesday.

Forecasters also issued red flag warnings until Thursday from California’s central coast through the San Francisco Bay Area and into counties to the north, where strong winds were also expected.

Utilities in California began powering down equipment during high winds and extreme fire danger after a series of massive and deadly wildfires in recent years were sparked by electrical lines and other infrastructure. On Wednesday, more than 65,000 customers in Southern California were without power preventatively, and upwards of 20,000 in Northern California.

Wednesday’s fires were burning in the same areas of other recent destructive fires, including the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which killed three people and destroyed 1,600 homes near Los Angeles, and the the 2017 Thomas Fire, which destroyed more than a thousand homes and other structures in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Southern California Edison has paid tens of millions of dollars to settle claims after its equipment was blamed for both blazes.

Weekly Fuel Report

DES MOINES — The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 5 cents, averaging $2.85 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

  • The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $3.73 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $72.19.
  • Brent crude oil rose by $3.11 and is currently priced at $75.53.
  • One year ago, WTI crude sold for $81.54 and Brent crude was $87.31.

Motor Fuels

  • As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.85 across Iowa according to AAA.
    • Prices fell 5 cents from last week’s price and are down 24 cents from a year ago.
    • The national average on Wednesday was $3.11, down 3 cents from last week’s price.
  • Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 4 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.34.
    • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $4.42 in Iowa.
    • The current Iowa diesel price is 23 cents lower than the national average of $3.57.
  • Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
  • The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $1.93 for U87-E10, $2.13 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.31 for ULSD#2, $2.59 for ULSD#1, and $1.82 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

  • Natural gas prices fell 9 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.76/MMbtu.
  • Propane prices averaged $1.53 per gallon in Iowa.
  • Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $2.81 per gallon.

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

Oskaloosa Project Awarded Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant

OSKALOOSA — An Oskaloosa project has been selected as one of only 10 across the state to receive funding through the prestigious Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant.

Lisa and Carl Larson, local business and property owners, will use the grant to help fund a major upgrade to the upper story of Jaarsma Bakery’s new location at 203 High Avenue East in downtown Oskaloosa. The building, a key part of the Historic District, will preserve its original architectural allure while supporting increased foot traffic in the vibrant downtown area.

In addition to the first-floor remodel, the upper story of the bakery will undergo extensive improvements, including the installation of nine new wooden upper-story windows, a new cornice, decorative molding, masonry repairs, and additional interior enhancements.

Larson’s project is not the first in the community to benefit from Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant funding. Other local projects funded by the grant include Trolley Place (2009), the McMillen Building renovation (2015), and the Dixon Block renovation (2017) and Town Square Dental Care (2021). The Larson’s project will receive a $69,000 grant. In total, Oskaloosa has earned 14 recognitions through the Challenge Grant program.

“Challenge Grants help us preserve rich historic character while breathing new life into our traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority. “New businesses and residents are drawn to energized main streets, which radiates outward to grow local economies across the state.”

The grants are administered through IEDA’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs. The funding will be distributed in the form of matching grants to the selected Main Street programs. The estimated total cost of these 10 projects is more than $3.3 million.

“This investment in downtown revitalization projects often creates a ripple effect, building momentum that inspires further collaboration and development,” said Jim Engle, director of the Iowa Downtown Resource Center. “Transforming community centers back into vibrant hubs of activity, drives significant economic impact and enhances the quality of life for Iowans who live there.”

Since the first Challenge Grants were awarded in 2002, more than $15.5 million in funds have leveraged more than $70.5 million in further investment.

“We are deeply appreciative of this grant program and the substantial economic impact it continues to bring to our community,” said Angella Foster, Executive Director of Oskaloosa Main Street. “This project holds great significance for us, and we look forward to seeing it come to achievement.”

The IEDA’s official press release, featuring a complete list of grant recipients, is available at https://www.iowaeda.com/iowa-news/2024-msi-challenge-grant-awards/.

Watch the Iconic ‘A Christmas Carol’ Production at Central

PELLA — Central College’s theatre program will perform “A Christmas Carol” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, Friday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Nov. 16, as well as 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17. This holiday classic will incorporate a cast of 30 students, faculty and community members.

“This is the traditional story of ‘A Christmas Carol’ from the Charles Dickens novel that we adapted to the stage,” says C.D. Adamson, associate professor of theatre. “It will have some traditional Christmas music sung by carolers, but it isn’t a musical. The whole family will enjoy this classic holiday performance.”

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and free with a Central ID, available online at central.universitytickets.com.

Hurricane Rafael is expected to rapidly intensify as it barrels toward Cuba

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Rafael swirled past the Cayman Islands and was expected to rapidly intensify before making landfall on Wednesday in western Cuba, where it’s forecast to hit as a Category 2 hurricane.

It was another stroke of bad news for Cuba, which has been struggling with blackouts while recovering from another hurricane two weeks ago that killed at least six people in the eastern part of the island.

The storm was located about 120 miles (190 kilometers) southeast of the Isle of Youth, and around 195 miles (310 kilometers) south-southeast of Havana. It had maximum sustained winds of 90 mph (150 kph) and was moving northwest at 14 mph (22 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Forecasters warned that Rafael was expected to slam into Cuba on Wednesday after dumping rain on Jamaica and the Cayman Islands on Tuesday. The center warned of floods, storm surges and mudslides.

The U.S. State Department issued an advisory for Cuba on Tuesday afternoon, offering departure flights to non-essential staff and American citizens, and advising others to “reconsider travel to Cuba due to the potential impact of Tropical Storm Rafael.”

On Tuesday morning, the Cuban Civil Defense called on Cubans to prepare as soon as possible, because when the storm makes landfall “it’s important to stay where you are.” The day before, authorities said they had issued an evacuation order for 37,000 people in far eastern Cuba, in the province of Guantanamo, due to bad weather.

A hurricane warning was in effect Tuesday for the Cayman Islands and the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas and the Isle of Youth.

A tropical storm warning was in effect for the Cuban provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus and Ciego de Avila, as well as the lower and middle Florida Keys from Key West to west of the Channel 5 Bridge, and Dry Tortugas. The warning was lifted in Jamaica after the storm passed by the western coast. A tropical storm watch was in effect for the Cuban provinces of Camaguey and Las Tunas.

Rafael on Tuesday knocked out power in Jamaica and unleashed flooding and landslides.

The Jamaica Public Service, the island’s electricity provider, said in a statement late Tuesday that impassable roads were preventing crews from restoring power in some areas.

Meanwhile, crews in Little Cayman and Cayman Brac were expected to fan out early Wednesday to assess damage after a direct hit late Tuesday.

Power outages were reported across the Cayman Islands, and schools remained closed on Wednesday.

“While conditions have improved on Grand Cayman, residents are advised to exercise extreme caution on the roads and near coastlines as rough seas and residual flooding risks may persist,” the government said in a statement.

Forecasters warned Rafael would unleash heavy rains across the western Caribbean that could lead to flooding and mudslides in parts of Cuba and the Cayman Islands.

Heavy rainfall also was expected to spread north into Florida and nearby areas of the southeast U.S. during the middle to late part of the week. The Hurricane Center predicted storm surges in Florida could reach 1 to 3 feet in Dry Tortugas and 1 to 2 feet in the Lower Florida Keys. A few tornadoes also were expected Wednesday over the Keys and southwestern Florida.

Rafael is the 17th named storm of the season.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted the 2024 hurricane season was likely to be well above average, with between 17 and 25 named storms. The forecast called for as many as 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes.

An average Atlantic hurricane season produces 14 named storms, seven of them hurricanes and three major hurricanes.

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