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Mahaska Health Invites Community to Annual Women’s Health Night

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Mahaska Health is thrilled to invite the community to their annual Women’s Health Night.

This year’s Women’s Health Night will take place on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Gateway Church in Oskaloosa, IA. Women are invited to join an evening of fellowship, food, health information, and community. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Experts from Mahaska Health will present on topics such as mammography, medical imaging, general surgery, surgical oncology, cancer care, ob-gyn, and family medicine. The evening will begin with a dinner followed by presentations, after which guests will have the opportunity to receive free cholesterol and blood sugar checks. 

The expert panel will include medical leaders from Mahaska Health, Dr. Timothy Breon, Chief Medical Officer and General Surgeon, Dr. Jesse Van Maanen, Board Certified General Surgeon, Dr. Daniel Kollmorgen, Oncology Medical Director and Vice President of Medical Affairs, Dr. Taylar Swartz Summers, OB, Birthing Center & GYN Co-Medical Director, Dr. John Pargulski, Cardiology Medical Director, Dr. Hannah Thompson, OB & Family Medicine Physician, and, from Radiologic Medical Services in Iowa City, Dr. Shane Kraske, Radiologist.

“Preventative healthcare is crucial because it helps detect and address potential issues before they become serious. By focusing on regular check-ups, screenings, vaccinations and lifestyle choices, it reduces risk. We are so grateful for the opportunity to share information and resources with our community,” said Dr. Timonthy Breon, Mahaska Health Chief Medical Officer. “Women’s Health Night is a great place to learn – and to connect.” 

Nationally Recognized with award-winning care, Mahaska Health is the first Iowa Critical Access Hospital to be awarded four designated Centers of Excellence in Maternity Care & Birthing Center, Cardiology, General Surgery, and Surgical and Medical Oncology. 

More information on Women’s Health Night and pre-registration is available at mahaskahealth.org/womens-health-night. Visits with a Mahaska Health specialist can be made by calling 641-672-3360.

Oskaloosa to Host First-Ever “Idea Lab” for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Today

Posted on by Sam Parsons
OSKALOOSA, IOWA — Aspiring business owners, innovators, and dreamers will have a unique opportunity to turn their entrepreneurial visions into reality at the upcoming “Idea Lab” event. Organized in partnership with the Mahaska Chamber and Development Group and the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), this exciting initiative aims to foster a thriving entrepreneurial community in Mahaska County.
Taking place at William Penn University’s Musco Technology Center on October 8, the Idea Lab offers two time slots—9 AM to 12 PM or 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM—to accommodate participants’ schedules. Whether you’re in the early stages of formulating a business idea or have already taken steps toward launching your company, this event will provide practical guidance and resources tailored to your needs.
The Spark for Innovation
This inaugural Idea Lab is part of a broader effort to cultivate entrepreneurship in rural areas, where resources and mentorship for new businesses can sometimes be limited. Oskaloosa is proud to be hosting this free event as part of a larger initiative that brings expertise from across the country to the local community.
The Center on Rural Innovation will involve two experienced representatives who specialize in helping rural entrepreneurs generate, test, and refine their business ideas. Through hands-on activities, participants will explore the process of turning ideas into actionable plans. This guided approach is intended to inspire local innovators and equip them with the necessary tools to take the next steps toward building a successful businesses.
What to Expect at the Idea Lab
Participants at the Idea Lab will learn how to evaluate the viability of their business ideas, identify key challenges, and explore strategic next steps. The event will cover everything from concept development to potential growth strategies, with a focus on practical, real-world applications. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of their entrepreneurial journey and the resources available to them, including potential funding and mentorship opportunities.
“Entrepreneurship in rural areas, like Oskaloosa, is crucial for economic growth,” said Deann DeGroot, Executive Director of the Mahaska Chamber and Development Group. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Center on Rural Innovation to offer this event. Mahaska County is one of the leaders in the state for unique patents and innovations and partnering with CORI could foster the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
How the Idea Lab Mirrors Successful Innovation Hubs
Events like the Idea Lab have already proven successful in other regions. For example, Nebraska’s Innovation Labs have become a vital resource for business hopefuls and tech talent. Nebraska Innovation Labs helps entrepreneurs at various stages—from idea conception to business growth—by offering a wide range of services, including software development and business consulting. The Nebraska model has helped create opportunities for young entrepreneurs to gain real-world experience while simultaneously building the state’s tech workforce.
Similarly, the Oskaloosa Idea Lab will not only support local business ventures but also aims to create lasting opportunities within the community. By engaging both established and aspiring entrepreneurs, the event hopes to spark innovation, boost local economies, and encourage the next generation of business leaders.
Be Part of Oskaloosa’s Entrepreneurial Future
The Idea Lab is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to transform Oskaloosa into a hub for innovation. With a wealth of knowledge provided by the Center on Rural Innovation, local entrepreneurs will have access to critical resources, mentorship, and support to bring their ideas to life.
Event Details:
– When: October 8, 9 AM – 12 PM or 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
– Where: William Penn University, Musco Technology Center (201 W Trueblood Ave)
– Cost: Free
For more information, contact:
Deann Degroot, Executive Director
Mahaska Chamber and Development Group

Turnovers Plague Oskaloosa in Road Loss to Clinton

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Oskaloosa Indians made the long road trip to Clinton on Friday night for their second district game of 2024. The Indians and the River Kings both entered the game at 1-4, coming off of lopsided losses in their respective district openers the previous week, and with the River Kings celebrating their homecoming weekend, both teams were raring to go.

The game was defined by its sloppiness on the part of both teams, which became evident early in the first quarter. Oskaloosa’s first offensive possession resulted in an interception; on the following drive, the River Kings took the ball inside the Indians’ 5 yard line before stalling out and turning the ball over on downs at the 3 yard line. After a false start and a play for no gain, the Indians ran a pitch play to AJ Walker, who received the pitch about 5 yards deep in his own end zone, where he was instantly swarmed by Clinton defenders for a safety. Midway through the first quarter, it was 2-0 Clinton.

Oskaloosa’s defense, however, was undaunted, and they played an excellent game for virtually the entire evening. They forced a 3-and-out after the safety kickoff, and the punt by BJ Cooley of Clinton was picked up off a bounce by Osky junior Heavon Knox, who took the punt roughly 75 yards to the house against an unsuspecting punt coverage unit. Knox was untouched the entire run to the end zone, and Osky led 7-2.

For approximately the next 10 minutes of game time, the two squads traded punts and turnovers. Osky quarterback Kayne Boender threw his second interception early in the 2nd quarter; Clinton quarterback Jordan Coleman lost a pair of fumbles in the 2nd quarter off botched snaps; and Boender fumbled a handoff exchange as well. However, the Indians got the ball late in the 2nd, still with a 7-2 lead, and finally set about extending it. Starting a drive at their own 37 after one of the aforementioned fumbled snaps by Coleman, the Indians marched down the field in 9 plays, aided by a pass interference penalty and three big pass plays: sophomore running back Jalin Woodard took a screen pass for an 18 yard gain, which was soon followed by a 23 yard hookup between Boender and senior Maddux Ashman on a post route. In the waning seconds of the first half, Boender found Heavon Knox from 20 yards out for a touchdown, Knox’s second of the night, to make the game 14-2 at halftime.

The start of the third quarter favored the Indians, too: their offense went 3-and-out on their first drive of the second half, but a punt from sophomore Tyler Edgar was muffed by the River Kings and recovered by Maddux Ashman. On the next play, the Indians took advantage of the sudden change, as Boender once again tossed a touchdown pass to Heavon Knox, this time from 31 yards out, giving Knox 3 touchdowns on the night. A successful PAT from Arabsho Davlatshoev made it 21-2 Osky.

The two offenses then traded empty possessions for a short period. Clinton’s Jordan Coleman threw an interception, the Indians punted, and the River Kings again turned it over on downs. Late in the 3rd, it was still 21-2 Indians, but the game reached a huge inflection point when Boender was intercepted for the third time of the night: Jaxon Spooner of the River Kings jumped all over a throw over the middle and there was nobody standing between him and the end zone for a pick-6. Clinton missed the PAT, but it was now 21-8.

At this point in the game, both teams had committed at least 5 turnovers apiece. However, the River Kings, for the most part, cleaned up their act the remainder of the way; the Indians did not.

The following kickoff was muffed by Heavon Knox of the Indians, as he tried to pick the ball up off a bounce but ended up booting it right back to the River Kings. On the first play of their short-field drive, Coleman uncorked a wide-open deep bomb to Jordan Gruhn for a 31-yard touchdown. The River Kings, again, botched the PAT, but they had cut the lead to just one score: in less than one minute of game time, it had gone from 21-2 to 21-14.

The very next possession, the Indians gave the ball away again, this time courtesy of a high snap that sailed over the head of Kayne Boender, who was beaten to the ball by Maddux Cooley of Clinton. The River Kings kept their momentum going with a short touchdown early in the 4th quarter, a 4-yard touchdown pass from Coleman to Cooper Belitz to make it 21-20 after a failed 2 point conversion.

Then, both teams traded turnovers: AJ Walker of the Indians lost his second fumble of the night on his first carry of the next drive, but then Lukas Toubekis of Oskaloosa picked off Coleman. This forced turnover briefly snapped the Indians out of their funk, as they were able to work their way down to the Clinton 5 yard line on their next offensive drive to kick a short field goal, which was successfully converted by Arabsho Davlatshoev from 23 yards out to make it 24-20.

The good times were short-lived: on the following kickoff, Davlatshoev sent it deep for the first time of the night after exclusively squib-kicking, and the River Kings promptly took it 89 yards to the end zone, courtesy of Maddux Cooley. After trailing 21-2, the River Kings had completed the comeback, outscoring the Indians 24-3 in the final 15 minutes of the game. From there, the Indians were unable to muster a comeback of their own on offense, failing to enter Clinton territory in the remaining 5 minutes of the game. The final score was 26-24, giving Clinton their first district win since 2022.

Oskaloosa (1-5) will host Cedar Rapids Xavier this Friday. Live coverage can be heard on KBOE 104.9 FM and kboeradio.com starting at 7pm.

Madonna’s brother, Christopher Ciccone, has died at 63

Posted on by Sam Parsons

MICHIGAN (AP) — Christopher Ciccone, a multihyphenate artist, dancer, designer and younger brother of Madonna, has died. He was 63.

Ciccone died Friday in Michigan, his representative Brad Taylor told The Associated Press Sunday. He had cancer.

Madonna posted a tribute to him on Instagram Sunday with a carousel of photos from over the years.

“He was the closest human to me for so long,” she wrote. “Its hard to explain our bond. But it grew out of an understanding that we were different and society was going to give us a hard time for not following the status quo. We took each other’s hands and we danced through the madness of our childhood.”

Madonna wrote that discovering dance in their small Midwestern town saved them both, and that their ballet teacher created a safe space for her brother to be gay.

A dancer since his youth, Ciccone was deeply intertwined with his sister’s rise in pop stardom in the 1980s, appearing in music videos like “Lucky Star,” art directing her Blond Ambition World Tour and serving as tour director for The Girlie Show tour. He also directed music videos for Dolly Parton and Tony Bennett.

“When it came to good taste, my brother was the Pope, and you had to kiss the ring to get his blessing,” Madonna wrote. “He was a painter a poet and a visionary. I admired him. He had impeccable taste. And a sharp tongue, Which he sometimes used against me but I always forgave him.”

In 2008, Ciccone released a bestselling autobiography called “Life with My Sister Madonna” in which he wrote about their strained relationship, her romantic entanglements as well as recollections from his time on tour with her. For two decades, he was by her side, choreographing, directing, dressing and helping his sister. He also interior designed her homes in New York, Miami and Los Angeles. He said that it was a bit like a marriage at times.

“It was a double-edged sword,” he told Good Morning America in 2008. “Nobody was chaining me down to make — to stay.”

The book, and his no-filter descriptions of the exploits of his sister’s famous circle, took its toll on some of his Hollywood friendships too. Several years later, in 2012, around the launch of a shoe collection he designed, he told The Standard that he and his sister were “on a perfectly personable level” and in contact.

“I don’t work for her, and it’s better this way,” he said.

In recent years Ciccone relocated to Michigan’s Lower Peninsula to be closer to family. In 2016, Ciccone married Ray Thacker, a British actor, who was by his side when he died.

Madonna wrote that when he got sick, they found their way back to one another.

“I’m glad he’s not suffering anymore,” she wrote. “There will never be anyone like him. I know he’s dancing somewhere.”

Madonna also lost her stepmother, Joan Clare Ciccone, to cancer just a few weeks ago, and her older brother Anthony Ciccone in early 2023.

Iowa Business Council finds optimism in latest quarterly survey

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Dar Danielson (Radio Iowa)

The Iowa Business Council’s third-quarter Economic Outlook Survey of members shows an overall positive economic outlook.

IBC president Joe Murphy says that’s good news after concerns raised in the last survey. “And so to bounce back from that volatility, have some pretty steady and consistent reporting from our members, I think is a really good sign for some certainty being cleared up, and for some of those maybe more persistent issues, particularly inflation, beginning to become under better control as we as we start the fourth quarter here,” Murphy says.

The survey asks members about expectations for sales, capital spending and employment in the next six months. All three were positive. “You look at our capital spending expectations, in particular, anything above 50 points registers as positive, and we were up 2.3 points to finish at 56 and a quarter — above that 50 point threshold — so very positive on that,” he says. Murphy says the survey came before the Fed Reserve cut interest rates, so that numbers would likely be a little higher.

Murphy says the union dock strike that just began is something they will be watching. With the dock strike now in full effect on the east coast of the United States, going all the way down to Texas, that gives us some greater sense of uncertainty, once again, particularly with respect to inflation,” he says. Murphy says the strike comes as members for the first time since 2021 did not list inflation as one of their tops concerns. “The fact that we’re having some challenges to put it mildly, on our ports again, obviously, not only will result in some inflationary pressure, but also, unfortunately, have a pretty big negative impact on supply chain scenarios, which is always at the forefront of our members minds,” Murphy says.

He says the strike is just the latest in what seems like a “whack a mole” combination of issues that businesses have faced and overcome. “To start the fourth quarter in such positive territory, to weather some of the very strong inflationary pressures of the last three or four years, continuing to work on our workforce initiatives to bring in more people to the state of Iowa and retain more of our young population. All of these things are going in the right direction,” he says.

The Iowa Business Council is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose 22 members are the chief decision makers of major Iowa employers.

Forest, Aquatic, and Right-of-Way Continuing Instruction Course is Oct. 16

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Mahaska County office will host an Forest, Aquatic, and Right-of-Way Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) for commercial pesticide applicators on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. The program provided by the ISU Extension and Outreach Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) can be seen at office locations across Iowa.

The local attendance site is Oskaloosa. Preregistration may be required and walk-ins on the day of the program will only be admitted if room allows. The course runs from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The registration fee is $45 on or before Oct. 9 and $55 after Oct. 9. To register or to obtain additional information about the CIC, contact Laura Ayala at the ISU Extension and Outreach Mahaska County office at 641-673-5841 or email lkayala@iastate.edu.
The course will provide continuing instruction credits for commercial and public pesticide applicators certified in categories 2 (Forest Pest Control), 5 (Aquatic Pest Control), and 6 (Right-of-Way Pest Control). Topics to be covered are: application equipment use, maintenance, and calibration; safe application techniques, including pesticide drift reduction; and category-specific pests, pest management and pesticides.
Additional information and registration forms for this and other courses offered through the PSEP Program can be accessed at www.extension.iastate.edu/PSEP.

Fall community trout stocking starts October 18

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — Eighteen lakes across Iowa are gearing up to receive trout this fall. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will release between 1,000 to 2,000 rainbow trout at each location as part of its cool weather trout program that brings trout to areas that cannot support them during the summer months.

The fall community trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. A small hook with a night crawler or corn under a small bobber or small simple spinners, such as a Panther Martin or Mepps, is all you need to get in on the fun.

Bringing trout to cities and towns offers a “close to home” option for Iowans who might not travel to northeast Iowa to discover trout fishing. A family-friendly event is often paired with the stocking to help anglers have success and fun while fishing. Check the Iowa DNR Trout Fishing website to see which lakes are having events.

The popular program is supported by the sales of the trout fee. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10.

Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but they must limit their catch to one daily limit. The child can purchase a trout fee which will allow them to catch their own limit.

2024 Fall Community Trout Stocking Schedule

Oct. 18, Moorland Pond, Fort Dodge, Noon

Oct. 18, Big Lake, Council Bluffs, 3 p.m.

Oct. 18, Sand Lake, Marshalltown, Noon

Oct. 24, Ottumwa Park Pond, Ottumwa, 11 a.m.

Oct. 25, Prairie Park Fishery, Cedar Rapids, 10 a.m.

Oct. 25, Liberty Centre Pond, North Liberty, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 26, Emma Young Pond, Clinton, 10 a.m.

Oct. 26, Industrial Park Pond, Fairfield, 11 a.m.

Oct. 26, Discovery Park Pond, Muscatine, Noon

Oct. 28, Terra Lake, Johnston, Noon

Oct. 28, Triumph Park East & West, Waukee, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 31, Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake, Ames, Noon

Oct. 31, Lake Petocka, Bondurant, Noon

Nov. 5, Scharnberg Pond, Spencer, Noon

Nov. 5, Bacon Creek, Sioux City, 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 8, Heritage Pond, Dubuque, 11 a.m.

Nov. 8, North Prairie Lake, Cedar Falls, 11:30 a.m.

Nov. 27, Blue Pit, Mason City, 11 a.m.

Find more information about trout fishing in community lakes on the DNR trout fishing webpage.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark a near-unanimous choice as WNBA’s Rookie of the Year

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — Caitlin Clark has been named the WNBA Rookie of the Year in a near-unanimous vote, giving the Indiana Fever back-to-back winners after Aliyah Boston won the honor last season.

A national panel of sportswriters and sportscasters gave Clark 66 of 67 votes in balloting released Thursday. Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese received the other.

“I am incredibly honored to be named Rookie of the Year, but more than that, I am grateful to everyone that supported me throughout this past season — my family and friends, my teammates, the Fever organization and everyone that cheered us on all season. I am so proud of what we accomplished and so excited for what the future holds,” Clark said in a statement.

Clark, the No. 1 overall pick from Iowa, averaged 19.2 points and a league-best 8.4 assists per game while helping the WNBA set attendance records and garner mainstream attention. She struggled a bit early in the season, but found her groove and was an All-Star starter. The unanimous AP Rookie of the Year led the Fever to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and a 20-20 record after a 1-8 start.

“I’m a tough grader. I feel like I had a solid year,” Clark said after the Fever were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. “For me, the fun part is like I feel like I’m just scratching the surface and I’m the one that’s nit picking every single thing I do. I know I want to help this franchise. … I know there’s a lot of room for me to continue to improve so that’s what excites me the most. I feel like I continue to get a lot better.”

Clark was not chosen for the U.S. Olympic team — a decision that disappointed her legions of fans — but she showed in the weeks afterward that she might have been helpful. The Fever guard averaged 24.7 points and 9.3 assists in her first 10 games after the Olympic break and led Indiana to an 8-2 record.

Clark was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for August, was Player of the Week three times and Rookie of the Month four times. She recorded the first two triple-doubles by a rookie in WNBA history, set a league single-game record with 19 assists and became the first rookie to have at least 30 points and 10 assists in a game.

Clark led the league with 122 3-pointers, was second with 90.6% accuracy from the free-throw line and averaged 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals. She set a league single-season record with 337 assists and set rookie records of 769 points and 122 three-pointers made.

Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds for the Sky.

Off the court, Clark, Reese and their fellow rookies were a ratings and attendance boon for the WNBA. Six different league television partners set viewership records this year for its highest viewed WNBA game. All of those games included the Fever.

Indiana led the league in attendance both at home and on the road. The Fever averaged 17,036 at home and more than 15,000 on the road. Four teams moved home games to bigger arenas when Indiana came to town to accommodate more fans.

Despite Indiana’s blowout loss to Connecticut in Game 1, fans tuned in as the game averaged 1.8 million viewers, according to ESPN, making it the WNBA’s most watched playoff game since the 2000 Finals. It was the most watched playoff game on ESPN ever despite going up against the NFL.

Water Summary Update: Water Year ends with a surplus despite very dry September

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — Iowa’s Water Year, which covers Oct. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2024, was the first with above-normal precipitation since 2019, and saw the end of the four year drought in Iowa, according to the latest Water Summary Update. However, a record breaking dry September is raising concerns for 2025.

Precipitation for the last water year was 36 inches, or 0.38 inches above normal, with increased rainfall numbers beginning in October 2023 through July of this year.

Since then, precipitation has dropped to below normal levels. September’s preliminary statewide precipitation was 0.72 inches, which is the driest September on record for the state. Statewide temperatures for the month came in at 67.0 degrees, 3.3 degrees above normal.

The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) shows nearly all of Iowa in abnormally dry conditions or drought conditions, with portions of Monona and Harrison counties in western Iowa showing severe drought. This is the first time since May that any area of the state has carried a severe drought designation.

“The record dry September has impacted conditions in Iowa, although the last year has been a good one. The four-year drought ended in June of this year, which is a reflection of the wetter than normal conditions that started in October of last year. The Iowa Drought Plan rates statewide drought conditions as normal, although after the month of September indicators show the potential for worsening conditions. Monthly rainfall normally drops during the fall months, so it is very important that we get normal precipitation through the fall and into the winter months,” said Tim Hall, the DNR’s Hydrology Resources Coordinator. “Rainfall in Iowa over the next few months will help get next year off to a good start, but if conditions remain dry, we could have challenges going into 2025.”

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

 www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.

Homecoming Court Named at North Mahaska

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW SHARON – Candidates for king and queen for homecoming 2024 at North Mahaska were named Thursday afternoon. Five senior boys and girls will compete for the title, which will be crowned at the public coronation and pep rally next Thursday at 7 p.m. The parade and coronation will lead up to the homecoming game on Friday when the Warhawks host Madrid.

Queen candidates include Riley Doonan, Maddie Hol, Breckyn Schilling, Regan Grewe and Kayla Readshaw. King candidates are Lucas Nunnikhoven, Jack Kelderman, Hunter Wernli, Trent Hol and Asher DeBoef.

Theme for homecoming 2024 is “In a game of Xs and Os, Warhawks go for the Gold. Each day has a theme, and classes compete for prestige. Monday is America Day; Tuesday – Going for the Gold; Wednesday – Class color; Thursday – Summer v. Winter; and Friday will be Warhawk Spirit Day.

Homecoming week kicks off Sunday afternoon when students and adults can come assist in decorating the school at 2 p.m. At 6 p.m., a family movie night will be held on the football field. Thursday will include the parade through downtown New Sharon at 6 p.m. followed by the coronation at approximately 7 p.m. in the school auditorium.

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